Covet Tuesday: Orla Kiely Reversible Leather Sling Bag

I visited Brown Thomas recently and fell in love with this bag! The bag on display was in the blue colourway and had been turned inside out so the little pockets were showing. I did not realise the bag was reversible until I investigated further on the Orla Kiely website. The official blurb is that this model is the "AW09 Mainline - Reversible Leather Sling Bag Reversible leather bag with popper fastening and extendable strap. Contrasting pockets to front with magnetic fastening. Inside features zip pocket." At about 250euro I fear this one will have to stay permanently on the covet list!

Visiting Crosshaven, Co. Cork

We had some lovely sun in Cork yesterday so we took a trip to the sea at Crosshaven. Following our little walk we went for some warming chowder. Now that Halloween is over I think I'm going to throw myself into preparing for Christmas wholeheartedly! We're planning a trip to Dublin soon so I hope to catch-up with my present shopping then. I'm also sewing lots at the moment so hope to stock up my Etsy shop with goodies this week.

My Ikea Linen Cabinet

I love my Ikea Linen Cabinet - as you can see I've filled mine to the brim with all sorts of kitchenware for the moment - all safe now from Louis! The cabinet was much bigger then I expected when I saw it in the shop but it fits quite nicely in this little area of our kitchen. This was my main purchase but I also picked up this lovely fabric and some other small bits and bobs. Ikea Christmas is instore now so I might find an excuse to visit Dublin again soon!

Treasures from My Sewing Box

When I inherited my Grannie's sewing box it came stuffed to the gills with all sorts of treasures - see some of these above - I love all the original packaging! I've also been stocking up on some crafts supplies - the first lot - lacey lace and little tiny owl buttons from Dublin Woollen Mills and the second lot - stretchy lace and the really nicely packaged Rit dye from the Vibes and Scribes Craft Shop on Lavitts Quay here in Cork. Its a stormy Bank Holiday Weekend here today so I'm off to have some Cloudy Lemonade and Fig Rolls!

The Pavilion, Ballygarvan

We recently visited The Pavilion Garden Centre - mostly for cake but also so I could see their Christmas display. First off *cake* in the lovely cafe and then a wander around the shop and a quick skip through the outside gardening areas. The Christmas stock was lovely - lots of Gisela Graham and without a doubt the nicest collection I've seen in any of the shops so far this year which for the most part have been very disappointing. We also finagled three tonnes of earth to be delivered (and shoveled ... and wheelbarrowed) by some very accommodating family members over the weekend - so its a new garden for me (hopefully) by next Spring!

Button Hearts & Cross Stitch

I've finally sorted out our box room - into which I dumped countless boxes of crafts supplies during out recent move. I also set aside a table in our kitchen for crafts purposes - finally a place that I could sit and not mess up the coffee table! However, this table has just become a towering jumble of craft and I've been very slow to get back to full craft mode. I did make these button hearts which I'm quite happy with and have invested in some cross-stitch kits which I hope will turn out well. On another note - during a shopping trip to Tesco last night I noticed that they have their Christmas chocolate & sweets in stock already - has anyone seen the huge Cadbury's Dairy Milk Bar that is available now?! Definitely one for the Christmas Stocking!

Covet Tuesday: Westmoreland Beaded Milk Glass

I recently came across this fantastic glassware in a beautiful post on the design*sponge blog and was determined to find out more. A little searching and I found out its Westmoreland Beaded Milk Glass and I'm smitten! I believe this glassware is handpainted and is known as Depression Glass (from 1930's and 40's America). I've been looking online and have found some pieces but the shipping from the US is astronomical - twice the price of the actual plates - but I'm not deterred yet! (images from design*sponge).

Cath Kidston Sew!

I have it my possession! Cath Kidston Sew! is finally out - having ordered mine ages ago it was a nice surprise this week - even worth a trip to the mailing centre to collect! I've just scanned some of the fab projects and as you can see the book comes complete with fabric, label, buttons, and patterns to make the bag that appears on the cover! I really like the use of these vintagey fabrics alongside the Cath staples a real emphasis on bag and patchwork projects. There is nothing like Cath-ness to get the creative juices flowing - I think I'll have to take the plunge and invest in a sewing machine once and for all - but in the meantime ogling this book will do nicely!

Sleepover Swap Revealed!

Following the good news that my package finally arrived at its destination I'm posting what I sent to my Sleepover Swap Partner! I was quite pleased with the little butterfly pins and necklace and might have to make more soon! I was also delighted to sell this little owl trinket box from my Etsy shop over the weekend - business really seems to be picking up lately!

Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens

We recently visited Fota House - an old favourite of Corkonians due to its proximity to the city and the Wildlife Park. I know my friend ended up in the pond while jumping over stepping stones when she was a girl! The Gardens always hold some sort of magic for me as I loved exploring them as a child - but this was my first tour of the House itself. Following tea and rhubarb crumble in the Tea Rooms we were brought on a most enjoyable tour - the highlights for me being the Entrance Hall and Kitchens. I also love the Italian Gardens - which were closed during our visit and the Orangerie. Oh and thanks to my Mother-in-Law for the thrifty two-for-one vouchers!