Velvet Pears by Susan Southam.
This inspiring and beautifully illustrated book tells the autobiographical story of a young bride, Susan Southam who moved into a little weatherboard cottage sheltered by huge Norfolk pines at the foot of a purple mountain. Over the next twenty-five years she transformed four hectares of bare paddock into a romantic garden planted in the English style. Here at Foxglove Spires, one of Australias best loved gardens, Susan celebrates the romance and beauty of the country life, following the rhythm of the seasons and she creates beautiful rooms in her home and garden.
By far my most favourite book ever!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Beauty in the ordinary.......
Beauty in the ordinary........
This week I have been reflecting on how busy my life has become and how we sometimes forget to take a moment to find beauty in the ordinary. I find it's the moment I stop, listen and look around I find that I am surrounded by beauty, I just need to slow down and take a moment.
There is beauty all around us, perhaps it is a cherished old desk, a comfy couch that has seen better days, a homemade lemon cake or a vase of freshly cut flowers from the garden. Or when Meg is dancing and doesn't know I am watching or when Jack says, "Mummy why am I not shy anymore?"
We see beauty in things that we find appealing and things that make us comfortable and happy.
My home is a haven for our family as this is where James and I and the kids spend our precious time together away from work, school and other commitments. Over the years I have enjoyed creating a space and garden that suits our needs as a family but also reflects our lifestyle and personality. This is also what I have achieved with my store. I have a passion for French vintage designs which I have combined with more contemporary styles. There is no wrong or right when it comes to creating a beautiful home.
The criteria is simple, if you love it you can make it work. We often find beauty where we least expect to, that is the joy of living.
After 11years of being married to a farmer I can now even see beauty in the land in the middle of a drought where as years ago I would have thought it looked awful and barren.
So give yourselves some time and create your own moments over the festive break..........
This week I have been reflecting on how busy my life has become and how we sometimes forget to take a moment to find beauty in the ordinary. I find it's the moment I stop, listen and look around I find that I am surrounded by beauty, I just need to slow down and take a moment.
There is beauty all around us, perhaps it is a cherished old desk, a comfy couch that has seen better days, a homemade lemon cake or a vase of freshly cut flowers from the garden. Or when Meg is dancing and doesn't know I am watching or when Jack says, "Mummy why am I not shy anymore?"
We see beauty in things that we find appealing and things that make us comfortable and happy.
My home is a haven for our family as this is where James and I and the kids spend our precious time together away from work, school and other commitments. Over the years I have enjoyed creating a space and garden that suits our needs as a family but also reflects our lifestyle and personality. This is also what I have achieved with my store. I have a passion for French vintage designs which I have combined with more contemporary styles. There is no wrong or right when it comes to creating a beautiful home.
The criteria is simple, if you love it you can make it work. We often find beauty where we least expect to, that is the joy of living.
After 11years of being married to a farmer I can now even see beauty in the land in the middle of a drought where as years ago I would have thought it looked awful and barren.
So give yourselves some time and create your own moments over the festive break..........
Friday, November 20, 2009
"Book of the Week"
"Book of the Week"
'Homemade Christmas" by Tessa Evelegh.
This outstanding book has 35 easy to make projects, from tree decorations to table settings, from advent calendars to door wreaths, Homemade Christmas shows you how to decorate your home for the festive season. Using the book for inspiration we have created some homemade parcels and gift tags in store. It is easy and fun, why not give it a go this year.
'Homemade Christmas" by Tessa Evelegh.
This outstanding book has 35 easy to make projects, from tree decorations to table settings, from advent calendars to door wreaths, Homemade Christmas shows you how to decorate your home for the festive season. Using the book for inspiration we have created some homemade parcels and gift tags in store. It is easy and fun, why not give it a go this year.
It's the thought that counts.........
It's the thought that counts...........
The old adage "it's the thought that counts" is really what Christmas is all about. It is often the smaller, more thoughtful presents that stand out from the crowd and are so gratefully received by your family and friends.
Christmas is an expensive time of year but not everything needs to cost a fortune. This year why not consider a more homemade Christmas. You can apply this concept to every part of your Christmas preparations, from making your own gifts, creative gift wrapping, Christmas decorations and setting your Christmas table.
In store we are having lots of fun creating beautiful Christmas displays using our unique handmade decorations that can be used to compliment any Christmas theme. Many of our customers are very creative, buying some items to use on their home made trees and Christmas displays. We have been inspired by all the clever ideas and it is heartening to see people embracing the joy of this special season.
Feel free to pop in and see us if you need some inspiration or help with your Christmas preparations.
The old adage "it's the thought that counts" is really what Christmas is all about. It is often the smaller, more thoughtful presents that stand out from the crowd and are so gratefully received by your family and friends.
Christmas is an expensive time of year but not everything needs to cost a fortune. This year why not consider a more homemade Christmas. You can apply this concept to every part of your Christmas preparations, from making your own gifts, creative gift wrapping, Christmas decorations and setting your Christmas table.
In store we are having lots of fun creating beautiful Christmas displays using our unique handmade decorations that can be used to compliment any Christmas theme. Many of our customers are very creative, buying some items to use on their home made trees and Christmas displays. We have been inspired by all the clever ideas and it is heartening to see people embracing the joy of this special season.
Feel free to pop in and see us if you need some inspiration or help with your Christmas preparations.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
SIMPLE PLEASURES OF SUMMER............
Simple pleasures of summer........
Entertaining outdoors, creating a craft masterpiece for a dear friend, cooking up a storm for family and friends, digging in the garden all Sunday afternoon. These are the simple pleasures to enjoy.
My passion for the garden only started after marrying my husband who is a farmer and loves the garden. We now have two children that love the outdoors and love to grow things just like dad.
There is no greater pleasure than cooking and eating the home grown herbs, tomatoes or vegies and cutting your own roses for the table, or the sheer peace of sitting outside by the garden on a starry night.
Bring life to your outside space with organic textures and colour. Take inspiration from your surrounds and choose colourful flowers that are easy to grow, and use fabrics and furniture to make your outside area a luxurious place.
Scent and taste are two very basic luxuries that I love. My family loves to cook and we have
a lot of traditions when it comes to food. Again I really only learnt to cook when I meet my husband as he is a chef as well as a farmer.
There is nothing better than entertaining outdoors with the barbecue loaded with fresh seafood, a gorgeous old oak table trimmed with neutral whites and creams and the table laid with candles on a balmy summer evening.
Oh and what to do when the summer rains come.....grab your artistic ability and all your goodies and start creating that craft masterpiece.
Enjoy!
Entertaining outdoors, creating a craft masterpiece for a dear friend, cooking up a storm for family and friends, digging in the garden all Sunday afternoon. These are the simple pleasures to enjoy.
My passion for the garden only started after marrying my husband who is a farmer and loves the garden. We now have two children that love the outdoors and love to grow things just like dad.
There is no greater pleasure than cooking and eating the home grown herbs, tomatoes or vegies and cutting your own roses for the table, or the sheer peace of sitting outside by the garden on a starry night.
Bring life to your outside space with organic textures and colour. Take inspiration from your surrounds and choose colourful flowers that are easy to grow, and use fabrics and furniture to make your outside area a luxurious place.
Scent and taste are two very basic luxuries that I love. My family loves to cook and we have
a lot of traditions when it comes to food. Again I really only learnt to cook when I meet my husband as he is a chef as well as a farmer.
There is nothing better than entertaining outdoors with the barbecue loaded with fresh seafood, a gorgeous old oak table trimmed with neutral whites and creams and the table laid with candles on a balmy summer evening.
Oh and what to do when the summer rains come.....grab your artistic ability and all your goodies and start creating that craft masterpiece.
Enjoy!
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