Inspiration Overload

Update below...

I get so much inspiration from visiting beautiful blogs - there are so many out there, but there is nothing quite like sitting down with a cup of tea, and flicking through the pages of a book or a magazine...over the years, I have wasted spent a lot of pennies on magazines. I never tire of revisiting my favourites, but the collection was growing alarmingly big, so a couple of years back, I bit the bullet and began to tear out my favourite pages and glued them into some visual diaries.  Oh yes, my friends, there were some that I could not bear to tear up, but I managed to cull quite a few mags.  The following pics are taken from my little books of inspiration...they are just some of the things that make me smile, or speak to me deeply. I hope you enjoy them as much as I.

These pics are actually from a cookbook - aren't they lovely? It is the gorgeous Miss Victoria Springs, who lives in Byron Bay, one of my very favourite places to stay in Australia. (My darling friend Wendy is moving there later in the year, so I am hoping to visit).  She makes the most beautiful jewellery, and below you will find some more photos of her gorgeous home...Victoria, not Wendy...but do go visit Wendy's new blog and read about her adventures touring America.

I also can't resist some good foodie shots, for afterall, cooking is another passion of mine...

"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all" - Harriet Van Horne

This home is owned by a lovely lady who has a gorgeous shop called 'Harem'  here in Melbourne - it truly is a delight for the senses. I actually used to work with her sister in a gorgeous little shop that sits on a river near here...I think I have shown you before. It was called Riverclay in Warrandyte, but is no longer there. I don't think I saved any of the money I earned - I always spent it in the shop!

I just adore this embroidered tapestry chair...it is so whimsical.

Here are some more pics of the lovely Victoria Spring's home...just look at that raspberry sofa! Did I tell you that Abby and my husband saw a red velvet couch on the side of the road recently, and they DIDN'T PICK IT UP! I wished they had never told me...I jumped straight in my car, but alas, some other lucky soul had beat me to it...sniff....

I still do adore a bit of vintage white...

Why would you put these dishes away when they are oh so pretty? I love collecting old china...

These pages are over the top - but in a good way!

I just love this idea of the painted laundry basket for the pooch...I'm pretty sure Pippi would have that chewed up in no time at my house though!

Always fleurs! Either picked from the garden or bought from the markets...they make me happy. And I love the sentiment that is written here about imperfection - chippy, peely furniture is yum!

I love this idea of everything on display...hmmmm - not sure hubby would agree though!

So my lovely friends, I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into what floats my boat...I have another inspiration book filled with garden goodness, but I shall save that for another day, for I fear this post has been awfully long.

May I just leave you with another little quote (for you just know I collect those too!)

"A house is a home when it shelters the body and comforts the soul" - Phillip Moffit

...Update...

I couldn't pass this opportunity to tell you guys about a most beautiful kindred fairy. You simply must go and check out her amazing blog: Tricia Fountaine Design - she is an enchantress who designs the most beautiful weddings. But when I visited her yesterday, she has opened her home for everyone to enjoy. If you are like me (and I suspect that many of you are), then this is a real treat for your eyes. Tricia, I still haven't worked out how to leave a comment on your blog - frustrating - but may I just say you are indeed blessed, and I am seriously coveting your beautiful collection of bracelets! Oh my goodness - swoon!