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 work

 

I think this week's challenge of being trained to make Wax Hands is even more odd than last week, when I was dressed as an Elf ... oh well, that's another one for the increasingly bizarre CV!

Dublin Inspirations

One for the weekend

Happy Weekend my little monkeys, how are you doing? I'm pleased to announce, that this time next week, I'll be in London ... hoorah! If you're sitting looking out at the stormy weather and wondering what on earth you should be doing with your life (apart from Christmas shopping); why not start with a gentle:

WATCH: The Muppet Christmas Carol

LIGHT THE LAMP NOT THE RAT LIGHT THE LAMP NOT THE RAT!!

READ: Winter Story (Brambly Hedge) - Jill Barklem

A real classic.

EAT: Chocolate Pudding

It's time to hit the stodgy food with gusto!

LISTEN: 2000 Miles - The Pretenders

DO: Hit the Christmas Markets (there's a great one in Smithfield this weekend)

The best way to ensure you buy presents they won't already have!

MAKE: Gingerbread Men

I use the term 'men' VERY loosely

Dublin Film Food Inspirations Music Recipes

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 for Assassins

Via: Texas Gun Blog

Last night I went to see the Sondheim musical Assassins in the Project Arts Centre. You wouldn't expect the long and varied history of American Presidential Assassinations (and attempts) to provide the most obvious subject matter for an all-singing all-dancing musical; but it's actually brilliant ... I was there partly because I'd interviewed one of the cast for This Greedy Pig (you can see the full article here), but I'd definitely recommend it to a friend in real life too!

Dublin Theatre

One for fun

  

If you're looking for something to go and see, I'd highly recommend The Circus of Perseverance in Smock Alley ... just look at the little critters!

Out of the ashes of a burnt and charred city, rise the heroic adventures of characters on the fringes of an absurd society. With the ringmaster as narrator and our capital as the backdrop, seven interwoven stories are blasted into life in a mesmerizing disco of scenes.

Dublin Theatre

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 'work'

Sorry i didn't manage a weekend post, here i am on the set of the short I wrote a while ago ... in my head i'm Nora Ephron; in reality i'm in disguise as the barmaid, trying desperately to play it cool and not say 'I wrote this shit, bitches!' and not spot the line changes they've made. It looks pretty darn great ... partly because of the awesome location of The Liquor Rooms in Dublin, which luckily has not yet been invaded by hipsters. Long may it continue!

Dublin Film

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 celebrations

A view from the early stages of a Fringe Show wrap party over the weekend.

Dublin Photography

One for nationalities

From: Melissa Murphy

 

I find the way a lot of Americans always refer to where their family are from pretty amazing at times ... over the weekend I had the pleasure of meeting a great couple from Chicago. But of course they weren't just from Chicago: Frank is Sicilian-American, Barbara is Polish-American! They were visiting Dublin and happened to stumble on Fallons while we were tensely watching the All-Ireland GAA final ... they learned about Gaelic football, they had their first Guinness, and they shared some of their tips for romance (Red Roses every Friday, and writing poetry ... what a man, Frank!). When I grow up, I'd like to be a bit like them.

Dublin Inspirations Photography

One for catch ups

Photo by Stephen McDermott, writer of The Secret Art of Murder

Once again I got distracted and have not managed to post anything for a while. My apologies. I have been doing a lot of writing for This Greedy Pig, covering the Dublin Fringe Festival; and performing in The Secret Art of Murder. However, normal service will resume shortly! So ... how are you?!

Dublin Theatre

One for the weekend

The good news is, IT'S THE WEEKEND! The bad news is that Summer appears to be over, and Ireland seems to have remembered how much it likes rain.

If you're in search of something to do over the weekend why not:

LISTEN: Fiesta - The Pogues

For everyone dancing madly at the wedding last weekend!

WATCH: About Time

Because it is cinema weather again ... enjoy!

READ: Oh Comely

When I grow up I want to write for them.

EAT: Meringues!

DO: Watch shows in Dublin Fringe

Look out for my thoughts, and participant interviews on This Greedy Pig

Dublin Film Inspirations Music Recipes Theatre

One for History

Banquet Hall, Smock Alley Theatre 1662

Dublin Theatre

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 Fringe

Back in the Summer of  2009, I found myself at a loose end and thought I might as well sign up to volunteer for the Dublin Fringe Festival. Despite some last minute doubts (which I got talked out of by various people who suspected I may be over thinking things) I managed to make it to my first shift ...4 years later I'm still friends with some of the people I met that night, and many I have met through various festivals since ... I've lived with them, worked with them, and of course stayed out WAY past my bedtime on numerous occasions with them!

In Fringe '09 I also saw A LOT of shows - I was also introduced to the legendary Le Gateau Chocolat and the beautiful David O'mer in the bathtub at La Clique; I saw shows in a furniture showroom, a derelict house, a supermarket (and a few theatres); I got awarded the coconut prize for sexiest accent because some of the venue staff enjoyed the way I said Rathgar; and I met Geoffrey - my 70 year old theatre buddy who I've bumped into at numerous shows since: he always has great recommendations and is an incredible character ... look out for the glasses and tweed blazer!

Suddenly it's that time again, and the Fringe Festival are once again on the hunt for volunteers ... If you're interested in Theatre, Music, and Comedy then I'd definitely recommend it. They're on the hunt for photographers and experienced crew as well as box office staff and venue ushers, so whatever you're background, there may well be the perfect position for you. There may be moments of moving chairs and polishing mirrors, but there's also darn good fun, and some of the best, and most original theatre out there. 

You can find out more, and download an application form from Fringefest.com or by emailing volunteers@fringefest.com.

(The photo is from Sugarglass Theatre's 'All Hell Lay Beneath' in the 2012 Dublin Fringe Festival)

Dublin Theatre

One for theatre

It seems strange to become blasé about people flying through the air with the greatest of ease (especially since I struggle to touch my toes, and would probably climb ropes more like a half-drowned rat than a graceful dancer); but I have somehow lost interest in aerial acts that merely do a range of 'tricks' with serene expressions, while the audience applaud every move.  So it was refreshing to see a show like Landfall that focuses on character, both of individuals, and the whole; and shows what a joy these skills can be. 

With time to take in the whole world of the play before the lights go down, all ragged platforms, ropes, chains, and sleeping bodies suspended above the stage; it was fascinating to see the first person come to life and explore the space ... climbing along the swaying platforms and swinging from place to place, there's some sense of danger, but it also looks like the best game of 'Pirates' (a game we played in school where you're not allowed to touch the ground) I've ever seen! 

Part Waterworld, part Fern Gully (yes I do watch some very high-class films), the characters seem as interested in play, as in survival. There's an ebb and flow of movement, with changing allegiances between characters, though the ultimate goal of all of them is the one remaining patch of grass high above ... Yes there's a story, but it's just as fun to sit back and watch the ride and imagine: Yes, of course I'd be as graceful if I tried to do that!

Landfall runs in The Project Arts Centre until August 10th

Dublin Theatre

One for rainbows

Temple Bar, Dublin

The plus side of Ireland's changeable weather, is the quality of its Rainbows!

Dublin Photography