This Little Piggie

If you want to make bedtime stories a lot more fun for both you and them, pick up a set of these adorably cute finger puppets from Ikea (€4.99). There are ten different little dolls in total and they're suitable for fingers both big and small. And once you've exhausted your collection of animal stories, you can move onto the 'Folk' puppets which is a motley crew including a ghost, a chef and a bride.

Hello Halston

Combine iconic Seventies label Halston (think Bianca Jagger, Jerry Hall and Studio 54) with the super chic Sarah Jessica Parker (we are counting the days to SATC 2) and you've got a range of clothes to get very exited about. Halston Heritage is the affordable diffusion range from the label of which SJP is Creative Advisor and it's a very covetable collection of silk jumpsuits, jersey and satin dresses, with many of the pieces featured in the movie sequel. This double satin silk tiered ruffled dress (€349) has our names all over it. Get it at Kalu, 16 South Main Street, Naas, Co Kildare, Tel: 045-896222.

No added sugar

Today can be tough on diabetics. It's not that sugar-free Easter eggs aren't available. They are, but eating them can be as pleasant as chewing a duster. Handmade Belgian Phoenix Delite is a revelation. Pascale van Riet, the woman behind the brand, started the company in November. The chocolates, which contain 40% less calories than normal chocolate, aren't just suitable for diabetics but good for anyone wanting a chocolate fix without the guilt. Stocked in Fallon & Byrne on Exchequer Street (open today from 11am to 7pm) or visit www.phoenixdelite.com.

A rose by any other name

Having read the brilliant Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, we're not feeling any great love for meat anymore and we're trying to extend that to our beauty regime. Figs and Rouge is a natural range with lovely retro packaging and will definitely look good on your dressing table. The Rambling Rose facial products are nourishing and organic and have been approved by the Vegan Society. The Rambling Rose Day Cream (pictured) is €26.95. Available from health shops.

The Shopping Audit

* We're loving... rope details

Whether it's a Grecian-style gold or a more seafaring look, rope-as-accessory is so hot right now. Striped tee-shirt dress from Penneys, €7

* We're not sure about... Prom dresses

They've become accepted as a classic dress shape, almost as much as the shift but a bit too 'Lily Allen 2008' for us – even she's moved on.

* We're stocking up on... OTT? Headbands

It is Easter after all, the races are nigh, we'll probably have to attend some weddings and this is only €8 from A/wear.

* We can't wait for... Tom Ford lipsticks

We also lust after Tom Ford but that's a different matter entirely. His Private Blend Lip Colour collection in 12 shades will have you throwing out the gloss and embracing lipstick proper. €45 at Brown Thomas from 24 April