Six Black Dots

On the road...

2012-02-15T12:36:00.000Z

We've been away in the UK for 5 days and hired this little guy when we were there...my total favourite car - the Fiat 500!! Husband, at 6ft 2" was very sweet and didn't mind at all but, in fact, it really wasn't as small as you would think!

Anyway, we had a lovely time and I will post more about our trip later. Hope you are having a good week! I am back to work tomorrow...yuck...but at least it's just 2 days til the weekend :)

The weekend...

2012-02-06T10:37:00.002Z

Winter woollies, brown bread, magazines, curling up and rugby...that was pretty much it. Miserable weather meant staying indoors most of the weekend...eating toast, reading my mags and watching the Six Nations - we lost to Wales :( ...sadly.

We bought the Rosetta Stone language kit and loaded it up on our macs too...we both want to be pretty fluent by the end of the year...vive la France! Once I have done that, I am moving on to Japanese! Am also doing a design course so it's all about learning in 2012!

Just thinking about it now...we actually did venture out this weekend....we went out for Chinese food on Friday night. It was delicious...I cannot remember the last time I ate Chinese out...seriously, must be 15 years - really enjoyed it.

Stuff I like...stuff I bought...

2012-02-02T15:17:00.000Z

All these Muuto products were on sale....about a third off on Achica and even though I would love to have bought them all, I held back and tried to be sensible! However, that is mainly because I have just purchased this lovely little number instead...the Cross Blanket by Pia Wallen...found it at Story North a lovely little online store I recommend checking out!

Hope you are having a good week! Can't bloomin' believe it's February...I am sorry but where on earth did January go?? Not that I am not happy to see the back of it...not the biggest fan! Bye :)

Soup and nails...

2012-01-17T15:30:00.000Z

Made some delicious and savagely healthy broccoli soup at the weekend...took a picture of the cooking but forgot to take one of the finished product as we wolfed it down so fast! So simple and delicious and even more so with a little blue cheese crumbled on top.

And...nails...yes indeed...who would be happy to receive some nails in the post...me! Aren't they cute...they have little flower heads and I bought them on nonesuchthings.

About the house...

2012-01-10T14:07:00.003Z

In December, we painted our house inside from top to bottom (yayy for us!) - the same very pale grey colour with white on all the woodwork. Of course, there is a little bit left to do - isn't there always - we haven't done the kitchen yet (which is tiny, so no big deal) as I want to paint one wall pink and haven't chosen the exact shade yet. Also, want to paint the wall our bed sits against and possibly one wall in our hallway in Down Pipe (F&B) so a little left to do but that's mostly me humming and hawing!

And, just before Christmas we got our new sofa - hurrah! I managed to sell our old Habitat Sofa for 400 euros and bought an Ikea Karlstad sofa instead which I am really happy with. It's such good value (and we got 30% off because the box was slightly damaged and the edge of one corner of the sofa a little scuffed!). I didn't want the standard beech legs and was planning to get a chrome underframe but these were not in stock so I got a set of chrome legs for 25 euros and actually think I prefer them. We went to Ikea again last week to pick up the footstool. I need to get some nice cushions - just using this Ikea one from the snug for the moment. What I especially like about this sofa is that if we get bored of it we can change the whole look with new covers...perfect!

Oh...I must introduce you to Harvey (he is a giraffe). I got him as a present from my husband...he is handmade by Ruth (daughter-in-law of Ian who I mentioned for creating the Christmas card in this post). Isn't he the cutest little chap??

Have a great day!

Cake..

2012-01-09T13:42:00.000Z

I made my first cake using the Primrose Bakery book. A flourless chocolate cake - it was absolutely delicious!! Can't wait to try more - thinking of making the Maple and Pecan Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream Icing next! (Diet?? What diet??).

I had made some very healthy broccoli soup before I started on the chocolate cake and of course, that stunk the place out a bit even tho I had all the doors closed throughout the house. But, once the cake was in the oven, a really strong and glorious chocolate aroma wound its way around instead so I ran upstairs and opened all the doors to let it get in everywhere!! Even when I went out to the shops I could smell chocolate from myself...my idea of bliss!! I used Lindt 85% cocoa chocolate and I think that is why the smell was so wonderfully strong :)

Great mail day!!

2012-01-05T11:31:00.001Z

Hi there...yesterday started out like a pile of poo when I got a call asking if I could work for a few hours....arrgghh...I'm on holidays - I was so grumpy! Anyway, a little while later the doorbell rang and it was Mr UPS! Remember this post? Well, I have been watching the Orla Kiely website like a beady eyed little hawk waiting for the sale to start! Imagine my delight when I found everything was 50% off!!! Ok, so it's still out of my budget but I splurged anyway...et voila!!

Love it! I then went for a Shellac manicure as a treat for being hauled into working! I maybe go for a manicure once a year but I just discovered Shellac a couple of weeks ago and love it!! I got a dark grey colour (Asphalt) yesterday and am planning black for a few weeks time for a 40th birthday party (to which I will wear my new and fancy Orla dress!).

Did some more work this morning but pretty much finished now. Am going to do some ironing and tidying (life laundry kind of stuff!) now and then we are going to see the American version of "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" which should be interesting to compare against the Swedish film.

Decorations are only half down...but plan to finish those tomorrow. I will then sit down and make my 2012 List! That's stuff I would like to do and achieve for 2012!

Have a great day!

Winter warmer...

2012-01-02T19:57:00.002Z

Yesterday was a lovely day...really cold, blue sky and a fresh breeze! I got all wrapped up in my woolly hat, my cosy parka and my scarf and gloves, popped coats on the woofers and we all headed up to the park for a lovely refreshing walk. When we came back we decided to make some brown bread and some veggie soup...totally delicious and just right to warm us up!

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T18:31:00.000Z

Hello and Happy New Year! I hope yours is everything you want it to be! We had a fantastic New Year's Eve - we spent it with good friends, had lots of good food and, of course, lots of fun and frolics! Took a few snaps of Christmas in our home as all the decoration comes down on Wednesday. I usually take everything down on 1st January but because we are still on holidays and have people coming to visit tomorrow evening we are still in total holiday mode!! The last picture shows my favourite Christmas card this year - it's drawn by our very good friend Ian!

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-24T11:49:00.004Z

Hello...it's been a long while! Just a quick note to wish anyone who still visits a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for your little messages over the past few months! I'll be back to blogging once Christmas is over and look forward to catching up with everybody!

A few shots from around the house (last year..haven't got around to taking photos this year!!) Busy, busy...off to lunch now and then down to Kilkenny to my parents for Christmas Day and Stephen's Day...AND, I am off work til 9th January ...hurrraaahhh!

I hope you get to enjoy time with your family and friends and have a great old holiday...bye!

Martina xx

Go ahead and try to watch this without smiling..

2011-11-20T10:26:00.000Z

This is amazing...watch to the very, very end! Click on link below....

Go ahead and try to watch this without smiling.. - Have you seen, Video - Independent.ie

Random stuff...

2011-10-27T11:48:00.002+01:00

Loving these editions of the Eames Hang it All. I now have the original version installed in my hallway (see here) but would love to have somewhere to hang one of these babies! Found these at Utility Design which is a great online store with loads of fantastic goodies I wish I could afford :)

We have a long weekend coming up and I am sooo looking forward to it. We are staying in Dublin but hope to go for breakfast somewhere nice, go out for lunch, go for dinner and go on a nice day trip or two! Will be doing a little trip to IKEA too and naturally I will have to have a big slice of Dime Cake!!! I hope you have something nice planned for your weekend and Happy Halloween!

PS: After all the fretting and worrying and preparing, when I went to the Veterinary Hospital with Sadie, the surgeon decided that perhaps she didn't need the surgery at all and that it wouldn't make much difference to her current situation (she had improved quite a lot on the new drugs she is taking). I felt both relief and disappointment (I thought after the recovery period from surgery she would be back to her old self but apparently not). Anyway, she is in great form and that's the important thing :)

Woody goodness...

2011-10-18T14:36:00.000+01:00

My husband is great at working with wood (he will be mortified when he reads this - he is both humble and modest but I don't mind boasting on his behalf!!)...he loves carving and turning but rarely has the time to indulge his hobby. However, he is now making an effort to clear some time and he has been very productive!! He started a wood turning class two weeks ago and came home with this little vase after his second class...isn't it gorgeous? It's made of cherry wood but it hasn't been kiln-dried so it may crack...I really hope it doesn't. It's out in the workshop now and we are hoping that it will dry slowly and without breaking.

He has also hand-carved some lovely spoons for me! One is made of oak (the one with the longer handle) and the other two are made of sycamore. I love them and have more on order (along with some bowls, platters, plates and knives - heehee). What do you think? I have started a board on Pinterest to help inspire him!

Hope you are having a great week :)

Slightly obsessed...

2011-10-18T11:40:00.000+01:00

...with the CH25 chair designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son...I would totally love to have one in my home...a thing of beauty....take a moment and admire!

Unfortunately, it costs over 2000 pounds...so not likely to be darkening the doors of our home ;) If anybody knows of something similar/along the same lines that is available somewhere, much cheaper, I'd be interested to hear!

Winter woolies...

2011-10-16T11:06:00.001+01:00

Loving these gorgeous mittens/gloves, hats and scarves...

Mittens in first image from here and the rest from here. I think the hand-knitted mittens in the first image (made by Klara Bothen) are my favourites!

Sweet Sadie...

2011-10-15T14:48:00.001+01:00

Poor Sadie...she really has had a hard time of it recently but she is such a darling little trooper - she keeps soldiering on being the happy little ball of fun she always has been tho restricted quite a bit by her bad back legs. We spent a lot of Friday last week at UCD Veterinary Hospital where she was being assessed for spinal or other orthopaedic issues...we were wishing, hoping and praying that it wasn't spinal and thank goodness it wasn't...huge relief. She does however need surgery on both her back legs. Once she has the surgery she should be able to return to her old ways! However, she has to be "confined" for TWO MONTHS post-op as if she runs or jumps or does whatever it is doggies like to do she would most likely undo the work of the surgery. This is going to be really hard. B spent a few hours on Sunday making a gate which we will use to close off our tiny kitchen and that's where the woofers will have to be "confined" to when we are not around. Surgery is scheduled for 24th October so we time to gently introduce them to the new regime. Anyway, as long as the surgery goes well and we manage the post-op care and attention, we know she should make a great recovery and get back to living life to its fullest :)

Oscar is doing fine but a little confused as to why his twin sister can't play and blitz with him...he had to feature in one of the above photos :)

Liking....

2011-10-06T16:02:00.002+01:00

Today is the first "proper" autumn day we have had here in Dublin. I love autumn and really look forward to lovely bright, sunny, but much cooler weather in September. This year was different...September was horrible...wet and warm..ugh! Today is gorgeous, cold enough to wrap up in coat and scarf! I have the fire on as I type...glee! So, now that I am feeling all autumny I am looking for more snuggly/wintry items. I spotted these cushions from Darkroom and love them.

Hope you are having a good week :)

BTW...please keep your fingers crossed / say a little prayer / light a little candle for our Sadie. She is having serious spinal issues and we are heading off to vet hospital at UCD tomorrow to have her assessed for MRI etc. I am so scared that she might need spinal surgery but am trying to remain very upbeat and positive :)

Bedroom...

2011-10-04T12:59:00.001+01:00

I need bedside tables - the ones I have are fine but are a temporary measure (and have been for, hmm...let me see now...8 years!!!)...so I am thinking of a 2 element Componibili (image below) for one side and a little white cabinet I have had for years from Ikea (which is currently residing in the snug) for the other. I also want to replace my bedhead (or get rid of it). My husband is pretty handy so hopefully he can build something like the headboard/shelf in the first image above...my current favourite. I do like the use of plywood in the second image and of course a simple shelf would be nice too.

We are starting a big paint job shortly...the entire house needs to be done so am looking forward to it feeling fresh and bright again. Will hopefully sort out the bedhead/bedside table issues at the same time. Will post photos when I do :)

First picture from here, second by Camera Press / Chris Warnes / ACP found here and last from here. Picture of Componibili units here

Dinesan Douglas Fir...

2011-10-02T15:23:00.002+01:00

I am in total love with Dinesan douglas fir floors...will let the pictures speak for themselves. These images are in the inspiration folder of the Dinesan website...there are some jaw-droppingly amazing homes here...the light and views, the architecture...really beautiful.

City break...

2011-09-26T12:58:00.001+01:00

So, as mentioned, we left the woofers with a really nice place in Clifden whilst we headed into Galway for a couple of nights. Had a great old time..ate and drank loads. Back in Dublin today and back to work on Wednesday - it's been a wonderful break :)

Pictures from our 7th anniversary dinner at Ard Bia...yummy food. All a bit grainy as it was quite dark and didn't want to use flash. Hope you have a good week :)

More hols...

2011-09-22T11:46:00.000+01:00

Spiddal Beach, near Galway city (we visited the city and stayed two nights, Sunday and Monday - more on that later) including shot of three guys out on a traditional currach.

Practically every day we have lunch in the same place... below pan fried fish straight from the boat followed by the bestest and biggest banoffee pie ever!

Holidays in Connemara...

2011-09-20T19:30:00.000+01:00

Hello there! It's been a while :) We are on holidays - back at the usual cottage in Connamara with the woofers and loving every minute of it! Some photos below and more to come when I sort them out! Also, if you click on the photos you will see bigger size.

This is Mannin Beach - always quiet, I don't think we have ever met anybody there...perfection!

Hope you are having a good week! Pictures above include Mannin Beach (first 2), view from back of cottage looking at the ever-changing skies, road from island to mainland and then a couple from Gurteen Beach (where we go most days with the woofers).

Start saving...

2011-08-24T17:45:00.003+01:00

Am going to start saving for this.. love it. Orla Kiely new a/w 11 collection up on site and available now!

Stuff...

2011-08-17T11:29:00.005+01:00

I am working from home (and have been for the past 2.5 weeks) - it's great because it is pretty quiet at work what with EVERYBODY being away on hols so it would be just completely mind-numbing to be stuck in the office. I can do a bit of housework, go for a walk, nip out to the shops, spend cuddle-time with the woofers etc all between emails and an odd call here and there! Could really get used to this but it all ends Monday! However, it is only 2.5 weeks then til I go on my holiday for 2.5 weeks...all round happy me :) Hope you are having a good week!

Just happened upon these gorgeous slippers on Etsy...they are divine! What I especially love is that you can buy a little rubber sole to pop on the bottom if you want.

In the post...

2011-08-16T18:38:00.011+01:00

Received this (and two other bracelets) in the post today...really pleased! Had seen something similar elsewhere but was shocked by the price, then came across Zzavll and thought that they were very reasonable...waxed cotton comes in loads of different colours.

Also quite fancy these desert boots...really good value from New Look...available in a tan colour which I like too..

Have a good week!

Seven things...

2011-08-08T18:57:00.004+01:00

Hello...it's been a while...I don't know what to be blogging about these days! We are having such a crappy summer weather-wise here..boo! Anyway...Catherine of Little Glowing Lights tagged me AGES ago about this...I can never think of interesting stuff for these kind of things but here is my meagre offering...

**I really don't like weddings - my husband and I ran away to get married because we dislike them so much, and spent the money we would have spent on a wedding on a f**k off 7 week honeymoon instead.... LA, Fiji, New Zealand, SF and NYC...selfish us :)

**Apparently I smile a lot - I am not really aware of this tho. I am generally happy but I have very grumpy moments and have no problem sharing them.

**I can swear like a fish wife (unless I am with people I don't know, then I can hold back...for a while).

**I am always, always, always on some kind of "diet" - basically I am either putting on weight or losing it!!

**Today I realised that I have LOADS of grey hair, I mean that if I didn't colour it, I would be sporting a total salt (mostly salt) and pepper look - I have been colouring my hair for years...for FUN but not anymore, now I HAVE to...I am getting OLD.

**I should be at least 2 inches taller than I am! I have scoliosis - that's a curvature of the spine - I had surgery when I was about 14 and wore a plaster cast around my body for a year! You wouldn't really notice it unless you were an expert tho..which is good :)

**I was almost born in the US of A! My Dad was sent on a year long course shortly after he and my mother got married and, like the good little catholics that they were, my mother quickly became pregnant - I wish she hadn't decided to come home to have me cos then I would have dual citizenship..I would love to live in NYC for 6 months!

That's it folks! Have a great week :)

Loot...

2011-07-22T15:44:00.005+01:00

Hello...got a delivery today...some Orla Kiely loot I ordered on Brandalley an age ago at rock bottom prices. This lot (including cars bathmat not shown) cost me only about 30euros!! I ordered more towels, bathmats and bedding too at the same time but it hasn't arrived yet. That's the thing about Brandalley, great deals (if you are quick enough to pounce when the pop up) but takes an age to actually receive the stuff.

Oscar decided to get in on the photo and why not I say!!

Friday...

2011-07-22T13:10:00.006+01:00

Hurray...it's Friday and I'm "working" from home!! It's a lovely day here and tomorrow we are promised great weather too (that means sunny and 19 degrees...perfect for me!). This is very exciting considering all summer we have been having cold (I'm talking 12-14 degrees C), grey days with the odd beautiful day thrown in to tease us and remind us that it is actually summer. Of course, I firmly believe that our summer will arrive as soon as we hit Connemara in September!

Anyway, the main reason for this post is to tell you that I just discovered the new IKEA catalogue online!!! Here is the link to it...I haven't even looked yet but am looking forward to spending the next hour doing so (it's lunchtime right!).

Am looking forward to a great weekend...we have a big night out with friends tomorrow night, celebrating a birthday and welcoming home some friends from the US of A :)

Have a great weekend!

Random brekkie photo...crispbread from IKEA...coincidence :)

The weekend...

2011-07-18T10:02:00.005+01:00

Oh, oh...we met friends we hadn't seen in a long time for lunch on Saturday. We had delicious pizza and I indulged in two glasses of Pinot Blush - bad move. I went to do a few small errands afterwards and happened to pop into Brown Thomas where I happened to notice that the Orla Kiely new AW11 collection was on display and I happened to fall in love with this baby...arrggghh...hummed and hawed and eventually bought it justifying it by the fact that I am due back some cash at work for out of pocket expenses that I let build up over 5 months and which should be hitting my account shortly...to be promptly wiped out by this indulgent purchase! But that's it now...no more shopping for me. Lesson: Never drink and shop :)

Hope you are having a good week :)

Inspiration...

2011-07-13T12:27:00.015+01:00

Source: thedesignfiles.net via Six Black Dots on Pinterest

I LOVE everything about this image.

As I have said lots of times before, I really want to change things up a bit in my home. I would love a new table and chairs, new shelving in the alcoves of my living room, a new sofa...etc etc!!

This image best sums up the look/style/theme I really like right now. It's dark wood (old/worn but not completely battered!), white walls with a little bit of retro industrial thrown in. But then I have to allow space for a bit mid-century modern and scandi...bloody hell, I get so confused about what I want...I am overloaded with ideas/images but the REALLY difficult thing is how I can pull it all together...oh, it wearies me!!

Love these subway tiles by the way- we bought these back in January along with black floor tiles for our bathroom - they are still sitting on the floor in the back bedroom..sigh!). I intend to use them in our tiny kitchen also (when I get around to changing the work tops and putting in some open shelving..again, sigh..will I ever do this stuff??).

Orla...again (!)...

2011-07-12T17:30:00.006+01:00

A little corner of Orla Kiely's home in Clapham, South London (I used to live there!)..really love this colourful collection..

PS..the sun is shining here...(for the past 4 hours at least - let's see how long it lasts!

Dreaming...

2011-07-10T15:39:00.005+01:00

Now that it's only 8 weeks to our holiday in Connemara, I am allowing myself to get excited and to start to really look forward to it! I know we go there every year, twice or three times, but I will never tire of it...I will always be enamoured and enchanted by its wild beauty - it really is my favourite place on earth (and my husband's too...which helps!). Also, as we stay in the cottage, we can bring the doggies and it doesn't cost a fortune :) I was looking through photos of our trip there last year and came over all goose pimply! Photo-heavy post..sorry! Click on pictures to see larger size.

Pinterest...

2011-07-08T13:04:00.007+01:00

Oh dear! Well, a few months ago, I thought I would sign up for Pinterest. I was a little bemused by the fact that I had to "request an invite". Then when I received an email later to say "my application was being considered"...well, not really..but more or less, I thought hmmm...not so sure I am into all this mularkey...I'm supposed to be grateful that I am allowed join the community??

So, I ignored it but then recently I decided to give it a go and registered but didn't really have time to do anything with it..until last night and, guess what? I'm kind of hooked. It's perfect for me...I have bizillions of links in my bookmarks to images I like and now I can just PIN them..hurrah! The only thing is, I also keep loads of images in iPhoto that I would love to pop up on Pinterest but I never bothered with the sources as they were for my use only. Never mind!

I have my little Pinterest button installed over there to the right so if you want to have a snoop, go right ahead!

Posting has been very light lately...have been very busy and still catching up on stuff since my week in Berlin. Hoping things will get back to normal this weekend :)

Berlin...

2011-07-04T18:02:00.005+01:00

....really, was I in Berlin?? I spent last week in Berlin with work and sadly, didn't get to see much at all - very disappointing indeed!

However the little I did see would definitely entice me to go back for a long weekend. The only evidence that I was there at all...we went on a Trabi Safari...such fun. We all got a model Trabi and a Trabi driving license!

Hope you have a good week :)

Etsy lovin'...

2011-06-23T10:33:00.019+01:00

So, I blame...Catherine for this!!! I have just gone and bought a pair of those gorgeous crocheted slippers from whitenoisemaker ..so cute!

And speaking of cute...I am also extremely tempted (blame Anna) by this little chap with his itty bitty golden boots...

And that little tail...gush!! Doesn't he just make you smile :)

You can find "Young Mouse with Gold Boots" and lots more good stuff at Cordoroy here.

Also just came across the lovely blog of Flora Douville who makes pretty necklaces which are available in her Etsy shop, Supercollider.

Hope you are having a good week :)

Nice place to work...

2011-06-21T13:34:00.008+01:00

Hello! Still extremely busy but thankfully finished my "moonlighting" work...am going to Berlin next Sunday for a week with work so lots to do right now...including packing for a week away..I hate packing!!

Anyway, wouldn't you just love to work out of somewhere like this...sigh!

It's the studio of jewellery designer Sophie of Sunken Treasure - really like her work. via here - a lovely blog I have just recently discovered.

Have a good week :)

Loving...

2011-06-16T11:37:00.009+01:00

Seriously, how totally gorgeous is this home? I really love it...prepare for lots of photos as I found it very difficult to pick just a few! From Stadshem (real estate site in Sweden - visit the site, heaps more beautiful homes to drool over!).

Oh, and Happy Bloomsday! One of these years I am going to take the day off work and enjoy all the lovely events that take place in Dublin on this day!

Weekend...

2011-06-13T17:05:00.004+01:00

Still busy doing some moonlighting...I had hoped it would be all wrapped up by now but not quite there yet. Also, a very busy weekend with my parents visiting and staying with us for two nights. They leave this evening and whilst the weekend was hectic it was great to spend some time with them! Have a good week!

Some purchases...

2011-06-07T17:51:00.012+01:00

I said I would share some of purchases from Cos...some more recent than others. I referred to the bow dress in a previous post (my husband calls it my Laura Ingalls dress)...in fact I liked it so much I bought the same dress in navy too! I wear them with flats and leggings underneath but would wear the navy one with skinny dark jeans and converse too :)

Then I got these as part of my birthday pressie from my husband (at the weekend). I love the stripy shirt..it's kind of A line in shape. I love the neckline/collar. Prison stripes?? Nah! The other item is a tunic type dress...falls just below my bottom and is very sixties in style, the fabric is quite heavy and it's an A-line shape with hidden pockets at the front. I will wear it with cropped black skinny trousers and flats or heels when I want to be more fancy...really love this on :)

I also got a white dress with a bubble hem which I love too - bought with money from my parents (again for my birthday). Wore this out to dinner on my birthday night, again with leggings (black) underneath and white ballerina flats (which I scored for 27 euros in M&S) - also got a silver pair! Aren't birthdays great!?!

If I remember next time I wear any of the above, I will take a photo of them actually on me rather than on the hanger! I think that will be the end of clothes shopping for a while!

Up the mountains..

2011-06-07T16:48:00.008+01:00

Went up the mountains for a forest walk yesterday. it was nice tho the weather wasn't great. We saw two beautiful deer and I tried to get a few shots of them tho I didn't have my "good" camera with me...they came out pretty well, considering!

Sadie peeping through the trees looking for B, very angelic like I think...proper "halo" affect going on here!

Wishing...

2011-06-05T12:50:00.009+01:00

Found exactly what I wanted in terms of dusky pink and grey bed linen...at the Sleeproom...beautiful belgian, crumply-type linen...l.o.v.e....am tempted to get two grey and two pink pillowcases..can't really afford the duvet cover or sheet right now ;)

A long weekend...

2011-06-04T17:01:00.007+01:00

We've had a tough and busy two weeks but it is a bank holiday weekend and it was my birthday yesterday so I took the day off (and I'm taking Tuesday too...yayy!). I have had lots of treats courtesy of my lovely husband and had a great day yesterday (the weather here was amazing). We went out to dinner last night and I wore yet another of my Cos purchases (which I will be sharing over the coming days). My husband bought me this lovely Orla Kiely storage jar today...love. Hope you are having a lovely weekend :)

Nixer...

2011-05-25T14:55:00.004+01:00

Hello...posting is (and will be) pretty sparse around here as I am doing a nixer this week and next week so am working late every night and over the weekend...this is very tiring and challenging but need to do it for a bit of a financial boost! So, a short post just to share some sweet images from Period Living...

Hope everybody has a lovely week :)

Muted pinks, blues and greys...

2011-05-21T11:24:00.004+01:00

Hello...I can't believe how this week has flown by! It's Saturday morning and I have just finished brekkie. Have some chores to do (food shopping, coffee shopping and cleaning, the latter of which chores will probably be put on the long finger again!!). We are going to a 40th birthday tonight but hopefully it won't be a late one :)

I have mentioned before how I am itching to change things up in my little home!! Sadly, with our current financial situation that will be difficult but I can still dream and plan. I hope that I can sell our Habitat sofa on e-bay or some such place so that I can buy the Karlstad sofa at IKEA!! When we bought the sofa back in 2003 it was very expensive and we loved it...it's a great shape - low level, low slung, deep and comfy... but it's leather and I am totally gone off leather (and have been off it for quite some time) ...but it is very practical when you have two little doggies...we'll see!!

Anyway, I am wittering on way too much. I love the tones in the images below SO much - the muted pinks and blues and of course the greys - they are just the colours that I plan to introduce through fabrics (re-upholstering, cushions, throws etc and in washed linens if I can!). Exactly what I have in my head...

Images via Bliss via sfgirlbybay

Random stuff...

2011-05-17T10:39:00.006+01:00

Hubbie hung the Hang it All at the weekend and I am really pleased with it...wish I could leave it more or less bare but that's not going to happen!

Eurovision party was great fun...Ruth put on an amazing spread for us...so much food and I ate EVERYTHING!! Slightly worse for wear on Sunday so just hung out at home in front of the fire - yes, that's right, IN FRONT OF THE FIRE!! I don't know what's going on with the weather...what little summer we get here in Ireland usually visits in April and May but it's really cold here right now...you'd have warmer days in December!

Grilled lots of asparagus to serve with grilled salmon and couscous on Sunday evening...totally yum :)

And...Oscar has found another comfy spot to rest..you can barely see him but he is there...all snuggled up on the sheepskin :)

White and blue...

2011-05-16T09:19:00.001+01:00

Have been eyeballing this gorgeous dress from Howies and this skirt from Cabbages and Roses for a while now....

And a lovely space via Skona Hem

A couple of things...

2011-05-14T12:55:00.010+01:00

Hello! Some purchases from Poketo from some time ago....my little music balloon which is too cute...perfect for work when I am alone in the office and also a very cute notebook/folder.

Also, I recently purchased Holly Becker's (of Decor8) - it's as good as everybody is saying!

We are off to our friend's annual Eurovision party tonight, we'll be bring O&S and will stay over...it's usually a great night and the Eurovision is always a bit of a hoot! Have a lovely weekend :)

Score...

2011-05-11T13:06:00.002+01:00

So happy...I scored a free Eames DAW chair and Hang it All!! I worked in an architectural practice for 6 years until end 2009 and have some great friends and contacts still there...a friend and I had asked a supplier for costs on a DAW chair and Hang it all for me and the RAR rocker in red for my friend. He came back to us and said we could have them free as samples...whoohhooo! That was quite a few weeks ago and I didn't quite believe it until I picked them up last night :) I'll show a picture of the Hang it All when my hubbie hangs it at the weekend!

Loving...

2011-05-10T18:46:00.008+01:00

...have been drooling over this absolutley stunning apartment in Sweden (found via Bolaget Fastighetsformedling) for ages now! Isn't it just a-mazing?? I just love everything about it! I really want to do some interior updates in our home. We will make small changes in the kitchen and will also retile the bathroom but there is so much more i want to change...I find these images really inspiring and right up my street!

The weekend...

2011-05-09T17:22:00.011+01:00

A lovely quite weekend, walks in the park with the doggies and a little bit of sorting out. I did a quick trip to Ikea to buy some storage jars - I am planning some open shelving in my kitchen and would like to have all my store cupboard ingredients easy to see and easy to access so the plan is that all the jars that I have labelled below (which shows a very messy situation but hey, it was a work in progress when I took the photo!) will eventually end up on the open shelves...that's of course when we get around to it!! I also want to change my work top and tiles in the kitchen - it shouldn't be too expensive as it is so tiny! Pictures below are from Pearse Park in Rathfarnham (and my wee kitchen of course).

Hope you had a lovely weekend :)

Delicious...

2011-05-08T10:47:00.007+01:00

and healthy too...in fact a weight watchers recipe (8 points if you are interested!).

Serves two
2 Tortilla Wraps
1 Courgette (thinly sliced)
2 small red onions (thinly sliced)
Vine tomatoes (quartered)
25g grated low fat cheddar cheese (I used a little more)
2 slices of ham (shredded into smallish pieces)
1 Red Pepper (sliced)

Grill the vegetables under a medium to high heat until done to taste (I like mine slightly charred). Remove from heat and place the tortilla on the grill pan, top with the veggies, the ham and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Slap it back under the grill and wait until the cheese has melted and the edges of the tortilla slightly charred (or however you like it).

Great served with a big salad...it was even nicer than I expected and really filling.

My husband had a second but spread a little passata on the base and topped with shredded ham, sliced tomatoes and cheese. The options are endless!

A place in the sun...

2011-05-07T10:45:00.006+01:00

Totally gratuitous woofer photos!! Oscar always finds his place in the sunshine...Sadie not so much but if you look hard enough you will see her with her leg cocked up as she lies down...always ready and waiting for a tummy rub!! I love the shot of them both snuggled up together too...shucks :) Oh and if you click on the images you get a better view!

Last weekend...

2011-05-05T21:05:00.012+01:00

I mentioned that we went to the Leinster v Toulouse game last Saturday and I meant to post about it on Monday...it was fantastic, the atmosphere was just amazing and...we won!! It was a gorgeous day so we cycled over to the Aviva Stadium and it meant we we could have a few bevvies :) Afterwards we went for Pizza at Milanos...I had my favourite, Fiorentina followed by baked cheesecake..nyomnyom!! Went to Foley's for a pint afterwards and met a few friends - town was buzzing!

Kerry...

2011-05-05T20:49:00.003+01:00

Finally, as a round up to our little trip out west last week, here are a few shots from Kerry, around the Black Valley and Moll's gap...

Cottage gardens....

2011-05-01T15:53:00.026+01:00

Some shots from around the beautiful gardens, all mossy and ferny and beautiful..they built all the little bridges themselves and planted everywhere. They also have a lovely vegetable garden and have fruit trees too (not photographed). Some shots of our friends very pretty cottage too!

The cottages....

2011-05-01T15:08:00.015+01:00

So, I mentioned in my last post that I would share some photos of our recent little trip. Here are some photos of the lovely cottages, interior shots are from "our" cottage :) Both cottages were practically derelict when our friends bought them many years ago and the gardens weren't gardens but as you will see they are really something now!

Here is the laneway up to our cottage, the cottage itself, the firewood all perfectly cut and ready for the woodburner inside and the woofers staring out at us through the catflap (no cats about tho).

Some interior shots of our cottage...I love all the original tongue and groove ceilings throughout...the one in the dining room is especially lovely! The stairs leading up to the main bedroom were handmade by our friend using solid ash...amazing!

I will post photos of the gorgeous gardens and of our trip around the Black Valley and the Ring of Kerry over the coming days. I hope you like the photos above in the meantime :)

A great few days...

2011-04-30T10:58:00.003+01:00

Hello...we are just back from a few lovely days away. We visited some artist friends who live on the Kerry/Limerick border in the west of Ireland. They have two beautiful little traditional Irish cottages nestled beside each other and hidden amongst the most beautiful gardens! Such a lovely break..the woofers came with us too and I can report that they also had a lovely time. I have lots of photos to sort and will post them over the next few days...for now...breakfast this morning, crumpet and nutella with banana and some yummy yoguhurt and delicious coffee. New Le Creuset mug and dish which I got at bargain prices in Kildare outlet village!

We are off to the Aviva stadium to see Leinster v Toulouse in the semi-final of the Heineken Cup this afternoon...it promises to be a cracker of a game...GO Leinster!!

Happy Easter...

2011-04-22T18:12:00.006+01:00

Yayy...I am off today and not going back to work until 3rd May!! The weather is gorgeous...did nothing at all today apart from a bit of food shopping. Now we are just hanging around in the garden soaking up the sunshine and kicking back!

Photo via The Daily Bunny

Wishlist...

2011-04-18T22:57:00.006+01:00

Have these items from Bodie and Fou on my wishlist for a little while now...

Not anytime soon tho...especially if I continue to make little purchases at Cos (posted recently here). I just can't seem to go in there without buying something...but it seems such good value! I will post a picture over the next day or two...be prepared for "the bow"...my husband says I look like Laura Ingalls going to Church on Sunday in Little House on the Prairie...he could be right!!! But I don't care...I like it...let's see what you think when I get around to posting a photo!!

Thrill a minute stuff around here...

2011-04-15T12:53:00.005+01:00

We painted our garden shed last week and I think it looks great! In fairness, we had let it go to seed a bit so it wasn't difficult to improve on it! It was stained when we bought it back in 2004 and hadn't been touched since...also, my hubbie can now do his wood-carving and stuff in there as he has cleared it out and made it "his space" again which is great as I really want to see him doing more of what he loves :) Need to try and pull together some kind of "garden" also...anything I buy in the form of shrubs and plants tends to die on me...boohoo!

Some snaps before and after below...taken with my iPhone - I haven't had the use of my camera for ages as I can't find the charger (then again I haven't really extracted the old digit and had a good look...so blasted lazy!). So, that explains the lack of stunning photography that is usually posted on my blog I hear you say?!?!

Before...

First undercoat...

After..

Painted in Vert de Terre (a Farrow & Ball colour)...I will post better photos when I add a few nice plants to the space...have a lovely weekend!

Bed of Flowers...

2011-04-10T21:36:00.000+01:00

I have had Bed of Flowers, a Bed & Breakfast in the Netherlands stored in my bookmarks for a few years now and finally may have the chance to go stay there! Friends of ours are moving from the UK to somewhere (I can't remember the name of it) on the German/Dutch border and we will definitely visit them and hopefully do a little drive round NL...this is a dream home..when I looked at it again, sighing and drooling over the beautiful images, I couldn't believe that I hadn't posted about it before..I know I intended too.

The B&B is run by Floriene Bosch who is, according to her website, "very passionate about interior decorating with a very personal style and characterized by daring colors and flower designs. She also enjoys hosting people from all over the world."

Go have a look..there are lots more images on the website...words escape me! LOVE!!

Study / Snug / Library...

2011-04-09T11:35:00.001+01:00

An age ago we decided to move our main bedroom from the attic down to the first floor and to use it instead as a combination of study/snug/library. It must be at least 18 months since we did this and it has worked really well. I have been meaning to take some nice photos but never really got around to it but here are some random shots taken in the last while. It gets beautiful light in the afternoons and evenings right up to sunset so it is a lovely place to sit and relax with the windows open on a sunny day reading a good book.

Amy Winehouse for Fred Perry...

2011-03-30T09:20:00.003+01:00

Spotted this little ensemble on Asos (I think)...really like the shirt and the cropped trousers. Not completely crazy about the rest of the collection but can appreciate it!

Link to the collection here.

Beautiful Danish Ceramics....

2011-03-29T10:43:00.001+01:00

So, I just recently discovered Anne Black ceramics...delicate, fine, fragile..there are so many pieces I love. I found the site whilst searching for handles and hooks then got carried away with all the lovely vases, bowls, jewellery...find her site here and enjoy a good old browse! Below are a few of my favourite things...

I really need to work out how to make those little photo collage thingmajiggies...these photos would look much better presented that way...anyway, have a look at the website and you can enjoy better views!

Landskap...

2011-03-18T11:21:00.016Z

Isn't the new stationery line from Kikki K adorable? Love the colours and designs...reminds me a little of Sanna Annuka's work.

Strongly considering...

2011-03-16T14:42:00.011Z

...this dress...I absolutely love it! Either with wedges or plain white or navy canvas converse-y / ben simon-y type shoes! Boutique by Jaeger.

Update: Scored the dress above for 20% off and free shipping with ASOS!!! Am returning the dress below to Cos tomorrow (which I bought last weekend). It's really cool but I much prefer the Jaeger dress and I will get more wear out of it!

Update 2: Got the dress, wasn't half as nice as it looked in pictures and the skirt was really stiff...I looked like a complete plonker in it so sent it back and got a refund..what was I thinking anyway..I am BROKE!!

In my bag...

2011-03-15T18:45:00.009Z

I always get a kick out of these posts on other blogs so when I emptied my bag at work today I thought I would take a snap - I got rid of the scrunched up receipts and random bits of paper but otherwise this is it....

- Orla Kiely bag
- eye drops
- Orla Kiely Wallet
- Splenda sweetners
- tiny Moleskine notebooks
- my book (The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery)
- Toast Small Book (with 10% off everything inside!)
- Blistex
- Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector
- Chanel Teint Innocence Compact Creme Universel
- Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Colour in Pale Mauve
- Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne 30ml
- Orla Kiely i-Phone holder
- iPod Nano
- pouch from Coco Sunday's Etsy store
- my favourite pen from Muji (a pencil and 5 coloured inks all in one)

Missing, tho always in my bag, is my Moleskine Weekly Notebook.

That's it! I am winding down now..tomorrow is my last day at work for this week as we have Thursday off for Paddy's Day and I have taken Friday off too...hurray! Have made plans for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights...good food and good company all part of the plan so really looking forward to that!

Hope you are enjoying your week :)

Loving...

2011-03-10T19:05:00.006Z

Cox & Cox...browsing around the other day...hadn't visited in an age and had forgotten how much I love their stuff...forgive the surplus of images but there are so many gorgeous goodies to choose from and these are just a FEW of my favourites! Check out their website here and enjoy...

Let's go...

2011-03-05T10:28:00.002Z

Have a lovely weekend...we're off for a stroll!

Sweet Paul...

2011-03-02T20:33:00.011Z

Sweet Paul's latest magazine is out there..beautiful...I loved his last one and now I think I would like to order the printed versions...link to both digital and printed version here...it's devoted to kids this time and even if you don't have any it's still fun (and there is a little section for woofers!). I liked his "Easter" ideas and thought these pompom projects were cute...

And a simple little idea for Easter eggs..

Under the woofer chapter, this little treat case (or pencil case) caught my eye! You can find it here.

Sweet Paul is great...I am in awe of all these folk producing these beautiful magazines for us to browse..free!!

Sunday...

2011-03-01T09:16:00.003Z

On Sunday we zipped out to Dalkey (about 25 mins from city centre)...it's one of my favourite spots in Dublin. A beautiful seaside, higgeldy piggeldy village, that sits high above the sea with amazing views of Dublin Bay. The most beautiful homes in Dublin (in my opinion) are out this neck of the woods...someday I would love to live there! I will take more photos next time to share with you (I forgot my camera - the photos below were taken with my iPhone). My aunt lived in Dalkey before she died last year and we used to visit a lot when we were kids so it has always been a favourite place.

It was a beautiful day...these are photos looking over and down onto Killiney beach...maybe I'll get to spend some days here if we have a good summer...fingers crossed..we can't have FOUR years of terrible summers, right??

The beach is a long way down a path and lots of steps...the woofers were pooped when we got back!

Tuesday now and another stunning, bright and sunny day...though frosty! Have a great week :)

Saturday...

2011-02-28T13:00:00.013Z

Ahh yes...Spring is definitely in the air! We had lovely bright, fresh (that's cold in Ireland!) weather this weekend. Spent the morning in town with B wandering around Grafton Street, having coffee, checking out the buskers and buying flowers...all so wonderful when the sun is shining!

Feeling all gleeful and Spring-ish, I ended up making a few unplanned purchases too! Some bright and cheerful cashmere knits (from M&S believe it or not!!)- mint, bright pink, turquoise and navy (three cardis and a sweater) and then two gorgeous (well I think so!) tunic-y type tops (which will look really nice with skinny jeans or leggings)and a dress from Cos. Am so happy that it has opened up in Ireland. Each time I travelled to Brussels last year I made time to visit the store on Avenue Louise and got lots of nice bits and bobs. It's very reasonbale thank goodness!

Home then where I did some baking and a bit of housekeeping and went for a walk with the woofers. A couple of friends dropped by, one on his brand new Harley Davidson...(we think he's having a mid-life crisis!). We then settled in for the evening with a few of beers...all very pleasant!

The loot....

Again, I see these don't look so great on the hanger and my camera is screwed so the colours aren't quite right either...ho, hum...never mind! They kinda look huge too..they're not ;)

More bunting...

2011-02-24T15:53:00.001Z

So, I made some more bunting last night...this time for my friend Sarah's little boy's bedroom which is being redecorated right now. Also, a slightly better shot of my Valentine's bunting...

Orla Kiely purchases...

2011-02-23T12:18:00.008Z

Loving my new Orla laptop bag...the best..loads of room, lots of pockets and a handy shoulder strap...

Also, I graduated on Friday last...hurrah! I am now a Master! It was a lovely morning and after all the photos and schmoozing myself and B headed off to Dillingers in Ranelage for lunch...we arrived quite late so there weren't many there but it was lovely and I really like the design/decor...I had a whipped goats cheese and beet salad for starters followed by the most delicious nachos...I was so stuffed, B had to roll me home!!

But...what did I wear? Remember this post? Well my wonderfully lovely parents bought me that dress for a Christmas and Graduation present!! (I was supposed to Graduate in November but the snow put the kybosh on that).

I totally love it...I took the pictures below but it's very hard to show how nice it is...doesn't look so fab on the hanger! (You can see a picture of the model wearing the dress in the link above...clearly, I looked much better wearing it!?!?) This was the fourth outing since November...it's very versatile!

That's all for now...have a lovely week :)

Looking forward...

2011-02-16T20:18:00.005Z

...to Spring and warmer weather and brighter days...just tired of winter! I've had these images for yonks and they make me feel happy :) so bright and fresh...have no idea where I nabbed them from so if you happen to know, do tell so that I can link them.

Enjoy the rest of your week :)

Valentine's...

2011-02-14T20:05:00.003Z

Bunting and Bun making! I finally used the felt I had bought on Etsy well over a year ago and made some bunting...heart shaped of course! I also baked some cupcakes...only iced a few tho! We celebrated Valentine's day on Saturday...we didn't go out, but ordered in Pizza and followed it with champagne and cupcakes!! The photos below are sooo bad but the light is particularly crappy at the moment and they were taken in the evening..but you get the drift!

And today...my boss gave me a bottle of really nice champagne for us to celebrate with this evening...how totally sweet..I was quite overcome :) Hope you had a lovely day!

Freshly Groomed Princess...

2011-02-09T11:36:00.002Z

My husband sent me this photo of a fresly groomed Sadie via his iPhone...too cute!

Hmmm....

2011-01-19T12:45:00.012Z

So, in Living etc back in October or November, there was a spread on Penelope Chilvers home..I don't usually read the editorial bits (perhaps just a quick scan) but I did this time because whilst I liked her home, what really caught my beady little eye were the boots that she and her two daughters were wearing!!

I loved them but particularly her cloggy type ones...my quick scan of the narrative revealed that she is a shoe designer so I googled her and found her site. I am in love with these boots and they are on the top of my wishlist right now!

These inky coloured ones (which I really long for) are out of stock so now am really wondering if I should maybe look at buying the light coloured ones. Hmm...don't think so...I'll be patient and wait til the inky boots are back in store!

One of her daughters was wearing these...

and the other was wearing these...

Aren't they all great!! They look much better on too!

Hope everybody has a great 2011 and I hope that I will get around to blogging a little bit more this year!

Loving...

2010-12-03T10:54:00.007Z

...and needing all of the above. I really need new bedside tables and these Danish designed babies are just perfect. Also love the pouffe and the little stool..need them. Then why not go the whole hog and have the jars too :) All from Plumo.

Being alone...

2010-11-12T09:34:00.002Z

I came across this little video (by film maker Andrea Dorfman) on youtube and I love it...it is written and performed by poet/singer/songwriter Tanya Davis. I am good at being alone but I know lots of people are not and I think if you were one of those people you might learn to like it by watching this little video :) Also, if I have any readers left in the USofA, where is her accent from...it's really cute!

Happy Friday everyone!

Zurich..

2010-11-08T20:22:00.015Z

A bit quite around here lately...wow, I really am finding it hard to find time for my blog...I don't know what it is...I seem to be busy, busy all the time (in a good way tho so I am not moaning!).

So, we had a wonderful time in Zurich for our long weekend (we went on 22nd and came back on 25th). It is a beautiful city with loads to see and do and the food...totally gorgeous! Every meal we had was delicious! We went to Hiltl for lunch on Saturday...it is a vegetarian restaurant and in fact, was the first vegetarian restaurant in Europe, opened in 1898! Well, we stuffed our faces and, as it was a late lunch, instead of going for a full-on meal on Saturday night we went to a local's favourite for Bratwurst - scrummy...comes with a hunk of sourdough bread and a little pot of mustard.

Of course, we had to sample the Luxemburgers (mini macaroons, famous in Zurich). We got these at Sprungli another famous coffeehouse/chocolate/bakery-type place! Luxemburgers are tiny..maybe under 2cm wide..very cute...

Not that I am obsessed with food or anything but there were lots of chocolates to choose from at Sprungli too! But the most amazing of all were the CHAMPAGNE TRUFFLES...I don't know what to say...we paid about €7 for 4 and they were worth it - absolutely divine!!

We stayed with a friend who has just moved into a new apartment in a great neighbourhood, just a few minutes from the city and right beside the lake. Zurich is very expensive, particularly eating out so it was great that we didn't have to pay for accommodation :) Couple of snaps from around where we stayed..such pretty homes :)

More food stuff...we went to Schober for breakfast on Sunday...it is a beautiful old building with a gorgeous cake and chocolate shop on the ground floor and upstairs a couple of levels of small eating areas. We went for the famous muesli...not like any muesli I have experienced..it was all grated fruits mixed up with berries and yummy yoghurt, served with delicious bread and coffee...myself and my husband went back for brekkie again on Monday..

Some pictures from around the city and from a village on the lake called Rapperswill which we visited on Sunday afternoon..

All in all a great weekend!

Sweet...

2010-10-19T21:29:00.007+01:00

Lisa Stickley for Debenhams...cute and lots more here.

Just...stuff...

2010-10-15T15:27:00.015+01:00

Hello! Bit of a hiatus in posting as a result of a very busy weekend and most of this week in Brussels with work.

We went to see Supertramp at the O2...bit before my time but I still recognised some of the songs and I have to admit they really are great musicians...still! They must be in their 60s by now but if I have the energy they have when I am that age, I'll be happy!

I mentioned previously that we were looking at the possibility of getting a Vespa for going to and from work, trips into town, to concerts, matches etc...well a friend of ours is also looking at getting one so after the Leinster v Racing Metro Heineken Cup game that we went to last Saturday (we won yayyyy!), we headed out to Bikeworld. This is the one we have our eye on...it's so cute! B reckons that it won't attract so much attention (from thieving types!) as the cream coloured one! Just taking some time to think about it...very hard to make a decision on an outlay quite that big! We'll see and I'll keep you posted!

On a completely different note...I love this Orla Kiely dress...it's navy wool flannel with a silk collar...I love the simplicity of the shape, the way it falls at the back and the neckline...what do you think?

Looking forward to a nice quite weekend - no big plans which is just what we need in our house! Have a good one :)

Galway...eating..drinking!

2010-10-05T19:25:00.015+01:00

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I don't have a lot of nice scenic shots of Galway as we spent most of our time there eating and drinking...hooray!! We had not been in Galway in about 7 years but we had a favourite restaurant which we found again (it had moved and gotten a lot bigger and even more gorgeous than it was previously) and ended up eating there for lunch and dinner on the Sunday - I love this cafe/restaurant..everything about it! It's in a gorgeous old building on the quay...edged right up to the water and right beside the Spanish Arch. It's run by a girl of about 35 who calls everyone, "pet", "darling" or "gorgeous"! She is a great supporter of the arts from what I can tell and there are always artistic "events" of some kind to be found in this little gem. The decor is perfection...it's divided up into little rooms and snugs with lovely old and battered tables and chairs, Cath Kidston oil cloths, napkins etc. It's not at all cheesy, just quirky, cosy and comfy..I would happily sit there all day from lunch through to dinner...really nice buzz too! Here are some photos I took on my iPhone..not the best quality but you get the drift :)

And the food...for lunch I had the homemade lemony houmous on homemade sourdough bread with a green leaves, quinoa, grated carrot and grated beetroot salad...I can't tell you how delicious this was...I am salivating just thinking about it now!!

This was the table we sat at for dinner...I had the most gorgeous mezze starter...olives, houmous, chickpeas, greens, beetroot houmous..yummy!

We also spent a fair bit of time in this pub...the Front Door...it's just my favourite type of pub...no nonsense...the real thing, a proper, old and traditional pub..

Our 2 nights in Galway were great...although we go to Connemara all the time (as you will know if you read this blog much at all!) we had not been to Galway city for such a long time...I loved it and highly recommend the Front Door and Ard Bia for your next visit!

Oh...and a little purchase to share! I bought this Orla Kiely iPhone cover whilst in Galway...the bag, well I purchased that about a month ago...love them both! Also, purchased some Onion Marmalade and some Chutney...both homemade at Ard Bia.

Back home now to reality but feeling rested and revived :) Have a lovely week!

The Abbey....

2010-09-29T08:08:00.005+01:00

Still having a wonderful holiday...we are just back from our trip to Galway city where we had a great old time! Lots of pictures but must admit mostly from inside the pubs and cafes/restaurants we visited : ) I have some serious recommendations if you ever visit!

Below are some pictures taken at Kylemore Abbey which we visited before we headed off to Galway. We have visited many times...it's a beautiful place. Highly recommend the cafe...we just had tea and scones which were delicious but they do great lunches there too!

Hope you are having a great week :)

Avoca Connemara...

2010-09-22T18:17:00.010+01:00

Hello! On our little drive-about the other day we stopped into the Avoca shop near Letterfrack...I love the layout and displays of goodies at Avoca...spotted lots of crockery from PipStudio..I have to control the "flowery" side of me and not get carried away..it is sooo pretty tho! I may just buy a couple of teacups and saucers and some cake plates and possibly a little bowl or two :) Avoca do some lovely own-brand food products also - packaging is very sweet. I quite like their Anthology line of clothing but again need to reel myself in and stop going too "cutesy" in style...I like a little edge mixed in with pretty :)

Holidays!!

2010-09-20T11:18:00.017+01:00

Hello...we are back in Connemara again!! So happy to be here, feeling totally chilled out and content already! We arrived on Saturday...it was raining, that kind of relentless, "soft" rain (that's what we call it here)...misty, romantic, beautiful..but hopefully not for the entire two weeks! Yesterday was wet too but clouds cleared for enough time for a walk on the beach. Woke up today to a gorgeous day! Off for a trip to the National Park and to do some food shopping in Clifden..woofers very happy to be here too! We have had open fires for the last two nights as it has been chilly! I hope to be able to post a few times while here..we are going to pop into Galway for a night or two this time which should be fun...Galway is fantastic for the craic..any time of the day or night! Have found a nice doggie "hotel" for the woofers :)

Oscar in National Park...

Sadie...ooops..no, but the whitest sheep I've ever seen (on the Bog Road to Clifden)...

Road from island to village...

Bit boring...sorry! Have a great week :)

Wonderful Mr Pinch...

2010-09-17T23:25:00.001+01:00

I have posted about Russell Pinch in the past...I really adore his work...he is a genius and now there is a piece I just might be able to kinda sorta afford...a beautiful stool...sigh! I would love one of his pieces, actually ANY of his pieces. I love the oval coffee table, the Joyce cabinet, the sofas, the desk, lampshades...love them all. I am due to go to London in November for a weekend and would relish the chance to see and touch his work in person...you have to make an appointment and that puts me off...I might feel that I have to buy something..eek..but I might just do it anyway! Maybe I'll come away with that stool! Check out his site ...the images are really beautiful...some pictures below to feast your eyes on :)

Gorgeous home...

2010-09-13T22:03:00.009+01:00

Spotted this gorgeous home over at DesignSponge. I just love it....am pretty tired of the decor in my home and would love to change it up a bit...need to save some dosh first tho! I must take some photos of our "study/library/snug" which I am quite happy with and also the wallbed that my "handyman" built ;) ...check out the other great images of this home along with info on the lovely owners here.

How cute is the little woofer in this photo btw!!

Pattern...

2010-09-12T20:53:00.008+01:00

My husband spotted this book the other day, called me and asked if I wanted him to buy it for me...I thought it was a little expensive so said not to bother...I could have a look another day when I was in town...today was the day! I just happened upon it and it was on sale from 33euros to 22 euros...nice! I spent all late afternoon Sunday browsing through it, reading snippets, saving more for later. It really is a wonderful book...Orla's story..the writing style is easy and engaging, the book itself is beautifully designed, as you would expect and is printed on gorgeous heavy-weight paper (I really feel I got a good deal for 22 euros). It is broken down into 6 parts...Life, Inspiration, Colour, Print, Collections and Home. If you can get your hands on it, I would totally recommend you purchase it!

Bruxelles...quelle disastre!!

2010-09-10T16:45:00.006+01:00

Hello there! Eh bien...Brussels day one...great! Lovely hotel, lovely weather, great meeting with the Branding people. Day two..ohoh! not so good...very sick indeed...so much so that I couldn't make the meeting. Organised a late check out and holed up in bed for the day...my flight didn't leave until 9:30pm ...what an experience...not very pleasant...oh and I sent my i-phone flying down the toilet (don't ask) and I'm afraid it's gone to i-heaven so was without a phone for a few days too...yowza! Anyway, managed to take a few shots...but not great I'm afraid...I haven't loaded them up and they are not really representative of all the loveliness I saw when I was in the back of a taxi travelling around...mostly of Grand Place and a couple of the surrounding streets. I will pop them up here later :)

In the meantime, check out this strange but extremely cool Ikea ad...

Happy Friday :) Have a great weekend!

Update: hello, said I would post some of the pictures I took...not very exciting but here are a few from the streets around the hotel I stayed in and from the Grande Place..

Bruxelles...

2010-09-06T20:38:00.003+01:00

Bon soir!! Have just arrived at my hotel in Brussels - Hotel Amigo. First time here and it is very lovely indeed - boutique-y...my room is small but lovely...everything I need! Nice REN products in the bathroom and some great charcoal drawings in the bedroom (actually, interesting art throughout the hotel). Am just going to cosy up and watch some TV. Have taken some pictures and will take more over the next few days. I am just around the corner from Grand Place so looking forward to a bit of free time to have a wander. Can't load up pictures until I'm back in Dublin on Thursday - sorry! Forgot my cables! Bon nuit!

Orla..Kitchen Ware AND a Diffusion Line...

2010-09-03T18:12:00.001+01:00

Orla Kiely has created a line of kitchenware for Blisshome...this is the only picture online so far, tho I did see a picture of a lovely teapot in Elle Decor's October issue. Not available to buy until mid-September but I am looking forward to checking it out!

How I didn't hear about the diffusion line, I just don't know!! I am still not sure what it's all about...I thought originally that it was just for John Lewis but I have seen it on one of the fashion websites (can't remember which one tho..sorry). Anyway, I quite like these dresses and this long cardi - not a lot cheaper than the original Orla line but still...cute eh?

Happy Friday everybody! Hope you all have a lovely weekend :)

Returning to Blogland...

2010-09-02T18:16:00.005+01:00

It's been such a long time since my last post!! I decided I would take a break after I had submitted the old thesis and that break just kept going and going!! I have had such a busy summer - weather was a bit hit and miss but miles better than the previous few years so we're all generally happy over this side of the world!

Really looking forward to hols on 18th September...we are off to Connemara again for 2 weeks with Les Woofs...cannot wait and I can just feel it in my bones that the weather will be good!!

Work has been great - have been doing lots of trips away, mostly to Brussels (I am project managing the fit-out of a new office there...it's only a small space but I am loving choosing furniture (Eames tables and chairs and the like!) and looking at branding etc. but also London and just came back from a few days at Gleneagles! OMG..this place is absolutely STUNNING!!! We arrived on Monday evening, checked into our rooms...I scored a suite...I was all agape when I saw it...took some snaps on my i-phone - not the best quality sorry! We had a meeting all day Tuesday and then dinner and then Wednesday was free to wander around the grounds.

I am definitely going back here with my husband (we get a great staff discount, otherwise forget it...way expensive!!).

Have lots of things I want to post about...new purchases (oolala..have been doing some shopping for a/w clothes...lost some weight so I deserve some treats, right?!). Also, lots of lovely new books and all that jazz.

Am looking forward to catching up with everybody's blogs and seeing what people have been up to. I have been checking in from time to time but very irregularly :)

I realise now, looking at these photos that they give no real sense of the place. Pictures show my bedroom, living room and bathroom...which had a roll top bath and the living room had a fireplace. I looked out over the grounds, on to the golf course and then on to the glens and hills beyond...it really is something special!

Sweet!

2010-05-08T13:35:00.007+01:00

Hello again! Just a brief note to say thank you to you lovely people for dropping by and leaving your sweet comments - so much appreciated. You'll have noticed that I am not really visiting your blogs to say hello right now.... but I promise that once this smelly thesis is out of the way (28th May!!) I will be back to regular blogging/visiting and very much look forward to catching up with all your news! Thought I would share this adorable disposable cake stand with you - I could never throw it away! And the doilies - so pretty! Thanks again for your comments and support : )

Check out Talking Tables to see more : ) Enjoy your weekend! Back to the books for me!

Hello..anyone out there??

2010-05-03T15:32:00.006+01:00

Hello..I'm not sure if anyone stops by anymore..it's been a long time and I keep meaning to come on here and write up a little post to tell you what I am up to and why the long gap in posting..I am doing a Masters and am in my final year with the deadline for my thesis coming towards me like a high-speed train so I am extremely busy trying to get it written up and it is occupying most of my time right now...boring!

Anyway, the end is in sight and I am feeling so excited about having it out of my way and out of my hair and really looking forward to a lovely summer! It's the May bank holiday here and while I did some work this weekend I also managed to go out for a couple of nice lunches and am just back from the garden centre and lunch at Avoca.

I bought some beautiful hydrangeas for the garden and a little Japanese maple. I also bought some really pretty mugs in Avoca and was really excited to see they are stocking PIP Studio goods...this is a wonderful web store based in Amsterdam with the most gorgeous homeware...bedding, cushions, porcelain..a veritible feast of goodies that I hope you will love as much as I do!! It has been on my list to share with you for some time...check out the PIP website - I dare you not to fall in head over heels for everything!!

I have some home projects to share with you but not quite yet...I love the wallpaper below as well as the cushions and hope to buy a couple of bits and bobs once I am finished my thesis...

Keeping with all things green....

2010-03-16T18:29:00.007Z

...well, not really but there is a little bit of green in these pictures!! Finally got around to trying some of the Macaroons at Laduree (in the Luxury Hall at Brown Thomas - Dublin's swishiest department store). Managed to pack in most of the flavours and they were all delicious...I could easily scoff the lot...they are very wee! I took a few pictures last night and these were the clearest but you'll see a little blob on the first one, up on the top, where I used the i-photo retouch to block out a bit of chocolate hanging out of the top (ruining it for me). Wish I could use photo-shop or something...I wonder am I the only person in the world who loads up photos "straight off the camera" or SOTC...a phrase/acronym I wasn't even aware of until about a week ago....luddite :)

Anyway, heading out tonight for something to eat and a few bevvies as we have tomorrow off to celebrate St Paddy! Not sure if we will go to the parade tomorrow (boo!)...we'll have to see...if we do, I will be sure to take some photos and share more SOTC gems with you all!!

Spring green....

2010-03-15T18:45:00.010Z

We have had the most beautiful weather recently...blue skies, lots of gorgeous sunshine (very cold but I don't mind how cold it is once the sun is shining!). For the past few years, daffodils were blooming in February (so wrong!)..daffodils always appeared around Mother's Day and even tho it was Mother's Day yesterday, the daffodils are only just beginning to bloom. There are snowdrops and crocus' everywhere...spring is here and everything feels lush and green...I took a few pictures up in the park the other day...felt like I was on Pandora!!

Happy Monday! It's Paddy's Day on Wednesday and I have Thursday and Friday off work too...yayy! However, it's not all good as I have to study...poo! Enjoy your week :)

Goddesses all ??

2010-03-10T19:26:00.003Z

Why, yes...we are!! If you can, you must check out these books by Irish Journalist, Gisele Scanlon...I just bought the second Goddess Guide a few weekends ago. I loved the first so buying the second was a must! They are little guides jam-packed with tips on beauty, fashion, travel, food and much more...you can get the low down on offbeat stores, vintage shops, great cafes, restaurants and hotels in cities like NYC, London, Dublin and Paris - things you won't see in other guides. How to look after cashmere, the world's best macaroons, pages on chocolate followed by chocolate recipes...the list goes on. It's fun and frolicsome and actually quite useful! The books are beautifully designed and they are not too expensive either! The Goddess Guide and the Goddess Experience - a nice little treat for yourself!

Oh...and look..it's a Hector Lamp..they finally arrived after waiting over 8 weeks - but I think they were worth the wait - I love them. This little chap won't be staying here...he is destined to sit by my bed...will show pictures later when I get organised.

Oh....and...anybody who has this type of comment box...I just can't leave comments, don't know why...they just disappear..pooofff...gone! So, please know that I do visit but just can't comment. Anyone else suffer from this particular comment malaise??

At last....

2010-03-09T22:04:00.001Z

I have been mooching around looking for new skincare products and have tried lots over the past few months...I was using Origins. Am glad to say that I have now settled on a great set of products...Laura Mercier. Am using purifying oil, purifying water and moisturiser as well as a lip exfoliator and conditioner...they are fantastic! I love the oil and purifying water...I was a little worried about using oil to clean my skin but it is probably the best cleanser I have ever used...really! I use a hot muslin cloth to wipe it off and after one go...everything is gone and my face is completely clean...highly recommended by me :) Also, I love the simple, clean look of the packaging. Sorry about the photo below...not one of my best shots!

And, Laura Mercier has a great mineral foundation too which I am looking forward to using when my current Prescriptives tinted moisturiser runs out...Prescriptives has closed worldwide which is sad..it was very good on Irish skin and was very popular here.

Although taking a break from its skincare, I will always use Origins Ginger Essence skin scent, body souffle and body scrub...I have been using this range since 2003 and never get tired of it - the smell is light and fresh and always lifts my spirits! Ooo...if I could spritz you now, I would!! Picture below from the Origins website..

Hope you have a lovely week :)