Category: HOMEBIRD

Something (sweet) for the weekend

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Last week I took a race back home to see loved ones, soak up some culture and eat some good food. The Northern Irish excel at good food and eating is a national past time. I’m pretty certain we invented the term ‘traybake’ though in crossing the Irish Sea these goodies appear to have shrunk and assume a rather paltry portion size that would almost certainly be sent back should one dare present its puny self in a coffee shop back home.

The dark horse leading the charge of the (possibly-not-so-) light brigade towards food nirvana is none other than Belfast-based chocolatier Co Couture. Discreetly tucked away down the steps of a basement on Chichester Street Co Couture has quietly been gathering an army of followers over the past few months and I for one am a devoted disciple to the church of chocolate.

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A film about Christmas

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Afternoon folks! I’ve been a bit quiet this past wee while but been very busy nonetheless. I am really excited to share my first ‘proper’ attempt at making a short film with you and not before time!

Belfast was in the news rather a lot over the Christmas period and sadly not always for the right reasons. I wanted to make a film that explored the importance of Christmas to the individuals featured beyond what’s going to be under the tree on Christmas Day. Don’t get me wrong, Christmas presents and parties are brilliant and something to look forward to but there’s more to the season than just that. For me, and the people I interviewed, it’s a time for family – whether that’s the family you’re born with or the one you pick up along the way – and generally looking out for one another. I hope that comes across when you are watching.

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First impressions

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Ready or not, off I go

Ready or not, off I go

The week got off to an emotional start involving 2 vacuum bags, one suitcase and a feather duvet. Note to those charged with marketing the sale of said vacuum bags: they are NOT the miracle workers you claim! They can only fit so much and no matter how hard the vacuum cleaner sucks the air out my items it will never compress as much as I need them to. Cue a number of hissy fits, a lot of coffee and a door or two slammed shut in frustration. I know, I’m an arse but I don’t do well travelling light and when it comes to moving your life across the sea it’s very difficult condensing 30 years worth of crap into a 23kg baggage allowance!

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A fond farewell

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My final day at home is here and there’s little more to do than pack my life away into a couple of suitcases before heading to the mainland tomorrow afternoon. Wee buns, eh what? Hmm…

My last few days at home have been a real treat. I’ve managed to see lots of friends, meeting for coffees and drinks – a great opportunity to catch up and say ‘So long (for now)’ properly. A less positive experience for my liver and sleep patterns but totally worth it nonetheless!

Not looking too shabby, considering it's kicking out time!

Not looking too shabby, considering it’s kicking out time!

Last night, I got a great offer on tickets for a satirical review show of 2013 which was on at the Lyric Theatre in town. It covered everything from ‘fleg’ protests to politicians not declaring expenses and other discrepancies to planning permission and the peace process. It was entirely NI-focused so those not from these shores would probably have missed the local humour. You’ll just have to take my word for it: it was brilliant! It was the perfect final dose of Norn Iron wit I needed to last until I’m next home for a visit. If you’re a local to these parts the show’s running for another few days. Use the promo code ‘Hangover’ when you’re booking your seat to get a 2 for 1 deal if the offer’s still on.

I’ll leave you with a little video from the Forget Turkey cast, aptly entitled Interested in working in the media?

Notepad at the ready – I need all the tips I can get! 😉

A favourite from home

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Before I head across the Irish Sea for pastures new I want to tell you about one of my favourite places on this side of the pond, should you ever be in the area looking for somewhere lovely to visit! Unfortunately, time is not on my side so I am writing this post in the wee hours between bedtime and daylight. I’ve mentioned the focus of this post a few times before but it’s such a special place it really deserves a post all of its own.

Ever since I was a wee girl I’ve loved to visit Mount Stewart. I can feel myself beginning to smile in the car on the way there. Our journey sees us snake round the bends of the Portaferry Road with fields on our left and Strangford Lough on our right. As a child I can remember walks around the lake with our dog, Lucky and picnics on the lawn with my nanny in front of the house. Each time I visit I’m reminded of many happy memories. More recently I enjoyed taking pictures of the gardens as I helped a friend in search for some last minute seasonal inspiration ahead of her autumnal wedding which I wrote about here. Incidentally, my friend found the beautiful lace shawl she is wearing in the picture at the Autumn fair!

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