I haven't read any books in ages. Part of the reason is that there is such a wealth of information available online coupled with beautiful images. As a result, it is difficult to engross yourself in a book with what seems like endless pages of text... There are just too many distractions. For example I think to myself, Oh I must look up how to make the perfect flower arrangement... so online I go... click, click and next thing I  know  I'm on Pinterest.  This leads to other websites, blogs, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc, etc.  It just keeps going on and on until I can't remember what I was actually going online for in the first place. You know what I mean... Has it happened to you too? And then I never get round to that book that is sitting on my bedside table for over two weeks just gathering dust.

Don't get me wrong, I still think that reading books is important for developing our concentration skills, understanding, imagination, memory and creativity. I feel that this is something younger generations may be missing out on. The sense of discovery in a new book is great and the sense of satisfaction and completion when you reach those last pages.

I have so many books, I have a small library room upstairs in my house and I only have my favourite books downstairs. Lately I am drawn to books with lots of beautiful illustrations and photographs. One of which is this fabulous book Homespun Style by Selina Lake which takes pride of place on my dresser. It's an interior design book which couples both my love of books and interior design...  Have a look at the beautiful photograph and if you would like to find out visit here.

This year myself and my husband didn't go away for any weekend breaks, we saved our money and set off on our holidays in September visiting three countries and the island of Mallorca. Below are some photographs of our holidays... we really enjoyed it and have some memories which will last a lifetime....

From top left: Rome (Italy), Naples (Italy), Marseille (France), Naples, Cinque Terre (Italy), Cinque Terre, Palma de Mallorca, Rome and Barcelona (Spain)...

From the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Kefalonia and Corfu to mainland Greece, to Venice Italy and Kotor Montenegro- 2014 was a good year of travel for me! Here's to 2015 and your health, happiness and travels too :)

 

What have I been up to lately?
Below is a little collage of photos I took recently. I have spent a lot of time indoors as the weather hasn't been great. Today was miserable, however whenever I go out I bring my camera with me.

From top left:
1.Sunset yesterday evening over the lake shore- how beautiful is that sky.
2. A lovely graceful swan on the lake
3. Sparkly fairy lights on my kitchen dresser, I visited IKEA a few weeks ago and bought more fairylights.
4. Reading The Hidden Cottage- I'm enjoying it but reading it quite slowly.
5. A winter walk in the local woods- the landscape is just beautiful in Winter.
6. Eating fruit this weather to keep the colds and flus away.
7. A visit to the park.
8. Another evening sky at home, spot my favourite tree too.
9. Our cottage through the hedge.

What have you been photographing lately? It is hard believe it is the 1st December, I'm listening to Michael Buble Christmas and drinking tea at the fire. Roll on Christmas......

Do you like winter time in Ireland? I know it can be a bit damp and cold but it can be lovely to have an excuse to stay indoors in a cosy living room with an open fire or alternatively when it is dry outside, wrap up warm and go for a nice stroll in the countryside... Here are a few photographs of what I am talking about....

 Ready to light the fire and keep cosy in Castle Leslie (Image from Co. Monaghan)

Walk along the by roads and country lanes to see the colourful leaves adorn the place (Image from County Cavan)

Dusk setting in on an evening walk (Image from County Cavan)

Even the cats are keeping warm on the farm 

and ducks are enjoying themselves (Image from County Leitrim)

Do you celebrate Halloween? I am not a fan of Halloween, but when I came across these lovely images from IKEA Live Hemma I just had to post them...

{Photographer Roland Persson, Food stylist: Elisabeth Johansson}

Hope everyone is enjoying the Summer, the weather is a bit gloomy here today but I am keeping my fingers crossed that more sunshine is on its way... Here are a few images I took two weeks ago when we were in the west of Ireland. I am busy these days doing DIY and painting so will post about that soon.

Our Wedding Day

Saturday 25th February 2012

Just a few images

iLoveMayo  is a showcase for artists, photographershttp and craftspeople living and working in County Mayo in the west of Ireland. Their art  ranges from paintings and prints to photographs and crafts. They are all so creative and unique. Here are two of my favourites from their online shop

{Papercut map of Ireland from iLoveMayo}

{Aw go on! Time for tea poster from iLoveMayo}

           

All of the above calendars are available from most newsagents/ bookstores but if your looking for something more orignial, unique, creative and stimulating then visit Etsy. Here are just a small sample of what's on offer there and the link to each of them. Enjoy!

Todd Smith Photography Calendar

 

Fine Art Calendar with Display Holder -- Artwork by Kristen Stein

daydreams 2010 calendar

CUPCAKES MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY MINI CALENDAR FOR 2010 HAND PRINTED LETTERPRESS

2010 Wild Women Calendars

2010 Calendar - TTV Flower Prints