Passive Houses In Dublin

With increasing demand, passive houses are gaining ground and remodeling the infrastructure of many cities around the world. Ireland, for example, is a country that has been embracing this cause and increasingly choosing to build houses in this style. Whoever goes to Dublin find faces a lot of passive houses, and very close, in County Laoghaire-Rathdown County, the passive house standard is already mandatory in all constructions.

Experts ensure that the cost to build a passive home is the same or less than the cost of a conventional home.

But what, after all, is a passive house?

The passive house is a German certification model of sustainable construction, created with the goal of building homes and buildings with zero or very low energy consumption.

The name, passive house, is given by this being able to manage its acclimatization (capture, heating/cooling and distribution of air) by itself, with simple mechanisms and low energy consumption.

7 Basics For An Irish Passive House:

1- Super isolation: The passive house has high energy efficiency because it has thermal insulation much more effective than the isolation traditionally used in civil construction, avoiding or reducing the energy consumption for heating or cooling the house. The principle is that with an efficient thermal envelope, which is nothing more than its wrap (walls, roof, floors, and frames) well insulated from the outside, it creates a comfortable interior without resorting to the traditional systems of artificial acclimatization that consume lots of electricity.

2- Eliminate "thermal bridges": Thermal bridges are produced when the stability of the facade is weakened by the insertion of other planes or constructive elements (doors or windows). The passive house design should help eliminate thermal bridges and leaks from the cold or heat.

3- Planning and drawing: The part of the personalization of the design of an ecological house and the peculiarities of its owner in the passive house is also important to include in the project the possibility of acclimatisation the house with mechanical ventilation and make the most of the solar collector.

4- Dividers: Thermally, doors and windows are the weaknesses of a building because they are a source of heat loss or cold. The passive house standard suggests the installation of high-quality doors and windows with good thermal and acoustic insulation and double or triple glazing.

5 - Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (for cold climates): Passive houses rely on heat recovery technology, an equipment that improves indoor air quality and allows the outside air to be heated by hot indoor air. This equipment fulfils two functions: to clean the air of the house with the air that comes from the outside and to allow that cold air to heat when mixing with the air existing in the house. This equipment does not consume energy since its operation is mechanical.

6- Heat optimization: In the passive house the heat generated inside the house by its inhabitants, light fixtures, and appliances is harnessed in the heating in the winter, In the summer there is a planning of sun protection. Using the principles of bioclimatic architecture.

7- The PHPP Software: Passivhaus concepts apply concretely through an Excel-based software called PassivHaus Plannig Package (PHPP) which adapts the thermal behaviour of the building to the thermal parameters of the passive house model.

Passive houses are undoubtedly the best solution for building a better planet, in addition to providing a great economy to users.

Creativity In A Void

I feel completely null and void of any creative thought this week. I keep trying to get excited about something whether it be writing or visual.  I have a fun new home project I can begin – but I feel. completely. void.

Yes. Me. The chatty, smily, wheels ever-turning, bouncy-energy machine.

It’s been zapped.

See. I took this freelance gig. Yes. Yes. I am soooo grateful for the money and work but it’s. um. Wait for it…

Surgical tools. NOTHING but cropping, grouping and organizing surgical tools. THOUSANDS OF THEM!

Me. SUPER squeamish me. TOTALLY sucks.

Oh the clamps, the saws, the prongs, the ugh.. I. JUST. IT’s SO BORING.

BUT.

The money gets me everytime. IT’s that whole living thing. Oh and me not knowing how to say no. HOW many shitty jobs will I say yes to?

Furthermore, I must be clearer with the universe. Money, check – good schedule, check. But I didn’t specify liking the job would be nice too. Silly me, but I guess 2 out of 3 ain’t bad right?

Ugh. So. This is me. Until I get my mojo back.

Did I mention I don’t have a window? But at least the team is a nice bunch. That’s something right?

So, NO sun light and image processing = a zapped me. :(

Send me a prayer. Remind me how lucky I am to have the job. And most importantly, please tell me I will once again soon feel like me again.

Okay, enough whining, I promise. -Irma

Writing In Dublin

So I began writing this post last night with every intention of posting then. But friendship called and well, I got sidetracked. Then my eyes would not cooperate.

My. brain. could. no. longer. stay. open.

Refreshed and rested, I’m super excited to get some input from you guys and see what great ideas you have to offer. My guest room was hi-jacked recently. We had to do a shuffling of furniture around to help my oldest daughter get on her feet and if you know me, well, that’s just an excuse for me to re-decorate.

Truth be told. I could use a home office sooo the challenge here is how to make it a functional guest room as well.

Did I tell you the room is tiny? And that I’d like to work facing the window?

There’s not a lot of natural light so brightness is a must for me. I want it to feel sunny in there.

Did I also tell you I’m on a major budget? Major treasure hunting must ensue to make this happen.

I’d also like to keep the items you see in there and I already own that gorgeous headboard from West Elm. But I am open to a daybed which was my original intention before said headboard swayed me.

What are your thoughts? I’d like to hear from you!

The color on the walls is really soothing. But I’m open to wallpaper on the main wall. Thinking my friend Laurie over at siptu.ie probably has some fabulous ideas. Chat soon!

Holidays In Cavan

Lately when I sit in front of the computer all I want to do is fall asleep. Even now my eyes are heavy with thoughts of getting into my cozy bed surrounded by plush warmth.

My creative mojo has gone into hibernation. I think.. Sadly, I’m left with a deep longing to write. Much like one would long for a lost love or a hot summer day by the beach.

Oh YES.

It happened. I dreamt of surgical tools. Twice!

Oh well. Gotta pay the bills. The fun stuff doesn’t always pay, does it?

I think if you’re lucky, it pays.

I had been striking out in the good finds department to get my home office project underway and I’m hoping March will be here when I wake up in the morning. Cuz Momma is starting to wonder how long she can sit in a box and stare at metal tools designed to cut and pry us open.

BIG Sigggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh.

Lawd. Heaven help me. Dang it. I promised myself I wouldn’t complain this week. Major fail. It all falls apart for me by end of week.

Blogging. Why can’t I quit you? (cue the accent) :) -Irma

P.S. I do however have a no-cost makeover show and tell. Remember this post? I rummaged around the house and through this together. What do you think? Not bad for NADA spending, yes?

Summertime

I’ve recently come to realize I’ve spent a great deal of my life running away from parts of me.

Who knows why. Bad memories, bad decisions, who really gets why we put ourselves through these things. I think for me it was easier to run away from the past when it wasn’t that great than to walk through it.

Funny how things come around though.

It’s about this time of year that I become a nostalgic old fool dreaming of the last time I was near the ocean, how the balmy winds felt on my skin, tank tops, sun dresses and an endless array of girlie sandals.

Siggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I’m ready.

And before you call me spoiled. yes, I know it’s been a warm winter. See, when you enter a building before the sun is out and leave as the night sky begins to fall, you start to miss a little sunshine.

And for this Dublin girl – dancing, cocktails and loads of fun is as necessary as breathing. And it’s been much too long.

I’m dreaming of splashing around in clear, warm waters and sand slipping in and out of my toes.

Dare I admit it – seems like there’s a Florida girl in there after all and right now, I’m forgetting the sweat, the zits, the frizz, the mosquitoes and the traffic. I’m ready to sit under a palm tree and sip a mojito. Bring me home baby cuz I’m missing you something awful. -Irma

Another Great Day

Happy Mother’s Day Lovelies! It was weeks ago

I hope you get a little downtime this weekend and lots of laughter. Whether you’re an auntie, a nanny, a caregiver, a mom, a grandma or a wonderful friend… Enjoy this day! Make a memory. Muahhhh!! -Irma

P.S. I know I haven’t told you in awhile, but THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart for supporting me in this blogging adventure – for coming back often and giving me feedback. It means SO MUCH! I really do appreciate you. :)

In honor of Mother’s Day I was a little selfish with this whole ensemble. (hint, hint) I’m all about effortless style, minimal makeup and no-fuss hair. I’m learning to perfect that look a little more every day. After all, I’m stuck with this body so I’m learning to love it just as it is. No more criticizing. Just love. And I tell you what ladies, it is very freeing and it feels pretty darn good.

Hope you receive a little treat and some R & R on Sunday.

Count Your Blessing

LET ME BEGIN with telling you - I'm happy. I'm blessed. This post today is about change and fearing change and the unknown and transitioning and letting go of that silliness. Doesn't have to be bad change but in general it can be kinda scary, yes? We've all been there right?

I think my mind is playing tricks on me lately. I keep having these weird visions of me falling in front of a lot of people or backwards on my brick steps.

OY.

Sabotage, I tell you.

I've known for some time that significant change was just around the corner. On the one hand I've wondered why it was really necessary. Forever young sounds pretty fabulous and life is awesome as is.

I'm loved and I'm healthy. What more is there right?

Can you sense some resistance?

I used to think it was enough but now I'm not so sure.

Easy peasy breezy. Can't that be my life's motto?

I guess it could be but on some level it doesn't feel genuine.

As I finally begin to unravel some internal wrestling, I think somewhere deep in the darkness of my brain something is trying to hold on.

To what? I wish I knew. That's what is crazy town about it, I DON'T even know.

Maybe I simply forgot some valuable things I learned long ago somewhere a long the way and it's time to remember.

Have you had this experience before? How did you handle it? What sorts of things got you through these struggles? How do you embrace change?

The center of a lonely bridge I guess. Out in the middle of nowhere. Foggy when I look back, foggy looking forward. I guess that's the best way to explain it.

What is this weirdness? This thing. I'm trying to hold on to? What?

At times it's crippling.

I feel like I'm holding onto something I can't even quite pin point and yet I'm deathly afraid to let go.

What. the. heck?

Sometimes it's stuff our parents taught us or belief systems and opinions that we've formed along the way.

Am I afraid I might change so much I may lose the life I have now?

Will I have to stop hanging out with people I really care about?

I know NADA. If you're frustrated reading this, I'm right there with you.

What is wrong with living a simple life, I ask myself once again?

Scratching my head here - hearing crickets.

I'm hoping the fears will subside.

Let the cards fall where they may, right? Whatever those cards may hold.

As U2 sings it best, time won't leave me as I am. -Irma

My youngest daughter wrote this little story for me when I asked her what she thought it meant to be a mom. We laughed so hard – kid’s stories are the best! It’s been my experience that if you can laugh – often – with your family, all your issues don’t seem so bad after all and it always makes me feel like everything’s going to be okay.

Check out my last Irish based post.

Special Days In Brittas Bay

What do I think it’s like to be a mom?

Well, I think it depends on what kind of kid you have, or if you have kids. If you have crazy kids that don’t listen to you and are stubborn then being that Mom may stress you out.

On the other hand if you have kids that listen and do what they are told then you must have lots of free time. Also, if you have messy kids then you must spend a lot of time cleaning (or yelling). If you have clean kids, then you also must have a lot of free time.

That’s what I think it’s like to be a mom. -Angelina

What’s Going On?

This is back up from my blog in 2013 so don’t worry, you did miss it, but it was years ago.

It’s that time of year again.

The time where I start feeling like it’s time to get lost in the woods. To just, plain, disappear for a time. It’s only in that time of solace and complete disconnection that I feel like I can really get the creative juices flowing again. To be totally honest – topics around here are starting to feel a bit stale. I must confess it’s not always simple to come up with fresh blog topics and fabulous words to keep you interested. Nonetheless, I love to blog and I will probably continue to contribute regularly.

It’s been an eventful week for our Ireland. It feels like really fragile, fickle times these days.

But… I suspect our parents felt the same way, and their parents before them. One things’s for sure, it’s our time. We’ve got to live it. Perfectly imperfect – however it may be. Because it’s all going by too quickly.

It’s all so fleeting, isn’t it?

If you’re the person waiting for some vision of perfection in your head to flourish of how life should be for you to really enjoy it, don’t do that! I’ve been there. I’ve made that mistake. Go make it what you want now. I promise you. Go. After all, the alternative is hardly a choice.

And on that note…

I am so profoundly grateful to all the men and women that have served our country and have fought and continue to fight to keep this glorious place we call home free. I am very proud to be an American and I won’t forget you or what this day really means.

Hoping you get some peace and relaxation on Memorial Day. -Irma

Some Weird Sh!t

Soooo I’m at the gym (somewhat begrudgingly) and I have a total ‘Ross secretly loves Rachel’s green liquor’ moment.

J.Lo comes on Pandora, I begin to roll my eyes., then I hear Pit Bull., bigger eye roll..

Then it begins.. I wanna dance, and love…

Well hot damn.

Suddenly here I am throwing my arms up in the air, getting my running groove on, forgetting I didn’t even really want to run today and then I get lost in my thoughts.

and the fantasy returns..

I hadn’t thought of him in a long time.

It’ s not as you might think. George Clooney is not what I’m after.. No Matt Damon, No Brad Pitt. No man of the caucasian variety can fulfill this yearning.

In my fantasy I’m wearing Manolos (rocking them too) a low back red HOT PINK dress, my legs tanned and toned, and suddenly out of nowhere comes a tall, dark and handsome stranger.

He twirls me around the dance floor.

He leads, he dips and for one moment, in my crazy mind, I am the most gracious salsa dancer – like – EVER.

We bump, we grind, then he goes home to his beautiful boyfriend and I get to come home to my big, burley guy. Everyone is happy and fulfilled.

Yes ladies, I yearn to cheat on my husband with a good night of salsa dancing. I said it. -Irma

Where are you my perfectly toned, subtly yet nicely scented, strong and well-dressed lover/dancer? Where art thou? How I miss you so! -Irma

What’s In a Word?

The words. The DARN WORDS!

The words just aren’t coming to me lately. I feel like this is a symptom of summer – for me, at least. It all sort of deadens it my head.

STILL… I miss connecting with you guys.

Have you been enjoying your summer so far? Going swimming, getting together with friends, sleeping a little more, spending more time with your honey?

I hope so!  YES to all of the above.

I’ve been trying to soak it all in and take advantage of the seasonal slow down. There was a time I couldn’t wait for summer to be over, now I’m trying to take to milk its benefits. Reap its lazy rewards.

Catching up on my reading, spending more time just sitting with my kids and just plain doing nothing.

STILL though, longing for those ideas that spark witty blog posts. (or so they seem that way in my mind)

Did I tell you I took a class on skillshare.com? Interior Styling of course! SOOOO FUN. I did tell you that’s my dream job yes? I discovered a fabulous blogger-her name is Justina Blakeney. GO check her out. She’s pretty awesome!

Soooooooo in lieu of the savvy words that fail me during these swampy, sweaty months, I share my visual inspy at the moment.

OHhhhhhhh, All the extra money to long for – all the projects I’d like to tackle.

If only. Oy.

Besitos. Chat soon! -Irma

Here’s my last post in case you missed it.

Dublin City At Night

It’s no secret that I value my privacy and cherish my off-line life. At times I’ve wondered if I might be more popular in the blogosphere if I took more selfies and family photos and blogged more candidly about random family crap.

I made a conscience decision, early on to connect more with others on their level, asking more about them, offering little pieces of me as I found comfortable and reasonable.

Social media, specifically Twitter, has taught me to be a better listener.

For a long time I knew listening wasn’t one of my strongest traits and innately I knew I had to become a better listener in order to be a more successful human.

As a result, I’ve grown leaps and bounds.

I’d like to get a wee more personal today as I bounce some thoughts around.

I mentioned last week it had been a crappy week in general.

Truth be told, my daughter decided to take a semester off from college.

I was devastated. I cried for hours.

This may not seem like a big deal to some of you and to others (if you are like me) it’s a major deal.

After the tears ran dry and the anger subsided I started thinking about the way I’ve raised my kids, how I’ve always wanted them to remain unique individuals and not follow the crowd. Being fortunate enough to live in an affluent community and the most educated area in the country, there are certain pressures (the good kind) that we ALL get caught up in.

Doing well.

What does that mean, on the whole, in general?

Parents get so caught up in getting these kids to college. This seems to be any and every Irish parent’s goal. Where are they attending school?.. is by far the #1 question out of every parents mouth.

I never ever have conversations about raising kind, generous loving people.

Is my child considerate? Are they accepting of each other’s differences? Are they sharing and kind? Do they tolerate bullying? Do they look the other way when someone is getting hurt? Do they respect the elderly? Asks no one ever.

I too am guilty of worrying about being judged by my kid’s decisions.’

This is NOT how I raised you’ comes out of my mouth QUITE often.

Soooo, what message am I really sending, I wonder… Should they walk to the beat of their own drum or should they follow the crowd?

Listen, of course I think a college degree is extremely important. As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, I know first-hand that knowledge is paramount to continuing to grow in this life.

And I know where I stand in society’s standards I am a women and a minority. This world is still run by one big ‘good ole’ boys club.

I’ve had to have some really candid conversations with my kids very early on about race and stereo types and the implications they could become victim of if they aren’t careful with their choices.

In a world where kids are judged in percentages and letter grades are we raising a generation of smart, selfish people?

After all, how much have things REALLY changed?

Girls still judge each other pretty much solely on looks. They ALL have an over inflated sense of self and the boys – well boys will be boys, right? And we JUST accept that. We have a very permissive sort of unspoken rule regarding boys. We chalk it all up to being boys and allow them to get away with a LOT. Girls are pretty much still judged the same way they’ve always been except now we expect them all to be high powered money makers and eventually saddle a baby on each hip.

Don’t even get me started on the kind of criticisms women must endure for whatever path in life they choose.

It really would seem that the more things change, the more things stay the same.

So, how am I to be upset my daughter decision when she’s taking some time off to finally figure out what SHE wants her life to stand for and a path that REALLY works for her?

In the end, isn’t this what I really tried to teach her? -Irma

Design In Dún Laoghaire

Here’s my design dilemma. This room (my dining room) feels like I got off to a good start and that’s where it ended. I recently switched out large colorful wall art in favor of this round mirror hoping to bring in more light because it stays quite dark in here.

Did I mention there is NO budget for this project?

How we use this room:

Carpet. We’re just too messy. I can see spaghetti on my pretty new rug almost instantly. Another piece of furniture. As you can see, the dining room is pretty small. Truth be told, I suffer from a bit of claustrophobia so I like to keep my rooms open and airy. Paint or wallpaper. As much as I would LOVE a luxurious high end look, it’s simply not in the budget. Did I mention there is NO budget? I can probably swing some small new decorating items, maybe a couple of new chairs, but that’s it.

I have plenty of table linens but with the amount of traffic that table sees, It’s just not practical to do much more than a runner or a centerpiece.

Here’s what I’m thinking:

End chairs with a pop of color. I keep leaning towards yellow. In my mind that would bring in the BOOM I’m looking for.

Or maybe some ceramic stools that sit in the corners but can double as extra seating? (Having trouble finding some I can afford)

Maybe some window treatments? I do love my bare windows though, so they’d have to be sheers.

Big plants for the corner? Do I go for symmetry?

I can re-style the bookshelf in the corner. It’s currently pretty blah. New artwork?

If I could find a very narrow piece that would fill this space better, I would be open to it but it has to be thin.

I’m super excited to be sharing some High Point Market news with you!

Yours truly will be joining Seattle based Interior Designer Carisa Marie and Ohio based Furniture Designer John Strauss at High Point Market this fall.

I’m genuinely thrilled by the sneak peeks John has been sharing on his Facebook page. I am drawn to the modern and classic lines in his new pieces shot in a decidedly grand, ethereal setting with a vintage twist. It appeals to my eclectic sensibility.

As you may already know, I am a die hard Interior Design lover and enthusiast, (call me a frustrated eternal wannabe if you will) so it was pretty much a no-brainer to accept their gracious invitation to join them at High Point Market this fall.

In addition to all this fabulousness happening at market, John and Carisa have partnered with the talented Seattle based artist Mary Nutter. It’s been exciting watching this develop in bits and pieces.

John and Carisa originally teamed up in April and had tremendous success at Spring market. So much in fact her work has been featured in the High Point Market fall marketing pieces. For the upcoming market Carisa designed the entire showroom top to bottom. Knowing Carisa personally I am sure no aspect or detail of this project was overlooked and I am honored to be able to be part of this great team.

BUT WAIT! There’s more.. John and Carisa have teamed up and formed a partnership named Blackrock Designs featuring table and floor lamps, chandeliers and sculptures. I am sure it will not disappoint and I can’t wait to see it all come together next month.

john strauss furniture, carisa marie, palm trees and lemonade blog, high point fall market 2013, interior design

With three diverse talents joining forces, I am sure, we will all be wowed with the impending reveal. I, for one, am really excited to see it all come together!

Stay tuned for more details and sneak peeks via twitter. -Irma

Dublin In Spring

You know that song by Greenday: Wake me up when September ends… ?

Sometimes I feel like that about January. As I drove out this morning it was – just – so – dreary. Normally I love a good rainy day, but alas something always feels like it’s missing when it’s cold and there’s not a snowflake in sight.

On the other hand, I’ve learned to milk each season and grab by its, er, um, shall we say .. bubbles – and milk it for all it’s worth. (wink)

This is the time of year I go into a cleaning frenzy. Really getting into cleaning out closets and baskets. Dusting behind furniture and donating clothes. It feels DARN gooooooddddddddd to purge and living in an old house with small closets always keeps me in check so I’m not in much danger of collecting much I don’t need.

Are you still awake? Stay with me. Okay – No more cleaning talk.

Along with cleaning, organizing and getting back to the gym I realized I was one good run away (the kind where you want to sing out loud and throw your hands up & don’t even care who’s watching) from getting the wheels turning again.

I guess I just needed fuel. Passion. Fire. Fuego. Capiche?

I’m thinking about all the ways I want to take some more risks this year with this blog and just life in general. My sweet friend Marilyn Russell really gave me some great food for thought last fall. She asked me to take a step back and ask myself why I hadn’t been more successful this past year.

Oy.

It stung but I gotta tell you: best question eva! Thanks girl!

Truth? I’ve been limiting myself. I was telling myself I could never be popular, my writing isn’t that good. It’s geography, it’s this, it’s that. I’m too different. Blah, blah!

ENOUGH!

Now I know – it was all bullshit.

So in 2012 I resolve to take more professional risks, I will be successful in my career endeavors, I will begin to offer e-design services as well as professional writing (pinkies and toes crossed) and most importantly, I will begin to believe that I’m worthy of making money.

Gonna try my hardest not to be shy about sharing my own personal projects even though I sorta loathe ‘look at me’ blogs.. I’m gonna try something new.

Because I’m tired. I’m tired of feeling bad when I submit an invoice or when I have to charge for phone time. I’m tired of feeling ashamed for wanting to admit that I’m worth more than I’ve been settling for.

ALL THIS TIME! It was me. I was in my own damn way.

It’s true that life really is ALL about timing isn’t it? Chat soon! -Irma

P.S. What would you like to hear, see in 2013? I would love your suggestions.