Brilliant Things – January 2012 List

by Evin // January 1, 2012 // No Comments

I’m thinking you may have similar taste so I’m sharing what I’m wishing for lately. Of course, if my Mom happens to read this the wish list won’t carry over much from post-to-post. OtterBox Universal Defender Case for iPhone 4 (White... Continue reading →

Easy Bake Pasta

by Evin // December 27, 2011 // 4 Comments

These days with a new baby at home, I appreciate meals that can be prepared with my brain on autopilot with a result that is filling and delicious. Easy Bake Pasta is perfect for days when I’m so tired I... Continue reading →

Christmas Tree from What I Had Handy

by Evin // December 24, 2011 // 1 Comment

I couldn’t see the point in parting with money for a Christmas tree when we don’t even have a tree stand or enough ornaments. Then I half-joked with myself that I should turn our tall tripod into a tree with... Continue reading →

Frosted Oatmeal Cookies – IFBA Cookie Recipe Swap

by Evin // December 22, 2011 // 8 Comments

This recipe is from my IFBA cookie recipe swap buddy Sharon who writes the fab blog, GunterNation. She sent me the recipe with an explanation of its origin: I was home in Austin, TX in May. Since it was near... Continue reading →

Indulge in Thoughtful Baby Gifts

by Evin // December 10, 2011 // 3 Comments

With a new baby in our family, we’re more in-tune to infant gifts than ever before. All those friends who had babies and I sent cashmere cable-knit booties must have thought I was crazy and impractical, but now I’ve learned.... Continue reading →

Simple Holiday Feast from Start to Finish

by Evin // November 24, 2011 // 4 Comments

Keeping a crowd happy while dinner cooks can be simple, even when preparing a holiday feast. Just aim for dishes that can be prepared ahead of time.  Then when the meal comes effortlessly together on the holiday, which demands your... Continue reading →

Beef & Irish Stout Stew

by Evin // November 7, 2011 // No Comments

Before living in Ireland, I thought Ireland had lots of stews, fish, baked goods (especially scones and breads), beers, and potatoes adorning plates and tables across the country. Of course, after I’ve lived here for nearly three years, I KNOW... Continue reading →

Mini Pumpkin Spice Cheesecakes with Oreo Crust

by Evin // November 3, 2011 // 3 Comments

An easy Autumnal dessert with melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness hugging an Oreo crust that works for parties with its mini single-serving size. This recipe came from a little family chef challenge my Dad and I had with one another. He made... Continue reading →

My Grandma's Pumpkin Pie Recipe

by Evin // November 1, 2011 // No Comments

This recipe is cherished as one of our family favorites. Passed down in my Grandma’s old tin recipe box, the card itself was lovingly stained with splatter. The kind of markings earned by a card that has seen many seasons,... Continue reading →

Indoor S’mores

by Evin // October 24, 2011 // 4 Comments

It’s only October, why is it still so cold outside? I am retreating from the chill outside and enjoying the comfort of my warm kitchen. If you’d like to join me, pull out your cozy slippers and favorite apron and... Continue reading →

Groupon Giveaway

by Evin // October 21, 2011 // No Comments

My first ever blog giveaway starts right now! Well, you should read the rest of this post first for details THEN jump to action. I have a €50 voucher up for grabs to spend on any deal that you like on... Continue reading →

Iron-On Patches for Instant Personality

by Evin // September 22, 2011 // 3 Comments

Sometimes I’ll see the perfect cardigan or bathrobe in the shops, but know it is a bit blah. There is always custom embroidery or sewing lace or ribbon to customize a simple piece of clothing or fabric, but one of... Continue reading →

Jewelry Imitates Art Imitates Life

by Evin // September 12, 2011 // No Comments

Georges de La Tour painted Le Tricheur à l'as de carreau (The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds) in the 1600's and in so created the inspiration for this necklace. Worn in the painting around the neck of the courtesan depicted is a necklace of large olive-shaped pearls and coordinating earrings which is available now as the Baroque Pearl Necklace through the Musée du Louvre for 40 Euros. The olive-shaped pearl are made of glass and coated with pearlescent paint. Its weight on the neck has a luxurious and decadent feel, but with an approachable and everyday price. Continue reading →

Indulge in Your Love of Dinosaurs and Enjoy Sharp Pencils

by Evin // August 31, 2011 // No Comments

  Let Rex keep your pencils sharp. I just love this eye catching Stegosaurus design from Kikkerland – fun for your office or art studio. Thoughtful back-to-school goody for teacher, student, office gift exchange, or dinosaur aficionado. Sure, it looks like a... Continue reading →

Fibre Feis 2011

by Evin // August 29, 2011 // Comments off

A few photos from the coolest thing I’ve done in a long time. And you may notice my belly looks a bit…big. Third trimester suits me well. This is the brilliant designer Aoibhe Ni.   Voxless of Reckless Knitting getting... Continue reading →

Upcycled Ladies Handkerchief Drawstring Bag, Stenciled to Personalize

by Evin // August 19, 2011 // 4 Comments

This is a small project that was made in less than an hour. The sewing would have gone quicker if my sewing machine doesn’t like to unthread itself regularly. I washed and ironed the two handkerchiefs and pressed a crease... Continue reading →

Protecting Your Investment: Gadget Armor for a Modern Life

by Evin // August 16, 2011 // 1 Comment

Coming from a family where my Mother has Multiple Sclerosis, I understood clumsiness, falling, and breakage from an early age. We went through a set of dishes nearly every two years because they were just too heavy and one-by-one they... Continue reading →

American Food Across the Pond

by Evin // August 13, 2011 // 29 Comments

When I moved to Ireland, I packed a can of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce in my suitcase because I was uncertain I would find it in Ireland. I also brought a can of black beans for my husband’s amazing burritos... Continue reading →

Eco-Minded Gadgets: Less Guilt, More Fun

by Evin // August 10, 2011 // 2 Comments

Greater energy efficiency, more eco-friendly materials, and higher standards for corporate responsibility have helped more items be crafted with one eye on conservation and sustainability or, at the very least, using less energy or waste. I am enthusiastic over the... Continue reading →

Cork Gourmet Trail

by Evin // August 5, 2011 // 5 Comments

One of my favorite indulgences is to explore new things – and that includes food. Trying something different can be intimidating, but when it is in the setting of Ireland’s food capital the result can only be sweet reward. This... Continue reading →