Signed & Dated

Sipping on chamomile tea and a little teary as I type this reflecting on the wonderful three week holiday in South Africa I have just got back from. Three weeks that saw my best friend saying ‘I do’ to the man of her dreams, camping on the beach with my dad. A solo hotel evening (involving red wine, chocolate and what ever movie the hotel happened to be showing) , seeing my brother flourish into a successful and happy young man and a road trip with my grandmother and mom...priceless.

Blessed to have such incredible experiences and to be able to share them with such special people, who have and continue to make imprints on my heart even from thousands of kilometres away.

Always bitter sweet, I say good bye to a part of me...whether it is leaving Ireland for Africa or Africa for Ireland. Both beautiful counties, both home.

Having been on my own for the last twenty four hours, it really allows time to reflect. Sometimes that’s not such a a good thing if you are an over thinker and tend to sway in the anxious thoughts (both of which I am guilty of), these thoughts then lend them self to questions such as; Did I spend enough time with the family and make the most of the trip? Did anything happen at work while I was away? Am I working hard enough? Saving enough? 

Enough...quite a relative term really.

As I (and I’m sure many other 20 somethings) get over whelmed at times with these currents of thoughts following through my head, I decided it was time to start writing them down again, because even if no body reads my blog except my mom (love you mom) it really does just put things into perspective sometimes. 

Writing this quick post before rushing out the door on another Summer adventure comprising of a picnic, in Wicklow with two newly made and special friends.

I can only equate the lack of posts due to the fact that Ireland has been receiving sunshine as of late, days of it...which means any form of indoor activities are forbidden. Soups and stews are frowned upon and replaced with ice cream and salads. Winter warmers have been shifted to the back of the wardrobe and summer dresses are front facing.

Roasted Butternut with a Roasted Pepper Sauce

Ingredients (Serves 6) :

2kg Butternut- Cubed (cut the same size)

Olive Oil

Salt for seasoning

Sauce:

2 Red Peppers

400g Greek Yogurt

100ml Lemon Juice (about two freshly squeezed lemons)

75ml Olive Oil

3 cloves Fresh Garlic (crushed)

Handful Parsley (chopped)

Garnishing:

100g pumpkin seeds (roasted)

100g sunflower seeds (roasted)

100g sliced almonds (roasted)

Method:

Butternut:

1) Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees Celsius

2) Place butternut on an oven tray

3) Drizzle with the oil and salt

4) Roast for about 40min until cooked

5) Allow to cool

Sauce:

1) Cut the peppers in half, take out the seeds and white bits

2) Rub with oil

3) Roast for around 20min with skin side down on the baking tray- turn over- roast for another 20min skin side up until charred (skin will go blackish)

4) Peel the skin (easiest way is to put them in a bowl, cover with cling wrap to swear, leave 5min and then peel)

5) In a bowl, place all the sauce ingredients and roasted peppers (Not the seeds which I did on my first attempt)

6)Season to taste with salt and pepper

To Serve:

- Place the cooled butternut on a plate/platter

- Sprinkle with seeds and nuts

- Serve the sauce drizzled over or on the size

An Unexpected Moment

I had an unexpected “moment” yesterday, putting on my runners and heading out for a walk, I was surprised to see quite a bit of frost dusted all over the trees, flower beds and hills of Wicklow, particularity because it is Spring. Ireland is notorious for having all four seasons in one day. The weather definitely keeps you on your toes and the sunshine plays hard to get- but when it does shine...its well worth the wait!

As I climbed the Sugar loaf, the frost started turning into snow...with my head phones on and some cheesy pop tune blurring I continued up the mountain until I reached this spot...

This spot...that filled my heart with joy and overwhelming gratitude and reminded me that although the world has many a problem there are still “spots” like this one that are so beautiful, peaceful and untouched.

I know that life is filled with hills and valleys for each of us as we go on our own journey, this moment was the summit of a hill for me, a “happy moment” that I will reflect on when I feel myself slipping into a valley.

Room Shopping!

Can you believe its Easter already?

This is my first Easter in Ireland, the promise of spring is in the air and peoples relieved filled faces is a sure sign that the few days off were well timed.

Nothing like a bit of fresh Irish air to end the weekend!

Paddy’s Day in Ireland

I admittedly spent my Saturday night being distracted by a romcom, while breaking off pieces of chocolate that eventually equated to a giant Easter egg (you know pre Easter taste bud prepping and what not) washing it down with some red wine.

Today’s chosen attire is...pajamas accessorized with fluffy socks and a messy bun. The days outlook is lazy with having a shower, making my bed and a good cup of coffee being the only productive tasks to tick. I thought I’d give my blog a bit of attention and confess to a website that I’m kinda sorta obsessed with...Pinterest. 

I am not sure if it is just that like looking at pretty things, that it is stimuli for the eyes and tugs at the heart strings or just awakens this inspiration and desire for all life’s pleasures...but today I am escaping to my pinterest life filled with my very own cosy, pastel decorated cottage, which I cycle to on a vintage bicycle and make delicious food in. With a view in the background and bouquet of roses in the foreground (one of the several arrangements I have pined on my “Flower” board perhaps).

Where I genuinely believe all the “You Go Girl” inspirational quotes that will prep me for my first day at a new job in Dublin tomorrow.