TK Maxx Athlone Opening Day Haul!

One of my #planneraddict #papernerd dreams came true today! Athlone Town Centre got our very own TK Maxx!!!

I arrived at 9am, an hour before opening time. I was the sixth in the queue. The opening ceremony was a bit of a let down with those regular shitty scissors. I would have thought TK Maxx could source scissors a lot fancier than that. I had imagined a giant gold pair myself. But the deed was done, and at 10am they let us in! I was the first on the escalator, headed upstairs to the paper department (the location of which I had previously established by expert snooping).

The paper department (so far) is only ok. Not as big as in the Dublin Stephen's Green store. No paper pads and very little in the way of scrapbook supplies. They did have some nice paper trimmers and glass cutting mats. And a few packs of MAMBI project life style cards. I bought the only washi, so now there is no washi ;)

There were lots of lovely notebooks (as always), and some really cute planners, both A5 and A4 sizes. I resisted. I think I have at least five 2016 planners at this point! They had some nice pencil packs and pens too. And a few sets of American Crafts ribbon and twine.

The Halloween home decor department is currently winning out over the paper department in my affections. I want to buy-all-the-things! I love the snow globes, the decorative glass bowls and trays, the tombstones, the skulls, the bat garlands and the candle holders. I bought Dan a belated birthday gift :)

On to my loot!

I found the perfect planner accessory storage/pencil case in the make-up bag department. It's the perfect pumpkin orange and cream for Autumn, with a purple lining that I cannot photograph accurately! It's made by an Australian brand, jo & jo, and has four decent sized zippy pouches that roll into a cute carry case. I just put a few stamps and my go-to journalling pens in there for now. I need to figure out how best to use it later!

MAMBI PL-type cards! I love these packs as the card backs are all a neutral grid pattern, so if I can't use the front design I can definitely use the B-side as a journalling spot in my Project Life, or for my #listersgottalist challenges. I also really like that they are thin, and won't explode my planner to quickly.

Washi tape 4 pack by docrafts Papermania, Sew Lovely line. Love these! That multi-colour floral in particular has my heart!

Last for today... a nicely realistic-sized resin skull with a crow on top, for my favourite spooky guy! I love how excited he gets about Halloween decor each year, so I think this will be just the ticket ;) I'm really loving the etched map detailing. Makes me think of Lovecraft country, and Dreams in the Witch House.