There's No Taste Like Home

Not afraid of butter and cheese? Love carbs? Looking to please a picky toddler?

Do I have the perfect secret family recipe for you!

Aunt Teddie's Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound (450 grams) of pasta (rigatoni, fusilli, penne, etc.), cooked and drained

1 stick (113 grams) of butter, melted

8 tablespoons flour

4 cups (32 ounces) milk, slightly heated

1 pound (450 grams) mild cheese, shredded

breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.

Slowly mix flour into (melted) butter.

Slowly add in (slightly heated) milk over medium heat, whisking until consistency thickens.

Slowly fold-in (shredded) cheese.

Add this "roux" to (cooked and drained) pasta in an ovenproof dish.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and cook in oven for 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy!

Monkey Business

We are finally back from our long sunshiny (uh, except for that little earthquake and pesky hurricane) summer holiday in America, and are just loving autumn in Dublin these days.

Our boy did quite a bit of growing while we were away, so we headed to Zara today for some new threads.

We go bananas for monkeys:

Zara Monkey Patch T-Shirt

That hat! The yo-yo! Those eyes! Sold for 8.95 eur!

We are happy to be blogging again from Dublin, and hope everyone enjoyed summertime as much as we did.

Postcard from Philadelphia

Where in the world is Dublin, Jr.?

In Philadelphia, USA...that's where!

We've been thoroughly enjoying August in America, and won't be back home to Ireland until early September.

Blogging will be postponed until then, but first we want to share with you a few of our favorite discoveries here on the other side of the pond:

Keen Newport H2 Sandals...these waterproof shoes are especially adorable in orange! HappyMelts Organic Yogurt Snacks...a perfectly nutritious crowd pleaser on the plane or in the car.

Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia...the beautifully restored carousel there was the biggest hit with kids of all ages.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and see you in September!

Fast Food

To say we are busy this week is the understatement of the year.

We need something healthy (I have to fit into this dress on Saturday!) and suitable for guests (my mother-in-law is on her way!) for tonight's dinner. Oh, and super quick and easy.

BBC Good Food to the rescue!

BBC Good Food's Haddock and Spinach Cheese Melt

Kid tested, and mother (in-law) approved. Who could ask for anything more?

No Frog Left Behind

We are off to the Cotswolds in England for the weekend, and this lovey will be hopping across the pond with us:

Bunnies by the Bay Tadbit's Bye Bye Buddy

Our boy loves sleeping with his Bunnies by the Bay Buddy Blankets (thank you, Ali and Jill!), and this one (thank you, Sinead!) is great for traveling as it is a bit smaller, with a "security loop" for safe keeping.

In Dublin, you can find Bunnies by the Bay at Brown Thomas.

What a sweet gift idea for your favorite little frequent flyer!

Mother's Little Helper

Hey moms, ready to flaunt those post-baby curves?

I found this fabulous figure flattering dress today at Reiss to wear for a friend's upcoming wedding, and immediately vowed to come out of hiding:

Reiss Livia Dress

Add a trusty pair of Spanx, and that's all you need for your very own yummy mummy meets Kate Middleton moment!

Puppy Love

Attention all animal lovers!

Dublin City Council and Ireland's Dogs Trust are coming soon to a library near you to teach kids about responsible dog ownership.

Ireland's Dogs Trust

This FREE workshop runs throughout July at various locations around town. Click here for more details, or contact your local library.

A dog in a library? You can't miss this!

Reel Fun

Guess what's on next week in Temple Bar?

IFI Family Festival

Featuring movies for young people from around the world and workshops for aspiring filmmakers, the IFI Family Festival runs from Thursday, 14 July through Sunday, 17 July.

Book your tickets in advance here to avoid disappointment.

My pick? The Gruffalo!

Dee-licious

Looking for some inspiration in the kitchen?

Check out Weelicious for fabulous healthy no-fuss meal and snack ideas your whole family will love, especially the kids.

Weelicious

I love Catherine's philosophy, and hope you enjoy her site as much as I do!

Crazy Fore!! You

Who says baby boy clothes are boring?

Fore!! Axel & Hudson Railroad Stripe Cotton Shorts

Fore!! Axel & Hudson is a fantastic eco-friendly line of golf-inspired clothes for boys, leveling the playing field in baby fashion.

My boy got this pair of shorts from Born Yesterday (swoon) in Philadelphia (USA), but you can find this brand online and in various boutiques.

Hey Serendipity and Pearl, are you listening?

Happy shopping!

Culture Club

Our wonderful friend Aine organised a lovely outing to the uber- kid friendly Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) this morning for a group of parents (plus a grandparent!) and their babies.

While we waited for the guided tour to begin, my boy kept himself quite busy with this entertaining book in one of the museum's learning areas:

The Game of Mix-Up Art, Herve Tullet

He had so much fun turning the book's flaps to make his own pictures that I ordered a copy for him in the museum shop.

If you can't make it to IMMA, The Game of Mix-Up Art is available on Amazon.

Oh So Crafty

Calling all young artists and crafters out there!

If you are looking to get creative before lunchtime in Dun Laoghaire, make your way over to Art & Hobby in July and August for a FREE art and craft hour every Monday thru Friday from 11-12pm.

Art & Hobby Kids Art and Craft Table

Afterwards, why not head to People's Park for a picnic lunch and afternoon playground session?

Cheers to summer sunshine!

Born in the USA

We headed north to Maynooth this afternoon to celebrate USA's Independence Day with some expat friends at a bbq, and my boy had to represent.

Gap's Patriotic Graphic Tee

Even though he's Irish, he just happens to also hold an American passport, you know...

Happy Fourth of July, a day early!

The Big Picture

I can't stop thinking about these fascinating photographs, and wanted to share them with you.

Where Children Sleep, James Mollison

Where Children Sleep is available on Amazon.

A picture really is worth a thousand words, wouldn't you say?

Wiz Kids

Interested in making some magic for children in need?

Unicef Ireland

Head to Hamleys School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Dundrum to support Unicef on Saturday, 16 July from 3-5pm!

Enjoy wizardry lessons, a sorcerer's banquet, face painting, a magician, cup cake decorating, prizes and more.

This is an invite only event, so be sure to visit Unicef for tickets to attend by 10 July.

Click here to download Unicef's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry poster, and please help spread the word for this worthy cause!

Shear Genius

Not so hot at trimming your tot's hair?

Take your little one to the pros at Kiddies Kuts instead!

Kiddies Kuts

My boy totally aced his first (real, as in not by his questionably talented mother) hair cut today at the Blackrock branch of Dublin's "first ever kids only hair salon". Although how could he not with an orange lollipop and Finding Nemo to distract him?

For 14.99 eur, we walked away with one happy, well coiffed customer.

Picnic Time for Teddy Bears

Want to show that special teddy bear of yours a good time this weekend?

Take him to the Teddy Bears Picnic in Blackrock!

2011 Teddy Bears Picnic in Blackrock Park

This FREE event will take place in Blackrock Park on Sunday, 3 July from 1-5 pm, and will feature lots of fun activities and entertainment for the family.

Don't forget your favorite bear and picnic blanket!

PS: Special thanks to Louise who gave us the heads up on this one!

Baby's Best Friend

We popped into Zara today to check out their sale, and left with this:

Zara Bulldog Patch T-shirt

For only 5.99 eur, we just had to take him home with us!

Mother Earth

Looking to keep fit and connect with other moms-to-be during your pregnancy?

I highly recommend pre-natal yoga with Lou Horgan at Yoga Dublin in Ranelagh on Saturday mornings.

Lou Horgan at Yoga Dublin

Lou is an amazing yogi and inspiring teacher. Take her class and see for yourself.

She also runs Active Birth Workshops periodically, if that's your thing!

Namaste!

Happy Meals

Have you already gone through all of Annabel Karmel's delicious and nutritious recipes for your little one?

If so, check out this comprehensive website for some more ideas:

Wholesome Baby Food

Enjoy!

Incredible Edibles

One of the best gifts I received in the hospital after the birth of my son was a small box of these bad boys:

Laduree Macaroons

Nothing says welcome to motherhood better. Plus, they sure went well with all that tea Mount Carmel insisted on constantly serving us.

You can find Laduree at Brown Thomas.

Bon appetit!

Star in Stripes

Wherefore art thou, summer?

Since we haven't had much use for the shorts we bought with optimism ages ago, it's time to dig deeper into our closet for some old reliables.

I go bananas over Sweden's Polarn O. Pyret, especially their classic striped leggings:

Polarn O. Pyret Long Johns

These unisex leggings, which cost around 20 eur, are great for layering, bedtime, and travel.

Best of all? Polarn O. Pyret is currently on sale at House of Fraser.

See you at the till!

Pedal on The Metals

Looking to get outside with the family this weekend?

Sign up for The Metals Family Cycle in Dun Laoghaire!

The Metals Family Cycle

The 5km cycle starts at People's Park on Saturday at 2pm.

All participants will receive a goodie bag, high visibility vest and refreshments at this FREE event, which has been organized as part of Ireland's National Bike Week 2011.

Let's hear it for fun FREE family activities!

Fingers crossed for sunshine!

The Bee's Knees

My boy has been buzzing all around our hive lately on this well constructed, multi-award winning toy:

Wheely Bug Bee

After the fun, we give our busy little bee a bath in this gentle, all natural wash that smells just like honeysuckle:

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash

You can find Wheely Bugs online at Amazon, and Burt's Bees at many shops in Dublin, including Nourish.

What products are you making a beeline for these days?

Music Television

Yo Gabba Gabba!: TV for Kids and Music Lovers

Sick of "Itsy Bitsy Spider"?

So were the creators of Yo Gabba Gabba!

Check out National Public Radio's interview with Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz about this innovative television show for kids that hosts some amazing bands, including The Roots, Weezer, and MGMT.

DJ Lance Rock is infinitely more entertaining than a certain purple dinosaur who shall remain nameless. Trust me.

Puddle Jumper

Since the Irish sunshine seems to be on its summer holidays at the moment, why not make the best of the cloudy skys with some adorable pint-sized foul weather gear?

I love this:

Hatley Later Alligator Raincoat

and these:

Hunter Kids First Classic Wellies

You can find Hatley raincoats at Avoca for 50 eur, and Hunter wellies at Office for 25 eur.

Now let's go find those muddy puddles!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

They say the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

This is certainly true in our household, especially when we make food like Jamie Oliver's Perfect Roast Chicken for Sunday lunch:

Jamie Oliver's Perfect Roast Chicken

This recipe is incredibly easy, and tastes divine...great for treating dad on his special day.

Kids love it, too, so everybody wins.

Happy Father's Day!

What's Cooking, Good Looking?

The Cookery School, Donnybrook Fair

Still searching for the perfect Father's Day gift?

Why not treat dad to a cooking class at Donnybrook Fair's Cookery School on Morehampton Road?

They have several father friendly classes coming up, including a Beer and BBQ Evening on 1 July, and The Perfect Steak and Chips on 7 July, each for 50 eur per person.

This cookery school is fantastic. I took a class there last year (Vegetarian Cooking, with Cafe Paradiso's Denis Cotter) and had a blast (especially considering I am hardly a vegetarian).

They even have a Kid's Cookery Club Summer Camp on throughout the summer for that aspiring chef in your family.

See you in the kitchen!

Come Sale Away

The Children's Rooms at Brown Thomas

Have you been for a browse in The Children's Rooms at Brown Thomas yet?

This newish section on their third floor stocks some amazing brands, including Tartine et Chocolat and Bonpoint, two of my favorites from France.

The Summer Sale is on (a bit early this year...imagine that), so now is the perfect time to go.

Most of their stock is already 40% off, and those discounts will only get deeper in the coming weeks (so says my spy in The Shoe Rooms, where many items are already 50% off).

I just love this Ralph Lauren windbreaker we saw there today for my boy:

Ralph Lauren Perry Windbreaker

What is this "global economic crisis" you speak of?

PS: You do know about the fabulous nursing and baby changing facilities at Brown Thomas, right? Just another excuse to pop in!

Shake, Rattle and Roll

In the market for a cheap and cheerful baby gift?

Get yourself over to Art and Hobby for this:

Fiesta Cuddle Squeakaboo

Babies go gaga over these adorable rattles, which are a total steal at 10.99 eur. My toddler still plays with the Squeakaboo Lion he got as a newborn!

Speaking of Art and Hobby deals, we got bubbles there today for just 1.50 eur...quite possibly the most cost effective toddler distraction product/tantrum defense tool in the universe.

James Joyce for Juniors

Marilyn Monroe Reading Ulysses, Eve Arnold

No plans tomorrow?

Head over to Dun Laoghaire for their Bloomsday Festival!

With facepainting at 2pm (Dun Laoghaire Open Air Market) and a puppet show by the Lambert Puppet Theatre at 3pm (Bloomfield IMC), who says Ulysses isn't for kids (or Marilyn)?

Hope to see you there!

Best Laid Plans

Did you know the galleries at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) are closed on Mondays?

We didn't, which is why we bounced over there yesterday afternoon with some friends eager for some culture in the form of the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit.

Self Portrait with Monkeys, Frida Kahlo

Good thing Frida and Diego are in town until 26 June so we can try again (not on a Monday)!

Making lemonade out of lemons, we headed to Itsa IMMA, the museum's cafe, for some lunch.

This cafe is very welcoming to children, with a designated play area including mats, toys, books, and art supplies for your budding modern artist.

One of the mats in the play area was this one from Ikea, which I have had my eye on for quite some time:

Ikea's Lekplats Play Mat

At just 14.99 eur, we might have to finally head over to Dublin's branch of the Swedish superstore in Ballymun for one of our own.

Ikea is open on Mondays, right?

Slumber Party

Hatley's Knights and Dragons Pajama Set

How cute are these pjs from Hatley? My boy got them as a birthday gift from a friend, and he has been sleeping through the night ever since (in my dreams).

I love this brand so much, I headed to Hatley when I was in America recently to pick these up for my niece:

Hatley's Tweet Dreams Pajama Set

You can find Hatley at Avoca in Ireland, and at Olly in the USA.

Both my niece and son are night owls, but when it is finally time for bed, we love to read Sandra Boynton's hilarious classic, Pajama Time:

Pajama Time, Sandra Boynton

Get yourself set to pajama-dee-bop!

Wilde Thing

Wilde Salon, Donnybrook

Hey busy moms on a budget! Head to Wilde Salon in Donnybrook on Sundays and Mondays for a great deal.

I was there just this morning for a full head of lovely highlights, a haircut and blowdry for only 135 eur (usually priced at 195 eur).

My source at the front desk tells me Mondays are especially baby friendly, so bring your little one along (if you're feeling wild)!

Into the Woods

A Bit Lost, Chris Haughton

I recently discovered this gorgeous book by Chris Haughton, an accomplished Irish illustrator who does a pretty good job at writing for kids, too.

This is a classic lost and found story, with a happy ending and adorable quirky drawings along the way.

What a perfect introduction to Irish literature for your little one!

Speaking of woodland creatures, wouldn't this wallpaper by Dubin's very own Orla Kiely look great in a children's library nook?

Orla Kiely's Acorn Wallpaper

Taste of Italy

Gino's Homemade Italian Gelato

Can't make it to Italy this summer with the kids? Take them to Gino's on Grafton Street for delicious gelato instead!

Check it out next time you and the bambinos are out on the town...tiramisu is our personal favorite at this new spot.

Why not hit the playground at Stephen's Green afterwards to run off all that sugar?

Mangia!

Good Jeans

Zara Baby Boy's Straight Jeans

Looking for cool jeans for your bouncing baby boy that won't break the bank? Look to Zara for this pair.

Soft and subtly distressed, these jeans are a steal at 14.95 eur.

Paired with his new red Converse Allstars from Office, my boy is looking sharp.