For the past number of years I have been thinking of writing a blog to chart our everyday lives here in the Irish Countryside. I’m not for a moment thinking that we do anything more exciting than most families but I would just like to share our little corner of this wonderful place that we call home.
I have put together this site with lots of help from my oldest son, Niall (far more of a technological genius than I’ll ever be!!) and while there is more to do, I hope to fill in many of the gaps in the weeks and months ahead.
We built our house by self-build almost eleven years ago on a 9 acre field which we bought from a local farmer. Our children (Aged 17, 14 and 12) attend the local Primary and Secondary schools. My work is a 15 minute drive from here, and Feargal who is a Building Surveyor, is just under an hour by car from his job.
We have a kitchen garden at the back of our house where we grow as many types of fruit and vegetables as is possible in our free time (not that we have much of that!). With three children to feed, meal planning is important in order that we give our family good wholesome food while trying to keep the cost of our weekly shopping down. We cook almost all of our meals from scratch and won’t buy anything that can be made just as easily at home. There is rarely a day goes by that I don’t bake something and I’m forever trawling through my recipe books for an excuse to turn on the oven. I will be sharing recipes of the foods we like to eat as a family and also while entertaining with you.
We have a menagerie of animals – hens which give us lovely fresh eggs every day, a couple of pigs (which we are rearing to provide us with meat later in the year), a Horse called Bonnie and our little pony, Star. We also have 2 dogs and a cat.
I have always had a love anything to do with Homes and Gardens. These days I am spoilt for choice with both Pinterest and my most recent discovery of Instagram. I now feel like I have a new Home Magazine every day to look at for ideas without the cost of buying them.
Our garden is our pride and joy but still very much a work in progress. I will keep you updated on what we’re up to as the seasons pass and I’m not expecting us to be hanging up our shovels any time soon!!
So, thats a little about us but I’ll be sharing lots of bits and pieces along the way – and hopefully you might just find something of interest.
Bernie x
Country Life My Style 
How exciting is this!!
Beautifully written Bernie, I’m in love with your new blog already and will definitely be back for some essential recipes and hints and tips.
Best wishes
Emily xxxx (easthorpe_cottage)
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Aw thanks Emily. I was terrified I was going to look ridiculous! Onwards and Upwards as they say..
Bernie xx
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Hi Bernie, very well done indeed! I’ve only just browsed a little of your blog but definitely worth the visit! I’m glad you are so honest about your initial feelings of doing this as this will no doubt inspire many people to take the bull by the horns. Good idea to put tried and tested recipes on. Think I will try the Lemon Yogurt Cake. Good luck!
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Hi Brenda,
Thanks so much. Yes, I’ve dithered about this for ages and just decided its now or never. I’m thinking it will be easy to write about things I love and so I think I will have lots of content.
The lemon cake is one that I have made so many times – just mentioning it now makes me think that I might make it tomorrow myself!!
Bernie xx
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Congratulations Bernie! I’m really looking forward to reading more of your posts 😊 xx
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You are so kind Caroline and thanks so much. I just need to find things to write about now!!!!
Bernie xx
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Absolutely loved reading your blog Bernie❤️ I have no idea how you find the time to fit this in as well as everything else you do. I’m sure it will be a great success😘Xx
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Thanks so much Sue.. no turning back now!!
Bernie xx
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Bernie well done you for starting your own blog 💕., your home is stunning. I’m looking forward to reading your blogs. If you have any free time you don’t fancy planning my family meals also 🤗 Xx
Wishing you every success
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Hi Geraldine,
Thanks so much – a leap into the unknown for me!! Haha.. just realised I might have made myself look like I’m a bit of a superwoman (which I’m definitely not)
Bernie
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Hi Bernie, congratulations on starting your blog it’s an exciting time for you, and I am looking forward to all your lovely recipes ,tips etc, all the best. Winni.. (winni1978)
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Hi Winni,
I’m delighted to receive your message and yes, the day has arrived when I’ve finally taken the bull by the horns. I’ve so many recipes and bits and pieces to share I wont know where to stop!!
Bernie xx
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Congratulations Bernie! The blog already looks absolutely lovely and I’m looking forward to what’s to come. 🙂
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Hi Norma,
So glad you like it – I was a bit nervous putting myself out there especially when there are experienced bloggers like yourself who will see it.. I know I wont be able to write with the same literary flair as others but then again, I don’t think you go into this to compete and its all about doing your thing in your own way. If you see me doing something I shouldn’t please let me know
Bernie xx
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Morning Bernie, I am really enjoying your new blog. Look forward to reading more! I was surprised your home was only 11 years old, I have admired the photos of your home on instagram and always imagined it to be a period property. Kathy
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Hi Kathy,
So many people over the years have thought our house was older and that is the ultimate compliment to us as that was our intention. I think I might do a post (or two) on the building of it just to share the journey with anyone who is maybe thinking of doing a self-build themselves.
Glad you decided to join me
Bernie xx
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Loving the blog already Bernie and can’t wait for more photos, recipes and tips for streamlining housework!
First blog I have ever looked at and I know I’m going to love your newsy posts.
Congratulations xx
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Hi Jan,
I’m so happy that you have decided to join me… (I’m totally new to this two so we are both finding our feet) I really hope there will be something to help over the next while. If there is anything that you would like me to include then just ask
Bernie xx
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Congratulations Bernie 👏🏻 Such an exciting time for you. I’m looking forward to all your future posts brightening up my day especially your delicious cake recipes.
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Hi Pam,
Thanks so much for joining me – I really appreciate it
Bernie xx
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Hi Bernie, looking forward to adding your blog to my reading list, lokks great already 😊 Amanda (frosted_petals ) xx
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Hi Amanda,
Thanks so much for the message – no turning back now!!
Bernie
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Loving the blog Bernie , looks gorgeous really looking forward to seeing what’s to come !! Congrats your going to be a natural !! Sarah
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Thanks so much Sarah. I’m so happy that I’ve decided to give it a go!!
Hope there will be something of interest to you in it
Bernie xx
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