Waiting (im)patiently for summer – you know, proper summer – to arrive?

Ditto. In the meantime, we are amusing ourselves – or maybe tricking ourself – by giving our homes a little bit of an upgrade for the sunny season. And look, we are not talking renovations or major DIY here, more like a few new bits and bobs that give off some seriously sunny vibes – because who says you can't buy yourself happier? At least to a certain extent, no? Anyway, when it comes to homeware, we are currently in the midst of a major love affair with Homesense – you know; the interiors-only leg of TK Maxx. Because, let's face it – the homewares are the best bit about TK Maxx in the first place. The Homesense stores, which are located in the Westend Retail Park in Blanchardstown and at The Capitol, Grand Parade in Cork, are bursting at the seams with home decor goodies, from kitchenware to rugs and furniture, and we kind of want it all. Right now, we have our eye on the new Mediterranean style range, which will transport you to the Italian, Spanish or Greek seaside in an instant. Awash with varies shades of blue and white, these affordable homeware bits will turn your home into a chic beach hotel in no-time. I mean; just take a look at some of these: The side plate above (€3.99) is perfect for your al fresco dinner table, and look at this ceramic table lap – a total steal for just €26. I also totally have my eye on this multi-coloured patterned throw (€22), so perfect for when evenings on the terrace get a bit chilly. This jug (€39.99) is such a fun way to inject a bit of colour and pattern to my dining table this summer, and reminds me of something you'd find at a Greek taverna. And this mug (€6) will make me feel like I sipping my morning cappuccino in Capri. I have a thing for Scandi design, and the fish print on these placemats (€12 for four-pack) looks very Scandi – but also nods to the Mediterranean with its hues of blue. I serve up a lot of salads in the summertime, and have a thing for gorgeous serve ware, like this stunning bowl (€16), perfect for large, green salads – made to be enjoyed in the garden or terrace. The trick when it comes to finding treasures at Homesense, much like TK Maxx, is jus to visit frequently, and snap stuff up – because if you wait, it'll be gone – trust me. I love how Homesense lets me find things that I have never seen anywhere else, and that at a price you can actually totally justify. Case in point – I went in a few weeks ago looking for a picture frame, but came out with three frames, a scented candle, a planner for next year, a bed spread and two copper pot! Such is life when you have no impulse control in the presence of beautiful things, I suppose.. Anyway, if you happen to be near either Blanchardstown or Cork this weekend, the Homesense stores are absolutely worth a visit – just be warned: You'll leave a little poorer that you were walking in...