How to find green gifts for friends and family

by Evin // December 3, 2020 // No Comments

Today, I’m sharing a guest post by Liesbeth Deddens of Climeworks.   Concern for the environment has led to changing purchasing habits; whether it’s using biodegradable, chemical-free cleaning products, buying plastic-free goods such as bamboo toothbrushes and shampoo bars, changing energy... Continue reading →

In The Book Personalised Books Under the Tree

by Evin // December 1, 2020 // No Comments

You know I love books! And I have a unique name, so I’ve always loved personalised things because it feels special and bespoke. So when In The Book offered me a choice of gifted books to show off my creative... Continue reading →

Shopping and Planning for Christmas 2020

by Evin // November 26, 2020 // No Comments

With lockdown restrictions returning to Ireland taking place up until the two weeks before Christmas, it is important to remain calm about anything that isn’t life or death. This year has been so hard for so many, I remain grateful... Continue reading →

Your Guide to American Thanksgiving History, Recipes, and Crafts

by Evin // November 19, 2020 // No Comments

As an American living in Ireland, I have had to adapt to Thanksgiving Thursday being just another day. I shared my thoughts on this several years ago in an article in The Irish Examiner. Today, I’m not reflecting on my... Continue reading →

Interview with Stuart Simmonds, author of the Hannah the Spanner series of books and Harry the Karate Monkey

by Evin // November 17, 2020 // No Comments

Q&A with Stuart Simmonds, author of the Hannah the Spanner series of books and Harry the Karate Monkey   How long have you been writing? Other than the odd article or report, I started writing my cricket book “Watching With... Continue reading →

Redressing the balance of climate change – how can we can all help in our own way

by Evin // November 10, 2020 // No Comments

Today, I’m sharing guest post today by Louise Palmer-Masterton, founder of multiple award-winning restaurants Stem & Glory. Though I am not 100% on a plant-based diet, I eat several aligned meals each week and gravitate toward meat-free foods in general. I... Continue reading →

My Mom’s Recipe Repertoire

by Evin // October 22, 2020 // 1 Comment

Most of these recipes were ones she learned from friends who were born or have strong family ties to a certain country or region. I think, for my mom, cooking her friends’ recipes was a way of keeping them close... Continue reading →

Top tips for new cyclists – Guest post by Catherine Bedford, Dashel

by Evin // October 20, 2020 // No Comments

I’m thrilled to be able to share this guest post today by Catherine Bedford of Dashel. She has some valuable expertise and insight into getting a bicycle, cycling safety, and all the relevant matters to consider. As a family who... Continue reading →

Collaborating on the Planetary Sisters Countdown Calendar

by Evin // October 15, 2020 // No Comments

One of the unexpected silver linings of a semi-lockdown existence this year has been collaborating with creators virtually. Sometimes, even when you’re local it offers the chance to focus with clarity on your own value. I think 2020 gave me a... Continue reading →

Should I become an expat? 5 Unexpected benefits of expat life

by Evin // October 13, 2020 // 1 Comment

Although you may have dreamed of living and working abroad for many years, there is still a lot to consider before you make the decision to become an expat. I’ve teamed up with Allianz Care to discuss some of the... Continue reading →

French Toast with Raspberry-Maple Syrup

by Evin // October 6, 2020 // No Comments

French toast is easy and forgiving. This is my go-to recipes since I was a kid, but I play with the syrup any chance I get. This raspberry-maple combination is popular with my family, but sometimes I use a blend... Continue reading →

Breastfeeding: Latching On and Letting Go

by Evin // October 1, 2020 // No Comments

This is a different post than my usual because it is very personal. Heck, it includes a photo of me breastfeeding so this is clearly not a post about how I made blackberry waffles with Siracha-maple syrup. Here, today, I... Continue reading →

How to get the best from the last 3 months of a challenging 2020

by Evin // September 29, 2020 // No Comments

Today, I’m sharing an insightful guest post by Sid Madge, author of the ‘Meee in a minute’ series of books. And I have a special discount code for my readers! Entering the code EVINOK will give my readers 20% off books via... Continue reading →

All About Ultraviolet Knits: 12 knitting patterns featuring UV-reactive hand-dyed wool

by Evin // September 23, 2020 // No Comments

Ultraviolet Knits: Twelve knitting patterns featuring UV-reactive hand-dyed wool (Anchor and Bee, 2020) features 12 original accessory knitting patterns designed with black light-reactive hand-dyed wool-based yarns. Ultraviolet Knits is inspired by the night’s sky, some from the view from Earth, such as... Continue reading →

Kindness, Sharing, and Emma Rattray’s The Rug Bear

by Evin // September 22, 2020 // No Comments

It was a fun surprise when I was gifted a copy of Emma Rattray’s book The Rug Bear. We are really into bedtime reading (and afternoon reading) in our home, so new books quickly become favourites being toted from room-to-room... Continue reading →

School Gate Shawlette Knitting Pattern & Every Child Is Your Child Ireland

by Evin // September 19, 2020 // No Comments

The School Gate Shawlette was inspired by the ironwork openings and lattice textures of my son’s school gate. This pattern is a dedicated fundraiser for Every Child Is Your Child Ireland. Every cent from this sale of this pattern goes to ECIYC. There are... Continue reading →

Marking Down Memories in My Creativity Book

by Evin // September 17, 2020 // No Comments

When My Creativity Book came out, I saw it posted on @FitziesFood Instagram and fell in love with the bright illustrations and brilliant concept. Naturally, being a bibliophile, I had to have a copy for Optimus (8), but then he... Continue reading →

Interview with Michael Harrigan & where to buy his book Travel-inspired Knits

by Evin // September 15, 2020 // No Comments

If you’re an avid knitter, you may have already Michael Harrigan’s designs (Ravelry link) or eyed one with a plan to knit it. Completely understandable, I have felt that way too! I met Michael through the online knitting community and was... Continue reading →

Mushrooms – Good Things Come In Small Packages

by Evin // September 8, 2020 // No Comments

Mushrooms can so easily be overlooked in the grocery market. Not only are they small, but also a pale khaki color. At first glance, it makes you wonder who first thought of picking a mushroom from the dirt in a... Continue reading →

Beefy Comfort Food: Meatloaf, Burgers, and Shepherd’s Pie

by Evin // September 1, 2020 // 1 Comment

Nothing warms up a house like a hot oven and these three recipes are sure to do just that. Each recipe uses two pounds of ground beef in a different and delicious way. Of course, you can substitute ground turkey... Continue reading →