Shopping tips and ideas.
WHO DREW WHAT? Work by more than 200 artists goes up for sale this week in the Temple Bar Gallery and Studios. The show's distinguishing feature is its "no-name" presentation. To encourage buyers to act on impulse in selecting a work of art, the identity of the artist they choose will only be revealed post-purchase. The works are being sold for a flat rate of €360. From Wednesday 15th until December 20th, at 5-9 Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (01-6710073). Marie-Claire Digby
ECO-CENTRIC Cultivate in Dublin's Temple Bar has smart, sophisticated eco-products that will bring a smile to anyone's face. There's the range of glasses with an interesting past (once wine and beer bottles). To ensure your nearest and dearest have fresh, free-range eggs all year, an eglu, the most innovative henhouse ever, is the perfect gift. Other present ideas include the electric moped and a wonderful array of exotic houseplants, natural cosmetics and books. The centre is open every day until Christmas and can be contacted at 01-6746415. Iva Pocock
ME TIME If the Me Day Cocktail sounds awfully Sex And The City, then that's probably because it is. The ultimate girly voucher, costing €100, entitles the bearer to a cut and blow-dry in Dublin salon Cats, where Girlfriend's unruly curls were straightened and my frizz was fashioned into smooth waves. Next was a dash to Make Up Forever, where Girlfriend was transformed into Audrey Hepburn and a patient lady stuck false eyelashes onto my eyes (or we could have opted for €50 worth of products). We rounded off the day with a complimentary glass of champers in the Clarendon Bar. As we sipped, a person we both know walked past, not recognising us, which on balance we decided was a very good thing. Me Day Cocktail vouchers are available from Cats at the Westbury Mall, Dublin 2 (01-6797562) and Make Up Forever, Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 (01-6799043). Róisín Ingle
BAUBLE-LICIOUS Some decorations, like these hand-made glass baubles fashioned by craftsmen in Krakow for nearly 100 years, deserve to be on display all year long. These exquisite creations boast designs based on Fabergé eggs, and are available through Kilkenny-based Dubliner Jadzia Kaminska. For details of sale locations in Dublin, phone the distributors, Wilde Thyme, on 087-2904352. Also from Monsoon Joue in Waterford and Moone Man Designs, Moone. From €6.95 to €24.95. Róisín Ingle