a bookshelf with writing and nonfiction books lined up

How I Started Blogging and My Favorite Writing Books

July 27, 2020 // No Comments

Since I learned what letters and words do, I’ve put them together to convey ideas or just for fun. In college, I was editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper, I was an interning editor for an educational catalog/magazine for three summers,... Continue reading →

Woolly and Wonderful Hand-dyers in Ireland & Northern Ireland | EvinOK

Made In Ireland – Makers and Artisans Based in Ireland

March 17, 2020 // 1 Comment

If you read my blog regularly, you know I’ve posted quite a few times before about Irish crafts, hand-dyed yarn, and more, so it won’t be a surprise to read this post. I spent many MANY hours combing Instagram and the internet looking... Continue reading →

My All-Time Favorite Gifts Given & Received

December 13, 2019 // No Comments

It’s my birthday, so I’m sharing a list of all my favourite gifts that I’ve ever received or given. As always, Amazon.co.uk links are affiliate links. I made £26 in 2019 from this and I used that money to buy... Continue reading →

Quilted Bag by House of Nanoo of West Cork, Ireland | EvinOK

My Quilted Bag from House of Nanoo

June 20, 2019 // No Comments

I recently went to West Cork Yarn Festival and fell for the beautiful quilted bags made by Caroline of House of Nanoo. There wasn’t one bag that just spoke to me, but I saw two fabrics that made me so... Continue reading →

What Will Be Under Our Tree This Christmas

December 12, 2018 // No Comments

I am following up on my Dear Santa… post from a few weeks ago with an update on what is wrapped and ready to go under our Christmas tree. It may give you some last-minute gift ideas. This is just... Continue reading →

Knitting by the hearth in Normandy | EvinOK

Dear Santa,…

November 5, 2018 // No Comments

We like to write our Christmas letters to Santa early here so he can plan accordingly. After all, it takes time to do what he does. This weekend, LB and I sat down to decide what we each want for... Continue reading →

An Caitín Beag Bee Stitch Marker Bracelet | EvinOK

Patterns & Stitch Markers that are the Bees’ Knees

September 20, 2018 // No Comments

It’s no secret, I love bees. Like, really love them. As a child, there was a hive in my dresser and we lived in harmony until my parents heard about my roommates. It is also one of the few things... Continue reading →

Visiting Máíre Ní Thaidhg’s Shop in Spiddal Craft Village

August 14, 2018 // No Comments

As I mentioned last week when I wrote about Lunch at Builín Blasta Café, around Easter, we visited Galway and Connemara for a family getaway and encountered the charming Spiddal Craft Village & Cafe. We fell head over heels for... Continue reading →

loving these tassel earrings and other recent shopping finds | EvinOK

Brilliant Things

July 31, 2018 // No Comments

It has been such a long time since I’ve done one of these post. It’s not crafty, but if you share my interests in creating and motherhood and travel and music and so on, you may also like what I’ve... Continue reading →

All the Brilliant Things We Rely on as Parents

January 9, 2018 // No Comments

Disclosure: I use Amazon.co.uk Affiliate links this blog post. These are items I would recommend otherwise. Only the Amazon.co.uk links are affiliate links. Though the Amazon.com links appear to be affiliate links, I closed that account and receive no credit... Continue reading →

All I Want for Christmas…

December 20, 2017 // No Comments

There are so many gifts I enjoy year-round, like my children and my health, but come Christmas there is something that needs to be put in wrapping paper. It shows my boys that everyone receives gifts, not just them, and... Continue reading →

5 Creative Gift Ideas, Tips & a Bunny with a Moustache

December 5, 2017 // No Comments

Today, I am sharing a guest post from my friend Natina Norton, who happens to be a talented artist and creator. Need a pressie for him, for her, or just want something a little out of the ordinary? Here’s a... Continue reading →

A Few Minutes with Coloring Books to Destress Your Day

January 13, 2016 // No Comments

The trend of adult coloring books was on the rise this past year, but unlike some trends that disappear as quickly as they appear, this stress management approach seems to be here to stay because it is backed by science.... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things and Gift Ideas

January 8, 2016 // No Comments

Christmas was fun this year. It was different than recent years since we were with both our families over the holiday at some point. There is a comfort in that which I didn’t realize I longed for. Such is the... Continue reading →

Last-minute Gift Ideas

December 10, 2015 // No Comments

With precious few days before the holidays, here are a few things you can order today and then spend the next week sitting by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate. For Children Quercetti Fascia Georello Toolbox Set Harry... Continue reading →

What Will Be Under My Tree This Year

November 10, 2015 // No Comments

My Dad has been asking what we want for Christmas this year and I keep telling him we just want the usual comforts of the holiday, like bagels, cream cheese, and bacon. But since children like to open presents, we... Continue reading →

Jumper cable power box, Apple Watch charger bowl, hand salve for dry winter hands, and gloves for running

Brilliant Things to Treat Yourself this Autumn

September 9, 2015 // No Comments

Christmas is more than three months away and summer is over. It’s a natural cycle of life and the calendar, yet it can also be a hard time to adapt the loss of sunshine. This list is a selection to treat... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things for Robot Birthday Gifts

September 7, 2015 // 1 Comment

We’re back with more craft and recipe posts next week. But this week, thought I’d break up all the making and doing and baking with a bit of shopping! My son turns four soon-ish and I like to plan ahead.... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things for Summer

June 18, 2015 // No Comments

Here are some things that would be brilliant for ushering in the bright blooms of Spring and shrugging off the winter chill. Tissot Classic Dream Stainless Steel Ladies Watch T0332101101300 Wrist Watch (Wristwatch) Fantastic Cities Coloring Book Knitting Mill Maxi... Continue reading →

Matryoshka: Dolls With A Nesting Instinct

April 27, 2015 // 2 Comments

Russian nesting dolls, also known as a Matryoshka, have an iconic design and history. I won’t even try to describe it when Wikipedia has done such a nice job already. But I will share some links if you want your own. First, I’ve... Continue reading →