Latest news from Ardnahoo Eco Retreat, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Friday Five - Last Yoga of 2008, Retreat spaces, Quayside (again), Best Christmas Song, Hot Tubbin’

Well, this could be the last Friday Five of 2008. I could write next week’s now (would that be Stephen’s Day or the day after??) but the prospect unnerves me slightly. Besides, the whole point of the five is to sum up the week. And how can I do that is this one is barely even over? So, this could be is. For this year at least…

1. Last Yoga Classes
Speaking of lasts, this week saw the end of our yoga courses for this week. Classes start back up again on 6th January, and no doubt we’ll all be in need of a good stretch!

2. Spaces for the Yoga Retreat
We have 5 spaces left on our Yoga, Walking and Relaxation Retreat, which is happening on 6th - 8th February 2009. In the spirit of the New Year, I’m already planning my January detox (in quite an extreme way, it must be said). So by the time February comes (and I’ve no doubt fallen off the wagon), a weekend filled with yoga, walking, great food will be a fantastic way to knock me back into health. For more info visit our site

3. Quayside
We’re back in the Quayside mall tomorrow, peddling our wares. If you’ve left all your Christmas shopping til the last minute, then come and pay us a visit.

4. Best Christmas Song Ever Written
The Christmas CD has been making it’s annual appearance, and it seems that, as usual, Fairytale of New York is still undefeated as the Champion. There is nothing better.

5. Hot Tubbin’
We’ve had a few enquiries recently about our Uisce Hour, which is an indoor/outdoor wet space with infrared detox box sauna and hot tub. Now, the fixation recently has been on that tricky ‘outside’ bit. Which is putting a fair few people off. It is, I freely admit, freeeezing outside at the moment. But you have to believe me when I say that the colder it is outside, the better it is in the hot tub.
Saunas and hot tubs were designed for snow. In fact, the best way to get the most out of your Uisce experience is to jump from the sauna into the snow, roll around like a mad thing, and then jump into the hot tub, steam pouring off you. If you can’t quite brave that, then just jumping into the hot tub will suffice. The water is, on average, 40c, and you’re almost completely submerged in gorgeous heat. It’s the watery equivalent of sitting inside by a raging fire, watching the rain pound down outsite.

So there.

Posted on December 19th, 2008 by Nicola
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The Perfect Presents - Your Guide to an Eco Friendly Festive Season: Part Three

Presents

Depending on who you’re speaking to, this could be the most important part of Christmas (not to be cynical - this could be a child’s opinion, or a fraught parent on the hunt for the only gift on a Santa list). And of course, in these tricky times, presents may be one of the biggest concerns. So with this in mind, here are my tips…

1. Plastic Tat
No. No no no. If you’re giving it to a child that’s not your own, the parents will not be too happy. Plastic toys break, they choke, they don’t do that much, and, inevitably, they end up as landfill. If it’s your own child, then…think it through is the only advice. If your kid reeeeally wants it, then it’s difficult to be a scrooge. But think long term.

2. Foodie Gifts
Now, here is the best plan. For all your well to do foodie friends, get in the kitchen. Everyone appreciates an edible present, and trite as it sounds, homemade gifts are always met with wonder. So get your Rachel Allen recipes out, put on the apron and work away. (Not to put you off, but an attempt at this was made two years ago in the house, with Rachel Allen’s fudge. Now, when I’ve made this, it’s come out beautifully. Another attempt resulted in Sludge, which was then kept in the freezer. But I liked it)

3. Oxfam Gifts
I’m always a big fan of these. You know the ones, goats, trees, toilets, etc etc. Now, there are some cynics out there, who say you don’t get exactly what you pay for, and in some cases, a truckload of goats are delivered to a community where they are more of a hindrance than anything else. But I’d still insist that it’s much better to give to this sort of charity than to Penneys. The only downside for me is the realisation that you’re not actually getting ten chickens. But hey, someone is. And I’d say it’s a lot more likely they need them.
One quick aside: if you’re concerned about where the gifts are going, stick to ones that you know will be useful anywhere. Goats and chickens are always popular, but I favour the water, medical or school based gifts.

4. Vouchers
And no, I’m not just promoting our superbly excellent Gift Vouchers (although they are the perfect gift this Christmas). I mean those quaint handmade vouchers, for doing the washing up for a week, or good for one hug, or any of the like. Lame as they sound, they actually are appreciated.

Posted on December 17th, 2008 by Nicola
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Friday Five - Sligo Quayside, Voices from the Fridge, Money Saving Site, Yoga CD sneak peak, Friday Feeling

1. Sligo Quayside
Don’t forget we’re in the Quayside mall in Sligo tomorrow, all day, with our Christmas gift vouchers and yoga CDs. So if you’re in the area, pop along and say hello.

2. Carol Singing
While you’re in town, head to the Farmer’s Market at the IT to see singing group Voices from the Fridge perform.

3. Low Budget Living
This site has some great tips on living within your means. From money saving tips to money making advice, you can find some great ideas. Check it out here… www.lowbudgetliving.co.uk

4. Yoga CD
Check out a sample from our Yoga & Relaxation CD here…yoga_sample
We’re pretty impressed with the final results, so thanks to Leon at Reverb Studios!

5. Friday
Finally, it’s Friday. Which, ironically enough, I never seem to mention. So go home, switch off, get a glass of wine and relax in front of the fire. The week is over.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Posted on December 12th, 2008 by Nicola
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Christmas is coming and I am getting fat - Your Guide to an Eco Friendly Festive Season - Part Two: Food

Mmm. The best part of Christmas, if you ask me. The only time of year you can indulge with an excuse. For gluttons like me, there’s nothing better. But how can you stay as green as possible, as the belt begins to strain? As well as the worries the recession brings? Well, read on….

Food
Everyone knows the usual advice: organic turkey from a local butcher. Now, this is far and away the best idea. But…I hate turkey. It is the blandest, driest, most boring of meats. And nothing you can do can change that. So why not get a chicken or two? Kinder on the purse strings, and on the taste buds. Again, stick to an organic free range bird from the local butcher, if you can. This is where you can really taste the difference; it’s not a marketing ploy. Organic meat is undoubtedly more expensive, but there’s good reason for this. A chicken for ?5? If you really think about it, you don’t want that. So spend your money here, and you will reap the benefits.

With the money spent on a bird, you may want to keep the other accessories low. You may think your cheap bird saves you money, but in the supermarket how much more do you spend on the sparkly distractions? Christmas music is blaring, smells are being pumped, and somehow those two tins of Celebrations work their way into the trolly. Before you know it, you’re ?100 down. And most of these things (Celebrations aside) just taste dreadful. It’s just MSG. Why not make a few treats this year? It always works out cheaper, tastes better (assuming you can cook) and is a bit of craic.

The buy local theme continues with the rest of the Christmas dinner. Try and get yourself to a market, and stock up on beautiful farm fresh carrots, spuds and onions. And the best part of all? Sprouts. Buy THEM from a farmer and you’ll never get over the sight. Plus you’re left with a Christmassy sabre at the end of it. A present for the kids! Everyone’s happy. The cost is really not as bad as you’d think here. We just picked up a massive sack of carrots and onions for ?10, and it’s lasted us at least a month. So know your grower! And don’t get sucked in to the poncey veg sellers who charge ridiculous amounts and just serve to keep people out of markets and into Tesco. You know who you are!

When you do have to pop into the supermarket (and you know you will. Even Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall has to, and don’t let him tell you otherwise!) make sure you go on a full stomach, with a detailed list. Check the labels for country of origin, and ask yourself if you really need the broad beans from Israel.

Finally, if you have the balls, do as the Germans do, and remove all the plastic wrapping from your veg at the till. Brava! And you didn’t get that from me.

Posted on December 10th, 2008 by Nicola
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Dreaming of a Green Christmas? Your Guide to an Eco Friendly Festive Season - Part One: Tree

There’s a definite feeling of festive cheer going around Ard Nahoo (which is, I admit, uncharacteristic). So with all the concerns of the recession, a planet that’s falling apart and plain old Christmas boredom, here is your very own guide to a merry Christmas.

Tree
A tricky issue. While some may argue that an artificial Christmas tree is the better option long term, I would argue that that is silly. Artificial Christmas trees are made with highly toxic materials, including PVC. On top of this, they are mostly made in China and Taiwan. So add to the toxicity a high carbon footprint (as well as the assumed poor working conditions and pay needed to create the trees) and your tree is starting to look a paler shade of green.

Most real trees bought around this time are grown specifically for that purpose, so check with your local grower how their operation works. If you buy your tree from a reputable grower, then you can be sure you’re getting a tree which won’t damage the local ecosystems. You’re also supporting a local business, which is always a bonus. In most cases, two to three seedlings are planted to replace each tree cut. However, it’s always best to ask your grower. If they’re evasive about their techniques, most of the time they’ve got something to hide…

Another important tip to a greener tree is not pegging it in the skip when you’re done. If you’re really unlucky and the tree has died over the festive season, then put it in a compost heap. Again, your grower should have some great tips on how to keep the tree alive after Stephen’s Day.

Remember the importance of switching off lights when not in use. So much electricity is wasted at this time of year and, honestly, lights in windows often strike me as tacky rather than festive. No one really walks past your house and thinks you a scrooge if you’re not lit up like Vegas. So save the lights for when you’re sitting around the tree, mulled wine and mince pies in hand.

Finally, try your hand at making your own decorations this year. A bit of old newspaper, wallpaper paste and glitter can work wonders. Just make sure you have a kid close by whom you can blame it all on. A squiffy looking angel perched atop the tree is only cute when the maker isn’t in their forties.

Keep an eye out for our next entry, on my favourite subject…food.

Posted on December 9th, 2008 by Nicola
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Blind Bird Update!

He found his way home (with a little helping hand from the kids). In trying to coax him out of the open door (still favouring a closed window) we were very surprised to see him perch on the edge of the stairs and watch us intently, from about 15 inches away. Perhaps the tamest bird known to man.

Contrary to what it must seem, we do not encourage the domesticity of wild animals. They just seem to flock to us. It’s only a matter of time before we emerge, much like Snow White, to a throng of birds, squirrels, badgers and voles climbing into our open arms, ready and waiting to darn our socks and scrub our floors with little badger brushes. Ahh.

Posted on December 9th, 2008 by Nicola
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