Lunch By The Sea

I'm writing to you from a train, that's an adventure in itself guys, I live in the middle of nowhere, a train ride is like gold dust!  The sun's shining through the windows on what has come to be the nicest say of the week, weather wise and I can see the sea! I feel like I'm going on holiday even though I'm going home! 

Yesterday I went on an adventure with my mum, she was driving me up to see my friend for her birthday and I told her I would treat her to lunch as a thank you.

We drove up the coast line, something I appreciate cause it makes me feel like I'm in a movie, I would love the opportunity to take a proper road trip up the American West coast or somewhere equally cliche someday, I'll get there eventually! 

We stopped in Skerries, in North County Dublin and decided on a walk around the head, it was a very blustery, windy day and it's safe to say that I didn't have the appropriate warm clothes with me, but we soldiered on! However as I said in my previous post I find the beach to be a calming place, no matter the weather, so I was in my element! We took some touristy pictures, as my hair whipped around my face and my mum told me stories from when she was young and her family would holiday there. I love when people are reminded of memories from times past, it's lovely to know that a simple trip can bring them all flooding back. You should know that I'm a sentimental fool a lot of the time! 

We then went for lunch, neither of us where too hungry and were considering just getting coffees when we came across the Olive Deli and they had a lunch special of Jerk Pulled Pork, with baby spinach leaves and house slaw on warmed ciabatta! Nom! We were sold! 

When came out of the cafe we came across this last shot where it was raining out at sea, I love that the sky is darker than the sea! 

That was my weekend, just a simple adventure, what did you get up to? 

Sarah

Keep The Wind At Your Back & Smile

This evening, to clear my little ole head and to stick to my trying to be healthy ways, I went for a walk and well I had a moment.

It's been pretty windy where I live the last few days and I had one of those walks where the wind comes along and pushes you from behind, urging you on to do something, whether that be to walk a bit faster or to come up with that idea you've been searching for, you know?

Source

The past week I've been struggling to think of a blog post idea, guess that's the trouble being a newbie but here I am, literally writing about the wind, go figure. I don't know what it was but I just wanted to come home and write and this is what that's all about, right?

I did have a few mini adventures over the weekend, it being St. Patrick's day and all but it was quite the quiet affair for the most part, some vintage tractors and awkward floats, typical small town parade stuff, then a few drinks with my friends which led to coming across some lovely looking boys in suits with beautiful Northern accents, always a good thing, however I digress. 

I do really love those moments when nature intervenes and gets you going, even if its just for the day. I often have one of those moments at the beach, I don't know why but with the waves crashing and the sand under my feet, it really clears my head and inspires me, pretty sure that's a common occurrence for a lot of people, but I hope I remember that when my creativity waivers next. 

It's better that you keep the wind at your back instead of walking against it and fighting for everything, let it give you that little push forward, you can't see it but you can feel it, so let it make your day that little bit better.

So tell me, what inspires you?

Sarah

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Five Songs That Have Me Wishing For Summer

Ever since Spring sprung I have been wishing for Summer to arrive, for the sun, the BBQs, the beach, the fresh fruit, cold ice-cream, warm skin, just chilling in my garden.

As you probably know, music can make Summer, you always remember the songs that captured that perfect Summer moment with friends and family, but that's true of any time of the year.

Here are my five songs that make me happy in the anticipation of Summer, that have me wishing for that perfect Summer, especially while it's raining outside.

Walk The Moon - Anna Sun (Acoustic

Whilst I absolutely adore the original of this, it is one of most upbeat songs out there, this acoustic version screams summer, can you not imagine sitting around in the sun while these four lovelies from Ohio, America serenade you? Cause I can!

Should you ever get the chance to see Walk The Moon live, grab it with both hands, it is a glorious experience, I saw them just over a year ago and they blew me away with their energy and enthusiasm! Kevin, the bassist is the happiest bassist I have ever seen, they are just wonderful. 

The Paper Kites - Featherstone

This song screams Summer road trips to the beach. Do I really need to say any more? Obviously a folk band from Melbourne, Australia know how to write a floaty, summer inspired tune and well, they really hit the nail on the head with this one.

One of my favourite lines is "And oh, I'm feeling fine, we've made it to the coastline", something I thoroughly believe in, the beach can fix anything.

You should also check out Bloom, it's pretty damn amazing too!

Ellie Goulding -  Anything Could Happen

Ultimately, this is just the best song to jump around the room to, that's it.

Personally however it puts me in a really calm place of mind and you feel like you can take on the world after listening to it, which if you think about it is the mindset you want heading in to summer! You need that one song that will give you a kick up the behind, to overcome your fears and take as many adventures as possible whilst the sun is shining.

Plus she wrote her album Halcyon in Dingle, County Kerry, so I have to give her props!

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros - Home

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros just remind me of summer as a whole, so obviously they leave me anticipating summer too. I saw them live last summer, while there was a ridiculous heatwave and they provided the perfect soundtrack while we sat in the grass and soaked up the sun.

I also think there is nothing better than coming home after an adventure, whether you were away for the day or for a few weeks, its always nice to be with those that make your home. 

Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Atlas Hands

Finally, I'll leave you with something that's a bit mellower, while Ben's name might be a bit of a mouthful, his music can soothe your soul if you let it. Atlas Hands is probably more suited if you are reminiscing of summers past, but I think it's just a really sultry sound that woos you to a happy summery place.

And that's it, they are my five songs that have me wishing for the perfect summer, as I do every year, I hope it puts you in the same frame of mind.

Please tell me some of your favourite summer sounds, I love to discover new music!

Sarah

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Pancakes? Yes Please!

Despite being on a bit of a heath kick at the moment I devoured many a pancake this fine Tuesday, how could you not?

Pancakes have always been a favourite with my family and even thought we may not be the most religious of folk we certainly stick to the traditions, like celebrations on Christmas or Easter.

Pancake Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday came about as a result of people trying to use up the last of their dairy and fat before they fasted for the period of Lent until Easter comes about, something I'm terrible at.

Back to the good stuff, I keep the Pancake batter pretty simple, just 300g of plain flour, 3 eggs and 700mls of a water / milk combination. 

I recommend not to have the batter too thick or the pancakes can feel quite heavy but not too runny either.

Adding a drop of vanilla can be wonderful too!

If you are better than me and rather stick to a "healthier" pancake, to make 3 small pancakes you can blend 50g of porridge oats, a banana and 50mls of milk together and serve them with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey, these make an amazing  breakfast, for future reference!

Like I said, we really do love our pancakes, no matter what time of year and we love a wide variety of toppings too!

From the traditional Lemon and Sugar, to smothering it in Golden or Maple Syrups or whipped cream and fresh fruit, you can't beat them. 

A favourite of mine is to smother the pancake in Nutella, then some chopped banana and then sprinkle it with marshmallows, like in the photo below, trust me it works!

What are your favourite pancake toppings?

Do you have any alternative pancake recipes?

Let me know,

Sarah

P.S - Apologies for the photo quality I'm down a camera and relying solely on my iphone! Eep

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