Country

Jasper Conran, English fashion designer and photographer, spent a year exploring the English countryside, documenting it on film. These rugged and dreamy images from his book Country feel like stepping back in time.

All photos from "Country".

This stunning coffee table book is on sale at Amazon.

Springtime in Paris

France is a place you never forget. Since visiting a few summers ago, I feel like I've been having a dreamy love affair with anything French or Parisian that conjures up memories of that trip.

I was so pleasantly surprised this morning to see that {this is glamorous} had posted these stunning photographs by Liz Rusby. I'm in absolute awe of how beautifully she's captured the romantic mood and soft light of Paris. I can't imagine that there's a place more beautiful in spring than Paris. Sigh.

So if you can't live there, I say bring a little home. French Style at Home: Inspiration from Charming Destinations is an amazing decorating reference by Sebastien Siraudeau. With the same soft lighting that Rusby has so wonderfully used, Siraudeau describes the interior styles of various regions throughout France.

When I first saw a copy on my boss' desk, I couldn't wait to take a quick look through. Now, I can honestly say I've looked at it about 20 times - sometimes for design ideas, sometimes to reminisce; always loving France.


Also - Liz Rusby also has an etsy shop! Check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LizRusby

The Beautiful Shelter's Favourite Gift

I've started to see gift guides everywhere lately - magazines, websites, blogs, you name it. Rather than try to reinvent the wheel myself, I just want to share my #1 gift suggestion for the year. It is........(drum roll)........

a personalized photo book!

I first saw this idea in the summer, and it is such a professional (and sentimental!) alternative to a photo album. As a gift to her parents, the newlywed couple created a beautiful photo book of all their gorgeous wedding photos. I can't think of a better coffee table book!


I've been wracking my brain for who to make one for this Christmas, but I just keep thinking of reasons for everyone else! The options are truly endless, but maybe you'll find one here that works for you:

• Someone special will be far away, or unable to spend the holidays with you. Send them your favourite photo memories together (with funny stories written in between, of course...)!
• If you went on an incredible trip this year, put a book together for those who came along.
• You're an artist or photographer who wants to share your work.
  
• What grandparent wouldn't want a photo book of their grandchildren...
• Heck, what parent wouldn't want a book of their children.....
• It's perfect for the person who has everything (or returns everything).

I think the best reason of all (and the reason this gift idea beats out even the best smelling candles and softest cashmere sweaters on gift guides this year, if I do say so!) is its something personal that they will have forever.

So how do you make one? I have found two great photo bookmakers, Blurb and Lulu. Visit their website to download the software, add any photos, art, stories, notes or poems, and let them do the rest! They ship to Canada, and prices vary depending on page length, book size, etc. If I find any other great photo book creators, I'll let you know!

Images courtesy StyleatHome.com, blurb.com, smugmug.com, themombuzz.com, and sugarpond.blogspot.com.