Downloadable wallpaper

Through one of my favorite blogs, poppytalk, I stumbled across this pretty neat site which has designed alternative traditional wallpaper designs, which can be downloaded and either a) be saved and used on your computer desktop, or b) printed and used as actual wallpaper and/or wrapping paper.
Designed by thewren, the Darling Toile wallpaper {as seen on the right} is definitely a tongue-in-cheek wallpaper design. One of my alternative favorite papers is the Lovely South Africa Toile {also designed by thewren} which consists of half of the wallpaper designed upside-down.
All wallpaper can be found and downloaded on the Visi website.

Tetris tiles

Inspired by the world’s most popular game, comes the ingenious Tetris Tiles. These quirky tiles will spruce up any wall or floor with a creative edge. Also available in traditional mosaic {nowhere as impressive though}, you design and customize the Tetris Tiles around your desired space. Back splash, bathroom floor, mess room, playroom.

Quite the conversation piece, Tetris Tiles come in a wide variety of colors, which can be mixed and matched with up to 7 colors within one pattern. Pretty creative, if you ask me. Such a simple and creative idea for a pattern, and it really works.
With a destinct retro feel as well, your walls won’t scream ‘old school gamer’ … at first glance. 

Quarter-century

I celebrated my 25th birthday this week. I don’t think it’s sunk in completely though … I attempted to throw a mature dinner party, and ended up ungainly stuffing my face along with the people I hold dear, through strawberry tainted champagne. Mmm.

Homemade scones for breakfast. Strawberry jam and cream – the ultimate treat. I first had a strawberry-cream scone in Orillia at a fundraiser about 9 years ago. So good. I can only handle one though. They pack quite the punch. 
Tiered snacks, and mild moment with antique plates. I picked up this moss green plate the other day for €0.50 (Connemara earthenware). What a sucker.
Castleknock flowers. Including, of course, hydrangeas. 

Yummy shrimp, potato and basil salad I make on repeat, from my cookbook quick & easy healthy eating. It’s my favorite salad at the moment. To see the full delicious recipe, click to see more … 


Ingredients
12 – 16 new potatoes, cooked, cooled and diced
2 tablespoons basil leaves, torn into pieces
4 small radishes, sliced
1 scallion, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lime
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 cups peeled cooked shrimp, cold
salt and freshly-ground black pepper
A few lettuce leaves, to serve

Method
Boil the potatoes until tender, drain, and leave to cool. Place in a bowl with the basil, radishes, scallion, lime juice, and yogurt and mix well. Season to taste. Just before serving, gently mix in the shrimp. Arrange a few lettuce leaves on each plate and place the prawn salad on top. Serve immediately. And stuff your face.

Click here for a handy cooking calculator, should you prefer to measure in cups, mls, oz etc.