I can totally understand why this shop is entitled 'The Barn'. It's got a kind of storage feel to…read moreit, and you can't really move too far without tripping over something, or bumping into that other thing. Especially if your name's Lynne... Crammed full of furniture, soft furnishings, candles, gifts and a whole lot more, The Barn is a tad overwhelming if you're trying to find something specific. I quite like a challenge (most of the time), but since it was wet and I was carting half of Donaghadee's shops around with me (it certainly felt that way), I was pretty fed up and didn't exactly feel like having to dig too much. Plus, I was totally aware of my being ever so slightly clumsy at the best of times, and not wanting to end up paying through the nose for breakages etc., I decided to look and not touch. That was until I spotted a cute cat tea towel, and instantly knew my mum would love it. Managing (somehow) to pick it up off the rail, I admired the pattern whilst hunting for the price. Ah, yes there it was...£5.95?! Heavens above. Maybe I'm a bit stingy, but I certainly wasn't paying that for a tea towel. Not a chance. Everything else seemed to be slightly pricier than I'd first thought, right down to the scented candles which started at £2. At this stage, I realised there were three likely-things-to-happen: 1) I knock something over. 2) I buy something. 3) I leave. The latter being the cheapest option meant it was instantly favoured (not flavoured, that's an entirely different thing altogether). I'm much too poor for such shops. Nice stock though...

Martha's provides an interior design service for people with plenty of cash but no style or time…read morebut what draws me in are the exquisite home accessories. Think napkin rings, mugs and storage baskets that you just cannot live without. Ditto cushions, place mats and table cloths. I simply don't know how I managed before I got my blue checked table cloth and napkins. What was I thinking? This is the kind of place where you buy yourself the occasional treat and get gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Mostly for ladies it has to be said, unless you know any men with a taste for matching table linen. And lucky you, as they sound like fun. The costume jewellery is also worth a mention - lots of chunky silver(ish) necklaces and bracelets at reasonable prices - around £30 for a long chunky necklace. There's a café upstairs which is on my list of places to go. I didn't make it upstairs on my last visit but the smells wafting downstairs were enough to convince me that it's gonna be good!

This is a hidden little gem in carrickfergus' courtyard!!…read more It is a gorgeous shop that sells one offs such as handbags, scarves, hats and gloves as well as furniture and jewellery....trust me you won't find these items anywhere else!! You can also get your supply of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint here as they are an official supplier and even offer workshops to help you master the art of this amazing product. The staff are amazing and will bend over backwards to make sure you get that special item. Cannot recommend this place enough :)

The Range is fab. On the site of old B&Q it has ample free car parking. Inside you can get…read moreeverything, from furnishings, to Christmas secs, luggage to toiletries, nick backs to diy and there is a cafe at the back

Yessssssssss!!!! I love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally just what Ballymena needs!!!!!!!!!!!! But one of…read morethe employees keeps 'rapping' and it puts me off sometimes going in..... terrible costumer service from him too he just shrugs his shoulders

I was lured in to Doris and Jeanie today by the chalk drawn sign on the street outside, it said…read more'Keep it local' and being a fan of all things local I was in there like a rat up a drain pipe. When I got in I was amazed at all the bits and bobs but being a little bit clumsy I kept picturing myself knocking something over with one swing of my man bag and causing a domino effect. With this in mind I kept my distance from all the trinkets. There was a strong smell of varnish or paint coming from the back of the shop and when I had a closer nosey I noticed one of the staff was being all arts and crafty (technical term). I couldn't exactly tell what he was doing and he looked pretty focused so I left him to it. This is definitely the type of shop I would come back to if I was getting one of the females in my life a present. There's some nice home décor items and if you're going for the quirky vintage look in your home I would drop in to see what's on offer.

While I like to think I'm hip, show me a cutesy shop with niknaks and I'm through the door like a…read moreshot. Right in the middle of the buzzing Belmont Road this is one of those places. While it prides itself on chalk paint (they also do classes in how to use it) I don't have the patience to upscycle anything. I do love a look round though, as they have a wonderful selection of gifts for the home and if you are in need of any sort of candle holder or little clock or picture for the mantelpiece, this is the spot for you. They've opened an even bigger shop in town now, but for small, local service you'll find me in here, buried in cushions and trinkets.

Utopia is my first port-of-call when I know someone's birthday is coming up, or at Christmas…read moretime...you're pretty much guaranteed to find something in here you know that person will like. The variety is huge - massive wooden chess sets to quirky key rings and everything in between. There's nothing cheap or tacky, just beautiful gifts at incredibly affordable prices. The last time I was (it was only last week, due to their being a friend's birthday on the horizon), I was served by the most friendly lady I've ever had the pleasure of speaking to. She really was genuinely lovely, and that really made the trip for me. There's nothing better than decent customer service, and I definitely experienced some top class service that day. With some of the loveliest ranges in town, and wonderfully helpful staff, Utopia really is a must see...you won't be disappointed.

Yeah I have no complaints about Utopia. I'm glad there is only one of its kind in Belfast as that…read morekeeps the family who run it in trade and the customers flocking back. I love to go in at Christmas time as my mum has a thing for Christmas decorations and this is the best place in town to get a quality piece at a really good price. It houses such a mixture of goodies you could spend hours just browsing. There is a massive selection if ornaments such as statues of dogs, animals and fairies. They also have a large collection of really nice inexpensive costume jewellery. You can pick up anything in here from a rubber chicken to a ceramic panda. It is definitely the place to go for gifts of any sort. I was bought a poker set from here many moons ago and I still treasure it as although it wasn't really expensive it has the feel of a luxury item.

Located opposite Urban Outfitters…read more Good place for gifts. Have quite a few local items. Expect to pay on certain items more than standard retail due to the handmade aspect. Lots of wee cute toys etc for kids. Also lots of house soft furnishings. It's the sort of place you would like to buy lots of stuff you don't need but it looks nice. Lol Lots of chalk paint colours can be bought in here. The shop is packed with gifts etc. You have to hoke a bit as its jammed packed with things laid out on wooden dressers and tables etc. It's a bit kitch compared to just browsing the rails. Shop has a sort of Cath Kidston feel about it.

Absolutely beautiful furniture, such unique pieces. The staff are very knowledgeable and…read moreexceptionally friendly!

Wow - Bright lights everywhere! Exclusive Designs is located just inside the Royal Avenue entrance…read moreof Castecourt, if you're coming in from the street on a sunny day don't bother taking your sunglasses off because Exclusive Designs is bright. There are so many shiny objects in this shop, physicists could use it to stage some sort of refraction or reflection experiment. Exclusive designs sell all sorts of home decorations, furniture, lamps, mirrors, vases and odd light fixtures. Looking at a few price tags it all seemed priced quite well and I noticed that they have payment plans available if you really want a bright red TV stand but just can't quite afford it this month. Exclusive Designs is not really to my taste but it is certainly popular in Belfast. If you're in to home decorations then pay them a visit - I'm sure you'll find something in their huge stock that you love.