Do you have an Irish surname in your family tree? In this Letter from Ireland we look at the Tribes of Ireland in 1150. Join us as we take a tour off the kingdoms at this time and the surnames associated with them.
Planning the perfect Ireland road trip itinerary doesn't have to be overwhelming. Come explore the best things to do in Ireland!
Touring Kilkenny a Tale of Witches, Beer & the Medieval Mile. From gothic churches and abbeys to drinking a Smithwicks at the brewery Kilkenny holds it all.
Read "History of Everyday Life in Medieval Scotland" by available from Rakuten Kobo.
Planning the perfect Ireland road trip itinerary doesn't have to be overwhelming. Come explore the best things to do in Ireland!
Well ... Here we are. It's the last day of the month, the last day of the year & the last day of the decade. WHEW! No wonder we've all been a bit tired ... Look what we've come through?! 😜 I have to say that 2019 hasn't been as calm, uneventful or productive as I'd hoped. There were certainly some disappointments & challenges along the way, but do you know what? There were WAY MORE positives than negatives, it's brought me to where I am now & it's brought us to the point of a new beginning as we ring out the old year & ring in the new. I've decided that 2020 is going to be an AWESOME year!! 😁 And now it's up to each of us to MAKE it awesome. 😉 The end of the year is always a time of reflection & resolutions are made for the coming year ... Most of which don't last to the end of the first week! 😝 However, I tend not to make new year's resolutions ... See previous comment about not lasting to the end of the first week! Tee! Hee! Hee! But I do try to set at least a couple of goals for the year. Last year I made it a goal to design my first block of the month (BOM). Due to the aforementioned challenges encountered during the year, I didn't get to finish it ... BUT ... During this lovely Christmas staycation, I've been able to design, edit & prep the last two blocks, so that goal WILL be met ... Just a little later than I'd anticipated ... Sat tuned! 😉 Somehow, my creative process inevitably sees the dining room table buried in an avalanche of fabric & general sewing flotsam & jetsam! 😂 So what are my goals for 2020? I've chosen two ... The first goal is to reduce the amount of single-use plastics that we use. This is a bit of an ongoing goal ... I've been using the "green bags" for groceries for more than 15 years & for the last couple of years, I've been using re-usable mesh bags for our fresh produce, as well as choosing other "green" options when possible ... But in 2020 I am aiming to be more mindful of what goes in our bin & find more replacements for our use of plastic. I can let you know how I go with that ... If anyone is interested ... Even though it's not sewing related. 😜 My second goal is a little harder to measure ... I'm going to try to be kinder. That doesn't seem like a monumental goal, and yet ... Think of the HUGE difference in the world we would see if everyone made that their goal! 😳 If we all made a concerted effort to be more patient when we're in the slow moving lane at the post office or supermarket or the traffic jam; took time to smile & say hello to elderly people we see in the course of our day; offer to open a door or carry things for someone we see struggling; only leave positive & encouraging comments on social media posts (stick with Mother's golden rule, "if you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all!" & just keep scrolling! Just because you disagree with a post or opinion doesn't mean you have to attack the person.) ; send encouraging/funny texts, emails or cards to friends & family; make a simple meal for a busy young mum or unwell friend ... There are literally THOUSANDS of small ways we can be kind every day ... If we CHOOSE to. 😉 So ... That's what I'm aiming for in 2020 ... As well as catching up with friends more & doing more sewing, of course! 😜 Those goals are carry-over goals every year. 😁 And as we get ready to sing "Auld Lang Syne", I'd like to thank all of my blogging buddies for popping in to visit & chat this year. I've made some wonderful friends through blogging & appreciate all of your encouragement & friendship. My wish for you all as we turn the page to a new day, a new month, a new year & a new decade is that you stay safe, stay well & enjoy the many new exciting adventures that come your way in 2020. 😊 And as I sign off, I'll share a favourite Irish Blessing. Til next time ... NEW YEAR'S BEAR HUGS! CHEERS! KRIS
Want to learn the Irish language and charm? Read on for an easy lesson on the Irish language so you'll be speaking Gaeilge like a pro!
How to plan the perfect wedding ceremony Are you planning your wedding and looking for fresh advice on how to plan your wedding ceremony? Then read on as we are here to help you. Using some highlights from our 2019 wedding season, we are here to give you some helpful hints on how to plan
A blog about Scots-Irish, Scotch-Irish, Ulster Scots, Anglo-Celts, and Ulster.
Because we all need a way to say "early morning twilight."
Get answers to all your Ireland travel planning questions. These hard earned travel tips are super useful and only slightly cheeky.
Traveling to Ireland? Here are the most useful Irish phrases to use in the Irish speaking (Gaeltacht) parts of Ireland. Includes a simple pronuncation guide.
Looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland? You've come to the right place. Be sure to add these spots to your must-see list for Ireland.
What is the difference between Scottish and Irish kilts? We explore their Celtic heritage uncovering their similarities and differences.
After last week's feature on southern phrases, readers suggested finding the origins of these 9 sayings.
The ultimate London Scotland Ireland Itinerary including advice on when to go, things to do and the best places to stay!
Traveling to Ireland? Here are the most useful Irish phrases to use in the Irish speaking (Gaeltacht) parts of Ireland. Includes a simple pronuncation guide.
Should your baby be a Liùsaidh or a Lachlan? H/t Behind The Name.
If you are learning Irish, the original language of Ireland, it's handy to know numbers 1-100. This article will help you do just that. Count from 1-10:
Learn how to say "Good morning" in Irish Gaelic. We're here to help you learn the Irish language online so we added a video pronunciation for "Good Morning"
