Polly Says Hey Pesto!

I first met Yvonne Carty quite a few years ago at my very first networking event, run by the Offaly and Laois Enterprise Boards it was held at Durrow Castle which lies deep to the south of Laoise near the borders of counties Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny.



Yvonne Carty, the creative genius behind Hey Pesto! lives close to me and yet I'd to travel some distance to meet her. I recognized her as someone I 'knew' by sight immediately and on gentle probing discovered that she is in fact from nearby Tullamore but lives a little closer to hand - in the same village as me!!! That in itself tells a tale about the kind of life I was living prior to our initial formal introduction, it was frenetic to say the least. Thank goodness fate had intervened and rendered me unfit to continue, demanding a break from all that I knew while introducing me to so much more...

As well as being incredibly busy with her catering business Yvonne is actively involved with the Geashill Tidy Towns committee in organising the brand new Muc Fair in Geashill, Co Offaly on 31st July 2011. (Contact the tidytowns committee for information regarding stands, etc) Without a doubt she's a lady with community conscience and can be seen here promoting Tipperary Tastee's, although she did sneak in a taste of Offaly by using locally produced cream in her main course (wink!)


For more information on Hey Pesto! why not check out their Facebook Page?

Polly's Four Stone Up & One Stone Down...

I recently received a comment from Mike over on The Wine Buff. Simply put, Mike was wondering if I was ever going to pull my finger out and actually post on this blog at any time in the future...? Oooops!

The simple answer to that question is errrr, yes, that is my intention! It has always been my intention, but sadly it's something I haven't been doing for a while. Thinking about this, it occurred to me that my waffley bad blogging schedule started sometime last May, around the time I returned to work! The truth is I've been doing too many things (or maybe not in this case) and to be honest I've been advised by more than one source to slow things down a little but surely that doesn't mean grind to a halt, does it?

There have honestly been times when that's pretty much what I've done. In the past year I've spent much of my time when not working resting either in bed, having off days or sitting in zombie like fashion infront of this very pc (actually, it's more likely that it was the one I killed or the borrowed laptop that went back when I resigned as secretary of the dyslexia group!!!) Alternately, I may have been working like a beaver to fill orders for greeting cards - as time is at a premium these days I have to slip this in in between scouting, etc...

Cooking hasn't exactly been high on my list of priorities either. I've cajoled 'the boys', any or all three of them to whip up culinary delights on my behalf, persuaded DG to bring home disasterous takeaways or worse still resorted to the occasional emergency bottle of readymade sauce! Yuck - at least that's what my conscience tries to tell me on these (bottled) occasions.

The boys really are quite accomplished cooks, the youngest concocts a presentable panna cotta from memory. Only the eldest one, ie the 40 year old is truly accountable for his actions though, he actually clears up afterwards. I shame when he arrives home after a long days work only to make dinner for four because the lady is out in the shed making greeting cards! I sometimes wonder if it's worth it, and I'm quite sure he does so regularly...

This said, there is perhaps method in such madness. The whole house has suffered in this past year, more than any other, to the extent that teenage boys have discovered the delights of bargaining and persuasion alongside those of vaccuming and lawnmowing. My partner in life has realised that maybe we do need a new cooker. The gas pressure steadily drops off while he's in the midst of something requiring crucial timing - ie it's got to be cooked by bedtime!

How many times have we slapped medium rare best Irish beef steaks (from our beloved Aldi) onto our plates only to have to whip them back off again, wash the plates and recook them under the ailing grill, while the veg stews? We no longer eat roast meats, roast potatoes or yorkshire puddings anymore, unless my Mum rushes to the rescue which is typically on a Monday evenings due to my involvement with scouts...

Okay, I did purchase a brand new microwave rice & pasta cooker recently. Actually, it was a freebie due to the fact that the blessed thing went missing in the post and then promptly arrived on my door step the day after the company had reimbursed my credit card. They insisted that I kept it by way of compensation for the extraordinary nine weeks in transit, which was mighty decent of them, especially as their promotion had promised free shipping, the cost of which was promptly added to the price after we'd reached checkout!

Ah yes, life in the Pierce household has been 'interesting' over the past year or so. My inactivity and penchant for fine red wines has led to me gaining an extra-ordinary four stone over the past five years. The last one has yoyoed horrifically. Each time I've congratulated myself on losing it I've celebrated this by adding to the fortunes of my local vintners (including Wines Direct) and master chocalatiers...

Yesterday I treated myself to a brand new copy of this months "Weight Watcher's Magazine" and a double decker! And yes, my intentions are once more GOOD...

Polly Promotes Ballycrystal Kennels!

For those of you who live locally I thought I'd bring your attention to my local kennels. Owned and run by Maria & John McNally, who's youngest son stayed over at LB's sleepover last night Ballycrystal Kennels is a bright and modern facility offering top class accomodation to all breeds of your very best canine friends.

The dogs are housed in purpose built kennels which is large enough to take seventeen occupants. As the McNally's love dogs and have several of their own they are well placed to look after yours, if you are unable to take them on holidays with you. Each is given their own individual pen and is walked in the fields daily by members and friends of the family. A word of caution though, only those with full vaccination certificates are welcome!

If you would like to know more about this great service why not check them out and visit their new website for more details. You'll be surprised at how reasonable their rates are! If you do decide to visit Ballycrystal Kennels don't forget to tell them that Polly sent you!

Polly Celebrates Ireland's National Fish And Chip Day...

Today, 26th May 2010 is National Fish & Chip Day here in Ireland! Apparently, participating chippers are offering 50% discount on all orders for fish and chips today...

The word on the street is that the first fish and chips in Ireland were introduced by young Guiseppe Cervi, who was on an America bound ship which stopped off in Queenstown (Cobh)on the south coast, just off Cork. Having reached Dublin, Guiseppe worked in the city as a labourer, earning enough to buy a coal-fired cooker and a handcart, and started selling chips outside pubs...

In the years following Guiseppe opened his first fish and chip shop was on Great Brunswick Street – now Pearse Street – next door to Trinity College Dublin in 1880-something...

What remains remarkable about the Fish and Chip industry in Ireland is that the majority are owned by Italians some hundred years or so later. Even more remarkable is the fact that nearly all of these families originate from one tiny area - a handful of little villages in Val Di Comino, in the province of Frosinone in Southern Italy.



In honour of this great tradition the descendents of these hard working pioneers of Ireland's favourite fast food have got together to form a self regulating association - ITICA, whose tagline is "Serving Your Local Community Since 1885"...

These are ITICA's Core Values:

• 
  

  Freshly cut chips are the only chips we serve

• 
  

  Our customers will be treated courteously and efficiently 

• 
  

   All meals will be prepared to the highest food safety standard 

• 
  

  Our shops will be maintained to the highest standard 

• 
  

  Our shops remain a safe and welcoming environment 

• 
  

  We will support ITICA promotional activities

For more information why not drop into their site and see who in your area is a member of ITICA!


Now it's not that I'm biased, but with the exception of Leo Burdocks, the only place to go for fish and chips is an italian chippers! Everything else pales by comparison. It's not unusual for Irish chippers to use frozen lumps of soggy battered fish instead of fresh fish. This and the use of frozen chips, which are equally appealing succeeded in putting me off fish and chips for many years!

"GOLDENFRY and Luigi's, Edenderry; Macari's, Tullamore and Angelo's Takeaway, Banagher have become members of the newly formed Irish Traditional Italian Chippers Association (ITICA) and they now proudly display the ITICA logo." (Offaly Express 09 April 2010)

So, the question remains, how will you celebrate National Fish & Chip Day? The thought did cross my mind that I could make a healthy low fat version of fish and chips here at home, however, that really wouldn't be celebrating National Fish And Chips Day properly would it? So I guess it's off to Macari's for tea tonight...

Meanwhile, in between rushing around delivering boys here, there and everywhere I think I shall celebrate by making an extra-special hand made greeting card to cheer a lady called Jayme up. This is known as a random act of kindness or RAK, if you would like to know more about this please visit here...

If I succeed in fulfilling this ambition, I'll be posting on my other blog later on this evening and you can find out more over there...

Why not let us know how you celebrated National Fish & Chip Day 2010? Enjoy!

Ciao!

Polly

Vinca Cards

Polly's First St Patrick's Day Blog Hop With A Mouse That Waltzes...

Just in case you're wondering about the title, tomorrow is St Patrick's Day! Yippee, it's a national holiday here in the Emerald Isle - the children have the day off school and we celebrate by turning out for parades all over the country. Tullamore is celebrating in a very special way this year, with the Tullamore & Ballykillmurray Scout Troops joining forces to march in the parade...

Hopefully we should have a good turn out for tomorrow, I just hope & pray that the weather holds out and blesses us with a little more sunshine and a lot less wind than we had today. Boy, it's been cold here which has come as a little bit of a surprise after the temperate Spring weather of the past few days...

This year the town is filled with Scouting memorabilia, with exhibitions in the Bridge Centre and shop fronts all over the town. It promises to be quite spectacular, combined with the huge effort going into the parade. Teams of scouts have been beavering away (excuse the pun!) for months preparing for this week and so far it's looking pretty good. I can't wait to see the end result tomorrow - must remember to bring my camera.

So what's the big deal and why are we pushing the boat out? Well, this weekend Tullamore will be descended upon by delegates from all over Ireland attending Scouting Ireland's National Council which opens on Saturday. A second parade comprised of Scouts from all over the Slieve Bloom Scout County and the South Eastern Province will welcome our Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick following his arrival on a narrow boat at the Tullamore Heritage Centre on Friday evening. For us scouters this is the big parade, with St Patrick's Day conveniently offering us the chance to practice our marching skills - shhh, don't tell anyone!

For those of you who are not in the know, the Slieve Bloom Scout County comprises counties Offaly, parts of Laois and North Tipperary. It is so called because the geographical area covered by these Scout troops is dominated by the Slieve Bloom Mountains...

Regarding the rest of the title, tomorrow is also a big day in the card maker's world, especially those who have fallen prey to the extraordinary talents of one Ms Claire Brennan, who just happens to reside on these Emerald shores in the county of Antrim. Being that Claire is both patriotic and creative she decided that tomorrow would be the perfect excuse to bring crafty folk from all over the world together and celebrate together.

Why not drop in again tomorrow and find out what this is all about. If you're lucky I might even have some photo's of the parade for you and of course a nice St Patrick's Day card for you too...

Have a good evening, Slán!

Polly Pierce

Hand Made Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationery From County Offaly

Polly Wants Candy...

To celebrate the fact that her blog has reached a magnificent 20,000 hits and 90 followers my cyberfriend Sandy decided to offer a wee taster of what's to come in the future. She's put up this delicious blog candy for grabs:

1 x Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Nestabilities

1 x Bo Bunny "Clearly Mixed Up" Acrylic Album

1 x PK "Chocolate Drops" Glittered Skittles

5 x Deep Ivory Gardenia

5 x 2-Tone Baby Pink Roses 25mm

5 x White with Pink Centre Roses 25mm

5 x Ivory Roses 25mm

5 x Lt. Mocha Brown Roses 25mm

10 x 2-Tone Pink Roses 15mm

10 x Ivory Roses 15mm

5 x 2-Tone Old Gold Cherry Blossoms

1 mtr - Ivory Guipure Lace

1mtr - White Cotton Lace

1mtr - Delicate Coffee Scalloped Lace

1mtr - Salmon Scalloped Lace

1mtr - White Scalloped Lace

1mtr - Cream Cotton Lace

0.5mtr - 1" White Ric Rac

She's also adding a small selection of mini tags, pins & charms/spacers from Whiff of Joy, Tabby Crafts and The Hobby House.

Like all sensible sweetie shop owners she's added a few rules, ie the boring bit...

* To try to reduce spammers I will ask you to put your favourite type of embellishment after your name in Mr. Linky.... (e.g. Sandie-Ribbon)
* You must put a post on your blog or a picture link in a prominent place on your own blog, linking back to this post.
* It is not necessary to become a follower of my blog, please do so only if you enjoy my work.
* If Mr. Linky has gone AWOL please try at a later time. It's just impossible to combine comment entries with linked entries so it is ONLY entries via Mr. Linky which will be eligible for the drawing.
* This candy is open until 11.59pm (GMT) on March 31st.
 *The winner will be announced on Apr 1st.

Meanwhile, why not head over to Sandie's blog and leave a comment. Maybe you could be the lucky winner of some fabulous craft candy...

Self-taught Scot has designs on world domination as she knits her way to fame - Times Online

I don't know quite how I came across this lassie, but I've been following her exploits for the past couple of years. Maybe it's because I've always wanted to be able to knit beautiful garments and dress nicely? Whatever the answer, I log in periodically and catch up...

Only this morning, while languishing in my lovely comfortable, warm bed making use of my recently purchased 14 foot long ethernet lead and a borrowed lap-top computer I noticed that my friend Jean was online. Not being one to miss an opportunity to indulge in a quick chat, especially as my friend lives in France I jumped right in.

Now Jean is an accomplised knitter, often publishing beautiful photo's of her latest creations on her blog. I on the other hand taught myself to knit by means of forgotten memories of childhood disasters and a brilliant little book that I picked up in the late 1980's in Leeds. To date my triumphs have included numerous benny hats and a short cravat style scarf made out of reclaimed arran wool that used to be my favourite jumper. There is no comparison...

Amongst other things the name Ysolda cropped up in our chat. Jean sent me a link to the Times online article that was published a couple of weeks ago about this remarkable lassie. I said that I thought she was definitely going places, Jean said that she thinks she already has...

Self taught Scot has designs on world domination as she knits her way to fame

Times Online

Certainly, Ysolda Teague deserves to go places. Her designs are gorgeous, often based on vintage styles which she somehow carries off so elegantly. Recently she's been on a tour of America promoting her latest pattern book Whisical Little Knits 2, while many of her designs are available on line, there are even a freebie or two. Currently I'm still struggling to make my lovely beret, but I suspect that it might be ready in time for next winter!

Polly Pierce
Handmade Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationery Made In Co Offaly

Polly's Arctic Bunny Suit

OOooh! There's so much to do and so little time to do it in. Last week in the run up to the half-term break I had visions of spending long hours in the house with the two boys finally rescuing it from the quagmire of accoutrement's built up over the years. Like all good magpie's we live in the middle of a pile of clutter which we simply cannot bear to part with; perhaps this is the reason for the various members of the crow family building their nests within spitting distance of the house...

What I wouldn't give for a visit from Aggie and Kim to de-clutter and deep clean all those hidden corner's for me! Meanwhile the fantasy continues in the form of a written contract binding my eldest dear son to my side for the whole of this week; in performing his various neglected chores - without protestation - our nest will soon be ready for decorating. Once this is done we'll be out of the CHAOS phase of our lives and he'll be able to invite his friends over. Hardy, ha, ha - LOL!

CHAOS is an acronym coined by Marla Cilley - otherwise known as Fly Lady. It represents that horror of horror that all teenager's are so prone to; which is the double standard of can't be bothered + won't be bothered but want my friends over too = Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome!

The news so far is poor. BB has finally completed the extra-delightful task of providing his pet ferret with a clean and warm environment for the winter; lucky thing! He was also persuaded to bring in fuel for the in the stove; LB was coerced into taking the ashes out and the result was that the fire was lit hours later than intended - at nearly 7.30pm!

Meanwhile, Mum; the intrepid Scouter was lounging on the sofa in the sitting room complaining of stomach cramps and abdominal tenderness. The kids have diagnosed appendicitis; personally I think it probably has more to do with the copious amounts of draught Guinness consumed at Ms T's hen party & Mr T's stag party on Saturday night.

That wouldn't have presented too much of a problem; except for the fact that by 1pm Sunday; I was on my way to Charleville Estate for a winter camp with the Scouts! Yes folks, it was -2C on Sunday night and we'd no running water or toilet facilities; let alone central heating or electric blankets to keep us warm...

It was about 1am when eventually my tired body decided to call it a night. My feet were warmish; so I was alright for the night! Mr B; in the adjacent tent was much the same as myself - only he took his socks off! I replaced mine with wool, angora and Lycra thermals purchased in Lidl on Thursday. In fact my whole body was swathed in fluffy bunny; I was lovely and warm - that is until I started to fall asleep...

By 4am I could tell that Ms M was awake; the rubbing noises coming from her double layered sleeping bags were a dead give-away. That was my opportunity to rustle my way quietly into the huge over sized bin liner called a survival bag; while she tip-toed out into the cold, cold field in her bare feet.

Happily my rustling had relieved one bladder and brought warmth to another pair of feet in the next tent; yes I'd also woken Mr B! As the two of them rustled their way into their respective space blankets I snacked as quietly as possible on a chocolate digestive biscuit to quell my rumbling tummy. Soon I luxuriated in a rosy glowing sensation; then sleep finally took over...

Would I do it again? The answer has to be a definite "Yes!" The kids had a great time; and yes they too were cold; although they got to snuggle into one another like kittens in a basket! It was an experience and it was fun. We'll all be better prepared for the conditions next time; ie I've already put a new four seasons sleeping bag on my list for Christmas - my existing one is as old as the hills and needs to be retired!

Next time we'll all remember to bring the magic ingredients for our supper and an extra layer of clothing for warmth; but hey we survived this camp and we'll be recovered from it by the time the kids go back to school!

Like I said, so much to do and so little time to do it! One thing I have noticed though; is that I am much tidier at home in the immediate aftermath of a camp; so much so that I was able to work at the kitchen table yesterday afternoon. Things are looking up; and even though yesterday was definitely a day for pj's and sweats, I got so much more done - just because I'd tidied the kitchen upon my return from our Arctic exploration...

I somehow doubt that my fantasy of being able to redecorate the house at the end of the half-term break will be realised. The week is already half gone; the rest of it filled with social engagements galore including breakfast BNI meetings; overnight ghost hunting at Charleville Castle on Halloween followed by a 50th birthday party...

At least the kitchen is tidier and my 'Appendicitis' symptoms should by well on the way to recovery by then; just in time for the next round!Meanwhile; we continue to live in a state of organised CHAOS. I continue to build my empire from the kitchen table and fantasize about paying someone to come in and do the rest for me!

Anyway, that's a quick overview of the past week from your favourite card making Scouter! I've got to go and ring Martin and confirm my participation in Friday's adventure now; wish us luck...

Polly Pierce
Hand-Made Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationary

Polly BNI

Members of the Irish Business Women's Forum may be aware that I was recently invited to attend a meeting of the newly formed Offaly Chapter of Business Network International (more commonly known as BNI).

Of course being both curious and cynical I went along to the meeting. I'd done a little bit of research, ie Googled BNI; but still wasn't quite sure of what it was I was going along to! The early morning wake-up call was a bit of a shock to the system. Offaly members of the Chapter get up early every Thursday morning for a meeting which commences at 06.45am...

The mere fact that I woke up before the alarm had sounded at 06.10am bode well; and by the time the members of the chapter had started their meeting, I was washed, brushed and dressed. With eyes bright and an open mind I approached the meeting in much the same way I'd gone to the famous Bridal & Debs Exhibition the other week. I had little to loose, apart from a couple of hours sleep that is; and oh so much to gain.

For starters I met a girl I'd been friendly with as a young teenager in the village of Geashill. My fondest memories comprise of the two of us dancing to John Travolta and Olivia Newtronn-Bomb in a spare room above her aunts public house. Of course our energy flagged and we abandoned the black vinyl disc in search of rest and probably a coke or two! The following day the sunlight buckled the disc out of all recognition, resulting in a somewhat bumpier ride for our two hero's...

I know that my friend, with whom I'd lost contact many years ago; had pursued similar career interests to myself and took comfort from her enthusiasm and her firm handshake. There were one or two other faces which I recognized; all of which made it easier for me to integrate myself into the group comprised predominantly of men.

I even had the courage to stand up and introduce myself and my business to the meeting; for sixty seconds I took the floor while my business cards and artists trading cards circulated around the room. Phew! Sixty seconds can be a long time; but there's nothing like nursing to help you through it...

By the end of the meeting, which included a typically Irish Breakfast my only concern was the joining fees. Admittedly they are not cheap; in fact they are anything but! They do however accept Visa/Mastercard and the monthly fee can be taken by standing order...

Compared with the cost of regular advertising BNI is cheap. At a cost of €164.00 a week, I wouldn't get much change out of €2,000 per year, would I? The only problem is that it is difficult to quantify how much an investment of that type would return in terms of new business.

My investment with yourlocal.ie has proven to be an expensive mistake - after one month I haven't had a single click through as a result of advertising through them. Regarding my three month agreement; I was guaranteed business which has so far not been forthcoming, so I'm not going to worry about the other two months of the trial. There's no point in throwing good money after bad...

So; with regard to BNI, where do I stand? I'm sold on the principal; but I am very concerned about the cost involved. Also, the annual fee is non-returnable! Can I really expect a middle aged concrete pre-cast manufacturer to promote my handmade wedding stationary to his customer's? Well, maybe I can - afterall; he does run a golf club too!!!!

I do have the opportunity to visit one other meeting before committing myself. I wonder though, if I will be able to get up so early next Thursday? No doubt you'll find out later in the week; whether or not I did!!!

Polly Pierce
Vinca Hand Made Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationary

Polly's Big Event

This weekend sees the inaugural Midlands Bride & Deb's Exhibition being held in the picturesque Charleville Castle, Tullamore, Co Offaly. This prestigious event, which will hopefully be the first of many to come is being organised by the lovely Yvonne Delaney of Lynzdel Bridal Fashions of BlueBall, Tullamore.

The event promises to be "The Wedding Event of The Year" and aims to showcase the services available to both engaged couples and young ladies Deb's facing their 'coming out' at their graduation ball. Lynzdel Bridal Fashions carries an extensive collection of Bridal and Debs dresses and accessories. First Holy Communion dresses, hats and feathers are also available from this award winning business.

Who better to organise what promises to be a superb event; catering for all the family with catering and entertainment available in the grounds of this gothic manse? I for one am becoming quite excited about the whole thing now and can't wait to see the what this fairy tale venue will look like having received the attentions of local florist's and other creative folk in preparation for Saturday's grand opening!

Arist's Trading Card by Vinca

If you live in Ireland; please, please, please come and visit my VINCA Cards stand at 'The Midlands Bride & Debs Exhibition' on Saturday 27 th & Sunday 28th from 12pm - 6pm Admission €15.00 per head; with the proceeds apparently donated to the local Oncology Unit.

Polly's Panic

I think that the best way to describe this distracted-ness would be as PANIC! Last Thursday I found myself enacting a vague plan that had been developing somewhere in the back of my conscious mind for a while now. Somehow I managed to enrol my services at a local Bridal & Deb's Exhibition! To make matters worse it is next weekend...

The result was an action plan being thrown into action almost immediately. A visit to my local old-fashioned haberdashery store was a matter of priority. Thank God that in my previous incarnation I have experience of working a trade stand at one of the largest annual shows in the country; at least I have that much to fall back on!

Armed with ribbons and bows, metres of shiny lining material to coordinate with my business cards etc, tulle to emulate the bridal veil and bring things together a visit to my favourite florist was next in order. To be honest, I left a little downhearted and clueless regarding my choice of flowers for my table. Simple, stylish and tasteful are the order of the day, preferably without huge cost involved either...

By Friday evening my worst dreams had come through. Despite all the work ahead of me I found myself back on the road to Newbridge; delivering LB to his gymnastic class. The class is not the problem; it's the time, the distance and the likelihood of me spending money I haven't got on yet more craft materials!

This time was different, having dropped LB off at the Curragh Army Camp; I took myself down to my favourite chocolate destination which is Lily O'Brien's factory shop. Here I discovered much to my embarrassment that I had rudely barged past the receptionist in order to buy myself ten minutes browsing time. The poor woman was propping up the main door while talking to a young man; and to be honest I'm surprised I didn't send them both flying!

The urgency which led me to forget my manners lies in the fact that the shop closes at 5.30pm on the dot and this was my last chance to buy some of their beautiful goodies before the show. Thankfully it seems that I was forgiven; the inner door was unlocked and I was allowed to peruse and sample to my hearts content.

During that time I picked up four reasonably priced boxes of Lily's delights; all wrapped up in just the right shades of purple/claret and a ton of choc's to give away at my table next weekend. In fact; the young woman who served me went to extraordinary lengths to fulfil my hopes.

The end result of my shopping was certainly better than I had hoped for and so far it was affordable! This is where things start to go downhill...

Polly Pierce

Wedding Stationary & Greeting Card Maker