• Orla Kiely bike range for Halfords
    Aquabeaders - Cath Kidston - mindfulness - Monday Happy List - Orla Kiely

    Monday Happy List – Week 97

    August 1, 2016 - By 

    Last week was the first full week my husband spent out of hospital and it was good to have him home. To give him a chance to recuperate the kids spent the week at Super Camp. I was a little apprehensive how they would get on but they loved it. They did a multi-activity week and came home happy but tired every day. Because the children were busy we were able to enjoy a little date during the day. We went to the cinema to see Jason Bourne, I love Matt Damon and this was a great fast-paced action film.…

  • Orla Kiely bin
    mindfulness - Orla Kiely

    Tuesday Happy List – week 93

    July 5, 2016 - By 

    As I lay in bed last night I realised that for the first time in over a year I hadn’t written or published my weekly Happy List post. It’s not that I didn’t have anything to share, life is full and busy, but I was actually living life rather than blogging about it. So, slightly later than usual – it’s time for my weekly Monday Tuesday Happy List, a chance for me to record some of my favourite things from the previous week. Enjoyed probably isn’t the word but I thought the commemorations for the anniversary of the Battle of…

  • Orla Kiely covered mini chest of drawers
    crafts - homestyle - Orla Kiely - tutorial - upcycling

    Ikea hack – Orla Kiely mini chest of drawers

    June 29, 2016 - By 

    I’m sure everyone has the Moppe mini chest of drawers from Ikea. It’s not cheap but we’ve had ours for years as they are perfect for storing my smaller sewing notions. The only problem I have with things from Ikea, is that everyone has them, so I love to add a personal touch. As an Orla Kiely fan I knew they would look amazing covered with my favourite stem paper, so that’s what I did! image from Ikea I love quick and easy DIY projects but I have to admit – this isn’t one of them. The easy option was…

  • Orla Kiely water bottle
    days out - Orla Kiely

    Olive and Orange by Orla Kiely

    May 26, 2016 - By 

    My Stay-at-Home-Mum budget is pretty small and doesn’t often allow for big treats but I have been lusting after the new Orla Kiely and Halfords collaboration since it was announced earlier this year. The Olive and Orange collection consists of cycling, cycling accessories, as well as tents and camping accessories, all in Orla’s signature style. So far in my life I’ve resisted all my husband’s attempts to make me even consider camping. A few years ago we went “glamping” and although bits were wonderful all I remember is the distinct lack of hot water and electricity – not good for…

  • days out - mindfulness - Orla Kiely

    Monday Happy List – Week 87

    May 23, 2016 - By 

    Last week was one of those really busy weeks with lots of mundane things. We had an after-school Doctor’s appointment, every member of the family had a hair cut and there were 2 trips to the Dentist. Thank goodness for fun things too though, my 6 year old received a new badge from Beavers and both kids tried karate for the first time. I love the fact they get to try new things, although I noticed there was an adult karate class too…. I sent and received a parcel for the Nana Company swap I recently took part in. My…

  • beauty - Orla Kiely

    Orla Kiely beauty haul

    March 29, 2016 - By 

    A couple of weeks ago I picked up some lovely Orla Kiely items in Boots and I’ve been wanting to share them here for a while. Since we’re away for a few days and I’ve been using them all, I thought it was a good opportunity to tell you about them. I love Orla Kiely patterns and designs. I got my first Orla Kiely handbag in 2004 (I think!) and have enjoyed watching her bring out new product lines and patterns ever since. I can’t usually afford more than a handbag but I got really excited about her beauty range…

  • mindfulness - Orla Kiely

    Win a copy of Orla Kiely colouring book

    March 11, 2016 - By 

    As a huge fan of Orla Kiely design and adult colouring books you probably weren’t surprised to hear I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the Orla Kiely colouring book. In this, her first colouring book, Orla includes a feature on her much-loved palette, explains how to add texture to the page and create new colours through layering. Pick up some crayons or felt-tips and create your own fabulous patterns and prints. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves colouring, fashion, design and illustration. The book really is a delight and I love looking at…

  • Orla Kiely

    Monday happy list – week 76

    March 7, 2016 - By 

    Happy Monday everyone, hope you had a great weekend. So many good things are happening at the moment. I received an early birthday present from my sister in the shape of the new Orla Kiely colouring book. I love this book a lot! The name Orla Kiely goes hand in hand with print and this book features many of her well-loved patterns. There ‘s a handy colour palette so you can follow her colour style or make up your own and see how some of your favourite prints could look like in your style. I was happy to have some…

  • homestyle - interiors - Orla Kiely - sewing

    Finding homestyle inspiration

    March 6, 2016 - By 

    I spent an enjoyable weekend planning some home improvement. We were in the West End on Saturday and popped into my favourite shop, the Orla Kiely shop in Seven Dials. Have you seen her new range of homewares? There are lovely things but what I really love are the room displays which give you an idea of what her furniture, or a rug, cushion or wallpaper might look like in situ. I took some cheeky photos as we’re planning our lounge makeover this year. We have a long lounge and dining room where the wall has been knocked down by…