Inspiration 12.7

Beautiful gift wrap inspiration from Timeless Paper

Something you didn't know about me

When I was in high school (1997-2002) in England we were required to do a two week internship, to get a feel for what future path we'd like to walk down. I remember we were interviewed by our careers coach and asked what interested us.

Obviously I said; "I really enjoy houses".

I did, I really did! My fascination started when I was around six, or seven. My parents had a house referred to as the 'broken house' which sat on over 22 acres in South Africa. I built my own play house out of concrete blocks and cement bags.

Later on, when I moved to England I'd draw floor plans on A4 paper for hours, some of which I still have.When I got older we'd visit stately homes, palaces, castles and halls all of which made me intrigued in history and one place in particular Windsor Castle, well the Queen Mary's doll house was something I believe every little girl wishes she could play with.

{Queen Mary's Dollhouse ~ Given to Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret)

{Letter from Queen Elizabeth known as Lilibet to her Grandmother}

Anyways, for my internship they sent me to a dollhouse shop, in Royal Leamington Spa for a week, and to a Real Estate agents also in Leamington for a week (not the best week for selling as it was a month after 9/11).

So, when I came across Liberty Biberty I was enthralled, a mother decorated a shabby cottage in true doll house fashion. If it were real, it would be my dream home!

{Coffee table}

{Kitchen sink, I adore the curtain under the cabinetry}

{Bedroom, with a beautiful side table}

{Do you think I could have that dress in my size?}

{Washbasin, with washbowl and jug}

{Looks edible, doesn't it?}

{All the Rachel Ashwell books are featured in this cottage}

{Like to sit awhile?}

I hope you too get to visit Queen Mary's Dollhouse at Windsor Castle, and if you'd like to see more pictures from Liberty Biberty, visit HERE.

Enjoy your childhood memories,

Romantic Wrapping

Christmas wrapping is something you either like, or dislike. For me, it is something I've always enjoyed doing. When I was younger, my mother would ask for help wrapping gifts to put under the tree. She was patient and always used the line "less is more". I however, enjoyed bringing out the ribbons, bows and name tags and would spend hours embellishing gifts.

{A Gift Wrapped Life}

Over time, I bought my own gifts to give, and would at times over embellish them, to the dismay that  others were disappointed with what was inside. Oftentimes, a reduced price book, or a last minute find.

{A Gift Wrapped Life}

Embarrassed, I decided I would prefer to discover something beautiful to share. So over the years whenever I go to antique shops, idyllic stores, boutiques or on my annual European trips I collect small things that I like and wish to give, and in return I get the pleasure of gift wrapping, embellishing and giving.

{Selina Lake}

If you enjoyed the images as much as I did, visit 'A Gift Wrapped Life' and 'Selina Lake'

Hope your inspired,



Adore Home

I 'adore' this magazine and am delighted with the latest edition, I stumbled accross it whilst reading Verandah House. To see the Dec 10/ Jan 11 edition visit HERE. Enjoy!

Inspiration 11.21

Live Strong

Get yourself a cuppa coffee and a warm throw to read this isue of Lonny HERE.

Adore Magazine

Adore magazine {it's Spring in Dubai} suggested by Verandah House is a colorful read. See the full issue HERE.



Martha Stewart Living at Home Depot

Here are some of my favorites from the Martha Stewart range at Home Depot, with my first thoughts. Which of these kitchens would you most like to live in?

Flower arranging

Earlier today I went to an idyllic wedding. I was lucky to come home with some of the aisle flowers and made a flower arrangement. It is a beautiful addition to my coffee table, enjoy!

Lonny Magazine

To read inside Lonny Magazine click HERE

Lifestyle Change 12.8

Ever heard the phrase “I’m too busy”, I’m sure each and every one of us has. In days gone by, we used to bake pies for our neighbors and chat with them huddled around kitchen table.

Nowadays it seems we’re too busy. One comment I recently read on a blog said:

“I think [the] culture of many organizations has led people to believe very, very strongly that “busy” people = important people. If you’re not “busy”, you’re not useful, or not highly in-demand.” ~Liz

I found that really compelling, especially in this day and age where we don’t often call a friend to see how they are because... with a few clicks on a social site we can read their updates and browse their albums.

Image 12.8

However, this weakens how we communicate.

So with this thought, next time someone asks you, “how are you” don’t answer “busy” instead take time to discuss how you are and if you’re really motivated surprise a neighbor with a freshly baked pie, and a note letting them know you were thinking of them.

Making the world a better place,

Vintage Kitchen

What a fresh new look which is becoming more popular, a kitchen with vintage finds, hopefully this gives you inspiration, I'm really wanting those pastel mixing bowels, at least I wouldn't have to hide them in hard to reach cabinets.

1. Kitchen Aid Mixer prices vary, I found one for $260
2. Martha Stewart mixing bowls $39 for all five. 
3. Wooden Kitchen Chairs, sold in sets of two $169.99
4. The porcelain dish is an Etsy find for $45
5. Retro Fridge, comes in many different colors (cream, turquoise, pink) $4,995

Nonpareil Magazine Issue 4

Issue 4 of the magazine is just as scrumptious, take a look HERE.

Nonpareil Magazine Issue 3

A delicious look at 'something old, something new' in issue 3 of Nonpareil Magazine HERE.

Nonpareil Magazine Issue 2

Issue 2 of this beautiful magazine, click HERE to peek inside.

Nonpareil Magazine Issue 1

To view first issue of Nonpereil Magazine click HERE it is full of beautiful images and inspirations.

At Home With Country

My blog friend Cristin is giving away the book 'At Home With Country' by Cabbages and Roses on her blog Simplified Bee.

The book has beautiful photographs and features tours of beautiful homes from the English countryside and Cape Cod. I lived in England for eleven years, and lived in the heart of the English countryside, in a idyllic village close by to Stoneleigh Abbey, where Jane Austen penned many of her famous novels.

Nantucket Magazine

To view the virtual magazine click HERE

Simply 'Shabby Chic'

Shabby Chic is a really relaxed and feminine design style, here are some inspirations for your home.

1. Martha Stewart Sweet Pink Rose and Ivy
2. Simply Shabby Chic® Classic Armoire - Sour Cream
3. Cambridge Slip covered Chair
4. Hand-tufted Jaira Beige Wool Rug
5. Shabby Chic Picture Frame

DESIGN: Comfortably Casual

This inspirational mood board is for a comfortably casual living room:

1. An antique French bergère from the French Regency period in Belgian Linen.
2. As thick and cozy as a favorite sweater, the throw adds irresistible warmth to an armchair.
3. The panels of Dupioni Silk curtains showcase the beauty of natural silk in blue smoke.
4. Created using traditional Tibetan looming techniques, the rug is inspired by timeless damask fabrics.
5. Wooden floors created from antique reclaimed materials.