Sligo Is Sweet

Mum and I recently decided to try and find out what Sligo had to offer in terms of sweet treats. We initially had serious notions thinking we'd be able to eat '12 Treats of Sligo' in one day but because 1) we would have had to take out a mortgage 2) we quite enjoy having teeth and 3) we felt ill about 3 desserts in, we managed about 4 or 5 before admitting defeat. However, for the purpose of the blog I will include more than that so there's a variety of goodies. If you're heading in to do some last-minute Christmas shopping in Sligo tomorrow, why not try one of these delicious offerings to get your energy back up?

1. Mint Aero Hot Chocolate, The Blind Tiger

This is a firm favourite of mine and a good way to warm up after the Christmas shopping. I think this is one of the nicest hot chocolates I've ever had - proper melted chocolate is ladled into a mug with hot milk, topped with plenty of whipped cream, crushed Mint Aero, and some more melted Mint Aero around the rim of the mug for good measure. You'll be tempted to lick the mug.

2. Peanut Butter Stack, The Swagman 

(Pic: magnumlady.com)

Again, a definite favourite. This is definitely at the top of the dessert list for me. Layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter and chocolate mousse, caramel sauce, topped with crunchy peanuts, crispy pieces and chocolate sauce, served warm with cream and ice cream. Heaven. If you haven't had this yet, go try it - you'll be blown away.

3. Baked Alaska, Eala Bhán

The desserts in Eala Bhán are really special and very reasonable for the quality and service you get. This was my first time trying Baked Alaska but it was lovely. Soft fluffy meringue on the outside with ice cream and sponge in the middle made for a very interesting treat - and mine even looked like a Christmas tree!

4. Knickerbocker Glory, Hooked

I mentioned this in my previous blog post, but it deserves a mention in this too. Meringue and brownie pieces, fruit, butterscotch chunks, ice cream, all topped off with cream, this is a proper ice cream sundae. 

5. Healthy Vegan Treats, Sweet Beat

This is a nice option for any vegans out there or just anyone who wants something slightly healthier. I've had some gorgeous desserts from Sweet Beat such as their brownies, Rice Krispie squares, and vegan Snickers cake. They're really yummy and guilt free too!

6. Toblerone Cheesecake, Le Fournil

Le Fournil are a gorgeous French bakery in Sligo who offer homemade cakes, artisan chocolates and beautiful fresh bread. Everything is quality and really special - the chocolates are fantastic. We shared a little Toblerone cheesecake which was yummy, and I loved the little chocolate gingerbread man on top! They have sweets for all tastes so do pop in. 

7. French Apple Tart, Cawley's Hotel Tubbercurry

By far the nicest apple tart I've ever had, and look at that presentation! Cawley's is a lovely spot for lunch, I think it's a hidden gem. If you're passing by Tubbercurry definitely pop in. They also do gorgeous cheesecakes and lunch.

8. Unicorn Hot Chocolate, Nook

I'm not 100% sure if Nook still do the Unicorn version of their hot chocolate, but they do amazing hot chocolates nonetheless like their winter hot chocolates in all different delicious flavours. They also have wonderful sweet breakfasts and cakes on offer. Do pop in if you're in Collooney. 

So that's just a roundup of some of the tastiest treats in Sligo - will you be indulging in any of these this Christmas time?

The Eyes Have It

Lots of people don't know that I wear glasses. I'm blind as a bat if I'm any distance away from something. My own boyfriend or mum can be walking towards me and I'll be standing there squinting going "Who's that?" I'm very short sighted, which means I should be wearing glasses for driving, reading, watching the TV... for most things, basically.

My last eye test was about 3 years ago at Specsavers, which is so bad considering I've been practising my driving lately so my glasses should be perfectly tuned to my eyes. I decided to finally bite the bullet and get my eyes retested. I was a teenager when I last had them done so I knew they'd definitely be a bit different. I began to notice my glasses were becoming blurrier and blurrier which was a sure sign my eyes had changed.

I finally bit the bullet and booked an eye appointment with someone other than Specsavers: Rachel Murray Eyecare. I'd heard great things about her and I didn't feel like Specsavers were very in depth with their service or great for their aftercare. With Rachel Murray it was completely different. From the very beginning Rachel was helpful and the eye test was very thorough.

I walked into the bright, funky shop and was greeted by the lovely Rachel herself. I enquired about getting an appointment for an eye test and she told me she could see me in 20 minutes! You can't get much speedier than that. I arrived back after 20 minutes and we got right to the eye test.

The first thing I noticed (after all the stylish specs!) were the space-agey looking machines in the eye test room. This was a good sign for me as it ensured my eyes would be tested thoroughly. And thorough it was. I did the standard reading out tiny letters, looking at hot air balloons through a machine, testing my peripheral vision by using a clicker every time I saw a flashing dot... and a few different things too. Rachel used a machine that puffed some air into each eye and also took a picture of the backs of my eyes. She showed me the pictures and explained what the different parts of my eyes were, which was really interesting! Apparently you can tell if you have diabetes or high blood pressure with these pictures. Thankfully, all was good and healthy.

Rachel told me I definitely needed some adjustments on my glasses so my new lenses would be tailored towards that. Then it was time for the fun part - to pick out some frames! I tried on dozens of different frames - some made me look like Harry Potter, some were nice but not 'The Ones', and then finally, with the help of Rachel and my boyfriend Laurence, I found the pair for me. I chose a pair of Woow frames, which are a French brand who do some seriously funky and quirky glasses. My pair are blue around the rim and the arms are pink. My absolute favourite part of the glasses are the fact they say 'Be' and 'Happy' on either side! Such a cute added touch and a reminder to myself every time I put them on. They come in a lovely soft case too which fits perfectly into my handbag.

The best part of all was that I was only waiting a day or two for my glasses to be ready. They're fitted with Zeiss lenses which are amazing, and fitted with anti-glare so they don't blind me when I'm using my phone or laptop whilst wearing them. I absolutely love them, it's like everything is in Ultra HD now!

Thanks a million to Rachel for such a speedy, excellent service. Getting your eyes tested is one of those things you know you should do but probably keep putting off. I urge you not to - it's important to get them checked out - and if you go to Rachel Murray's, picking out frames is fun!

Sunny Days & Seaside Markets

I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but I love markets. They're such a nice day out and a wonderful way to find unusual trinkets and gifts - not to mention the great atmosphere.

I've been to Strandhill People's Market quite a few times in the past but haven't been in a while. As I've spent all weekend bumming around the house in my pyjamas (standard) my mum dragged me out of the house and took me along with her. I didn't plan on buying anything but ended up buying too much...oops.

As well as the usual suspects (we had great banter with the ladies from Trimilawn Farm and Talentui Organics - they reassured me I wouldn't have to send off an application for a nunnery just yet) there were some faces I hadn't seen before such as Clo's Chocolates from Le Fournil bakery in Sligo and The Blue Room, who sell quirky signs and home décor - very seaside chic.

After I stole my mum's camera (sorry mum) and snapped away we got down to the nitty gritty and had a proper look. If I had a hefty bank balance and no self restraint you can bet I'd buy something from every stall! I managed to control myself quite well. I was very pleased I found a birthday present for my best friend Bethany - her birthday isn't until May but I'd like to think I'm well prepared now. 

I've heard a lot of good things about bee pollen as a superfood so I was delighted to see a stall selling jars of it, as well as every type of honey you could think of. I also stopped by the Trimilawn Farm stall and asked Ellie what she would recommend to make a chickpea curry. She suggested their Rogan Josh spice mix so I'm looking forward to giving that a go. I love Trimilawn Farm because not only do they have a huge selection of herbs and spices, they are also more than happy to recommend seasonings based on your needs. Mum got some potatoes to plant as she has a bit of a green finger (when she feels like it and doesn't forget plants need nurturing) so we'll see how that goes. Last time we tried to grow potatoes they came out the size of peas.

I also bought a cookie the size of my head from Clo's Chocolates stand which is very naughty of me but I gave half to my brother so I think it's justifiable. I was tempted by all the cakes, paella and the yummy sushi from the Sushi Sisters but I managed to resist!

That was just about everything I bought - as I said, I behaved myself for once. I was extremely tempted by these beautiful cake stands (below) and the elephant mug - elephants are my favourite animal, in case you didn't know this supah interesting fact.

The market has such a buzz about it every time - the sun was shining, the conversation was flowing, stalls were wafting delicious food smells all around and local singers were there to set the mood for the day.

When (if!) I ever get married I want to get one of these lovely wedding prints by Dreaming on a Star. Also, how cute are those badges?! I love their range of personalised prints and kitsch stationery. The unusual necklaces also caught my eye, I love the idea of the key necklace. Very Zoey 101 (remember that show? It was my childhood. I had a key necklace just like hers and I thought I was the bomb).

After inhaling a nacho tray from Streetcart - I smelled very onion-y and sexy all day after that - we headed home and said goodbye to the beauty and the buzz of the market.

If you haven't been to Strandhill People's Market yet - what are you waiting for?!