Rest in peace

Last week I took a long overdue wander around Penneys. I saw these skull pillow cases for €6, and even though they were 50/50 cotton/polyester mix*, I had to get them. I was so excited when I saw them. Sad, I know. I prefer the gentleman’s pillow more than my lady one, but I’ll take one for the team.
Also pictured – my lovely new purple pillow cases from IKEA, paisley bedspread set by Ralph Lauren {on sale. Yes, yes}, and cute black sequin pillow from Dunnes Stores
*I’m picky. If it isn’t 100% cotton or better, I find it feels cheap. 

Charcoal rain

Inspired by local Dublin graffiti artist Maser, I crafted this drip painting last summer. It’s really straight forward and the paint does all the work. I originally made it bright green drips, but it was too bright for me, so I repainted it in charcoal to better suit my living space.
Also shown is our Dandelion Urban Gnome we picked up at a fancy Interior Design opening evening where the {pre-recession} champagne was flowing and this is the result of our drinking. Money well spent.

Knowing when to fake it

My name is Alex, and I have a problem. I kill any plant that comes into my care – unintentionally. And I don’t know how or why. For as long as I can remember, whenever I had a plant, it wouldn’t be long before it died. And it still happens. Basil or parsley plant? Give it a week. Potted plant? You will suffer longer and your death will not be as swift. I will love you as hard as I can, but I think that makes it worse.
For Valentine’s Day I was met with a wonderful surprise. My boyfriend gave me three gorgeous faux hydrangeas from the wonderful  Madison. I like how he figured out my need of fake flowers long before I did.

Before now, I wouldn’t dream of having fake flowers in my home. They were the epitome of tack. But as I’m shamefully realizing, they are now my only option. But I think they’re growing on me.
The trick is to not go cheap. The level of detail with good quality faux flowers is dangerously convincing.

The Arnotts artificial flower collection is ridiculous. Very pricey, but you will have them forever. I picked up this small hydrangea for €6.75 to go along with my new Madison hydrangeas. Their artificial orchid collection would fool anyone. Baby steps, Alex. 
In action | for the moment I’ve coupled my new fauxs with dried pussy willow we’ve had hanging in our bedroom for many years. Another idea I had was to occasionally pop a fresh flower or two in the mix in plastic water vials to {hopefully} further persuade people that the rest are real. Even the stems are pretty convincing. 
In the background | my watch painting, plus, faboosh kitteh frame from velabronx. Bloggette holla.