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 →

Books for Brushing Up On Grammar & Writing

March 22, 2015 // 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 →

The REAL Irish Souvenirs to Buy

March 9, 2015 // 1 Comment

There is only one problem with owning a ‘Kiss Me I’m Irish’ tee shirt and that is if you are any normal humble non-flirtatious sort of person it only gets worn once a year. However, if you go with a... Continue reading →

Post-Holiday Brilliant Things List

January 15, 2015 // No Comments

Between Santa and my husband, I received all the essentials for Christmas. But even with all that new stuff, life goes on, children’s interests mature, and I see things that are so pretty they must be shared with you. Here are... Continue reading →

All I Want for Christmas (and my Birthday)

December 13, 2014 // 4 Comments

In spite of my recent Brilliant Things post, I wanted to write a more personal post about what I really want for my birthday (today) and for Christmas. Not because I expect anyone to buy me these things, but because... Continue reading →

Eye-catching Cookbooks and Pattern Books

December 2, 2014 // 2 Comments

This post is just a list of my favourite cookbooks and knitting pattern books, as well as those I am wishing for Santa to bring me this holiday season. No frills, no details, just links. Because these books are so... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things for Holiday 2014

November 24, 2014 // No Comments

I’m starting to get in the holiday mood, so this Brilliant Things post is very gift-focused. Of course, for more ideas, here are additional BRILLIANT THINGS. TOYS Schwinn Roadster 12″ Retro Tricycle We already have this bike for my son (his 2nd birthday gift... Continue reading →

Creating the Perfect Care Package for a Knitter

November 17, 2014 // 3 Comments

Knitmas is approaching and my annual anonymous gift parcel is about to be sent off and many care packages sent out regularly as my favourite hobby. I’ve considered what makes an ideal care package for a knitter and I wanted to share all... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things for October 2014

September 20, 2014 // No Comments

This is my 28th Brilliant Things List! And my 272nd EvinOK post. Very exciting though non-traditional milestones. I like to celebrate the little steps along the way, not just the round numbers. So, today is a post with some random things... Continue reading →

Books with a Lasting Impact

September 7, 2014 // No Comments

I was tagged by a few Facebook friends to list my top ten books. You know, the ones that have left a lasting impact on my life or whispered some form of idealism or feeling into my soul. And since... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things for September 2014

August 31, 2014 // No Comments

Another month, another list. Read the others here. Fujifilm X30 12 MP Digital Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Silver) Smudge Yarns “Phosphorus” Hand-dyed Sock Yarn Smudge Yarns “Clementine” Hand-dyed Sock Yarn Knitter’s Pride Box of Joy Limited Edition Set –... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things – August 2014 List

August 1, 2014 // No Comments

Brilliant, shiny, pretty things. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens (also available from Amazon.com) Quirky PPVP1-WGUK Reclaim Outlets with Pivot Power Sugru Multi-Colour (Pack of 8) Faringdon 25 X 34cm Stackable Cooling Racks – Set of 3 Green Decore... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things – July 2014 List

July 6, 2014 // No Comments

More cool things I can live without but still love admiring. Navy Herringbone Toddler Bow-tie from PlumLovelies on Etsy Gold Chevron Dum Lampshade Wall Stencil French Bee Trellis Allover Fox Bookends Bicycle Rubber Stamp Skyline Skirt Honeycomb Ring School... Continue reading →