Corned Beef Sushi. It Exists.

I made corned beef mash last week. It tasted amazing. It looked like what comes out during liposuction. I was reminiscing about the disgusting looking pot of deliciousness, and also looking forward to my date with my son this Sunday, heading for sushi before seeing the Ulster Orchestra. So I thought, what if you combined both? And it seems some folk have.

The beef on the left, I could eat those all day. 

I used to make sushi years back, so I think it's time to get out the seaweed sheets and bamboo rolling thingy and make my own. 

I'll let you know how that goes. In the meantime, here are some more weird sushi bits and bobs from around the Internet. 

Sushi and cats. The ultimate mix. 

A Fresh, Clean & Cheap Cowslip Kitchen Makeover from Premier Housewares

How about a kitchen makeover for spring? Cheaper than replacing the whole works, is replacing your soft furnishings and housewares. Premier Housewares' Cowslips collection launched with a clean fresh cream and green print that matches my own kitchen completely with prices starting over on Amazon at £4.49

 http://twitter.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8f2ed5ceeb1b73b0f7c732351&id=a68ea1b7e5&e=5f3434b9df

Premier sent me the oven glove, the oven mitt which I'm giving to my mum for her kitchen, and a set of three coordinating tea towels. I really needed these, as my boyfriend came to cook a meal for me last week and I had to BUY a tea towel that day as the only one I had, was in the wash. I also apparently need to have more than just one pot and one frying pan. What can I say, the microwave & JustEat.com are my two best friends. 

The Ulster Orchestra Sci-fi Weekender

My son has had the chance to dabble in playing violin in school this year and has taken to it like a duck to water. We were able to pick him up a second hand, quarter size violin of his own, and I'm always getting little concerts at home.

We will be along on Sunday evening to catch the second concert in the Ulster Orchestra's Sci-fi Weekender. 

It takes place this Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March in the Ulster Hall. Whether you want to see the film that started the whole genre or you want to come bang up to date with music from one of modern Sci-Fi’s biggest sagas, your Ulster Orchestra is looking forward to welcoming you! Tickets for the concert can be purchased at www.ulsterorchestra.com or by phoning the Ulster Hall Box Office on (028) 9033 4455.

Your conductor for both concerts will be Ernst van Tiel, whose most recent work on film was on the soundtrack for the multi-award-winning film, The Artist. No one better to sweep the Ulster Orchestra through brave new worlds, from dystopian alternate reality to a galaxy far, far away!

Sunflowerfest 2015 Goes Steampunk

Sunflowerfest, Northern Ireland's festival for all ages, has the theme of a Victorian Steampunk Menagerie this year, with even the festival’s familiar Finn McCool mascot dressed for the occasion, withtop hat and pocket watch.

Sunflowerfest 2015 will include performances, attractions and experiences taking place on Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, from 31st July to 2nd August 2015. This year’s festival will deliver the unique musical acts, kid-friendly activities, localcrafts, alternative therapies, theatrical performances, camping and a number of new elements to the weekend to ensure big surprises for all guests.

Adding to the spirit of community promoted at Sunflowerfest, organisers have announced that this year’s charity partner will be globally-recognised Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, who are bringing their ‘Shack Attack’ slum village to Sunflowerfest.  Fundraising teams of 4-6 people will enter the challenge by raising money for Habitat NI, building a shack out of scrap materials and sleeping out in it at the festival. 

Music is the glue that unites Sunflowerfest’s guests together each summer, and this year the music remains as eclectic as the festival’s guests. From death metal to rock and folk to reggae, the wide range of acts confirmed vary across the festival’s huge Finn McCool main stage area, which will host headline acts including British dub, reggae, techno, folk and rock fusion.

For further information or to purchase tickets visit www.sunflowerfest.co.uk

The Most Important Ice Cream Announcement of 2015

Mostly when I blog a new product, it's not a secret that I've been sent it to try out. Today I'm bringing you news of a new product range all by myself because oh-my-goodness-you-have-to-try-this. 

It's the ice cream versions of Cadbury Mix Up bars. I picked my favourite, the jelly beans and popping candy one. My local Asda has the four flavours all on offer right now for £2.47  

I posted this image on my Instagram (www.instagram.com/rudedoodle ) and within half an hour even my Canadian & American friends & readers were drooling over it. 

Let me know on Twitter (@rudedoodle) which flavour you try and what you think. I'm going to try them all, obviously! 

The Belfast Teenage Dreams Mural is Back!

Shortly after John Peel's death, this graffiti mural in his tribute appeared under a bridge in East Belfast. 

Then, this happened. 

But as of today, thanks to Movs & Deno TDS, it's back and looking class! Wonderful news.

16 Cats Who Are Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, & Don't Care if You Call it 'St. Patty's'. Let Me Explain Why.

Around this time of year the outrage begins to build on Twitter & Facebook. Memes, images and general rants about how our American chums 'get it wrong' by calling the seventeenth of March 'St. Patty's Day', rather than St Patrick's Day, or the 'proper' shortening of 'St. Paddy's Day'.

I used to get a little irritated by it too, until I realised I was thinking about it all wrong. Ireland is a country that is so loved in the world's hearts that they want to throw a yearly, huge party to celebrate it's existence. They don't do this for Iceland, or even France. So we should be flattered, and don't be so grumpy if they get it a little wrong. It's like being upset too many people want to come to your birthday party. Someone on Twitter said to me how would I react if someone came to my birthday, but then called me the wrong name all night? Simple. As long as they were buying me drinks, they could call me whatever they liked!

So try to let go of your irritation at the yanks with their 'Patty's-ing' and join in the fun like these Irish themed cats. The Internet truly does have everything. 

What's New For Spring 2015 at YankeeCandle.co.uk? Easter Bunny Scented Candle, Anyone?

YankeeCandle.co.uk is the official store of the world's favourite scented candle brand here in the UK. They sent me this super sweet red rasperberry candle, which smells like melted ice pops, delicious.  

http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/en/uk/red-raspberry/red-raspberry/invt/1323186

The clever little jar lid is Yankee's own official Illumalids. They cast a relaxing shadow on your wall to set a romantic mood. 

http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/en/uk/illumalids/metal-hearts/invt/1331911

There are a few other interesting ranges recently launched. The Grand Bazaar is an exotic, spicy, rich collection with matching opulent accessories. 

There is also some less heavily scented new candles, like this Shea Butter spa candle.

Other fruity scents too. 

See all the new releases at www.YankeeCandle.co.uk

With Easter just around the corner, why not buy a candle rather than an egg for someone this year? Or a little accessory, like this simple perching bird. 

But here's the candle for me. I'll be spoiling myself and getting the largest version of this next week.