Get Smart!

After much indecision we decided to trade in our old Smart for a new one (well when I say new, I mean new to us as we never buy brand new cars!)

After trying to find a decent Smart (at the right price) in the Republic of Ireland, but failing, we made the decision to drive to Belfast and buy in Northern Ireland. I had seen a nice Smart online in Liverpool so that could have been an option too. 

The drive to Belfast was rather slow because we didn't want to push the old car too hard. It should take 2 hours or so but we took a bit longer and also stopped for a coffee at our first petrol stop.

I had been to Mercedes Benz Belfast before but Ciaran was very impressed when we arrived. I was just in my element seeing all the Smarts!

I had been in conversation with a representative from Agnews for the past while and he had sourced a Smart that we were very happy with - Black, low mileage and 3 years old.

Buying in the United Kingdom means that we are importing the car in to Ireland. The next step in order to register the car and get Irish plates is to bring it to a test centre and then hand over a chunk of money to the Irish government.  Even still it is better value than buying a Smart in Ireland.

Our old red Smart was a Passion ForTwo while the new Smart is a Pulse. The passion had some extras such as a sun roof but I don't think we will miss that so much.

It was exciting to pick up the new Smart but I am sad to see this baby go. It served us well.....

 

Modern Art in Gormley's Art Gallery

Last weekend, Amy and I visited Gormley's Art Gallery to see the Contemporary Editions exhibition.

It's a stunning collection of modern, pop and street art.

It was great to see Warhols in Dublin.  The last time I saw a Warhol in Dublin was years ago at an exhibition in the IMMA where I saw his silver clouds which could probably be described as an installation more so than an art piece.

There were some spectacular pieces by Banksy (who I think is a ridiculously clever artist), Hirst, Bambi and Koons.

I probably was most disapointed by the Basquiat which I had been most keen to see. It was a print which I found to be soulless. 

In the montage of the pics above the last picture is obviously not one of the paintings in the Contemporary Editions exhibition.  It's a piece of work by Ciaran called "No space for nostalgia" and you can read all about it here.

Twin Life!

We noticed that Bones had a sore tooth the other day. He yelped when one of us petted him near his mouth.

I was off work today so I brought him to the vet.  When he was examined the vet suspected an abscess so she said she would put him under anaesthetic and check it out.

I then went off to town to meet my sister and mam for a coffee in my sisters regular Starbucks beside her work.

I got to Starbucks before the others so went to the counter to get my own coffee.  When I went to pay the guy at the til said it was free. When I asked why, he said it was because I found money yesterday and had handed it in. 
At this point, I had to tell him that I was a twin and that it must have been my twin who found the money.
He laughed so hard!
"Oh my god, twins! Ha!"
He gave me my coffee for free anyway!
It's great being a twin!!

Later I picked up Bones who was in surprisingly good form after getting two teeth extracted.  I guess he feels better with the bad teeth out!

Be in with a chance to win a Pigsy Mug!

Want to be in with a chance to win a Pigsy mug?!

To enter the competition, email pigsy.art@gmail.com with the answer to the following question:

"What was the name of Pigsy's solo exhibition in The Kemp Gallery from 6th Oct to 12th Nov 2016?

Head on over to this page before March 4th for further information and the answer to the question also!!

Ireland v. France:6 Nations

Kick off for yesterday's Ireland versus France rugby game was at 4.50pm. At about 10am Ciaran received a text offering him two tickets which we gratefully accepted.

The Aviva stadium is within walking distance of where we live so went down there with enough time to get a burger and beer and soak up the atmosphere.

It was a great game. Ireland won!!

I look forward to the next game in the competition.

Saturday Brunch in Mayfield

We had planned to drive to Belfast this morning to view some Smart Cars for sale.  Our plans fell through so we decided to go for brunch instead. 

Ciaran suggested Mayfield as he used to work close by and always enjoyed eating lunch there.

I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived. At the entrance, is a small gift shop which sells jewellery, scarves, candles and very funky cards.  I will be back at some point to buy some cards as I have a few weddings coming up that will need some special cards.

The style of the place is quite unique - I would describe it as a mammy meets hipster crossover. All of the furniture is mismatched and my seat was a church pew bench seat!

The food was very keenly priced and very tasty. I didn't order a coffee as Ciaran said it was only "ok" But he ordered it and drank it without another word so that is probably a good sign.  I had a diet coke on this occasion but will probably try the coffee on our next visit.

I had salmon and poached eggs.It really hit the spot! 

I really liked these cute cow milk jugs that were on each table.

All in all, it was a lovely brunch - great food in a nice restaurant with a great atmosphere.  I shall be back!!

Saturday night at the movies....

After work on Saturday we made plans to go see a film in Rathmines Omniplex that night.  I'm not really a fan of late night cinema but the only options were John Wick or The Founder on after 9pm.  We chose The Founder.

I rang Dillingers and got us a seat at the counter at 7.15pm that needed to be given up at 8.30pm.

We were originally going to drive but then Ciaran decided to have a beer so we decided to walk to the cinema (it's only about 15/20 mins away).

So we finished dinner about 8.20pm and set off walking to Rathmines. The portions were huge in Dillingers (I had ribs, Ciaran has Surf n'Turf Chilli Nachos) so I was glad to walk off the dinner.

We both really enjoyed "The Founder" and thoroughly recommend it.

Speaking of films I thoroughly recommend.  Guess where I was this morning?!

I went to see La La Land a second time with my twin sister!!!  And I honestly think it was better second time round! Have you seen it yet?!