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Summer BBQs, Getaways & A Very Special Arrival!

by on ‎07-17-2013 11:14 AM

Hello, everybody!


We know you love hearing from our Irish guests, so look for a new blog from us on the 17th of every month! You will hear from many of your favorite people from the Emerald Isle!


Here's what they've been up to...


Sinead, Solvar Jewellery


Can anyone guess where I was with my girlfriends?



I would like you all to meet 3 of my best and oldest friends: Helena, Dara, and Clodagh. A few weeks ago, we all went out for a night out in Dublin City and had a ball! The evening ended up in the Shelbourne Hotel, a fabulous hotel full of character and an excellent place for people-watching! (And, if I am being honest, one of my most favourite pastimes!)


Anyway, as girls do, we got talking to lots of people and met a group of golfers from the west coast of America who raved about their amazing few days in Kerry and how fantastic everyone was to them! I got so caught up in their enthusiasm that I swore I was going to arrange a girls weekend away!! A few weeks later and here we are!! And, man, what a FANTASTIC trip it was!!


The first day we went down to the petrol station and rented 4 bikes, €7 each (what a deal!). Colin, our new best friend, told us to take the cycle path through the Killarney National Park and stop off in Denis Cottage for lunch. The bike ride was just breathtaking – the flowers, scenery and just seeing the jaunting cars go by us with the driver tipping his hat as a sign of acknowledgment. When Colin saw us coming up the road, 7 hours later, he felt a “Mr. Whippy” (ice cream on a cone) was in order!! That evening was spent in an Irish pup listening to traditional music and, of course, we had to have an Irish coffee to relieve our aching limbs!! 



The next day was the Gap of Dunloe. Oh boy! It was a bit of a long walk, and it felt even longer as a result of a very late night! The flip-flops Helena was wearing were not the best choice of footwear, however, we did the best we could, and, after 3 hours of walking, we decided to relax with a coffee taking in the incredible views at the Europe Hotel!!





We stayed 3 nights in all, and I have to say it was probably one of the best girls’ trips we have ever done as a group of friends!! The crack was mighty, the Kerry people were fabulous, and the scenery was out of this world! What else would you want? And to spend it with your best friends, that’s what it’s all about!! I wonder where we should go next year. Have you any suggestions of your favourite places to visit in Ireland?


Now I’m at work looking at my photos thinking up all kinds of interesting designs for jewellery! In the meantime, why don’t you check out our Solvar Jewellery Collection!


Have fun and plan your trip with your best buddies!!!


See you all in September!


Sinead


 


Eve, JMH Jewellery


JMH Jewellery is celebrating 40 years in business this year, and we are using it as a great excuse to have some parties! I am delighted to share some pictures from our recent family party. All of the Harbournes, including our youngest baby ones, are featured! We had a gorgeous Beef Wellington dinner made by Betty, and she even used our Belleek “Everyday” baker to serve some of our roasted vegetables! Yum!




For our 40th year in business, we are also celebrating with lots of new designs and ideas. Were you able to see some of our new designs we debuted back in March for St. Patrick’s Day?


Sterling Silver Celtic Butterfly Earrings



Sterling Silver Celtic Butterfly Pendant



Sterling Silver Claddagh Drusy Quartz Ring



Sterling Silver Claddagh Drusy Quartz Earrings



Sterling Silver Claddagh Drusy Quartz Pendant



Sterling Silver Cross Earrings with Shamrock Detail



Which one is your favourite?


Joseph and I are really looking forward to bringing you lots of new items in the coming months!


Eve


Update: We are very excited to share with you that Eve gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Jeanne Elizabeth, at 12:05 AM on Sunday, July 14th! She weighed 8lbs, 10oz. Mother and baby are doing very well! Her husband and family are overjoyed!





Barbara, Fragrances of Ireland


Here in Ireland we are experiencing something quite unusual - continuous sunshine! We headed out west to Mayo, my husband's family home, and enjoyed 16 hours of continuous sunshine with barely a cloud in the sky over the weekend. Some of the world's best waves are to be found just a stone's throw for Brian's auntie's home, and the surfers are taking full advantage! Can you spot my friend's brother at the end of the wave?



These are the days that inspired Inis Or: Golden moments full of passion and exuberance that leave a warm glow in your heart.  


I have not been quite as adventurous but have been happily spending as much time outdoors as possible! We have been busily BBQ'ing and my Belleek “Everyday” Basketweave Baker has been put to good use – we have found it perfect for keeping food covered and warm while the sausages get their turn on the grill! 



One of our favorite foods to enjoy in the summer is our family’s homemade potato salad. Below is the recipe for Granny Beckett’s potato salad - this is the most incredible pink colour and may seem a little strange - but it tastes great!!


These weights are a guide as this is a recipe that has been in my husband’s family for as long as they can all remember!


Ingredients:


1.5kg of potatoes


250g of beetroot


1 red onion (or less if you are not a big fan!)


3-5 tablespoons of mayonnaise


Instructions:


Boil up the potatoes preferably peeled unless you have got lovely new potatoes!


Crush them but ensure there is some bite left in them


Add finely chopped red onion and mayonnaise and mix well


Add chopped beetroot


Season to your taste with salt and pepper


July is always a wonderful time here at Fragrances of Ireland, as it marks the beginning of lavender harvest. Every weekend from now till July 28th, we host a farmer's market in the courtyard of our offices. It's great fun meeting people from all over the country who pop in to explore our wares! We have fresh lavender tied up in bunches, Granny Cox's Lavender Furniture Polish, lavender plants, herbs, and our soaps, creams and lotions. Should you be in Ireland over the next few weeks, be sure to stop by and say hello!



Barbara


 


Stephen, Connemara Marble


We are enjoying a wonderful heat wave here in the Emerald Isle, so we will be eating outdoors in our garden!



I cooked some fresh spuds for the potato salad that we will have with our dinner tonight, and what better way to serve them than in the Belleek “Everyday” baker! It is just perfect for both casual and formal use!


What is your favorite dish to prepare in the summertime?


Stephen


 


Until next time!


 


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