Oscar nomination time

It's been a great year for Irish film with 7 Oscar nominations including Brooklyn and Room both being nominated for Best Film. Both of these films were books that were adapted. Brooklyn is written by Colm Toibin and I loved the book and adored the film even more. You can see what I blogged about Brooklyn (when I saw it in November) here.  Room is written by Emma Donoghue who also adapted it for the movie. I haven't read it but I imagine I will go see the film. I was so pleased to hear that Brie Larson was nominated for Best Actress. I spotted her in "Trainwreck" and although playing a supporting role I thought she was an actress to watch and even mentioned her in a blog post back in August........and wasn't I right?! 

Of course now I'm torn between wanting Saoirse Ronan or Brie Larson to win!!

In other film news I was really sad to hear that Alan Rickman has died. I really admired him as an actor and loved his voice and presence. Some of the films that I thought he was marvellous in are Love Actually (which I will rewatch soon in his memory) and Michael Collins where he magnificently played De Valera.

Mid-Week Catch up!

Yesterday, I went to an event in Swords after work. Beforehand we went to Masterson's Steakhouse for a burger. It was quite delicious. It was topped by onion rings and the most tasty cheddar. I'd definitely order it again!

Today I got up early, picked up my car from the mechanic and then drove over to the hairdresser in Donabate. My hair badly needed to be done. I had been considering growing my roots out for a kind of balyage look. However, I felt the blonde had gone a bit brassy and the roots were shockingly dark so I decided to just go ahead and get my usual highlights. I'm very happy with the results! I've never had a bad experience in this hairdresser and feel very happy to have found it after trying a few different ones over the past few years and never feeling entirely satisfied.

So sad to hear that David Bowie died. Back in 1995, Amy and I went to his concert and being poor students we clubbed together to buy a t-shirt together. We shared it for years, passing it between each others homes. Amy took it out and shared it on Facebook the other day which made me happy. It brought back memories of how we got to go to the concert. On a Friday afternoon, a lecturer in college offered two tickets that he couldn't use to my sociology class. No one seemed interested, so I immediately called out that I would take them. It was in pre-mobile days so then I had the difficult task of getting in touch with Amy who was also in college. I rang home to my mother and told her that if Amy called she should tell her to get to the Point Depot for 8pm. Amy did indeed phone home, mam did pass on the message and that is how we got to see David Bowie in concert! 

Dublin town on a Sunny Sunday morning

As we drove home from the cinema on Sunday I took some pictures of the buildings along the quays. It was such a nice bright day! A real contrast to the cold day today.

This is the Abbey Court. What cool floral painting on the building.

Here's Liberty Hall. At one point it was Dublin's tallest building but now it is the third tallest.

Here is the Custom House designed by James Gandon

In the background is the Conference Centre

This cutie was staring out in to the Liffey!
I think he is one of the Native Irish dogs - a wheaten terrier, perhaps.

And here is a view of the Conference Centre from the South Side.

I hope you liked the mini tour of Dublin!

Morning Cinema Trip

We enjoy going to the cinema on Sunday. I like to go early while Ciaran prefers going in the afternoon. He definitely would have liked to lie on this morning after travelling home from Ennis yesterday. However, I was up by 9am so I woke him and we walked the dog to Butler's for a coffee and then went on to the 11am showing of Daddy's Home at Cineworld.

Daddy's Home is a typical comedy and not really as funny as I hoped. I probably wouldn't recommend it unless there was nothing else you wanted to see on offer. But it passed the time and I enjoy going to the cinema no matter what we see.

After the cinema we left the Smart Car to be washed and valeted while we went for coffee in Starbucks Rathmines and then bought dinner in Dunnes Stores in the Swan Centre. I'm on a salmon buzz so I got salmon darnes with sweet potato wedges. Delicious!

Planning for Key West

I got two travel guides today (thanks to my super public library!) in order to make plans for my Key West holiday.

I've visited lots of times so on this trip I'd like to try visit places that I have never been.

Kino's Sandals

Kino's Sandals have been in Key West since 1966 and make custom leather sandals. I have visited before and I intend to go back. I bought a pair of sandals that were the most comfortable sandals I have ever worn! And look at the prices....so cheap!

Key Lime Pie - I definitely want to have a slice!
In one of the books there is a list of all the places that sell Key Lime Pie. They include Kermits, Blue Heaven, Rooftop Cafe and also the Key Lime and Coconut Factory. The Blue Heaven version is smoothered in meringue which sounds divine.

Here are a few other places of interest that I intend to check out

Casa Antigua
Where Hemmingway lived for awhile when he was waiting for his car to be delivered to Key West. It costs $2 to visit or free if you spend more that $10 in the Pelican Poope gift shop.

Key West Aquarium
Built in 1934. Was originally open air but is now covered in.
Entrance fee is $15

Shipwreck Museum
Described as kitchy in my guide book I think it sounds fun!
Also costs $15 

Curry Mansion
$5 to visit and you get to see the house and also a Frank Lloyd Wright designed light fitting. Awesome!

Key West Turtle Museum
How did I never hear about this place? 
No entry fee, a donation is asked for. It seems to be open from 12-4pm, Tues - Sat. 
Sounds very interesting.

The Key West Business Guild showcases a large collection of Tennessee Williams memorabilia. He lived at 1431 Duncan Street and although it is not open to the public I may take a cycle to have a look at it.

There is lots lots more places of interest listed in my books including places to eat but for the moment all of the above sounds good! 

Making holiday plans!

2016 is the year of my big family holiday. My parents are renting a house in Key West, Florida for a month and some of my sisters are travelling over at different times to spend time with them. At one point there will be the two sets of twins all there together! We plan to do a big family brunch on the Sunday when we are all there. The brunch that we like the best is in the Bistro in the Westin. It features bottomless Mimosa's, an amazing buffet and a million dollar view out on to the water. We always book a table sitting outside as it is very rare to be able to sit outside in Ireland without shivering through your meal! 

I booked my leave from work and then booked flights for both my parents and myself. We plan to fly to Miami and spend the night there before picking up a car and driving down the Florida Keys (I will be driver, my Dad will navigate). I can't wait.....I love that drive!

Yesterday, coincidentally, there was a travel show on RTE that featured the Florida Keys. It really whetted my appetite seeing all the different places in Key West that we will be visiting very very soon.

 I took a few pictures of the travel show. It featured Key Lime Pie from Kermits and also showed Hemmingway's House. I've actually never eaten Key Lime Pie on all my trips to Key West - but I plan to eat it on this visit.

It was great to see the Summer stock in Dunnes Stores when I was in the Swan Centre. I can't wait to start buying bikinis!

All their new workout gear was also in stock for the New Year. I have been tracking my exercise and what I've been eating on a brilliant app "My Fitness Pal". This is all in preparation for the big KW trip!!

Baby Zoe Ireland

On the main 6pm Irish news tonight there was a story about baby Zoe "Ireland" Drake.  Back in October, Zoe's mother was on her way home to Tennessee, USA on a flight from Paris when she went in to premature labour with baby Zoe.  The flight detoured to Dublin, Ireland (the last spot in Europe before the USA) where baby Zoe was born in the Rotunda Hospital at only 25 weeks.

She is currently being cared for here in Ireland but her parents are anxious to get her back home to her brother and the rest of their family. In order to go home soon, money needs to be raised to pay for a special medical flight home. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to pay for the flight. They still have a long way to go to raise the amount needed for the flight (€67,000) so if you are interested in donating you can find out more information here. I donated and am hopeful they will get to their goal and get home soon with baby Zoe!

Here's an article about Christmas in Ireland for the Drake Family.