{2011 Christmas Gift Guide}

For the Fella's

Areaware Alarm Dock 

Professor After Shave Balm 

Schmidt Brothers Steak Knife Set

Nixon Newton Digital Watch 

For the Ladies

The Jane Austen Handbook

Textured Cowlneck Sweater

Owl Dessert Plate

Forget Me Knot Ring

Porcelain Button Magnets

Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific Shampoo or Conditioner (from 1970's)

Watercolor Wall Calendar 

Gold/Silver Sequined Skirt 

For Him or Her

Swiss Measuring Spoons

Bike Bell

The Retro Handset

His/Hers Organic Pleated Edge Towels

Avoca

Avoca = a perfect girl getaway. So during a time of constant assignments and Irish literature reading, me and another six ladies decided that it was time to get out of the house and into Avoca. I think we spent over three hours there. I did not expect the place to be so absolutely cute and girly, but it was just that and then some.

I really wasn't planning on buying anything there...oops.
















I had to get the cookbook and Tea Time book. I just had to.






How funny are these? The tips are even better. I read them aloud on the way home and we were all dying laughing.



smell good soap.



the perfect cups for Jordan and I.



I also bought some cinnamon flavored honey, long comfy socks, and of course a few souvenirs for my little sis and Mom back home :]



Click here to see the Avoca website.

Toil & Glitter

This Scandinavian style boutique is right down the street from where I live in Greystones.

When I first walked in, I was delighted to meet the owner, Jill Barron, and ask her a few questions about her shop. She told me that some of her inspiration came from Anthropologie, one of my favorite stores. Jill has also opened another Toil & Glitter in a nearby town, Dalkey, which is only a few minutes away on the Dart station.

It's quirky and unique flavor is shown in not only the clothing and accessories, but also the interior design, all done by the owner herself. Toil and Glitter offers labels like Odd Molly, Feber, American Vintage, Hunky Dory, Free People, Desigual, and Orla Kiely.
















Would you shop here? I certainly would.

Spirit of Snow

I have gathered a few of my favorite finds for this Christmas season. I know this year is going to be extra festive, and I am going to soak it up as much as I possibly can.

I can't wait to start baking Christmas cookies, decorating the tree, and search the shops for the perfect gifts!




1. Fudge the numbers with this chart made of 70% dark, 20% milk and 10% white chocolate.Chocolate Editions
2. Cable and Cotton decorative lights
3. Adorable Tree-to-be kit
4. Flannel sleep set from J Crew
5. Barky Turntable from Anthropologie
6. Mercury acorn ornaments by West Elm
7. Edible Glitter! at Wilton.


Enjoy the beautiful white weather!

Today is the first day of summer. It took Jordan and I all day yesterday to move my stuff from the dorm to his parents house. But it is done and I am happy to be out of North Hall.

This week will be all about preparing to move into my house. Gabby and I are just waiting to get all of our stuff in and settle down for the summer. I hate living out of a suitcase.

Jordan and I are about to leave to do some shopping at the flea market and goodwill. I am in search of anything that can be used to decorate the house. It will need some life! I want the walls to be filled.

I also just found out that I will be working at McConn next year (the campus coffee shop). To be honest, I am thrilled. It's probably the hardest job to get at IWU, and I didn't think I would have a chance. I can't wait to be a barista with Jordan and so many other wonderful people who work there.

I am still in search of a job this summer. Any job. I am starting to get desperate. I trust that something will come up eventually.