10 Years living in our Home today from 22/12/2004 - 22/12/2014

I woke up this morning feeling all nostalgic and here's why ??????

So today marks a special occasion for myself and Baz Acuda 

Today we celebrate our 10th year living in our house 22nd Dec 2004, only feels like yesterday we moved here, we had no clue what lay ahead for us as we were only with each other 2 years, still only getting to know each other, it was a huge step in our relationship to permanently move in together, but we said we would take that step as we were so in love with each other and did not want to part. We went on a holiday to Australia for my husbands brothers wedding. Which we had a ball of a time, a five week long holiday of craziness.  We arrived back to Ireland on the 21st of Dec 2004, we both went to work the next morning and that evening we packed up and moved our stuff,   all we had was some clothes, few bits of furniture and each other our first Christmas was crazy, we were jet lagged, tired but excited about moving into our new house. 

As you can imagine with a brand new housing estate just built, there was no street lights, hills of rubble still outside around the estate and what do you know, it was a " White Christmas " it snowed heavy that previous night on Christmas eve, which made it more special, we were like two  loved up teenagers but without the spots. 

As I sit here and think back of all the times we had together I cant help but to smile and think how did we even manage to get through some of the times we lived here.. As we were taken a huge step in our relationship to move in, the thought did cross my mind, is it too soon to permanently move in together, but the feeling was stronger than I could hide, I was so excited to be with my soul mate and best friend everyday.. I could not be happy without him being at my side. So we took the plunge and decided we would give it a go.. 

Now when I think back, it was the best decision I ever made, I wanted to be with him all the time and so we went on our journey to be a stable couple.. 

Yes some of the years were worse then others, as some of you reading this, living together sounds great but when you do it for a number of years, you really get to know that person inside out. I am at a stage in my life that I thought I would never be and that's being as happy now as the day I met my husband.. We have stood the test of time and still going strong..

Here are some pictures of our first " White Christmas "

22/12/2004

As you can see, a white Christmas on our first year, don't think we ever got another white Christmas like this one, even looking back at these pictures makes me smile, I remember it like it was yesterday, the years have flown by.. 

So sitting here right now has me thinking of all the good and bad times that a couple will go through over the years of living together and I can happily say there has been so much more good times than there was bad times. See when you live together you have to be able to compromise and sacrifice some things in your life, as you have to always think of the other person as well as yourself. Its not easy is what I am saying but it takes a lot to work together as a team, but I am blessed to have found my husband Baz.. When I say this, I don't want to come across as " Oh I am so Lucky or Oh I am rubbing it into everyones face of how happy I am " 

What I mean is " Yes " I am happy and " Yes " I am so lucky, but what you have to understand is, when you share your life with someone not only have you to think of their feelings, but the  other person really and truly makes you open your eyes and makes you realise a lot about yourself too in the process, this man I have been living with has made me who I am today and that's no lie let me tell you.. 

I never thought I would be sitting here writing in my blog about living together ten years on, as blogs and facebook was not even out back then, now I am starting to feel old, I didnt even know how to fully use a computer, My husband Baz showed me the ropes and I got hooked straight away, now I am telling him about computers but he just laughs at me and says " Who's your Teacher " ha ha 

So a few years pass by and we always got along, we never really had huge fights or arguments, now I am not saying that we didn't, we did, but not to a stage where, that's it, I'm walking out the door, we just got along 99% of the time and still do, that's the part that amazes me but I am starting to think, its simply because we respect each other and always being honest with each other has kept us this long together.. 

Now when I mean, being honest with each other, that can be a little white lie and here's why.. 

When my husband shouts up the stairs.. 

" Danny, where is my charger off my phone " 

" I would reply, check the front room "

" Baz would say, Its not there "

" I would say it is there, did you even look ??? "

" Baz says ye, I looked everywhere " 

" Of course I would have to go and look then and what do you know, Its there " 

See what I have come to realise too about living together so long, is that I seem to know where everything is in the house and baz doesn't, he will always ask me first and say he cant find it and I would have to go and get it, I don't know what it is, how do I know where everything is in the house, he even slags me off saying that " I even know where the drips are in the house "

So he will ask me first because I know and if I don't know, then he will look for it.. I don't know why but sort of proud of myself how I know where everything is, and when I say that, I really mean it, even last night, we got into the car and Baz says, " Wheres my wallet " I said did you not bring it in with ye ??? He says he thinks he did, So I sat in the car waiting for him to get his wallet and took about ten minutes to come back out, He comes back out saying he cant find it, so again I walked into the house, I has a little rumble in my head to scan the  house with my brain as I always do. BOOM, check upstairs in the wardrobe I think I seen it there.. Baz comes back down with his wallet in his hand.... 

Not sure If that happens will all couples, one will know where everything is and the other will always ask first, probably saves times looking for it, but Yes, I have taken on the that role.

But it took us a long time to get our house the way we wanted to and when I say that I mean designing wise, over the years, we painted our house all crazy colours, from stripy wallpaper to glitter paint, lime green in the hallway to yellow and green kitchen, we had every colour under the sun on the walls in our house, but what we soon realised quick enough, that our social life fizzled out pretty rapidly.. 

We were what you would call, social butterflies, true and true, party animals, at the drop of a hat we would get a phone call or text, " You guys wanna come to a party " before we even called back or even though of replying, We had showered and dressed in five minutes and the way out the door, but the harsh reality of living together is you spend twice as much and you have bills to pay. So over the coming years, we had started to see our friends less and less and we used to get said to us, " They don't come out any more " there is a huge reason why ?????

Its a brilliant idea of having your own house, but there is always a price tag ????

As you can imagine as some of you probably do, when your social life is going to the bank to pay your mortgage or bills and bringing the bins out to the bin man, you then realise its tougher then you think, no more long weekends of partying like your 18, no more " Ill pay for that taxi which is € 50 " 

no more, Ill meet on Dame street for 8pm and then go on a pub crawl, yes that's what we used to do when we first moved in, always out, always mingling and partying but those days soon disappeared and then the struggles came.. You spend less and less time out and about and more and more time with your pen and paper working out what needs to be paid, but trying to tell someone people that we cant come out as we need to keep a roof over our heads is liking telling someone when they are at the height of the party, " Turn that music off, Party's over " That will not register with a party head 

So years went by and we sacrificed so much of our social life it got to us in the end, you cant keep a Butterfly in a matchbox, of course the butterfly will get stress and feel like he is suffocating, but what do you do in cases like that when both are feeling the same way.. You talk it out and shout it out, boy oh boy we had many of those talks but when I think back now and say to myself, I am so glad we did and were always on the same page...

Our relationship through the years here has being up and down like many others but we got through it and still her today celebrating our 10th year in our house.. There is a day that comes along when you prioritise what is important, Your party lifestyle or your future, we choose our future and are sticking to that as our happiness is more important..

Ill fast forward a little bit in these 10 years we are here and give you a little background.. 

We met each other on the 04/10/2002 in a nightclub on abbey street, a club we use to go too every week after we met there " Spirit " night club, we had some amazing times, well while we could until we grew up ha ha 

I used to always say to myself, I am going to marry him one day, I was head over heels in love with him and my feelings have just grown stronger each day, love is love, there is no conditions, if your heart wants something there is nothing you can do about it what so ever... 

So in the running up to our 10th year anniversary together as a couple, I thought to myself where is this relationship going to, We are almost 10 years together and I wanted to take it to the next step and propose to him.. So we booked a holiday to Barcelona for our 10th year together and had many many talks to Baz's sister, my very own inspirational person, love her so much, I said to her, I am going to propose to Baz on our 10th year together, she said oooohhhhh Danny, I am so Happy for you, I hope he says the important answer " Yes " and I said so do I , if he says " No " I'll start packing straight away when I get home.. 

So we got to Barcelona and I calls his sister and says " that's it, I'm all set for tonight, I am going to pop the question " Will you Marry Me " she says, call me straight away and let me know what he says, I says, I will, So off I go, back to the hotel, ready to ask that important question, that will either make us stronger or break us up... 

Getting ready and having a shower, heart pumping through my chest, reciting the line over and over again until I forgot how to speak with the nerves... Baz says, stay in the room a few minutes I'm just cleaning the living room, so I says sure, gave me more time to remember what to say.. 

Baz shouts, ah your grand, you can come out now, My heart stopped, said to myself, Ok, Danny you have this, all you need to do is tell him how you feel and just say it " Will You Marry  Me " 

So I walks out of the bedroom to what I can describe is, my husband standing there in the middle of the room, candles all over the place spelling out " I Love You " I looks around towards Barry, he is standing there staring right at me, music playing was " Sade, By Your Side " 

He looks into my eyes and pulls me closer, tells me how much he loves me and wants to spend the rest of our lives together, lifts his hand and I see a ring, " Will You Marry " he says, I will never forget that day for as long as I live, I didn't even speak or say anything, I just broke down in tears as I want to spend the rest of my life with this man, I eventually said " Yes " quivering lip and beating heart, we just hugged for what must have felt like eternity.. 

This is the strange thing, I was meant to propose to him, not him proposing to me.. We both went to Barcelona we the same plan, to ask each other " Will You Marry Me " and if that is not love I don't know what is.. Even though you live with someone, don't take each other for granted ever, Always show respect towards each other, love each other, your a team and let the good and bad times come and go, they will make your stronger if you want to be with each other for the long haul.  

So you see, living here for this length of time, I have personally being on one crazy rollacoaster and have taken the bad with the good but I have not done it on my own.. 

So what I am trying to say, this day back in 2004 changed for my life the better and I am happy for all the memories that we have both created.. 

So from today, I am going to make more memories and I am going to love Baz with an even bigger heart for all the years of loving me and accepting me for who I am and we are still redecorating the house up until this morning ha ha We will never finish with this house and always make your house your home no matter where you live or who you live with... Respect each others way of living as we all live different lives but sharing your life is so important

So its a long road but looking back today makes me appreciate it even more.. 

So this Christmas is even more special for us :) 

So I would like to wish all of my readers a Happy Christmas and make the most of what you have with your family and when I mean " Family " 

I mean this, some of us don't spend time with our families as much as we would like too and the reasons are only yours to understand that, family does not have mean  blood related, family are who you choose to be family along your journey in life, so who ever makes you happy and has your best interests at heart and who love you for you, they are your family.. So enjoy your family whom ever they are :):)   

Thank you for reading 

IrishDannyBoy 

DIY: How To Make A " Christmas Holly Table Runner Wreath with Lights "

So its that time of year again and time to be as creative with your Christmas Decorations.

Yes, Its Christmas time, Festive season,  my favourite time of the year, well, I do love Halloween also but thats another blog post, I just love the fact I can be as creative with our house when it comes to Christmas.. 

Like every year I always make a Christmas Wreath for our front door but this year I decided to make a, well, I don't really know to be honest, I just got up out of bed the other morning when we were suppose to be having a lazy day in bed, which I do love our lazy days but its christmas and need to get the creative juices flowing.. 

So its up and at them I say, I said to my hubby. Get your coat and wooly hat on, were hitting the forest to get some Holly and bringing the dogs with us... Well such a crazy look I got from him.. 

No buts, NOW I SAID, he eventually gave in and off we went. Vroom Vroom

So enough of how the idea of getting holly came about, Ill fast forward into this blog and show you want we came up with.. 

                                     " Christmas Holly Table Runner Wreath with Lights " 

So below you will find videos and pictures of our adventure of creating this master piece and we decided to show you the whole process of creating it, from, 

1. Hunting down the Holly Tree.

2.Chopping it down.

3.Bringing it home. 

4. Creating the Holly Wreath

So I will stop ranting on and you can check out our videos and pictures and hopefully this will inspire you to create one of your own, easy, saves money and looks amazing.. 

First Video is our preview video of our " Mini Mocumentry " while out " Holly Hunting "

Preview Video  

So if you seen out Preview video of " Holly Hunting " you can sit back and enjoy our 

" Mini Mocumentry of Holly Hunting " 

Had great fun and laughs with my Baz this day searching for Holly as you can probably tell :) 

So if you want to know how we created this Holly Wreath, you do check out the next video of 

"DIY: How To Make A " Christmas Holly Table Runner Wreath with Lights " 

So now you seen the whole process of us creating this fabulous piece for our dining table for our family at dinner time.. 

In the next few pictures you will see how this is completed from start to finish, again have fun making your's 

Any questions just pop me a comment :)

IrishDannyBoy

Happy Christmas To You All :)

Have a safe one 

IrishDannyBoy 

" One & All "

So as I sit in darkness waiting for light, I think of all the wrongs I could have made right.

 I bash, curse and sell my soul, my demons savage me like a troll.

 I tell myself I am no good, my good friend darkness lends me his hood.

 I try in vain to shake him off, this sadness of the mind won't lay off.

 I think of things that I've done, this feeling of darkness has just begun.

 As he slowly creeps through my skin, feeling the darkness from within.

 It's me who thinks of things from the past, how long will this darkness last.

 I go about my daily life, in my mind with that jagged knife.

 twists and turns as I speak, a stiff upper lip I need to keep.

 I lift my head to see some light, nothing but darkness on this dark filled night.

 Memories flood my eyes as I stare, into darkness with a lonely glare.

With no sound to hear me cry, I never really wanted to die.

 It's a thought in my head, a split second thought and I could be dead. 

 but yet again when I'm on my own,  that thought will never leave me alone.

 One side says yes, be my guest.

 The other side says no, its not my time to go.

It's a battle of the mind, your will power you need to find.

 A power that you will need to know, to bring some light and help you grow. 

See darkness my friend loves me dearly, through my tears I see him clearly.

 That thought of hurt and despair,  I breath him in like a breath of fresh air.

 He sits and waits for his chance to shine, grins to himself and says he's mine.

So while I'm walking by his side, he thinks I'm going to run and hide.

 I search within for my power, a battle of the mind within a tall tower.

 A tear falls to keep me warm, as darkness smoulders like a swarm.

 And as I said as before, darkness once again knocks on my door.

With no sound to hear me cry, I never really wanted to die. 

Just to see the light of day, to send darkness on his way.

 Light has shun on my face, its time to say I'm not leaving this place.

 So yet again I survived this call, my will power my friend my 

" One and All" 

A Poem on " Will Power "

How To Make A Doll's Play-Time Bed

Another creative post :)

So I was with my little niece " Cassie "aged 3 last week and it was coming up to her bed-time. I am sure if any of you have any children you will know that bed-time is not really straight forward as you think.

A little girl with a grown up personality and bed-time was not for her unless she has her little doll with her and her favourite little doll went to bed first and had to be fast asleep before she was...

With no bed for her doll only Cassie's bed and she doesn't really like sharing a bed, I came up with the idea of making her doll her very own Play-Time bed, which will give Mammy & Daddy some time for themselves, like a bit of peace and quite and bed time a little easier..

I created this little Doll's Play-time Bed below...

As you can see it's custom made for a special little lady " Cassie "

This is a surprise for her and she does not know about it yet and I can't wait to see her little face when she get's this the weekend. I'll be sure to post a pic of her with this little doll's bed....

This is pretty simple to make and does not cost a fortune and it's custom made with name and colour's...

I also made this video tutorial on " How To Make A Doll's Play-time Bed " if you want to see how I created this, you can do so by checking out this video I have uploaded to my youtube channel below .....

If you have any question's you want to ask me do feel free to comment below or comment on this video on youtube and I will gladly respond to you, or if you want to suggest anything for me to make I will try my best to show you how I do it..

You can also subscribe to my Youtube Channel by Clicking Irish Danny Boy , which will bring you to my channel or if you want to check out our Facebook Page, you can do so by clicking here B&D Cake's and Creation's 

Again any questions just pop me a mail, I know for sure Cassie is going to love this, I don't know who is more excited me or Cassie :)

Thanks for stopping by

Irish DannyBoy

How To Make A " Mardi Gras / Carnival " Head Piece

    So Its that time of year again when the sun comes out and the festivals begin..

Yes, Summer is on its way and if you are a festival goer or just love being creative, check out my Tutorial below on  
             
                                        " How To Make A " Mardi Gras / Carnival " Head Piece

Pretty easy and simple to create and mind you does not cost a fortune.. I have made some of these head pieces a while back in 2011 and loved how they looked so I decided to re-create one of these head pieces to show you how you can make one for yourself for a Parade / Carnival / Mardi Gras or Festival if you are going to any of these this summer  be sure to create one of these head pieces and you will be the one to stand out from the crowd.

So what does this headpiece look like I hear you ask.. Here is a few images of one of these Mardi Gras Head Pieces I created in 2011 and worn by Drag Queen Demi Whore & Baza Cuda at Dublin Gay Pride Parade in  2011..

 If you want to check out Demi Whores Facebook page for more Pride Costumes you can do so by clicking here " Demi Whores Facebook Page "  or you can check out her blog here " Demi Whores Blog "

    Video Tutorial Below these pictures and information about what your going to need..

                                         

      Demi Whore @ Dublin Gay Pride Parade 2011

                                    Demi Whore & Baza Cuda  @ Dublin Gay Pride Parade 2011

                                    Demi Whore & Baza Cuda  @ Dublin Gay Pride Parade 2011

                                Demi Whore & The Whorettes   @ Dublin Gay Pride Parade 2011

                                   Demi Whore & Baza Cuda  @ Dublin Gay Pride Parade 2011

                                   Demi Whore & Baza Cuda  @ Dublin Gay Pride Parade 2011

So now you have seen whats in store with this Mardi Gras / Carnival / Cosply Costume Head Piece.

Below is a video tutorial on how you can create this fun headpiece for yourself. Click on the video I have uploaded to my youtube channel and I will show you exactly how to create this.. Have fun making yours 

Any question on anything just comment me below or PM me on my youtube channel..

Irish DannyBoy

" It Gets Better " Part 2 from Irish Dannyboy

So by me putting this video together I want to show young people that " It Has Got Better " and so much more than you can imagine..

I have taken a few moments out of my day to share a story and a message of hope and encouragement to the young generation who are feeling isolated right now..

My name is DannyBoy and below is a message to you to let you know you are not alone and there is so much support around you..

This is Part 2 of my " It Gets Better " project message of hope to you......

My life has changed for the better and more than I could ever imagine and it will for you when you believe in yourself and learn to love yourself... So what ever you are going through be it being bullied, harassed or even feeling that you cant go on, please take a moment to listen to my message to you...

Here is my Video " It Gets Better " Part 2

When you feel that life is getting the better of you or you feel that there is no light at the end of your tunnel, hear me when I say, I can relate to you and their is hope for you, a lot of hope.. I have also attached support information in the description of the video if you ever need to talk and also my email address for that extra bit of support...

This video I have created hopefully strikes a cord in you that you believe in  yourself and will lift your head high once again to be that person you have always wanted to be.. if you want to see my other video of my story in part 1 you can check that video message of hope below here..

As you can see, even back in 2012 I though that is the best it was going to get, but even I was wrong, It got even better, I am now an engaged man to my partner of 12 years this year and am planning my dream wedding... I want to you take a few minutes out of your day, think of who you are and what you want to be in this world and really dig deep into your heart and find that person that makes you YOU... For you hold the key to your happiness in your own heart...People can be so cruel but don't ever be cruel to yourself.. Love yourself and express the real you inside, you will be amazed at what will happen next when you give yourself that opportunity of happiness..

I also want to add while i say " It Gets Better " I mean I will and I am once again showing and  sharing my journey with you to show you that you can do it....

I have also made another video of Bullying and Cyber Bullying... I can so relate to you in ever aspect of your journey and hurt, Be it being bullied in person or being bullied online... You also have a choice to make yourself happy again.. You can see this video below is about Bullying below.. take a few minutes out for yourself and watch this video below and no that your not alone... Don't let anyone make your journey in this life regretful for you too have every right to be here, you have a purpose to be here and its time you found your purpose in this life....

So you see, you are not on your own and I for one will be here with a tentative ear to listen to any of your worries yo may have...

I truly hope in your heart you take on board my message to you and start to lift your head and look around you and see how life can get so much better when you let your heart lead the way...

You know where to find me

Irish DannyBoy

irishdannyboy2013@yahoo.ie

B&D Cakes and Creations

When you have a dream and it feels out of reach, what do you ???

You persist in that dream no matter how long it takes for your to make that dream come through...

And here's why ..........

Many moons ago a young man had a dream of being a top professional chef.. That man is my husband Baz. He had a dream when he was only a young adult. He dreamt one day he would be a professional chef and he though to himself one day that he was going to pursue his dream.. 

While he was still finding his feet as a young growing man and finding out  what he wanted to do he came across a lot of obstacles and when I say a lot, I mean a lot, see growing up in Ireland as a young man looking for work, you had to have qualifications from school to walk into that dream job, but by the time Baz got all his qualifications his own personal circumstances changed meaning he had to get work soon as which meant his dream job as a professional chef would have to wait a little longer.. 

See to become a professional chef you have to have years of training behind you and Baz did not have that time to spare.. So he did what any hard working young man would do and that's take the next good paying job to get by in life because in Ireland it was getting to be a pretty expensive state to live.. We had the boom alright but that soon ended with a bigger BOOM.. 

So on he went to enter into a world of Communications.. Where he strives at every challenge becoming more and more knowledgeable of the industry and in turn gave him higher positions as he progressed in the company but no matter how tough his day job would be on him he always managed to have some time to cook, bake and experiment with food when he got home. I know I have seen him in the kitchen and if you think speedy Gonzales is fast, you can forget about it. Baz would literally surf the web, study a recipe and be back from the store with everything he needs to start this new recipe.. 

He never stopped through the years experimenting with food and I loved him for that, simply because I got to taste all those amazing and delicious dishes.. But to my own amazement, Baz went on to start baking, starting off with your aul favourite, scones and melted Irish butter and homemade brambly jam.. 

As simply as they were, they were always welcome with a cup a " Rosie " which also means a cup of tea here in Ireland.. 

So after a few years experimenting with lots of different dishes and baking the odd dessert, he then tried his hand at cakes.. Now this is where the good stuff starts..

Here is a link to Baz's facebook page named   B&D Cakes and Creations  You can click the name which will bring you to the page.. Check it out, you will be amazed at how far he has come with his dream.. 

The first few cakes he made, he would always try to better the latest design he created to make the next even more creative...

Here are some pictures of the amazing cakes he created himself....


                                                                Ombre Ruffle Cake

                                 Two Tier Black and White Cake 

                                                 

                                                     Minnie Mouse Cake 

                                                  Communion Cake

                                          Pigeon Loft / Decks Cake 
  This cake was specially requested as I have never seen a cake like this before myself

                                 The Hive Busby Bee Cake 

With this cake he also made a Video tutorial to show how this is created. You can see the video for this cake below also.. Pretty amazing this one

Also another video you can see more pics of the finished design ...

         Black & White design cake for a special friends birthday 

            A Sparkling Barbie Princess Cake / with movable wings 

                   Minion Cake Despicable Me Half Good / Half Evil 

                A Triple Tier classic Black & White Wedding Cake 

                                  A Communion Barbie Cake 

                                     A Coffin Style Cake 

           Again you can check out the video below for more pictures of this style cake

So these cakes are only a few of his designs he has made to order, if you are interested in finding out more about what designs he can create for you visit his facebook page BnD Cakes and Creations here

Pretty cool designs and whats even better he has only began to delve into his dream and I couldn't not be happier for him... He will also be designing our very own wedding cake for our big day and has plenty of time to practise for it :)

I sure hope he can build a 10 Tier cake for the wedding :)

Irish Dannyboy