Aly McLoughlin Harte

Peace, Quiet and a few thoughts from my head.

2012-02-08T21:44:00.004Z

I read recently that in your blog post the images don't always have to have a direct link to the content you chose to write about. So here is one of that type of blog post.

The images are just recent headshots I had taken for our Church website.

As I sit in a (very rare) quiet living room with the only noises being the rain on the velux and the quiet hum of my computer I find myself thinking about all the blogs, tweets, instagram images, movies, e mails and conversations that I have been so fortunate to have had in my life of late. The ones that stick, the ones that inspire and the ones that show life in it's truest form.

My most apparent conversation with my good friend and recent Mum Sarah was today when we talked about the local council. As we sat with our mugs of coffee after a mere potter around my street solely to get our baba's asleep and discussed the need for idiot's to pick up their dog's mess and how the little green bags in your food waste catty take a mere ten days to dispose we couldn't help but to erupt into laughter!

The timing, the discussion, the babies in buggies and mug in hand just seemed to frame a stage perfectly in our lives...a stage that I unashamedly like.

It is not a case that the days when the same Sarah and I drank prosecco and danced the night away have gone, they're just not mid week and just not as often. That's just what happens.

Michael and I watched 'About Schimdt' with Jack Nicholson a few weeks ago and it was nothing short of depressing. However it depicted life for a sixty year old man who loses his wife, drives a camper van and speaks at his daughter's wedding pretty well. The sounds, the slow pace and it's over all dull tone reflected this man's non existent personality. It was raw and it showed just how mundane life can be. Then at the end how something very small can break the cycle.

My latest obsession is Instagram. The app for your i phone that can involve you in the lives of people from everywhere through imagery. The little filters you chose from can make any photo look authentic and interesting. It has become a window for me into the lives of my friends in a quirky and fun way. It is insightful and I will fall for photographs every time so I was always going to be an addict.

The last part of this ramble is around blogging. I think in the past week I have found the time to hop onto about ten new blogs that have inspired me in my art, my role as a mum and my daily existence.
One of which is Lulastic and the Hippyshake. I especially liked the Pinterest challenge that she is taking part in, I want to make bottle top magnets too! Another blog staple that I just love is More than toast with Alice Harold, a fellow Mumma who has stacks of style. Her post this afternoon inspired me to get my trainers on and go for my first run in over a year! Lastly take a look at a friend of mine who is so energetic, thrifty and fun to be around over at Salvage Sisters .Gemma and her sister Lucy have such an eye for vintage and thriftiness in this blog.

As this post is a little disjointed I feel it only right to say thank you for bothering to read my junk. Believe me there is some reasoning behind my sporadic nature. All of the above incidents, literature and social media outlets serve to remind me that I am well and truly here, I have my health and I can (and will) find joy in 'everyday'.

Ps: The exciting thing is that all of this nonsense that I write about just continues to drive my enthusiasm for wanting to finally get on the PhD bandwagon in 2020! You'll never guess what my title would be *hint hint it's my blog 'slogan'*

Thrifty Thursday

2012-02-02T09:17:00.000Z

I am delighted to be taking part in Thrifty Thursday with this very creative and talented lady (who I just met on Instagram...the power of social networking!) Mel and a flock of others promoting the goodness of reusing, mending and make do-ing with fashion staples.

I was buzzing when I went to bed thinking about what item of clothing I have had the longest and wear the most. Jeans seemed the obvious one but then I had a realisation...

When I am pregnant I get a little crazy! I mean more crazy than normal in that I seem to get rid of perfectly good items of clothing in a whimsical and often unjustified way. In both of my pregnancies I allowed my friends to take their pick of whatever clothes they wanted from my wardrobe to borrow during my 9 months of expansion. I guess I'm not too precious about clothes and I have also found my shape changing SO much after having the boys that my long standing items are not quite what I expected, and they have changed with me.

The first long standing 'clothes friend' is this bright, light and practical Adidas mac. Perhaps not at the height of the spring summer 2012 pastel shades, but it just never gets old for me. I love it!

I bought it in 2004 in an outlet for next to nothing and just love it. I feel it makes every casual outfit (especially when out pushing a buggy) cool. I still get asked where I got it and although it is a little tatty around the elbows and has a string missing I appreciate it's long standing goodness.

Here I am at a Snow Patrol concert in 2006 when it rained from beginning to end showing that my the mac is built not just for fashion!

The second is this pair of Guess calf length jeans that I bought on our honeymoon in San Francisco in 2006. Again not a million years old they are the only pair of jeans that ALWAYS look good ALL the time! Right now it is safe to say that I cannot squeeze into them, but I am hoping by the summer I will.

I love that they are my only honeymoon purchase still worn to death and that with more wear they become even more authentic.

This photo makes me giggle as I had bought these sunglasses as a joke and then grew to love them wearing them everywhere!

It has been such a thought provoking and fun exercise for me to think about this post and what items have served me well. My sewing skills are amateur but I have tackled a few knee patches and dress hems in my time. I think it is so important to keep the staples and allow them to mature in your ever evolving wardrobe.

Any goodies you have had for donkeys and would like to share?

On a similar note of prolonging the life of our clothes and such you should definitely look up freecycle where people give away anything from bundles of clothes to washing machines in your area, genius!

IL Pirata, Ballyhackamore and 'The' cake

2012-01-26T11:16:00.003Z

The day before Elijah's third birthday my Husband decided we should dine out and try the new Italian restaurant close to our house.

I am not going to give you a full review with menu guide et al because I was pre occupied with munching on the tasty grub and throwing a few chips Tobias' way in between bottle time! But I will tell you what we ate, how their ordering system works and the overall feeling we had as a family there.

We arrived straight after Church so we were right at the start of the lunchtime buzz. There is a no reservation policy so it was good to be able to choose a table. We opted for the window so the boys could watch the buzz of Ballyhackamore... and maybe spot a fire engine or two! (The fire station is just down the same road.)

Michael had a pint of their fruity beer (See collage), I had a diet coke and Elijah had a glass of milk with a straw, obviously!

The way you order is quite reassuring because as there wasn't a kids menu we started with a few dishes and then added on. You seem to be able to add on small or large dishes as you please.

It suited us as we love tasting everyone else's food at the table and the food was so rich that a little bit of different flavours was brilliant.

As you can see in the photos we had various types of battered fish (Elijah totally bought into the salmon goujons- score!) with a tartar dipping sauce. Little pork sliders which were spicy burgers devoured by myself and Michael. Chips with Il Pirata tomato sauce and a carbonara type pasta (forgotten the name) that Elijah inhaled alongside his glass of milk.

We found the overall experience delightful and so homely. The lighting, the church like seats, the white old School tiles and vibrant open bar appealed greatly to us after a recent trip to New York where cool and funky are just two of the words I would use to describe eateries.

In short, we loved it and look forward to our next visit...possibly sans babas so we can enjoy some wine and chat!

Ps: Just a little extra... Please find below the cake I made for Elijah's third birthday. It's Mater from Lightning McQueen. Went down a treat and I'm rather proud of my efforts!

What is important to me

2012-01-18T14:22:00.007Z

New Year resolutions have always seemed a bit silly to me in the past. Diets that fall by the way side and rules that I just haven't been able to adhere to.

This year however I am entering into the spirit.

Here are a few things that I have realised about myself that may or may not interest you...

It is important to me when;

*My floors and work surfaces are clean. Not necessarily 'tidy' but semi clean.

*Friends are loyal to me.

*The few everyday make up items that I use are all in the same place when I want them.

*People are vocal about my creativity. I tend to put my artiness to the back burner so someone else reminding me of it keeps the dream alive.

* Michael puts the car seats into the car every Monday and Thursday night so I have one less task to do on the days that I child mind.

It is important for me to be;

*Putting my boys and my Husband before anyone or anything else. They are as important to me as I am to them.

*Patient living in the slow lane. 'Wake up and smell the roses' is a motto I have applied to my everyday existence and it's working!

*Content.

No soppy blubber intended with this post.

Please share any moments of clarification that you have had recently.

NYC Babay

2012-01-11T11:29:00.002Z

Just a few places we visited and a few favourite treats of our amazing trip.

We seem to have been fortunate to have made an almost yearly trip to New York city to visit friends for the past six years but there was something so special about this time. Perhaps Michael and I appreciated the time away on our own more, or the fact that I could see so many of my friends in one place at the New Year party. Or maybe because it has been a hectic year with renovating and moving house and adding Tobias to the troops that we were so appreciative of a break.

Could I look any more relaxed in this photo!?

One day we went to The Grey Dog for brunch and it was delicious! The interior is so cosey and sweet with bluegrass music that just sets you up for the day ahead.

We also visited Cafe Cluny for a lovely date in the West village. This was the day we had a few lunch time drinks and loved catching up over tastey grub in this tiny wee hub of excitement.

Another place we went to after seeing the amazing New York Philharmonic Orchestra was Tao which was the most tongue tingling more-ish Asian fusion restaurant I think I will ever experience. Apparently this restaurant with it's oversized buddha has featured in Sex and the City!?

If you're in NYC then give these places a go. I would be very confident that you would have a good time at all of the above.

Any new places visited by yourselves in Northern Ireland or otherewise of late?

Date days and nights are high on our list of new year's resolutions so any recommendations welcome! (This weeks date was chicken dinner in the kitchen after the kids had gone to bed... so we're not high maintenance!)

Has anyone been to Il Pirata Italian Restaurant in Ballyhackamore?

ps: Thanks to everyone who commented and creeped on my blog in 2011. My addiction to blogging and my ability to appreciate pure escapism through keeping and reading other blogs has definitely added a little sparkle to my life.

Surely not a post about something other than my babies!?

2012-01-04T08:56:00.000Z

My friend Stefan has a New Year's eve party every year. I think I managed to make one of the non themed parties back in 2003 but since then they've gone BIG and I like it!

Michael and I were so excited to be a part of The Great Gatsby 1920's theme this year and as you will see from the photos everyone dressed the part.

There was a rather large crowd so I didn't get a chance to invade everybody's space as much as I would have liked...Oh yeh and the fact that I marginally prefer dancing over photography!

Happy new year to you all. I trust you had a blast whatever you got up to. Please share.

I have quite a few resolutions that I may get to share at some stage with you.

Enjoy the moody lighting in these party shots... I want to do it all again!!

(One of my best friends in the whole world and these are the only crappy shots I have of us from the whole trip!)

NYC NYE

2011-12-29T16:18:00.003Z

Sunset over Manhattan, a photo by Mumpteemoo on Flickr.

I know that it isn't the done thing to be telling anyone on the internet that one is on holiday but thankfully my Mum is house sitting/baby sitting our "goods" so I'm happy to admit that we are currently in our friend's apartment in Manhattan about to start a wonderful four day break!

Last night when we arrived and exchanged gifts I managed to do the best out of everyone when Grace www.stripesandsequins.com presented me (amongst other things) with a bag of cosmetics that I was allowed to choose whatever I wanted from. Don't worry girls I have been given another bottle of Sally Hansen 'wet clay' for you all to pimp out your nails to!

Tonight we are going for dinner with friends and then on to the New York philharmonic Orchestra. Seriously amazing.

I have never been away from my babies for longer than a twelve hour stint. I am not used to such relaxing times and have not had a lie in past eight o'clock in three years so it is safe to say that I am on a very surreal high.

For those of you who are familiar with my blog (and my two year old) you will not be surprised to learn that the two times we called home Elijah wasn't fussed about speaking to us and has not asked after us- nice! He is having way too much fun with his Grandparents.

I trust that all of you will have a wonderful new year.

I am off to soak up some more of this immense experience.

Cousin love

2011-12-22T23:03:00.001Z

The boys spent some time with their baby cousin Lainey last weekend and just look at the cuteness of the three of them!

I took these with my Sister in law's camera and I just love the energy of my boys and the calm little bundle Lainey in the middle.

Complete cousin appreciation.

Honesty

2011-12-15T21:41:00.001Z

I have been making a start on my homemade gifts and have entered into the festive spirit of Christmas.

I even managed a childless shopping trip into town with my dear friend Haze. She was extremely productive and all I ended up (selfishly) buying was this top from Urban outfitters. I know, a navy jumper with a sparkly fox on it. But seriously what is not to love about a sequined fox!? Oh my, I love even just looking at this picture.

I admit that this was indulgent and kind of unnecessary but I can't get enough of it and feel once again full of festive cheer wearing it.

Furthermore I am aware that my handmade gifts of chocolate lollies and overloaded photo collages are already being welcomed with open and very enthusiastic arms! So, if it is a case of time against money when it comes to organising gifts then I'll sacrifice the shops for the investment of my time.

The same friend who pretty much bought all her Christmas gifts in town that day also bought me this month's Red magazine www.redonline.co.uk. It is a bulky magazine bursting with ideas for hosting Christmas parties, daily fashion and scrummy recipes... Have I mentioned I'm having nineteen for dinner on Christmas day!? All tips welcome.

There was a section in the magazine about preparation for the party season. Various writers stated what they thought was THE most important party prep routine. These varied from the importance of the correct toe nail polish (seriously it's Winter!?) to paying for a blow dry on the day of the party.

I am out tomorrow night so all of this got me thinking about my own party preparations.

This morning I had to apologise to my chum for my blazing red eyebrows after attacking them when Tobias was asleep and Elijah was brushing his teeth. I have just applied my second layer of fake tan before starting this post, two nights of tanning is a BIG effort. I have painted my toenails, blowed dried my hair (myself!) and have shaved my legs. I feel exhausted even writing about it! I feel like I have already put in so much effort and I still have an outfit to throw together, make up to slap on me and finger nails to file and paint! Seems.like.hard.work.

I just felt so inspired to up my game and really push the boat out after reading the article in the hope that my skin will glow, my lips will remain chap free so that my red party lipstick will stay in tact and my body will become like a bronzed illusion from drinking water and tanning to the max. I guess only time will tell if the effort is worth it...

I do wonder if the women in Red are serious about putting as much consideration into their nail colour as they do their matching underwear... This is the real world after all. We have jobs, children, housework and public transport to contend with on a daily basis party season or no party season. Try competing with that when you want your curls to sit in the best ringlets since Dolly Parton!

Is anyone else with me on this or is it now standard fare to put in days/ hours of preparation for the party season and I have somehow missed!?

Party pooped

2011-12-06T21:52:00.001Z

So we all survived the weekend and had an absolute blast!

Friday and Saturday seemed to pass by in the blink of an eye as we attempted to tidy our shambles of a house, print photos for decorating our walls (always appropriate at a time when your children are crying and dinner isn't even started- as mentioned in previous posts my priorities can be a little skewed at times), visit Poundland one too many times (they REALLY need to invest in trolleys as it is not fun getting the buggy up and down for the boys or walking with one and running after the other. I was backing a loser no matter which option I went for), cook honey roast ham for sandwiches (which by the way didn't even make it as far as the loaf of bread. Being the greedy sods that we are we devoured it before the party) and generally getting ourselves into the festive mood with decorating "Elijah's tree" and lighting gingerbread candles.

Tobias behaved like an angel in the family baptismal gown that is almost one hundred and seventy years old. He looked like a wee doll in it and so cute with his little Uggs underneath the petticoat!

When everyone landed over to our house after Church they were greeted with a glass of Michael's very tasty mulled wine (he likes to feel useful at these events), we had four different types of soup on offer that you received in a mug along with a yummy triangle sandwich or three on your gold paper plate and red rudolf napkin. What more could you want at a party?! Cake? Yes there was a big fat sweet iced cake on the go too.

As you can see Tobs was all partied out by about 3pm. Here he is fast asleep on his Aunty Tori's knee.

In other news Elijah's Playgroup asked the parents to encourage the kids to learn their song words for the Nativity play this month. So this morning (after a 5:30 am start) when Elijah asked for a dvd at 7:20 am I told him that this would only happen after we'd gone over his wonderful Playgroup songs. The best line from the songs was when we were singing Away in a Manger. Instead of 'The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay' Elijah put his hands to his ear mimicking a soft pillow and lay on the rug singing 'The little Lord Jesus asleep on his nice comfy bed'...One can't help but feel we're missing the point of the song with such an interpretation, but Elijah's sincerity could not be faulted. My very cute early morning song bird.

Easy peasy lemon squeezey

2011-12-03T10:07:00.003Z

This week has been super duper busy with preparations for Tobias' baptism.

Elijah is having a ball at playgroup and I find I have much more energy for play time with him when we are together.

Although we always make food of one form or another. This week we made chocolate lollies for the baptism. They are the easiest yet cutest thing ever to 'make' and any toddler will LOVE you for it!

The photos below show the various steps.

In a nutshell-

*Buy white, dark and milk chocolate. I buy brand names as they are better than the cooking stuff, it is not nice to eat on it's own.

*Melt chocolate. I melt it in the microwave for 30 seconds then stir. Then repeat this until all melted. Best not to put it in for a very long time as it burns and then you are snookered.

*Spoon melted chocolate onto greaseproof or parchment paper.

*Set stick into melted button shape and allow chocolate to cover.

*Add sprinkles. We used edible glitter, hundreds and thousands, sweet sprinkles and chilli for the dark chocolate.

*Allow to cool.

*Enjoy with a cuppa!

Saturday's Friends with talent

2011-11-26T09:29:00.003Z

Just a list of some of the people in my life who are talented to.the.max.

I took this photo of my artist friend Lauren McCarty last summer. She is uber talented and spending time in her company and on her website is time well spent. Her installations are often interactive and on an inviting scale. The intricacies of her paintings, drawings and photographs never get old for me. I often scroll through her 2D portfolio images for inspiration. Someday we will collaborate and make a piece worth posting here. www.laurenmmcarty.com

Emma Allen and her label Khepri. Unique bags made from vintage and recycled materials. She is based in New York city and I am in LOVE with the Hudson weekender. The image on the opening page makes my heart skip a beat everytime I creep on there because it is so captivating. Beautiful. http://www.kheprinyc.com

Janine Boyd and her stunning photography. She has an ability to capture moments in time through a lens that are precious, wonderful and include unique colour bonds that I can stare at for hours. www.janineboydphotography.com Her etsy shop has a sale this weekend so hop over there too. www.etsy.com/shop/janineboyd

Stefan Nowicki and Joey Carey's independent film company based in L.A Sundial Pictures. In Ireland we are certainly better than ever at sourcing art house movies and I simply cannot wait until some of their movies make it this way in the future. They had an AMAZING film called 'Guest of Cindy Sherman' which, as an artist who followed her from start to finish, I found this unbelievably surreal and intriguing. www.guestofcindysherman.com Check out their latest movie Pariah too. www.sundial-pictures.com

I wanted to include so many more talented friends but my eldest son has just jumped onto the playmat with my youngest son and there are tears therefore I am cutting it short.

Aren't talented friends such a blessing in one's life? I find they add vibrancy to my existence.

*Happy weekend everyone*

Toby Toby Tobster

2011-11-23T19:43:00.003Z

No word of a lie- as I close down photoshop and plug in my charger to get my laptop on the charge, it has decided not to work again!? The Apple technos replaced my battery and gave me a new charger on Monday. I have forty six minutes of battery left that will hopefully allow me to post (priorities and all that).

I had in mind a wonderfully lengthy post but sod that. Instead I have to be such a typical Mummy and include this photo of our little "Frank" (see three posts previous).

I know he has spok ears like me and that his little hair sits in a natural mohawk but how could you not love that wee face right before bath time in his nakey chubb and little yellow facial blotches from his butternut squash at dinner!?

Genius

2011-11-19T09:08:00.002Z

So it's true, my laptop is still unable to be resuscitated. I feel like I am missing my eyelash curlers (in my house my eyelash curlers are as sacred and as essential as each one of my limbs. Dramatic? Well sadly, my eyelashes curve down NOT up unless aided, life is tough !!) and can't wait to see the Genius Mac workers at the Apple Genius bar tomorrow for it's diagnoses. Fearing it won't be pretty.

Regardless of whether or not I have a computer I do recognise that life goes on...

Today I am going to my first ever cookery course at Ballymiscaw cookery school. The course I choose is edible gifts so I am sure there will be future posts about my new creations.

Blogging via mobile doesn't allow for pretty images and other fluff so I'll leave you with this African proverb care of The book of General Ignorance, a Stephen Fry special.

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito"

Wonderful isn't it?

*Have a good weekend*

Reading the signs

2011-11-15T20:00:00.004Z

My laptop has been broken for three days now. By broken I mean that it won't charge because the charger is broken. The same charger that has been blinking it's little magnetic light on and off at me for quite some time now. But I didn't adhere to the warning signs. Now I am stuck with writing this post on my Blackberry with lettering the size of a pin head and already one erase under my belt- joyful- only self to blame.

Elijah has a new obsession with two signs of late. The first is a dog litter sign warning dog owners to pick up after their dog's business. We simply get "Look dog poo".

It took us quite some time to appreciate that the sign was what he was referring to as we feared he thought leaves on the ground were dog's dirt. Thankfully this was not the case.
The other slightly more humorous is the sign for no drinking on our lovely streets.

When we pass this sign (normally ten to fifteen times on our simple walk to Church alone) Elijah shouts "Look no beers for Daddy!" Which is quite funny really. Even funnier when you know his Father is the one who planted this very line into his tiny brain!

Without meaning to bring this post to that horrendous emotional meaning-of-it-all end I quite simply want to say that the last five days I have started to reflect and read the signs in many aspects of my life. Some are obvious and lovely where others took some reflection to recognise. I am thankful for signage nonetheless.

The start of it all...

2011-11-10T09:32:00.004Z

Cheeky face- Model's own
Top- Aviator nation
Underlay long sleeved blue vest- Marks and Spencer
Jogging bottoms- Marks and Spencer
Trainers- Woodsides Toy story limited edition

This week has seen a few more changes in our household. I became a real aunty for the first time with the birth of Lainey Grace Harte on Monday morning. Best head of hair on a newborn and the cutest wee face!

The biggest change within our own home was Elijah starting his Playgroup yesterday. This is a little place where children from two years and nine months to three years old are introduced (loosely) to the world of education with structured play.

So, despite Elijah not wanting to come home and in the next sentence claiming "I didn't do nothing Mummy" I know for a fact that he sang songs, played with sand and water, 'cooked' in the toy kitchen amongst other fun things.

I felt so sad in one way about this new stage in family life fearing that he was too small to be exposed to all the horrible challenges of this world. Thinking that he would need me more than ever and maybe cry at the door for the fear of having been left. However after his typical two year old slightly challenging ways hit a peak on Tuesday night I realised that it wasn't that bad! (*Just being honest*) Oh yes and he didn't even look back or say goodbye when I was leaving so all sat well with me by 12:37pm yesterday.

I have felt for the past few months that he needs something more than our daily routine so this could be it.

Fingers crossed Elijah will thrive (and learn to sit still "for more than two minutes" as requested by the Playgroup leader- He was VERY excited to be there!) and learn more about the world outside the windows of our new house.

Any changes in your world this week?

Chart toppers

2011-11-05T08:29:00.002Z

Fragrance of the week.

Juicy Couture

I had a minor been-in-restaurant smell on my clothes emergency and popped into House of Fraser where I cheekily 'sampled' this. Strong but lasting.

Image of the week

(in our house)

Tobias now carries the nickname 'Frank the Tank' because his rolls just keep coming. He turned five months this week, eats three meals a day and downs thirty two ounzes of milk. Fat.Pie.

Tune of the week

Noah and the Whale 'Waiting for my chance to come'

My Husband loves it as do I.

Quote of the week (from our house)

In an attempt to educate Elijah about Christmas and about Jesus we happen to show him an image of the cross after one of Santa (who was just 'Christmas' apparently) and he immediately shouts "It's the number five Daddy!" We correct his ignorance to which he repeats "NOOOOO!! It's not a cross it's the number five!!". Fail.

Advertisement of the week

Gywneth Paltrow for Coach

I love Gwyneth, I love Coach so I'm sold.

Shocker of the week

Jamie Oliver's Pumpkin soup with coconut milk, red chilli and curry powder. Despite the taste bud quenching ingredients it was incredibly bland. Perhaps I added too much stock, or I'm just not a pumpkin fan?

Exhibition of the week

Smile When Wanted, Cry When Needed...but always remember to curtsey.

My friend Clodagh and her friend Helena showed an installation of a video performance where they were blindfolded in a confined tunnel like space. They drew onto the wall in front of each of them. Pretty beautiful and all from a simple idea. The strength of communication and a black marker.

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=293366490691321

House obsession of the week

A Utility/Laundry room

Image credit ; athomewithmrsm.blogspot.com

My brother is using a second hand kitchen that we bought off friends to make a wee laundry space for us. I am obsessed with the idea of curtains under sinks, block words on the walls and jars on shelves right to the ceiling (not even sure what I'd put in the jars, but I want jars- tons of them!).

Bonus of the week

Fitting into my peach jeans again post baby

This means I don't have to buy the skinny pinks (above) that I wanted from Benetton two posts ago, score!

Any weekly offerings in your world?

Because I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.

2011-11-01T22:54:00.006Z

I like to think that moneysaving in itself is an artform. As previous posts will suggest my house is filled with cast off furnishings, my wardrobe oozes charity shop treasures and my learned d.i.y skills have served me well. For some people it's sudoko that keep their minds fresh, well, for me it's a bargain, or an alternative route to making scones because I couldn't be bothered leaving the house to buy all the correct ingredients. It's just how I tick.

If there is one thing I have learned in the last few years it's that we spend our money where we want to. We complain that others travel too much, switch their cars too often, buy expensive handbags. But really we spend where we want to spend. Only you decide where your penny goes.

Below is a list of my recent savings. Don't get me wrong if I see a good offer on anything on the list on the left then of course I'll stock up, it's just that they're not near enough to the top of my 'wanted' list for me to indulge on a regular basis right now.

Shampoo. I ran out of the Kerastase and ended up having to buy whatever was at the local shop (yes 'shop' not chemist because it was so late at night) and came across this Pantene Ice Shine. It's a beauty.

Obviously I order from Photobox.com on a regular basis but photos for family and friends will almost always be printed from my little HP printer that is now three years old. You will save so much money in the long run. Furthermore I have bought my last three packs of photo paper from poundland and it is totally fine.

I am mid trial with this one but I figure why not when you do as much washing as I do with little people and a sporting husband about.

Again because I just couldn't be bothered spending over twenty pounds on a product. I do miss this though and love how dermalogica makes my skin feel. But right now I seem to be getting away with the nivea, my skin hasn't noticed!

As much as Jamie Oliver tells me to buy all organic ingredients it is not always possible or affordable. In the same way, although the chefs say "use good quality tomatoes" in your spag bol or your chilli con carne it isn't always going to happen. To add to this- you may have been to the factory and seen the same tomatoes being put into the good quality tin and then into the value tin so you just don't see the point in paying for a label...(of course I use my artistic license with this statement but let's be honest, we know it's 'almost' true!!)

I don't know of anyone's experience of St Moriz but I had to use it when in desperation for a wedding party recently and have found it very amenable. I am sure the makers of St Tropez are mortified at the cheeky resemblance that this product gloats from start to finish but I find it is so good! I use the dark St Moriz mousse because I have a naturally swarthy skintone. But, it IS dark so go medium and definitely experiment at night, not the morning you need it on! My only negative is that this mousse washes off far too quickly.

Any product re-placement in your life that you'd like to share?

I ain't no fashion blogger but I know a good staple

2011-10-28T10:37:00.005+01:00

Since my blogging obsession has grown by approximately 99.9% in the past week I thought I would touch on a little bit of fashion. Obviously my blog is not fashion specific but I am totally drawn to the fashion sites that influence bloggers everywhere.

A good friend of mine and very talented lady has a blog http://www.stripesandsequins.com/ that at the minute is bursting at the seams with D.I.Y jewellery and clothing totally do-able and so fun.

Another blog I am just familiar with as of this week is http://www.fashion-meets-art.com/ The title itself speaks volumes for why I am interested but this girl is absolutely absorbed in art and her posts allow anyone to delve into the fashion and art world.

This post is just a wee insight into my own household's fashion influences.

First a bit of cute-ability.

Tobias is rarely seen without a little cardigan on. I think it keeps babies baby and they are simply adorable. My Great aunt Amelia knit cardigans for my brother and I for every year of our small existence.

*image credit ralphlauren.com

At the bottom of the collage is a photo of me in a "Me Me" special and on the left is our wee man in one very similar that she gave us recently. The image top right is care of Ralph Lauren and shows that a cardigan is indeed a staple for the Babies even in the year 2011.

*image credit www.Zara.com and www.Stellamacartneykids.com

Next; Master Elijah Christopher John Harte who has more clothes than his Mummy and cannot live without his long sleeved tops.

For me, the more plain the long sleeved top is the cuter it becomes. Zara continuously stock great boys clothes and we are living proof that they have been making adorable staples for quite a few years. My friend Janine has an eight year old (Patrick) and a five year old (Conor) who kindly respect their clothes so much that Elijah gets a turn in them. Zara long sleeved t shirts rocked their wardrobe and they now rock ours.

Furthermore (I hope you don't mind the mention) a family friend Sally Ann in Dublin has three amazingly beautiful boys who are often seen in Zara brights and I can't take my eyes off them!

Image on right, Elijah in Conor's Zara staple. Bottom left image care of Zara Uk and the cheapest in the store. (No need to ever break the bank where kids clothes are concerned.) Last image is Stella Macartney kids and simply divine.

*image credit www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Onto my husband who some might say is not one for circling the fashion world! He certainly is more into looking a little sharper now than before I met him. However to this day I love his natural geek sheek tendencies. Michael's love of hooded tops has been longstanding. For me, the shorter and tighter the arm length the more geeky it is. The latest hoodie staple in the Harte's house is from Aviator Nation (aviatornation.com) (far left of collage) and is now a year old but going strong.

Middle image is a charity shop item from a few years ago. Image three is Urban outfitters plain hoodie worn so beautifully.

*image credit www.benetton.com

JEANS! Skinny, flared, wide-leg, highwaist, washed out, bold and bright, ankle length and so on...

At the minute my staple is my need for skinny coloured ankle skimming jeans and anyone who knows me will know that I fold them up if they're not the best brand. I also have a pair of True religion jeans that you can see in the photo on the left that I bought in a charity shop in New York last summer and I know they will be long standing. However I am all over my cobalt blue (far right of collage-Dunnes store-yes that store is wonderful!) and brown jeggings from Marks and Spencer. The more open to stretching the better!! The last image is a pair of benetton baby pinks that I want so badly.

So there you are. My posts are never as concise as I would hope but hopefully as expressive as I wish.

Any staples you'd like to share?

A parental guide to the daily grind

2011-10-24T17:27:00.002+01:00

So this post comes after a great deal of playing with crappy mobile phone images, wondering why I am not winning and then realising that when I work with photography it is pointless to downgrade any post that I have with grainy material.

The title is fairly open to interpretation in that I have no step by step guide to success. Rather I have a list of things that I have found useful in the last two months for getting through the often monotonous day to day life of toddler and baby parenting existence.

I don't even have a long list but in point form;

* A sweetie train made out of left over sweets. Five minute activity that can look absolutely pants but is always a hit with toddlers because of the content.

* Cutting toast into tractor, plane, cupcake shapes but using just a knife and your creativity rather than investing in expensive cutters from lakeland or somewhere.

* Allowing toddlers to make their own sandwiches (normally cheese and ham in this house) and then giving them any pastry cutters you have to make them in to shapes. I find with this you have to "ham" up the fact that the little leftover pieces are trees or goal posts. Apologies that most of my references seem gender specific. This is just because of our household and can all be adapted I am sure. I am open to girl related comments as I am child-minding a little girl from January and things must change!!

*Races- what is not to love about a race or two before dinner. Works up an appetite, keeps you fit and again allows five or ten minutes with just you and your little one.

*Baking and cooking is always a success with any toddler if they get to lick the bowl, you make character buns or pancakes with syrup, or produce a fab pizza! Sieving the flour is messy but do-able and rolling out dough is a classic. Furthermore in the words of Anabel Karmel your toddler is more likely to eat something that they have made themselves.

*Encourage their imagination. Playing with farm machinery creating grass out of green towels. Making a lunchtime into a picnic with ziploc bags and straws in their drinks can entertain the masses.

Ok sorry this is short but maybe it will inspire just one parent.

Thanks so much for the following everyone.

Is it Friday yet?

2011-10-12T14:30:00.004+01:00

So I feel like this week has been jam packed and I cannot believe that it is only Wednesday! Furthermore the week is only going to get busier for me with childminding and a friend's fund raising event for twenty five chattering girls in my house. Should be fun though!

Just a few photos of my "week" so far. I have not included my fireplace that I am delighted with besides the fact that my Mother arrived and almost fainted exclaiming that my house is "too neutral" to then have a change of heart upon it's completion stating that it was "nice and clean looking". She's quite something my Mumma!

Also missing is the small mahogany unit that was donated to us and now sits pretty in our living room with cute mix and match glass and ceramic knobs. I decided to strip it, prime it and paint it red on Saturday to then change my mind on Sunday and paint it white. In the words of my aforementioned Mother it is now "nice and clean looking"!!

Elijah enjoying left over ice cream cake that I had made for Sunday dessert. I am fully aware that my culinary and baking skills are being well and truly put to the test of late, but that just seems to be where life is for me right now... finding joy in all things sweet. I just use my toddler as my excuse to indulge!

The cake is Nigella express as is the butterscotch and chocolate sauce and can be found here, or at least the cake can;

http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/ice-cream-cake-77

(mobile shot..go figure!!)

A wall dislay of photos was finally put up in our living area. This is a terrible shot but look how pleased my husband is with himself for making it!! I love mixing together photos, paintings and maps all in different frames so this is what you have here.

GB 50th anniversary. I attended my Girls brigade 50th anniversary event on Monday night and along with a wee video booth I took a few shots from the event. Fuzzy image but full of cuteness and discretion. My Mum (who is still involved in the Brigade) had managed to make a small Aly type shrine around my first Gb uniform from 1984 so that was worth a laugh if nothing else!!

Finally this is life as we know it. Trip to the butchers this morning to get the 10%off all purchases (yes I am THAT into a bargain!) in the bike and trailer. Thanks to our friends the "Wacafees" for letting us use their trailer, we are totally sold!

Life's essentials (on a very small and rather fickle scale)

2011-10-03T10:50:00.008+01:00

Despite today starting at 3:30 am for me I have made the executive decision to be cheerful.

Furthermore I have arranged for the Grandparents to take my first born for three nights in an attempt to subject my second born to what I like to call "bootcamp" (crying-it-out-my-son!) to allow sleep to be had in the Harte house again.

I am in the process of rattling around ideas for another blog and thought rather than air it too early I would just continue the mix and match theme that this, my artist's blog has now taken...

So just to keep my mind ticking over I thought I would share with you a few things that pretty much brighten up my existence right now.

1. Strange to start with this but it is in my head as a complete essential and this image is priceless!

Graham Norton's radio two show on a Saturday morning is the perfect start to my Saturday! I was thrilled when he came back after his holidays and have to admit that it gets me through my Saturday when Mike is at School hockey, then his own hockey and I have the kids.

2. Gosh I really am going for bare skin in these images... please note that this is not a reflection on my current state. PJs central in our house this am. Flip I wish that a; this was me and b; that I was in sunshine right now

No it's not me but yes I am tanned!! I know that people hate it but if you know me and my half sallow half white skintone then you will know that I look a hell of a lot better when I slap the St tropez on, and so cannot seem to do without it.

3. Caffeine speaks for itself really. I am fully aware that this fits into the Mummy-at-home iconic image of pram and cappuccino lifestyle but I don't care, it is a current comfort.

4. If you haven't got yourself this book already then you better hurry up! I have lived on design*sponge for about two years now for obvious reasons and simply adore this book and all it has to offer. Sneak peaks into people's eclectic homes and D.I.Y projects to keep you going for-eva!

5. Pancakes! I have found a very simple recipe and reckon you should try it.

100g Plain flour

250ml milk

1 egg

Pinch of salt

(I also add a teaspoon of caster sugar)

Mix ingredients.

I leave to settle like a normal batter for a few minutes.

Fire them on to hot frying pan or griddle.

I had a stage where I was using the little shakey bottle of ready made mix but now think this is the way forward. What makes them even more tasty is that they are like crepes so you can fold them and enjoy.I am a lazy baker/cook/kitchen aid so the fact that these are easier than Nigella Lawson's express pancakes makes them even more appealing to me! In fact I made them this morning because I wanted to use up my blueberry syrup and also wanted something resembling a 'treat'.

(Below is my own image, still from my phone because I am the laziest photographer of all time also. Must.Get.Better.)

There you have it!

All completely fickle and worldly comforts of mine in a nutshell.

What are your current comforts?

D.I.Y-ing

2011-09-07T16:32:00.000+01:00

By D.I.Y I obviously mean handy work but do not fear this is not of the hammer and nail variety. I am into all things creative and anything retro so if you are like me then you a; will like this post and b; should DEFINITELY give it a go.

Have I mentioned that we are getting into a new house!? For the past nineteen months I have been collecting lots of (what I like to call) "authentic" pieces of furniture from all family relatives and good friends. I am intending to reconstruct and work with a few of the other pieces I have like the pine dresser for Elijah's room so I will blog those in the future.

I kept seeing furniture painted on www.houzz.com or www.designsponge.com and thought that I am bound to be capable of doing something similar. So I am delighted to show you a little step by step (missing a few steps in picture mode as I was distracted and the blog was that of an after thought!) guide on how to make a mahogany sideboard a little more vibrant.

I was given this sideboard and thought that it would go in my living/dining space but I have since decided that it is for my bathroom.

The first step that I missed in photos is of the dresser after I had lightly sanded it from top to bottom. I do however have a photo of one of my little stools that shows the depth of colour that the sideboard had before I stripped it of it's mahogany.

Ordinary flat wood sandpaper is fine for this. Very dusty so do not wear a white top like I did! Please note that my attire for this job was pretty terrible to begin with but having got my brood babysat for the evening I was sick of doing boring jobs in the house like cleaning inside wardrobes so I bit the bullet and started on the dresser!

Step two can be seen above where you use a primer to paint the unit after sanding. I used BIN primer which acts almost like a grip for the paint to stick to and can be applied with a standard 4inch paintbrush.

Step three is very simply to begin painting after removing the drawers. I imagine starting from the top and working your way to the bottom is a good method if you are completely new to this sort of work and need direction from beginning to end. I used Crown Historic Colours collection in 'Arts and Crafts 3'. The finish I used is Satin but you can use eggshell if you prefer and I found that a one litre tin was more than enough for a job this size.

Et voila! There is your new dresser ready to go and looking spankingly wonderful in one's bathroom adding a burst of colour to an otherwise very clinically white bathroom! Apologies that I hadn't put all my little door knobs on in this photo but you get the idea!

I hope that these steps are easy to follow and that some of you do take the plunge and re-create a little piece of furniture for your home. Thanks for creeping peeps!

Cutting teeth and all things nice

2011-08-31T09:37:00.007+01:00

The past six days have been filled (pardon the pun!) with all things tooth based. Not only has little Tobs cut his first tooth this morning but I have had a little work done myself, and not even the good kind.
As I lay in the dentist chair staring at the grey ceiling I regretted every night out when I decided in a whim to forfeight brushing my toothypegs and every can of diet coke that I have consumed since my introduction to the good stuff in my University days, never mind my passion for all things sweet based! With the extraction of a molar and two fillings in close proximity I can say that I am all full up with trips to Church Road Dental surgery! Thankfully I have a great dentist and am now already feeling the benefits of the work, but poor Elijah is having it drilled in to him that we are to clean for two minutes morning and night! I actually think one of those wee timer things could be purchased.
Anyway as I noticed two little white bumps on the inside of the wee man's mouth an hour ago I thought to myself in a short daydream about the pending house move (yes we're still not there yet! Last blog about it I promise!!) and the changes that are upon us; we can really only go upwards from here. I for one am looking forward to breaking through and making our own little white bumps in the glorious East in a week or two.

Photos are from my mobilee...unfortunately I don't have that instagram thingy that you iphone lovers have. Maybe when I get my studio set up at the house and can start accepting all those lovely business offers after my maternity leave I will be able to make the i phone plunge!

And School starts all over again!

2011-08-21T20:54:00.001+01:00

It has been a very long time since I blogged and I am fully aware that 8:10pm on a Sunday night with two babas STILL not in bed is not a clever time to update this. However I have just come across a number of blogs from other working and inspired Mummy's who have served to re kindle the fire in my belly for blogging and all things normal outside of my breakfast/snacks/bath/bed/bottle routine!

I have almost blogged on a number of occasions in the last while but hopefully this one will actually air!

It has been quite the Summer with the arrival of baby Tobias and the everlong house move. Tobs is twelve weeks old this Wednesday and I promise you I have never ever known time to disappear so quickly in my life before! I honestly feel like he was a newborn for a milli-second. The little laughs, smiles and altogether beautiful nature of my second born although passing quickly before my eyes, are some of the best moments this Summer has been kind enough to give me.

The house is definitely closer to being finished than it was five months ago (funny that!?) but we are still holding on to the hope of being in before the end of September and I really hope it happens. My olive and oak kitchen and concertina doors out to the garden are in place and I am chomping at the bit to get in and entertain the masses. I spent some of the day yesterday painting one of the original wooden floors and Elijah was kind enough to help me. I have photographic evidence of this but will not get time to upload and add to the post tonight as I now have a husband not long in from a hockey tournament who is holding down the fort while I finish what I am doing here!!

I am sorry that this post has nothing of great significance in it but I guess the fact that I have blogged again is a step forward and a wonderful distraction from my everyday madness.

I trust that you have had an equally fab Summer and a lovely weekend.

Here are a few photos from the summer of 2011 in the Harte's world, a random selection just like I always do.

The last two are by a friend Sharon Orr who has such a natural talent when it comes to composition and lighting. She took photographs of us just ten days before my baba bump became our delicious Tobias Michael Wallace.

Popitty pop!

2011-05-04T09:19:00.002+01:00

I probably should be filling this post with information about me being up to my eyes in work before heading on leave next week, how I have my last wee baby photo shoot for quite some time today and am getting through packaging and invoicing painting commissions before my deadline. But frankly that would be quite boring...

Instead I am all about these little cake pops that I made for my sister in laws 30th Birthday! Surely they're still on the creative scale?

If you are in America you will be very familiar with cake pops, if you are in Northern Ireland you will probably have seen (a much slicker and varied) version of them from various cake making companies around. Even search facebook and you will see amazing cake pops in all different colours and flavours.

I went for the simple chocolate version, inside and out. I made my usual chocolate cake, formed a dough and rolled them into little balls before adding chocolate covering and sprinkles.
They were quite the little party piece and I may even make them again, although I will use the correct little white sticks to place them on as my lollipop sticks became a bit of a design fault!!

As you can see from the photos they were enjoyed by all and I just love the cuteness of them as they dried in their miniature wine glasses. They almost became like little people...

Prioritising and Reminiscing

2011-04-12T11:30:00.004+01:00

I have to clarify that blogging was not on my mammoth to-do list for today, but then again neither was allowing my two year old to eat ice lollies at 9:44am... I guess my priorities are a little mixed up with "needs must" and all that!?
When you see the photos in the blog you will see why I found it difficult to concentrate on invoices and graphic designing.
Here is a blog of my dear friend Holly's wedding. As you view these she is lying in the sun in St Lucia with her new hubby, not-jealous-at-all!! Apologies for the "mish mash" arrangement of the photos or lack there of, but they really are just little snippets of perfect moments of a wonderful day*

Brave Hartes..?

2011-03-17T14:58:00.005Z

I struggled with an appropriate title for this blog as my instinct had me going for something cheeky that implied my husband and I were absolute idiots for taking on such a big house project, but then I came to my senses and thought that was a little unfair on us!? I'll let you decide whether "Brave Hartes" was a better option or not...

So Michael, Elijah and I moved out of our new build townhouse in Bangor a year ago today and have been living in the country with my (very kind and very patient!) Mummy ever since. The process of buying our "new" house in East Belfast was in itself quite straight forward, but the planning permission was not so smooth with us waiting over five months on having a supposed "fast track" application for an extension approved. I think we learned patience during this time, and I was (and still am) constantly reminded that so much of this project is not on our timescale so getting stressed really gets me nowhere.

As I have mentioned in blog posts before we are having a ball living with my Mum making use of three acres of ground to play in, and some of the prettiest walks known to man on our doorstep. But, as with all good things I really am starting to feel that this has to come to an end. Or at least the novelty of still having virtually none of your own belongings to hand is wearing off.

Nonetheless the point of this post was to mark this monumental day in our diary by showing you some snap shots and some detailed photos of the house project that is now well and truly underway, Hooray!! I was at the house this morning with Elijah, Sam and my sister in law Jen to take some shots of the beginning of things to come. I have to admit that I am actually giddy now from seeing such demolition take place. I know this excitement will wane over the upcoming months as the decision making and stress of it all takes it's toll, but I am unashamedly basking in this little ray of light while it lasts!!

Enjoy..

Treats in the treasure.

2011-03-12T16:11:00.001Z

As trite as it may seem in light of what has happened with the earthquake off the east coast of Japan I just wanted to share a wee blog about the Fashion Souk that I had mentioned a few weeks ago.
Tomorrow morning Tori, Sarah, Holly, Hazel and I are heading to the Europa bright and early to put together our eclectic mix of clothes and accessories in a little stall. We met on Wednesday and routed through our items putting prices on everything.
Yesterday I made a few cards to take along to add to the stall under the categories of Fashion, Easter and Mothers day. As with all of my cards they are individually made and are (obviously!) made with care.

The Souk runs from 11am to 5pm in the Europa hotel so if you get a chance to come down and have a rummage then you will be most welcome. It is £2 entry fee and worth a wee look considering each of us girlies bought enough last month to at least inspire interest in giving a stall a go this time.
http://www.thefashionsouk.com/

What is a weekend without a hen!?

2011-03-01T10:22:00.002Z

"Cluck cluck" goes the hen...party!
I will allow the photos to tell the story of what a great days craic we all had at my dear friend Holly's hen party last weekend.

Something else worth noting is how gorgeous the city where we live is looking right now.

I am simply ecstatic about Holly's big day and know that she will be the most beautiful bride! I just love her wee face in these photos!

Fashion souk souk souk

2011-02-21T09:06:00.003Z

When I was younger and visited my Granny's house we called the calves over to the gate by shouting "souk souk souks", it was what they responded to. Now I am attending and having a stall with a few of the girls at Belfast Fashion "Souk"; a market of humble jumble, previously loved and new up market designers, and a lovely Sunday afternoon out. A slight change in meaning you might say?
Well what a great deal of fun four of my friends and I have had gathering together clothes suitable for our stall!
On Friday night we got together over prosecco and pizza and after some proper belly laughter and a great deal of story telling we had a selection of classic tees, skirts, designer wear, shoes, scarves, jewellery and denim ready for our quirky stall at the next Fashion Souk in the Europa hotel March 13th.
The next night in our calender is "pricing night" where we will add the finishing touches to our Souk 'collection'.
If you are free please do come to see us and maybe you'll find a few wee gems! I will probably blog about this nearer the event with times etc. But if you want to check out previous Fashion souk events take a look at their facebook page and see what a treat you are in for. http://www.facebook.com/thefashionsouk

Perhaps you could do as we did for the last Fashion Souk and round up a few of your friends who love fashion and who appreciate vintage wear in all it's forms!
After all time spent with friends is time well spent...

Northern Irish-isms

2011-02-02T09:08:00.004Z

So I have been very busy in January making cards and invitations which has just been wonderful. As a working Mummy I find card making to be a very 'do-able' task while Elijah is playing and (oh dear...) watching TV!

As stated previously I am finding myself pushing design boundaries and standard embellishment limits where possible and as often as I can. It creates more creativeness if nothing else and, allows me to feel freedom in making.

Here is a collage of a few designs pre-embellishment that I simply love. I love sharing my ideas with any of my customers, family and friends.

You may be able to see in the small tiles what I like to call typical "Northern Irish-isms" such as "Hello wee dote" and "Happy Birthday Big lad". A bit like Gary Lightbody (well, not really but I am aiming high!!) I am embracing my roots in the work that I produce.

Speaking of Snow Patrol, what is a Wednesday morning without a little bit of 'Chocolate' my favourite track of theirs. Anyone who knows me knows I heart The Patrol and will dance my socks off when this is playing. Enjoy!

Billy goat gruff syndrome

2011-01-22T09:02:00.005Z

So it is the weekend of Elijah Christopher John's second birthday and the celebrations have started!

My brother and sister in law helped to make the train cake that you can see above. It took us until midnight to decorate the flipping thing, but look how beautiful it is!!

I have a few friends over today for scones and cake while Michael is at hockey and then tomorrow we are heading to Nana and Papa's for family celebrations.

This week has been very busy with work and house extension planning and has me thinking about contentment. I am learning about the choice that contentment is.

I believe that it is a choice for me to be content with the handmade cake over buying a similar sized £9.99 one in Tescos. It is a choice for me to be content not buying high spec kitchen doors so that I can have a granite work surface. It is a choice for me to enjoy my Monday mornings child-minding rather than thinking about my friends in work assuming that their lives are much more professional and glamorous than mine. It is a choice being content with still living at my Mum's house after ten months and a day rather than having all my own possessions to hand and sitting prettily. It is a choice whether I constantly compare my life to others or whether I rest content in all that God has given me.

My husband talks about the 'Billy goat gruff syndrome' where we think only of the green green grass on the other side of the bridge. A dangerous place to be I guess? And a place I am going to try harder not to find myself.

Proverbs 14:30 '"A heart at peace gives life to the body..."

Making for more than the sake of it

2011-01-18T15:36:00.002Z

I know that my blogging has been very slack of late but my creative thinking and doing have thankfully not.

Self employment is definitely the most colourful of jobs in that there is scope for improvement at every opportunity and having to give new things a whirl becomes a part of daily living!

I am loving the new year so far and feel upbeat about my progress already over the last few weeks. This progress has come about mostly in the technological side of my business. I am now much more capable with my card making to introduce vectors (downloadable patterns and overlays), add photoshop-able elements in layers and colour palettes and to simply express my ideas more clearly by combining digital and hand made elements. This revelation (a little late I know!) has done wonders for my card designs and the places where I sell the cards are very pleased with the quality I am producing. Long may this enthusiasm continue!

The image above shows a few cards from an order of fifty cards that I am doing for a girls themed weekend in February. My brief was quite simple and really allowed me to add my own flair and to use my own interpretation. I made thirty cards yesterday and am making the rest now before I head out to my one to one mentoring job this evening. As always I use buttons were possible but have kept the theme of the cards quite vintage and soft.

Some things just don't need editing.

2010-12-21T15:53:00.005Z

I know that simply everyone in Northern Ireland who blogs has been blogging about the snow.

But you have to agree that such beauty is worth talking about. Here are a few snippets of the winter wonderland that has added to the festive cheer in the Harte household. And as the post declares the snow added such flawlessness that the above images didn't even need editing, you've got to love that!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Lazy lazy very lazy

2010-12-09T09:10:00.002Z

So you may have noticed that I have not blogged or updated my Flickr account of late.

This has been very lazy of me and I do apologize.

There have been quite a few changes and developments in the life of the Hartes that have taken over my daily existence and hindered my internet usage. Nothing to worry about so no need for concern!

My work has become very busy which I really can't complain about, and I am very glad to say that I survived photographing my first wedding last weekend! There has been a big fall of snow in our wee Emerald Isle which did wonders for my inspiration on the actual day of the wedding and added to the winter wonderland.

I will endeavor to post one or two of the photos of the wedding at some stage. For now follow the link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aly-McLoughlin-Harte/331736970275 to see some I have posted on my fan page.

What I really want in this post is to show this photo of our recent trip to see family in Dublin. I absolutely love everything that this photo stands for; easy Sunday afternoon walks, winter layers and family unity. A little nostalgic and over emotional I know but oh so true.

Here's to many more happy times and expanding families.

Wedding wedding on my mind

2010-11-01T20:58:00.003Z

So my first official wedding is coming up in just four weeks and I am trying to cover all bases where my camera is concerned!

I find myself checking all angles, testing my lenses every few minutes and counting the hours until new memory cards and snazzy gadgets arrive. It really will be a big test for me but I am looking forward to all the challenges a winter wedding will bring.

I am working near to where the wedding will be held so I decided to swing by and take a few shots to give me an idea of what I am in for. I think you will agree that pure prettiness is one of Saul church's many qualities,

365 day project

2010-10-06T12:55:00.003+01:00

An idea inspired by a friend and grounded through Madeleine Bea's website I am challenging myself to take a photo a day for 365 days starting now; 6th October 2010.

Here is my first photo. The potato pulling time of year has crept up again and I for one am delighted to see it as I reside temporarily at my Mama's abode in the heart of the country.

Some of my most memorable performances during my final year at Degree level were in this same farmer's other potato fields. I was working on themes based around prisoners of war and in particular Auschwitz. So, although there is great joy in the harvest I cannot help but see sack clothes, famine and a whole lot of history when I study this, my first photo.

Looking out and looking forward

2010-10-03T21:36:00.004+01:00

A very short post showing a little person's feet climbing the "ladder" that is in fact the gate into the horses beside Granny Ella's house.

We visit this gate several times a day and it never becomes old for Elijah. I think he likes the climbing as much as he does the horses...

Collages of all things nice

2010-09-28T09:32:00.004+01:00

You may have noticed that I am loving making photo collages these days.

During my time in Art College photo collages were viewed as a way of hiding the fact that one or more photographs didn't carry enough strength to be shown on their own. I very much disagree with this and have always loved what (in my mind) collages stand for; an opportunity to see different angles, changeable lighting and the overall feel of the many elements to one captured moment in time.

I made the above collage in about three minutes yesterday morning before I started work and sent it to many family relatives all over the world. It was a moment I just had to share!

We had a family reunion on Sunday in Ballymena and my twenty month old son wrestled his little heart out with the other boys at the party! I have to admit that it was the most surreal Sunday afternoon watching a toddler, a three year old and an eight year old tackle and play rough for a whole twenty five minutes completely oblivious to anyone else around them. It provided much amusement for the rest of us and they were as happy as pigs in the proverbial!!

Eco Creative

2010-09-24T08:51:00.004+01:00

My friend and fellow artist Rachael and I have reached the half way point in our Arts council funded project in Swatragh.

We have used a variety of mediums and taught the group many new skills from clay modelling to plastic bag weaving! All we have left is to decorate and fill our wooden window boxes with the plants we have been growing in recycled pots since the end of July.

It really has been a lovely journey seeing the group test their range of abilities and opening up to new challenges. In one sense we will be sad to have our wednesday nights free again in October!

Above is a rough (and slightly over stretched!) draught of what will be on the front of the invites for the group's exhibition launch in four weeks time. They show one of the clay models, the bracelets we made out of plastic bags (such a fun activity that Rachael and I already have used again and again!), and the broad beans and rocket seeds we have been growing in their recycled containers. I think they look very professional and worthy of a mention on my blog!

Rain rain go to Spain...

2010-09-18T15:06:00.007+01:00

Well here I am husbandless, babyless (all temporarily of course!!) and very very wet!

This morning I was in Lisburn Castle Gardens making aeroplanes with the kids who attended a heritage and air memorial event...I can hear the clogs in your head ticking over wondering "Were there even any kids outside their front doors today!?", and your thinking would be absolutely right! We had quite a number of kids making the "cobra dart" paper aeroplane, but not nearly as many had there been sunny happy weather!

So, I am just in the door about to get a hot shower in an attempt to prevent a chill coming on. Then onwards to my lovely friend Tori to pick up my bundle of joy before I head to work on kids murals in Bangor this evening. No rest for the wicked eh!?

On a much more upbeat note, I made this cake for our friend who celebrates his 31st birthday tomorrow! The thought of Sunday mid morning tea time with a big slice of my classic chocolate cake will get me through the rest of this busy and very very wet day. I hope that you are enjoying your Saturday indoors with heat and many cups of tea!

There's just something about retro...

2010-09-10T22:27:00.004+01:00

My Mum often asks me "What do you mean by "Quirky" and "Retro"?" She has very cleverly picked up on my terminology when I tend to become engrossed in everything house or fashion related.

I am obsessed with second hand clothing, furniture, frames, cameras (as seen in previous posts!) and crockery. Frankly, it would be difficult to ignore my enthusiasm!

My love for all things Retro has stemmed into my recent photography. Here is a photo from my beautiful friend's wedding last week that I have simply tampered with to create a moody, what-I-like-to-call "Retro" toned image. I love how she is looking to the camera, how the male to her left is looking at her and even the way she is leaning very slightly. Such factors add to the smooth and warm effect of this simple photograph.

A picture story

2010-09-08T08:59:00.013+01:00

Above are a few images of what has been consuming my time and energy of late. The list begins with Dancing; always an essential amidst Life's trials!, Elephants; my son is obsessed with them!, Weddings ;can one ever attend too many?!, Holidays; I wish I was there again... literally!, Grandmothers; I seem to be seeing lots of her these days and it still isn't quite enough, Tractors ;Again not my interest but more that of a little person! , Hens; well in the form of a hen weekend that was full of dancing and fun fun fun times. And finally Sleeping babies; my friend had a beautiful baby girl called Libbie and she sleeps like a golden child, we just want to eat her up!!

From generation to generation

2010-07-21T17:32:00.001+01:00

As we cleared out my Mum's "utility" room this afternoon we came across some interesting odds and ends including a few crackin' old cowboy and sailor hats and some old postcards that I might scan at a later date for your entertainment.

The most appealing items that we discovered were my Dad's two cine cameras (shown below). I have edited a few of the photographs in an attempt to create a 1970's feel about the whole affair...not sure how well the change in hue and saturation works but I am so chuffed to be the proud owner of two working cine cams!

An equal stillness

2010-07-15T10:08:00.005+01:00

My friend gave me this book a few months ago and I started to read it while in the Doctor's waiting room. But I never fully appreciated it's intrigue and poignant relevance to my own life as an artist, a Mother and a wife.

So, when in Donegal last week I decided to start it again and found that I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are very vivid descriptions of the paintings that the artist Jennet does and of the places she finds herself over the duration of her life; her time in Spain, in London and in several rural villages. I think this is one of book's strengths, it's ability to draw you into imagery and capture your imagination.

It is a (fictional )biography and quite an easy read. Definitely worth taking a look into if you are an artist, an art lover or indeed just looking for an excuse to get reading!

As easy as that...

2010-06-23T18:57:00.007+01:00

So it would appear that the Hartes have gone Sale agreed on a house in the Glorious East Belfast (picture above).

Upon first sight it is by no means a pretty little thing but it soon will be...after a potential year of demolition, reconstruction and some much needed repair. We have some exciting and nerve wrecking times ahead!

I finally have a project that will allow me to go nuts with creativity and 'expressiveness'!...or not... but, I will promise a bit of originality!...

Sorry to add on but I felt the need to brighten this post with a picture of my dream kitchen, isn't it lovely!? Seeing the image of the house and the kitchen together gives me the hope that maybe we will achieve some excellence with our tight budget and creative minds!

The wonder and creative nature of the younger generation...

2010-06-14T16:55:00.002+01:00

As the title of this post states, the younger generation really are pretty amazing!

Yes they are often ill mannered, scruffy in appearance and altogether whimsical in their apparent love for the most recent i phone app or PS5 on the market, but I really like them! I more than like the work that so many of the young people I work alongside produce from week to week.

Last week I worked with the travelling Community and they made stunning posters resembling Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe pop art theme. This week already I spent an hour and a half doing a digital workshop based on hobbies with young people from Lisnagarvey High School and they absorbed every photoshop trick and printing technique that I showed them. I could have done this workshop in half an hour due to the speed at which they learn!

I am more and more surprised and impressed that my own love for technology and digital image can be seen in the younger generation, it really is a sure way to get them engaged.

I am currently printing images from some of my digital workshops and brain storming ideas for future moving image workshops to do with these clever young people that I so often harp on about!

Ready for the world

2010-06-01T09:34:00.002+01:00

After a short break away in London to celebrate the Hubby's 3oth Birthday I am home to e-mails and the task of sending out invoices. But it feels great to be busy!

This entry will be brief (as most of my posts are these days due to baby tugging at left elbow) but I feel it is the conclusion to my most recent posts regarding the School photographs...

Last Wednesday,Thursday and Friday I sent the finished packaged products into School and was generally very happy with the outcome and feedback.

Here are a few images to show you one or two of the mounted photograph piles that consumed my life for five weeks and took over my poor Mother's dining table during that time! (The joys of not having one's own house at present!!)

Now onto making instruments out of waste materials with The Really Rubbish Orchestra and Belfast City Council, should be entertaining!

Cherry red and absolutely gorgeous!

2010-05-19T16:40:00.003+01:00

Please let me introduce you to my very new and very exciting(not to mention tiny!) 'WD My passport Essential' external hard drive! Michael collected it for me yesterday after my poor Macbook had started to struggle with all the photos I have been working on and saving into far too many different folders taking up all free memory. I have been thinking of purchasing an external hard drive for quite some time to hold my art videos and photo albums so a struggling Mac was the perfect excuse. I have to say that I had no idea it would actually be the size of a passport! Here's to many happy years together...

You live and you learn...when you get Special delivery with Photobox

2010-05-13T10:56:00.003+01:00

I ordered eight 7 x 5 images from Photobox for an interview. I also paid £7.99 for special delivery, bearing in mind that as previously stated I had ordered a mere eight prints to begin with, and, needless to say they didn't send them!!

I use photobox for most of my printed photographs and have an £800 order of School photographs that I was going to purchase from them, however I am now a little unconvinced!

When I rang and asked why had this happened they said they try their best to get orders out on the same day but they may have been "busy".

I asked pertinent questions regarding Photobox's continual advertising about ordering before 4pm to qualify for next day delivery, and how they maybe should mention potential problems such as "busyness" in the delivery section, but I got nowhere.

I did receive a verbal apology but nothing along the grounds of a substitute for my wasted £7.99, a free eight 7x 5 prints, or an option of free delivery on my next order.

Frankly I am disappointed!!

Rant over...

Horsey horsey

2010-05-10T21:46:00.001+01:00

A horse shoe on the fence in Mum's field...what a lovely evening. I trust you all had a lovely one!

Old School

2010-05-06T12:31:00.002+01:00

Don't you just love when "things" are recycled!?

My big Brother was 30 in February and his favourite garage and box of toy cars from childhood is being well and truly recycled by my 15month old son.

I remember the most intriguing part of the garage for me was the little bell ringing lift. It would seem that Elijah loves the lift just as much as his Mummy and spends most of his day attempting to get it to work. The result/damage of his attempts can be seen above this text.

Take a look...

2010-05-04T13:07:00.006+01:00

Just a short entry to encourage any of you photo buffs and keen learners to take a look at www.sevenbyfive.net for some interesting things to browse through ie: tips, competitions and photographer profiles. My profile will air on May 11th so you can take another look then. Until then, enjoy all that 7x5 has to offer!

Shoot photo Photo shoot

2010-04-28T09:46:00.002+01:00

A friend persuaded me to take the team and society photographs at a local School last week. It was a fun experience (if only for the fact that I was able to borrow my good friend's wide angle lens for a day!), if a little stressful.

Organising approximately three hundred seventeen year old pupils into a pyramid formation on eight concrete steps has it's challenges.

However I survived and the results were very satisfactory indeed.

Obviously I can't publish photos of the pupils on my blog so I have chosen this one as it crosses very smoothly into my fine art way of thinking.

Although the photo was my way of testing composition and space properties, I love that the flash bounces off the heavy doors because there are no faces for it to enlighten. Even the fact that the chair in the middle and the two far left and far right are all the same height. I think the most appropriate title for this photo is; "Say 'Cheese'!".

It's been a while...

2010-04-07T12:44:00.004+01:00

In fact it has been so long since I have posted on the blog that I had to seek "Blogger support" for a password reminder, Shocker! Surely six weeks hasn't clouded my memory THAT much!?! Well maybe it has because to match this memory loss I have indeed forgotten my MAC password so I cannot update any applications, download music or, send e-mails from my mac account, clever!!!

There have been many changes over the last month with moving house and making decisions. Tear drops have fallen, doors have closed, some through choice, most with sadness but we are looking forward.

The Hartes are settling into life in the country at my Mum's very well. Elijah has finally started to wear his wellies (see above)and he says 'night night' to the sheep, the cows, the cats and the neighbour's pheasant before bed.

I drink tea with my childhood friends by the fire as though I am 17 again and it feels good. It is almost like having a constant winter warmer except it's in my heart and it's in the month of April!

Michael on the other hand has returned from a weeks skiing and is tackling the "essentials" box amidst a few runs in my Brother's van pretending to be his apprentice joiner!

Sometimes it takes a change to make you realise that there is more to life than the bubble you safely exist in. I use the word 'Exist' because it sums my/our complacency at times. One can easily float from one day to the next, wishing time away or an event to be within reach, seeing the same people, having the same "chat" and forgetting that a positive (and for me, spiritual) outlook on the here, the now, the tangible, the present is more valuable to us. I suppose what I am trying to say (while sounding incredibly like a writer for the 'Daily Bread' leaflets from Church)is; don't dwell, try not to forget but do embrace the oncoming daily experiences.

After watching the Jack Kyle documentary on BBC 1 two weeks ago I was struck by his closing words. Unfortunately I am not confident about the middle "look on"...interesting considering this is a blog about flipping forgetfulness! Here goes;

"Look on the past with gratitude, look on the present with contentment and look on the future with enthusiasm." Wise words.

This morning's happenings

2010-02-25T16:46:00.003Z

So the 5:30am wake ups are becoming a little draining but all part of parenthood I know. However this morning I can't help but feel that the wee man had an excuse.

Last night I had to do a few hours of work and Daddy had a hockey match so Elijah's ever faithful Granny was doing bedtime duty. Now don't get me wrong as seen in previous posts the woman is a legend on the babysitting front. But last night she made a minor slip that certainly provided much amusement this am!

After eventually dragging myself from my pit to check on the dramatic screams coming from the neighbouring bedroom around 6:45am I found a very wet baby. Wet in the sense that he was absolutely soaking!! His neck, arms, pjs and jammie suit were extremely damp to touch. After panicking that I had passed my tonsilitis hot and cold sweating symptoms onto the wee pet I checked his temperature and it was strangely normal. My next thought; "Those cursed nappies leaking again". So I striped him and while doing so realised that there was a very colourful finding Nemo swim nappy looking rather guilty under this pyjama bottoms!! Needless to say an early morning bath was a must.

Just when life was looking a tad dull...

2010-02-24T08:42:00.002Z

At 7pm last night I was taking another antibiotic and spraying my throat thinking to myself; "Gosh I hope I'm a little less pathetic tomorrow" when suddenly this vision appeared into my bedroom!

My friend Janine gave this fly/lizard/winged insect towel thingy to Elijah after her son was having none of it. Needless to say Elijah loved it and embraced every inch the towel had to offer. Evidence in the pictures.

Fly away Peter Fly away Paul

2010-02-23T17:30:00.004Z

As I lie in my bed for the fourth day running I can hear the merry little voice of a grandmother singing nursery rhymes. My blogging has been very slack of late. I was in Donegal and since we are in the middle of a potential (note; use of 'potential' because I suppose until the papers are signed our move is about as guaranteed as Grease 3 coming out in the cinema!) house move my life is a little less ordinary right now.

My reason for lying in bed at 17:36pm on a Tuesday afternoon is none other than flipping tonsilitis! What a grim state to be in. It has knocked me for six and I really look forward to the antibiotics working their magic as soon as possible!!

The nursery rhyme that Granny Ella is singing; "Two little dicky birds sitting on the wall, One named Peter One named Paul..." and the wee man is in stitches! Every time Peter or Paul fly away he giggles and it brings happiness to my soul. Thank Heaven for God's children.

Lipgloss definition; Lip gloss is a cosmetic product used primarily to give lips a mildly glossy lustre and sometimes subtle color

2010-01-30T07:32:00.004Z

Just a short bit of blogging at this ridiculously early time of 7:33am on a Saturday morning to write about making lipgloss. You did read it correctly, I am making lipgloss with a new group of girls that I met with last week. At some stage there are a few boys threatening to join the group, so this particular venture ought to be kept under wraps!!

After much research on the subject I have found that the art of making one's own "batch" of lipgloss is to melt all the ingredients at a high heat and then to move quickly with the flavour and colour process so the consistency is just right.

I look forward to this hour of comedy with the girls on Wednesday. I am posting the ingredients and indeed the method from a lipgloss recipe that I have found on the internet this morning for your viewing pleasure. Should any of you try this recipe on this cold snowy Saturday, feedback would be very much appreciated! I will update you with my efforts also.

tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon cocoa butter
2 teaspoons beeswax
10-20 drops jojoba oil
optional - drops of honey or flavoring or vitamin E oil

Recipe

Melt the coconut oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax in a double boiler or over hot water.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Stir in the jojoba oil and any additional ingredients.
Pour the balm into a clean container. Set the lid on top of the container, but slightly ajar to allow any moisture to escape.
Seal the container once the lip balm has cooled/solidified.

Final reflection on the year that was 2009.

2010-01-10T21:25:00.005Z

I understand that yes we are well into the second week of January (well almost!) and Christmas is a distant memory. Our trees have been sent to the local amenity site, and the little 'let it snow' decorations are boxed and back in the roof space. But we had a few special recorded moments over the festive period and really, what a year 2009 was for the Harte's! Elijah has brought so much joy and he really is the gift from God that just keeps giving!

The pictures that follow include a visit to see my 84 year old Nan who has been house bound for most of the holidays because of the snow. Elijah made a stunning paper plate reindeer in nursery that he presented her with the day before Christmas eve. It was quite a presentation with the added pleasure of a quick game of peekaboo before the hand over!

Despite Elijah vomiting all over Mum's carpet just before we sat down to eat our Christmas dinner he did manage to enjoy his new tractor and trailer from Aunt Vikki and Uncle Richard and looked extra cute in his santa socks.

Also included is a photo from the main man's first Christmas morning and my favourite picture of him and his Daddy to date.

Happy new year!

Just because I love her and her big hair

2010-01-05T16:13:00.004Z

My friend told me today that a picture of me on facebook from another friend's wedding reminds her of Kate Bush. I found this image of Kate and I love it. Love being a big enough reason for it's presence on my blog.

Make a bauble!!

2009-12-18T13:45:00.002Z

Tomorrow I am venturing to Lisburn city to make christmas baubles with the kids who are in Market square! Cannot quite believe how cold it is going to be but it should be fun! I always love a good Lisburn city centre management gig! Some signs and samples of the baubles I will be making with the interested parties! I think they are very very cute!

Thought for today

2009-12-16T23:14:00.003Z

Today brought with it many emotions. I found a slug in the lettuce salad that I ordered for my lunch!! Disgust and a little anger featured at this point! I had the last session with my ymca girls in the afternoon which was in itself a little sad as they are all just wonderful and have made my job very easy over the past eight weeks! I felt excitement about the year nine YMCA group that I will be meeting in the new year! I dropped off my signs and materials to Lisburn City Centre Management for Saturday's festival. This allowed some nervous feelings to creep in for the up and coming Christmas bauble making event! I picked up my latest portrait commission from the framers, this was very satisfying! I spoke to my Mum about her involvement in the book her friend is writing based on bereavement, this was moving and conjured up feelings about my Dad and his absence at this time of year... I came across this Max Lucado Just a Moment on thoughts about God webpage and it touched my soul. I am loving Christmas and I am loving hearing God's name on national radio 6 dozen times a day!! Hallelujah!

A little bit of Christmas...

2009-12-12T18:15:00.007Z

I spent today with my wonderful baba making soup, wheaten bread and Christmas biscuits with lots and lots of icing. I am feeling extremely festive! As I type this blog Strictly is on in the background, my pasta dish is cooking and the fire is roaring. Delightful!

words

2009-12-07T09:51:00.004Z

A girl from a group I work with once a week made this and I love it. Peace and love to you all...I know it is on its side and that means a head tilt from the viewer. Head tilts are nice...

Beechlawn

2009-11-25T20:57:00.002Z

Yesterday I worked with a boy and his Mum in Beechlawn School. We were doing a project that I call "Digiface". This involved him and his Mum taking photos of each other with my Digital SLR, uploading them to the computer, merging them on top of a photo or scan of their hobbies and finally changing the colour to the boy's favourite colour and printing...WELL this was the plan! With most of this type of work one has to be flexible so we did most of this exercise and then when we had the boy engaging a little more I suggested we take the camera outside. We then played around with the colours in Photoshop. These are they...

My wonderful YMCA girls!

2009-11-20T14:07:00.005Z

This is a little insight into the many forms of community arts that I am taking part in these days besides the one day events like the Purple Turnip Festival. I meet 5 teenage girls every week and they are just brilliant! They have such enthusiasm and were so excited when I suggested bracelet making and t-shirt embellishing! We have a system whereby one of the girls brings her i pod or cds and we listen to those while we make the art. I also allow them to use my Digital SLR which they just love! They take snapshots of the afternoons events and then we play a slideshow with their song choice at the next session. So, the images on here were taken by the girls themselves. I have 8weeks with them and hopefully a summer scheme residency in 2010. Such young people are amongst the main reasons that I am now a full time artist. Their engagement and their creativity remind me that I am right where I am supposed to be. We only have an hour each week but they use it to the full!

The night I pretented to be a biker and ended up posing like a wannabe "madel"!!!

2009-11-13T21:38:00.006Z

So, my cousin asks me if I fancy coming to "some art exhibition" with her on Thursday night. Me, being the dedicated artiste that I am I said I would be keen to attend... She said it was a "guy called Terry Bradley" and "Have you heard of him?". Of course I'd flipping heard of him!! When she said "Maybe you could network or something", I thought "Why the heck not!?"...The condition for being able to attend such an event was that I wore "moody leathers" and rode on the back of her boyfriend's Dad's Kawasaki Motorbike! Apparently we were escorting Terry Bradley to the exhibition opening...What a fun/comedy idea!! So needless to say I shamelessly went and had my photo taken with the man (Bradley) himself and snooped around the paintings eaves dropping on the Cream of tha Crop of Ulster as they discussed "Belfast FWEEK (that's; Belfast Fashion Week for those of you who are not in the loop!!) and other "beautiful people" chat...Anyway, to shorten the winter for you, check out my posing efforts behind my poor cousin's boyfriend on the back of his Harley! More importantly see my lame effort to be a "biker chick"and have a look at Mr Bradley himself in the bakers hat...and please do look up JamieTrimble.com to see more amazing photography!!

It went!!

2009-11-09T14:31:00.004Z

Yes indeedi! My paperboat making workshop in Lisburn City went down a storm! Stickers are officially BRILLIANT to use with kids and paper boat making magic is equally successful! The children we worked with were so polite and enthusiastic, a credit to their parents! Some photos of the days events...

Paper boats and all things nice...

2009-11-03T23:11:00.005Z

This Saturday my friend (and fellow Artiste!) Adele and I are hosting a paper boat making workshop in Lisburn Castle Gardens as part of the (see above) Purple Turnip festival!! I have currently made four large and colourful (if a little boisterous) signs advertising the event, an A1 "Step by step guide to making a paper boat" board (note: that my husband couldn't understand!), two purple baseball tops with artist's names on the back( apparently "IMPACT" is the best font for the job..or so my new mate in the copy shop tells me!), posted an ad on gumtree (Well, why not!?)...and its only Tuesday evening!! Wow, lots to be getting on with and so little time!..

I often wonder when I walk down the street in my paint splashed tights and tattered clothing what it would be like to have a "real" job where one wears sophisticated clothing, uses a Mulberry brief case, and sits at a desk with a transparent glass of sparkling water to hand as opposed to a pencil sharpened using an all-too-dangerous rusty stanley knife, a muggy finger print covered glass of fizzy pop, and a mountain of library books titled "kids origami", "how to embellish your t-shirt", "make mosaic in a weekend" and "Picasso's finest hour"!?! ...

Elijah Yoga

2009-10-26T09:56:00.001Z

Elijah stretching and then doing his daily stint of downward dog. Very committed little chap!!

Goodbye Pradas, you served me well.

2009-10-13T09:23:00.003+01:00

My favourite and my only pair of Prada footwear have sadly been handed over to the shoe fairy. They were bought in Boston last year while I was pregnant and simply couldn't face shopping in clothes shops and what a joy they were! This image doesn't show the blue tinge from wear and tear that had started to appear inside each sandal and had a threatening "soon-to-be-mouldy" look about it. Bye Pradas and thank you.

Heart Potato

2009-10-10T21:49:00.003+01:00

I found this little treasure in my bag of Comber spuds this evening, what a cracker!

Burberry Trousers

2009-10-09T09:22:00.003+01:00

A friend in New York sent Elijah this gift....A moment please for baby burberry trousers and dinky little feet

Gold buttons

2009-10-04T16:10:00.000+01:00

Today I saw a very sick man with gold buttons on his navy blazer. He was dressed immaculately and was ever so cheerful. He reminded me that life is to be lived to it's full. Gold buttons and navy blazers, love them.

Step back in time. Masters show 2007

2009-09-29T22:11:00.000+01:00

'Body movin' consisted of six looped videos of various body parts on different sized plinths. Very simple, very clean but had such strength. The show stemmed from my exploration of my own obscure body parts, 'double jointed''qualities' (!) and cracking bones. Only five images here at present. Sixth and final to follow...

Snippet snapshots of my 'Loose' exhibition, Art Act Gallery

2009-09-27T20:55:00.000+01:00

Standard of the pics is poor. However I like that they're not perfect because then they can't be seen as complete replicas of the pieces.

'Loose' ran from August 31st to September 19th in Art Act Gallery Lisburn. The exhibition was with Catherine Keenan who specialises in beautiful rich glass work.I also put two of the pieces from Loose' into Designer Gillian Patterson's 'Studio' last week. The 'Studio' was a two day exhibition of artists and designers outside Hillsborough and acted as the official opening of Gillian's space. The standard of the work was very high and it was a pleasure to be involved in.

Belfast city landmarks and lots and lots of bold bold colour!

Enjoy!

Aly

Fringed horses

2009-09-25T20:57:00.000+01:00

No I am not a horse fanatic! I was taking shots of a friend's stables and thought this one was particularly luscious. Perhaps I love the side sweep fringe that the sunlight has so kindly added to the horse's eye area. Or, the simple off centre layout. Either way I thought it was worth posting and I look forward to making more posts in the very near future.