BITS AND PIECES

The tips and tricks that will enhance your life this week

BLOOMING LOVELY

÷ESCHEW the usual bouquet of thank-you blooms in favour of organic Flowering Tea Bulbs, €9.95, from Galway company, solarisbotanicals.com. Each bulb contains silver needle white tea wrapped around dried flowers. The delicately delicious tea unfurls to reveal the beautiful bloom within.

SMART SAVING

÷AS if you needed another reason to spend on your little one, Mothercare has increased its offering on its Family Card to 5 per cent back on all purchases until 25th September. This means €1 back on every €20 spent, so better value on big purchases like travel systems and nursery furniture, and don’t forget, there’s also a great range of maternity wear. Sign up at

mothercare.ie or download the Mothercare app.

GREAT ON THE GO

÷CLEANSE, exfoliate and moisturise with one-stick wonder the Frances Prescott Tri-Balm, €51.25, cultbeauty. co.uk. As can be used with or without water, it’s travel-friendly and the formula is enriched with pumpkin seed enzymes, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, with no harmful chemicals or synthetics.

KENNEDY FAIR

÷IRELAND’S most famous tea party - JFK’s visit to his cousins in Wexford - will be recreated this summer at the annual Kennedy Summer School, New Ross, September 6. It is part of a three-day celebration of IrishAmerican culture and Rachel Allen will be on hand to serve sweet treats and cooking tips. See kennedysummerschool.ie for more information.

READY TO POP

÷SADLY, it’s time to say au revoir to our toes. Bright leather boots will add a colour pop to this season’s hottest prints and see you through the tricky transition from summer to autumn. This mustard-yellow pair is €85.99, from New Look.