Wednesday, April 2, 2008

These are a few of my favourite things...

This months Country Home Ideas magazine has arrived and it's chock full of goodies:)
Firstly I wanted to mention this place - So French. After seeing the full page ad in the mag I remembered my last visit there and how much I treasure this store.


So French is situated in Bowral in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands. The area itself is picturesque and historic. Growing up, this area was always my families "sunday picnic spot" as it's only 1 1/2 hours south of Sydney and I have alot of fond memories from those times. Fortunately I still get to visit Bowral regularly as my father has lived in the next suburb - Mittagong (All aboriginal names) for the last 10 years. Unfortunately not regularly enough.


So French is run by Linda Dunsire and is a perfect little boutique selling Antique and reproduction French furniture and homewares.


So many shops sell an abundance of mass produced furnishings it's so refreshing finding a store like this, where you are guaranteed to discover something unique.







The next beauties I found in the magazine were these lovely hostess aprons by Annabel Trends. I have a terrible habit of not wearing an apron while I cook and have oil stained plenty of clothes *blush*. Perhaps owning one of these will encourage me to kick that habit :)







Next are these adorable ceramic placement settings.

Made by an American company called Place Tile designs, they feature name placement cards, menus, cheese labels, wine labels etc and you KNOW I'm loving the robins egg! :)


Julia, have a peek, you may find some ideas for your preparations ;)

http://www.placetile.com/main.html




For the next two images please excuse my dodgy scanning once again. Unfortunately they don't show up the stunning intricate detailing of these french architectural prints. I LOVE THEM!






I thought these handmade cushions featuring a floral base, linen panel and vintage button were too lovely.


Made by Nicola Stairmand from Fat Bird Farm, they are inspired by the birdlife in her Yarra Valley, Victoria home :)



http://fatbirdfarm.com.au/






Finally I found it coincidental that for weeks I couldn't remember the name of this particular retreat in Heathcote, Victoria and after featuring it and discussing it on several blogs, an 8 page spread about The Olive Grove retreat was featured on not one but two Australian magazines this month lol.



http://www.olivegroveretreat.com/




http://www.countryhomeideas.com.au/index.php




8 comments:

~j~ said...

oh darn, i am just heading out the door and i dont' have time to absorb all this goodness, will stop by this evening,
love to you Anna,
j

Gail McCormack said...

Anna I haven't seen this latest Country Home Ideas yet. My old Auntie lived in Bowral, I also love it, so many surrounding towns to explore, Mittagong is wonderful, have you been to Barrima? I'm sure you must have, just beautiful, listen to me a Victorian asking you....you'd be the expert. Thanks for Ellie's birthday wishes

Villa Anna said...

Yes I know Berima well :) I think it's the oldest of the southern highlands towns and FILLED with adorable boutiques and antique stores.

The next time I visit my dad I'm going to tour all around the surrounding areas and go crazy with my camera lol.

I wish I knew more about Victoria's country towns, I'm sure they're equally as gorgeous.

Anna :)

Alkemie said...

Anna, the store looks so lovely as the way you described the whole area! It was fun looking at all of the pictures of the store.

Karen

LIBERTY POST EDITOR said...

What a glorious issue. I adore the aprons and Fat Bird Farm. Hey! Is that a new header? Wow! Amazing look.

Linda said...

I wish I could find things like that actually in France. Some of it is scattered here and there at brochants. It just isn't found affordably in one handy place that I know of.

Villa Anna said...

Wow Linda, I guess it's a misconception that antiques and vintage wares are in abundance in France. Thank you for your comment.

Anna :)

Anastasia said...

i was telling andrew today that we should head to Bowral...its not far at all and has such nice shops to explore!!
love your blog header Anna - looks FAB!!!