Bargain of the Year - 2014

Hi all, hope you've had a great weekend. I am back in Blogland again.
Well we had an amazing St. Patrick's holiday in Chicago, the first time I have ever been outside this green isle for Paddy's day. I suppose I see St. Patrick's Day as something intrinsically Irish so it was amazing to see so many people dressed in green and celebrating 'our' holiday. Not only did they turn the river green but they turned the beer green too! We had a ball. Unfortunately we came home from our holidays to three funerals, one of which was very sudden and a close family member of my husbands. That's life eh? Ups and downs. 

 So after a busy couple of weeks I am finally caught up on all my blog reading, it was nothing short of a marathon, you guys were busy! I too have lots to share but as usual I'm lagging behind!

From the title I'm sure you have deduced that this one is a while coming. You see it was and is part of the Hall-Stairs-Landing redo so I couldn't share before now. He's been there in plain sight all the time though! See the little hooves...

Okay maybe not 'plain' sight.

This was another of those items everyone in Blogland had. Teasing me with vintage looking horses of all descriptions, adorning beautiful mantles. Looking at the cost of these on eBay I had pretty much thrown in the towel!

So last September on our return from a stay-cation in beautiful Ireland we stopped over in Co. Kilkenny. I was having a wander around TK Maxx when I spotted him on the very top shelf at the end of an isle. 

I may have knocked some people down on route to that isle! He was like a reproduction plaster Tang horse, subtly painted in tones of beige and green.  

RRP €93.00! TK Maxx price €23.99!  I carefully took him down. He had some signs of wear, some of his paint was chipping and the plaster was revealed. 

Honestly, this added to the look. However I stuck my brass neck out and asked if there was any reduction for the damage.  

 Imagine my delight when the sales assistant returned to tell me, "the manager apologizes for the damage, she doesn't know how it could have happened, would €15 be okay?". 

It took all I had not to squeal and instead reply with a very composed "thank you very much". I am not joking when I tell you that I carried him all the way home to the Midlands like a baby!

He's another piece in my new vignette puzzle.
I promise not to hold out on you much longer!!

 

Hola amigos!

 Just spent an amazing week in the city of Málaga with friends. I had never been before but it is such a beautiful city, I will definitely return.

 

 

It is one of the oldest cities in the world and therefore rich in history; in over 2,800 years it was founded by the Phoenicians, became a part of the Roman and Byzantine empires, came under Muslim Arabic and then Christian rule.
 

 

The people of Malaga appear deeply religious, most being Roman Catholic.
The city has a stunning cathedral Basílica de la Encarnación.

 

We were lucky enough to be in the city for an amazing procession on the Sunday evening, the streets were lined with people of all ages, men dressed in traditional robes carrying statues and beautifully decorated floats accompanied by music and song and showered with rose petals from the upper stories of buildings as they passed.

These processions take place throughout the year, those of holy week being particularly special. Indeed one of Malaga's famous sons, Antonio Banderas returns to his brotherhood every Easter.

 

It is of course birthplace to world renown artist Pablo Picasso.
 

 

Picasso's childhood home was on the second floor of the building you see behind his statue in this picture. While Picasso left Malaga as a young boy he had always wanted his work exhibited in the city. His daughter-in-law worked to realise this dream and now it holds 285 works donated by the family in the beautifully converted Buenavista Palace.
 

 

It must be a wonderful place for budding artists; home to Picasso and Revello de Toro, so many art galleries to see, lectures and workshops to attend and inspiring views all around. Indeed they can been seen on every street creating their own impressions of the city.
 

 

Malaga is rich in culture. On the eve of San Juan (St. John) we were party to a spectacular festival on Malagueta beach. A massive concert stage was erected and various acts performed. Huge bonfires were alight on the beach which was thronged with people young and old; eating, drinking and dancing into the small hours. At midnight many took a dip in the sea to wash away evil for the year ahead.
 

 

Speaking of eating and drinking, I could not omit Tapas and Sangria, could I? From humble Spanish roots Sangria is now served around the world. Sangria is a sweet punch made with red wine and fruit, is served cold and is typically served to 'visitors'.

Along with the Sangria, Tapas is served in bars on every corner to the sound of Flamenco.
Huge varieties of small 'snack-size' dishes are served in small earthenware bowls. Some hot like meatballs in tomato sauce, prawns fried in garlic and oil (gambas al pil-pil), potato croquettes flavoured with ham, and some cold like cured meats, olives and cheeses. All equally delicious!

 

On our last night there we saw a Flamenco show. Flamenco is of course a type of Spanish folk music and dance with guitars and handclaps or palmas. It was absolutely enthralling, see for yourself...

 



Blooming Marvellous!

The weekend before last my mother and I spent a lovely day at Bloom Festival which was held in the Phoenix Park. For those of you residing outside our fair green isle, Bloom is Ireland's largest gardening and food event. It's a bit like the Chelsea flower show in England. There were 30 amazing show gardens on display, a floral marquee with over 50 exhibitors, an Irish craft village and over 120 Irish artisan food producers. The weather might not have been the best but it's hard to dampen the Irish spirit...
 

  

Here are some of my best bits...

 

...a dreamy New England style beach garden...

 

Cape Cod Escape - Silver Medal

 

...a seemingly simple yet captivating concept garden...

 



'Messenger' - Gold Medal and Best in Category Winner

 

 

...the mildly comical yet genius silver-gilt winning Tayto Garden...

 

 

For those of you who don't recognise this guy, he is Mr.Tayto of the famous Irish crisps.

The planting was inspired by the ingredients involved in crisp making!!

 

...from Potato

 

 

...to Packet....

 

 

...a North American cranberry farm I want to live in...

 

 

Wellbeing Wetlands - Gold Medal

 

...and not forgetting silver-gilt winning D'Garden...

 

...a typical inner city garden that Mrs. Brown herself might boast.

Mrs.Brown being Ireland's most famous mammy!!

 

There were hanging baskets like none I have ever seen...

 

 

He of Kitchen Hero fame and fellow blogger Donal Skehan tempting us with his beef and stout pies...

 

 

Why even President Higgins couldn't resist popping in...

 

 

Well it is technically in his back garden!!

Bhliain Nua Sásta!!

 Okay, I appreciate I'm catapulting towards the end of January here, a little late for ringing in the new year perhaps but sásta bhliain nua a thabhairt daoibh none the less!! That's happy new year to you all but sásta also means satisfied or fulfilled which I think is a nice wish for the year ahead!

 

 

Well Mr. Auburn and I greeted 2014 in style. We spent New Year's at the lovely Farnham Estate hotel in Co. Cavan with some dear friends. I'm never really one for celebrating New Year's but I so enjoyed our time at Farnham.

 

 

On New Year's Eve we had a mulled wine reception followed by a sumptuous five course meal and champagne and fireworks at midnight! Beautiful surroundings, great food, great company, what could be better?

 

The following day we awoke (not too early!) to the 'full Irish' and a day at the spa and checked out at 4pm! Late check out is where it's at folks!! It was sheer bliss and just what the doctor ordered after an exhausting Christmas countdown and thus spending Christmas very much under the weather.

 

Christmas wasn't all bad though, while he didn't manage the 48 hour days I asked for Santa did leave some beauties under the tree!

 

 I'm not big on New Year's resolutions as they tend to leave me disappointed with myself at the end of the following year! Last year my blog was my 'sort of' resolution and while I didn't do too badly, there are improvements to be made! I just don't know how you super people manage to have exciting fun-filled crafty lives and then find the time to blog about them! The answer anyone??

 

So while once again I didn't commit to any real resolutions, there are some improvements to be made which these lovely gifts are going to help with...

 

To get out and about more in the lovely Irish countryside...

 

 

To organise my thoughts if nothing else...

 

 

To inspire some home and garden improvements...

 

 

To preserve the taste of summer...

 

 

To make more 'me' time....

 

Well if I manage all the above I will be more than sásta, beidh mé a bheith os cionn an ghealach!! I'll be over the moon!!

 

Wishing you all a fulfilling 2014...

 

Culture Night 2013!

Last Friday Night was Culture Night!

Culture Night is a night of artistic and cultural entertainment around Ireland where Art Galleries, Museums, etc. throw open their doors and put on events which are all free! Lovely Michelle over at michellemadethis had her own Culture Night at the Cottage.

So what did the Auburn’s do?
We attended a Gala Concert featuring The Priests at the beautiful St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church in Athlone. The concert wasn't free but it was for a really good cause. The church was built in 1937 and renovated in 2007. The money made on the night will go towards repaying the bill! 

  The church looked amazing decorated with beautiful floral arrangements, lanterns filled with candles and the altar uplit with blue lights. 

  For those of you who are not familiar, The Priests are a hugely talented classical trio from Northern Ireland and as the name suggests are catholic priests.

 

 So when they are not releasing No.1 albums and touring the world, they are doing their normal priestly duties in their respective parishes.

 

They entertained us with classical pieces from around the globe, some more sacred pieces and some well know Irish tunes like this one.... 

They even snook in a little Christmas carol, You'll Never Walk Alone (which really pleased Mr. Auburn as a Liverpool supporter!) and Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles.

A truly cultural night was had by all!!

Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Phádraig!

Lá Fhéile Phádraig atá inniu!  Today is St. Patrick's Day!
 

 

Is é Naomh Pádraig an naomh pátrún na hÉireann. Thug sé an Chríostaíocht go dtí ár dtír. Tá sé ina lá chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ár n-oidhreacht agus ár gcultúr.
 

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He brought Christianity to our country. It is a day to celebrate our heritage and our culture.
  

Tá sé seo conas a bhí mé a cheiliúradh inniu...
This is how I've celebrated today...

Maisithe mé ár dteach le bratach beag baile-déanta.
I decorated our house with a little homemade banner...

Roinnt Seamróg. Some Shamrock...

 

Roint leabhar na héireann. Some Irish Reading...

 

 

Seamróg roinnt níos mó. Some more Shamrock...

Roinnt milseáin glas! Some emerald green sweets!

 

Cóirithe mé i glas Kelly agus chaith mé tseamróg ar mo chóta.
 I dressed in Kelly green and wore shamrock on my coat.
 

 

Chuaigh muid go dtí Aifreann i séipéal Naomh Pádraig .

We went to mass in St. Patrick's church.

 

 

Ag Aifreann, léamh againn Naomh Pádraig Lúireach. An uair dheireanach a léigh mé é, bhí mé ag seasamh leis an taise de Naomh Pádraig i Ardeaglais Naomh Pádraig i Nua-Eabhrac.
 

We read St. Patrick's Breastplate at mass. The last time I read it I was standing at the relic of St. Patrick in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City.

 

 

Tar éis aifreann, chuaigh muid chun cuairt a thabhairt ar mo inlaws. Bhí orainn bricfeasta deas na hÉireann; ispíní, slisíní bagúin, uibheacha agus cuid de na arán sóide inné. Ó, agus go leor de na tae te álainn Lyons!

After mass, we went to visit my inlaws. We had a nice Irish breakfast; sausages, rashers, eggs and some of yesterday's soda bread. Oh, and lots of lovely hot Lyons tea!

Bhreathnaigh muid ar an paráidí. We watched the parades.

 

Do dinnéar, ith muid rud éigin go traidisiúnta na hÉireann; bagún agus cabáiste, le go leor de prátaí agus anlann peirsil, hmmm.

For dinner, we had something traditionally Irish; bacon and cabbage, with lots of mashed potatoes and parsley sauce, hmmm.

 

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit, cibé áit a bhfuil tú!
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you, wherever you are!

 

"Irishness is not primarily a question of birth or blood or language, it is the condition of being involved in the Irish situation,
and usually being mauled by it."

Conor Cruise O'Brien.