Bargains at the Bargain Shop

Innocently strolling over to the cinema on Parnell Street over the weekend I passed the Bargain Shop @ Arnotts on Middle Abbey Street. Its been a long time between visits so I thought why not pop in.

Now Christmas decorations are piled high in the first half of the shop but if you push on through to the back you might find one or two unchristmasy items. Like the two lamps below -

There was no price on the lamps so I asked the shop assistant who was unable to locate a price either. He said I could have them for 15 euro each which I responded by thanking him followed by a quick exit before I had the chance to say I’ll take em’! I need another set of lamps like I need my car to fail its NCT tomorrow. So rather than let this bargain go unrewarded I thought I would share. I know – I am pretty nice like that. Believe me if I thought I would get away with sneaking in another two lamps these babies would be living with me right now. (And they don’t even go with any of my current decor.)

Etsy find

Bring a little sunshine indoors with this gorgeous yellow vase.

The Little Sunrise Vase from Etsy seller Stephanie Kao

My recent purchase

A lovely vase for 11 euro from the Fairtrade shop near St Stephens Green shopping centre. There was also a large size with a wider opening for 25 euro. I just love the shape and lines – its beautiful with or without flowers.

Shopping – Zara Home

Here are some items from Zara Home to cosy up your home – the equilavent of buying your home a big woolly cardi.

Harry Lamp – 59.95 euro

Woolly Hot Water Bottle – 19.95 euro

Tartan cushion – 29.95 euro

Mohair throw – 99 euro

Get Voting

And I am not talking about the Lisbon Treaty – don’t get me started on that one.

No I am talking about voting for The Best British Designs launched in 2009, brought to you by Elle Decoration. Check out the shortlist and place your vote here. The winners will be announced in the December issue of Elle Decoration.

There are two categories – Best Design and Best Surface Design launched in 2009 -

You can only pick one but here are my three for the Best Design from Elle Decoration’s shortlist -

1st pic – Steve Watson – Prop Lamp 2nd pic – Chauhan Studio – Lula Kitchen Accessories for Habitat 3rd pic – Tom Dixon (just because I love everything he does) – Pressed Glass Lights

and for the surface design – here are my top three from the list -

1st pic – Abigail Borg – Polka Polka wallpaper (I have a real thing for florals with dark backgrounds) 2nd pic – Harlequin – Illuminate wallpaper 3rd pic – Sanderson – Dandelion Clocks wallpaper

Vintage Fashion And Decor Fair

Joan from Vintage Ireland has been in touch to let us know about the Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair which will be taking place on the 17 – 18 October at Ballsbridge Inn, Dublin.

The Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair will start at noon on Saturday until 7pm and 11am on Sunday until 6pm. There will be 50 vintage & decor dealers plus lots of retro goings-on: dance, makeovers, fashion shows, swing band, music, movies, etc.

Today’s wants

When I was little I never really liked pink. I had three older brothers and probably thought it was uncool.  So I find it weird that I actually really want this pink Princess! phone??? Maybe my inner pink princess has been waiting for the right moment to voice her demands.

And now for something completely different yet compliments my pink phone perfectly is this shelving.

and I definitely need (well want) a ceramic kitchen tidy in the shape of an apple or pear..

One popular vase it would seem

This vase was on my recent Ikea wishlist. When I spotted this vase, designed by Hella Jongerius, I thought it was a small vase. So I was very surprised by its size when I came across it later in Ikea. The size threw me at the time so I couldn’t make a decision as to whether I had a place for it. But its like the vase is calling out to me by popping up on other blogs.  So it remains on the wishlist.

i think its destiny do you?

Pic 1 – featured on The Styles Files – Danielle’s living room

Pic 2 – featured on Decor8 - house tour of Yves Drieghe

Pic 3 – featured on Nina Invorm - Nina’s home tour

Dublin Flea Market on this Sunday

After a break last month Dublin Flea is back with a new selection of vintage & retro pieces including furniture, lights, ceramics, glass, clocks, mirrors,  magazine racks, prints, radios, coasters, cakestands, record players, coffee sets…………………. The list goes on.

See you all there!

Cool design and good for the environment

I just love these plastic tops for tin cans. Brilliant! Jack Bresnahan designed biodegradable plastic lids for used tin cans turning them into household containers.

Check out his other six designs over at Dezeen