Paris 2

As promised, here is an update from the shops in Paris.  I went to Merci for the first time.  Such a beautiful shop, so inspiring.  They are just building their website but here is the link, and here are the photos...

I also went to the Rose Bakery as I said in my previous Paris post, but here are my pictures...

Bonton is a gorgeous Kids shop, right near Bon Marche, click here for their website, and this is what I saw...

Little treats

I had a spare afternoon on Wednesday, so I treated myself to a visit to 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' in Hither Green. I have mentioned them before on my blog, but I just wanted to remind you all to go and have tea and cake at this gorgeous vintage cafe. They also sell beautiful flowers and cards. I always sit in the window at the flower print table.









You can visit their website here.

Bonjour Paris!

I had a little adventure to Paris!  I stayed in my friends beautiful flat in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.  We wandered around the 9th arrondissement, of course there was food involved!  We went to the Rose Bakery for some lunch, which was gorgeous, then I had a Pistachio Cake.  Click here for the Time out review.  On our day out we took the Herb Lester, map of things to do in Paris.  I'd definitely recommend you having a look at his range of city maps, each have a unique design, and they are perfect for carrying around.  I'll give you an update on the shops etc in a bit, but in the meantime I thought I would share some of my pictures with you.

 

Be My Valentine?

Hurrah!

I'm very excited today.  I designed the Decadent Decs range for Talking Tables, working closely with my lovely Product Developer, Alice.  Well it has won The Gift of the Year Award, for the Occasions Category!
Congratulations Team!
See the full range here.

 

I'm listening too....

Stealing Sheep - Into the Diamond Sun

Buy CD......HERE

Photo By Ben Morgan

My Favorite song on the album is....Shut Eye, brilliant lyrics...

If I could play in a band and if I could sing, then I would want it to sound like Stealing Sheep.

Book Review: Jon McNaught

Birchfield Close, 

Jon McNaught, Nobrow Press 2010

This beautiful little book, with all its images perfectly aligned, and all the colours perfectly balanced,  is so serene, so peaceful.  Depicting the ordinary and mundane lives of a suburban close, perfect hedges, perfect houses.  My favorite moment is when the dog in the back yard sits and watches a snail!  This book will make you remember to look out for those little moments in life that are so subtle, so repetitive, and so familiar.

Dockwood, 

Jon McNaught, Nowbrow Press, out now!

 

In his new book, he focuses his story around three characters from a small time in the south of England, set in an Autumn scene, going about their ordinary lives.  The imagery in this book is remarkable, a beautiful, considered object.

For a full (and better written) review and to buy the book, go to Nobrow Press.

Edinburgh Part 2

When we were in Edinburgh I bought  some really lovely things.  I can't show you everything yet, as some are presents for my mum! 

The Little book was from the Edinburgh Printmakers, 'Drawn on Location in Barcelona' by Susiewright.
The Arrow Badge, also from the Edinburgh Printmakers, is by Louise Smurthwaite
The Necklace was from Life Story, and was designed by Kate Holden, 'Oh Someday'

Edinburgh

Me and James have been on a well deserved, long weekend, to Edinburgh.  No DIY for a whole weekend! Amazing! Edinburgh was so inspiring, such a beautiful city.  I have been wanting to go to for a long time, and we finally got the chance to go.  We went First Class on the train thanks to a super cheap deal.  (James was pleased as he could drink tea ALL the way there!)
I had found us an apartment to stay from Alistair Sawday's, called The City Bothy.  Its in a great location, and I would recommend staying there, especially if you like a place with a vintage vibe.  Here are a few pictures....

We walked everywhere, so had a really good look round the streets.  I thought I would share some inspiration with you....

Our Favorite Cafes...

Wellington Coffee, on George St.  James really enjoyed the warm freshly made scones with an Earl Grey Tea.

                                                

The Urban Angel, there are two of these, yes we went to both!  We had a gorgeous evening meal in the one of Forth st.  I had Mussels and a locally brewed beer, nice.

Peters Yard, Stockbridge.  This was a really lovely cafe, we came out of the snowy windy cold weather, to be welcomed with home made soups and yes more scones! Yummy

Our Favourite Shop....

Life Story, Broughton St.  This new Life Style Concept store, was so inspiring.  I loved the carefully chosen and displayed products, I loved the couple who own it, and I loved their mini Dachshund.  Highly recommend visiting if you love beautifully designed products and fashion.  

 

Our Favorite Gallery...

The Edinburgh Printmakers,  With an exhibition space, and a well stocked shop, this was an inspiring space to visit.  The prints in the shop are all affordable, and very desirable, definately worth taking a look.

Our Favourite Walk...

Arthurs Seat, amazingly there is an old volcano in the center of Edinburgh, we spent half a day walking up and around it, a must if you want to see the stunning views of the city.  It was quite windy when we went, but  thankfully it was dry.  So nice to be around nature.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

I had a great inspiration day with my friend Annie. I Feel so excited again about drawing.  I feel like I havn't allowed myself the time to do as much recently....Got to keep it up!

We went to the Wildlife Photographer of the year show, at the Natural History Museum. The work was exceptional, I would definitely recommend a visit. We took our sketchbooks and drew all day, then had tea and cake ... What more could you want !
This is one of the Emperor Penguins as featured in Paul Nicklen winning photograph.