Scoop and Snap

Christmas always makes me smile. But this year, we'll be celebrating the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ differently because of the precious baby that makes our family complete. I already got the check list and I should start ticking every box.

Christmas decorations are decided and will be sorted this weekend. Christmas dinner are being talked about. Though I need to read more about certain recipes to prepare for that day. Gifts are already chosen and will soon be wrapped. Places and friends to visit are listed.

There's a lot to be prepared. I know I still have a lot of time. For now, I will enjoy the cold weather while looking at the Christmas photos of past years.

http://www.christmasplace.com/ gave me an idea of using personalized ornaments and decorations. We will also get fresh Christmas tree this year to mark the coming of our bundle of joy. Besides, it smells good inside the house. We just have to remind ourselves that we need to buy it from vendor who offers retrieving them after the season. Otherwise, it will be a problem disposing them. 

Aside from all the colorful things around the house, it is the right time to start buying gifts for family and friends. I started three months ago. That's late compare to others who started filling the sock first quarter of the year. Making a list is a great idea as it will help you not to forget someone and to manage your budget accordingly. 

How about you? When will you start decorating for Christmas? Have you started buying gifts or you're done with the shopping already?

Traveling around Ireland will not be complete if you did not get any souvenirs. During the month of March, sidewalk market such as the picture above is common. You can easily grab a piece or two for a very small price. There are also official shops where you can buy some other stuffs. Prices are not bad at all. Example €10 for 2 pieces of bags, hats or shirts They also have custom tote bags wholesale which you can buy for your friends back home. 

Music, Film, Comedy and I Love my City are the remaining categories at St. Patrick's Day Festival 2014. There's one category especially created to celebrate the Irish Language during the festival. It is called Gaelspraoi.

All year round, you can find a great festival event to enjoy in Ireland. Most of them are music events which will surely keep you alive day and night. 

Every time hubby and I plan a trip whether locally or internationally, we always include a short trip to local restaurant with live music. Doing this made simply completes our day as we got more relaxed and entertained.

During non-busy days, hubby and I love to go to bar or some restaurant to enjoy few drinks and to listen to very good live music. We are so amazed with the great performers. Not only they can sing well but also they can play their instruments brilliantly.

I noticed that performers used certain tools to make their instrument can be heard well and perfectly. I wonder if performers use tools like golden cello mad professor  to make their instruments sound so perfect. 

Strolling on the busy streets of Dublin is pretty cool as different shops have interesting displays on their windows. While roaming around the park, allows me to appreciate nature even more. I know, shopping centre is not a good idea when you don't want to hurt your pocket. But window shopping won't hurt either. 

Just want to share with you few things we came across during our recent city trips.