Don't you just love hearts?!

I adore hearts - whether they're made of wire, stone, wood .... they are just so endearing and "heartwarming".  Since we are in the sesaon of gratitude, of love, caring, warmth, sharing, what better  time than to ponder things we love, things we would love to give to other's ... so here is a collection of various "heart" shapes" to enjoy (all pictures from Really Linda Barker).

woven heart

hanging candle holders

somewhere to display bits and pieces

Cabbages & Roses

Cabbages & Roses is just one of those websites, that I can spend mounds of time on ..... obviously by the name, you know it has an edge of vintage to it, the pictures are gorgeous the items beautiful and there's definitely a look and feel to the styling which tells you it's based on good old design principles. Last week in the throes of a bout of SERIOUS procrastination, I spent some time browsing thru the wonderful array of products and pictures ...... here are but some, to delight and tantalise your senses!

Which are your favorite sites ? Places that you escape to, where you can can simply while away the hours .....

Picture Credits: Cabbages & Roses website

Gorgeous new catalogue from TOAST

As you may recall, I have raved about TOAST before .... I just love this web store and the wonderfully creative and inspiring catalogues they produce. The new home catalogue has just been released and is worth the time to look through. To me, it's not only about the wonderful items, but alsso the way they have been photgraphed and the wonderful settings/ locations - it's like taking a sensory trip without leaving your desk!
Enjoy Click here to go to their webpage and catalogue

Picture Credit: TOAST

TOAST - no not the bread kind!

Toast is a UK based store with a wonderful website - well I think so anyway, since it appeals to my senses from the photographic, to the great scenery where the pics were taken, to, of course, the great items they sell.

Also I love that you can go to the catalogue page, select a catalogue and click through the beautiful pages - it always feels like a journey to me... hope you enjoy too!

Picture Credits : Toast Catalogue Pages

Toast : http://www.toast.co.uk/

For more TOAST pics see the post on To be Thinking Aloud blog - click here

Wonderful Items from Linda Barker

I came across Linda Barker's site a while back. Linda is a UK based decorator who also sells really lovely items from her website. Linda's goods are truly gorgeous - they seem to have an air of old world, country decor, vintage, yet with a modern twist. I've downloaded a few of the pics to show you! On the other end of the spectrum she also does some really elegant and decadent items (go to her website for more beautiful items).

Don't you just feel inspired to go and revamp your dining room or kitchen ...... set a wonderful table for lunch, or maybe tea?
For those in the UK, take a look at the website and go shopping, for those of us elsewhere (I think they ship overseas?)....but for now, alas, we'll just ogle the website and dream on ..... Tea and scones anyone???

Pictures: Linda Barker website: http://www.reallylindabarker.co.uk/

Beautiful things old ... the story of a bedroom

Since Vintage Rose Studio is about things old, things beautiful, things re-used, recycled, repurposed and revamped, I always enjoy it when I come across wonderful examples of how this "decor style" or "lifestyle" for that matter, is being created and more importantly, lived to great effect, whether in decor or in the garden, or even in a fashion sense.

Sadie Olive is one of my absolute favorite sites, when it comes to "beautiful things old". Here is an excerpt from one of her blog articles - "Boudoir Bliss", which includes some really good pics. Note the use of natural fibres, soft "colour" and above all, that wonderful lived in feel. Enjoy!

Take a look ......

Picture credit : Country Living magazine