Style Treaty

If you’re living in a small space , expecially if you are renting it can be difficult to make the best use of the space you have. I just spotted this website called Tiny Living via Simply Stated and it has loads of handy things for small space living. They ship internationally on a “case by case” basis so even if they don’t ship to Ireland, you might get some good ideas.

A shower Curtain with pockets

Suction toothbrush holders

Magnetic Peppermill

Hanger Holder

And my favourite, the handbag holder

If last summer was anything to go by then these few days of sun might be our last so enjoy them while you can. But us Irish people are prone to extremes, one day we’re still wearing our knee high boots and tights and then the next we’re stripping down to strappy tops and mini skirts, showing all that pastey (and sometimes wobbly) skin. Then we stay out in the sun with the baby lotion and scorch ourselves until we look like lobsters….come on girls we’re all guilty of it. Some of the fellas are guilty too, otherwise why would we have so many farmers’ tans.

Remember, there are ways to remain stylish and avail of the warm weather. Most of us won’t have the luxury of taking the warm days off work and if you work in an office environment, the dress codes still apply on warm days. And even if your office doesn’t have a dress code you will still have to dress appropriately.

I was all set to do a full post on the topic when I spotted a new post from Allie in my Google Reader - guess what it’s about? Yes that’s right, “looking stylish while remaining cool“. I was a little bit jealous, Allie’s idea of a really warm day is over 26 degrees - pah we’re lucky to see 20 here most of the time and even at that we’re guilty of the travesties mentioned by the queen of all things wardrobe related. And with that I’m going to hand you over to Allie, she says all the things I wanted to say, only better. And if you want to see Allie putting her advice into practice check out her other blog.
Just a quick addition, because we get so few really great days here, you should really invest in one or two warm day pieces that are suitable for the office, face it, you’ll probably get years of wear out of them so it’s worth investing wisely.

Here are a few suggestions from mid-priced stores that you will find here in Limerick

Dress from Next

This top from Monsoon

Would look great with a black linen pants or with this skirt from Wallis

And this dress from Monsoon

And as for shoes

Wedges from Wallis

These are from wallis and also come in black and brown

And these are from Next

Oooooh, Monsoon have some new stuff that is drool worthy.

This is called the Pippa Dress, not sure why doesn’t look like something Pippa from Home and Away would wear   But it would be beautiful for a gorgeous day like today.

This is the Dietriech, I love it but then I love 1920’s inspired fashion, this would look amazing with a pair of Gold or Silver mary-janes and a good excuse to stay away from the fake tan.

And Finally the Chandini you can see it modeled by a ridiculously gorgeous woman here.  (But don’t let her put you off )

I mentioned this recipe in my meal plan a few weeks ago and a few people were interested in seeing it.
It serves 4 so I halved the recipe and served with a rocket and tomato salad and some crusty bread.

What you need:

• 8 spring lamb cutlets
• 4 TBS olive oil
• 1TBS Diijon Mustard
• 4 medium shallots
• 30g fresh mint
• salt and pepper to taste

What you do:

1. Lay the cutlets in a baking dish
2. Combine mint, oil, shallots and mustard and blitz in a food processor
3. Spread on the cutlets and leave to marinade for about half an hour
4. Grill until done to your liking

This is from my favourite non-diet book ever, French Women don’t get Fat.

I had a wander around town over the weekend and there are some lovely things in the shop - I spent most of my time drooling and fighting the urge to crack out the credit card. I did buy this, although mine is in pink.

Wallis on Cruises Street reduced from €55 to €35 - not bad. I actually went in to try this on

But I couldn’t find it so went with the cowl neck one above, I wore if on Saturday night and I have to say it was so comfortable and dressy. I didn’t have a lot of time to de-casperize myself so the dress was perfect as there wasn’t that much skin on show, just arms and legs to the knee. I wore with strappy black sandals and a black drawstring bag.

Monday: Lamb and green bean casserole from Tessa Kiros’ Apples for Jam

Tuesday: Baked Fish with salads (will include tomato salad and watermelon and feta salad - recipe stolen from New Browne)

Wednesday: Pasta Pepperonata

Thursday: Vegetable Stir Fry (carrots, baby corn, kidney beans and courgette)

Friday: Baked Ziti

Saturday: To be confirmed

Sunday: also to be confirmed

Got some pictures during the weekend. More after the fold.

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Here’s a few pictures I took today of the lovely Good Luck flowers my better half gave me for the exams.  My inspiration to keep going over the last few days has been from seeing them on the table everytime I look up to day dream.

These were in the same bunch but to get flowers into as many corners as possible in the apartment, I separated them into another vase.

Oh and here’s a little plant I rescued from Tesco, they were selling it off for just over €1, but it was all dried out and sad looking, I stuck it in this pretty basket and gave it some TLC.

Have a great weekend everyone.  See you on Tuesday.

I have to stop myself from going onto Etsy unless I have something specific that I’m looking for because before I know it, I have a cart full of beautiful handmade jewellery, gorgeous ceramics, pretty cushion covers and God know what else.

My latest Etsy cruise was to find a holder for my make-up brushes. I wanted something that would fit in with the wooden jewellery boxes and bowl that I had up there already. I didn’t really want more wood so I was looking for something ceramic but in a neutral colour.

I found this cutie on Fruitflypie’s shop.

When I went back onto the shop to get the link to add in here I spotted this cookie jar.

Must resist………..

This week, I’ll be eating…

Monday: Vegetable Fajhitas, with tomato and avocado salsa and lettuce served in a whole wheat tortilla

Tuesday: Omelet served on spelt bread toasted (this is a “use up everything in the fridge” dinner)

Wednesday: Spaghetti Bolognese

Thursday: Chicken Wings served with a salad

Friday: Special “I’m finished my exams treat” of Fish and Chips from Donkey Fords

Saturday: Another “special I’m finished my exams treat” of Dinner in the Market Square

Sunday: To be decided