The Times They Are a-Changin'

A portrait taken of me by photographer Kate Nolan in April 2014. See the other photos in her project here.

Blogging will recommence at some point.

In the meantime, find me on instagram.

Arts and Culture blog finalist // Blog Awards Ireland 2013

Last week I got a bit of a shock, as I discovered I was a finalist in 'Arts and Culture' category in the Blog Awards Ireland 2013! There are four other fabulous finalists in the same category, some of them personal favourites including The Irish Aesthete, writing.ie, A Year of Festivals in Ireland and Lexicolatry. Honestly, to be even uttered in the same breath as these fine blogs, is a reward in itself! It has really encouraged to push harder with my blog, so perhaps some changes will be on the horizon in the near future. For now, I'll continue to blog about my cultural pursuits and interests, (on a budget!). You know, I'm happy that even some of my friends read my blog! I have considered doing some freelance writing because theres still a lot I'd like to contribute, but this content doesn't necessarily 'fit' with the blog as it is, but I am unsure as to where to start, so if you have any suggestions feel free to comment or shoot me an email!


Carolanne with her produce at a market in Johannesburg (via)

Two other Sligo bloggers made it to the final round of nominations also, my friend Carolanne of Carol-Anne's Kitchen (for best Blog of the Dispora), and Seomra Ranga (Best Science/Education Blog). Carolanne is a globe trotting foodie, with a passion for life and new experiences. She has lived in India, Australia, and after training at the reknowned Ballymaloe cookery school earlier this year, she is currently based in South Africa, where she brings Irish flavours to the farmers markets of Johannesburg. The girl makes a mean caramel square. I mean I'm craving it right now, thousands of miles away, I've not tasted better yet, and I eat a lot of things coated in chocolate.


(via)

Seomra Ranga (from Irish, translates to 'class room') is an online resource, for Irish primary school teachers, established in 2007 by the enterprising Damien Quinn. It provides a wealth of free resources for teachers to use in the classroom, and Damien is active on every social network there is it seems, tirelessly promoting his fantastic site.

I wish them both well, both are duly dedicated to blogging and promoting their ideals just as well offline!

Blogging was a total revelation for me, I've made new friends along the way, though I'm not sure I can claim that my photography skills have improved! I find it enjoyable and immensely satisfying but I just don't blog enough! The Blog Awards Ireland is a reminder of the talent throughout this small island of ours, and no matter how rural or urban we bloggers are, we can connect with a blogging community on this world-wide platform, whether we're at home, or one of the thousands of Irish abroad, thinking of home.

Giveaway: Pre-Raphaelite necklace by Ruby Robin Boutique

I have a treat for the ladies just ahead of Christmas, my blogger friend Khrystyna who runs the Ruby Robin Boutique has presented me with this beautiful locket of My Sweet Rose (1908) by John William Waterhouse to give away to a lucky reader.




Kay makes necklaces, earrings, brooches and beautiful hairclips, all packaged beautifully and to a high standard, you can see them all over at her etsy boutique Ruby Robin Boutique.



Kay lives and works in the rainy city of Cork in the South of Ireland with her boyfriend and four mischievous cats. She makes all sorts of vintage inspired jewellery and accessories in her bedroom studio, which is on the bottom floor of a wonderful old Georgian building overlooking the river and railway line.

As with any blog competition, there are a few rules to follow:

1. Like the facebook page for Ruby Robin Boutique.
2. Follow me on Google Reader/bloglovin' (over there to the right).
3. Comment below with your favourite item from the Ruby Robin Boutique!

This giveaway is open worldwide, and the closing date is December 7th.

Its Kay's dream to work full time selling her designs, so I urge you to have a look around her lovely Etsy Boutique and find something for that special someone (you!) this Christmas!

She is generously giving an exclusive 20% off to readers, so use code VAGABOND to get your discount!

In a rut

There's been some big changes happening on my side, and I'm hoping there'll be some changes in store for the blog as well. I'm going to get back to updating and reading once again when I've figured out what I want for this place. It's been a bit all over the shop up to this point - I don't know how to categorise it. I don't like falling into any category or labelling myself, but I feel like the blog is in need of some identity - a categorization, some discipline. It's not strictly a 'lifestyle' blog, its not a 'personal' tell all blog, but I am a bit afraid of the title 'personal style' blog, because I don't see myself as particularly stylish, and I don't intend to serve as """"inspiration""""" for anyone else. That being said, I am fascinated by people's style, art and design, so maybe that's the label I should be leaning toward. What do you think? Any comments or thoughts appreciated!

At the moment, I am off sweets and chocolate and junk (biscuits, etc) for Lent!
I've only started noticing the wee collections of sweets I have dotted around my room - too much temptation, but its day 4 now and I've not been this long without sugar since I was about 16.



I'll catch up with you all soon! And boy, is there a lot of catching up to be done.
xoxo