Happy Halloween!

 Halloween Spooky Cycle with Dublin Cycle Campaign

We had a fun morning, taking part in the Dublin Cycle Campaign's "Spooky Cycle" along Sandymount Strand. It was a glorious sunny October day and everyone was in great spirits as we cycled slowly along the road. Led by Gardai from Irishtown and Donnybrook Garda station there was a mix of people with families and children of all ages. There was a mix of cargo bikes and regular bikes and we spotted another couple on Brompton's with theirs being red and cream while my Brompton is black with Ciaran's being raw lacquer.

Here's a few pics before the cycle got underway.

Hola! Back at Spanish lessons again

Back working at the Spanish

We always planned to continue learning Spanish on our return from Malaga. Since we are back in Ireland, we have been doing Duolingo on a daily basis. But further to this we also planned on starting lessons.  

Well guess what!

We started back at it this evening. Our new Spanish teacher came to our house and we thought she was great. The lesson was a lot more structured than our previous lesson in Malaga (which was really more of a meet up for conversation with a teacher) - we even got homework too!

It was really great to speak Spanish again and I am looking forward to continuing with it here in Ireland.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Chocolate strawberries - home made and delicious.....and fun too!

I made some chocolate dipped strawberries and gave them as gifts to neighbours (one neighbour bakes us the most amazing apple pies and the other neighbour gave us a parking pass when we were caught out without one recently). 

The chocolate dipped strawberries are easy to make and fun too. I used a mixture of milk, dark and white chocolate and I also put some coloured sprinkles on a few of them. I never used sprinkles before but I enjoyed using them. 

My neighbours enjoyed their strawberries and I enjoyed eating some too - have you ever eaten them, aren't they just divine?!

Meal prep works!

Meal prep for the week

On Sunday, I meal prepped for the week. I can't say it was fun but it kept me occupied for a few hours. And the result was dishes that included Keto Shepherds Pie, Cauliflower Cheese (Mock & Cheese, if you will!), Butter Chicken and a big batch of meat balls.

So then during the week, all I've needed to do for dinner is heat one of the prepped dishes in the microwave. Very convenient for sure, and definitely makes the few hours of prep on Sunday worthwhile.

Super size Steak

I should also mention that aside from the meal prep we have been eating well in recent times. Check out this Tomahawk Steak that I got from Supervalu in Ranelagh. I had a chat with the butcher and she gave me advice on how to cook it. So tasty and I highly recommend it because it looks so neanderthal which makes it a fun thing to cook at the weekend!! 

Tom Parker - what a brave person

Tom Parker - Stand Up 4 Cancer

I've never been a fan of The Wanted but I happened upon the Tom Parker documentary yesterday evening after watching for a few minutes I was gripped. I vaguely recall hearing that a member of The Wanted had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

That was the only thing I knew when I switched on the programme. Within, minutes I was in tears. What an amazing guy. Incredibly brave an absolute tower of strength with a beautiful personality. 

I wish him the very best in his "Stand up 4 Cancer" and I hope he can beat this terrible disease.

Lagom in Kenmare, Kerry - more than "just right"

Lagom in Kenmare, Kerry

We have just returned from a two night stay in Lagom in Kenmare,  County Kerry and I highly recommend it if you are looking for place to stay in Kenmare. We were in Kenmare for the finissage of PIGSY's "Catharsis of Collapse" in the Kenmare Butter Market. We had been down three other times over the past few weeks for the show and had made a promise for our last visit we would treat ourselves to a stay in the newly opened Lagom. Owners Liz and chef Brendan have really created somewhere special and it was indeed a treat to stay here.

Lagom is a Swedish word that can be translated to "not too much, not too little, just right". With little special touches they have certainly made the place more than "just right". 

On our arrival, we were met by bottled water in our room along with a welcome treat of a little home made lemon bun. I adore lemon sponge and this was the most lovely baked goods treat. 

The room we were staying in had a great big super king bed with stylish and tranquil decor. But topping all of this was the shower which was a really really powerful warm and roomy shower - quite possibly the best shower I've ever had!

And then the breakfast! Well that can only be described as quite delicious with the best ingredients. PIGSY had the full Irish both days and I had Brisket Potato Hash for my first breakfast. Then the next day I had an omelette (a 3 egg omelette with a choice of fillings) - both really delicious.

Lagom is centrally located in Kenmare and is an excellent addition to the restaurant and accommodation scene in Kenmare. And as far as I am concerned it is definitely "just right" and quite possibly perfect in my eyes!

Back to Kerry!

It's a long way to.......

Our final Kerry adventure awaits as we return to Kenmare for the closing of the PIGSY Art Exhibition in Kenmare Butter Market. We will pick up a hired van at 10am and get on the road a little after that (we will return to the house to collect our bags and Bones).

The finissage of "Catharsis to Collapse" is on from 6-8pm this evening. We are looking forward to it and hopefully we will get to meet again with some of the new friends that we met in Kerry over the past month or so of the exhibition and the preparation for it.

Photos of the event will be added to the PIGSY art blog after the event