A Seriously Budget Bouquet

Things you'll need: Flowers from the Tesco bargain bin (these were £1.79), an empty 2l bottle of Evian & a short piece of ribbon

I am totally broke at the moment, but I am also trying to make my desk a calm and comfortable place to work. This morning in Tesco I found these gorgeous flowers for only £1.79! I came home and realised that our little rental flat didn't come with any vases, so I cut an empty Evian bottle in half with a kitchen knife (beware of cutting yourself, obviously) and tied a piece of ribbon around the middle! The result is not too shabby, considering it hardly cost me anything!

Definitely One For The Christmas List!

I've written before about my longing for a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk (I mean, who doesn't have it high on their 'things I want' list??) and now LV have kindly compiled 100 Legendary Trunks into one glorious book. Some day, my volume of the book will be perched atop one of the trunks it depicts, which will be used as a coffee table in my divine London home... Siiiigh!

A Room (or Several) of One's Own

In my Edwardian lit class today, we were talking about children's literature - and Wind in the Willows in particular (I know, it's a tough life). It's a book which champions the home - there is comfort and safety in the nests and warrens of the animals. I have had images of interiors piling up over the last few weeks - every so often I get hooked on the interior design blogs, and I dream about having my own place one day and making it perfect - what can I say? I'm a nester!

Images from Ralph Lauren Home, DesignSponge and around and about!

Half-asleep Thoughts

Working as an intern, I spend all day thinking of things to blog about… Ever night this week I’ve arrived home with only enough time to eat, shower, struggle to keep my eyes open during an episode of Frasier, and then fall asleep. It’s not the work that kills me, it’s the HOURS of commuting. It’s soul-destroying. However, I promise to get my act together soon… On the mean time, here are some pretty things to enjoy…

This is how a tattoo ages well

And this is how to make a bun look new and interesting

I would love to live in a house that opens into the wilderness...

And there I would have a bathtub in front of a fireplace!

Inside and Out...

I’m obsessed with houses at the moment. I love interior decorating blogs (obviously) but I have no interest in gardens. Having said that, look at these… Pretty…

At Home in My Mind...

I have already blogged about my dream of a library, and I thought I would share these with you… How we house our books speaks volumes (heh, book puns) about ourselves. Colour-coded, cluttered, or pristine and untouched… Piled high or on shelves… Books, books, books. I wouldn't be at home without mine...

"Shaken, Not Stirred, Will Get You Cold Water With a Dash of Gin and Dry Vermouth"

In my fantasy apartment, there is a tray table crowded with gem-coloured bottles of liquor and mini bottles of mixers. There will also be a crystal bowl of lemons and limes, and a silver bucket for ice. Crushing, muddling and pouring will all be done VERY neatly by someone who knows how to make the perfect Caipirinha...

Source: Lonny, Ralph Lauren

Cherry Blossom

My family has finally bought a new home, so naturally I’m thinking about pimping a new bedroom.

My best friend has a beautiful Laura Ashley bird print paper covering part of one wall, which is stunning and subtle – ideal if the room is used for accommodating guests!

I found these on Designers Guild, which is just a feast for the eyes. Probably not for everyone’s tastes, some of it is pretty out-there.

These tea cups are even better, I'm starting a crusade to get them onto our new kitchen walls!

Or, we could take a tip from this clever person who has used their tea cup collection to decorate... Fabulous