My Christmas Wish List

I recently started my Christmas shopping but I couldn’t help but find a few little treats which I would love for myself, so if my very own Santa Claus is reading this – then take this as a massive hint!!

Avoca

www.avoca.com

On a recent trip to Avoca in Malahide Castle I found a few little treasures which I could have run away with - they are to die for!!

Firstly, I found this fabulous vintage style telephone which is €94.95 and this is at the top of the wish list. I am obsessed with copper at the moment and I think that this would look amazing in my house (when it is eventually built).

I then came across this stunning Voluspa 6 pack candle set for €79.95. I had never heard of this candle brand before, but I am already in love. They smell absolutely amazing and the pretty glass packaging could be used again for storage – they would be perfect for storing make up brushes or even some stationary.

As a little stocking filler I love these Nordal letter cups which are €11.95. A perfect personalised gift.

Finally, I seen this beautiful Brass Jewellery Stand which is a bargain at €19.95 as it looks so much more expensive, I think that it is so pretty and would look gorgeous on a dressing table.

The Moss Cottage, Dundrum Village.

www.moss.ie

The Moss Cottage my favourite shop of treats and hidden treasure has some beautiful pieces which would make lovely Christmas gifts.

For the crafter or wannabe crafter I think that this is the perfect gift – this Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Starter Kit. It comes in a presentation box with a paint brush, two sample chalk paints and a sample clear and dark wax – at the bargain price of €50!!

Adding to my copper/gold obsession (I actually have this already) is this pretty Gold Wire Candle Holder for €12.95.

Hippenings

www.hippenings.com

I have yet to treat myself with something from Hippenings, but I have greatly admired and wished for all the pretty things online since Laura Cunningham’s website first went live. I particularly love their agenda’s both the Ban.do and Kate Spade.

If you are looking for something fun, there is the greatly sought after Ban.do Florabunda Agenda for €27.50. It is sold out at the moment but if you keep an eye out on the website you could be lucky and it may come back in time for Christmas.

For something a little more classic there is the ever so stylish Kate Spade New York Large Agenda Stripe for €46. I think the monochrome stripe and polka dots with gold detailing is so stylish, right up my street!

So there you go, a few little bits that might give you some inspiration for you list to Santa this year. 

Chic & Cheerful's Visit to Robert's Furniture

Last month I was invited to meet the lovely team at Robert’s Furniture in Ashbourne County Meath.

I was blown away by the story of this family based company, the success they have had over the years, their story of how they would not let the recession bring them down and their passion for high quality furniture.

Robert’s Furniture strives to merge design, style, quality fabrics and value for money along with their first class service.

Robert’s Furniture specialises in the repair, reupholstery and recovery of both residential and commercial furniture. A perfect way to preserve family heirlooms, restore high quality furniture, and to steer clear of overpriced mass produced furniture.

 

At Roberts Furniture there are a range of services available from custom made furniture to the reupholstery of preloved pieces. With the vast variety of fabrics available your piece of furniture will leave their warehouse like new!

Robert’s Furniture was set up in 1949 and to this day stands for the same qualities it started with – excellence, creativity and value for money. When recession hit, Robert’s Furniture decided that they would not let it bring them down, instead they looked to the future and further into reupholstery. This turned to be a massive success for the company leading to many new contacts both residential and commercial. Robert’s furniture has had contracts with Brown Thomas, Tattersalls Ireland as well as serval restaurants, bars and embassies.

Since meeting the team at Robert’s Furniture I now see the importance of preserving furniture. High quality furniture if properly cared for can last a lifetime and can also help the environment against mask production and throwaway consumerism.

I was always a fan of revamping furniture to give it new life, but I now see the importance of preserving furniture – it is good for the environment and your pocket.

I would like to thank Robert’s Furniture for inviting me to their showroom and workshop and for teaching the importance for preservation.

If you are interested in contacting Robert’s Furniture their details are:

Roberts Furniture
Unit 15, Ashbourne Business Centre,
Ashbourne, Co. Meath

Tel: 01 835 3035 / 01 8353032
Email:info@robertsfurniture.ie

Chic & Cheerful's - Girl's Day Out

This is not my usual type of post, no way homeware or self-build related but I thought it might be a nice little read.  Last Thursday my sister Lauren, my auntie Eileen and myself decided to treat ourselves to a much needed girl’s day out. We went to some really nice spots in Dublin and I thought that I would share a few snaps of a day out and what we thought of the venues. 

Peruke & Periwig

31 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

We started off our day off in our favourite cocktail bar Peruke & Periwig. The bar has the most incredible setting, very dark and it almost feels like stepping back in time. The bar staff are so friendly and will help you find your perfect drink. 

I had my favourite cocktail “Double, Bubble, Toil & Trouble” which is a vodka based blackberry cocktail that arrives in a mini cauldron, Lauren kept it sweet with a milky, marshmallow vodka based cocktail called “The Cold S’Mores” and Eileen had “X-Rated” which is Peruke & Periwig’s version of a Pornstar Cocktail.  

The Westin Hotel

Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2.

We then moved onto the Westin Hotel for afternoon tea. There are two options available “A Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea” or “Traditional Afternoon Tea”. 

We decided to stick to the traditional option which was delicious. The atrium in which the tea is served in was so relaxing and we loved spending the afternoon there snacking on yummy treats.  

Vintage Cocktail Club

15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 15.

We decided to finish our day off at the mysterious Vintage Cocktail Club. The setting is quite similar to Peruke & Periwig but a bit of a louder atmosphere.

I loved the idea of this secret, mysterious bar which is not advertised and you need to ring a bell of an unmarked door to gain access. Again the staff are really friendly and are really helpful in finding the perfect cocktail for you. 

Hopefully this post might be a little inspiration for those of you looking for a nice girl's day out in Dublin.