I think this is one of those milk jugs that might just fall into the novelty category, meaning you’ll either love it or you’ll hate it. I love it, my husband loves it but my mother hates it. It has passed the rigorous Mabel & Violet test meaning they both love it but what do you think? Moo Cow Ceramic Milk Jug €9.95 – love it or hate it?

Floral 4 Person Picnic Basket from Mabel & Violet

Extra, extra, read all about it! With all this fine weather we’re having at the moment (I know, I know, touch wood and all that) I am delighted to announce the joyous arrival of our brand spanking new Picnic Baskets here at Mabel & Violet! I just love them and anyone, ok any girl, who has clapped eyes on these beauties has gasped and practically jigged on the spot with sheer joy at the very gorgeousness of them. And when I tell them that they only cost €49.95 the same joy becomes utter disbelief at the super duper recession friendly value for money on offer before their very eyes!! Are you sold yet? If that’s not enough to convince you, here is a list of what’s inside:

• 4 x Ceramic Plates
• 4 x Acrylic Wine Glasses
• 4 x Knives
• 4 x Forks
• 4 x Spoons
• 4 x Cotton Napkins
• 1 x Bottle Opener
• Salt & Pepper Shakers

And if you don’t want to snap one of these up for yourself, they make a stunning wedding present…for the bride and groom that have everything! The beauty is that you can actually personalize them with lots of goodies, like wine and gourmet delights for the foodies, beer and munchies for a laid back couple or my personal favourite – how about some Lyons/Barrys (delete as appropriate!) tea and a few ham sandwiches for a truly Irish picnic affair! The beauties are available for delivery by courier to Ireland and the UK at a cost of just €8.00.

Tea Cosy from Mabel & Violet

I was chatting with a friend the other day and the conversation turned to the subject of tea making (as it does!). She mentioned that she was looking for a nice tea cosy and I happened to have just the thing she was looking for in my shop. So naturally, I then asked her how she makes her tea because you see there seem to be many ways. My parents, when making it in a teapot let the tea draw on the hob, whereas my in-laws always let the tea draw for a while on the table by popping a nice tea cosy over it. Then of course, you have the old quick and easy tea bag in a mug for tea drinkers on the run. My grandmother was a hob woman but Mabel and Violet are firmly in the tea cosy category. I’m a more recent tea cosy convert myself but I must say, there’s no looking back for me now. I love my tea cosy and I’m saving on the electricity bill too! Does anyone have any other tea making methods that they would like to share?