These are a few of my favorite things (for now)

Because we are fresh off of our trip ( I know, I know...enough already with the trip business), I feel like I'm still on a vacation high.  As such, I have some new favorite things from this trip that I would like to incorporate into my life.

However, before I share a few of my favorite-things-list, I would like to share a new favorite you tube video my sister sent to me that makes me laugh so hard that I cry.  I just can't get enough of this kid.  So I thought, "Hey, why not share this with others so they can get a laugh to."  Gracious, I know.  So with out further ado.....the video.

Oh and just one more thing before I move to my list.  Every time I see a list of favorite things listed on an individuals blog, I can't help but think of an episode of 30 Rock where Liz Lemon met "Oprah" and was able to learn some of her favorite things for the season, as seen here (if you've never seen this it ends in the realization that Liz did not meet Oprah but a teenage girl who helps Liz work out some of her problems).

Too funny (to me).

Any-hoo....now for my favorite list and the reasons I heart them so much at this moment ( I wouldn't leave you hanging like that):

1. Barry's Tea served in a small cup placed on a saucer with a small tea spoon as an accessory. 

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I don't know what is about this tea, but I loved it the first time I tasted it.  I'm pretty sure it's nothing extravagant, as I found a box in a "petrol station" mart, but it is tasty.  I also loved the fact that no matter where we went or what time it was, tea was always served with a matching saucer.  So sophisticated.  I was sure I would start using my tea cups and coordinating saucers (all two of them) as soon as I got home, but I found it is easier to nuke the water in the microwave an call it good.  The month is still young though, so we'll see how that goes.

2.  Coffee made with a french press

I know these are not a new invention and that they've been around for a while.  However, I've not had coffee made with a french press and let me tell you, I have seen the light!  The coffee was bold, it was so full of flavor. I would even go as far to say that it is the super-hero of coffees.  Yes, it is that good!  I can't tell you how many cups of coffee I downed because of this.  I've gots to get me one of these!

3. Triple distilled Irish Whiskey

Let me be the first to tell you that I was just as surprised as you may be to find out I like whiskey.  Who knew, right?  In fact, I was less than excited to try it, but didn't want to be rude....so for my first try I took a little sip.  Survey says? I liked it.  What?!  Then I took another sip....Yep! Still good.  I was able to try both Jameson and Killbeggan whiskey after touring through their distilleries.  I was told that this isn't your average whiskey, but a triple distilled Irish whiskey.  I'm not sure if this makes it better than others, but it does make it good.  No wonder!

4.  Avoca

I've never heard of this brand before, but as we toured through Powerscourt gardens we came back around into the house and there was this shop with amazing scarves and clothes (expensive but cute!)  At the store they had a pamphlet on Avoca and it turns out it is not only a small town but also a hand mill that has expanded into clothing, accessories, home decor and even restaurants scattered through Ireland.  I fell in love with the whole idea. This picture is one of their scarves on a sheep inside the mill in Avoca.

5.Clothing stores

This is purely my opinion, but the style of dress is pretty close to what you would find in bigger US cites. However, there were plenty of stylish girls on the streets of Ireland that definitely had a European flair to them.  I became obsessed at finding the stores they possibly shopped at.  One was a retailer of cute and affordable clothing called Penney's (I don't think it is associated with J.C Penney's because the clothes were completely different).  I also found several other stores that had amazing outfits and colors, but were too expensive for my budget or there were far too many cute things to chose from, such as A/wear, Oasis and River Island.  Oh how I wish these were in the states but they are primarily found in Ireland and the UK and their internet sites just don't do them justice!

6.Irish bacon

Once you go Irish (we're speaking of bacon here) you never go back.  I don't have any charts or graphs to prove my last statement, but it's how I feel. Honestly.  The bacon is twice the size of US bacon, is thick and chewy with this amazing taste and I couldn't say no to bacon. I am now on the great hunt for Irish cut bacon.  If you see any, tell bacon to call me.  I'm waiting for it.....