[ get your cable on ]

I WAS browsing around on Etsy and found the most adorable shop! Based in South Africa, Lynn Garrett of BiscuitScout, knits up the most amazing aran cable knit items for your home.

How about a chunky cable knit slipcover for your armchair? Or your IKEA ottoman?

If you're looking to add some fall coziness to your decor, a slipcover or throw from BiscuitScout may be just what you need.

I'm smitten. Have you found any fun Etsy shops lately?

lisa

[ got fleas? ]

NOT ONLY WAS yesterday Halloween, it was also Dublin Flea Market day! Held the last Sunday of every month, The Market has grown into one of Dublin's most loved markets. It's got everything you would expect from a flea market from vintage clothes to retro furniture and random odds & ends to an organic food store, homemade falafels, waffles and greek food. And with stalls inside and out, it was buzzing!

The thing I love about this market is that for each month, a poster is designed by a different well-known local artist and are available for sale at the market, with the profit going back to the artist. I love the various styles and knew I would be going home with one to frame for my studio. After choosing a couple that were sold out (no wonder, they were great!) I chose this one which I love in both style and colour:

What a fun way to spend an afternoon and I'll definitely be planning to go again next month!

lisa

[ flower power ]

CHARMING LITTLE flower prints have been a strong trend this year both in fashion and in home decor and I'm loving these rooms that really mix them up and show off these pretty blooms. If too many prints are an overload for you, just adding in a couple of flower cushions with plenty of white gives the same effect but is a simpler approach. Sometimes I think it's nice to be girly and embrace some prairie flower power.

lisa

[1,3 house to home; style at home]

[ the. cutest. thing. ever. ]

HAVE YOU EVER come across something so awesome that you just can't wait to blog about it?? Well, this weekend while we were out walking, we did...

If you're a knitter and are looking for a few supplies, then Winnie's Wool Wagon is here!

Whether it's wool you're looking for, a new pattern or some cute buttons to finish off your project, Winnie's got it in her adorable little truck. Just pop open the "canopy" and she's open for business!

Even the lights are adorned with little eyelashes!

Winnie's Wool Wagon officially wins my award for cutest thing ever. Can you imagine taking part in a craft fair with this little cutie? I want one.

lisa

[ the aran sweater ]

MY GUY just returned from a business trip to Ireland and brought me back this lovely Aran sweater made from soft 100% merino wool...

so that I can look as cute as this {note the denim shirt underneath}...

It's funny because we lived there for 4 years and I never bought myself one!

Aran sweaters ~ aka fisherman sweaters {or jumpers as they're referred to in Ireland} have been around since the 19th century and originated on the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland at the mouth of Galway Bay. Originally they were handknit by the wives of fisherman from undyed, unscoured wool which retained its natural lanolin oil and made them water resistant. 

The sweaters are distinguished by their complex stitch patterns and each have a significance: the cable is said to be a wish for safety and good luck when fishing, the honeycomb is the symbol of the hard-working bee, the basket stitch represents the hope for a plentiful catch, and the diamond a wish of success, wealth and treasure.

Eventually island women began producing these sweaters not just for their families but as a source of income.

These sweaters have seen a resurgence in popularity and have become a fashion must this year, a true wardrobe classic.

The Aran Sweater Market since 1892 on Inis Mor, the largest of the 

three Aran Islands

Looking for a genuine Aran sweater but no plans to be in Ireland anytime soon? Try the Aran Sweater Market online shop!

Of course you can always try to find an imitation at places like LLBean, JCrew, Brooks Brothers, ASOS.com. etc. Either way, you'll still look fashionable...

How about you? Do you own an Aran sweater? Will you be adding one to your fall/winter wardrobe this year?

lisa

[via aransweatermarket; LLBean; models.com; nichollvincent.blogspot; lolobu.com; chictopia.com; stylezen.net; swandiamondrose.tumblr; michaelkors; dailycrush.net; trendymadness.blogspot]

[ familiar beauty ]

I RECENTLY came across the Etsy shop of Boston artist Leah Giberson and I was drawn to her stunning pieces depicting seemingly ordinary scenes. Her work, a combination of photography, painting and collage tends to include vacant streets, empty chairs, abandoned pools, ordinary houses and camper trailers, all familiar scenes that surround us everyday. I love how her use of shadow and the absence of people gives her work a quiet feel that some people may find lonely but I find quite serene and beautiful. Stop by her Etsy shop for more gorgeous examples of her work.

lisa

[ christy bird ]

STROLLING AROUND the area of South Richmond, Portobello in Dublin, you can't help but make a stop at Christy Bird. Known as Dublin's best known antiques and second hand furniture shop, it's been around since Christy Bird himself opened its doors about 70 or so years ago. They've been recycling Dubliner's furniture, be it household or antique, ever since and if it has a resale value they will sell it, and they'll even buy it back when you're done with it - now that's recycling! Many films shot in Ireland have used props from Christy Bird as well.

Time for some rummaging!
Wouldn't one of these doll houses make a little girl squeal with delight?

Lots of tables and chairs in various states of repair...

A gorgeous marble-topped table...

This sailboat would look great in a nautical-inspired room...

How about enjoying a Moroccan dinner on this little table?

Three floors of goodies to sort through...

Heading down into the basement (which I must admit was somewhat creepy down there), I found these old school chalkboards - wouldn't one be great on a kitchen wall or in a kid's playroom?

Or if you're looking for a mantel, you're in luck!

Christy Bird is one of those shops that's fun to look through because you never know what you will find. It's like Ireland's version of an antique store/thrift store/architectural salvage - my kind of place to spend a weekend afternoon. (plus, they ship worldwide!)

lisa