A New Perfume.

Sitting on my bountiful dresser lies at least a dozen various perfumes, All unique and magical in their own right, each bottle tells a story , One spray I breathe in to evoke a memory, a little luxury not only a beautiful scent  but a precious memory, Each one a gift from friends and loved ones I ponder a moment  eyes beguile between Armani, CK, Anna Sui I succumb choosing DKNY Be Delicious, this brings me back to Los Angeles 2009 where I fell in love with this charming scent for its fruity laid back tones, its always a winner for me unlike the ever forgetful Kate Moss “Vintage” which smells of  well blandness - there really is no descript for this scent  not surprisingly the bottle although very beautiful still remains nearly full after a year, back of the bunch Miss Moss or should I say Coty.

I am most definitely a floral fruit lover than a musk husk, who wants to smell of “old” when you can smell of youth and vibrancy, which embarks my thoughts - I need a new scent to capture the scent of summer 2011, its got to be divine and delightful not asking for much like Miss Dior Cherie which had been recommended to me in Thailand a few years back with such pretty packaging and  a great price I thought I was onto a winner until I took it back to the hotel and opened it Oh My God it smelled like cheap death juice unlike the tester,  I had been sold a fake, smelling like death juice was not my thing so needless to say I left it behind.
I shudder when I think of all the cheap fake perfumes on the market and I go into convulsions when I think there are  people who actually spray this nasty crap on themselves and force crimes on innocent bystanders  who endure this, which  brings me back to a recent bus trip I endured where somebody behind me was evidentially a fan of eau de toilette duck, the smell was atrocious to say the least , it screamed Cheeeeeeeeeeeeap and nasty with overtones of death by suffocation  I nearly collapsed with the stench and to add insult to injury there was no air conditioning or windows on the bus.

If I were to create my very own perfume it would be quite outstanding considering some of my favourite smells are off beat , well I do love florals and yes that would be my prime note - honeysuckle which I adore would be an absolute must but just to Zane it up I would add some random undertones of petroleum, just because I love it and freshly cut grass to tickle the mixture splashed with  a fruity outburst of  citrus, this eclectic creation would need to be christened and so I would call it “Finally” by Ailzy K-C “the effervescent  essence everyone will want  -“Finally” has arrived”  that said in a very low seductive tone of course to endorse my product to its maximum credentials.

Until then I shall refrain to what the market has to offer, seeing as though I am a Parisian at heart I shall choose a French designer,  With so may to choose from one is spoilt for choice, So will it be Chanel, Cartier or Christian Dior, perhaps Hermes or Lancôme, Lord knows , Time to book a date with the perfumery, then drop some hints as I rarely if ever buy my own perfume, I feel it is an honor and enchantment to receive a bottle. A lesson in French - le plaisir est la fleur qui passe, souvenir le parfum durable, Pleasure is the flower that passes remembrance the lasting perfume.

Taxi.....Taxi......

Ok so its lashing rain, I’ve just missed the train and I’m left with no alternative but to hail down a taxi, important meeting in 20 minutes, destination 12 minutes away so I should have 8 minutes to spare. it’s the middle of a main route in Dublin, and I’m on high alert looking to flag down a taxi, 3 minutes later I’ve not seen any - typical I think, panic coinciding with rage as I reflect how there are 25,000 taxis in this county yet I cant get even one when I need it.
Finally, I see what looks to be a taxi but it’s the Gardai, I stop myself from beckoning them unless it was to ask them where all the illegal drivers were when I needed them since the deregulation of the taxi licence, however this not a debate I want to get into whilst  time is ticking and surely they’ve not suddenly started to put their foot down on this, I mean what had stopped them before or was I just very unlucky.

Then, I see a taxi, a real one I beckon and he just drives on, at this stage I start to wonder, lose fate in humanity and feel like a volcano about to erupt , then I see another taxi but its full, I look at my watch 10 minutes have passed so I’m officially late, how wonderful! Deep breaths need to be taken at this stage upon realisation that the damage has been done, I make a phone call to inform my people of my whereabouts whilst trying to remain calm.

Then, out of the blue I see a taxi I beckon it stops, amazing! Filled with the usual small talk at least I know he is a legit taxi driver not like the other night a non national who bragged  that he had only been driving a week and hadn’t a clue where he was going, he seemed to be more interested in my marital status than keeping his eye on said profession.
A taxi man will never make a millionaire in this day and age maybe once upon a time when taxis were not that common but not today he will spend half his shift sitting idle in a queue where he makes no money , then there’s the juice and the licence fee and all the illegal’s to contend  with no wonder most of them are fed up and cranky old men. Maybe if they cheered up they’d be worthy of a tip but then you don’t really get much change back off them either though do you.

Its always the same though, next time an icy blizzard hits an I’m shivering with  hypothermia, I can guarantee you  I will get pneumonia before I get a taxi or just a simple running late for a meeting I will be late before I get a taxi, its inevitable, then when I don’t want a taxi they will be everywhere thousands of them dying for my custom, this is typical of Dublin a city with more taxis and less policing than the Big Apple.

SPRING INTO SUMMER

Bzzzzzzzzzzzz…………that’s the bumblebee who knows were springing into summer when we’ve lost an hour to fulfil a brighter day and the summer sun is well and truly on its way. So, time to bid farewell to the knits, mitts all those bits and get into something that actually fits. Rainbow tees while showing the knees begin to inject a kaleidoscope of colour into a brighter land whilst you sing along to your favourite band, daytrippin for miles with all around smiles you know your on the right track.
Summer in dear ole Ireland is such a brilliant landscape, the grass is greener with a healthy demeanour and the garden is a splendour of colour the roses are in full bloom and the birdies sing a happy tune. One doesn’t feel the need to cook and instead might just read a good book. Salads and sunshine lead to a healthy slim line and a tan to impress your man.

Clear blue skies promote natural highs and trips to the seaside, splashing by the tide you decide you want to take a swim and let yourself in. Energised your skin dries and look how quick the seagull flies. Jingly chimes you hear nursery ryhmes a colourful van with an ice-cream man and so you splurge and its time to indulge like a dog with a bone you savour your ice-cream cone.
Floating on air without a care this feeling has become too rare so get all your friends in lieu and lets arrange a barbeque, thoughts flounder ah go ahead have that quarter pounder, well you couldn’t say anything sounder except for maybe have a can, yeah that’s definitely the plan and so it began a toast to the summer jam.
Flip floppin theres no stopping the longer days as you drift into a summer haze, blissful walks along the promenade makes you feel glad and lucky, hey you might start to feel like a rookie visit the bookie, no wait that’s abit cookie sticking with lucky hmmmmm go on visit the bookie did someone say nookie… yes, that’s a horse and its never unlucky!
La la la lotion, I aint got no notion of getting burned like the year before when I swore I learned a lesson to emblazon myself in factor 5 or more lets say twenty four even though it blocks my colour a little duller, but its best to stop and think ease in and begin to get what your wishing for and know the score before you look like a burnt whore.
So there goes the busy buzzy bee again collecting its honey, pretty much its terms of money, it doesn’t stop and stings anyone who gets in its way so why not let that be your inspiration this summer do exactly what you want to do, make it taste good and be nice to everyone that you should.

HOW TO AVOID THE HELLISH HANGOVER.

Ok, so lately in my old age hangovers are becoming more frequent and need to be diminished at once! Steps need to be taken in order to avoid the hellish hangover, a little headache in the morning I can handle but if one wakes up feeling superbly gleeful after a heavy night on the tiles you can be sure it is only a matter of time before this wares off and you are transported to hangover hell via the depths of your despair, head pounding, body aching and feeling just horrendously ill. That is when I know the hangover has arrived and not just any hangover, this indeed is the hangover from hell!

In order to avoid this despicable outcome drastic steps have got to be taken :

•  Food glorious food (eating a healthy dose of carbs is essential for soakage)
•  Cut down on alcohol intake (hmmm, not really going to happen , however ordering a pint of water in between  takes could help)
• Choose one type of beverage and stick to it (this is far too sensible, however not drinking vodka and whiskey simultaneously would help)
• Drink water through the night (this is possible, but one needs much reminding.)
• Don’t accept drinks off anyone (this is just plain unrealistic)
• Don’t do shots ( always a fantastic idea at the time )
•  Drink water before bed ( would be lucky to land in the right direction)

So these are some steps that can help in order to prevent a nasty hangover after a great night out, but what if its too late and you did exactly the opposite! Well, your body is going to punish you for ignoring it and you will suffer the outcome of  poisonous alcohol toxins , you need to recover ASAP  and so these are some steps to follow.

•  Drink lots of water to re-hydrate, plus lucozade as your blood sugars are low.
•  Take a shower alternating between hot and cold to re hydrate your body
•  Eat fruit like a banana to replace potassium and an orange for Vitamin C.
•  Take a walk to relieve your senses.
•  Try exercise in the gym to sweat out the poisonous toxins. 
•  Be a glutton - eat chocolate, some salt and vinegar crisps washed down with  a can of coke. (your body is crying out for sugar and salt so its allowed)
•  If all else fails try a curer! ( new alcohol will numb out old alcohol) 

So there you have it the essential guide to beating the baddie & battering that hangover over the head, now who’s up for getting drunk?

THE VOICE OF REDEMPTION

Homeless down and out Ted Williams 53, now a global sensation after a reporter in Columbus filmed his velvety voice has given everybody a slice of golden spirit with his heart-warming story of hope in January 2011.  After 17 years spent  begging in Ohio, flailing a downward spiral to drug and alcohol abuse Ted proved that rags can really turn to riches second time around and befitted indeed, impossible to find a more deserving gentleman.
Already, Williams has been offered endless jobs and has used his dolce tones as announcer on the Today show in America, his humility still intact, Williams has endeared himself to all and proved that dreams can come true even at the worst of times. Williams had lived a life of poverty, addiction to drugs including crack cocaine and petty crime, he had nothing but a voice and it was that his everything that saved him.
Williams described his voice as a God given gift and it seems that  fate was his successor in this case. Was this a miracle by God… Proof that in 2011 God exists and touches our hearts with a random act of kindness in this digital age. God can still reach us through modern times via the internet with youtube as a reference, he will even share a link for your own ease of access - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN2bPy4NQAQ

Similar to that of the bible, where one can easily be referred to a page by a chapter and a verse "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. However, if you do not possess a bible in your honour, don’t despair, you can refer to any chapter or verse online via Bible.com ironically from a machine which has possibly replaced the material version in today’s society.
It certainly has been a winding road for Williams but lets hope he now stays on the straight and narrow and that overnight success leads to a happy and healthy life. His mother in her 90’s taught him the values of decency from a young age evidently they stayed with him and she lived to see his saving grace which would bring a tear to any eye, he can start afresh with his family and earn the role of father and provider for his children once he is welcomed back into the fold.
Now, I shall keep my ear out for those wonderful tones in 2011 and if I hear them sporadically, I will know that this is the voice of redemption, a voice that reiterates to me the restoration of fate and human kindness on earth. Once I hear it I will smile and thank the Lord for joining me in that moment in time no matter when or where it may be.

An Egyptian Tale.

Swapping the Irish chills for a week of Middle Eastern sunshine Egyptian style in the midst of a bleak November was undoubtedly an intriguing promise. All aboard a plane full of sun starved Irish folk, the Mr and I eagerly boarded to land within 5 and half hours arriving at the Charming Sharm El Shiek, one of Egypt’s top tourist destinations.
Before my very eyes it was a sight to behold, a flurry of spectacular light and visionary displays, I felt I had certainly arrived in a far away Arab land as we journeyed towards our habitat for the week. Luxury was all around a Tropicana of pleasure so welcoming and hospitable to the foreigner in a far away land.
Morning had broken and the sun caressed my skin, a stranger of sorts but a joy to reacquaint with, a visit to the Red Sea ensued and what a bedazzlement! Aqua life visible to the naked eye, the water glistened in the sun, melodic blue captivating a human soul into a whirlwind of marine life and beauty.
Explorations of Egyptian lifestyle fascinated the mind, the bustle of the markets while locals would attempt to sell their right arm if they thought one would cough up some cash, haggling was foremost and on success beautifully handcrafted paintings on papyrus achieved from the friendly Egyptian who welcomed his Irish friends into such hospitable quarters.
Prayers echoed in my ears in a predominantly Muslim country a 5 a day ritual to honour Allah, a religion which allows man to have up to four wives, upon agreement of his first and as long as he can provide for all whilst they act as his right hand citizens. Many Muslim women of childbearing age wear the hijab if married in order to repress attention from flirtatious men.
The promiscuity of the Muslim man I felt evidently from advantageous remarks detailing comments and  attempted negotiations “how many camels for this queen” a joke to the Irish man but a stark reality on the thought of perhaps a future wife to the serious Muslim man, outlined the mindset of the sheer dictatorship of men towards women in this country.
None the less, steeped in history a visit to the most notorious museum was a  truly iconic experience, a world of knowledge incurred from history books laid there in reality, the tomb of Tutankhamen and such wealth of ancient Egyptian royalty was astounding. Skeletal pharaoh indeed jaw dropping as dead remains inhabited inside glass cases.
Driving through Cairo was an eye-opener on the final day of Ramadan the breaking of a month long fast known as Eid al- Fitr as preparations for a feast are evident with slaughtered animals lying on backstreets, it is equivalent to Christmas as we make our journey towards one of the seven wonders of the World!
And there they stand tall and mighty in the Sahara Desert- the pyramids of Egypt! Over 4 thousand years old, they truly are breathtaking, fascinated we get the eerie honour of going inside they are dark and mysterious with the smell of death and fascination we explore downwards through the tightly packed tombs no windows just empty spaces tell a tale of ancient history.
To ponder all this a night on the town ensues, it is vibrant alive and kicking especially in the open top ZuZu bar where culture spills from every angle, belly dancers on stage, music so loud and proud the culture is just wonderful, we gaze in amazement at a wealth of talent whilst enjoying the local beverages.
Egypt, a lot like Aladdin’s lamp full of  magic and colour was a truly magical carpet ride and one that will not be forgotten until next time the genie opens up the lid and returns me yet again for a wonderful Arabian Adventure!

A Winter Wonder.

So its that magical time of year  again, the air is crisp and fresh you see your breath through the cold and seize the opportunity to wrap up in your finest winter woolies, Snuggling up under a cosy hat scarf and gloves means winter really is the warmest time, Warmer than warmth in fact! Winter is loved  for the cosiness through the cold. So, does this mean that cold weather brings a warmer feeling than warm weather, Well Ironically yes!
Lets investigate, well the heart of a human is indeed he most vital of all our organs, and it is indeed the heart that is touched throughout winter, Christmas is at the epicentre, the heart of winter and the build up of this makes it a wonderful time, Kids and adults alike get carried away in the sheer brilliance, charm and the fantastical nature of Christmas.
The season brings people closer together, being around a cosy fire on a long dark evening feels so right and putting on a selection of Frank Sinatra’s finest whilst sitting around the blaze feels just about perfect, add some mulled wine to the scenario some freezing ice cold conditions whilst you glance out the window and the heart is singing J
The sparkle of winter is truly spectacular, the earth is clean as if mother nature had been preparing for this time, dirt is frozen and instead replaced with a wealth of fresh air and cleanliness, like a luxury new carpet sewed by a wonderful craftsman. Joy to the World is restored and decorated through a shining  array of glistening lights and lanterns in anticipation for the arrival of Christmas and indeed the birth of our Lord.
Winter, also brings with it the birth of a new year, a new dawn and an anticipation for new beginnings, the death of what was and the hope for what will be, a rebirth of oneself and a promise for a  new aspiration, a resolution, a song to be sung and  a dream to be realised. One has an excuse to  fulfil new desires for the birth of a new year.
A cup of spice to toast a winter so wild and wonderful, to vanquish the leaves off a tree revealing a strong  and mighty bark, branching out for times to come, full of flourish and a circle of life, the death of  a single flower to become a daughter of  another and a never ending world of splendour and marvel.
Embrace the wise tree for they have seen many a winter come and go, and respect the tree of life in which you have grown to become who you are, and what you will be for many a winter to come!