To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I was going to start this post by shrieking TOP ‘O THE MORNING TO YA and throwing some corned beef and cabbage and a few leprechauns at you but then I googled and discovered (1) no one actually uses the phrase Top ‘o the morning to ya in Ireland unless they want to get pummeled and have their knickers flown up the nearest flagpole; (2) the whole bit about corned beef and cabbage is more of an American tradition than Irish because the Irish avoid food that reeks of sweaty feet and makes you gag up your colon; and (3) PETA doesn’t like anyone throwing around leprechauns.
So, with all the time I just saved myself from having to cook grossness and chase after little green mythical creatures, I decided instead to introduce you to a real, live, bonafide Irish tradition named JanMary.
Hi JanMary! ((waving))
JanMary hails from Northern Ireland where she is a wife, mum (her term – is that adorable or what?) blogger and jewelry designer. She sells her wares at janmarydesigns.com and by wares, I mean her lovely jewelry, not her husband and three kids because I’m pretty sure that’s illegal in Ireland.
DISCLAIMER: I’m just going to put this out there right now, so that no one wonders what sickness has befallen me and my inbox isn’t inundated with emails asking if I tripped over Oliver and sustained a massive concussion. Out of respect for JanMary’s father who just might read my blog today, I’m going to keep this giveaway post clean. No cussing, no double entendres, no winky-winky-nudge-nudges, no references to Nate’s anatomy. I’m going to keep my potty fingers to myself, even if it means I have to superglue them to my bottom and type this with my toes.
Hi JanMary’s dad! ((waving)). I’m sorry I said bottom.
Let’s see how JanMary spends her free time, shall we? I mean, besides not making an MP3 file of her accent and emailing it to me so that I can upload it to my iPod and listen to it 24/7 and die happy.
Pretty, pretty, pretty! There’s something so warm and inviting about these hues.
Pretend I’m typing that with an Irish brogue, OK?
It’ll be fun!
I seriously LOVE LOVE LOVE the colors in all of these. They make me happy!
And hey, my brogue is pretty darn good, if I do say so myself, which I do simply because no one else will. If you close your eyes, it’s almost like I’m typing this straight from Ireland, don’t you think? As a tall, slim, gorgeous redhead, I might add.
Wouldn’t that be nice, me as a redhead? I bet Nate would like …
NEVERMIND.
Hi JanMary’s dad! ((waving))
I love this one. If it were up to me, I’d greet Nate at the door wearing nothing but wkoipdf osier lxsvde gpoiwuer oujiow!!!!!
ACH! Sorry for all the typos. My big toes just aren’t as dexterous as they used to be. They’re a wee bit banjaxed. Help! My big toes are banjaxed!
JanMary told me that in Ireland, “ach” is an expression of frustration or annoyance and “banjaxed” means ruined or destroyed. I personally love “banjaxed” and I’ve decided that I’m going to use it every chance I get.
I’m also going to use “eat the face off” (reprimand) and “barge” (scold) and “catch yerself on” (warning/caution) and “craic” (entertaining or funny) and “give my head peace” (go away and leave me alone) as much as I possibly can because they make me sound cool! Or drunk. It’s hard to tell, actually.
So give my head peace and catch yerself on! Don’t be barging and eating my face off for trying out the craic!
See what I mean?
By the way, my spell check is crying right now.
Oh, I almost forgot! JanMary has also started selling note cards created from her gorgeous photography of Ireland:
I would like to live here, please.
Or here. I’m not picky.
This last one, of the Dark Hedges? This is my absolute favorite. I want to move to Ireland just so I can see it in person. Who’s with me? I’m sure JanMary can put us up for a bit! She’s remodeling her bathroom at the moment so we might have to run outside periodically to take care of business but who cares? It’s Ireland. When will we ever get another chance to tinkle on land that lush and green?
Hi JanMary’s dad! ((waving)). I’m sorry I said tinkle.
So … what’s up for grabs?
.
A $50 shopping spree at janmarydesigns.com! Go get yourself a touch of Ireland from way over yonder where you are! Unless you’re reading this from Ireland, in which case – can I come live with you?
JanMary takes custom orders as well – if you don’t see what you want or it’s not available, just say ACH JANMARY! MAKE ME UP A WEE NECKLACE, WON’T YOU? You might want to throw in a leprechaun to sweeten the deal since JanMary’s kids have never even heard of leprechauns. Can you believe that? They need to fly over to my house and gaze upon the liquid green in my toilet and be schooled in the ways of the leprechaun because seriously, Irish children not knowing about leprechauns? That’s just all kinds of banjaxed, if you ask me.
In case you’re wondering? Nobody ever asks me.
The nitty gritty:
- To enter, leave a comment in this post and tell me the last time you saw a rainbow. I’ll go first! It was yesterday morning. I took Oliver out to pee for the 117th time and the sun was shining just right and there appeared a little mini rainbow over his piddle puddle. I would have burst out into song with a rousing rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow but there were enough bodily fluids leaking out of Oliver at that point. I saw no need to make blood come out of his ears as well.
- Anyone 18 or older can enter. So if you’re 18, you could be young AND lucky. And then you could … nevermind. Hi JanMary’s dad! ((waving))
- Winner must confirm notification within 48 hours or I’ll have to choose an alternate. Please don’t let that happen because it will make my left eye twitch and I don’t want my neighbor to think I’m winking at him because his wife is bigger than me and not in a good way.
- If you have trouble setting limits (who, me?) you can spend more than $50 and simply apply the $50 to your total due.
- No entries after 9:00 pm eastern time on Friday, March 19, because Hello? Friday night! Nate and I will have a date with the couch and a rerun of Operation Repo. Nothing says ten years of marriage like watching a morbidly obese, pierced, tattooed freak of nature repossess a car while wearing a muumuu.
- I will use Random.org to choose the winner. I can hear all of you yelling ACH ACH ACH from way over here – don’t think I can’t.
- One entry per person, please! Your comment might go into moderation for a bit but it will show up! So catch yourself on and give my head peace and stop with the duplicate comments already or I’ll be all eating your face off and banjaxing myself to death.
- I’ll announce the winner on Saturday!
That’s it!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone! Be nice to the leprechauns.
.
.
Like it? Share it! Karma rocks:
{ 179 comments }
← Previous Comments
The last time I saw a rainbow had to be last summer. We’ve had a really grey winter. I think it was when we were walking to the car after a wet baseball game.
The last time I saw a rainbow was last year….on Spring Break on the way home from the beach…and it was a double. My kids wanted to find the end of it so bad…so we drove for a while…until they understood, you can’t
Thanks for the fabulous chance to win! I love it all!!!!
Twitter: kearsie
March 18, 2010 at 10:27 am
Ooh ooh! Pick me! Pick me!! I mean, my last name IS Murphy, so I’m practically a shoe in. Also, I’m trying to type this in Irish Brogue but it keeps turning out Indian. But no worries, mon. Dang. There’s some Jamaican.
Yo, I saw me a rainbow the other day whilst driving my two kids to school. It was so big and fat we had to drive several blocks to see the other side. But I’m fairly certain there was no pot o’ gold at the end, unless the local factory that smells like burning bottoms is the pot.
.-= Kearsie’s last blog post is here ..Health & Wellness is NOT For Sissies =-.
It must have been last year, and I think I only saw one in the summer. I need to spot more this coming year!
The last time I saw a rainbow was a couple weeks ago driving down the highway. Beautiful!
How fun! I enjoyed reading your post, you’re too funny!
The last time I saw a rainbow? It was last week. DH saw it first and pointed
it out to me.
The last time I saw a rainbow was late summer of 2009. My grandchildren were with me and it was amazing seeing it through their eyes! Awesome!
My friends wedding in November of 2009 – it was too cool!
I seen a beautiful rainbow last summer. Looking off my deck! It was so beautiful! Can’t wait to see on again this spring!
The last time that I remember seeing a rainbow was back in September the week before my wedding. It had been a horribly stormy day (not to mention a stressful one, as it was one week before the wedding!) and I looked outside as the rain stopped and saw not only one, but a double rainbow. I tried to snap a picture of it, but it didn’t do it justice. What it did do was remind me that things were going to be ok even though life seemed to be going crazy at that moment!
.-= Heather Parker’s last blog post is here ..Monogram Chick Give-away! =-.
Woo-Hoo!! This is the first Give-away of yours that I have been lucky enough to catch in time!! Must be the Luck O’ The Irish I’ve got going for me.
THe last time I saw a rainbow was 2 weekends ago in a parking lot. You know how water and oil mix and kinda make those pretty rainbow-ish colors that swirl all together? Yep…that was the last rainbow I saw. Does that count?
If I win, can I pick these up in person? I would LOVE to see Ireland someday.
Yikes! We live in Nevada and I can’t remember the last time I saw a rainbow in real life! I did see when on TV last night though
A year ago I saw a rainbow over downtown Toronto of all places.
The last time I saw a rainbow it was last weekend… There wasn’t any sun but it was peeking thru the dark clouds.
The last time I saw a rainbow was last summer after a rainstorm. Not many rainbows in Wisconsin in the winter!
Beautiful jewelry and pictures.
That last time I saw a rainbow was on the way down to disneyworld. It was SO amazing.
The last time I saw a rainbow was late last summer. Followed a particularly quick and scary thunderstorm.
The last time I saw a rainbow, it was actually a double rainbow! It was last summer in Texas.
Months ago.. they’re a rare occurrence here!
wow, i don’t know when the last time i saw a rainbow was – it had to be months/years ago
autumn398 @ yahoo.com
Saw one last week while driving home. It hailed on me, then wow, a rainbow. Worth working all day to see that!
It has been awhile since i have seen a rainbow, but the last one I do remember seeing we were on a drive around a local lake. My then 6 yr old said lets go find the monies lol. He was all gung ho to go find the money at the end f the rainbow hahaaa
LAST TIME I SAW A RAINBOW WAS LAST SUMMER HERE IN MINNESOTA. IT WAS A NICE FALL DAY AND WE WERE AT COMO PARK IN ST. PAUL MINNESOTA. JUST A HALF OF A RAINBOW BUT STILL PRETTY.
This is pathetic.. but the last rainbow I saw was on Jason and Molly’s Wedding. You know… the Bachelor couple whose wedding ceremony was televised a week or two ago. They had a horribly rainy outdoor wedding in CA but at one point were blessed with a gorgeous rainbow. As for an “in person” rainbow, not since sometime last year.
You would think with all the on-again-off-again rain we’ve had over the past few weeks there would have been a few rainbows, but no such luck. The sun stayed hidden behind that dense sheet of clouds. The last rainbow I saw was in bubbles at the park. . . does that count?
Beautiful jewelry JanMary! Love all the colors you work with.
The last time I saw a rainbow was last summer. Hopefully now that it is getting nice out I will get to see one soon!
the last time i saw a rainbow was when staring at some waterfalls in costa rica
Last time was in April of last year, we were driving to Disneyland. It was a whole rainbow over a vast field. It really amazed us. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
Last time I saw a rainbow. The ending of last summer… Now I miss it… 6-12 inches of snow here tonight and tomorrow.. perhaps I’ll see my Colorado Spring time soon.
The last time I saw a rainbow was about a week ago. I looked for the pot of gold but alas! The wee leprechaun took off before I could cath him.
Wow, I haven’t seen a rainbow since last year, but whenever it gets hot in summer, we set out the sprinkler for the kids and one usually appears!
Oh wow, it’s been a loooong time since I’ve seen a rainbow. I really can’t even remember the last time.
.-= Kaleigh’s last blog post is here ..Today I cut bangs into my hair. It was freaking scary. It took me like ten minutes to get myself to… =-.
I don’t remember the last time I saw one – probably from a photo album as it’s been winter and dark for so long now!
I can’t actually remember the last time I saw a rainbow – which is too weird considering last spring here in FL it rained for forever! i’m going to try to keep my eye out this spring to find one.
Twitter: Janmary3
March 18, 2010 at 6:30 pm
OK – I promise I am NOT entering my own giveaway – but just had to comment again!
YOU ALL NEED TO MOVE TO IRELAND – we get lots of rainbows – probably at least once a month! I will make of an effort to photography some now, and put them on my blog.
Obviously all that rain has some benefits.
I’ll be quiet now……as you were………
.-= janmary, n ireland’s last blog post is here ..St Patricks Day Blogging Carnival 2010 =-.
I saw a rainbow within the past week after a spring-like rain.
I haven’t seen a rainbow since last summer in Hiltonhead
The last time I saw a really awesome rainbow was this past summer. I used to think I saw really good ones until I moved here to PA. These are so close you think you can touch them.
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
It’s been years since I saw a rainbow. Back when my fiance and I first started dating. Usually if it’s raining or has been raining, I’m inside. I’m scared of storms.
Its been awhile, I believe the last one I saw was last summer in a quick rain shower, thanks!
The last rainbow I saw was on TV (does that count). I just watched the movie 2012 – scary – but there it was at the end of the movie.
The last time I saw a rainbow was at least a year ago, sadly. Spring is on it’s way though and we usually get lots of rain and sunshine, so rainbows should be right around the corner!
Your writing style is great!!
My last rainbow was on a foggy morning sometime last week or the week before. It was very beautiful as the sun was rising and the fog was hugging the ground.
I last saw a rainbow while my husband and I were still dating and out on a date.
soluckyducky at gmail dot com
The last time i saw a rainbow was when it rained here and we went out the door to take pictures of it, it was just in front of our house a couple blocks away!
.-= Nury’s last blog post is here ..Lily Organics Beautiful Gift Basket Giveaway =-.
The last time I saw a rainbow was in the summer time when we were driving home from the Lake. It was beautiful — we even took a picture (a double rainbow — two amazing arches). Thanks for the chance to win:)
The last time I saw a rainbow was last Sunday. I was driving with my granddaughters when they saw it & pointed it out to me.
I haven’t seen a rainbow in years – I really can’t even remember the last time I saw a rainbow…
Thanks for the giveaway!
I saw a rainbow about 2 1/2 weeks ago it was the first time my kids saw one they were so amazed by it my son wanted to know where the gold was thanks for the chance to win
Twitter: http://www.thriftyjinxy.com/
March 19, 2010 at 1:50 am
I haven’t seen one since last summer. It was a really cool one though and we could see BOTH ends!
.-= Chrysa ‘s last blog post is here ..Free Gadget Grips for your Cell Phone, MP3 Player or iPod =-.
I saw a rainbow on Tuesday–here in Oregon we have lots of rainbows this time of year-the weather changes constantly. I was walking to meet my husband and when I left the house it was sunny—5 minutes later it was poring just long enough to soak me–then the sun came out and there was a lovely rainbow—mad me smile -reminded me of my Dad pointing out rainbows to me when I was little.
kakihararocks@gmail.com
I think the last rainbow I saw was in the fall. It was so pretty I tried to take pictures but they just didn’t do it justice
I saw a rainbow last week. It was the perfect end to a warm stormy day!
.-= Janette’s last blog post is here ..Sugar Bank Cake: A Blast From The Past =-.
probably last summer
It must of been last July sometimes. Because it started to snow here sometime in September and snowy skys do not produce rainbows all that well!
I enjoyed your explanation of why the Irish don’t eat corned beef and cabbage. : )
I think I last saw a rainbow about a year ago, and it was here at home. It was lovely. However, I will always remember about 30 years ago (or more) traveling and being in Tennessee and seeing a gorgeous rainbow which we could see pretty much from end to end. It was wonderful and a vivid memory to this day.
Thanks for the chance to win such a nice prize.
Hi – It rained about 2 weeks ago and their was the most beautiful double rainbow in the
sky.
I saw a rainbow last fall, while driving through the Ozarks w/ my family. My kids were so excited to see their first FULL rainbow and in such beautiful surroundings!!
.-= kristina Wilmoth’s last blog post is here ..H2Uh-Oh =-.
Last time I saw a rainbow was 1/20/10. On a snowy morning drive into work, there was a gorgeous sunrise coming over the trees and there was a huge, bright rainbow. Luckily, I had my camera with me and pulled over to snap a photo. It was beautiful and totally made my day start off in a happy mood! Here’s the pic: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/micountrygal/DSCN5515-1.jpg
I am however tasting the rainbow this morning as I munch on some Skittles! lol
last rainbow i saw I was on the train back home after a lovely weekend with my sister and her family feeling a bit gloomy just like the rainy day it was. and I don’t know what it is about rainbows, how do they know when to pop up just when you need it? And there it was, this awesome perfect arch rainbow with both ends touching the ground.
The last rainbow I saw was probably the most unusual one I’ve seen. It was about a month ago and it was snowing outside!
Twitter: http://kimburns.avonrepresentative.com/
March 19, 2010 at 12:19 pm
I would love to win this Thank You for this great giveaway fancyfeet45@earthlink.net
Twitter: http://chisumscrew.blogspot.com/
March 19, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Your brogue is spot on and I am in love with janmary’s jewelry! The last rainbow I saw was two weeks ago after the forever rains we had here in Texas. It was lovely, so lovely in fact that we quit eating dinner to go ooh and ahh over it.
Twitter: bunnyluvr2
March 19, 2010 at 1:36 pm
The last time I saw a rainbow was in Niagara Falls in 2008 (long time ago I know!). My hubby took me there for my b-day after I finished a round of chemo. What a great guy!
.-= Sara P’s last blog post is here ..to play or not to play…. an exercise in patience =-.
Wow, it’s been awhile since I have seen a rainbow, probably a year or so. Out back or to the side really of my daughter’s apartment. I love rainbows, specially double ones. Thanks so much for the chance to win some gorgeous jewelry!
.-= Dawn ‘s last blog post is here ..Join Me for Some Sweet Talking! =-.
About 7 years ago I saw a rainbow out the back window in the distance
Too Funny~That is a great way to describe Sonia!!
I’ll be watching the same thing with my honey too
The last time I saw a rainbow was last week as we had so much rain but I had to go to the store and on the way back I saw it! It was beautiful
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
last time i saw a rainbow i was driving home from syracuse last fall and we went through a rain storm. when the rain stopped the rainbow came out, the whole family got to see it which was cool. it’s so rare to see them at all and to be together was even better.
It’s been about a month and I saw the most beautiful one I’ve EVER seen! It was amazing!
oh god i think it was years back when i saw one last wile on a day out at the lake
Two days ago on the way to pick up my new glasses in the bright sunny sky.
Last rainbow I saw was last fall.
Last fall when I was on the way home from work. My husband pulled over so we could look at it for a minute or 2
I honestly can not tell you the last time I saw a rainbow outside but I saw one on TV earlier on today! Does that count? Sorry…
I think it was probably about two weeks ago, while I was doing my afternoon wallk.
I see a rainbow daily in my house as we have a house that faces east and every morning the morning sun shines through the peep hole which casts a rainbow onto the fireplace.
The last time I saw a rainbow outdoors was in January after it rained.
Saw a double rainbow last month…snow on the ground but spring was in the air!
The last time I saw a rainbow was years ago.
TIME’S UP! Thank you, everyone! A little change of plans – I’ll be announcing the winner on Sunday instead of Saturday.
See you then!
← Previous Comments
Comments on this entry are closed.