Roses and Thorns

"Fill your paper with the 
breathings of your heart."
        ~William Wordsworth


   I remember the first time my Mum let me read her journal. It was like meeting her for the first time even though I had known her all my life. I felt closer to her and through her simple words caught on paper I learned a little about how to live my own life well. It made me want to write the special moments of my days down too if only just for myself and not any future reader. I've kept a journal ever since! Granted not always with real dedication but I have always had one. I think it's important to capture our memories somehow even if you only record a few words or a single picture taped to the page. Those things will mean something to you later that you can't imagine now. I was given a beautiful journal for Christmas from my Mum by Georgianna Lane Photography and what is special about it is the layout. You can divide your day into "roses" and "thorns" and simply jot down the good and the bad that meant something to you. I love this concept! I think the more that we record our blessings and challenges the easier it is to appreciate the good things in life - and trust me there are ALWAYS good things. 

Decor Inspiration

"Your home should tell the 
story of who you are, and be 
a collection of what you love."
                 ~Nate Berkus

   The last few months have been a whirlwind of exciting new experiences! My husband and I have now been married for 6 months! How time flies. I am beginning to really feel at home in my new space and getting excited to decorate and bring more of my own presence into each room! I have spent a lot of time planning and looking for inspiration and I thought it might be fun to show you some of that "research". :) You never know - maybe some of my ideas will inspire you in your homes and I would love to know which of them you think I should run with! To begin with here is an inspiration board I made with a few of the ideas I am mulling over...

The very first thing I wanted to do when I moved into my husband's house was buy a mantle mirror for above the fireplace. I simply love that look! I actually tried three mirrors before I decided on the one that I have now (which I will show you in a later post!). This one from Anthropologie definitely started me dreaming...

I love the Trumeau style. I couldn't get away from my love of vintage though and I always felt like I wanted something round like this... 

I also think that curtains are a huge part of making a room look cozy. I was looking for something soft and neutral like this.. 

Or this...

Lamps are something that I looked at online for hours. Soooo many styles to choose from. I ended up liking quite a few. This lamp from Regina Andrews is one of my favourites. But in white or silver? 

Of course this pink glass lamp from Bella Cottage made me swoon...

Art is very important in a home. It adds depth and colour and really speaks to your individual personality. I love Pino...

But I have also been looking at subtle and soft pieces like this one from Studio McGee...

Or perhaps some lovely photography? These are so beautiful from Georgianna Lane... 

I would love to have a beautiful gallery wall too...

Furniture is important because you want pieces that will last and that you won't get tired of. I think everyone already knows that I am drawn to the French style...

I adore this little bureau from French Market Collection!

And of course after you have all of the staple pieces to fit your room you have to accessorize and my favourite accessory for a home is flowers... 

What are your decor ideas?

Credit for photos to: 

https://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2017/07/17/mantel-inspiration-for-the-summer-season/

http://blog.caitlinwilson.com/

http://bibbyandbrady.co.nz/blog/

http://jenkinsinteriors.com/portfolio/details/

http://agiftwrappedlife.blogspot.ca/search?updated-max=2011-08-26T11:38:00-04:00

Pages, Words, and Pictures

"A book is a dream you hold in your hand."
                  ~Neil Gaiman


   We are readers in my family (she says proudly) and I have grown up surrounded by books and by people who love them. I am also an artist and I'm drawn to beautiful artwork in all its forms. A book that has beautiful words and beautiful pictures is like candy to me! Add my love of stationery, notebooks, and pretty pens into the mix and you can imagine what my home looks like. It is bursting with pages, words, and pictures... 

Today on the blog I want to share with you a few of the gorgeous books and stationery I was given for Christmas.

Paris Through a Fashion Eye by Megan Hess

A stunning look at the Fashion world in Paris through the gorgeous art of Megan Hess. Where to shop, where to eat, where to stay!

New York Through a Fashion Eye by Megan Hess

Travel the fashion world of New York with the beautiful illustrations of Megan Hess!

Fictionally Fabulous by Anne Keenan Higgins

Beautiful illustrations of famous film and television characters detailing their unique style and iconic outfits that we have come to love!

The Way She Wears It by Dallas Shaw

Find out what your personal style is with fashion illustrator Dallas Shaw. Insider tips and tricks, look books, and stunning visuals to help you find your unique look!

Stationery by Bella Pilar, Fringe, Alison Gordon Studio, Graphique, Betsey Johnson.