There's Something About Snapdragon.......that I like!

Another great company I've found through my Twitter world is Snapdragon. Based in Scotland, the business originally started as a cut flower, vegetable and herb business but as the Scottish growing season is so short - owner Jane turned her love of textiles and embroidery into another part of the business. The result is this delightful range of products with quirky handmade designs.

She recently had a booth at the Country Living Christmas Fair in Glasgow and I was so hoping to pop over for the day but stupidly did not book my flight when the fares were as cheap as a pint in the pub!!! Another time....she's got these wonderful badges - like the penguins above and the charming chicken door stop (also above).

An A4 Notebook has been embroidered with a fennel design inspired by her own garden.

Witty caravan badges.

Egg cosys with her charming chicken.

She's even had some of her designs turned into mugs and I think they've translated very well.

Her Christmas badges are equally delightful - above is her pudding badge and below, her sweet little robin.

Do check out Snapdragon's website and if you go to Jane's blog you can see her stand set up at the Glasgow fair. These make wonderful stocking stuffers! and gifts and are priced very well. You can order directly from her site!

Happy Thanksgiving to my Fellow Americans

Happy Thanksgiving everyone - look what arrived in post for us yesterday from my mother. Another beautifully designed card to celebrate the day.

Thanksgiving is one of the holidays I really miss celebrating back in the States but thankfully there's a bunch of us ex-pat's that get together each year and keep up the tradition here in Ireland. This year we are actually having it tomorrow evening as tonight is just impossible for the different schedules and since we are in Ireland - we can move it!!

Somehow, I've developed a reputation for my stuffing and everyone makes sure that I'm bringing it. It's a recipe that is actually featured in my book At Home in Nantucket but every year I seem to add different things and make subtle variations and the first year I made it here in Ireland I had a heck of time sourcing some of the things I needed but I'm in the "know" now!

Fennel Stuffing

2 T olive oil

2 cups chopped onions

3 cups fresh fennel

1 lb pork sausage (without casings) break into small chunks

2 tart apples, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 cup chopped chestnuts

1 cup dried cranberries

6 cups stale bread cubes, in Ireland you tend to get more bread crumbs

1 t. salt

1 t. dried thyme

1 t. crumbled dried sage

freshly ground pepper to taste

1 cup tawny port

1 cup chicken stock

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the fennel and onion and saute until softened but not browned, about 10 mins. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. Add all the sausage to the skillet and cook, be sure to break up larger chunks. Cook through for about 10 mins and then add to the bowl.

3. Stir apples, chestnuts and cranberries into the mixture in the bowl. Add bread cubes and toss lightly. Sprinkle with salt, thyme, sage and pepper. Toss again. Add port and chicken stock and toss until well blended.

4. It can be cooked in the turkey or a casserole dish but I prefer the dish. Put in an oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or about 200 Celsius and bake for about 45 mins. Serve warm.

I don't get overly worried about all the specific ingredients, one year I didn't have fennel so used celery instead, sometimes I don't add all the herbs or chestnuts and other times I choose flavoured sausages. Add your own personality to it! Sorry dont' have a photo of the stuffing but will take one tomorrow when I make it for our Thanksgiving!

From Foodiephotos which is actually Refrigerator Soup Blog, that I follow on Twitter - I found this amazing looking Spiced Cranberry Raisin Bundt Cake which they got from ecurry.com . It sounds delicious although I'm not sure I'll be able to whip it up this Thanksgiving, maybe for Christmas? The problem is sourcing fresh cranberries - I've only been able to find dried ones. Note to self - where can I find fresh cranberries?

Have a great day - there is so much to be thankful for.

Wonderful Window Displays at Anthropologie

This is when I miss living in a big city - New York and so many other cities throughout the US had the most magical and fantastic window displays for Christmas. I mean where else in the world would people literally line up to see them?
I came across these on Anthropologie's Facebook page and just thought I should share them with you. This is just a sample of some of their creative windows in stores around the US and I just wanted to share them with you for a fun short inspirational post today.

Showing off clothes in a blizzard!

A wintery landscape.

A delightful hare and waistcoat clad bear - love them!

I'm hoping to get to Dublin next Tuesday as I've been invited to the Conran Shop in Arnott's for a special Christmas Shopping Event - Sir Terence is going to be there which is very exciting - so...that being said, I sure hope to see some great windows up in Dublin - and will go armed with my camera!!

Hoping you are all keeping dry in this horrible Irish weather.

Christmas Goodies from Garrendenny Lane Interiors

It's exactly one month today to Christmas Eve so if you haven't begun your shopping yet, I suggest you get going with it. And while you're at it, be sure to stop by the online shop of my friend Lorna Sixsmith of Garrendenny Lane Interiors. She's pulled together a nice collection of Christmas products and of course has loads of other gifts, wallpapers, fabrics, lighting ......you name it. And easy online ordering plus the best customer service around!!!

I've pulled together a few of my favourites. I'm hankering for these colourful Christmas baubles place card holders - a set of six is €19.00. Could see them lined up along my Christmas table - we will have about 9 of us this year - always love hosting the meal. Just makes the day so special, especially when spent with family.

This sparkly snowflake ornament will make your tree shine - can you imagine just doing an entire tree in these? Magical! and only €3.75.

This candlelabra is just charming and perfect when you still have young children in the house who are completely captivated by the Christmas magic. There are nine candleholders and it is €34.00, candles extra.

Lorna is the exclusive stockists of Yukari Sweeney, a Japanese designer who lives in London. She has designed these amusing "Sammy" the sausage dogs for draught dodging - each have their own individual style and colours and sell for €36.00. What a great gift!

Bringing cheer to winter bedrooms across the country - who can resist the colourful Sansoucci bed linens by Designer's Guild. Priced at €30.00- €117.00. The perfect treat for yourself.

This delightful Nativity Set is perfect for the youngest members of the house. They can also hang on the tree - €22.99.

Happy Shopping!

Amy Butler's New "Wanderlust" Collection by Kalencom of New Orleans

I just had to let you know about this gorgeous new collection of fashion, travel and accessory bags from Amy Butler. The collection called "Wanderlust" is being produced by a company called Kalencom based in New Orleans. They are all made from organic cotton and have been produced without using harmful AZO dyes.
Above, the Josephine Bag in Fuschia Tree Tomato.

The designs have a bohemian romantic feel - they feel fresh and colourful but also have a vintage quality to them. Above the Opal Bag in Fushia Tree Navy.

And the images have been styled in such an appealing way - I'm chomping at the bit to go out and purchase a few of these. They are so different too. I get a sense of a little bit of William Morris inspiration through some of the stylized flowers but also just love the freshness of the colour combinations.

Think of your tired old make-up bags? Wouldn't these give you a good jolt!

And how chic would you look at a cyber cafe or coffee shop when you slip your laptop out of this colourful bag?

Going away for the weekend? This should make it through Ryan Air's stringent size parameters...and least it looks like it would.

This model is holding the Opal bag in the Fushia Tree Navy colour- it also comes in a smaller size, the Muriel. Just love the design of this bag - wouldn't it make for a great summer bag?

The is the Dream Traveller carry on in Sari Flowers Navy (also comes in a tomato colouring).

The Marni Duffle bag in Poppies Blue, also available in Poppies Green.

I think this is the one I'd really love - the Muriel in Fushia Tree Tomato colour. Love the leather detailing - all the easier to carry!

This collection is just a part of an even larger collection of products from Amy Butler ranging from bedding and stationary to sewing patterns, rugs and tableware. Amy is based in Granville, Ohio and started the company in 1992 - she takes inspiration from vintage fabrics, rummaging through flea markets and shops and also from her travels.

She has certainly inspired me with her wonderful use of colour and design.

I've got the Muriel bag on my Wish List!

You can buy directly from Amy's website.
If you want to sell Amy's bags in Ireland or Europe contact Kalencom directly through their website. In the US you can call 800-344-6699.

All images from Amy Butler tm.

The Aviary - Beautiful Handmade Products from the UK

Thanks to the magical world of Twitter, I've been lucky enough to meet the talented Victoria from The Aviary. Only a few short months ago, she and Ben, also a fine artist, launched their business from their home studio. And they are already making quite a name for themselves. The prestigious online marketplace notonthehighstreet.com is now selling an array of their beautiful products. I'm completely smitten with everything!
According to Victoria, their range is continually evolving, but they specialize in handmade, decorative home-wares, gift items and original, affordable artworks utilizing our treasure trove of vintage ephemera. Popular products include framed and unframed original collage, assemblage and stationery (hand-bound journals, diaries, notebooks and cards) as well as pin-badges and brooches.

On Friday, I received a package from Victoria containing one of their A4 journals and one of the utterly charming bird plant stakes. So I can tell you first hand these are so meticulously made with unbelievable precision and details. The journal I received, you can see below - decoupaged on the cover with sheet music and sweet song birds.

I'm delighted to have a stunning notebook to carry around with me for all my various journalistic endeavours. It will be easy to spread the word about this talented duo.


Both Victoria and Ben love all things vintage and preloved, spending a lot of spare time and money trawling through charity shops, second hand stores, flea markets, bootsales and, of course, eBay. So, as you can imagine, their house and studio are packed full of out-of-date maps, retro knitting patterns, old books, field guides, anonymous sepia photographs, clock faces, vintage fabrics and odd buttons.
Perfect for turning into one of a kind works of art!


And all the images above are actually a stack of business cards Victoria sent along to me - I'm going to have a hard time parting with them they are so sweet.



Her note to me was written on the card above -now pinned into my bulletin board of inspiration.

This is the plant stake I received but I will hardly be putting it out in the elements - it will probably end up on my bulletin board too peering down on my at my computer.

The Aviary creates a wide array of different notebooks - and badges...I just love these.

And their products suit both men and women.

Best of luck with this fledgling business Ben and Victoria - I've already thought of a few shops that should be carrying your line and will be emailing them!

To see more of their wonderful products and to buy them - go directly to notonthehighstreet.com

Christmas Crafting with Kids

Doing craft projects with kids, especially during Christmas time is a wonderful way to get excited about the few weeks we have left. It really keeps the spirit of Christmas alive and it is such a good way to sit down with your children, nieces or nephews and have some relaxing creative playtime. Today, we decided to forgo the trip into Limerick as the weather has been dreadful - flooding all around the country - I feel so sorry for all the people who have flooded homes. I hope they will be back in them before too long. My niece is visiting today and she brought over this book Christmas Crafting with Kids 35 Projects for the Festive Season - Photography by Polly Wreford and it has gotten us inspired to do some projects.


Luckily I had just finished up a carton of eggs at breakfast and so had the egg carton we need to make these "egg carton bells". They are all cut out waiting for my daughter and niece to drag themselves from playing with their Sylvania animals families - then we'll get down to business.

I thought this button frame and the adorable egg cosy were great little projects too.

And instead of a box of Roses, why not make up some home made edible ornaments to give to family and friends instead?

Every year I keep saying I'd love to make a gingerbread house - this photo inspired me again but will I do it? One can only hope!

The initial inspiration for all these crafty ideas came for a project Sophia and I were working on for school. The girls were asked to make an ornament out of recycled materials. Ours got pretty big for an ornament but we were very strict on the recycled aspect.

The materials used:

1 large Corn Flakes box (for overall structure)

1 Cheerios box (for back of figures and bases to stand them up)

old bill envelopes (on which Sophia drew Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the three Kings and her angel)

an old brown envelope (for the "sandy" ground)

1 sheet of paper, an old school handout (to draw the stable)

recycled ribbon (for the handle)

recycled tin foil

Have your children been creating anything wonderful this holiday season? Send me an email with a photo and I'd be happy to post them! Or any recycling projects?