Hello and welcome to Mod Mob. A lifestyle blog by two childhood friends, Emma and Brenda. Both originally from Ireland, Emma currently lives in London and Brenda near Boston. We love to talk about food, style, travel, photography, kids, love, and design. If you like you can find out more in our about page and if you want you can drop us a line at modmobdesign@gmail.com.
Happy, happy Friday everyone. I am so glad that the weekend is coming. My son Conall turned 9 on Wednesday and to celebrate we went to a local 50's style diner. It was so much fun. We hogged the jukebox, sang along to our our favourite Beatles tracks and chowed on mega juicy burgers and malty milkshakes with cherries on top.
It's great to be back online after the move. I realised just how dependent on social media I have become. I missed my lazy blog-hopping mornings and my twitter account was inundated with unread tweets about food I need to eat, places I need to go and people I would like to meet. Let's just say I have been 'busy ' catching up with blogtopia and avoiding unpacking at all costs.
This weekend will be spent chaperoning a gang of hyper 9 year old boys at the new Avengers movie on Saturday and doing the unpacking I didn't do all week.
Summer time means BBQ’s, sun tan lotion straw hats and music festivals!
Brenda and I have been to a fair few including Witness 2002 - my very first music festival. We all pitched up in a field at Fairyhouse Racecourse. A fantastic group of friends together for one hell of a party.The sun was shining and the mood was electric. Fun fair rides, cold beers and ice cream.The Chemical Brothers and 2 Many DJ’s. Our best friend Jay was in his element that weekend.Watching Basement Jaxx in a muddy field as the sun went down will always be a treasured memory of mine.
Of course there is that less glamorous side to festivals. Overflowing toilets, queues and a lack of showers. A weekend of no hot water, mirrors or a hair dryer can prove tricky!
Here are some of my essential festival buys so you can enjoy the atmosphere without worrying about looking and smelling your best...well they will help at least!
A story of a girl from London and an American with a hidden agenda. They meet and embark on a road trip through Kennedy-era America in search of a medical guru.
If you fancy a bit of scandal, this is a shocker and in parts sometimes very sad. It covers the suffering, disloyalties and love between Oscar and his long suffering wife. She was no angel herself, but was admiringly involved in women’s rights and ideals.
More than just an emotional soppy love story for the beach! This story that will make you laugh out loud and cry. A totally distracting tale of courage and making difficult decisions in life. I couldn't put it down.
A book that stays in your mind for a while after you've read it. A slow starter, but then takes your breath away with its shocking and sometimes disturbing twists. It questions motherhood and the responsibility as a parent. Kevin’ s horrific rampage is just the tip of the iceburg!
We would love to hear all about your favourite reads and authors, any recommendations welcome too!
Have a fun filled weekend everyone, tune in next week for more from Mod Mob!
Brenda is busy with the exciting big move and the start of their next chapter in Boston. I’ll be spending this weekend with the Mr Dyson in his hometown of Grimsby and shopping for our new Garden!
Oh how we have come of age. Gone are the days of footloose and fancy free, curry chips and dancing at the disco.
Wow another weekend has rolled around and boy am I glad it's Friday. I have been single-parenting this week because my husband is travelling for work . I am starting to un-wind a little knowing that he is coming home tomorrow but am so tired that I think this weekend will be a quiet one.
So just a few short and sweet links to send you on your way,
I have never been one for taking care of my nails. I rarely, if ever paint them. I do however like to paint my toe-nails black. If anything it covers their freakiness and the black is just easy. It pretty much goes with anything. I must say though I came across this black French manicure late last night via a French blog called Phiiiist.com and I think I might just have to try it.
I’ve been doing a bit of research on this topic as a girl needs to be somewhat prepared!
(photo credit: bendthelight.com)
Well we can all dream ladies...here are my top "dream" places to say I DO.
Once we won on the Euro millions and of course you would ALL be invited.
(Royal Opera House)
From a mere £12,000 plus extras you can hire out the Royal Opera House. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in London. Pavarotti has even sang here!
How about a winter wonderland wedding here in Sweden at the amazing Ice Hotel. Exchange your vows at the hotels very own ice chapel, whilst your guests sit in snow suits and boots. You may need to re-think your wedding dress!
Somewhere a little warmer? Think Arabian nights and the twinkling lights in the city of Marrakesh. Say "I Do" in your very own luxury Riad or a rooftop terrace.There are so many stunning palatial hotels over looking the city to choose from. Even a beach blessing?
Oooh la la, for the bathroom alone I would get married here in a heartbeat!
Chateau De Challagne. Designed with elegance and charm, this is the fairy tale castle venue at it's absolute best. Situated in a sleepy village surrounded by countryside and only an hour and a half from Paris.
Finally, my all time perfect setting for a country-couple at heart. Simple, organic, stylish and...FUN! Bring your wellies and your favourite woolly blanket for a Cornish Tipi Wedding! A magical woodland setting with plenty of photo opportunities you can cherish forever.
The documentary 'Bully' is to be released this weekend in the states with a PG 13 rating after an initial controversial R rating has been removed. For those of you who haven't heard about this movie, I have shared the official description and the release trailer below. These are not actors. The scenes are disturbingly real and the documentary maker stood and watched this terrible story unfold before his eyes, even when the camera was in full -view.
Directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, The Bully Project is a beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary. At its heart are those with huge stakes in this issue whose stories each represent a different facet of Americas bullying crisis. The Bully Project follows five kids and families over the course of a school year. Stories include two families who have lost children to suicide and a mother awaiting the fate of her 14-year-old daughter who has been incarcerated after bringing a gun on her school bus. With an intimate glimpse into homes, classrooms, cafeterias and principals offices, the film offers insight into the often cruel world of the lives of bullied children. As teachers, administrators, kids and parents struggle to find answers, The Bully Project examines the dire consequences of bullying through the testimony of strong and courageous youth. Through the power of their stories, the film aims to be a catalyst for change in the way we deal with bullying as parents, teachers, children and society as a whole.
A storm of controversy has followed this movie that has been hard to miss here. It's been talked about a lot. It contains violent scenes and strong language. Initially it received an R rating which, due to public outcry has been changed to PG 13.
I for one will be taking both my boys aged 8 and 12 to see it. I feel it is vital that they learn that there are serious consequences for ill-thought actions in the playground or classroom.
There is an ongoing debate about whether it should be shown in schools .
What do you think ? Would you take your kids to see it ? Would you be comfortable with them seeing it at school ?
Is it just me or do you instantly feel better and your mood lifted when you put on a nice new matching set of underwear?
I've often wondered, is it important to always match?
When I was single I’m pretty sure I remember feeling a little liberated when I donned my cerise pink bra with my navy and white polka dot thongs! I still do sometimes...sorry Mr Dyson.
What about the men? Do we prefer those tight Calvin’s as opposed to the brightly coloured boxers?
I love nothing better than tucking into a hot bowl of pasta. Add a fresh crusty loaf, a sprinkling of your favourite cheese, a glass of wine and it's comfort food at it's very best. My three boys simply adore pasta and would pretty much eat it everyday of the week if they could. I have tried and tested many pasta recipes for our table over the years, and today I want to share my top 5 pasta recipes with you, so you can try and test them too.
My absolute favourite pasta recipe of all time is this pasta bolognese from the lovely food blog family friendly food. This is the pasta recipe I go to again and again. It calls for simple ingredients, is fuss free, and tastes divine. It really is a family friendly pasta recipe and always a crowd pleaser in my house. I have used red and white wine in this one, and I think it tastes great either way. Make sure to cook up a big batch every time as it is really at it's best on day 2.
You really have to throw the diet out the window with this recipe. I love this dish so much that my mouth is literally watering as I type. It comes from Rachel Allens, Rachel's Favourite Food. It has a kick so if you have any fussy eaters in the house, I would advise replacing the chorizo with a good pork sausage and omit the chilli flakes. It's a fantastic pasta dish either way. It smells absolutely divine as it simmers, due to the addition of the rosemary. This pasta dish will have them hovering in the kitchen and the great thing is it's quick. It can be ready to tuck into by the time they have washed those dirty hands and set the table. .
I love a bit of Jamie. This recipe is from his 30 minute meals collection. I loved this channel 4 series on T.V. , but was never home and ready in time to cook along. This recipe has a lot of ingredients but is well worth the effort. I must admit that my one fussy eater does not like this one but everyone else is a big fan. I love it as a summer pasta dish and it's great cold too. It's different, tastes great, does have a kick and can really be ready and on the table in 30 minutes. Bish, bash, bosh, simple as you like- as Jamie would say himself.
This one is for the grown ups unless you have really adventurous eaters. Giada De Laurentiis is one of my new day time T.V. buddies here in New England and has a lovely food slot on The Food Network. I caught the episode where she makes this dish by chance a few months back, and boy am I glad I did. It is a delicious pasta treat with a serious full flavour and is fast becoming my favourite pesto dish too. The pesto alone is so delicious and it keeps well stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I keep some aside to spread on chicken wraps or just sit and dunk mini crackers in it. Anyway you have it, it's divine.
P.S. arugula is what they call rocket here in the U.S.
Nothing screams comfort food like a great bowl of pasta carbonara. A classic Italian dish and another quick but satisfying family meal, this is my kind of fast food. I only found this recipe for this blog post as carbonara is one pasta dish I have never needed to save a recipe for . I watched some T.V. chef make it years ago and it is so simple that I never even had to write it down. This is my boys favourite lunch and one they can even manage to pull together all by themselves.
Happy Cooking Everyone.
P.S. Link-with-love and share a link to your favourite pasta dish below. I'd love to try it.
The sun has arrived...early!
It's that time of year...shake away those winter blues and get your holiday wheels in motion.
Why not begin your research now on the areas you quite fancy visiting in 2012!
It doesnt have to cost a small fortune. A long weekend break somewhere sunny, somewhere local? As long as it's new and exciting, travel does the soul a world of goodness!
(amazon.co.uk)
Start with checking the costs involved, your budget and working out a travel plan. Over the years I've invested in some great books by a few of my favourite travel writers for inspiration...
Time to dig them out.
(amazon.co.uk)
This year we are undecided. A road trip. Italy, France,or both?
(quirkyguide.com)
(ricksteves.com)
Research tips:
Don't forget, its important to check school holidays for where you are planning to go
Thinking worldwide? - why not look at activity guides
Some of the very best travel advice and ideas come from like minded traveller - simonseeks
A great source of web based features, destinations and offers - Guardian Travel
Do you have any travel advice, destination tips ,or questions, get in touch!
Having 3 boys we have enough Lego in this house to build our own great wall if we wanted. When Conall our 8 year old decides that he wants to be really creative, he tips the boxes upside down , spreads the stuff all across the floor, and sits in Lego heaven for hours designing spacecrafts that even NASA would be proud to call their own. The thing is that once he is done the cleaning up part only ever really get half done. I then spend the next few days in Lego hell as every time I need to go in to make beds or sniff out the smelly socks I step on a little man or worse, one of those little doors. Stepping on Lego is just about one of the sorest things you can do barefoot, and every-time it happens I swear that I will box it all up, and ship it off to some nice child who picks up after themselves.
But imagine having Lego walls like these in your kids room.............
As some of you may already know I have recently moved from Galway, Ireland to Boston M.A. with my husband and three boys. Finding myself so far from home I have made it my business to keep a close eye on all things Irish from a distance. Tiring of the misconceptions here that Ireland is all about aran sweaters, kilts and cows I have begun to keep a personal archive of all the great things happening in Ireland right now and have made a space for them in the shape of a sister-site to Mod Mob called Mod Erin. There you will find all of the things I find and love on the web, all bright, modern, beautiful, and most importantly Irish.
You can find Mod Erin by clicking here or on the tab at the top of the page.
Today's post features some beautiful prints by Dublin based studio The Printing Rooms.
Love design, and have a house full of little ones. I love it when the two meet. I just discovered the Blue Ant Studios, where you can find some cool digital art suitable for all the family.
Spring is in the air, the sun is shining and here are some quick and easy online purchases ideal as a gift...better still for You (I'm halfway through the book, and my scarf is on the way!)
We loveJo Malone scents and candles, looking forward to trying her new Blooms Collection -Order online!
(www.jomalone.co.uk)
Grab your copy of Rules of Civility written by Amor Towles. Sex and the city 1930's Manhattan retro chic style. Think tales of mystery, Martini-sipping, silk stocking and fur!
This canary print scarf from Oliver Bonas...because we need this in our wardrobe! Order online
Why not create a your very own beautiful Photo Book. So simple to design and make, and your happy memories will be forever safe! They can be ordered and posted worldwide too.
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