What I got up to today....

So today, I was in work. Last night there had been the most awful windy weather (Storm Erik) that had me awake at different times during the night and I awoke to find the bins all over the front garden. Anyway because of the stormy weather and also because in was Saturday and there is no traffic I drove to work instead of cycling. 

At lunch time I popped up to the main street and bought some workout gear. I needed something to wear to bikram yoga tomorrow as I had got rid of all my old gear during a Marie Kondo clear out. In fairness, my gear was all over 5 years ago so it was well ready to go and was certainly done sparking joy!

After work I stopped off for a burger in 5 Guys. It was just one of those days where I felt like I needed a treat.  I didn't eat the bun though because I'm eating keto these days.

 




Afterwards, I went for a little wander around the Frascatti Centre and I bought a pair of cuff links for Ciarán for Valentine's Day.

And later when I got home, I took the dog for a walk which was great as the weather was lovely and mild. He was glad of the walk after being cooped up all day and I was glad of it too!

Back at Bikram

I went back to Bikram this morning. I think I last practised 4 years ago, or so.

Today I signed up for a month in the Harolds Cross studio.  The last time I went to this studio was back in 2012 and this happened.

Luckily today I got through the class (barely!). I found the room to be very hot and it made me feel quite light headed at times - let's just say I lay down a lot. But I got through it and I will be back there on Sunday for some more stretching which my body badly needs.

Hopefully when I practise on Sunday I will find it less of a challenge.  I felt that my body didn't kick in to gear and start sweating. I was sweating a small bit but probably not enough to cool me down. Anyway, all I can do is get back in to the room and do my best. Sunday here I come!

Luna, Drury Street

Thursday night was date night in Dublin City. I had bought a voucher for Luna a few weeks ago and we had a lovely meal there last night along with a nice bottle of wine.

Ciaran started with Oxtail soup with parmesan ravioli, followed by his favourite spaghetti in cream and oil.

My starter was haddock and then I had beef cheeks with risotto for my main (delish!)

We both enjoyed the same dessert of a chocolate tart.

Luna is a great restaurant - it is very atmospheric and stylish and reminds me of a 1950's New York restaurant. The waiters wear wine velvet jackets which are designed by Louis Copeland - the jackets are gorgeous and they add to the atmosphere for sure!

Holiday souvenirs!

When I go away on holiday, I like to bring back souvenirs, something that I can use regularly to remind me of the great time I had on holiday.

On my recent sailing trip, I bought a natural stone turtle soap dish on the our second last night when we moored in Marigot in St Lucia.

I also bought two mini turtles for my two lady sailing companions. 

Today, I got a text with a picture showing where one of the little turtles ended up. It sure brought a smile to my face and was a nice reminder of the trip!

An electric bike is all fun and games.....until you forget to charge it up!!

I blogged about my electric bike when I got it back in 2017. 

I absolutely love my bike.........except when I forget to recharge it and it goes dead as I set off for home after work. I then have to cycle the full 11kms with no assistance!!

Aside from when the battery dies, I am loving the cycling to and from work. As we say here in Ireland, there's "a grand stretch" in the evening and it is beginning to get lighter on the cycle home. As I set off from Dun Laoghaire, I can see all the way out to the chimney stacks across Dublin Bay and I can even see the beautiful Aviva stadium. It's a glorious view for sure!

Ranelagh Gardens in Spring

After coffee in Butlers we took a stroll in Ranelagh Gardens.

Officially Spring began on Feb 1st here in Ireland.....but it still seems pretty Wintery to me. And of course we will have St Patrick's Day in March and then Easter of which both can be fairly cold.  Last year in particular, St Patricks Day was particularly cold. Amy and I were cycling in the parade and the weather was miserable as we waited to start off and then even as we cycled, we didn't really get warm.

Anyway, here's a few pics of Ranelagh Gardens in "springtime".

I spotted this as I first entered from the Luas tracks end. At first I thought it was a bird house, but on closer inspection, I think it might be a "Bee Hotel". Can any of my readers confirm?!

The playground was deserted. It normally is busy most of the day but there had just been a heavy rain shower so that probably cleared most of the families out.

The ducks were swimming around one end because the other end had frozen water.  Although, there are signs up saying not to feed the ducks bread, someone had dumped a load of mouldy bread on the frozen part. 

The trees at the other entrance to the park look bare and very grim. Roll on better weather and hopefully they will flourish.

Of course Bones doesn't care how the park looks, he just enjoys being in it!

Miracle oil for dry skin - Almond Oil!

I had a patch of dry skin that just would not go.  I tried numerous creams and it just stayed and possibly got a little worse.

Finally I happened upon Almond Oil.

I popped a little bit on the dry patch after my shower and then later on before bed and I put some more oil on and then covered it in face cream.

Well what do you know, when I woke up the dry skin on my face was gone and I was left with the softest skin.

The other thing that I use almond oil for is as a hand scrub. Mixed with sugar and then rinsed off with warm water it leaves my hands softer than soft!