Craic from Seamus Mac

I'm not a slacker, really!

2011-04-02T16:18:00Z

Hello - Seamus Mac here - I know it's been about 9 months since my last blog. Really I haven't been slacking off, my human has me running a facebook page now - so instead of blogging once a week, i'm updating a few times a day, modeling products, tasting food........tasting food..........tasting food - ok i wish i was tasting food but since my surgery, i'm trying to stay lean. Speaking of food though, we will be expanding our food lines this spring - let me know if there is anything you would like us to add - be it frozen foods, packaged, candy, let me know - I have an in with the boss, well the boss of the store, I wish I had an in with "the boss".........he is irish you know.

So please "like" us on facebook, you'll find out about our sales, specials, new items, etc - and if you mention this blog today or tomorrow, buy one food product and get the second half price. Always wanted to try irish sausage or black pudding, now's the time - just mention Seamus' blog and you'll receive your discount. Happy Spring Everyone!

My surgery went great!!!!

2010-07-23T16:02:00Z

Dia Dhuit .......I know it's been weeks since my last blog but I've been a very sick pooch. No one really knew what was wrong with me, but finally the fabUlous neurologist, Dr. Eric Glass at Red Bank Animal Hospital, had me all figured out right away.......literally in a matter of moments.......he knew I needed surgery and he knew I would be much much better.......plus he's a really cool Doc......he played with me, sat on the floor......and really got to know me, Seamus MacGowan and what I was all about. OK so going forward you probably won't see me for the rest of the summer. I'm going to be out on disability but my gift to you is mention this blog and recieve 10% off your next purchase. Also please check out this website http://saveuspets.org/ it was started by veterinarians from the Red Bank Animal Hospital for owners that could not afford quality life saving surgery for their pets. It is for people that truly have no way of funding their pets care and is an awesome cause. My owner just has to sell alot of freakin shamrocks to make my payments but I'm worth it - there is no more loyal love than the love of a truly loved pet.
Peace and no more milk bones (I'm down 5 lbs)
Seamus Mac

owners note: Thank you all for the love, prayers and support you have shown Seamus - it's been a very difficult 2 months seeing him in so much pain and I am so grateful for all of your kind words. Right now it feels like I go to work each day without my right arm, but at least I know he will be back soon and has a very strong chance at full recovery. God Bless Dr. Glass and the whole team at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital!

Regards,
Kelly

sorry folks.......i've been very sick

2010-07-23T03:49:00Z

Dia Dhuit .......I know it's been 7 weeks since my last blog but I've been a very sick pooch. No one really knew what was wrong with me, but finally the fabUlous neurologist, Dr. Eric Glass at Red Bank Animal Hospital, had me all figured out right away.......literally in a matter of moments.......he knew I needed surgery and he knew I would be much much better.......plus he's a really cool Doc......he played with me, sat on the floor......and really got to know me, Seamus MacGowan and what I was all about. OK so going forward you probably won't see me for the rest of the summer. I'm going to be out on disability but my gift to you is mention this blog and recieve 10% off your next purchase. Also please check out this website http://saveuspets.org/ it was started by veterinarians from the Red Bank Animal Hospital for owners that could not afford quality life saving surgery for their pets. It is for people that truly have no way of funding their pets care and is an awesome cause. My owner just has to sell alot of freakin shamrocks to make my payments but I'm worth it - there is no more loyal love than the love of a truly loved pet.
Peace and no more milk bones (I'm down 5 lbs)
Seamus Mac

owners note: Thank you all for the love, prayers and support you have shown Seamus - it's been a very difficult 2 months seeing him in so much pain and I am so grateful for all of your kind words. Right now it feels like I go to work each day without my right arm, but at least I know he will be back soon and has a very strong chance at full recovery. God Bless Dr. Glass and the whole team at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital!

Regards,
Kelly

letters to Seamus

2010-06-03T16:11:00Z

I recently received this email that I must share with my readers:

Dear Seamus:

I loved meeting you and love your shop. You have a great collection of items and your prices can’t be beat. I have just one question, I saw signs that said please do not take photos in the shop…..what’s that all about? I was on vacation and wanted souvenir photos?

Sincerely,

Shannon, Kansas City, Kansas

Dear Shannon:

Thanks for visiting us in Smithville. There are several reasons why you shouldn’t take photographs in any retail store. Our main reason is we don’t want items to be stained, ripped or shop worn when our customers buy them. As you said, our prices can’t be beat and if we have to discard or discount damaged items, we would have to raise our prices. My human has to buy all of the products she sells in her store; every dollar comes out of her pocket. Souvenir photos should only be taken of something you pay for otherwise they are not your souvenir. These items are for sale, not play. That being said, you are free to take a photo with me anytime. I’ll even put it up on my next blog.

If you have a question for me, you can email me at Seamusmac@Irelandandoldlace.com

Cheers!

Hill Billy Seamus

2010-05-20T20:37:00Z

so really today, this blog has nothing to

do with Irish stuff - but that's ok, my name is Seamus so that makes it Irish

enough. I have to tell you about my new favorite song. See I've been

driving around in this humungo Ford F150 that McCafferty Ford gave my human to

drive...............it's awesome - you can fit more people in the cab than a hot

tub - actually you can probably put a hot tub in the bed.......it seems

everytime I'm in the truck with my ears flapping in the wind, Blake Shelton

comes on WXTU singing his new hit "Hill Billy Bone" and let me tell you IT

ROCKS!!!!..............not only is the song awesome, the whole new six pack EP

is awesome...........but really mix a little Blake with a little bit o Trace and

you get alotta sumthin. So check out the song and keep listening to my

human, Razz on The Radio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgqu4F-Qhqk

Wicked New Shirts In

2010-05-19T21:18:00Z

Sorry friends, I really can't write much today.........I am so tired......my human kept me up all night.........telling me to "Move"......"It's My Side of the Bed" and worst of all "You're a DOG!"..............so anyway lets just say I'm in need of a little shut eye. Before I knock off for the evening, I just had to tell you about these wicked awesome shirts that just came in - Green Monsta shirts - brand spanking new - stop in and check them out. Now I'm off to stake out my meager corner of the bed before mister fancy pants dj gets home............though he does play some kickin music........tomorrow I'll tell you about my new favorite song "Hill Billy Bone".........I love it, and not just because it has "bone" in the title

The Saw Doctors are Coming!!!

2010-05-11T18:33:00Z

Straight from Galway, one of the rockinest Irish bands around - The Saw Doctors, performing this Thurs night at the Theater for Living Arts in Philly, tickets still available

Emerald Crystal from Waterford City to launch at Ireland and Old Lace

2010-05-05T16:09:00Z

Designer John Moloney will be on hand to sign crytal pieces on May 15th and 16th at Ireland and Old Lace during Smithville Village’s Mayfest. John, a former master glass blower from the now defunct Waterford Crystal Factory in Ireland, has joined forces with several other Waterford City, Ireland based crafters to promote the city they love so well. The entire line of crafts from the Waterford City project is being launched at Ireland and Old Lace; this is the premiere shop in the United States. In addition to the newly launched Emerald crystal, items will include photography, chocolates and hand knits. Ireland and Old Lace is entering it’s 10th year of business on The Village Greene and is constantly striving to bring their customers quality gifts made in Ireland. This crystal is made in Waterford City, it is not associated with the closed Waterford Crystal factory

Gaelic Storm is playing live at our store this saturday

2010-03-02T20:49:00Z

Ireland and Old Lace will be hosting our FREE annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 6^th from 12-3pm and will include a PERFORMANCE BY international recording artists Gaelic Storm at 12 noon. Also performing will be the Mist of Ireland step dancers and the Atlantic City Sandpipers. After their performance Gaelic Storm will be at the store signing copies of their cds which will be available for purchase. Gaelic Storm’s debut in James Cameron’s Titanic made the band a household name in the Celtic/Irish world. Their latest CD “What’s The Rumpus?” debuted at #1 on the world music chart.

ah snow

2010-02-26T14:02:00Z

snow.....it's all around us, once an enchanting sight but now just a pain in my arse............literally, my legs are only about 5 inches long and it's not fun...........but the flaky white snow does remind me of the creamy coconut filling of Irish potatoes and we have them in stock right now............Oh Ryan's famous Irish potatoes from Philadelphia. We double ordered this year since they were so popular last. They are only available around St. Patrick's Day and again before Christmas, so get them while they are available.
Also check out our huge supply of Paddy's Day offerings - our selection can't be beat and with the parades starting next weekend, stock will be running out soon. My personal favorite is this Guinness Tie - makes me feel sporty.
Finally, don't forget, come meet Gaelic Storm at our shop on Saturday 3/6 at 12 Noon, part of our annual St. Patrick's Day party!

Cheers Big Ears!
Seamus Mac

Gaelic Storm is appearing in South Jersey

2010-02-09T21:10:00Z

My favorite Celtic band, Gaelic Storm, will be appearing at Stockton College Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 5th at 7:30 PM. The tickets are going fast. They are a high energy, raucous, multi-talented group that will have you dancing and laughing all night long. They epitomize the term "Good Craic". They will also be appearing at Ireland and Old Lace that weekend for a CD signing, details to follow. We are giving away 3 pairs of free tickets in the store, stop in and enter. My favorite Storm song is Kelly's Wellies - I think it's about my human.

36 Days to St. Patrick's Day.......Peace, SeamusMac

A Happy Belated New Year

2010-01-06T20:53:00Z

Happy New Year to all, a bit belated but most sincere. We weathered 2009 together and as we enter a new decade, I wish Peace and Prosperity to all of my readers. As most of you know, I have been laid up for awhile with minor surgery. I was overwhelmed with all of your well wishes and kind words and me and my human are happy to say all of my tumors were benign and I have a clean bill of health........and clean teeth too, amazing what they do to you when you are under anesthesia. Now to keep working on my waistline...remember do not bring me treats, give the money to the ASPCA instead, I get so much love, care and attention.

Believe it or not, St. Patrick's Day is 10 weeks away..........70 days........lucky 7.........and the events are already planned. A little known gem in Southern New Jersey is Appel Farm. They have an eclectic array of entertainment all year long, the facility is lovely and you get good value for your dollar. Two shows I would highly recommend are Runa: A contemporary and refeshing experience of traditional and recently composed Celtic material. This show is Friday, February 5th at 8pm (see I said they were starting soon!) also the ever enjoyable Danaher and Cloud Show on Friday, March 5th at 8pm. Kate Danaher and Amy Cloud bring story, poetry and song together in the great tradition of bards. Their cleverness and wit will have you begging for more. Check out Appel Farm at www.appelfarm.org or contact them at 1800-394-1211.........tell them Seamus sent you, I'm kind of an Arts buff ya know.

Black Treacle - try it, you'll love it

2009-11-13T21:22:00Z

You asked for it, we ordered it. Black treacle is in and just in time for you Thanksgiving and Christmas baking. Treacle refers to the refining of cane sugar and comes in many colors. Treacle, Black Treacle, Molasses, Golden Syrup and Blackstrap are all treacles.
There is a technical difference between “treacle” and “Molasses” in that molasses is obtained from the drainings of raw sugar during the refining process and treacle is made from the syrup obtained from the sugar. The difference is only really important when being used in certain recipes. Do not substitute a recipe calling for treacle with molasses. If you never experience treacle and want to try it, I would recommend the following recipe to start off. It's simple to make and very yummy and would make a brilliant edition to your Thanksgiving Day feast.
Also, please remember your local foodbanks this holiday season, now more than ever they need your generosity.
Peace,
Seamus Mac

Treacle Gingerbread Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup treacle
5 tablespoons soft butter
1/2 cup boiling water

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375F. Butter a 9x9 inch square baking pan

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and spices.

In another bowl, mix together the treacle, honey, butter, and boiling water. Working quickly, add the wet ingredients to the dry, combine well and pour into the prepared pan.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Cut into 16 squares and serve warm in muffin papers
Makes aprox. 16 servings.

Please Vote for Me!

2009-11-05T19:17:00Z

Please vote for Seamus in the My PHL 17 television pet Halloween contest. He is in the top 10 and needs your vote, a portion of the winnings will go to buying blankets and towels for the Humane Society to keep these homeless animals warm this winter. Seamus is #6 Braveheart

http://www.myphl17.com/community/contests/howloween-oct-2009/

More new items!

2009-11-04T16:45:00Z

So many new things arrived today, the UPS man had to make 3 trips. More scarves just arrived from Killarney - hand woven by Mucros Weavers in the Muckross House - last shipment sold out quickly - a great christmas gift for your 2 legged or 4 legged friends!
I look good in blue, don't I?

More Halloween Traditions in Ireland from Seamus

2009-10-31T17:48:00Z

Since I'm still on my diet, I'll be pulling more tricks than taking in treats this year. I already short sheeted my humans bed this morning, if you can offer some advice, please email me at seamucmac@irelandandoldlace.com Here's more Irish Halloween traditions for ya,
Happy Hauntings,
Seamy Mac

The Celts celebrated Halloween as Samhain, 'All
Hallowtide' - the 'Feast of the Dead', when the
dead revisited the mortal world. The celebration
marked the end of Summer and the start of the
Winter months.

During the eighth century the Catholic Church
designated the first day of November as 'All
Saints Day' ('All Hallows') - a day of
commemoration for those Saints that did not have
a specific day of remembrance. The night before
was known as 'All Hallows Eve' which, over time,
became known as Halloween.

Here are the most notable Irish Halloween
Traditions:

Colcannon for Dinner: Boiled Potato, Curly Kale
(a cabbage) and raw Onions are provided as the
traditional Irish Halloween dinner. Clean coins
are wrapped in baking paper and placed in the
potato for children to find and keep.

The Barnbrack Cake: The traditional Halloween
cake in Ireland is the barnbrack which is a
fruit bread. Each member of the family gets a
slice. Great interest is taken in the outcome as
there is a piece of rag, a coin and a ring in
each cake. If you get the rag then your financial
future is doubtful. If you get the coin then you
can look forward to a prosperous year. Getting
the ring is a sure sign of impending romance
or continued happiness.

The Ivy Leaf: Each member of the family places a
perfect ivy leaf into a cup of water and it is
then left undisturbed overnight. If, in the
morning, a leaf is still perfect and has not
developed any spots then the person who placed the
leaf in the cup can be sure of 12 months health
until the following Halloween. If not.....

The Pumpkin: Carving Pumpkins dates back to the
eighteenth century and to an Irish blacksmith
named Jack who colluded with the Devil and was
denied entry to Heaven. He was condemned to
wander the earth but asked the Devil for some
light. He was given a burning coal ember which he
placed inside a turnip that he had gouged out.

Thus, the tradition of Jack O'Lanterns was born
- the bearer being the wandering blacksmith - a
damned soul. Villagers in Ireland hoped that the
lantern in their window would keep the wanderer
away. When the Irish emigrated in their millions
to America there was not a great supply of turnips
so pumpkins were used instead.

Halloween Costumes: On Halloween night children
would dress up in scary costumes and go house to
house. 'Help the Halloween Party' and 'Trick or
Treat' were the cries to be heard at each door.
This tradition of wearing costumes also dates back
to Celtic times. On the special night when the
living and the dead were at their closest the
Celtic Druids would dress up in elaborate costumes
to disguise themselves as spirits and devils in
case they encountered other devils and spirits
during the night. By disguising they hoped that
they would be able to avoid being carried away at
the end of the night. This explains why witches,
goblins and ghosts remain the most popular
choices for the costumes.

Snap Apple: After the visits to the neighbours the
Halloween games begin, the most popular of which
is Snap Apple. An apple is suspended from a string
and children are blindfolded. The first child to
get a decent bite of the apple gets to keep their
prize. The same game can be played by placing
apples in a basin of water and trying to get a
grip on the apple without too much mess!

The Bonfire: The Halloween bonfire is a tradition
to encourage dreams of who your future husband or
wife is going to be. The idea was to drop a
cutting of your hair into the burning embers and
then dream of you future loved one. Halloween was
one of the Celt 'fire' celebrations.

Blind Date: Blindfolded local girls would go out
into the fields and pull up the first cabbage they
could find. If their cabbage had a substantial
amount of earth attached to the roots then their
future loved one would have money. Eating the
cabbage would reveal the nature of their future
husband - bitter or sweet!

Another way of finding your future spouse is to
peel an apple in one go. If done successfully the
single apple peel could be dropped on the floor
to reveal the initials of the future-intended.

Anti-Fairy Measures: Fairies and goblins try to
collect as many souls as they can at Halloween but
if they met a person who threw the dust from under
their feet at the Fairy then they would be obliged
to release any souls that they held captive.

Holy water was sometimes anointed on farm animals
to keep them safe during the night. If the animals
were showing signs of ill health on All Hallows
Eve then they would be spat on to try to ward off
any evil spirits.

Happy Halloween from Ireland!

Ireland's Myth's and Monsters

2009-10-30T18:56:00Z

We all know Halloween originated in Ireland but did you know of the monsters that lurk there?

The 10 scariest monsters and demons from Celtic myth
By
DARA MCBRIDE
,
IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Thursday, October 29, 2009, 4:45 PM
Updated Friday, October 30, 2009, 9:36 AM

The ancient Celts had hundreds of deities, but as with most cultures, they had their demons as well.

Some of the Celtic “monsters” were originally gods, but were later demonized as pagan creatures when many of the Celts became Christians.

But the Celtic culture has always feared an array of evil forces.

In celebration of Halloween, an ancient Celtic festival originally called Samhain, IrishCentral has hunted down the 10 most frightening of these Celtic and Irish demons and monsters.

1. Dearg Due – the Irish vampire

Yes, Dracula himself is an Irish creation (Irishman Bram Stoker created the modern image of the monster in his masterpiece novel), but there’s also a vampire that resides right smack in the middle of Ireland.

Dearg-due, an Irish name meaning “red blood sucker,” is a female demon that seduces men and then drains them of their blood.

According to the Celtic legend, an Irish woman who was known throughout the country for her beauty, fell in love with a local peasant, which was unacceptable to her father.

Dad forced her into an arranged marriage with a rich man who treated her terribly, and eventually she commit suicide.

She was buried near Strongbow’s Tree in Waterford, and one night, she rose from her grave to seek revenge on her father and husband, sucking their blood until they dropped dead.

Now known as Dearg-due, the vampire rises once a year, using her beauty to lure men to their deaths.

Not to worry, though – there is one way to defeat Dearg-due.

To prevent the undead from rising from the grave, simply build a pile of stones over her grave. No, it won’t kill her, but at least you’ll hold her off until next year!

2. The Dullahan – the Irish headless horseman

Another legendary Irish monster is the Dullahan, a name that can be translated to “dark man.”

Often portrayed in contemporary fantasy fiction and video games, this foreteller of death is the Irish version of the headless horseman.

The Dullahan rides a headless black horse with flaming eyes, carrying his head under one arm. When he stops riding, a human dies.

Some versions of this legend say that the Dullahan throws buckets of blood at people he passes, while other say he simply calls out the name of the mortal that will soon die.

As with most evil forces, the Dullahan has a weakness – gold.

The creature is scared of the substance, so any lonely travelers this Halloween night would be wise to have some on him in case they have a run-in with this headless horror!

3. Banshee – the Irish wailing ghost

A famous Irish creature that some say teams up with the Dullahan is the Banshee.

One of the most recognizable Celtic creatures, having made a guest appearance in “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” and all, the Banshee is a female spirit whose wail, if heard outside of a house, foretells the death of one of its inhabitants.

Several versions of the Banshee legend say the feared ghost rode alongside the Dullahan in a black cart drawn by six black horses. The pair is said to whip the horses with a human spinal cord.

But most legends say the Banshee was terrifying enough on her own.

Descriptions of her appearance vary, from an ugly old hag to a beautiful young woman, but all agree that the creature’s blood curdling wail will be heard three times before someone dies.

4. Balor – the Celtic demon king

Balor is the demonic God of Death in Celtic mythology.

Sporting one eye and a single gigantic leg, the evil creature was King of the Fomori, demons who lived in the dark depths of lakes and seas.

Balor can kill someone just by staring at them with his evil eye, so he kept it closed most of the time, so as not to constantly be tripping over dead bodies.

The God of Death would provide his Fomori with victims, but the evil race was left to their own devices when Balor was killed by his son Lug, who shot him with a slingshot.

Now the Fomori have returned to their waters and transformed into sea monsters who prey on humans.

Perhaps it’d be a good idea to stay away from any bodies of water this Halloween!

5. Sluagh – the dead Irish sinners

Though they’re not so much “demons,” Sluagh are scary creatures that hunt down souls.

According to Irish folklore, Sluagh are dead sinners that come back as malicious spirits.

These spirits come from the west, flying in groups like flocks of birds, and try to enter a house where someone is dying to take away that person’s soul.

Some Irish families would keep their west-facing windows shut at all times to keep the Sluagh out of their homes.

Some say the Sluagh is the Irish version of the Wild Hunt, a European folktale about ghostly hounds or spirits traveling around in packs foretelling of death and disaster.

6. Carman – the Celtic witch

Carman is the Celtic goddess of evil magic.

This destructive witch roamed around with her three evil sons: Dub (“darkness” in Irish), Dother (“evil”) and Dain (“violence”), destroying anything or anyone in their path.

Carman put a blight on Ireland’s crops and terrorized the Irish until the Tuatha De Danann, the “peoples of the goddess Danu,” used their magic to fight and defeat her, and drove her sons across the sea.

Guess this is one demon you can check off your list of scary creatures to worry about this Halloween.

7. Kelpie – the Celtic sea monster

The kelpie is a monster right out of Celtic myth. The creature can take on multiple shapes, but usually it appears in the form of a horse.
The kelpie galloped around Ireland, looking like a lost pony, attempting to trick women and children into riding on it. But the strange thing about this pony is that its mane would always be dripping with water.

If a woman hopped on, the monster would then run into the water, drowning its victim, and then would take her to its lair to eat her.

The Irish demon would sometimes transform into a handsome man to lure women to its trap, but a telltale sign that it was a kelpie was if that “man” had kelp in its hair.

Ladies, take note – meet a guy with seaweed on his head on Halloween night, don’t go home with him!

8. Caorthannach – the Celtic fire-spitter

Caorthannach, thought by some to be the devil’s mother, is a demon that was fought off by St. Patrick when he banished the snakes out of Ireland.

The saint is said to have stood on the mountain now known as Croagh Patrick and expelled all the serpents and demons out of the Emerald Isle into the sea to drown.

One monster, however, managed to escape – Caorthannach, the fire-spitter. The demon slid down a mountain away from the saint, but Patrick spotted her, and chased her down upon the fastest horse in Ireland, which was brought to him.

The pursuit was a long one, and Caorthannach knew St. Patrick would need water to quench his thirst along the way, so she spit fire as she fled, and poisoned every well she passed.

Though the saint was desperately thirsty, he refused to drink from the poisoned wells and prayed for guidance.

Patrick eventually made it to the Hawk’s Rock, where he waited for Caorthannach. As the demon approached, he jumped out from his hiding spot and banished her from Ireland with a single word.

The evil fire-spitter drowned in the ocean, leaving a swell behind that created the famous Hawk’s Well.

9. Leanan Sidhe – the evil Irish fairy-muse

Both a muse and a demon, Leanan Sidhe is another one of Ireland’s mythological vampires.

The fairy was a beautiful woman who was said to give inspiration to poets and musicians – but at the price of their lives.

She would make the artist her lover, sharing with them her intelligence, creativity and magic, but when she left, the men would be so depressed, they'd die.

Leanan Sidhe would then take her dead lovers back to her lair.

Rather than directly suck the blood of her victims, Leanan Sidhe got creative, and collected their blood in a giant red cauldron, which was the source of her beauty and artistic inspiration.

As with Dearg-due, to prevent the undead Leanan Sidhe from rising, one must put a cairn of stones over her resting place.

A tip to artists: perhaps you should look elsewhere for inspiration, rather than risking falling into the evil hands of the Leanan Sidhe!

10. Questing Beast – the Celtic hybrid monster

Another snake-like evil Celtic creature is the Questing Beast, a monster with the head of a snake, the body of a leopard, the backside of a lion and the hooves of a deer.
The beast’s constant cry was said to sound like the bark of 30 dogs.

The Questing Beast, known to be quick, was hunted down by many a knight, and in Celtic myth was chased by King Pellinore, an Arthurian character.

This beast appears not only in the legends of King Arhtur, but also in Edmund Spenser’s epic tale “The Faerie Queene,” which in part, tackles the troubled relationship between England and Ireland in the 16th century.

This is one scary creature you don’t have to worry about this Halloween – unless you dress up as a knight.

Brrrrrr it's cold - luckily there's Irish wool

2009-10-19T18:41:00Z

The weather here in South Jersey has changed quite quickly. I, for one, was hoping for Indian Summer but it has gently passed us by this year. After a rainy summer - the bright sunshine of the fall has been a welcome change. However since I am so low to the ground, I need a little something to keep me warm this time of year. My Irish wool blanket, it is so cozy. It's like an old friend that visits me each year that hugs me and keeps me warm while the cold wind blows. Let me tell you what a large selection of woolens my human has chosen for you this year in our shop. Scarves are the big must-have accessory and boy oh boy do we have them. We have gorgeous hand woven scarves from The Muckross House in Killarney in a rainbow of colors. They are bright, they are soft and they are hand woven in Ireland. Also, back by popular demand is the Flap Scarf from Branigan Weavers of Drogheda. Just enough scarf to criss cross across the throat and keep your neck warm - comes in a fuzzy boucle or the eco friendly un-dyed alpaca blend version. We also have tons of 60" scarves from Branigan to brighten up last years coat or sweater. Unfortunately the Branigan matching hats are almost all sold out - we sold dozens at Octoberfest and the Irish festival - there are 8 left for the entire season and only 2 dozen left of the ladies caps.
Stop and and see me soon before all the stock is gone, they make a great gift and the receiver will always think of your kind hospitality when they are warm and cozy. Please don't bring me any treats, I am still on my diet and doing well with it, down 2.2 lbs. If you really want to do something in my honor this season, donate your old towels and blankets to the Humane Society and keep my four legged friends warm.........I have my Irish blanket.

Slainte'
SeamusMac

The Ladies are coming..........The Ladies are coming

2009-09-16T20:08:00Z

Cherish the Ladies appearing Saturday, November 21 8:00PM

Enjoy dinner, conversation and a concert

The only all-women traditional Irish band, Cherish the Ladies, will be appearing at Appel Farm Arts and Music Center.

These virtuosi musicians will bring all the joy, beauty and power of traditional Irish culture to life in one exciting evening.

Enjoy a special pre-show dinner at the Rushes in Woodstown, and then a pre-show conversation with members of Cherish the Ladies.

Appel Farm (Elmer, NJ) is a picturesque and convenient drive from many points in southern New Jersey, Philadelphia and Wilmington.

Call (800) 394-1211 or visit www.appelfarm.org for more information.

You definitely have to check these Ladies out - most of you know them already and may have seen the lovely Joanie Madden on PBS during their special of Irish/New York musicians. Their shows are legendary and the craic even better. The Ladies even sent my human an autographed photo of them to hang in our shop, stop in to see it and say hello.

Just to update you on the goings on in Smithville:

Oct 3 & 4 - Octoberfest - Sunday October 4th - Sherry Lynn will be back entertaining the crowds with her country hits.

Oct 10th - Irish fest...........need I say more.
4 live bands:
The Barley Boys
The Bantry Boys
Na'Bodach
Jamie and the Quiet Men

vendors
pony rides
Guinness & Smithwicks.....................food

and of course visit Ireland and Old Lace - 2 floors of great Irish gifts at the best prices around - check out all our new woolens, just flew in from Ireland on Monday!

Meat Pies with bisto

2009-09-03T16:48:00Z

mmmmmmmm they smell so good - I'm on a strict diet but they smelled so good cooking, I was dreaming about them - flaky crust, delectable beef with irish spicing and a good dose of bisto to top it off. Yummy!