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Welcome to the cabin!

For a very long time now I have been daydreaming about owning my own lake house cabin. And since we are talking about dreams, I would ideally like it positioned between the mountains and the sea, so I have the best of both worlds. Reasonable request.

Ever since Heidi Caillier designed Kendall Jenner’s mountain lodge, that dream has not only grown legs - it has taken on a full life of its own. It is all I think about.

There is something so completely perfect about the look of a cabin. All timber interiors, crackling fires, thick blankets and mountain fresh air - a place to escape to in the height of summer or the depths of winter equally. Not to mention the view. Nothing but trees and water as far as the eye can see. Sign me up.

This dream has also been significantly heightened by the rom-com drama Every Year After. It is a way of life I want to partake in. Similar to Kellerman’s resort in Dirty Dancing - although, I always preferred the dancers lodges over the resort itself - the Steiner Mountain Resort in The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, or Camp Walden in The Parent Trap. All great reference points.

1. This pendant never fails to impress me, it is structurally beautiful and the glow that is offset from the plant fibres is so soothing and romantic. The perfect lampshade that would suit just about any room.

2. No cabin is complete without a chequered print. This rug by one of my favourite brands is a classic for a reason.

3. Folk inspired prints and patterns can easily tip into twee fast if in the wrong hands. Alfred once again strikes the perfect balance in this beautiful two-tone mirror.

4. When using timber so heavily across your interiors, contrast is everything. This metal lamp from Zara Home provides exactly the cooling counterpoint that a wood-heavy scheme needs.

5. Soft lambswool blankets for when the sun dips and tired limbs need a nap.

6. An embroidered high street find that feels very elevated.

7. Ticks. Every. Box.

8. This shop and everything in it. But especially this tray.

9. The geometric shapes of this art print adds a nice break to all the texture.

There is a growing appetite for pieces with provenance and imperfection, things that look as though they have been gathered slowly over time rather than ordered in a single afternoon. Antique markets, independent makers, and heirloom pieces handed down through families are all feeding into this common sense approach.

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More than anything though, I want this for my children. I want them to have a place like this to spend their summers - the kind of summers that stay with you for the rest of your life and become the benchmark for everything good.

Fishing on the lake. Making friends with the same children year after year. S’mores around a fire as the sun goes down. A little town nearby filled with lovely shops and a laid-back pace pace that feels radical in the world we currently live in.

I want them to know what it feels like to be completely free for a few months. No schedule, no screens, no rushing anywhere. Just the lake and the trees and the long, golden days of summer stretching out in front of them with nothing to fill them but whatever they feel like doing. All of this to say; obviously it’s the moments that matter more than the material things. These are just suggestions to help with all the dreaming, and dream I do… a lot.

1. There is a reason so many dupes are produced of this iconic Japanese lampshade. Paper lanterns have been around for centuries, but it took Noguchi to modernise the classic and make it stand apart in its own right.

2. Metal lockers are the perfect addition to any kids interiors. They are both tactile, playful and entirely at home in a cabin environment.

3. Few brands understand cabin living quite like Pendleton. The Glacier blanket has become something of a shorthand for the aesthetic - bold, geometric, and rooted in a craft tradition.

4. This faux bamboo mirror works in every interior space and would sit well within a timber clad environment.

5. No kids room is complete without the charm of a camp banner.

6. The real draw of lakeside life is the call to analogue living, and an old school alarm clock is the perfect ally in keeping things that way. No screens, no notifications.

7. This wall-mounted cabinet was made for cabin life. Housing everything from fishing tackle, stones, lucky pennies, crayons, bottle tops to the shell picked up on the morning’s walk.

8. Leaning further into the metal theme is this bed frame - the ultimate childhood bed.

9. A classic for a reason.

After the jump: A kitchen moodboard | What I’d pack for the cabin, moodboard. Plus: More internal dialogue to justify my 10 year plan . Don’t miss out, upgrade/subscribe now to unlock the rest of this post.

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Good morning!

We have officially hit the halfway point in the calendar year. June already.

In Ireland, we have seen up to 130 days of rain so far in 2026. One hundred and thirty eight. Let me remind you that we are only on day 158 of the year. I think I can speak for every single Irish person when I say - how is it June already? We are essentially still in winter 2025, it’s just that nobody told the bloody calendar.

I am longing for beach days, sandy skin and salty hair. Wearing as little as possible, eating so much good food and seeing as many friends as I can muster. I have also made a promise to myself to read as many books as I can over the next few months. Which is trickier than it sounds, given that most of my evenings go toward getting Happy Mail published and freelancing for other publications. Being a stay-at-home mum means there is very little time left over for me, and reading is usually the first thing to fall off the list.

But I am determined. We will see how it goes.

There is something about your forties that is exactly like this - I think it has something to do with the pace at which life comes at you at this particular age, and how radically different everyone’s path has become by now.

Some are minding ageing parents. Others have no children and are off sunning themselves on a terrace somewhere wonderful, with nothing but time and a good book. Others are knee deep in the chaos of childhood, running on fumes with zero space for themselves.

The same age. Completely different lives. All of it valid. All of it a lot. Whatever your life stage, I hope I have covered at least some of it for you.

WHAT TO WEAR

After the jump, two more outfit idea moodboards, what I’m reading, watching and more. Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this post.

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Good morning!

I owe you an apology for the delay - it was my birthday on Saturday and I spent the entire stretch from Friday through Monday celebrating it, which I regret absolutely nothing about. Pub…

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Good morning!

I hope you’ve had a lovely week. Mine was predictably unpredictable, as ever. Started with my favourite place to walk at this time of year - Rhododendron’s showing off. I never take it for granted.

I have been helping out at my children’s school for the past few months on a project - and this week it came to an end with the most wonderful presentation from the children that left me feeling genuinely hopeful about humankind. Children have this extraordinary ability to make you believe in magic again, just when you’d forgotten it existed.

There was also an unexpected visit from a baby lamb, which caused shrills of joy - myself included. The wee lamb then got a little too excited - which resulted in a wee on the floor and you can imagine how a group of 8 year olds reacted.

Right let’s get into it…

INTO THE BLUE

I’m always on the look out for serving bowls and this sweet little guy is just the right blue, plus the terracotta elevates it beyond an obvious high street offering.

CHECK MATE

This plum and blue mix cushion from Fine Little Day feels fresh without leaning too heavily into any of the seasons - it’s more of an all rounder.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

I have this in my daughters bedroom and it is such good value for money. Looks good and is very sturdy. What more could you want?

After the jump: A good frame. A great shoe. A lovely set. A potential mid-life crisis. An answer for summer dining. Come join us…

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MAY, I LOVE YOU

May is my favourite month. It’s also my birth month - and this year it’s a big one.I’m turning 40. I’ve been dreading it and looking forward to it in equal measure. Everyone has an opinion. Enjoy your body while you still can. When you turn 40… BAM. The collagen goes. The peri-menopause starts. What I want to stay will leave me and what I want to go will arrive, apparently. I’ve heard this so many times now I’ve lost count.

Unsolicited advice aside, I’ve also been promised something good - a dramatic reduction in the number of fucks I will give about any of it. Spoiler alert: apparently it’s zero. And honestly? That part I am absolutely here for.

I have started to feel the latter part of that promise already, and it’s good. There is something genuinely liberating about not needing your social currency to be in overdrive. I have my people. My group of friends, whom I cherish and would honestly be lost without. They are more than enough.

It’s not that I’m not interested in making new connections - I am. But the small talk? The energy spent on people who consistently leave me feeling drained rather than filled up? I’m not doing it anymore. How freeing it is.

Which reminds me of this from Meryl Streep earlier this week, shutting down being invited to a group chat. She is saying what we all feel.

After the jump: A summer wardrobe guide, two very good staycation options in Ireland and what to watch, read and listen to this month. Curious?

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The constant 24/7 news cycle and blue screen scrolling has us all feeling thoroughly fried. More so than ever before. We are not built to…

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There is no time like a Sunday to plot your great escape. We all need one - an escape from the news, the weather, and the relentless demands of everyday life.

I’ve been dreaming of Barbados, or somewhere equally far-flung and sandy, preferably with no wifi, where I can fully switch off and unclench.

It has been winter for six months!!! My complexion is officially translucent and my Vitamin D levels are at crisis point. Today’s Happy Mail is therefore dedicated entirely to the healing power of a proper holiday, the kind that transports your mind to happier climes and sorts out whatever ails you.

Where to go and what to pack - fun decisions, slightly overwhelming ones, and yes, entirely first world problems. But they’re ours, and we’re leaning in.

THE ISLAND GIRLS

What to pack?

I’m never quite sure which decision determines the other - do I pack for the holiday I want, or book a holiday based on how I want to dress? It’s a chicken and egg situation, but regardless, the two are completely intertwined.

For that island girl vibe, think blousy, silky, and flouncy superlatives and you won’t go far wrong.

WHERE TO GO?

For the truly off-grid escape - the once-in-a-lifetime kind - destination is everything. I've been lucky enough to travel for work over the years, writing about the places I visited and spending a lot of time researching this subject properly. Long haul flights deserve a worthy reward at the other end, and that means getting the destination exactly right.

COBBLERS COVE, BARBADOS

Barbados has long been on my bucket list - the colourful buildings, the golden sands, the beautiful people. And if I ever get to tick it off, Cobblers Cove on the west coast is exactly where I want to stay. This pink-hued, family-run hotel is famed for its lush green gardens and interiors designed using Soane Britain fabrics - and if you have even a passing interest in beautiful spaces, it's easy to see why this place feels like a designer's dream made real.

ONE & ONLY, REETHI RAH

This place is ridiculous. I would almost hesitate to go somewhere this beautiful, for fear that the rest of my life would forever disappoint me upon returning to reality. Almost.

COMO SHAMBALA, BALI

For those looking to restore both body and mind, you can't get much better than COMO. Think jungle enclaves, sacred springs, and the kind of stillness that actually reaches you. You don't just check in your luggage on arrival - you hand yourself over entirely, and they take care of the rest.

AMANGIRI, UTAH

There are hotels that impress and then there are hotels that genuinely stop you in your tracks. Amangiri is the latter. Sitting in the canyon lands of southern Utah, this is architecture in total conversation with its landscape - all pale stone and clean lines dissolving into the surrounding desert as if it simply grew there. If you’re looking for proof about how environments shape us, Amangiri is it.

Of course you don’t have to travel 24 hours across the globe to find serenity, Europe has some of the most beautiful idylls in the world.

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THE ROOSTER, ANTIPAROS

The Rooster in Antiparos is part resort, part holistic wellness retreat. Known for the incredible sunsets and sundowners - this 16 private house resort overlooking the Aegean sea on one of the lesser rockey Cycladic Islands, is the perfect place to disconnect from it all.

LE SIRENUSE, POSITANO

This place! I found it so hard to narrow it down to 4 photos, I urge you to look it up and see for yourself. Another contender for the ultimate bucket list, and arguably the most romantic address on the Amalfi Coast. Le Sirenuse is instantly recognisable by its deep red exterior and clifftop perch above Positano - a view so good it almost feels unreasonable. The kind of place that makes you want to write letters, drink Aperol at noon, and never leave.

What to listen to?

After the jump…

Where to go on a more budget friendly, closer to home vacation and what to pack - a guide.

THE CONCRETE JUNGLE GIRLS

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How was everyone’s Easter break? I had such a lovely week with my family - living a very analog life, free of stress, and doing little more than puzzles, long walks, reading, and enjoying good food. So, as promised from my short time away from screens, today’s dispatch is a bumper. Normal service resumes today and the kids are back to school tomorrow, so today’s post is the perfect time to think about giving my house a good spring clean and getting it ready for the summer months ahead.

Spring cleaning is my version of New Year - a reset that channels that familiar September back to school feeling. Twice a year, I carve out the time to re-organise, file things away, and clear space for the months ahead. It’s a fair amount of work upfront, but the payoff is bountiful - and the rewards linger long after into the summer months.

THE GARDEN

Now is the time for planting, reseeding and composting your lawns, clearing borders, removing any dead foliage and staying vigilant against any slug invaders.

In bloom

• Primrose

• Cherry Blossom

• Hellebores

• Daffodils

• Tulips

• Hyacinth

What to plant - Flowers

• Dahlias

• Ranunculus

• Anemones

What to plant - Vegetables

• Spinach

• Chillies

• Potatoes

• Beetroot

• Chard

• Tomatoes

Even if you do your best to tidy everything away properly over winter, spring inevitably calls for another clean. How much work that involves, however, largely depends on how well you prepared your garden for the season ahead. Cobwebs, dust, and overgrowth are unavoidable, so now is the time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Before you know it, you’ll be relaxing, enjoying the fruits of your labour.

THE KITCHEN

I’ll admit it, I’m not the best at keeping my filters or oven as clean as I’d like. I’ll also admit that I’m rarely the one to tackle it​ - that job usually falls to my husband. But I do understand how important it is, and I genuinely appreciate it when it’s done. Consider this my pledge to wipe everything down after each use, from here on out.

Whenever it’s time for a proper deep clean of the kitchen and utility, I have to brace myself for the mammoth task ahead. And yet, once it’s finished, the difference is undeniable. It’s the kind of invisible labour that goes unnoticed by everyone but you, but it keeps everything running more smoothly​ - and in some cases, like with filters, it’s essential for safety.

Other tasks on my list include replacing everyday linens, such as: tea towels and well-worn tablecloths and updating tired kitchenware: from a chipped bread bin to plates that have seen better days, among many other small but telling details.

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THE LIVING ROOM

The living room sees less traffic than the kitchen, but it still absorbs the wear and tear of daily life. It’s also usually home to the household’s library of books, along with blankets and cushions - all of which require regular upkeep and careful dusting.

THE BEDROOM

The place you spend a significant portion of your life: sleeping, unwinding, and recalibrating both body and mind - deserves a certain reverence. A space like this should feel boujee and indulgent, layered with the finest touches to cocoon and replenish you. Is there anything better than falling into bed at night? Maybe only when you sneak an afternoon nap when its pouring rain outside… Heaven!

THE BATHROOM

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the living room its soul, and the bedroom its sanctuary, then the bathroom is its place of restoration - where the rituals of each day begin and end, shaping how you feel for the day and night ahead.

I love writing these posts for you, so please do leave me a comment or share this post if you enjoyed reading it.

Chat to you next week, Jennifer x

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Easter is on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to hosting those closest to me for Sunday lunch. As a child, the day arrived marked by boxes of chocolate eggs, an obligatory Sunday Mass, and a family meal at a local, family-run lodge - everyone dressed in their Sunday best.

I don’t go to church anymore, yet, it does feel like some of the structure around days like this has faded. There was a clear sense of occasion to it that’s less common now. Maybe social media has partly filled that gap, giving people a reason to mark seasonal moments again, even in a more casual way. Either way, it’s a good excuse to get people together.

So today’s Substack is focused on Easter - a simple nod to the start of spring, with a few ideas for marking it, whether you’re keeping things low key or making more of a day of it.

THE TABLE

Christmas is the obvious moment to go all out - on both the table and the décor - but in our house, Easter comes a close second. It marks the first real occasion after the festive season when we gather again. I’ll take any excuse to dress a table and make a bit of a fuss. Of course, you don’t have to do everything - or anything at all - but these are the pieces I’ll be pulling out of storage to zhuzh up the space and set the tone for the day.

THE KIDS

Let’s be honest, there is little that can be compared to the joy that children bring to these occasions - if we allow for it, it can have us believing in our own magic tricks. The importance to include children in the day is lost on so many. Children are often times considered an after thought, plied full of sugar and then expected to “behave.” However, if we are patient, flexible and willing to relinquish control, it genuinely invites children to enjoy the day rather than perform and comply.

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Happy Sunday - this burst of spring weather has been such a welcome change. We spent the entire day at the beach, grazing on picnic bits while the kids played, forming fleeting, perfect friendships that last just a day. It all felt straight out of the ’90s - long, carefree hours outdoors, making friends with ease, climbing and rolling down sand dunes, fish and chips and finishing it all off with a classic 99.

My nostalgic mood started thinking about my favourite kids’ brands and how to bring that same feeling into my own kids’ bedrooms and the spaces they play in.

Children’s décor has come a long way since I was growing up. Yet many people still feel overwhelmed when designing their children’s bedrooms, defaulting to baby blue or princess pink in an attempt to create a sense of individuality. In reality, these gender-stereotyped colour palettes can feel limiting rather than expressive, overlooking the richness and creativity that a more thoughtful approach to design can offer.

There are countless ways to express your child’s interests - alongside your own design sensibility - in a way that feels both cohesive and liveable. Think patterned blankets, colourful cushions, and richly textured rugs, all layered to create a space that is as inviting as it is personal.

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Happy Sunday, friends. I’ve discovered something that admittedly took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out: I can make the images in my posts clickable. It’s far more aesthetically pleasing and, more importantly, much more user friendly. So if you’re looking for the links, just click the picture!

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend ahead of Paddy’s Day next week. I’ve managed to buy enough green paraphernalia to clothe an entire classroom of children! We have Lá Glas on Monday, and then on Tuesday we’ll be taking part in the parade, which is very cute and exciting for the children. But, for now, I am talking all things on my radar right now.

BEDDING

I am loving this bedding from Zara right now, the embroidered pillowcases and that percale ticking stripe is a beaut.

NIX by NICOLA HARDING

This sofa, this fabric - it could all make me weep it is so beautiful. Nicola Harding never fails to deliver on her colour pairings and this curtain call sofa in regatta cotton flame is a great example of her rich colour palette.

C’EST SI BON

I am looking for a more elevated replacement for my trustee bobbins but without compromising on the elastic, this Scrunchie from Sézane is just the ticket.

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They say a bad workman always blames his tools. I’m not so sure. Sometimes, the proverb misses a deeper truth: our environment shapes us more than we care to admit. Your surroundings have a profound effect on your overall mental wellbeing. This sounds dramatic but I assure you it isn’t. Creativity rarely thrives under fluorescent lights and blank grey walls. If you’re waiting for inspiration to strike, it’s worth asking whether you’ve given it anywhere to land.

2019 changed the way we work. And although the powers that be are doing their best to steer us back to old routines, the shift has largely stuck. For many, the office is no longer a five day fixture but a part time destination, with home now hosting at least half of the working week. If you’re fortunate enough to have a room dedicated to an office, all the better - but it’s far from essential. What matters is the values you place on both form and function. Maximising your space and staying organised so that everything has its place not only keeps distractions at bay but also creates an environment where ideas can flow freely and work feels effortless. Of course, every job demands its own set of tools, so take or leave the ideas below as they suit your workflow.

The way everyone approaches work is different, yet one principle holds true for most of us: routine is powerful. A thoughtful structure sharpens focus, steadies the mind, and trains the brain toward consistency. Keep it simple. Break your day into manageable steps. Momentum isn’t built in grand gestures, but in small, deliberate actions.

1. DOPAMINE HIT - Before I even think about sitting down at my desk, I step outside. Even a brisk walk around the block is enough. That first dose of daylight - ideally within 30 to 60 minutes of waking - can be transformative. Morning light helps regulate our circadian rhythm, heightens alertness, and elevates mood. It’s a small ritual with an outsized return, setting the tone for clarity and sustained energy throughout the day. Read more about it here.

2. TALKING TRASH - Before diving into work, clear your physical space. Remove the clutter. Toss the stray papers, remove the finished coffee cups, straighten the stack of papers. A tidy desk is more than aesthetic - it creates mental order. The difference between calm and chaos often begins with what’s directly in front of you.

3. EXECUTIVE DECISION - Buying an ergonomic chair can be surprisingly tricky. Most options dutifully tick the function box, yet rarely satisfy the eye. The challenge lies in finding a piece that delivers on both comfort and design. Admittedly, it’s not a realistic price point for most - but it is undeniably beautiful. If nothing else, let it serve as inspiration: a reminder that timeless design can always be reimagined in more accessible, affordable ways without losing its essence.

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No weekend dispatch today folks, I’m sorry. I think I speak for half the country when I say, this has been a very long winter. That dreaded lurgy has struck our household hard. I don’t think there has been a single week this year that someone hasn’t needed a pharmacy dash.

For now though, I am needed in the trenches to hold sick hands and mind weary soul…

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I was listening to Gwyneth Paltrow on Good Hang, and she mentioned the many ways she takes care of herself. Obviously, many of them are unattainable for us mere mortals, but a lot of what she said is relatable and doable. I also, don’t understand how GP irks so many people - I think she’s great!

This is not a QVC style shopping channel list of things to buy that promise three-minute abs (although I’ve been tempted), or those oddly tempting devices that claim they’ll cut your cucumber a million different ways. No - these are simple, manageable, and sustainable ways to look after yourself, even when you’re up to 90.

1. HANDY DANDY - We are all feeling the effects of the frequent change between freezing winter cold to the dry air of central heating. My skin and hands are the first to show the first tell tale signs of pruney distress. This Aesop hand cream is so beautiful and keeps pesky, flaky skin at bay.

   

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2. SIPS - Speaking of pruney, I’m inching toward the front lines of perimenopause (fun!). I’m straddling that familiar line between dehydration and the need for a drink, while carefully avoiding overdoing it, for fear of endless bathroom visits - told you it was fun - So I’m reduced to sipping mouse sized amounts of water to stave off cotton mouth, and somehow this beautiful carafe almost manages to distract me from my oestrogen decline.

   

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3. PAPER NERD - The big bad world of tech will never come for my love of pens, paper and all things stationery. I would always reach for pen and paper first, before opening my notes app. It helps my brain to make sense of things by writing it down - a sort of way of committing it to memory. Anything from Present and Correct is sure to brighten your mood.

   

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4. ON THE GO - Whilst ferrying between appointments, school, sports and everywhere in between - I need to have a quick go-bag for all my essentials; make-up, hand creams, bobbins, chargers, kids bits. My current bag was looking at bit grubby so I have updated to this pouch set and it’s brought instant cheer, not to mention usefulness.

   

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5. TOUCH UP - Sadly, I am not the owner of my own dressing table, I feel like a failed grown-up woman without one, but here we are. This make up mat would absolutely not be approved by Madame de Pompadour, but its useful, cheap and extremely handy to roll her out and back again. It also beats using a window ledge or sides of the sink and losing things down the drain - although I do love the aesthetic of a fabulous sink scattered with girly-bits.

   

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6. TRINKETS - Every night, I take off my rings and put on hand cream - by girl math standards my aesop cream above has already paid for itself - This ring dish is the perfect little catch all for keeping your goods safe.

   

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7. LAY ME DOWN IN SHEETS OF COTTON - The older I get, the colder I like my bedroom at night. I know I’m going against the masses, but I’ve finally accepted that I’m not a linen-sheets kind of girl. I might reconsider if I had someone to press and change brand-new sheets every day. As it is, linen only leaves me hotter, and far less comfortable than crisp, cool cotton. Rebecca Udall’s sheets wear beautifully and feel every bit as good as they look.

   

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8. SWITCH IT UP - Inspired by an image I discovered on Pinterest, I painted an apple onto my son’s light switch - a simple, inexpensive upgrade that makes me smile every time I see it. Now turning my attention to my daughter’s room, I’m drawing inspiration from Riley Sheehy’s whimsical collection of painted light switch covers.

   

   

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9. PINCH ME - Cooking is something I really enjoy - especially when I have the time and space to make a meal from a recipe. If I’m on autopilot and just whipping up a quick dinner that isn’t very inspiring, I like to get some semblance of joy from the utensils or tableware I’m using - something to zhush up the mood. My “Monster Pinch” from Beata Heuman is my trusty companion, and I love him

   

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10. LAMPS - Lamps, lamps, lamps! If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a million more times: you will only understand the true power of lamps, when you switch off your overheads. No more harsh unflattering glare, please. I am completely taken with this new travertine lamp by H&M home. Isn’t she fabulous?

    

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11. SUNDAY CHECK IN - Catching up with friends is guaranteed to lift your spirits. There’s something deeply sacred about female friendships. My group of friends often jokes about starting a commune - moving somewhere idyllic and living side by side - but honestly… how amazing would that be? Women just get each other. We know when to step in and hold one another up, when to simply listen, when to help lighten the burdens of everyday life. I could cry just thinking about it. Anyone else ready to burn their bras and run away together? Of course the demands of daily life and getting older means less time spent together so, we have started to send a weekly update with a photo of each day of the week.

@kalebs.thoughtsWe are obsessedddd #sundayreset #photodump #cameraroll #nofilter #bffgoals

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12. KEEPING COMPANY - When driving on long commutes or if you have chores to do and want some background company. Podcasts continue to be an excellent source of content. There are many I have listened to over the yeas which have stayed with me, some v old and some newer ones that come to mind

    • The Canoe Con

    • Sweet Bobby

    • Ffern Podcast

    • Wisecrack

    • Good Hang

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13. WELL STOCKED - A well stocked car/fridge/pantry is infinitely pleasurable. I was recently influenced to buy this for my car and have never looked back. It holds so much and fits perfectly from side to side, while still leaving a huge amount of room at the front of your boot for everything else.

    

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Hello February!

The year is still unfolding. January has passed, February lingers, and the darker months insist on moving at their pace. I’ve never been one to rush this part - it’s a time for easing in, not sprinting ahead. By March, everything accelerates. Time tightens, the days stretch, and summer suddenly feels around the corner.

The days are growing brighter, and that long awaited stretch of light is slowly approaching. With it comes the urge to purge - to clear the clutter and usher fresh, clean interiors into our homes. This year, I’ve vowed to organise and care for my clothes more thoughtfully and extending their lifespan.

Still, I don’t pretend to have it all mastered. Sewing remains an exercise in optimism rather than precision; seams are imperfect, knots do most of the work. Care labels are acknowledged, rarely obeyed. But perhaps that’s part of the process. However, no more, 2026 is the year I become a grown up and organise my utility room in a way that makes me want to spend time there.

If like me you’re lucky enough to have a utility room, it’s best to understand how you utilise the space before trying to rearrange or spend your hard earned cash on items you might not even need.

Hanging peg rails to free up valuable countertop real estate, such as this by woodedit uk - the high street has some similar options like this from H&M home. These lovely jute baskets are also handy for pegs, missing socks or random buttons and bits that you need to house until a later date.

If you’re building from scratch, consider a clever idea from the brilliant Rita Konig, who poses a simple question: why carry laundry downstairs, only to haul it all back up again once it’s done? It makes little sense. Unless, of course, your utility room doubles as a pantry - in which case, keeping it downstairs feels entirely justified.

Rita also advocates for two washing machines in larger households. Not as an indulgence, but as a practical solution: the same amount of laundry, done faster. And if you have the space - and the appetite for the upfront cost - why not? I may have ambitions of lingering in my utility room, but getting out quicker has its own appeal..

With all that washing, comes all that folding and hanging to dry, which inevitably means less room. The deVOL laundry maid is far more aesthetically pleasing than a clothes horse - bonus points for being out of sight - with its clever pulley system you can raise it up to the ceiling to dry, letting you carry on with the folding.

I’m not a fan of putting detergents and liquid tabs into clear jars and labelling everything, it’s a bit too TikTok trendy for my liking, don’t get me wrong, it’s better than the alternative of having bulky plastic branded bags and boxes on display, but I think a sink skirt is far more pleasing to the eye and will never go out of style.

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But…

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Today’s dispatch is for paid subscribers, but I have left a small portion free up-front.

I have always loved art. I can appreciate the history behind it, the worlds it opens up - even if I don’t always fully understand them. I’m not an art historian, nor am I an artist, so why should I speak on the subject at all? Perhaps that’s exactly why I should. Those of us who admire art from the outside - who are drawn to it yet quietly intimidated by its perceived elitism - still care deeply about it.

It wasn’t until I found myself in a position to buy my first serious piece of art that I realised just how little I understood this world. How does it actually work? Do you walk into a gallery, point to a piece you love, nod knowingly at the gallerist while they carefully lift it from the wall, wrap it up, and send you on your way? Of course not.

SO WHAT DO YOU DO?

If you discover an artist on Instagram and click through to their website, it often follows the same familiar structure: past works, contact, an Instagram link. There’s something almost cloak and dagger about it all - as though you shouldn’t approach, as though the artist is far too busy at the easel to engage with the realities of modern life. That’s obviously not the case, but it’s exactly how it felt when I was starting out.

It was only after speaking to a close friend - someone deeply versed in this world, with a family steeped in art - that things began to make sense.

FIRST STEPS:

• If you’re unsure where to discover artists: first look up the leading galleries. I have listed a few below - make an appointment to visit and view their current exhibitions and talk to the curator, ask about pricing and talk through their available works.

• Get to know the leading galleries and make a habit of signing up to their newsletters. One to watch is the RHA Gallery in Dublin, which has just announced its 196th Annual Exhibition (displaying May 25th - August 9th) - an unmissable fixture on the cultural calendar. With an open call for public submissions, it offers a rare opportunity to discover fresh, emerging talent alongside more established names.

• Don’t be concerned about what is good art and what artist is “one to watch.” Just start by seeing what you like. At the end of the day the art is to hang in your home, not a gallery and you have to look at it day in and day out so make sure you love it.

• Once you discover an artist - find them on Instagram - this is usually their main communication platform, which has links to their website, agents, gallery exhibitions or if they are teaming up with other artists on projects.

• Check their websites - a lot of artists/photographers sell directly on their websites or in collectives - such as wondering people - where they sell original and limited edition artworks from up and coming artists.

• Join mailing lists to your favourite artists and art pop-ups to hear announcements of upcoming exhibitions, such as Art Mart in Hen’s Teeth starting February 26th - March 1st, featuring local artist Domino Whisker; listed below.

• Car-boot sales and antique shops are also great places to view artwork. Another place that is highly recommended, is the Russborough House autumn art-boot sale. A treasure trove of incredible art at a fraction of their usual prices.

• Enjoy the process and never rush it. There is no rush, if an artist has sold out their favourite works don’t settle for one that doesn’t move you in the same way, hold out for their next collection, no matter how convincing the art gallery curator is.

• If shopping abroad for prints, consider buying just the print and having it framed closer to home, this is much more economical. A good framer won’t steer you wrong.

ON MY RADAR

This list is by no means exhaustive, there is so much talent these days. This is just a sample size of some favourites. Obviously, it goes without saying that art is subjective, so what catches my eye, might turn someone else’s. Trust your gut, follow your instincts. Some people might like an artists work because it makes them feel something, remember a special person, a moment in time, or it can be as simple as liking the colour and texture. There is no right answer.

1. DOMINO WHISKER

   I’ve written about Domino before, and her work continues to linger with me. It is unmistakably unique, layered with depth and meaning, and utterly compelling. I have already sworn that one day one of her pieces will be mine. Everything she turns her hand to feels considered and intentional, though it is her birds that captivate me most. Domino sells smaller works directly through her website and regularly exhibits in Dublin, with occasional shows across the pond in the States. Domino also accepts commissions.

2. DOREEN KILFEATHER

   Doreen is not only a remarkable talent, but someone I have had the pleasure of working with on many occasions. She is that rare breed of talent, brains and warmth - such a lovely genuine person, makes liking her work even easier. Doreen doesn’t sell directly on a website - she is more laid back in nature - so best way to contact her is sending her a DM to find out about available works.

   

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Every year, as January 1st rolls around and the Christmas decorations are boxed away until December beckons them back, I feel the urge to reset. Not in the sense of lofty New Year’s resolutions (no one needs that kind of pressure), but in a more practical way: a return to routine. There’s comfort in the familiar rhythms of everyday life, and after the pause the Christmas break affords, I often notice small ways to simplify the rush, and to make family life far less stressful. This isn’t a groundbreaking revelation, but it’s worth repeating. Routines and rituals are the unsung scaffolding of family life, holding everything together when days threaten to tip into chaos - something that can happen far more quickly than we’d like to admit once calendars fill and everyone has somewhere else to be.

1. MORNINGS

Now that I’m finally out of the trenches of ungodly newborn wake up calls, mornings have become something I genuinely enjoy. Each day, one of my kids wakes before the other - usually the youngest - and together we shuffle downstairs to begin our routine. There’s nothing elaborate about it, but especially in winter, candlelight feels like an absolute must at this hour. Forgoing harsh overhead lighting in favour of a few softly flickering candles makes waking up feel gentler. It even shifts the mood in subtle ways; we’re calmer, move slower, and we find ourselves whispering instinctively, rather than it being enforced.

Once the cereal is poured, we sit down to listen to Yoto Daily. I can’t overstate how much our family loves this tiny device. While the story cards are wonderful, it’s the daily fifteen minute check in that’s become our daily ritual. Hosted by a guy named Jake, it covers everything from animals and curious “did you know?” facts to funny stories and draw alongs. As the kids munch and listen, happily absorbed, I can move on to packing lunchboxes, the morning is so much easier and relaxed.

2. MEAL ROTATIONS

I try to go a few weeks with only a few options for each mealtime to streamline my decision making and grocery shopping. It takes the burden off that awful question, “what’s for dinner?” and makes everything so much simpler. Once we become a bit fatigued by the menu, I change it up and start again. It takes a little bit of work up front to plan it out but then you’ll have a few weeks of zero mental load, which is always worth it. I have a few go-to accounts for inspiration, such as Emily English and Nicole Maguire; both brimming with breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas.

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3. SCHOOL RUN

School runs are famously challenging, often triggering stress before the day has even begun. But with a little forward planning, they don’t have to be. This is where I’ve historically come undone, while my husband operates more like a military strategist, running an impressively tight ship. It’s a quality that once irritated me, but post-children I’m quietly (very quietly) grateful for.

In our house, everything has its place (note to self: actually return items to said place), and uniforms and outfits are laid out the night before to avoid any morning meltdowns - mostly my own. Because when there’s a missing polo shirt or a pair of shoes in need of polishing, things can unravel at warp speed, leaving everyone frazzled and the day off kilter. A simple edit the night before - deciding what you and your kids will wear, checking it’s clean, and laying it out - can shave off valuable minutes come morning. This also means packing school bags and making sure there’s no money due in an envelope for the gazillionth raffle, pyjama day or themed fundraiser. It’s worth going to the atm at the start of each school term and replenishing a few €5/€10 notes in a jar to have on hand for these moments.

After years of retraining myself, I’ve finally arrived at a more organised mindset, and wardrobe - which now helps us leave the house on time, calm, and (mostly) smiling.

4. DIGITAL & ANAOLG

I know most of you will already have your own digital organising apps that you’re loyal to, but here are a few of mine. I’m not talking about professional tools - these are purely for personal use. And I’ll be honest: mine are very simple. No faff, no bells or whistles - just reliable apps that get the job done. I have zero patience for unnecessary frills.

NOTES

Yes, the basic Notes app that already lives on your phone is my trusty little assistant. I use it constantly and share it with my husband for anything relevant to home or family life - groceries and birthday shopping lists, important health insurance details, PPS numbers, and more.

I also keep notes with the key measurements of every space in our house, so if I’m ever in a shop and spot something I love, I instantly know whether it will fit - this is such a handy tool for your keyring, for this exact scenario.

CALENDAR

Between the iPhone calendar app and my wall calendar, these two little gems keep everything running smoothly in our house. If I’m out and about and need to put something in my calendar - which is shared with my husband to avoid clashing of plans - I will lock it in and then when I get home I will add to the wall calendar. Once it is in both places neither party can argue and must rest their case - it’s the law in our house.

5. ON THE GO

I like to have a grab bag with all the essentials to swap between my bags. Depending on your life stage, this could be a bag with baby essentials, work bits (laptop, chargers, notebooks) or at my stage, a bit of column a and a bit of column b.

IN MY BAG

• I find these handy pill boxes so useful for supplements or other medications such as painkillers. and can fit neatly in a go bag.

• Baggu - for that quick nip into the shops

• Wipes - you can never have enough wipes

• Notebook - should inspiration strike

IN MY CAR

Something that is always forgotten, yet always needed in your car, are as follows:

• Pen

• Stamps

• Scissors

• Glasses wipes

• Coins

• Magnetic strap for trolleys

• Small umbrella

• Hand sanitizer

6. LAUNDRY

This will be a bone of contention for most people, whether they outsource their ironing or keep it in house. Laundry with adults and children has this mysterious ability to multiply as soon as it’s been emptied and cleaned. I never seen to be able to have an empty utility room for longer than 24 hours before the next load is brought down and put on: relentless!

To help navigate this garment mountain, we have switched our bills over to have a Sunday free-electricity days and we operate a non stop cycle of marathon laundry.

7. SNACKS

If your kids are anything like mine, they snack or request snacks 24/7. So I have employed this genius hack of having a drawer full of healthy mini meals, so I’m not stressed about them only consuming from the grains section of the pyramid. I have an aversion to most of these insane parenting videos of people making instagram worthy lunchboxes, where they make panda shapes out of rice and mini soy sauce bottles - get a grip! But this is something I have adopted for our own home, admittedly not as fancy. You can pick up storage containers anywhere, I like these for snacks as they are made out of glass.

8. HALLWAY

We keep a tray in our hallway that holds our keys so they never go missing. I also have a table with drawers that stores our sunglasses, lens wipes and neighbours keys for emergencies. Another time saver, is a small storage box for important letters, that I need to post or any unread mail that needs to be dealt with. Lastly, I have a plant, a lamp and a diffuser. I feel stressed if this area is crowded, so try to tend to it often to edit and file away any items that don’t belong there.

9. BED

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary - free from clutter, no screens and a big comfy bed. These are a few habits I have adopted to keep things feeling more zen and fresh at the start and end of each day:

• Hang up all the clothes you wore today, sort anything for laundry

• Lay out your clothes for tomorrow

• Allow 15 minutes to cleanse your face each night before bed

• Have a good thorough floss and brush before bed

• Throw away any papers you have accumulated, magazines, bring books back downstairs etc

• Same for any cups, bottles, medicines or tissues

• Replenish any hand creams, eye drops, body lotions or supplements

• Set your alarm

• Make your bed first thing when you wake up, open the curtains and air out the room. You’ll be amazed how such a low effort task can set the tone for the day

• Keep a hair towel, bobbins, eye mask in your drawer so they are within reach

10. KIDS SPACES

The never ending battleground of mess, that is a kids playroom. Full disclosure: any advice offered here is not a promise of tidiness. That particular miracle can only occur once the children have outgrown the chaos. No amount of bargaining, bribing, or praying can guarantee compliance, nor should it - children are messy by nature. But they are also exploring, creating, and stretching their imaginations, ideally doing so with freedom. A little disorder is often the by-product of a happy, curious childhood.

That being said, parents need not suffer in silence. There are practical ways to soften the impact of the mess - clever storage ideas - without dimming the magic of play.

I have yet to find a smarter storage unit than this one from IKEA. I remove the middle basket and, in its place, use this stool so the kids have a mini workstation. On top of the table, I have jars to store markers, colouring pencils, glue, and scissors, as well as a big roll of paper for them to create their masterpieces, which I display above each unit. The baskets are deceptive in how much they can store - every toy is out of sight, and both kids and parents are happy.

I also love these Mustard Made units which I have in my son’s bedroom. For random little toys that are special - yet don’t have a specific home - like favourite pencils that are too stubby to be used or shells collected on the beach; I bought a vintage apothecary wall shelf to house these small bric-a-brac.

Until next week,

Jennifer x