Groovy Spirit

"The Zing-a-Ling" Watermelon refresher

2010-08-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

I was recently watching "The Doctors" and apparently watermelon contains the aminoacid argenine which is thought to help with weight loss so I ran to the shop (as I am now carless) and carried back a watermelon. I think that carrying it home helped the weight loss more than eating it.

This morning I made up a new concoction. I've been using ice for smoothies rather than yoghurt and gave this a whirl. It makes about 3 large martini glasses or two medium wine glasses.

12 ice cubes
1 large banana
1 large handful of watermelon
1/2 teaspoon of agave syrup
1 sprig of mint

I blended it all with my much loved hand blender, poured it in a glass, decorated with a sprig of home grown mint (my herb plants are flourishing) and it us delicious!

Cheers!

(My favourite bit is dipping the mint into the mix and sucking it off - OMG it's good)

I should turn the TV off to protect myself (warning: letting the 'real' out)

2010-08-20T01:38:00.000-07:00

It's another sad/bitter/angry time for me. Infertility hits the hardest at the most random times. It aways seems that these moments are full of loved one's announcements, baby TV show marathons and even usually innocuous shows and internet sites doing special pregnancy or motherhood editions.

Even my dreams are full of babies. A few nights this week I've found out I'm pregnant multiple times, announced it, given birth, taken care of my precious little one, nursed, cared for and most importanty - Loved. Each dawn I am in mourning.

I think today (after the Gilmore Girls) I'll be turning the TV off, the internet will be disconnected and I will do something like painting to try and get the tears out of my system. Then I'll go out on a date with my husband, go to a non-baby movie and wear my now 1-size-smaller clothes. Small comfort.

I haven't written an infertility related post in a while or at least not posted it mostly due to the fact I don't like showing my weakness. That's wrong though. This is my challenge and one I've learned from so much in many ways. I'm not weak, I'm not going to fall apart but I'll just be hurt and continue to wonder when this will end.

To my Mommy and pregnant friends - I know I have your support and seeing your little guys and girls is such a lovely experience. Keep sharing.
To any and all of my infertile friends I'm sending a hug and knowing I'm getting one in return.

TheVegan College Bag

2010-08-07T01:49:00.000-07:00

A little bit of this:

and this;

and lots of sweat, cursing and picking of stitches - THEN you get this:

It took about 1.5 hours drawing up, an hour cutting pattern and material
and 6 hours sewing (including tempramental old sewing machine tension issues)

Two super large inside pockets and two medium outer pockets (all a light green material)

A big open back pocket for emergency stuffing

and a BIG super stitched wide strap to carry a potentially very heavy bag of books

The outer material is a fake leather like PVC/Vinyl. The main lining is a plum pattern-stitched material and the pockets were made with a matching pattern light green material and gold chunky zips.

There were a few hiccups during stitching the zip pockets but they were covered by zig-zap stitching around the seams here and there. They don't sit flat but it's the best I could do even after trying and breaking 3 needles for leather. It's huge (not that I'm going to re-sew it any time soon) at about 14"x16"x3". Adrian thinks it's really really big but that's the right size for a college bag that will also home makeup, purse, phones and such along with many heavy books, notepads and the usual bottle of water and probably and umbrella. What do you think?

Life is changing

2010-07-31T04:31:00.000-07:00

It's time for a new motto for August:

Out with the old and useless, in with the new and wonderful.

Because really I know and sense strongly that at this time of my life there is a lot more and a lot better to come. I'm excited and exhilerated. I can't wait. :)

Almond Butter - so yum, so easy

2010-07-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

I've heard about almond butter but never tasted it. It sounded delicious so I thought I'd give it a try as I love spreading anything on toast.

I got two small packs of almonds (roasted for 10 minutes and left to cool), smashed them up with a hand blender (much easier in a food processer I'm sure) drizzled olive oil from time to time and at the end blended in some salt and agave. It took 15 - 20 mins to do but will take less next time as I wont stop, taste, add as much.

It gets a bit thumbs up from me and Adrian who will have my jar and a half gone by tomorrow morning.
What really makes me smile is just how healthy it is. There is only a smidgen of olive oil per serving and a couple of drops of agave and a few grains of salt but SO many nutritious almonds. Perfect veggie breakfast spread over toast and pretty filling too.

Approximate measurements (but mostly done to taste)

2 large cups of almonds
5 tablespoons of olive oil
2 or 3 tablespoons of agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Veggie/Vegan

2010-07-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

As mentioned previously ad nauseum, I'm transitioning to veganism from being a lacto-ovo vegetarian for about half of my life. In the beginning I tried a few different approaches from having a set number of vegan days, to only eating dairy when dining out but something unexpected has happened.

Whether temporary of permanent, I'm finding myself repulsed by dairy. If I let myself eat it (can't remember the last time but it was a couple of weeks ago) I can't not-think about where it's come from and what happened to the animal that produced it. I don't enjoy cheese the sam way and I haven't had an egg in months. Even my favourite - cheesecake doesn't give me that tingle anymore.

BUT it does lead to new projects like buying new vegan shoes nd making my ultimate bag suitable for carrying books and such when college starts. Project pictures and possibly patterns to come!

Vegans and meat-eaters alike - this is funny

2010-07-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

Extreme religious clothing and morality

2010-06-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

I've been quiet lately, not so much due to a lack of anything to say but moreso that I have too much to say, too much to do and too many thoughts fighting for space in my mind. In reality I have a lot more questions than answers. I'm actively encouraging thoughts on World Religion and Theology as this is what I will be studying this Autumn.

So, here's a few thoughts and a couple of questions for today.

The Western World has a history of pushing limits and exploring issues of political freedom, sexual liberation and boundaries of an acceptable nature. This it seems does not extend to religious expression.

The whole issue of 'the veil' in all it's contexts and forms of scarves, dresses and other such garb confuses me on a personal level as well as a global one. I am okay with people having differing beliefs. I am not okay with oppression. I don't agree with 'cloaking' because I don't agree with hiding my femininity for any reason unless I'm having a horrible hair day or a breakout has occurred. My body is draped according to my superficial desires and I consider ALL clothing to be superficial. I consider my body to be superficial (while indulging regularly with great frivolity). I try not to take the physical body and it's appearance too seriously. My spirituality and morality which are hugely important to me are hidden to the world unless I express it transiently. My body is part of my being but does not equal my spirit. I don't agree with cloaking any part of my femininity and I probably wont ever understand why others do. I fear that choice is being taken away and this gives rise to another point. Is there really a choice when a girl or woman grows up in conservative circumstances and under strict influence? Also, another blogs worth of posts could be dedicated to the possession argument - do men really control how women dress in conservative AND liberal communities?

I also wonder if I take the religious expression of another woman as a personal criticism. If they think their body should not be seen - what do they think of my choice to enjoy my womanly form in clothing of my choosing?
Regardless of how much I disagree with it in principle, in my world, the choice to 'cloak' even if I can't fathom it's importance should always be allowed. Dictatorship, restricting anyones freedom of expression be it sexual, political, religious or otherwise is wrong. Freedom cannot be outlawed in even a semi-just legal regime such as exists in the majority of Europe. Limited freedom with prescribed choices is not freedom.
In a society where freedom of belief, orientation and position and subsequent demonstration or rebellion are actively cultured in our young why is there a fear of religiously significant pieces of apparel?

Do extreme expressions of morality as opposed to sexuality/political/etc. make the western world and me more uncomfortable? If so, why?

I don't know that I have a distinct point to make but I would LOVE to hear what women really think.
Miscommunication gives birth to misunderstanding so I invite discussion and encourage dialogue that may dispell myths and help everyone make decisions based on fact. I don't know any women who take part in this form of religious expression well enough to ask what they think so if one such woman reads this, please feel free to comment.

Hmm....what's new?

2010-05-18T02:16:00.000-07:00

With Siri.......

1. Heis getting cuter by the day. (Evidenced by the following photos)

2. He can eat anything. We no longer have outdoor lights. We found remaining plastic in his poo - EEK!

3. He loves being let off the leash at the park to play fetch.

4. He doesn't love baths but doesn't hate them.

5. He doesn't like smelling clean.

6. He's not as attracted to poo - thank goodness!

7. He went through a patch of pulling like crazy but has resumed walking well 70% of the time.

8. He has more than quadrupled in size - he's now over 17kilos. Oh boy! Definitely not a lap dog anymore.

9. He loves us so much he waits for us outside the bathroom door while we shower.

10. We love him a LOT.

With me.......

1. I got accepted to college and couldn't be happier about starting a brand new exciting chapter. It is exhilerating!

Avoid the mundane....

2010-05-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

....live the extraordinary.

This is my new life motto. Now I just need to figure out how to put it into practice. I've had enough self-pity and 'wishing'. It's time to do!
Being bold, brave and fearless is in store for this Groovy Spirit.

I do wish it was me being made redundant this month and not my husband but maybe it will be time for a little boldness in his life too.

I need ideas

2010-05-07T03:09:00.000-07:00

Life sucks lemons right now. I am lacking inspiration and don't want to paint. I want to make something. I want to find a craft or skill that can actually bring in money. So far I'm thinking of millinery (easy to do from home) and furniture making (much more expensive and space-consuming) and that's about it. It's all a longshot but I'm going to try something new.

Any other ideas?

Keeping for best

2010-04-22T02:48:00.000-07:00

Nope, not doing that anymore. In an attempt to thoroughly enjoy my body which I'll likely want back in 10 or so years (even with it's imperfections) I've decided to stop keeping my 'good clothes' in the wardrobe and start wearing them daily.

I've been doing this since last week. It puts a noticeable hop in my stride and twinkle in my eye. I'm also wearing the nice make-up (but sparingly as I'm not a fan of eyeshadows and lipsticks usually) and enjoy catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

Wearing what makes me happy is really making the monotonyous week seem more joyful. I'm feeling narcissistic and it's good! Give it a try.

The Vegan Thing

2010-04-21T03:27:00.000-07:00

It's going well on and off. I love vegan food but there are just some yummy things I crave and have now and again like:

Feta cheese
Butter
Chocolate
Regular cheese (when it's melted like on pizza or toasties).

Plamil make a delicious vegan mayonnaise so I'm going to try and source some of their butters and chocolates (dairy free) and hopefully I'll be able to go from 95% vegan to 100%.

The interesting thing is how sensitive to dairy products I think I've always been but never isolated from my diet so that when I introduce it and immediately feel ill or get a migraine, it's identifiable. For example, on Monday I had a handful of chocolate buttons. 10 mins later and I have a migraine. Ice-cream (not Ben&Jerry's though surprisingly) can give me a migraine too, especially LIDL ice-creams which I haven't had in over a year for this reason. Cheese doesn't affect my head but I do notice it hurts my intestines a few hours afterward or else the next day (but not Feta cheese or if I have just a little regular cheese).

To summarise, it looks like dairy has been a major contributing factor to my not-so-great-health and transitioning to veganism has shown this to me.

New favourite snack

2010-04-19T03:44:00.000-07:00

Hummus and sprout salad (alfalfa and/or broccoli shoots).
Try it - it's really yummy.

It's my birthday and I'm feeling grungy!

2010-04-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

this is probably one of my favourite songs from 10 years ago when I was a mere 17. It really was a good year.

What cheers me up on a bad, bad day?

2010-04-09T06:38:00.001-07:00

Having pre-arranged a coffee date this evening I texted my best friend and warned her of my mood. She responded that she knew me in school and was sure she could handle it.

:)

The best thing about the rain....

2010-03-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

....Slippy, sloppy, splashy puppy paws on his walk.

The best thing about a long (7km approx) walk.....
....seeing the huge improvements on the lead.

The best thing about long long walks.....
.....a very sleepy puppy who cleans his bowl and looks angelic for the evening.

Comparative Vegetarianism

2010-03-23T03:06:00.000-07:00

Before Siri: Aisling - vegetarian who couldn't stand touching meat but cooked it (easy to grill or roast meats) for Adrian occasionally.

After Siri: Aisling - vegetarian who buys, cooks and bastes whole chickens for Adrian primarilly and then pulls apart any meat from the bones with her fingers for Siri.

Adrian thinks I love the dog more than him but really, it's a lot easier for Adrian to cook his own meat than it is for Siri.
There are now only 2 people in the world I will cook meat for.

Because he's stolen my heart....

2010-03-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

.... here's a few pics of Siri a.k.a. "The best boy i the whole world who gives the best snuggles".

On the couch with Daddy (yes we call each other Mommy and Daddy around him - eh, what can you do?)
It's his favourite place and to anyone who would like to visit - I clean the couches daily. In fact I clean more than I ever ever have and don't mind in the slightest. A weekly vacuum is now a daily occurence and dusting happens a lot more frequently than monthly but you will still find dust bunnies here and there.

Sleeping with his new friend 'Mrs. Urs' (Urs means bear in Romanian). Sometimes he chews the hell out of him, other times he likes to snuggle.

Best decision we ever made.

My thoughts on Art and 'Contemporary Art'

2010-03-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Art has to be original. I do not have to like it, no-one has to like it but it must provide some stimulus while also maintaining some integrity and level of creative skill that is performed by an artist. Or else it is just a commodity in a commercial society.

Art is not just beautiful, it is divine. It connects us to our highest most beautiful selves. It transcends time, class, power and ego. Art is the divine companion to history. Where humans have grown, art has pushed forward further still. Art is the greatest power I know. It can cause exquisite pain and ultimate bliss, inspire revolution and assure peace.

Art is a conversation. Most artists like this. It's a one-way conversation and they get to say what they want and you must listen. It is a narcissistic venture and it's an unstoppable power in it's ability to transmit it's energy to so many instantaneously.

Contemporary art however does not belong on the same page as what I consider true art.

For example ~ Jeff Koombs,Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst.

Have these people in my opinion produced pictures? Yes.
Have these people in my opinion created art? No

I cannot appreciate contemporary art as yet I have found no platform from which to view and judge a work's merit outside of the distinction of skill. Without skill, talent or even just a it is just a conceptual experience expressed in a visual form. There is no 'Art'.

Perhaps my opinions on art are still too young and too raw to understand 'contemporary art'.
If I cannot judge skill, what should I critique? colour? passion? Why is it art and not therapy?
Art it seems has become a currency and has lost it's distinction along with it's value.

Art is understood differently by people depending on how they are feeling at the time. Whether the Mona lisa is smiling or conspiring depends on the viewer and their unique experience to serve as reference. But what experience can someone have looking at a piece of contemporary art that is indifferent, smug, soulless and unemotional.
More importantly - is there a role for the artist in contemporary art?

Have I lost faith in art? No
Have I lost hope for humanity? Eh, not yet

International Women's Day and my first gift from Siri

2010-03-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

well, I guess Adrian should get some credit too...

and apparently the dirty laundry is the comfiest place to lie after an exhausting afternoon playing with 'Daddy'.

I love him so much that......

2010-03-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

I let him sleep on me and I move if he's not comfortable.
I can't even be upset if he has an accident inside (well, not for more that a split second).
I think climbing the stairs on his own is cause for a celebration (even if he went up there so he could pee on the only bit of carpet in the house).
I have now moved his bed into our bedroom so he can hear us close by while he sleeps.
I wake up at the crack of dawn without hesitation to get him started for the day with a pee/poo outside and breakfast. (never experienced before) He's such a good boy and just sleeps and never pees/poos inside at night.
I wake up hourly just to look at him and make sure he's okay.
I willingly leave my slippers by his bed to chew on when I'm not there so he doesn't feel lonely.
I cry a little bit when I have to leave him in the house alone.

My pent up maternal instincts are all lavished upon him. He has me wrapped around his adorable white tipped paw and I love it.

Don't wear anything tasty around the puppy.

2010-03-05T02:22:00.000-08:00

The list of apparently delicious chewable objects are:

socks,
arms,
fireplace,
metal fire grate,
tree barks,
twigs,
stray hairs that fall out of your ponytail

and many other things I've forgotten about.

oh, couches are good for licking too as well as the floor. And when he's tired of doing that he just wants to rest his head/jaw on something and looks so adorable you almost offer your slippers for him to chew on.

Tired after a day of chewing, jumping, meeting new people and general mischief.

This morning:

oh, the camera string looks tasty......nom nom

So true!

2010-03-03T00:37:00.000-08:00

03 March 2010 ~ Aries 21/3-19/4

"This is unlike you, Aries, but today you’re a lean, mean cleaning machine. "

I often find the Yahoo quick horoscopes have a lot of accuracy. Today, the first line is especially true.
I'm trying toilet training with Siri. It's going well with mixed results. Thankfully he's only pood outside although a quick paw wash was necessary as he scattered them everywhere and ran around in them. He's peed outside a couple of times and seemed a bit confused as to why I was praising him. He's definitely been marking his territory indoors with about 15 pees since 9pm last night. I knew I was being a bit silly when I worried at 8pm that he hadn't peed yet. He definitely made up for it lol.

The best thing was waking up this morning, going into the bathroom and seeing he hadn't had a single accident in over 6 hours! He is the best.

We did have to leave a light on in another bedroom so that he wouldn't be in complete darkness and we tempered our exit from him (leaving the door slightly ajar) before he settled and he only barked twice.

I think he knows already he has a cushy number with us. He's already slept on Adrian and the couch and only wants to sleep on my lovely dress that I wore when we picked him up (must be the familiar smells). We spent 25 minutes worrying about the softness/hardness of his food pellets and discussing his bowel and urinary movements and forgot to make food/coffee for ourselves. I spent all yesterday without eating until about 9pm when I remembered that humans need food too (a quick call to Dominos sorted that out).

And yes, I will be one of those Dog-Mommies who talks endlessly about her baby.
He is my baby. I needed him and I'm very happy and blessed with this beautiful soul to love and make goo-goo eyes at. Even if my hands are dried to a crisp and stinging from washing them 300 times.

Time for a nap with my little man.

Finally a Mommy!

2010-03-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

I'm so in love

and so is Adrian it seems

Couldn't be happier with my new sitting room.

2010-02-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

.
Recipe for Happiness

Ingredients:

1 'Handy Adi' (ie Adrian. This is his nickname in work)
1 Trip to IKEA to buy a 4 piece HUGE bookcase
1 Old display case with a lot of tweaking

Result: Happy Aisling. I do so love books and bookcases. My ideal interior is wall after wall lined with books or covered in paintings. I'm no minimalist.

During the mess:

After:

Childhood Feminism

2010-02-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

I was just reading a very interesting post on MrsUKYankee's Blog and it reminded me of something I've been thinking about recently. I've always had a feminist streak. Whether it was conscious or not I noticed with keen attention when a boy got an opportunity for fun that I didn't. I was infuriated by being told to work on my embroidery on Wednesday afternoons in school while the boys played football. I still have difficulty with that one. I vaguely remember bringing it up to a teacher once and being hushed and sent back to my seat.

I hated being pandered to as a 'girl' by the media as a child. I vividly remember genuine parental confusion (my own and friends' parents) when I chose the cars to play with rather than the dolls. I was about 7 years old and I wanted to play cars with my brother and his friend instead of my friend as they had a fun little set up where you put the car in one end and it spun, whirled and tumbled to the other. I was told I'd break it and the parent 'encouraged' me to go back to the dolls or whatever else I was avoiding. Ordering a happy meal for two boys when it was me and my brother infront of the till always got a raised eyebrow too. One mother tried to debate the wonderful qualities of some sort of princess toy and I asked what she could do. She pointed out the dress and decoration etc. I then picked up the wind-up car and thought she was a little bit stupid. Thinking back, she had a worried look on her face.

Was I choosing the wrong toys? Was I challenging their ideas without realising at the time what it meant?

Simply put, boys toys were always a lot more fun that the girls and when I got bored of boys toys I started being creative.

Why are girls toys so boring?

I'm really not that old and this really wasn't a long time ago. Now I'm frightened to think what my future children will be subjected to.

Waste Not, Want Not Soup

2010-02-19T02:59:00.000-08:00

Apologies in advance for the boring post.

I can't believe I didn't think of this before. I had a hodge-podge mix of past-their-prime vegetables and they were too different to put into a pasta sauce (my usual fall back) so I chopped them all up very roughly, roasted with olive oil, agave (I love the stuff), rosemary, celery salt and basil, a few cloves of garlic for about an hour on a medium heat.

This morning I boiled up water and added veggie stock cubes, added to the veg and hand-blended and it is the best soup I've ever made.

The ingredients are as follows:
12 baby potatoes,
3 peppers
5 large carrots
10 sticks of celery
10 mushrooms
6 cloves of garlic
1 head of broccoli
3 onions
6 shallots

I now have about 2-3 litres of soup - just as well it tastes yummy.

Pros and Cons of Doggy Parenthood

2010-02-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

I really want a dog. Adrian would like a dog but is worried about timing. We're thinking about it in every way before we commit to doggy parenthood as it's a big deal. We've both grown up with dogs and pets and love them in evey way. I love walking but Adrian is limited with his knee and back and I'd love a walking buddy morning and night. The main issues that are hindering us at the moment are our longish trips to Romania in the summers. I wouldn't want to part with my dog for a month so we'd happilly drive over with our pup in tow but so far I'm finding conflicting reports on crossing the many borders necessary between France and Romania. Obviously a full health screening is necessary and a EU pet passport but the actual logistics are confusing with individual countries and their regulations. Has anyone had any experience of that?

We're really undecided, so I'd love to hear from dog owners as to what you consider the pros and cons and please tell me the truth, harsh as it may be. We might have to be uber realistic and accept it's not the right time for us to get a dog. We do however have a lot of love to give.

A little painting

2010-02-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

But a big canvas (approx 1m x 1m)

Vegan Pot of Gold

2010-02-13T09:57:00.000-08:00

I've found Vegan Parmesan (replacement) and Vegan Mayonaise (Mayola) both at Tesco.
After many slips in my quest to become vegan this makes me feel there will be less in the future.
My newest batch of pesto using the parmesan replacement is just so much better!

Happy 101

2010-02-11T02:37:00.000-08:00

I have been fortunate enough to be tagged by Liz and Jessica to list 10 things that make me happy. I have a lot but here are the first 10 off the top of my head and a little picture of the man that makes me very happy:

1. Coffee – with an extra espresso shot and Chocolate Twist Pastries (can you tell what I had for breakfast)

2. Winter Sunshine

3. Finishing a painting that I’m proud of.

4. The extra lane on the M50 which means there is NO traffic for me anymore. It’s like magic.

5. Getting home earlier than expected.

6. Getting into bed after a long hard run in the gym.

7. Friends who come over with wine unexpectedly.

8. Catching up with friends over beverages relevant to the time of day.

9. Someone liking my artwork.

10. Wandering around galleries on Sunday afternoons.

11. (and just because 10 isn’t enough) Snuggles with my husband in the morning.

I would love to know what these ladies consider 10 things that make them happy.

• Liz from ‘It be Liz’

• The highly fashionable lady from “FreelancersFashion”

• Ms. Cleverclogs

• mrsukyankee

• C from ‘Cats with passports’

Anyone who would like to, please tell me your 10 things in a comment or write it up in your blog!

A little bit of culture

2010-02-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

I did a little painting this weekend on a piece I started quite a while ago. It's a mix of realism, symbolism and abstract. Sneak peek at the bottom!

In an effort to find a way to love Ireland the way those who visit do the husband and I are regularly sight-seeing on the weekend. Last weekend we visited the National Gallery and an exhibit of Turner's watercolours which was interesting but 'eh' on a scale of excitement. This weekend we made a trip to the National Museum of archaeology as the husband has an interest in history. My favourite part of the experience was the building itself which impressed me hugely and definitely moreso than my previous visit some 10 years ago. An interesting and semi-erotic statue of the Roman/Greek Goddess Hecate/Hekate sparked my interest. The gift shop did have a beautiful necklace and set of earrings that were both beautifully made and repulsively overpriced.

Viewing the Tara Brooch with more appreciative eyes, I found the intricate filigree my 20/20 eyes struggles to comprehend echo the swirling tiles and swaying ballustrades of Art Nouveau architecture.

Tara Brooch (image from google search)

(pictures from trip to Hotel Hannon - Brussels, Belgium)

Perhaps more poignant, a practical person such as myself was amazed at 3,000 year old buckets looking pristine and purposeful when I have a cupboard full of faulty crockery and a collection of in-need-of-replacement pots and pans.

Old Dublin is certainly beautiful and I can understand why visitors are enamoured by the architecture and sense of history of Dublin. We just need to win the lottery so we can experience this beautiful Dublin everyday and not have a long drive only on the weekends!

There are many more visits to come. Next on the list will be the Francis Bacon exhibit in the Hugh Lane Gallery.

Need to paint, want to paint but wont paint.

2010-02-06T06:15:00.000-08:00

Why is it that when I love to paint and I feel the most fulfilled in life when I paint, the ability to lift my arms and put paint to canvas escapes me? Seriously speaking, this really confuses me.

What I think about food

2010-02-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

This view fills me with joy and utter appreciation. We are so lucky to:

1. have food of many varieties available to us,

2. be able to buy food and are never hungry,

3. have the time to play with recipes.

Like most people we really like to spend money but try not to. One area I spend a lot of money on is grocery shopping. I cherish good quality, highly and naturally flavourful food. Gas, electric, mortgage all take a back seat to the groceries. I love buying organic but can't afford to do so totally. I love buying new and interesting grains and odd looking fruits.

My theory is that if I fill my body with highly nutritious, quality fuel sources then my body will be able to deal with my other passions that aren't so healthy like wine and chocolate and a little sugar now and again.

For me food is my medicine and medicine is my food.

BUT I really want to cut the costs. Spending a third of a weeks paycheck on groceries is just too much, especially for us right now. So, what do I cut? the organic fruit or the wine, the expensive meat replacement foods or the lavazza coffee beans? I know the answer should be the latter but realistically I don't think I can do that. I'm not that good.

A good bra is worth it's weight in platinum! - Monsoon Review & Recommendation

2010-02-04T02:10:00.000-08:00

Platinum as opposed to gold as really bras don't weigh very much.

I'm very thrifty and delight in bargain hunting but usually cheap clothes don't last very long so each season I try and buy better quality long-lasting pretty items so that one day I'll have a wardrobe full of 'good' clothes. Even though I worked selling lingerie I very rarely purchased brand-recognised bras or underwear and would rather buy a less than enthralling 5-pairs-for-4-euro pack.

Over the Christmas holidays I speedilly spent my vouchers for Monsoon (my favourite shop EVER) and bought this:

(image from Monsoon Website)

and I couldn't be a happier woman.

The fit, feel, comfort and effect this bra has had is amazing. The price tag is frightening for something no-one else sees but the feeling I have this morning wearing this weighless-feeling bra is priceless.

I have a waist again! More importantly I don't have cheap underwiring digging into my armpits or cleavage which couldn't be healthy.

Even better still is that Monsoon size generously. I don't feel like a heavyweight wrestler hoisting myself into a ginormous size but rather a realistic and accurate size.

Now, I want this:

and no, they're not paying me to say this (but if they'd like to pay me in vouchers I'd be a very happy woman).

Bad, Bad Vegan

2010-01-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

I'm having garlic and cheesy bread tonight and I'm gonna pretend it's December 2009. Take that conscience!

Looking for Signs

2010-01-25T06:29:00.000-08:00

So, I've been struggling with self-worth and finding a new challenge and direction in my life. I have been shuffling back and forth, up and down and then back and forth again and again and again through all the options.

Adrian now runs to the sanctity of his computer games when I look like I might start to mention yet another course I might find interesting. I have literally gone from medicine to architecture to herbal medicine to nutrition to french to art history to business management to wine making to environmental science to landscape gardening ............ you get the point. I wont drive you away to your computer games.

So now, I'm looking for signs. King of Queens just came on with an episode I've never seen (that hasn't happened in a while) and Carrie went back to school.
That's a sign - right?
I'll take it.
I am now looking for the TV to provide a sign for which course to choose. The next episode is about Doug buying a truck. Maybe I should look into mechanics?

Fertility Tour Guide

2010-01-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm a tour guide for those trying for a baby. I greet them, offer them information and resources, wish them well and join them in their joy when they become pregnant and have their children. I've seen quite a few through this process from tentative starts to blissful finishes.
I think I missed my stop and forgot to get off this bus.
I'd like to get off now conductor. Please.

Vegan Pesto & Lemony Minty Rice Recipes

2010-01-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

Vegan Pesto

I really just guessed this but oh my goodness, it is SO good. I was worried that without the usual parmesan it would be bland but I don't even notice the difference!

Here are appoximate measurements:

- 40g fresh basil
- 250g pine nuts
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper

I don't have a food processor but just a hand wizard which worked wonderfully.
I gave the pine nuts a pulse or two and then the basil along with some of the olive oil to help the hand wizard not get clogged.
I cut the cloves of garlic in half and added them in with the salt and pepper and oil.
I adjusted with a little salt/pepper to my taste.
That's it, super easy!

Lemony Minty Rice Dish

A really nice side dish or if you're like me one of many odd dishes people can pick and choose from.

Ingredients:

- 300g basmati rice (white is bes for this dish)

- 10 mushrooms

- 8 shallots

- 1 green pepper

- 2 lemons

- 10 mint leaves

- Olive oil

- 3 cloves garlic

- 4 table spoons soya milk

- 1/2 tube garlic paste

- Salt and peper to taste

Cook rice first.
Saute chopped mushrooms, then onions and then garlic in some olive oil.
Add in chopped green pepper and cook all for about 5 minutes.
Add the juice of 2 lemons (if big one will be enough)
Chop and add the mint leaves and stir continuously for 3 minutes.
Add the soya milk and garlic paste and stir for 2 minutes.
Add rice to the vegetable mixture and it's done.

One bad vegan moment so far

2010-01-23T05:12:00.000-08:00

Picture it, a present of wine and chocolates. These were the nice chocolates all wrapped up in a pretty bow.
A woman declares, "I will have just one!"
The scene now changes. A frustrated woman with a sugar hunger and no vegan goodies as she hadn't done the shopping on the way home tries to free the chocolates from the nicely wrapped box. It proves incredibly difficult.
THEN an unwise husband shouts from the background "raped cows and baby chickens, raped cows and baby chickens".
The woman throws the sweets to the ground in frustration and guilt and stomps them into mush.

2 hours later and a glass and a half of wine, calm is restored.
I'm definitely going shopping today.

My horoscope is spot on today!

2010-01-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

Aries 21/3-19/4 Remove There's no need to go pounding your head against a wall, Aries, your day will be challenging, but it's nothing you can't handle. The planetary configurations today will push you to lay the foundation for the projects you've been planning over the last six months. Go with the flow. People something think that you are good at lighting fires but lousy at keeping them going. It's time you proved them wrong!

So many fires started, hmm....which to kindle?

Long overdue treatment

2010-01-19T14:56:00.000-08:00

I haven't mentioned it in a while but I'm a Systematic Kinesiologist. I worked quite a bit last year but took the winter off. Finally, this evening I met up with fellow Kinesiologist Joanne for a treatment swap that was very much needed and I forgot why we let our regular swaps stop happening. Oh, My, Goodness....the relief..I feel so much better! Looking forward to next week already.

It makes me want to take on some new clients this year but we'll wait and see!

Carnivores can eat this too!

2010-01-19T06:59:00.000-08:00

.
Super Spicy Curried Couscous

Super nutritious, quick, tasty and satisfying.

This makes about 8-10 big portions.

- 500g couscous dried couscous
- 500g tofu block
- Olive oil for cooking
- Agave syrup
- 2 vegan sausages (I used Redwood lincolnshire style herb sausages)
- 8 mushrooms
- 2 carrots
- 2 sticks of celery
- 8 scallions
- 1 red chilli pepper
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- salt and pepper to taste

Place 1 bag (500g) of couscous into a pan or any heatproof bowl with 650 ml boiling water with one dissolved organic vegan stock cube. Mix once and cover. After 5-10 minutes separate grains with fork.
In a frying pan saute tofu (cut into smal cubes) in a little oil and agave until golden.
Add chopped mushrooms, carrots, celery, chilli pepper, sausages and scallions and saute gently on a medium heat for about 10 minutes until carrots and celery are still crunchy but softer (or to your own taste).
Add a little oil if they start to stick to the bottom of the pan.
With a little oil and a teensy bit of agave to help the herbs spread, sprinkle over the herbs and spices and salt and pepper.
Leave on a low heat for about 4/5 minutes.
Mix the couscous and veg together and eat with a happy heart!

Resolutions Update

2010-01-18T03:35:00.000-08:00

I was serious with myself making my resolutions this year and I intend to fulfill them as much as humanly possible.

My New Years Resolutions so far:

1. Doing yoga every day - yes, apart from one day but I have my reasons and will do it twice today. Still loving it.
2. Business - still waiting on licenses
3. Baby - still waiting.
4. Book - still waiting.
5. Getting healthy: 3.5 kilos down. 20.5 to go, yoga daily and going vegan has been great for my health.
6. Being happy - Definitely working on it and having as much fun as possible. Trying to plan some serious fun for this summer.
7. Forgiving - it's a lot easier this year and I'm actively forgiving everyday. It's easier to let situations and people leave my consciousness. :)

Still a lot of work to do but so far so good.

Aisling's Groovy Food - Recipes

2010-01-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

I had a fun day of cooking. I always cook in bulk and freeze for future dinners and lunches so the measurements below make about 10 decent portions. I cook by 'groove' and go with what feels right at the time and how strong something tastes/smells so have fun with the proportions too. I think food tastes better when you have fun with it and use your intuition. The measurements for herbs are for dried herbs, fresh will taste stronger and you might need less but fresh is recommended where possible.

Groovy Black-Eyed Pea Salad

I got a basic greek salad recipe for black-eyed peas but changed it a bit.

- 1 bad dry black-eyed peas (soaked over night and then cooked for about an hour until soft but holding their shape.
- 1 red pepper
- 1 yellow pepper
- 7 scallions
- 1 red onion
- 1 block tofu
- 1 dessert spoon cumin
- 1 dessert spoon dill
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil & a bit for frying
- Juice of 1 or 2 lemons
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 dessert spoons agave syrup

Cut the red onion in half and submerge in water.
While the peas are boiling, saute some tofu in a dash of olive oil and the agave syrup (gives a sweet crispy coating to the tofu). When golden add in the chopped red and yellow peppers.
Pop in the cumin and garlic (chopped finely)
Add the above to the drained peas along with the now chopped red onion and sliced scallions.
Add in the white wine vinegar, oil, lemon juice, crushed bay leaves, dill, salt and pepper.

That should be it, I think I've remembered everything.

Groovy Chickpea Stew

- 1 bag chickpeas (soaked overnight and boiled for about 3 hours) also any other beans you have left over will blend nicely in this
- 3 cans of chopped tomatoes
- 8 mushrooms
- 6 cloves garlic
- 6/7 tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 8 shallots
- 1 green pepper
- 2 carrots
- 3 celery stalks (large)
- 1 red chilli
- 1 green chilli
- 1/2 tube garlic paste
- 1/2 tube tomato paste - double concentrate
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- a couple of dashes of white wine vinegar
- 3 dessert spoons corriander
- salt and pepper to taste

While the chickpeas are boiling chop the onion, shallots, mushrooms and garlic and saute in a little oil.
Let them cook gently until the soften and the juices start to flow out.
Add the green pepper, chilli, then celery carrots and saute until they start to soften, they'll properly in the sauce later.
Add a few splashes of vinegar.
Chop and add the tomatoes, then the garlic and tomato paste, stirring for about 5 minutes.
When all the veg look ready add in the three cans of chopped tomatoes and then the corriander, salt and pepper.
Let this simmer for about 2-3 hours.
When ready (judge by taste and appearance) add in the drained chickpeas and cook for a further 30 minutes.

And ta-da!
I put two chillis in and my hands stung after de-seeding them but really I could have put another one in as there wasn't a huge kick to it. It can be eaten hot or cold.

Groovy Cucumber Relish

My Aunt made this last summer and I decided to try my own version. It is super easy and tasty.

- 2 cucumbers peeled and then sliced super finely (I use the peeler)
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 4 dessert spoons Agave syrup
- Juice of half a lemon

Slice up the cucumbers (they should look slushy).
Add the rest of the ingredients and leave in a sealed jar after a good shake in the fridge overnight. The sharpness softens overnight as the sweetness of the Agave works it's magic.

It goes with everything but I'm a sucker for anything sharp and vinegary.

What makes this vegan happy

2010-01-15T04:41:00.000-08:00

I try and eat non-processed food but I'm still in shock at how many yummy vegan alternatives exist and munching away. Tomorrow I'm back to my muesli for breakfast as I do want to lose 2 stone by my birthday in April.

However, my breakfast this morning was a veggie ham sandwich with 9-grain bread and a rye flat bread with a sprinkling of agave syrup and tofutti cream spread.
Then I had a cup of coffee sweetened with agave instead of sugar and dairy-free milk chocolate.

I'm deliciously full and satisfied! It's a lot easier than i thought being vegan.

2009: 5 Highlights

2010-01-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Kim to choose my top 5 highlights from the year 2009. At first I was grumbling about it being a crappy year (which in some respects it really was) but then I realised it's a great opportunity to re-look at the year and remember the wonderful moments inbetween the stress that I would ordinarilly ignore but that I'm very thankful for. Thanks Kim! So, here it goes.

1. Going to our favourite place - Brussels in the Spring

2. Starting yoga which I absolutely love.

3. Going to Romania in the Summer where we got a lot of sunshine, time to put our feet up and soothing views for our bodies, minds and spirits.

4. Going to Brussels for a second time in October and getting a great deal on a really lovely hotel.

5. A proper snowfall in Ireland on New Years Eve.

I can't wait to see what 2010 brings!

Vegan Dinner (Day 3)

2010-01-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not 100% on this recipe yet but it's 98% attractive and 100% tasty even if I do say so myself. When I perfect the ratios I'll post up a precise recipe. Firstly I boiled and mashed butter beans. Then I sauted some shallots and mushrooms and garlic, added ginger, garam masala, turmeric and curry powder, tomato paste and some garlic paste. Then add in the mashed beans and mix THOROUGHLY or else you'll get a mouthful of spice.

Then when cool enough I rolled small amounts into balls, cooked a variety of ways of which the best was Definitely roasted with a little oil in the oven (like roast potatoes).

They are really delicious and SO filling.

Top it all off with a carrot, ginger, apple, celery and lemon juice in a wine glass which makes it taste even nicer.

I've been vegan for a day and a half...........

2010-01-10T06:48:00.000-08:00

......and it's no trouble at all - so far.
I can live without butter and cheese and milk chocolate and my body will thank me. I don't necessarilly think I'll ALWAYS say no to a bit of ice-cream, but maybe this will not be an issue.

My menu yesterday:

First thing - two mugs of hot water with fresh lemon
Breakfast & Lunch (got up very late) - Organic 5 fruit mixed flake muesli
Dinner - something new, my own recipe which I'm not 100% about - spice,veg and mashed bean balls with cucumber and broccoli.
Snack - muesli and lots of peppermint/ginger tea

Today

Two mugs of hot water with fresh lemon
Muesli
Later I'll have more of the curried bean balls with cucumber and broccoli and salad.
If I'm hungry in between I'll have some quinoa in a meditteranean sauce.
Lots of herbal tea here and there.

We'll see what the next week or so brings.

Are they trying to kill us?

2010-01-09T04:46:00.000-08:00

Us being vegetarians that is.
As I posted below I'm trying vegan alternatives for cheese, milk, butter etc.
WELL, I went to my local health food shop yesterday and purchased three forms of cheese alternative which are:

Tofutti Mozzarella Style Slices
Redwood Co. Cheezly Mature white cheddar Style
Bute Island Foods Edam Style Sheese (not a typo)

I can say that they are almost all equally disgusting. Not only did they not taste like cheese, they were so vile I had to spit them out. Adrian who is a vehement carnivore but enjoys veggie bacon and ham tried them also and spat them out with speed. They taste like poison. I was especially disappointed by the Redwood Co. as I enjoy a lot of their fake meat like bacon, sliced ham/chicken/pepperoni/turkey which I purchase when I can splurge on the food budget. It was the less of the three evils and I'm not being melodramatic in referring to them as evil. I can only summise that someone out there wants to punish vegetarians by creating these.

Maybe I can make a claim under the Consumer Information Act for misleading information. These are not 'delicious dairy free alternatives to cheese'.

Why would they create such products?
I even read the packaging again checking if something needed to be done to these 'cheese-style' products like cooking, soaking or hatching but no, they are meant to taste like this.
It's probably best to avoid processed foods, even veggie ones but cheese and chocolate are the two items I would miss by being vegan. I'm afraid to research the vegan-friendly chocolate market.

Maybe we can get our own cow/sheep for milk purposes alone and just make cheese ourselves but I don't think it would be allowed in our housing estate.

If I do become fully vegan I will just forget about cheese.

If you know of a brand of veggie-cheese that is edible please let me know!

It's not fair - jealous of the husband

2010-01-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

My dinner was muesli and a vegetable juice.
What did Adrian have? A huge pizza.
My dinner last night was chickpeas and brown rice.
What did Adrian have? Two fillet steaks and whipped potatoes with cream, butter and parmesan cheese.
Hmm....

While thankfully, I enjoy healthy low fat foods and working out, I don't understand how I can't lose any weight and he can't put it on. And I'm on thyroid speeding up medication!!!!

He hasn't worked out properly in years yet has the body of an adonis. This evening he attempted yoga for the first time and can pretty much do everything, handstand, headstand, high bridge and with minimal difficulty he can do a backbend from standing, first try.

It's just not fair. Nope, not a bit and I'm jealous. Let's hope that any future children get his athletic and metabolic genes.

Rant over.

The Vegan in Me - metamorphosis of vegetarianism

2010-01-06T02:10:00.000-08:00

I'm coming to that point again where becoming vegan feels like the right thing to do. I was somewhat vegan when I first started this vegetarian process over a decade ago. Although I have unfortunately eaten a miniscule amount of meat by accident when my vegetarian sarmale were definitely not vegetarian. It happened twice so please understand and don't be offended if you see me disecting my food before eating it.

I've been watching the newest series of 'Kill it, Cook it, Eat it' and it has re-strengthened my resolve to never eat meat again but I do eat dairy. I don't feel like I'm a 'real' vegetarian. I could be vegan without many issues but one of my greatest challenges would be explaining to people who have cooked delicious lacto-ovo vegetarian food for me in the past that I no longer eat cheese or eggs. I hate putting people out and actually really like making my own food and bringing it rather than cause extra work. I'm absolutely delighted just to have the vegetables in a meat and veg dinner party or just the rice with some herbs when the rest eat chilli or chicken curries. I feel truly blessed when friends/family make specially vegetarian meals for me and I am treated just like everyone else. So how do I make extra work for these wonderful people who wouldn't dream of making me bring my own food?

Also, will I never eat birthday cake again unless I make it myself? Not joining in celebrations of food with friends and family really is upsetting. But where there's a will there's a way and that's been the theme of my life so far. I could always offer to bake the birthday cake or bring a veggie dish to share around. I could find substitutes for my favourite dairy items even if they wouldn't be the same. Is it really worth it to find replacements or just change my life to eliminate these items totally and accept my new way of eating.

The only way I can feel comfortable either becoming a vegan or remaining a lacto-ovo vegetarian is by making a list of the dairy and animal derived products I eat and use and seeing if I can find reasonable substitutes or live without them. The truth is that dairy has never agreed with me and it would be that little bit easier to be lighter and healthier and keep my cholesterol low but I am emotionally attached to some foods.
Whenever I was sick as a little girl and I was just reaching recovery point my Mom would make me toast, buttered with sliced banana on top. It still works to this day. While I can still eat bread and banana, the butter would be gone forever. Specifically, Kerrigold would be gone. I wouldn't eat another butter. I've gone months in Romania without butter as the varieties I've found have left me gagging. Maybe it's a case of changing my surroundings and mentally detaching myself from my fond food memories.

Then, there's pastries. Ah, croissants........I don't eat them often but on holidays, specifically in Brussels, sitting with a cup of coffee I am in heaven. Could there be an exception or would I only be a part-time vegan and be excluded from membership and have my Vegetarian Pride card revoked?

Honey. I don't know how I'd replace it in half of my favourite dishes that I've made over the last 10 years. It's my secret pasta sauce ingredient that just brings it to a whole other level (not so secret now lol). I am a bit of a foodie and I love to eat. I love to eat 90% healthilly and 10% guiltlessly.

I also love to cook. I show my love to Adrian through cooking. I do *ducking from veggie guilt* cook meat for him. I make a big exception for him. I would do it for NOONE else, not even my mother who I adore. I make his favourite whisked mashed potatoes with garlic, cream, butter and cheese - but only on special occasions since he got his cholesterol tested and it's a little high. Maybe a vegan diet would do him some good? Although I'm sure he'd have many reservations.

So, here's my list of potentially banished foods:

Milk - very rarely used and only on cornflakes or making scones. I could use soya or rice milk. No big deal.
Butter - Kerrigold - I don't think I'll ever find an adequate replacement. In filo pastry I could use oil I suppose but toast would be pointless. I love hummus on toast but it's just different.
Eggs - very rarely eaten, mostly in baking/cooking. I'm sure I could find something else to bind cakes and set liquid dishes. No big deal.
Honey - There is agave nectar although I've never seen it in Ireland. I'm sure I could find a way to smuggle it in and I'm sure I could use it in my favourite recipes.
Cheese - Sigh. I'll miss cheese. Smokey aged cheese, greek feta, light cheddar, goats cheese and one of my staples when travelling in Romania: Cascaval Pane. Sigh again. I don't know that soya cheese will cut the mustard at all. But I'll try. If I could find soya feta I'd be happy but I don't think it exists or at least isn't available to me. Sigh again.

So, inspired by a fellow veggie blogger and nestie, I'm going to try and go vegan but not totally. My approach will be trying the alternatives for the above and see if I can live healthilly and happilly as a proud vegan.

At the end of my day do I love my body and this earth and the beautiful animals enough to make the sacrifices? I guess I'll find out.

AH, i forgot about chocolate. Any vegans know a good vegan chocolate or am I dreaming?

Making Health Fun - Ceremonial herbal tea drinking

2010-01-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

Less coffee, diet coke and wine and more energising and cleansing herbal teas. I've taken our gorgeous tea set we bought in Brussels in 2007 out of hiding and have decorated a small previously unused table with a handmade Romanian tablecloth and a ceremonial tea-drinking tradition has begun. On the menu today, Organic teas in unbleached teabags; lemon & nettle, raspberry leaf and peppermint. Slurp, slurp, yum, yum.

Why I love yoga - Migraine Averted!

2010-01-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

I tend to get migraines which originate from my upper shoulders and then reach my skull and a whole series of mind splitting muscle spasms ensue. I had the start of this occur today. I felt the sharp pinch of muscles in my upper back and neck and said 'hey, before I get the painkillers why don't I do a yoga video for shoulders/neck?' and I did THIS ONE. Now, while I still feel tender and am very careful not to bring the pain on I can tentatively say this migraine was averted. That is pretty miraculous. The only other thing I've experienced that relieved a bad migraine without medication was a glorious Tui Na massage.

I'm really loving putting yoga to the test in my own life.

Note: That youtube channel 'Yoga Today' is absolutely excellent.

Edit: When you find a miracle break from a migraine, take it and then go to bed before it tries to come back again. It's what I should have done and what I'm about to do before I go into meltdown mode.
Nighty night!

Pictures from the 2009/2010 transition.

2010-01-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

Snow falling on New Years Eve!

Views from CityWest 01.01.10

The trees in our garden blown down by the harsh wind lately.

Us, pure and simple.

New Years Resolutions - The Year of the Hippy - Starting Early

2009-12-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

Some people hate making New Years Resolutions but I love them. It's a fresh start and a brand new opportunity for me to tweak my life in ways I can control. So for 2010, what is it I want to change?

1. I will do yoga every morning. I've started this and I'm feeling more supple already. The inner peace I feel as soon I reach the end of my practice is incomparable to anything else. I feel connected to myself. It also makes me feel less guilty drinking a big mug of coffee afterwards. I'm even doing some before bed or in bed to help open up my tight hips and I can feel that working already too. The best thing about this resolution is that I have an excuse to do online shopping (http://www.yogamatters.co.uk/) for some blocks, possible new mat, clothes and music which is absolutely justified because after all, it's for my health and it feeds my shopping desire. Two birds, one credit card. I've also found a few classes that fit into my time table at http://www.yogadublin.com/ and I can't wait to try out the new Dundrum location which is much more convenient for me. I had tried the yoga classes at my local Crunch gym but really it's almost impossible for me to cultivate inner harmony with disco lights although it does make my runs a lot more fun. Lastly but quite importantly, if I can't get to the gym I still feel like I've worked out.

2. Get the business up and running. It is going to take a while to get everything in order and our stock routes sorted but we're getting there. I can't wait to be running my own business.

3. Have a baby. As per the posts below we're already making steps for this through ART.

4. Finish my book. Yes, that book that's been in the pipeline for about 4 years. It's theme and main story have twisted and turned a lot and now it's time to finish it. I have been writing a bit more and hope to have it finished and who knows, even published in 2010.

5. Be as healthy as I can be. Physically by limiting toxins (but not being too puritanical as I do love my wine and coffee and a life without vice is just too mundane for me), working out regularly with running and swimming and continuing my daily yoga practice. My mental/spiritual health will be nourished by pursuing my ambitions, reading books to intrigue my mind and taking time out each morning for my inner peace and spiritual nourishment.

6. Most importantly, I will be taking time to be happy. Thanks to my family listening to my direct hints to get me Monsoon vouchers I have a few beautifully colourful items that make me smile when I wear them. I will be filling my house with flowers in the spring and maybe even painting on a wall or two. Also, coffee and shopping dates with friends and a lot of laughter are of vital importance.

7. Being nice and forgiving more easilly. This applies to those around me and also to myself.

I have a feeling 2010 will be the year my inner 'Hippy Chick' re-surfaces after retreating for over a decade.

Step 1 of a very long process

2009-12-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

We are now in possession of a referral letter for a fertility clinic we've been thinking about for a while.
We've decided that presuming (very cautiously) that we are still employed and/or the business goes well in early 2010 we are going ahead and trying IVF. AHHHHH!!!! Those three letters scare the 'bleep' out of me. We are getting our preliminary testing all done again at our GP and we could very well be waiting a good while for our first appointment let alone the process itself but it's the first step and we're anxious and excited that maybe just maybe sometime next year we'll finally get that important bit closer to our miracle baby.
And that just makes my heart smile.

More about Juicing

2009-12-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

1. It's worth getting organic fresh vegetables and fruit

I have tried various brands of organic and non-organic veg from a variety of stores and really the best are the organic ones, regardless of shop. I usually buy mine from either Tesco or Dunnes. Yes, organic costs more but cheapies taste of nothing, have no nutritional value and you may as well just drink water in my opinion.

2. Keep your pulp. It's great for thickening sauces.

I separate mine, for example if I'm making my favourite as I did this morning of celery, carrot, apple and lemon I do each individually and keep the pulp somewhat separate. I made a pasta sauce and a curry which I'll later freeze to save myself from cooking everyday over the weekend and over Christmas. I added the carrot pulp to the pasta sauce but really only put a little bit in unless you want your sauce to look more grainy than velvety. I then put my celery and apple pulp (minus the pips and stalk) into my thai yellow curry sauce and it has thickened it up beautifully considering I could have done with a bit more coconut milk and a touch less water.

3. Keep on juicing. Even if you do eat to excess, balance it out and clear out the heavy meals with a juice during the Christmas holidays. I advise this while sipping my juice after eating Madeira cake for dinner yesterday and breakfast this morning.

I've decided

2009-12-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

I will be pregnant by the time the new Sex and the City movie comes out.
Christmas is here and I wont be pregnant by yet another holiday season. This is hard but I'm not going to do my annual moan at the end of my 4th year trying for a baby like I did for the 3rd and 2nd year. Instead, I'm extending my deadline and the SATC movie seems like a good choice to me. Sure why not?
Just a random rambling but one I hope comes true.
In the mean time I'll try and be a business woman.

Seeing as the cat doesn't want to go in the bag....

2009-12-10T07:11:00.000-08:00

.....we've started a business!

Eastern Harvest Wines Ltd. is now an official entity and we hope to start trading once all the licences and such have been granted (please wish us luck for this to all go smoothly) in early 2010!

I accidentally published our Facebook page but hey seeing as the company exists we're delighted to announce it. We have a BLOG and a WEBSITE but both are still relatively immature so please visit in early 2010.

We will be importing the finest Romanian wines from the Murfatlar Vineyards. They are D.I.V.I.N.E.!

More to come soon.

Christmas and the associated merriment!

2009-12-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed a wondeful afternoon and evening with the Dublin Nesties and a lot of wine was consumed (by me and apparently a couple of others). It was lovely catching up with everyone and to see our two blooming members. After a little dinner, 750ml of organic celery, carrot, lemon and apple juice I'm glad to say there was no hangover. Here's a pic while still relatively sober but unfortunately my camera aiming skills meant I cut out the lovely Joanne so I'm also trying to copy and paste her from Liz's pic.
Happy Festivities everyone! Thanks for a lovely day and a big thank you to Beth for the thoughtful and perfect Kris Kindle gift.

How to make your own Christmas Wreath

2009-12-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

If you're like me and feel inclined to sculpt your tree and have lots of leftover bits here's how I make my own free Christmas wreath for the front door which if stolen doesn't bother me. It takes less than 10 minutes.

Step one, get an old wire clothes hanger and pull into a round shape, then bend down the hook bit and bend just the hooked bit back up again so it will be hidden behind the wreath once completed.

Step Two is to lay out your bits of tree with the top of one overlapping with the one before.

Step Three is to use any sort of dark string and bind them together. If you have any ribbon left over this is a great place to use it.

Step four is to attach/hang some of those decorations you never use for your tree and ones you don't mind being exposed to the element.

And Ta-Da.......you are done. Hang it up using the hook part of the hanger on the back and enjoy!

A little bit of artwork done!

2009-11-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

a possible logo for the Dublin Roller Derby Girls.

The Perfect Saturday Night

2009-11-28T14:15:00.001-08:00

Clean house, fragrant candles, hot bath with essential oils and a quick trip to the off-licence for a bottle of nice red.

Perfect!

Turn it up high!!!

2009-11-26T06:09:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf-_V2BcHb4

this is probably one of my all time favourite songs. It reminds me of long lazy summer drives with Adrian in Romania and feeling absolutely revitalised. Perfect for a cool winter Thursday :)

Oh, and that guy has probably the sexiest singing voice I've ever heard ........ and yes, Adrian is aware of this. ;)

A few new things

2009-11-23T05:25:00.000-08:00

1. I've joined Ireland's and Dublin's Roller Derby league and felt very welcomed last night meeting the girls for the first time. I cannot wait to get my skates on next Wednesday. If I remember how to skate I'll be donning my fishnets and tights and scary face, if I continually fall, I'll be an avid supporter. :)

2. Adrian and I are in the early stages of setting up a company. We are still waiting on official confirmation and licence approvals but we're extremely excited. So much so, I spend half of every night making mental notes and overviewing my paperwork.

Wish me luck!

Juicing Weekend turns into Juicing Week

2009-11-12T01:48:00.000-08:00

Because I felt great after Sunday I decided to keep on juicing and now I'm having 2 to 4 juices a day (750ml) and one light meal which has so far been cereal of some sort (not for it's nutritional quality but because it agrees with my IBS-prone tummy).

It's worth it because I'm never terribly hungry, it's been pretty easy, I've lost 5.5 lbs and most importantly my stomach/intestines have barely cramped all week. Also, my skin is looking super fresh and dewy.

The only problem is that a bit of my juicer broke. A little bit of plastic broke off. It's a 'professional' juicer so really it should have lasted more than a week. Time to get a new one. Apart from this problem it's been a dream and is still technically working so I'll give the same model, but another unit a second chance. My motto in friendships and machinery is that I always give a second chance, but never a third.

Back on the Wagon!

2009-11-07T04:26:00.000-08:00

A little bit of this
(this is my new juicer after the last died a slow noisy death) which so far I LOVE. It takes who fruit and veg like apples and grapefruits so prep time is absolutely minimum. It's a Phillips Professional Aluminium Juicer. Also, there's a huge pulp container and a 1.5 litre jug so no stopping while making up a big batch.

and dusting off this
(with the help of Yoga DVD Channel which makes it feel more like a class)

I'm back on my track and loving it.

I'm doing a weekend juicing detox where I just drink juices throughout the day and if very hungry I have some nuts and dried fruit and some muesli. Here are my recipes so far and each is about 750ml.

Friday Night: Carrot, Celery, Lemon and Apple
Saturday morning: Celery, Plum, Orange and Pinapple
Saturday afternoon: Carrot, Grapefruit, Cucumber, Ginger, Pear and Apple
Saturday evening (planned): Pear, Apple, Orange, Celery and tomato

Sunday will involve the above but with some spinach should I find a fresh organic supply tomorrow.

My recommendation is to get the best fresh, organic where possible vegetables and even half a lemon or lime makes every juice delicious.

Chasms and Isms: Do you have to be black to feel discrimination?

2009-10-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

I was watching this programme last night and found myself quite annoyed by the leader of the social experiment, Jane Elliott for her comments in the final interview.

Firstly, not for one second do I believe racism doesn't exist because it certainly does. However, the reality is far more complex and in some ways more simple than she portrayed.

One of the most aggrevating remarks she made (from my recollection which is subject to inaccuracy but generally near enough the mark) was that 95% of white people are racist. I do not believe that. Call me naive or immature but I do not believe that. I cannot believe that. I will not believe that.

This would imply statistically that approximately 9 out of every 10 white people I know are racist and this is simply not the case. However, I believe 9 out of 10 white people I know or perhaps 10 out of 10 people I know race excluded would have pre-conceived and incorrect ideas about other races. So, does ignorance automatically equal racism?

Could it be that in this society and it's historic challenges, we have brought political correctness to a very necessary and applaudable place but then erred on our path and steamrolled it far past the boundary of civil development to the point of people growing up being afraid to ask questions.

I know a lot of people that would never dare ask a person of another race questions that could be deemed 'offensive' or 'racist'. How silly is that? If I am white (which I am) how can I know everything about how my black friend feels and is in her body. It is as natural a curiosity to ponder and enquire accross the racial divides as it is for little boys to wonder what girls have under their skirts. Providing both sides are open to respecfully asked questions, why not?

I was annoyed that she so simply labelled racism as something done by white people against black people. There are SO many types of racism because there are so many races and mixes of race. We as people cannot be segregated as one of two categories, either black or white. There are black people and white people and yellow people and brown people and some people with bright purple skin who are racist.

At one point in the final interview she said if children left high school and were not racist then they must be stupid as the education and indoctrination in the development of white children is unquestionable (in her opinion). Has this woman lost her marbles? Has she visited every school and home of every white child who has reached adulthood? I think not.

Sometimes it is a lot simpler than she makes out. We ALL look different to each other. I may look more like my mother and less like my friend but I am still different to everyone else. There are too many classifications of ethnicity to spend all day worrying about labelling. Again, call me naive, but can't we all just be human? I know that this statement sounds naive. Perhaps it does so because this day, being the people that we are and living in the world that we do a world without distinction of race factoring into every moment of our waking lives is too beautiful, implausible and too far removed from our often depressing reality. We have become accustomed to correction and revolution and a constant struggle of one group over another. We fight our fellow humans foreign and domestic, we fight our families and upbringings, we fight our political and social structures, we fight the weapon policies of those abroad and at home. We fight in the real and hypothetical senses for supremacy not only in race, but weight, height, wealth and social standing all for the sake of fighting. In summary, if we move past racism, what will be next on the board of injustice? Is this our human state? Are we all constantly fighting to be one rung higher than another on the ladder of existence and evolution. Are we experiencing the theory of survival of the fittest in a social context?

We are all human and we are all flawed. That is how I view the race argument as simple. Depending on your life experiences you will have sensitivity to some issues and absolute ignorance toward others.
I also strongly believe that everyone will have experienced some form of prejudice to varying degrees of intensity in different areas. We have all at some stage offended another and we have all at some time been offended.

While this experiment was interesting I think it too blanketly absorbs racism and prejudice in todays society and summarises it as a simple case of black'v'white rather than a situation of the inevitable and ever present human struggle. It is too complex so perhaps we shouldn't fight it any more. Now, I know that statement is far too ambitious to come to fruition any time soon but should it not be our ideal? If not for us, then perhaps for our great grandchildren or someone more fortunate in the future of this potentially beautiful world presuming of course that we as the human race survive that long.

As a general rule, I think life is too short to second quess myself. If I have a question I ask it and if I have a grievance I air it. At least, I try to.

In a social experiment of my own and to feed my natural curiosity can you tell me by way of commenting, how many of the following have you experienced?

1. Racism because of:

Where you are from
Where you were born
Where your parents were born
Where you live
Where your husband/wife/partner is from
The colour of your skin
The colour of your husband/wife/partner's skin
The colour of your childrens skin

2. Experiences as the victim of prejudice because of:

Your gender
Your sexual orientation
Your job or lack of
Your husband/wife/partner and their job or lack of
You are married or not
You have children or do not
You have a degree, masters etc. or do not
The car you drive or don't
The house you own/rent/don't have
The clothes you wear or appearance

Let's keep it simple. If you could comment along the lines of the sample below I would appreciate it. Of course, please feel free to comment as fully as you wish:

*****************************************

"Your screen name here" says I have experienced:

3 types of racism
1 type of discrimination

*****************************************

From one human to another ~

Brussels and Levothyroxine Sodium - the two missing elements in my life

2009-10-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

We are just back from a blissful trip in Brussels. We've calculated that we've been there at least 8 times and can't deny the pull it has on our souls. We don't know what it is exactly but a combination of architecture, diverse multiculturalism and amazing food are a few of the draws. We ate, drank, slept, walked, saw many new pretty places and works of art and most importantly had some direly needed and intensely appreciated quality happy time together.

The 'recession' has put a huge pressure on us individually and together and escaping that for just a few days was the perfect remedy. One thing is for certain and that is that we want to live there. Now, I'm actively searching for jobs and learning French more intensely than before. Life is far too short to wait for the perfect time. New plans are in place. I'm no longer waiting for the perfect alignment of circumstances and a good job rather than my dream career will do as will a small apartment we can rent rather than a house we can buy. I cried the night before we had to leave but I'm smiling knowing that we will be back, perhaps permanently.

Onto the second amazing change in my life. Levothyroxine Sodium. I am only two weeks into this treatment but without doubt it is exactly what my biochemistry needed. I can wake up in the mornings after 7 or 8 hours sleep (compared to feeling like I'd been drugged after 12+ hours sleep). I feel happy and excited about my life and my confidence has increased ten fold. I didn't know that this drug would have this effect and can't wait to see how I'll feel in a month or more. I remember feeling like this before but for the last number of years I have had to fight to retain my positivity and energy. I have had to force my body out of bed in the late mornings, drag my soul into work and put some sort of ingredients together for meals.
So far I can wake happilly and with vitality, I can see how things can really be the way I want them to be and I can find the energy to do what is necessary to make my ambitions become reality. It has had a wonderful effect on other 'systems' in my body which has surprised me and exhausted my husband. Enough said. ;) Now, all I need is for this drug to regulate my cycles, help me lose some weight and continue reminding me how I used to feel.

I have been borderline 'hypothyroid' for a few years now. My first test result was about 6 years ago and I temporarily took thyroxine. But I went for a second opinion and was told I could hold off and see if I could manage without it. I have consistently had this borderline level since and finally agreed with the doctor I am now seeing that the last 4 test show I need it. I swallowed my holistic pride, accepted that I'm not perfect biomedically but I live in a time where this medication is available and I deserved and needed to be and feel better.

At this moment today I am happy and confident that tomorrow and the foreseeable future I will be happy and fulfill my dreams even if hurdles are placed on this path. Now I have the energy to jump.

2009-10-18T21:05:00.001-07:00

Weekend work

2009-10-18T05:16:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling somewhat inspired by Art Nouveau artwork and architecture lately and I think it's coming through my more recent work. Here's something finished about 4:30 am last night. Inspired by the lady at This Lovely Blog.

IKEA

2009-10-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

I love it. Absolutely love it.
But I can't go through the baby and kid section.
I did it today and it was hard.
Seeing a proud new Daddy (who happened to be Romanian) holding his teeny weeny baby while his partner and child played with the toys was too much. I really wish I could see Adrian holding our child.
Walking through today I could see my 'child' in her gorgeous bed and playing with her mini kitchen and then I missed her, even though I've never met her (or 'him').
At least now I know the layout and can plan my route accordingly.
Hopefully I'll get to visit the kid section sometime soon.
Now, back to concentrating on my career and personal development which is a little bit harder this week.

Something I'm a little irked about

2009-10-16T03:56:00.000-07:00

Blue 'v' White collar employment.

TV, offhand comments, jokes etc about construction workers really annoy me.
My husband is one of the hardest and loyal and earnest workers I've ever known. He is intelligent. He works when sick, in pain with his now life-long back problem (contributing factor being the work he's done in the past).

I haven't had anyone say anything directly to me about my husband but I have witnessed 'opinions' about this profession often preceeding the discussion of "what does your husband do?" and have hear views on the quality of character/work ethic and general appearance of construction workers and it anoys me.

I'm sure accountants, architects and lawyers have their fair share of derrogatory comments but when I hear a condescending joke or comment about butt-crack construction workers or lazy tea-drinking unhelpful builders I'm offended.

I've talked about this with my husband and he says it's probably because there are a lot of the above mentioned characters in this trade and he tries not to take it personally. So why do I? Probably because he is willing to do an honest day's work and deserves more credit.

This isn't aimed at anyone who reads my blog or thankfully any good friends but more of a general disgruntled post because my husband is someone who works in construction and I couldn't be prouder of him.

A new quote I'm going to remember for a long time

2009-10-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

"A year from now you may wish you had started today."

I've been living by this motto recently with trying to paint/create and write as much as possible. While my art is still secondary to my paying job in time alone it is still my priority and I am working now knowing that in a years time I will be very glad.

Another quote I love that is art related and that I had written accross my bedroom wall as a teenager underneath a huge mural of a zodiac sun is:

"The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life."

William Faulkner

Is she happy or sad?

2009-10-11T17:16:00.001-07:00

I change my mind each time I look at it. Inspired by THIS LADY.

It may be gloomy outside....

2009-10-06T04:59:00.000-07:00

......but my new bag makes it very sunny inside.

It meets all my criteria:

It's not terribly expensive
It doesn't slip off my shoulder
The colour is bright without being garish
It is not shiny (sorry fashion world but shiny bags just aren't my thing)
It has a lot of compartments
It is firm enough to stand upright
It fits perfectly and flatly under my arm
It holds a LOT (book, water, leaflets, and all the usuals)
It makes me feel pretty
It's also really light
MOST importantly it has an amazing double zip that closes in the centre which for security reasons is absolutely perfect.

The above list might help you understand why it takes me so long to find a new handbag that I purchase and love.
I love Fiorelli and have bought their bags for many
years and can't bear to throw out my old ones that I have literally worn out.

Can you guess what this is?

2009-09-27T07:22:00.001-07:00

I see things in arcs.

2009-09-24T03:47:00.000-07:00

Since I can remember I see things others don't (that I know of). Sometimes it's swirling smokey shapes in filigree patterns of purple, pink and electric blue that move around and between me and the person I'm speaking with.

I look at words, letters and numbers and try to find the least number of curved lines/arcs that need to make the shape recogniseable.

I look at windows and screens and adjust my position so that I have an equal amount of positive and negative space. I balance the sky and fields outside my office windows 50:50 or 70:30 respectively depending on the weather.

I use the curve of my doubled-nose as a heart-shaped frame for the world infront of me.

Balance and symmetry play large roles in my imaginings with the former being more important. Life around me finds a balance through my sight and mind's eye.

I used to think I was a little weird to visualise conversations or always trying to find the perfect head adjustment to make the view prettier, now I think it must be something to do with being artistic and I like it. It's less of a distraction now and more of an inspiration.

So, if you see me frame your face by my position, don't worry, I'm not twitchy, just a little bit eccentric.

I don't know how exactly as yet, but somehow I'm going to use this everyday activity of simplifying my view of numbers, letters, faces and balancing the picture of my world in another new type of painting. I still haven't found 'my style'.

Something New

2009-09-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you once again to the lovely lady at this BLOG for agreeing to be my muse.

I'm trying Burlesque

2009-09-03T15:15:00.001-07:00

Only painting-wise ......... for the moment anyway.

It's still wet and the face is a lot softer in person.
A big thank you to the gorgeous lady at FreelancersFashion for allowing me to use her as my inspiration. I hope a few more paintings will follow soon.

Nothing to write home about....

2009-09-03T04:26:00.001-07:00

....but just to prove I have been sketching.

A picture a day

2009-08-27T02:31:00.001-07:00

Starting today I am taking an idea I've seen on a few blogs of taking a picture a day for a month and tweaking it. I am in dire need of brushing up on my drawing skills and I would like this blog to be more visual so from today I will do a drawing a day and post it here. Warning, I am quite comfortable with a brush in my hand but the limitations of an unforgiving pencil make me worry. I haven't properly drawn in years. Here goes nothing.

What to do when you feel grumpy

2009-08-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

I'm grumpy lately and using it as an excuse to have fun with my look to cheer me up. So today, I'm evoking my childhood and along with a few twists in my hair tied into a ponytail, I have a small plait going from the right of my crown to my left ear. I'm also wearing a top that I had put deep into my wardrobe because it was too 'fussy/frilly'. It works. I feel pretty and a little more bubbly. Try it.

HomeGoods StyleScope - I'm a Bohemian Classic

2009-08-21T02:26:00.001-07:00

I saw this on the lovelyjubblylondon blog and just had to try it. I think it got me and my style of 'whatever makes me happy' :)

HomeGoods StyleScope - I'm a Bohemian Classic

Posted using ShareThis

Absolutely no news.

2009-08-19T02:52:00.001-07:00

I've just been quiet lately. I've been writing, working out, working and so on. Hopefully something more fun to report in the future. :)

Warning: I'm not bitter really.....but this is funny

2009-08-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is not aimed at anyone and I'm really lucky that anyone I know who is or has been pregnant is not smug about it (Hugs to you ladies) but this was sent to me and after a LONG time of being infertile (heading towards the 4 year mark now) it is a much needed chuckle. I hope to be a smug pregnant lady soon and still laugh at this.
IF-ers and anyone in need of a laugh, enjoy this!

Love, Love, Love this!

2009-07-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

I'm an occasional fan of Mad Men and stole this link and idea from Liz
The result is me taking over the man's world looking pretty snazzy.

The Language of Others

2009-07-22T04:11:00.000-07:00

I really liked this book up until about page 290. It was a quick but luxurious read and then, as if her publisher said "Can you sum it up and finish it this week?" she proceeded to summarise the story and tie up all the loose ends with a bow like you would do with an essay from school. The story had SO much potential and I am a fan of subtlety rather than total story-line resolution so I was disappointed.

The Sorrows of an American by Siri Hustvedt

2009-07-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

I was going to write this in the previous post but each deserve their own post.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and my apprehensive expectations based on her earlier works were fulfilled.

As my husband pointed out, I'm not American so don't let the title put you off if you aren't up to date on your US Geography. The story is universal and integral and beautifully written and showed me that I severely need to brush up on my ENGLISH vocabulary as there were a few words in there I had no idea existed in my mother tongue ("and she wants to write a book" I hear you say ;))

Definitely a recommendation but 'What I Loved' is still a favourite of mine and due a re-read once I find who I lent it to.

I'm on one of my reading tangents and anticipating my new 'Wild Card Choice'. It was in a Dubray Books sale and I hope it will surprise me pleasantly as did 'What I Loved'. It's called "The Language of Others" by (runs off and checks) Clare Morrall. I have no idea what the style of writing will be, how compelling or comprehensively the storyline will be portrayed but I'm up for the challenge.

Edited to add: Adrian just came back with another 'Wild Card Choice' for me in Romanian. I'm not really up to that level in Romanian yet but thought picking out the words (minority or majority of which I am as yet unsure) and looking them up in the dictionary would be a good way to keep learning. Hmm.....it seems I'll be reading John Steinbeck 'Perla' in Romanian. That review might take a while longer.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

2009-07-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

I'm an odd type of reading enthusiast.
I will read endlessly for weeks and then not again for months but I LOVE books.
The very kind KD lent this to me recently and honestly at first I was put off by the written-from-child's-point-of-view style. Luckilly for me in this case I have a point of only starting books I can finish (with one exception - Wild Swans and Atlas Shrugged which I will finish at some point). Thankfully the narration matured with the main characters age and at the end I couldn't imagine not having finished it.
It shocked me, wrenched tears and at times made me want to push a character or two down a hillside and it was a very satisfying read. I definitely recommend it!

May I Introduce...

2009-07-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

Bernard the Beetle

This is my little yoga buddy. As you probably know, I'm a vegetarian and don't kill even insects, unless they bite or threaten to and then it's every creature for herself. I especially couldn't hurt this guy who kept trying to get on my yoga mat yesterday and who apparently lives on our balcony going to and fro accross the wall. I named him Bernard as I do love a bit of individuality and I'm pretty sure neither insect nor human in these parts will have the same name as him.

Holiday Ramlings

2009-07-19T02:17:00.000-07:00

It feels like we've been here a month when we haven't even hit the 2nd week mark yet. It's been hot and cold and then hot again and we're hiding away in a cooler forest and mountain filled area for a few days. I'll spare you the pictures but suffice to say the only bad thing is that I have one foot full of bites, one of which has taken over a 1/4 of my foot. Really, only getting bitten once so far is miraculous for me as traditionally, a step off the airplane is invitation to all the mosquitoes, midges etc. to have a meal on me. My new favourite thing is a mix of distilled water, tea tree oil and citronella and until the night recently I obviously missed a spot, it's worked like a treat.

The time away has given me the opportunity to think about my future options. I'll have to decide soon whether or not to start an acupuncture course or try and focus on writing and art. I still have a week left to think it out but right now I have no idea. It all comes down to whether I trust my abilities enough to make a career (as opposed to a hobby) out of art/writing (please don't take this blog as an example - I just speak as I feel it here) or try something more sensible but still more enjoyable than my current office job.

Anyway, I'm off to bend a little bit with yoga on my balcony and have another luxurious bath in the jacuzzi tub so I'll leave you with some pics. This first pic shows Adrian's Mom incredibly embarassed as his Dad tries to steal a kiss for the photo.

I can't wait to get back to Ireland and catch up on everyone's news. :)

Until then, La Revedere!

Feeling Blessed

2009-06-24T01:46:00.000-07:00

I slept for 5 hours last night and unexpectedly feel absolutely wonderful.
Maybe it's the yoga (which I L.O.V.E. and can't get enough of), maybe it's the B12 shots I'm getting, maybe it's having a gorgeous husband I love and who loves me, maybe it's the great friendships I have, maybe it's writing and painting again, maybe it's having a few Kinesiology clients, maybe it's working in an office less, maybe it's the blissful weather, maybe it's getting to watch Gilmore Girls before work (thanks for the schedule change E4!), maybe it's waking up before my alarm - doing a great yoga workout - having the energy to make breakfast and a packed lunch for both of us AND washing up, maybe it's the upcoming holiday and wedding we'll be a part of or maybe it's all these things combining to help me realise how truly blessed I am.

Today I feel the most at peace with my life and happy that I have been in a long long time. I am thankful.

I've been writing

2009-06-23T03:25:00.000-07:00

And while I have a long way to go before I finish my book, it feels good to have picked it up again. Unfortunately though I find myself crying a lot as it's a sad book in a way (and I'm 98% sure of the ending) lol. I think my next book will be a comedy and will be easier to write. I realised it's my first book, it doesn't need to be an epic and I can only try. As Michelangelo said:

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

Another reason for this post is to see something other than my own mug when I log in to check on my blog list ;)

Playing Retro Dress-Up

2009-06-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

This is my first half decent attempt at doing rolls/twists etc. and I mixed this tutorial and this one. Next time I will try and fill the back space better and smooth the flyaways but as a first proper attempt I'm pretty pleased.

Then once I had the hair and make-up I had to try my new favourite dress on!

Unfinished projects - nudge me

2009-06-10T03:39:00.000-07:00

I realised last night that when I dragged myself out of the house to go to the yoga class I pre-paid that I really need incentives (like losing money) to do the things that I just feel too lazy to do but ultimately enjoy immensely. I have a few projects that just stopped midway and I have no idea which to tackle first so let me know which you think I should do first and work on a bit tonight. When I finish I'll put up a picture.

1. Do some more of my painting of which I've painted about 70% and that's the hard bits like the face.
2. Write a few paragraphs/up to a chapter of my book of which I've only tickled a number of pages with script.
3. Knit my really long winter scarf that I abandoned 5 months ago that involves cables and such.

Which of these do you think should be done first?

What I should be doing for a living

2009-06-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

I really should be paid to find pretty outfits, cute accessories, plan dream interiors and make the odd pretty thing here and there. It's what I could easily do Monday to Friday and I would LOVE my job.
I need to open a 'pretty' shop with random cute items and for someone to guarantee they would sell.
Something to ponder....

I wonder this as I continue embarassingly contemplating what I should do when I grow up. I've had many jobs and been trained in a couple of different things. Right now I'm considering building on my Kinesiology work and training in Acupuncture. But I don't know....is it really what I want to be doing 100% of the time? Do I want to be an artist or can I be? do I want to work in alternative/complementary therapies? do I want a future in business or running my own?

Added to the above I've considered designing lingerie, opening a cafe, designing and making jewellery, being a doctor, landscape design, interior design, owning a pen and paper shop, and on and on and on.

AH!

I just don't know what I should or could do.

from Butch to Bubblegum

2009-05-27T02:49:00.001-07:00

Bear with me while I experiement a little in the world of 40's/50's style.
While I'm definitely not donning any poodle-embelished, fru-fru skirts I am digging the sweetheart necklines, pencil skirts, bright colours, beautiful pinned curl hairstyles and polka dots. I think the 50's Glam look is really what I'm liking. I found a great blog while searching for 'how-tos' vintage updos.

I spent most of last night looking through my new favourite blog which can be found now on my blog list to the right "Freelancers fashion".
Encouraged by the cutsieness of some of her outfits and by my almost 'rough' appearance this morning, I am today wearing ivory ribbon in my hair and feeling every inch the girly-girl as it matches the ribbon bow on my cardigan.

Utterly inspired by this blog I am now looking for some way to become rich enough to buy a lot of pretty dresses, tops and accessories. Oh, and also slim down so I can look good in this:
For now, I'll have to drool on the internet and make do with customising some old clothes, shoes and bags I already own.