Paper goody bag for kid birthday party with rainbow stripes

Goody Bag Fillers That Aren’t Candy

by Evin // August 21, 2024 // No Comments

Following up on last year’s post, Everything I Love for My Kids’ Birthdays, I wanted to share a list of goody bag fillers that aren’t candy as well as links to paper goody bags. I love not including a ton... Continue reading →

Homemade jam in jars with labels and dates. This batch is Strawberry-Rhubarb and dated August '21. A small stamp on the label likely signifies the farm or maker. Photo by Max Goncharov

8 Thoughtful [But Not Too Personal] Gifts That Don’t Break Your Budget

by Evin // November 21, 2023 // No Comments

From office gift exchanges to something to bring when going to a holiday party at a friend’s home, there is a necessary place for thoughtful [but not too personal] gifts that don’t break your budget. I mean, you can’t always... Continue reading →

List of Gift Ideas for Me To Treat Myself

by Evin // November 13, 2023 // No Comments

With my birthday and Christmas approaching, I am making a list of my personal wish list items. This is a bit of a tradition and just for my family. Which now that I write it, it hits me that I... Continue reading →

gifts wrapped in brown paper with red and white string. Tag says 'Made in Santa's Workshop'

A Random List of Holiday Gift Ideas

by Evin // November 10, 2023 // No Comments

Each year, I feel like I move further away from wanting material goods and ease more into wanting sleep, recharging experiences, and replacement items for things that wore out. I don’t know if that’s sad or lovely, but I am... Continue reading →

Circular wood knitting needles with sage green yarn in a bowl alongside a knit lace shawl on a wood table with a journal.

How to Choose a Gift for a Knitter

by Evin // November 7, 2023 // No Comments

I’ve posted many times with gift ideas, knitting care package inspiration, Knitmas gifts, knitter care package advice, examples of knitter gifts I’ve given, and creative thoughtfulness suggestions, so why not once more? This post, however, is more focused on choosing... Continue reading →

How to Clean LEGO Bricks and Why LEGO is Useful for Stress Management, Play Therapy, and Language Learning

by Evin // October 10, 2023 // No Comments

When most people think of LEGO, they envision colorful plastic bricks used for building toys and creative play. From ages three to 99, LEGO bricks and pieces are a favorite for creative play. However, LEGO has proven to be far... Continue reading →

Everything I Love for My Kids’ Birthdays

by Evin // September 7, 2023 // No Comments

I’ve celebrated my two kids’ birthdays in small and big ways, so I’ve compiled a list of all the things I’ve found useful or fab. Essentially this is a big list of everything I love for my kids’ birthdays. I’ll... Continue reading →

6 Reasons I Love Second-hand Clothes

by Evin // September 5, 2023 // No Comments

Last September, over on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, I shared daily videos of me sporting second-hand clothing in outfits. I am not doing it this year, but those posts are still up to enjoy and be inspired. 6 Reasons I... Continue reading →

Cover of The Otter Who Tried against a hand-crocheted baby blanket

The Little Otter Who Tried by Katie O’Donoghue

by Evin // March 16, 2023 // No Comments

Katie O’Donoghue has a new book, The Little Otter Who Tried (Gill Books, 2023) and it’s just as wonderful as her first book The Little Squirrel Who Worried (Gill Books, 2021). As with her first book, she weaves together her... Continue reading →

Group of friends facing the sunset together.

Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Friends

by Evin // February 9, 2023 // No Comments

Valentine’s Day’s publicist has worked overtime for us to believe it’s a romantic holiday, but that’s just on facet of love worth celebrating. For me, I have always seen the day as a chance to cherish friendships and loved ones.... Continue reading →

An embroidered zippered pouch adorned with little bees. Two heart-shaped stones appear to have emerged from the bag in time for the photo. Image by Melissa di Rocco

How To Choose The Perfect Gift

by Evin // January 10, 2023 // No Comments

Much like my father, I’m an easy person to give gifts to. I’m appreciative, see the thought and time behind any gift, and recognise that a gift isn’t just about the recipient but also about the giver in that moment.... Continue reading →

Gift Ideas: Christmas 2022

by Evin // December 6, 2022 // No Comments

Each year, I share some of the brilliant things we’ve purchased that calendar year as well as things that will be under our Christmas tree. You can see those older posts under my Gift Ideas category. Today, I am sharing... Continue reading →

Evin Bail O'Keeffe's books published by Anchor and Bee

Where to Buy or Review My Books

by Evin // October 4, 2022 // No Comments

Thank you to everyone who purchases my books and knitting patterns. Your support means so much to me as an independent publisher and knitwear designer. I have been thinking about my first book a bit more lately as I... Continue reading →

Books & Podcasts About Greek Mythology for Tweens & Adults

by Evin // July 5, 2022 // No Comments

Optimus is fascinated with mythology lately, so here are the books he has enjoyed and podcasts we are listening to. Several of these were recommended by a friend who teaches Classics at a university level, but Optimus is 10 so this list... Continue reading →

Favorite Purchases We’ve Made for Our Home, Garden, and Pond.

by Evin // June 28, 2022 // 2 Comments

As a child, our neighbour had a koi pond in their backyard and later I worked for a wonderful consultancy in DC which had a koi pond in their garden as well. I loved the peacefulness of sitting beside the pond. The... Continue reading →

Introducing books and a love reading to your children

by Evin // June 2, 2022 // No Comments

Today, I’m honoured to be sharing a guest post by Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning. She writes about the joy and practicalities of introducing books and a love reading to your children. I’ve admired their Instagram account for ages for the approachable and... Continue reading →

Vintage & Second-hand Shopping in Cork City

by Evin // March 29, 2022 // 3 Comments

Leesiders love their style, fashion, and individuality, so it makes sense that we have many options for Second-hand Shopping in Cork City. Though most shops focus on clothing, a few carry books, accessories, curios, and household items as well. By last... Continue reading →

Schwinn Roadster Trike for Preschoolers rides by a little kid along a river

Top 9 Items I Own That I Recommend

by Evin // March 24, 2022 // No Comments

I am often asked for recommendations because with two kids and having lived in two continents, we’ve tried many products and weeded out what doesn’t last. Plus, we’ve shed all our things and reacquired a couple times with big moves,... Continue reading →

Figure in pink unitard wearing cheerful hand knit mustard yellow chunky cardigan with hands on hips

Ukrainian Authors, Etsy Shops, KALs & Knitwear Designers

by Evin // March 8, 2022 // No Comments

After posting about last week’s post about beautiful options from knit and crochet designers in Ukraine, I wanted to do a follow-up post to share more ways to support our fellow crafters in Ukraine as well as authors. I’ll also share... Continue reading →

These are a Few of My Favorite Things, from Beauty & Skin Care to Reading Glasses & Books

by Evin // February 22, 2022 // 3 Comments

I have to admit, I’ve curated a nice collection of useful things in my life. Too many things, but decluttering is for another day. For now, I want to reflect on the everyday things I use. Especially when someone at brunch... Continue reading →