the least fun I've ever had spending ALL THE MONEY!!!!

Meet Neil! Neil cares about the environment and uses his expertise to improve fuel efficiency and save you money. Neil is very necessary. Neil is very boring. Neil cost €3800.

Pause for minor chest pain to subside.

thank you thank you thank you!

So I attended the Littlewoods Ireland Blog Awards last Thursday night, and not only did I get to put on an actual dress and makeup, eat food while it was hot and consume fizzy alcohol while talking to fellow adults (mostly about our kids, baby steps) but I actually won a frickin' award as well!! 

I'm not doing this for praise or kudos, I'm doing this because there are days, many of them, when I feel like the only thing I've used my brain for all day is to come up with inventive ways to say "no" or find new hiding places for the most irritating toys, and writing this blog makes me feel like "me" again.....but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to be told I'm doing a decent job every now and again.

So thanks to everyone who reads my posts, everyone who took the time to vote for me, and all the bloggers who judged the final stages of the  competition. It means an awful lot that you all thought I was good enough to be up there with all the other amazing blogs that made it to the final stage, and coming home with silver was just the icing on the cake.

                     

                       

it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful

So I was browsing Pinterest recently and I came across something that was so perfect that I had to share it. The idea isn't isn't new, the pictures aren't even mine, but the feeling behind it resonated so much with me that I felt like I had to show it you.

It's the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi, and it's where damaged things are repaired with gold or silver leaf, highlighting the repair rather than trying to hide it, and it looks like this......

Yatzer

It's September!!! The start of my favourite time of year, tights, boots, fires, what's not to love? The leaves have started turning and I came home the other day to find that my mother in law had not only out out my washing to dry while she was minding the kids, but she'd gathered (and displayed!) this bunch of beautiful Autumn foliage for me.

She's a keeper.

I don't know what they are, but they came form a tree and are a beautiful, deep burgundy/purple colour. I think the add a lovely bit of drama to my sitting room.

So now I'm inspired! Last year I had every intention of making like my American brethren and making an Autumn wreath for the door, but this year I mean it, it's happening!

I found these pics on Pinterest and I'm in love with them all, so I may attempt something similar.

House of Jade Interiors Blog

Happiness is Homemade

Bren Did

Sondra Lyn At Home

Love them all!!! But the wreath is definitely happening, I'm determined. As soon as the leaves start to change around here we'll head out and the kids can help me gather some.

What do you think? Do you decorate your house for the seasons? I for one am already planning for Halloween!!