Christmas Gifts For Her

Christmas is fast approaching. Some of you may react to this news with joy and others with dread! If you are at a loss as of what to get the lovely ladies in your life I have a few suggestions that might help. I love doing my Christmas shopping on-line,  not only can I stay in my pj's but you can also find unique items on-line you otherwise wouldn't find in your local high-street shops. Here are a few of my favourites.

1. Eye catching glass pendants made in Donegal by Louise Spokes. Simply beautiful pieces suitable for family and friends for any occasion. 2. Elegant handmade silk clutches from Bag Noir made in Dublin. These clutch bags are made from the best quality fabrics and can be made to order, how great is that! 3.Stunning handmade hair clips from Astrid Crafts made in Co Wicklow. Another fantastic quality accessory that's a sure winner with someone on your gift list this Christmas.

4. A lovely subtle fragrance suitable for men and women. The energy of the sea by Inis is an Irish fragrance, they do not test on animals and they also contribute to the protection and conservation of Whales and dolphins. 5. Where There's a wool is a delightful shop on Etsy based in Dublin and owned by Angela Carr. 6. A new find that I am super happy about is House of Ismay, this shop sells wooden badges with text from your favourite books. My personal favourite is the Black Beauty badge. 7. My last gift suggestion is a lovely vintage handmade cake stand by My Grandfathers Clock. The owner Susan also makes home made candles using vintage tea cups, it's just pure genius really! I love the idea of re-using the old an making something fun and if you like cake as much as I do, noting gets more fun than a cake stand full of....well cake! mmmmmm!

Those are my Christmas gift suggestions. Of course it depends on the personal taste of the person you are buying for and there are plenty of pre-wrapped gift set options in the shops but don't underestimate the power of on-line Christmas shopping this year...you could give someone the best present they have ever received.

Happy Shopping,

Sarah x

Buy Irish Day 4: Planet Purple Kids

I don't know about you but I personally love doing arts and crafts with children. I think introducing kids to the joys of being creative is one of the best gift you can give them, so when I came across Planet Purple I was delighted to discover that they make handmade Eco friendly kits for children aged 6-12 years to create their very own pencil cases, felt bags, note books and much much more. 

Planet Purple Funky Flower Bag Kit for ages 8 years+ €18

The Planet Purple kits come beautifully presented and the box can also be re-used for storage which I love. Everything needed comes in the kit, even scissors which is great because I know every time I go looking for ours they are nowhere to be found. Does that ever happen to you?! The Planet Purple kits will also provide a basic introduction to pattern cutting, stitching, sewing, gluing and beading.

The Funky Flower bag kits includes: Felt, scissors, sharp needles, pins, thread, buttons, non-toxic glue, glue spreader, sequins, satin ribbon and the instructions. All very good quality, they really have made an effort sourcing their materials.

Your child might need help with the instructions, which is an added bones I think because getting involved in activities your child will only increase their love for arts and crafts. I also think this would be a great activity for grandparents to do with their grandchildren.

Say goodbye to loud battery operated toys, expensive computer games and say hello to happy, fun memories.

I nearly forgot to tell you Planet Purple is a family run business based in Terenure, Co Dublin. Make sure you  check out their website www.planetpurplekids.com and Facebook  page. They will also be taking part in the Caribbean Christmas  pop up shop in Dublin from Thursday 15th to 18th of November. 

Love,

Sarah

This months Ultimate Advertiser is Carter Beauty. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog click HERE

Buy Irish Day 3: Amhain Creations

So far I have brought you gift ideas from Cork and Offaly and today I want to take you to Amhain Creations in Co Carlow. 

The Owner of Amhain Creations is Valarie Coleman.Valarie makes one off knitted and fabric items. Amhain (pronounced A-wah-in) is Irish for one. No two items in her shop will ever be the same, they are each unique in their own way. 

Valarie's mission is "To put colour into the world". I love her mission statement, the world needs more colour. Valerie comes up with her own designs and is also happy to take special requests on orders.

Amhain Creations Neck warmer €10

After taking part in this years Age Action Big Knit campaign I really have developed a new found respect for the art of knitting and cannot begin to comprehend how people create the things they do with wool and knitting needles. I think it's a fantastic skill and only wish I could knit more than mini hats and scarves! 

I was delighted to review this neck warmer from Valarie. It's beautiful, she certainly put colour into my world with the purple wool she chose to use. It's comfortable to wear and sits on my shoulders just perfectly. I am impressed with the quality of this product and have no doubt that it will keep my neck warm for many winters to come.

If you head over to her website you can also see her handmade 

Wraps and shrugs

Baby and toddler clothes  

Mitts

Bags

Handmade one of a kind gifts are wonderful. Amhain creation items are just that and very practical too....baby it's cold outside!

You can also find Amhain creations on Facebook and Twitter

Do you know anyone in your family who would enjoy one of Valarie's creations this Christmas?

Love,

Sarah

This months Ultimate Advertiser is Carter Beauty. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog click HERE