ManicMammy

Wexworlds: Sci-fi and Fantasy Fiction Festival 2009

2009-11-12T21:16:06Z

Wexworlds, Wexford’s Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fiction Festival takes place from November 20th till 22nd.

Oscar, our 10 year old is already mad keen to attend. Once he spotted his current favourite authors Darren Shan and Eoin Colfer were going to be there, he was sold. The range of events sounds excellent:

Light Sabres vs Light Sabres
Comic Page Workshop
Robot Manga Fighting Machines
Eoin Colfer and Darren Shan in conversation
Sci-fi Career Guidance
Microwave Madness
Docent Tour of Comic Art
Time Travel Talk

These are only a few of an incredible range of workshops, talks and more on offer over the weekend. The full programme of events is available to download here. I’m raging I’ll be out of the country that weekend but I’m sure Oscar will have a brilliant time.

Here’s hoping its the first of many Wexworlds to come so I can attend the next one. Full credit to the organisers, love the fact that career guidance is a part of the festival. Wishing all involved every success.

Springwise & Aromicon: Websites I heart

2009-11-11T09:43:04Z

One of my current favourite websites is Springwise. Its tagline of “your daily fix of entrepreneurial ideas” says it all really. So many great ideas and great websites have been brought to my attention via Springwise. Its one of the highlights in my google reader. Get yourself subscribed. It rocks!

Its recommendation that caught my eye this morning and appealed to my wine interest side immediately was German site Aromicon.

Its a wine search engine with a difference. Cool animation make its use almost universal regardless of language. I love its depiction of food that suits each wine, the flavours and aromas in the wine and the tannin indicators. Its a fun way to impart all the information you need when selecting a wine.

You can search by aroma, by region or by what food you wish to match the wine to. Here’s hoping that they release an English language version so that all the website will be fully intelligible to people such as myself whose schooldays Deutsch is rather rusty.

Bake Your Cake Week in Urru

2009-11-04T17:42:45Z

I popped into URRU earlier today to pick up my mystery bottle of wine for the Twitter Blind Wine Tasting on Sunday. Whilst there, I discovered that Ruth is running a Bake your Cake Week from 10th to the 14th of November.

From the leaflet:

Christmas Baking Workshops
All workshops will take place from 5.30pm- 7.30pm in URRU. Each workshop costs €10 per person including refreshments and samples.

Tuesday 10 November:
How to make Paneforte & other pastries for Christmas, with Paula & Richard of Patisserie Regale, Dunmanway

Wednesday 11 November:
Children’s Christmas Puddings Workshop, with Susan Fehily, River Land Cafe, Ballineen. Children will learn to identify the main dried fruits and see how easy it is to make a plum pudding.

Thursday 12 November:
All about Christmas Dried & Glace Fruits & other Speciality Ingredients with Peter Ward, Country Choice, Nenagh.

Friday 13 November:
A Spicy Christmas with Arun Kupril of Green Saffron. How to get another dimension out of your Christmas baking and cooking by incorporating fresh, aromatic spices.

Booking in advance is advised, contact info here. Sounds interesting and fun if you’re free on any of those evenings and if, like me, are fairly clueless when it comes to Christmas baking.

Perfect Pottery Party

2009-11-03T18:34:53Z

Rita’s Clay house,

Carrigroe,

Clonakilty,

Co. Cork,

Ireland

Sibéal turned 6 years old last weekend. Its not a great time of the year to have a birthday party as the weather is usually fairly wet and wintery so bouncy castles and similar are not on. She’s big into Arts and Crafts at the moment. It is an area in which I neither excel nor am particularly enamoured with, to say the least. So I was delighted when Rita’s Clay house was recommended on twitter by @ann_donnelly.

We had a wonderful time. Rita’s clay house is located approximately 10 mins or so from Clonakilty. Sibéal and 9 of her friends spent the first part of the afternoon painting glazes on premade ceramic statues. The kids chose fairies, horses, cars and dolphins to paint. These were then dipped in transparent glaze and fired in the kiln and shall be ready to collect in a couple of days.

I brought the birthday cake and drinks. Rita provided chips, nuggets and sausages for the children to eat. As the weather was dry a brief interlude of running around Rita’s garden like nutters ensued.

Then it was back to the fun of the potter’s wheel. Each child had a turn of sitting at the wheel and producing their own creation from scratch under the tuition of Rita. Without exception, all the kids loved this part of the party. You could see the concentration on their faces and they were chuffed with themselves when they finished their masterpiece. It was great fun.

Each child brought home their own showpiece. Rita also provided the usual treat party bags. Would definitely recommend Rita’s for your child’s party if they are at all interested in arts and crafts. This birthday celebration was something different from the normal playcentre party and suited Sibéal perfectly for this birthday.

Rated 5/5 on Nov 3 2009

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LouderVoice review tags: birthday party, pottery, children, arts and crafts, fun, educational

Wine, wine, wine and some spirits

2009-11-02T11:30:56Z

WSET Advanced Course

photo credit: Matt Biddulph

This summer I completed the WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) Advanced course in Cork. It was run by the Wineboard of Ireland. The lectures and tastings were carried out mainly by Gary O’Donovan. His experience and tales from working in the wine industry for many years made for entertaining and informative lectures.

I don’t work in the wine industry and don’t know if I ever will, but I am interested in wine and the more I learn the more interested I become. I’m not great at motivating myself to find time and study alone, I prefer structured lessons so these courses grabbed my attention. I found the intermediate course an excellent start and so was looking forward to tackling the more challenging advanced course last Spring. So for 14 weeks or so, each Tuesday evening from 7pm till 9.30pm, I headed into Cork. There were about 20 or so people doing the course. Many in the trade, working in off licences, restaurants and hotels and others, amateurs like myself.

The first thing I must say was that it was a great gang of people. The course whilst very information intensive was good fun. Most classes incorporated a blind tasting of a few wines or spirits, depending on what region or spirit we were studying on a particular evening. Retsina tasting was particularly amusing, it brought back memories of Ios 1988, difficult to forget the pine resin flavours.

I found the tasting part of the course to be very subjective. Whilst guidelines were given and it was good to learn a systematic approach to evaluating and tasting the wine, I felt there was alot of interpretation involved which very much depended on the person doing the tasting. One man’s medium(-) bodied seemed to be another’s medium(+) bodied etc etc.

The range of wine producing regions and countries was huge. Before doing the course, I had only a very basic knowledge of Italian, Portugese, Central and Eastern European wines. Not to mention some New World regions. I really enjoyed learning about the vast range of different climates, topography, grape varieties grown, how they’re grown, the different wine making and aging techniques.

I loved learning about the different production methods/tastes in sparkling and dessert wines. I found the fortified wines and spirits section less interesting, but this is probably because I never drink these. The course finished with a blind tasting and a written exam.

What I have mainly taken away from this course, is an ability to understand labels and to choose grape varieties and wines from around the world that I like and which will suit whatever I’m eating at a particular time. I am also now more likely to try new wines as I have an inkling of what they may taste like.

I have heard gripes/complaints that courses like these should only be for people working in the industry and at cost of approximately €700, it is expensive to pay for yourself. However, I don’t believe this to be true. As result of doing the WSET course, I’m more likely to pay that extra few euro on a bottle of wine, to splash out on a more expensive wine occassionally as I hopefully will have an idea of what it may taste like and appreciate what traditions, costs have gone into bringing this wine to my local wine warehouse. This would appear to be a win-win situation for both me and people selling wine in this country.

My wine palate has definitely expanded and I have realised there is so much more to learn. Onwards and upwards I go!

Rated 4/5 on Oct 31 2009

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LouderVoice review tags: education, course, wine, spirits, alcohol, learning, night course, study

Run, run, run as fast as you can

2009-10-29T21:09:24Z

Last Monday I spent cheering on the some of the 10,000 or so runners in the Dublin Marathon. It was a really uplifting and emotional day which I thoroughly enjoyed.

My brother was attempting the marathon in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and old friend Eoghan was running for Dundalk Mental Health association.

Myself and Fionn headed up on Sunday night and stayed with Auntie Paula. We were up and on the road to pick up Uncle Philip by 8.30 and in position at the Phoenix Park gates by 9. We were running a very efficient strategic operation by mobile phone in conjunction with Kieran’s better half, Louise who was ably supported by daughters Chloe and Abigail.

Thus began the day of many races across the city to keep touch with our runners armed with supplies of fruit pastilles, water and energy drinks. We had great fun at the Dolphin’s Barn end of South Circular road. The supporter crowd were vocal and brilliant craic. Was spotted by Wicklow school friend, Kathryn who was running the race and finished in a great time under the 5 hour mark with four other Wicklow ladies. Congrats Kathryn.

By the end of the day, our hands were battered and bruised from clapping, our voices hoarse from cheering, roaring, encouraging and legs sore from legging it from point a to b.

Fionn’s favourite runners of the day were the Joker, the guy running backwards, the soldier in full uniform and backpack, and the man dresses as a yellow butterfly.

I loved the day. It reminded me of what we can do when we put our minds to it. The goodwill and optimism were immense.

Massive respect and congrats to Kieran, his colleague Ronan and Eoghan. You finished in style. Well done lads, I’m very proud of you all.

And big thanks to the lady who lives on the Stillorgan dual carriageway who came to our rescue and allowed us in to her home when Fionn urgently needed a loo.

Emergency, emergency

2009-10-21T19:39:25Z

Tots2Teens Paediatric First Aid Course

Last Saturday I was fortunate to be invited to attend a Tots2Teens one day Paediatric First Aid course which was held in the Kingsley Hotel in Cork. When I arrived just after 9am, there were already 15 or so attendees there: pregnant women, creche employees, dads and mams.

The course was given by Pat McCarthy of the Cork Ambulance Service and he was just brilliant. With over 10 years experience, there weren’t too many accident and emergency situations he hadn’t encountered. His relaxed delivery and extensive knowledge made the day very educational, informative and enjoyable. No question was too stupid. His description of the scenarios he had dealt with brought the theoretical techniques and procedures sharply into focus.

Baby and child CPR was demonstrated and we each had to practise and show that we could do it. I was surprised to discover the procedure had changed since my previous first aid course. Similarly what to do if a baby is choking was shown and practised by each participant as well a variety of bandaging methods. The extensive range of first aid scenarios covered is listed on the Tots2Teens website.

One of Pat’s top tips if you’ve children is to put the Poisons Information Centre’s phone numbers (01 8379964, 01 8379966) in your mobile phone contact list. Done

I was pretty stunned with how much I had forgotten and it was a great reminder that I could really do with refreshing my first aid skills every few years. With lunch included, we finished at approximately 4pm. It was a day well spent. It was very convenient to get everything covered in a 1 day session rather than having to complete a few evening lessons.

Would thoroughly recommend attending this first aid course if you’re a parent. I found it excellent. Further details can be found on the Tots2Teens website.

Rated 5/5 on Oct 21 2009

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LouderVoice review tags: first aid, children, course, educational

Castle Celebrations

2009-10-21T08:31:39Z

Clomantagh Castle,

Freshford,

Co. Kilkenny,

Ireland

Last May I had a significant birthday, yep, one of those with a zero on the end. My 30th birthday was spent in labour and giving birth to our first child, Oscar. So it was rather special and going to be hard to compete with. This time around I would be happy to settle for something rather less painful and exciting. I know, I know, getting auld….

It turned out to be brilliant. My fabulous sister, Paula organised a surprise weekend in Clomantagh Castle.

The castle is located a short drive from Kilkenny city near Freshford. It was perfect for a relaxed gathering of family and friends. It sleeps 10 so there was no problem accomodating me, my husband, three brothers, three sisters and my mam. School and college pals slept in decent B&Bs that were located a short taxi ride away.

The castle is basically a towerhouse which was built in 1430s and an adjoining farmhouse (1800s). There’s a fairly extensive history and plenty of photos of it on the Irish Landmark Trust site here.

I loved the stone spiral staircase, deepset windows and the mix of very old building with modern comforts. The kitchen/dining room was a great size with a range for cooking and the sitting room was very cozy by candlelight and open fire. The master bedroom had a 4 poster bed and was huge.

It was excellent just to eat, drink, chill out and catch up with friends and family and this was a perfect setting in which to do so. To add it all, the weather that weekend was gorgeous, unlike most of Summer 2009, so we were able to make the most of it by sitting outside in the courtyard enjoying the sun. Our kids had a most excellent time the following day, exploring and running around the grounds. The covered over old well, church and graveyard were highlights.

Definitely consider Clomantagh Castle if you fancy a relaxed weekend or week with friends, away from hassle, somewhere a bit different.

I had a very memorable birthday celebration, good enough to keep me going for another decade. Huge thanks to all who made it happen and who enjoyed it with me.

Rated 5/5 on Oct 20 2009

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LouderVoice review tags: castle, accomodation, ireland, kilkenny, venue

Wanna write a story with Francesca Simon?

2009-10-18T12:08:48Z

I think this is a dream competition for most kids. All my kids love the Horrid Henry books and they’re very excited and enthused about the idea of being able to contribute to a story started by Horrid Henry’s author Francesca Simon.

McConnells Advertising contacted me and outlined the upcoming innocent smoothie competition. Francesca is writing the opening line to 26 stories to tie in with innocent’s alphabetic fridge magnets promotion. Then from tomorrow, Monday October 19th, kids from Ireland and UK can submit their suggestions online for the next sentence of 140 or fewer characters.

It couldn’t be easier. Each day a winner will be selected in each of the 26 tales and all the stories will progress day by day until complete on November 12th. Eventually a book will be published containing all the complete stories.

My kids are already on the website sussing out all the first lines and pondering what they’ll come up with for their next line. I love it. Its a wonderful way to fire their imaginations and have some fun. Am looking forward to seeing how the plots and stories unfold.

In awe with a touch of vertigo

2009-10-16T18:24:55Z

Kevin McCloud’s Grand Tour

If I had my UCD days again, I’d probably opt for Architecture or Civil Engineering as my course of choice in preference to Mechanical Engineering. I’ve always loved the clarity and logic of maths and physics but I am also fascinated with the design, vision and practical know how of people who responsible for erecting grand buildings.

Kevin McCloud, though irritatingly smug at times, is likeable and does make wonderful tv programmes on house design, creation and architecture. So I was really looking forward to sitting down and watching his latest Grand Tour series on Channel 4. The premise of the series is that Kevin, like many predecessors throughout history such as Christopher Wren, is taking time out to travel around and experience Europe. Episode 2 of this series focused on Florence and Rome and immediately caught my attention as the Renaissance had lead to a golden age of art and architecture in these cities.

It was very interesting to view the existing Italian buildings and see what huge influence they had on London edifices such as St Paul’s Cathedral. The scale of dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence blew me away. How this was concieved much less built all those years ago is awesome. I had no idea it was a dome within a dome and is the largest masonry dome ever built. The craftmanship and labour is amazing.

The view from the inside kicked in my vertigo

The influence of the Medici family seems to be omnipresent in Florence. The 2 kilometre private tunnel that Cosimo had built, which leads to the Uffizi Gallery is filled with art masterpiece after art masterpiece and such expression of power and wealth is somewhat suffocating.

Kevin continued on from Florence to Rome and compared its urban planning to what Wren wished implemented in London post Great Fire and more.

This is a fabulous series if you’re at all interested in architecture, history or art and how they interact. I look forward to watching the remaining episodes. It has resulted in a definite desire to visit both of these cities and who knows, maybe a Fiat 500 is the way to travel?

(photos courtesy of channel 4 website)

Rated 5/5 on Oct 16 2009

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LouderVoice review tags: tv, channel 4, documentary, C4, architecture, Italy