Apr
30
Where’s Milo?
Filed Under Banter, Gifts | Leave a Comment
Milo is my sister’s dog – he’s a Highland Terrier and a bit of a poser to boot! Mabel & Violet kick started his modelling career late last year and the camera loved him but boy does he love the camera back! You’ll see him in various poses throughout our website, sometimes up to mischief but always looking good!
He’s been living the rock and roll lifestyle of late and spent a few days in rehab but he’s dried out again now and is looking for more work. So, due to public demand he’s booked in for our next photo shoot. The trouble is he’s a bit demanding himself and, like most models, he insists on keeping some of the products after the shoot. He refused to part with these silver dog and cat bowls so they were given to him as gifts for his work – who were we to argue with the demands of a top model?!
Apr
28
I have long been a fan of Garden Trading for their updated takes on things from the past. Their lights, lanterns, garden and kitchen products have a distinct retro feel and provide glimpses of happy childhood memories for me. Take this butter dish for example, my grandmother had one just like it and it reminds me of teatime at her house with hard boiled eggs and sugary sweet tea.
I’m delighted to announce that we are now stocking Garden Trading products at Mabel & Violet and our collection includes some beautiful fishing wall lights and pendants, red and green garden lanterns, floral enamel teapots and mugs and of course the glass butter dish with lid above. The green bird houses have already sold out but we will be getting more in stock soon!
The other great thing about Garden Trading is that, like us, they don’t overprice their products but unfortunately for us folks in Ireland the shipping costs from the UK can be fairly crippling. We hope to add to our range of Garden Trading products over time but if there is a Garden Trading product that you would like that we don’t have in stock, please contact us and we will endeavour to get it for you, so that you can benefit from our more favourable delivery costs to Ireland!
Apr
26
Sorry for the lack of posts recently but…
Filed Under Banter, Kitchen | Leave a Comment
I’ve been so busy trying to finish off the kitchen – preparing the walls (removing more wallpaper and DIY re-plastering) and painting them, think we’re on the fifth coat at this stage! It’s more or less complete bar the lights, which are being shipped from the UK, more about those later. The walnut flooring has been purchased but won’t be laid until we have replaced the windows, which is happening next week…finally!
The kitchen had her maiden voyage on Friday night when we had an impromptu dinner party for seven prior to going to Andrew’s Lane Theatre to see our friend Darragh’s band Angel Pier on stage. They pulled off a fantastic performance and as a result they are playing again in the best of IMRO Showcase at The Village next Saturday 2nd May. My friends all oohed and aahed at the kitchen and despite being on the small side she came up trumps in the function and style stakes so we’re happy enough. The only problem now is that the kitchen puts the rest of the place to shame so on to the living room we go! I’ll pop up some kitchen photos when the light improves so that I can get a few good shots but until then I’ll leave you with this beautiful image that I came across on flickr today. Doesn’t Japan look beautiful in the springtime? It has just been added to my long list of destinations to visit!
Apr
9
London Baby
Filed Under Banter, Furniture | 2 Comments
We’re off to London for le weekend, our flight leaves at ridiculous o’clock tomorrow morning and I still have to pack. I was really looking forward to going to Lots Road Auction on Sunday to try to pick up a bargain or three and I just discovered that it’s closed on Sunday…poo! I have seen some items of furniture on their website that I would be tempted by but the next auction is on Sunday 19th April now. Anyone got any other suggestions for me?
I like the shape of this chest of drawers and would love to re-paint it and add some new drawer handles.
Apr
9
April Showers
Filed Under Fashion, Gifts | 3 Comments
April is a funny month when it comes to the weather but it is one that I look forward to every year. It’s a time when you really start to notice a stretch in the evenings and the blossoming flowers and chirping birds of Springtime have certainly become far more vivid in my consciousness during the last week or so. The only downside to April is the unpredictability and erratic nature of the weather. Even just looking at today’s weather here in Dublin, we had sunshine followed by drizzle, followed by heavy downpours of rain, followed by strong gusts of wind and now it’s cloudy but calm! All this mixed weather leaves me a little uncertain about what to wear each day but one thing is for sure…I never leave home without my trusty umbrella! At the moment, the umbrella that I am using is from the shop, it’s a cream coloured Lisbeth Dahl one that I just love. As small umbrellas go it’s not that small but it fits nicely in my handbag and it has gorgeous girlie frills that I just love!
Apr
8
Easter Eggstravaganza at Mabel & Violet
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That’s right delivery is free all over Ireland until Easter Monday so get cracking (pardon another pun) and order now!
Apr
2
Vintage Suitcase Pet Beds!!
Filed Under Affordable Interior Design, Recessorize, Vintage | 2 Comments
Well this is a novel idea, you know those old suitcases you have lurking in the back of the wardrobe that you just can’t bring yourself to throw out….well here’s the answer! Vintagerenaissance have come up with these great quirky takes on pet beds and have managed to recycle old materials in the process – genius we say not to mention a great “recessorize” idea.
Images courtesy of vintagerenaissance
Apr
2
Mabel & Violet love Baby Elephant!
Filed Under Gifts | Leave a Comment
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Maeve from Baby Elephant because I came across her website recently and as we are neighbours I thought it would be great to meet up. I love her website and the concept behind it, and her products are just gorgeous. As it says on the website, a Baby Elephant Hamper is the perfect gift for expectant mums, new mums and babies and the products are practical, luxurious as well as organic and are presented in a stylish, yet eco-friendly gift box.
