One for the weekend

Happy first weekend of the year! Also happy 2nd anniversary to the manfriend. So what are you all up to this weekend? Doing all the healthy, interesting things you've vowed to spend the year achieving? In case you find yourself with a feeling of 'Oh no, I don't know if I can do another one of these'; here's a list of shiny happy things to pep you up and launch you into the remaining 360ish days left of 2014:

LISTEN: My cheery new Spotify playlist
Perfect for singing along to on the way to work.

WATCH: Happy
This project is absolutely incredible!

READ: The Happiness Project and the adjoining blog
A good one for January reading ... even if I read it in June.

EAT: Smoked Salmon Tart
The latest culinary success at number 27.

DO: Go to see something in the First Fortnight Festival
Particularly Dolls, Confusion Boats, or Silver Linings Playbook

MAKE: Lemon self-saucing Pudding
Ridiculously easy and oh so good.

From Edinburgh Fringe Box Office (in the pissing rain)

Books Dublin Film Food Music Recipes Theatre

One for the weekend

Happy Festive Weekend! I hope you're all recovering gradually from all the festivities, in case you are looking for inspiration of what to do over the weekend (and the remainder of your holidays) why not:

READ: Selected Poems - Simon Armitage
Why not read a poem a day in the new year?!

WATCH: All is Lost
All the good films are coming out now in the run up to Award season!

LISTEN: Me and You - Barry Louis Polisar
From the amazing VW advert with dogs in it.

DO: Write real Thank You letters for your presents.

EAT: Warm Salad
Tasty Spinach Leaves, Crispy Bacon, and a little Butternut Squash?

MAKE: Plans of how you want to begin the New Year!

Murder on the Dancefloor? 

Books Film Food Inspirations Music Photography

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend Everyone! Not long till hometime for the Christmas Holidays - 2 weeks today to be precise. Hoorah! We're also edging ever closer to the shortest day of the year; my suggestion to you if you have to go to work before sunrise (what is it ... 8am?!) is to listen to this: I did the other day when I had to start work at 7.30am and it brightened my mood no end!

In case you're at a loose end this weekend, why not:

WATCH: Fishes (Smock Alley Theatre, 8pm until Wednesday 11th)

One of the best (and funniest) new shows I've seen in a long time.

LISTEN: Le Petit Pain au Chocolat - Joe Dassin

This song makes me smile!

READ: Mary Poppins - P. L. Travers

Next on my book list ... still can't believe I won it!

EAT: Lemon and Lime Tart

Simple and oh so good.

DO: Have a wine and cheese night with friends

Lidl is a magical place to stock up on the goods.

Books Dublin Food Inspirations Photography Recipes Theatre

One 'practically perfect in every way'

Via: Ponderings of All Things

Mary Poppins is great ... and for the first time the other day I actually won a real prize in an online competition: a copy of the original book! I can't wait to read it, can't say I have before.

Books Film

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend party people! Any big plans? I'm not sure how it's already hitting December; must be time to actually join in with the Christmas spirit that's been abounding in shops since October ... I don't approve of any sort of merriment before December really, you don't want to peak too soon!

If you're at a loose end why not:

LISTEN: Maggie May - Rod Stewart

The current song that's stuck in my head!

READ: Man with the Compound Eyes - Ming-Yi Wu

I can't wait to start this bad boy!

DO: Buy Christmas decorations, or make your own, or unpack them.

Since I have a tight budget, and am going home for Christmas, I might stick to cheap and tacky.

EAT (well, drink): Mulled Wine

T'is the season of mulled wine, people. Better make the most of it!

WATCH: Big Fish

Tim Burton at a less 'Tim Burtonesque' moment 

MAKE: A list of what you're going to buy people...and Moussaka.

I made my best Moussaka yet the other day...quite an achievement!

Books Film Food Inspirations Music

One for the weekend

Hello Team, how are you all? If you hadn't noticed yet, it has slipped seamlessly into a yellow leaved, dark eveninged stage of Autumn ... I know I should have prepared for this day, but the summer was so unusually long and warm that I was quite prepared. Bring forth the winter coats! So what  have you been doing? Yesterday I spent the day climbing walls and crawling through mud (literally) at an outdoor adventure centre ... great fun, but I did enjoy getting the mud out from between my toes when I got home!

If you are in need of inspiration, why not: 

READ: Brambly Hedge: Autumn Story - Jill Barklem

Just to get you in the mood for the season ... next up, the Winter Story (my favourite)

LISTEN: Les Champs Elysees - Joe Dassin

I'm currently learning this on the Ukulele

EAT: Shepherds Pie

I just discovered that my manfriend makes it nearly as well as my Granny...hoorah!

WATCH: The Bear's Tuxedo - Theatre Upstairs (13:00 and 19:00 until the 16th)

DO: Find a sport, join a club, or make up your own group

While writing a play I'm going to meet with a friend of mine so we can spur each other on!

MAKE: Real Hot Chocolate

(serves 2)

1 1/2 Cups (360ml) Milk

3oz (90g) Good Quality Chocolate (I prefer Dark, but whatever you fancy!)

1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence

1 tsp Espresso Powder or 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (optional)

In a saucepan, gently melt the chocolate in the milk over a low heat, whisking until all the chocolate is completely melted. Bring the mix gently to a simmer and whisk in the espresso/cinnamon until combined. Pour into two cups and top it off with whipped cream, grated chocolate, nutmeg, marshmallows, or whatever you fancy.

If you're feeling extra racy, you could use a milk frother to make it all extra bubbly and scrumptious...they're selling them at the moment in Tiger (which I'm only allowed to visit with adult supervision because they have so much cool stuff.

Loughcrew, Meath

(before getting covered in mud)

Books Dublin Food Inspirations Music Recipes Theatre

One for the weekend

Happy Sunday! I hope you're having a lovely weekend, even though winter does appear to have started ... very 'dark and gloomy' as Duke Percival would say. Time for hibernation and knitwear methinks! If you're wondering what to do for the rest of the weekend (or in my case, the next week) then I hope you might enjoy some of the suggestions below:

READ: The Signature of All Things - Elizabeth Gilbert
I can't wait to read this when I finish my last book.

WATCH: Blue Jasmine

The list of films I want to see is growing by the second!

EAT: Soup!

I particularly like pea, or parsnip, but want to try this butternut squash one next.

DO: Throw a dinner party ... with plenty of wine

I have a new recipe book ... watch this space!

LISTEN: Cakewalk into Town - Taj Mahal

Cracking music from Cerys on 6 Music this morning.

MAKE: Apple Crumble

'Tis the season to make nice warm puddings!

Liberty Hall, Dublin

Books Dublin Film Food Inspirations Music

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend lovely people, I hope you're having a good one! I'm back to working at the weekends, but next week I get to pop over to London to meet my new niece for the first time ... Hoorah!

If you need some inspiration why not:

READ: What in God's Name - Simon Rich

The days are closing in: time to hibernate with a good book.

LISTEN: The Museum of Curiosity - BBC Radio 4

I'm a sucker for some radio 4 at bedtime!

WATCH: Casablanca

Or any of the Classics you haven't seen yet ... they may be classics for a reason.

EAT: Pasta Bake

Mix some cheese in with the breadcrumbs for the topping, it'll taste magical!

DO: Go exploring around where you live

I took the below photo yesterday in Dublin.

MAKE: Plans for a Halloween Costume

I always think the less money and the more sheer inventiveness used, the better!

Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin

Books Dublin Film Food Inspirations

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend! Last weekend involved the last performance of 'The Secret Art of Murder', a pretty epic wrap party, and watching Dublin win the All-Ireland Final (from a nice comfy spot in our local pub); so the small matter of shooting a short film seems positively relaxing.

What are you up to this weekend? In case you need a little inspiration, here are some feel-good suggestions:

WATCH: A Town Called Panic
(One of my favourite films ... I'd go as far as to say Top 5!)

LISTEN: Hey Ho - The Lumineers
(I heard a great version at a recent wedding)

READ: Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
(Very funny and VERY English)

EAT: Vanilla Ice cream and Homemade Chocolate Sauce
(I actually substitute the sugar for golden syrup and water for instant coffee!)

DO: Go for a blustery walk, and look out for blackberries!
(Aim higher than dogs can pee)

MAKE: Roast Tomatoes and Goats Cheese
(A family classic)
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Slice a load of juicy Tomatoes, and lay them (slightly overlapping) across the bottom of an ovenproof dish. You can also add chopped Bell Peppers, and Red Onion if you want. Sprinkle with crushed Garlic, freshly ground Pepper, and any Herbs you fancy (I like basil/oregano) across the top, then crumble generous amounts of Goats Cheese over. Drizzle with Olive Oil, and place in the centre of the oven for about 20 minutes, Or until the cheese is melted and a bit golden. Serve with a warm baguette, and don't be too polite ... the more dipping the better!

The view from Seapoint

Books Dublin Film Inspirations Music Recipes

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend! Oh the excitement ... my lovely sister has had her last day at work before having a baby; it's my manfriend's birthday weekend; and I'm not working. The phrase 'everyone's a winner, baby!' springs to mind.

But if you find yourself at a loose why not:

WATCH: The Way Way Back

If in doubt, anything with Sam Rockwell's good, but this looks particularly enjoyable.

READ: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

The whole series - I was reminded the other day of the Whale and the Flower Pot.

LISTEN: I Like It Like That - Pete Rodriquez

For my favourite (and only) sister

EAT: Japanese Food

I'm a particular fan of the Ebi Gyoza

DO: Pick up a Dublin Fringe programme and plan what to see

I'd recommend 'The Secret Art of Murder'. Not just because I'm in it, honest guv'!

MAKE: Super Tasty Chocolate Cake

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Super Tasty Chocolate Cake

I thought this was the recipe used by my Granny, as it's a variation on one of her other cake recipes; but turns out she has a separate recipe for chocolate cake ... oh well, tastes pretty great to me!

2 Large Eggs

Butter (100g approx)

Dark Chocolate (100g approx)

Golden Caster Sugar (100g approx)

Self Raising Flour (100g approx)

2 level tsp Baking Powder 

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

1 tbsp Milk 

1 pinch Salt

100ml Double Cream

100g Dark Chocolate

Giant Chocolate Buttons

First up, preheat the oven to 170 degrees, and grease the cake tin (I also line the bottom with a circle of grease proof paper). Next weigh the eggs, and use that figure to weigh out the other ingredients. Melt the butter and chocolate together slowly over a low heat; then once it's cooled slightly, stir in the eggs, followed by the baking powder, vanilla essence, milk, and salt.

Pour the mixture into the cake tin, and bake in the middle shelf for about 30 min, or until a knife comes out clean from the centre. Leave to cool on a wire rack. For the ganache icing, heat the chocolate and cream over a low heat till the chocolate is completely melted. Pour into a heatproof container then beat with an electric whisk for about 10min, until it's glossy and cool. Put it into the fridge till you're ready to ice the cake, which'll make it a bit thicker and easier to handle.

Slice the cake carefully in half, then sandwich back together with a good dollop of icing, then spread the rest over the top, and carefully down over the sides (I had to transfer it carefully to a different plate after for presentational purposes!) Stick some of the giant chocolate buttons around the edge, and use the rest to decorate the top.

Enjoy!

Books Edinburgh Film Inspirations Music Recipes

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend! What are you doing? Where are you going? What's the plan?!
It is now just under one week until I get a day off, and can escape to Edinburgh for a long weekend ... hoorah!

If you need inspiration why not:

WATCH: Alpha Papa

For all fans of Alan, I say to you ...'Aha!'

LISTEN: If You Leave Me Now - Chicago

For team Halpin, or anyone who has experienced inappropriate moments of humour.

EAT: Blackberries

Straight off the bush ... above the height dogs can pee on!

DO: Take a Tour of Smock Alley Theatre (12.30/3pm until the end of August)

Theatre Royal to Whiskey Store to Church to Viking Centre and back to Theatre!

READ: How To Be A Woman - Caitlin Moran

One of those books that's being passed from person to person ... awesomeness!

TAKE: More photos 

And make an effort to print the best ones!

Sligo Roadtrip 2010

Books Dublin Film Inspirations Music Photography Theatre

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend ... and a Bank Holiday no less! I have no idea how we've got to August already; I'll just have to make the most of the rest of the year (I've made a start already with flights booked for a trip to Edinburgh Fringe, a trip back home for a wedding, and plans to visit my brand new niece when she arrives ... not too shabby!) As for this weekend, I will, as usual, be working during the day, and attempting to make for it in the evening.

But if you're at a loose end how about:

LISTEN: Fun Fun Fun - The Beach Boys

Or all the beach boys albums, preferably while sitting in a hammock.

READ: Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier

In honour of the other Rebecca, whose birthday it is..

WATCH: Extinct (Theatre Upstairs until August 10th)

Batshit crazy in the best, and most humorous way possible!

DO: Support Dublin in the GAA (Football and Hurling, oh yeah!)

And mourn the loss of London, who I was hoping would be a wildcard winner

EAT: Marshmallows toasted on a Bonfire

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside (like an Armadillo) preferably

MAKE: Plans for the rest of the year.

Time is slowly running out people, it'll be dark before we know it!

You may not be shocked and surprised to know, this is not Ireland. It's the Whitsundays in Australia ... I'm reminiscing about the only time I've ever managed a real tan!

Books Dublin Food Inspirations Music Theatre

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend! Hands up how many people have got completely soaked in the last few days? (I have two hands up). This weekend's blog post is dedicated to unpredictable weather conditions that are abounding at the moment in Dublin.

In case you're in need of entertainment, why not:

LISTEN: Une Soiree de Poche - Nils Frahm

For something a little different ... I suggest you start from about 1.40 into the video

WATCH: How to Talk to Girls in Coffee Shops

Cracking little short film made by a buddy of mine, please watch and help it win!

READ: The Maggie B - Irene Haas

Not sure why I keep suggesting children's books, but the weather yesterday reminded me of the storm in this (unfortunately I didn't have a boat with me)

DO: Learn a new skill

Juggle, knit, get good at the yo-yo, practice card tricks ... the world is your oyster!

EAT: An oversized burrito

My favourite place is still Boojum, but there are places popping up all over!

Dame Street, Dublin

When I was already pretty darn damp!

Books Dublin Film Inspirations Music

One for the weekend

Ladies and Gentlemen, It's the WEEKEND! The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and (though this may be the first time ever that it's too hot to sleep in Ireland), all is right with the world. As ever, I'm in work, dressed in a ridiculous costume; so I urge you to make the most of the sunshine on my behalf ... after all, we may never have sunshine like this again. Ever.

So if you're at a loose end and looking for inspiration, why not:

WATCH: Open Air Cinema (Fitzwilliam Square in Dublin, Somerset House in London)
When does that actually sound such a good idea as now

READ: The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts - Louis De Bernieres
Part one of the incredible South American trilogy - darkly funny and perfect for this weather

DO: Go swimming in the sea
Yes of course it will be ridiculously freezing, but should be done at least once a year.

LISTEN: Lola - The Kinks

MAKE: The Best Mars Bar Ice Cream Ever

Serves 6

3 65g Mars Bars

10 fl.oz Double Cream (or half crème fraîche )

1 Egg White

1 Tab. Milk

Thinly slice the Mars Bars, and heat them gently with the tablespoon of milk over a pan of simmering water, stirring as it melts. Cool for 10minutes, and stir well.

Whip the cream, and gently stir a small amount into the caramel, then fold in the remaining cream gradually with a metal spoon.

Lightly beat the egg white, and fold into the mixture. Pour into a serving dish, then cover and freeze for at least 2-3hours. Thaw for approximately 20min in the fridge before serving by itself, or with a few raspberries, or home made biscuits.

Books Dublin Film Inspirations London Music Recipes

One for the weekend

I'm sorry that I haven't been quite so sprightly with my blogging lately, particularly with weekend posts ... but I'm back now! So if you are at a loose end this weekend and wondering what to do, why not consider some of these glittering options? Rumour has it we're going to have sunshine ... hoorah!

READ: The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd
A perfect summer book - the sort that's passed from friend to friend.

WATCH: The Bling Ring
Next on my film list ... Sophia Coppola back on form!

DO: Pick up a 10 Days in Dublin programme and see some shows
The more random the better - I'm looking forward to The Eulogist, and Seance in particular

LISTEN: Yellow Car - Alice Watts
A beautiful song from a lovely lovely singer (and buddy of mine)

EAT: Strawberries and Cream
Well it is Wimbledon after all!

Grand Canal Dock

Books Dublin Film Music

One for hometime

Via: The Everygirl

Back to The Shire we go! (No my bag is not this tidy or colour coordinated!)

Books Inspirations

One for birds

Via: A Well Traveled Woman

I am currently standing in work listening to Lauren Laverne's show on BBC 6 Music, and this week's 'people's playlist' theme is Birds. I must say, ever since reading 'The Birds' by Daphne Du Maurier (which is far more scary than the Hitchcock film) I have not entirely trusted large groups of birds (particularly seagulls) ... they're clearly up to something! Nevertheless, I'm hoping they play 'I Like Birds' and 'Cuckoo'.

Books Music Photography

One for books

Via: Culture 24

I occasionally get asked for book recommendations; and at the vital moment can rarely think of what to suggest. Typical! So just in case you happen to be in search of a good book at the moment ... Read the Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervyn Peake (which is made up of Gormenghast, Titus Groan, and Titus Alone.) It's all a bit wierd and gothic, and the characters are absolutely spectacular!

Art Books

One for the weekend

Happy Sunday. I hope the weather's good where you are ... it's bloody marvellous here! However, I am currently stood in work dressed as Tinkerbell; so I urge you to go out and enjoy yourselves (I do of course to have a drink in the sunshine later

In case you're at a loose end how about:

LISTEN:Big Girls Don't Cry - Frankie and the Four Seasons

We were having a debate the other day about what the best films are; and the two biggest contenders seemed to be Jaws and Dirty Dancing!

DO: Have a glass of Pimms!

An unbeatable classic for a summer afternoon in my book.

WATCH: Beyond the Candelabra

I can't wait to see this; apparently it's one of Michael Douglas's best performances ever. It seems crazy not to have got a cinema release in the USA.

READ: Pants on Fire - Maggie Alderson

For some reason, this time of year is the only period where I find it acceptable to read trashy chick-lit novels. Sorry; I'am a book snob.

EAT: Barbecued Food

Burnt sausages and raw chicken optional. A few weeks ago I had chicken and chorizo skewers, and salad with barbecued red peppers ... delicious!!

MAKE: A really good Salad

Optional ingredients include beetroot, grated carrot, pine nuts, broccoli, chicken, feta ... really whatever makes it more colourful and less like rabbit food. My favourite dressing is just a lashing of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice ... Boom!

The Liffey, Dublin

Books Dublin Film Food Inspirations Music

One for the weekend

Happy Sunday! I hope you're having a lovely weekend; I'm back to work but not long till I get to jet off home again ... hoorah!

If you find yourself at a loose end, why not consider:

LISTEN: Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke ft. Farrell Williams

This is my current 'walking to work' song (slightly dependant on whether they time it right on the radio). I may have been dancing slightly while waiting to cross roads!

WATCH: The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec

I finally saw this last night - mental, but very enjoyable!

EAT: Toad in the Hole

Made the other day with reasonable results, and onion gravy.

READ: The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver

Next on my book list, after a recommendation!

DO: Play a Musical Instrument

I had to play the flute in an audition recently - it was nearly as scary as music exams in school. But I enjoyed practising beforehand! Also trying to improve my Ukulele skills.

MAKE: Chocolate Chip Cookies

If in doubt, always go for the Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall Recipe - a lesson for life!

This is where I was this time last week - wandering around Clissold Park, in Stoke Newington. 

Good times!

Books Film Food Inspirations Music Recipes