Mod Eats: my top 5 pasta dishes

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.  

Click the heading for a link to each recipe.

No 1. Pasta Bolognese - via family friendly food

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. 

No 2. Pasta with spicy sausages and cream - Rachel Allen

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. . 

No 3. Jool's Pregnant Pasta  - Jamie Oliver

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. 

No 4. Fusili with spicy pesto - Giada De Laurentiis

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. 

No 5. Pasta Carbonara via Flavours Italian food and culture 

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.

Brenda x

Mod Travel: Summer Loving

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!

Mod Mum: because we love Lego

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.............

Via Swissmiss

I'd imagine that the cleaning up part wouldn't be such a big deal. I'm seriously tempted.

Happy Friday

It's Friday.....lets dance !

Remember this one.....

teenage disco's on a Friday night ......

great memories x

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Mod Mob Introduces Mod Erin

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.

Brenda x

Mod Home: family friendly design

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.

For the little ones .....

Alphabet of design classics 

For the teens....

Dieter 

For mummy or daddy...

Saarinen and Poulson

Find designer Joel Pirela here on Facebook, Twitter, or Blogger.

Mod Gift Guide: Tuesday Treats

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 love Jo 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!

(www.amazon.co.uk)

Check out these  colourful Retro designed mugs each individually hand crafted.

(photo credit Meggy Moo)

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.

(www.photobox.co.uk)

Mod Mum: Don't Say Cheese

While uploading photos from our recent trip to Ireland, I noticed that all of the pictures I have of my three boys together are all very alike. It's usually Tommie ( the baby), in the middle of the two older boys Niall, and Conall, all smiling with their cheesy best and usually sitting on a sofa or step of some sort. It's boring ! This month I decided that I am going to make a point of taking some quirkier pictures of them, but first needed a little inspiration.

One of my favourite sites at the moment is My Modern Met. I remembered seeing this great blog post on there called, A Father who creatively captures his Kids about wedding photographer Jason Lee who takes incredible shots of his two little girls. Luckily I did return to this post for a second look as they have since posted his top ten tips for taking great shots of your little ones. 

How cute are they ? 

Feeling inspired ? 

Images - Jason Lee via My Modern Met

Mod Travel: Ireland

In keeping with this week’s Irish theme, here is just a taster of what the Emerald Isle has to offer.

(Oh, bring your waterproofs...the weather can bring a little “Irish Mist” from time to time!)

First up, why not spend a romantic getaway with your loved one at one of these luxuriously restored cottages – specifically made for two! Situated in the heart of beautiful West Cork, close to picture perfect Baltimore and Skibbereen to name a few.

(tourireland.com)

Close by, you can experience wildlife at its best with Baltimore Sea safari in West Cork. Whales, dolphins, basking sharks and even leatherback turtles can be seen drifting along in the summer months! The season starts from April  and you can catch a glimpse of these mammals up close and personal. Not to mention seeing some of the most spectacular rugged coastline West Cork has to offer.

For places to stay in Co Cork visit  Discover Ireland.

Whilst you visit the place we call home - why not try...

• Horse riding in Dingle  
• Take a relaxing seaweed bath in Enniscrone  
• Catch the Blues and Jazz festival in Westport 

Finally, somewhere very close to Brenda’s heart. A visit to Co Galway is a must! With places like the Claddagh, Spanish Arch and the stunning Connemara coast on its doorstep.

(The Claddagh -www.galwaysalbum.com)

(night falls on Kerwan's Lane)

Each year this beautiful county is home to the famous and biggest Oyster and seafood Festival  in Ireland. Taking place this September, the Sunday Times have tipped this as “one of Europe's Seven Best Festivals” Festival Marquee’s filled with live music, sensational seafood, giant party games, fancy dress and challenges.

(world oyster opening championship - main event!)

For more suggestions on how to spend your time in Galway follow this link.

Or you can always email us on modmobdesign@gmail.com Brenda of course is a great source of knowledge and will be happy to share her love of Ireland, especially Galway and all it has to offer!  

Mod Mob: Looking Back to the 90's

This week we are celebrating all things Irish. Mobette and good friend Olivia, suggested a theme for a post. It comes from a conversion we had at work which left us reminiscing and laughing at our style in the 90’s and the general terms we used and remembered.

Coming over from Liverpool at the awkward fashion age of 13. Think bright shell suits and puffed up  pineapple style hair do. No gel in those days. Just swept back with force! Music caught hold in my early teens, and so to granddad shirts, ripped jeans and Nirvana Tees. I even owned a navy fleece...UH!

 It was always battle to get my wardrobe right, so I ended up with it mostly...horribly wrong!

Can you remember what else was fashionable? What do you remember about your own  fashion faux-pas growing up in Ireland in the 90’s?


 Let’s embrace 90's style!

Do you Remember...

Pop button tracksuit pants – God help you in the wind!

Flared jeans – So flared your shoes wouldn’t get a look in

Nike Air Max and Reebok trainers/tackies/runners - with a pump?

Pale Denim coat – Had to be Wrangler or Levi. 

Skirt-Pants -  a pointless garment consisting of a pair of jeans with a skirt sewn on top

Parachute pants – trousers with lots of strings hanging out everywhere

Darkest tan tights – For teenage disco ‘s

Doc Martin Boots - red

Those awkward but Fun years!..Hitch hiking, long summer nights, bushing and teenage discos. 
When a boy would say to your friend “ Eh, my friend wants to know will you Shift him”.
 In Cork it was “ Meet”...Sure how could you say no!

 We want to hear all about your memories, see your fashionable items first hand. Email us on modmobdesign@gmail.com

Mod Erin Style : Irish fashion fix

This Saturday night I will be attending a formal event with my husband, and it being St Patrick's night I want to represent the Irish in style. Of course as always I have left my dress hunt to the last minute, but had I not and planned in advance I could have had the outfit of my dreams on its way to Boston from any of the growing number of online Irish boutiques. 

Let me introduce you to some of my favourites, so that the next time you want to 'represent', you know where to go for your Irish fashion fix.

Described as a 'whimsical wonderland' and run by designers Wendy Crawford, Eilis Boyle, and Margaret O Rourke, Bow is an independent store located in Dublin's Powerscourt Townhouse. In 2011 they launched their online store that stocks a diverse range of Irish designers, jewelry, accessories ,and unique vintage finds. 

Electronic Sheep Rust Cape by Wendy's Wardrobe @ Bow

I love the story behind Chupi, another of my favourite online Irish stores. The founder, Chupi Sweetman, describes her younger self as 'the kid covered with glitter and glue, the one making some new crazy thing out of paper mache'. From there she went on to study fashion and was picked by Topshop scouts in her first year of college and has since added jewelry designer to her name.  Chupi promises that none of their designs are mass produced and that each piece 'is handmade with love in Ireland'. If its colourful, pretty, frocks you 're after this is the place to find them.

Crissy dress in embroidered ebony lace  @ Chupi

If vintage is more your style then you will love Shutterbug. Set up by brother and sister Eoin and Blanaid Hennessy, Shutterbug is both a vintage store and photography studio. Blanaid finds and posts their fabulous vintage pieces onto their Facebook page, where they can be put 'on hold' simply by commenting on the photo as soon as it is posted. 

Shutterbug shop

Finally, my newest Etsy find, Mercury Orchid. Etsy seller Lenita, based in Sligo, describes herself as 'lover of Vintage Indian textiles, Huge, huge, huge sterling silver rings, All things Morroccan, Cats, Travel, Photography, Flea Markets, Books, books, books, Huge leather bags, Potatoes ... full stop, Green eyeliner, Sequins and glitz - And not forgetting the most important ones:), My son, My daughter, My husband'', don't ya just love her already ? I love her for her beautiful statement pieces. I firmly believe that this is the place to invest your hard earned dollars or euros.

MercuryOrchid @ Etsy

Mod Love: The Irish Way

I had the privilege of taking my boyfriend to his first Irish wedding!

After a good feed of fresh ducks eggs, soda bread and tea, a near hair disaster and rain that came from nowhere... we were ready.

(one of the oldest surviving buildings in town!)

A perfect ceremony. The priest talked about the idea of love and marriage, the town choir sang beautifully and it was nice to just sit and reflect. (It all went without a hitch – until I heard my boyfriend say “pleased to meet you” instead of “peace be with you”)

Then to Johnny McHale’s for our traditional post pre-nupitial drinks.We drank Guinness, met family and friends of the bride and groom, and caught up with old stories. Soaking up the atmosphere you get only in a pub like Johnny's... because this is the Irish way.

(Castlebar, Co Mayo)

Everything is done without a rush. Like pulling the perfect pint - laid back and relaxed... because this is the Irish way.

We hitched a lift to the wedding venue, the beautiful Park Hotel in Mulranny, passing by some of the most spectacular scenery in the west.

(Ariel view of Mulranny)

No traffic jams here, just sheep along the way taking a stroll. It rained for a while... that sidewards rain that you can only get in Ireland!

We ate, danced, and drank some more.  Live music kept the dance floor in full swing.

The craic was mighty and my feet were sore. But ....This is the Irish way!

Mod Mob: Happy Friday

Happy Friday lovely Modettes. We have had so much fun this week with the blog, getting to grips with the tweet box, coming to know the very red and cuddly Rex from T-Rex Custom Clothes, and mostly, connecting with you, our trusty members of the mob. Thanks again for all your comments, likes and shares. It's early days for us yet so we appreciate your support and advice while we are figuring it all out. 

Do you have any exciting events or plans? Emma will be spending her weekend shopping with Mr Dyson for a new lap-top complete with web-cam, so we can finally have that long overdue catch-up on video-chat, and I can see her cheeky face. I will be ferrying the boys to play-dates and soccer games and in between all that searching for the perfect dress for a St. Patrick's Night Ball. I am searching for something shortish, not too risque, in emerald green, and as I know you are a stylish bunch any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

That brings me to what you can expect from Mod Mob next week. Of course us both being from Ireland, we are working on a Paddy's theme, but expect no shamrocks or shillelaghs here, we aim to bring you all that is current, bright, and beautiful, from our beloved isle.  

So as it is Friday here are this weeks favourites from around the web....

fried egg sandwich with blue cheese

a cool parenting tip

super cool greetings cards

easy framing tricks

Russia's Eurovision entry

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and don't forget to join us next week for all that is bright,beautiful, and Irish.

Mod Style: Spring has Sprung

Can you believe the current weather ?  Here in Boston, temperatures reached 65 degrees F yesterday, that's 16 degrees C for you European ladies. Today my biker-boots, skinnies, and long woolly jumper, or sweater for you U.S. girls, was just too much for the burst of spring we appear to be having these last few days. I think its time to pack away the dark winter uniform and go for something a little lighter, in fabric and colour, like the pretty pastels that are all over the internet at the moment. Here are our current spring favourites from around the web.......

Cory Polka & Rose Netted Pleat Dress- boohoo.com

Toothpick jeans in garment-dyed twill- J.Crew.com

Nina Blazer - Veromoda

Cotton Lace Blouse- ASOS

Pastel Block Bucket Bag - ASOS

The great thing is, that they are all available to buy now, online......happy spring shopping y'all.

Mod Love: Tried and Tested Breakup Recipe

This is for anyone that has ever been wounded by a breakup! It's nice to know you are not the only one out there, and  most of us go through heartache once in our lifetime. It's part of life and you will see (in time) that getting "dumped" can be the best thing that will ever happen to you!

(My bible from amazon.co.uk)


“It’s called a breakup because it’s broken, it’s time to dry your tears, put down that pint of ice cream, log out of his e-mail, and open this book to Chapter One” Author's Greg Behrendt/Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt

Easier said than done right? Having your heart broken hurts like hell. The emotions of dealing with a breakup can be overwhelming, lonely and so bloody depressing at times!

My advice is to see it as a journey. It takes time to heal and find your way, so why not try and have fun and learn from it along the way?

Things you will need...

Ingredients:

Time- lots of it

A good dose of Friends and Family 
Love and support 

Tissues (extra soft)

Waterproof mascara
Supply of Hugs
Strong spirit

Instructions:

Listen to the advice 
Cry...but make sure you follow with a good pinch of laughter

Start a new hobby - I joined a running club!
Read 
Meet new people

Exercise
Eat healthy 
Go out, date and have fun!

Make time for that Girly holiday? Or better still go it alone and meet new people!?
Use your time wisely (who knows when you will meet your true love) 

Someone once said to me...How can you expect someone to love you when you don't love yourself?


If you would like more advice, or to chat some more let me know below.

How did you get over your first love?