Wallpaper and Amy Butler: A match made in heaven

You know I love Amy Butler, and that I adore wallpaper so this is a no brainer...the new wallpaper collection by Amy designed exclusively for Graham & Brown is simply gorgeous!

Wallpaper selection: Georgia in Stone, Fountain Damask in Midnight, Lacework in Field, 

Temple Tulips in Ocean, Momento in Sunset and Field Poppies in Moss.

Amy's approach to design comes from being "passionate about color and forms inspired by nature and I love mixing prints that create surprising design stories. That's what I want my collections to show. I want to share a fresh perspective that highlights the confident personalities of the people who adopt them. Your home says so much about who you are, and what you care about. I want people to feel inspired, and treat their very lives as a work of art." via Graham & Brown

I am besotted with the Momento pattern both in her fabric collection and here in its wallpaper incarnation. I use Amy Butler fabric in pretty much all of my sewing projects and have visions of decorating a craft room with a selection of these prints, even if I just use some to decorate book shelves with, or use as drawer liners? Bravo Amy, you have done it again!

Spring has sprung at Boden

The British clothier Boden, has released its new Spring collection. Packed full of floral designs and beautiful bright colours, this collection is a delightfully warm breeze in this wintery climate. Boden's signature style is defined by classic cuts and simplicity of form, with the use of a myriad of colour options and vintage inspired prints to create variety. Feminine but not too girly, which is right up my street. Have a look at some of their new pieces for Spring...

Boden's clothing and accessories are timeless, well made, and therefore good value (mid priced) and the fit is true to real size. Think J.Crew with a little more of an English Rose styling (twin sets? Tea dresses? Ballet flats? Tweed jackets? yup, all of that and more), and less of the trend driven direction. Browse the full Women's clothing line here.

Sign me up....EmersonMade Signature T's

EmersonMade is perhaps most well known for their stunning floral accessories, but a look at their clothing line makes it clear that they really can turn their hand to anything and create stylish, simple and elegant pieces that are bang on trend but still classic. The limited edition Signature T-shirts have a clever cuteness and cheeky humor. Made in the USA of super soft 100% cotton, they will add a fun pop of colour to your wardrobe.

Clockwise from top left: 1. High Five! 2. Boom Shisk Boom! 3. Paper Valentine Heart 4.Yes Horse! 5. Lucky Green

Valentine's hint, boys....that Papercut T is an original idea for a cool gift for your honey.  Come on, think outside the chocolate box. Brownie points, big time.

Lonny Loves Lily

I love Lily, Lonny loves Lily...this month's Lonny Magazine has a to-die-for spread on the iconic and colorful Lily Pulitzer that is just too beautiful for words. Read the article from the Jan/Feb 2011 issue here.

(Images courtesy of Lonny)

Happy New Year!!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! Thank for your continued reading, support and encouragement. Here is a little line up of some thoughts to live by in 2011.....

(Images linked to sources.)

Music to my ears.

Sia is a new discovery of mine, but I am late on the pick up. Poppy, dancey, soulful, quirky and joyful is how I would describe this lady's vocals and beats.


You just can't help but be in a better mood after listening to her music. Hailing from Adelaide, Australia, you may recognise her voice from the eternally brilliant Zero 7's tracks such as Destiny from the album Simple Things (2001), where Sia provides the soulful vocals along with Sophie Barker. Listen...




Sia's personal style is awesome. Quirky, bold outfits and accessories that perfectly reflect her playful personality, and the tone of her music.


(Images courtesy of siamusic.net)

The 31st Annual Peru Fair

I can cross this one off my bucket list! Since way before I moved back to Vermont last year I have had a dream that I could be a part of our town's yearly country fair. The Peru Fair is entering it's 31st year, although it is actually the 29th fair after a couple of absent years. Beginning it's life in 1978 as the "End of the World Tag Sale", this local event has surpassed all of our expectations. Over the years it has attracted up to 8,000 people and I cannot even fathom how that is possible in such a tiny town as ours, but hope we can match that this year.

This is a true town effort with over 80 volunteers from a population of less than 200 year-round residents (we have aprox. 400 registered residents in Peru but at least half of them are seasonal), making this event one of Vermont's Top 10. It takes a village and all that...


I am proud to have been accepted to join the committee and I head up the advertising and marketing arm of this small but mighty group of passionate people. Since social media is somewhat on my radar (blogging, Facebook, Twitter) I thought I could provide some added value in that area. Please join our Facebook Fan Page for all the up to the minute info and images from the fair, past and present.

This year we have over 120 local artisans, crafters, food vendors and non-profit organizations who have taken up booths that will be located along the length of our Main Street on the day (25th September) of the fair. This is the largest selection of local talent we have ever had and the Peru Fair Committee is hoping for a bumper year. The proceeds of the fair are donated to the Peru Scholarship Fund which aims to help fund all town children in their goal to follow further education beyond high school level. It is an enormously worthy cause I am sure you will agree.

Preparations for the fair start in January, and involve a multitude of tasks that culminate in a 6am start on the day to ensure that the whole event runs smoothly. I for one will be fully prepared for all weathers and lots of time on my feet, so here is my Peru Fair Look...

Jack Purcell Gingham Sneaker

10engines Avenge Me Cap (In green 802, it's the Vermont dialling code for those out of the loop ;0)

Basic, comfy jeans from Gap

Peru Fair Tshirt ( Think I will treat myself to a new one)

Peru Fair Apron (This is how you will recognise the Peru Fair Committee on the day, come and say Hi!)

A tradition that had lapsed over the past few years, was that our own Peru Volunteer Fire Department would be responsible for our famous pig roast. This year, we are proud to welcome them back to carry on this much anticipated offering. We take our Pig very seriously in these parts!

Let me tell you a secret....if you are in the area the night before, the best pre-fair activity is keeping our boys company while they roast the pigs starting the night before. It is an all night affair!

But let me warn you, the pig roast starts at 11am and if you wait too long it will be gone (see picture above)!

I am beyond proud to be a small part of this community endeavour and I hope to see you all there...9am sharp on 25th September 2010.

Q is for Quotes

I used to keep a journal of my favourite quotes....you know, bits of songs, speeches, books that I loved. Inspirational stuff to remind me of the things I believe in the most, challenges to overcome, dreams to keep dreaming, that kind of thing. My love of typography may come from that, and there is no shortage of beautifully designed prints available with simple messages that speak to me, in one way or another.

My all time favourites...

Keep Calm & Carry On

Make Do And Mend

The World Is Your Oyster

The Trick Is To Keep Breathing

Everything Will Be Just Fine

Home Sweet Home

If Life Deals You Lemons Make Lemonade

I am sure you all have your own favourites, but maybe something here might just catch your attention and you can add it to your own list of inspirations.

Let Them Eat Cake

If you have a sweet tooth then the new collection by artist Paul Ferney and Jordan Ferney (art direction) will satisfy your cravings. Let Them Eat Cake is a collaboration between this husband and wife team that resulted in the most delicious paintings of cakes. I just adore the simplicity and vibrancy of these images with their vintage styling. A little back story here.
My favourites...


Get your hands on an original here.

O is for Oprah

OK, I have to admit that I am in love with Oprah. It is a serious guilty pleasure to watch her in the afternoons and although if you focus too much on her shouty/over enunciation of words and names then she can get a tad irritating, you have to admit the woman is a powerhouse. And I say Bravo! to her. If you are lucky enough to get on her list of "favorite things", then you are made.

My "favorite things" of Oprah's "favorite things"...

Lorina Sparkling Pink Lemonade

Laura Zindel Rooster Pitcher

Alice Supply Co. Garden Hose

Virginia Johnson Shark Scarf

Scents and Feel Fouta Towels

Anna Shea Chocolates

Carrie Bicycle Basket

You know, just the everyday essentials!

Pedlars..new collection available now

Pedlars is an inspiration to me, chock full of vintage goodies and design-led items that are practical and beautiful all at the same time. Have a look at their newest items available online and instore now...

My faves...
And that is just a tiny taste of all the goodies on offer! Go on, have a look for yourself!