Berrima

Yesterday the boys and I scooted up the Federal highway to the Southern Highlands for a day trip to catch up with my youngest siblings. We met Alec and Paige at the Book Barn on the Bendooley Estate which sits on the edge of the little village of Berrima. The Book Barn was a new discovery for me and it was a heavenly place to escape the winter chill with a large fireplace, rows of shelves filled to the brim with new and vintage books, bentwood chairs at every turn and the yummiest chocolate cake this side of the equator. Jack was pretty chuffed.

When our caffeine and cocoa levels were sufficiently boosted and we'd caught up on each other's news we headed back into the village so that the kids could burn off some energy in the park. Note the distinct lack of winter jackets on those boys...Canberra kids are tough nuts to crack in winter.

We took a wander up the main street for a pub lunch, had another play in the park and a browse through some of the village stores then headed home in time to pick the Husband up from work.

It was so lovely catching up with Paige and Alec. 

Its rare for all three of us to be together given that we live in different states.

If only teleportation was a common mode of transport these days. 

xx Em

Paper Princesses

Harry is going to his best friend's birthday party this weekend.

 

I have the perfect gift for Miss Bella.

The most exquisite children's book I have ever laid eyes on and I simply must share it with you!

The Fairytale Princess by Su Blackwell.

Seven classic fairy tales retold.

I have always admired artworks created from the pages of old books but Su Blackwell takes it to an entirely new level of BEAUTIFUL!

 

And the beauty is found in the incredibly fine detail...

 

 

I know that Bella will become blissfully lost in this book.

It is utterly enchanting!

 

I found this little treasure at Paperchain, my favourite bookshop in Manuka. It's published by Thames and Hudson if you covet a copy.

I also found this darling little card to go with Bella's gift.

 

 

I've been feeling more and more inspired to follow my dream of writing and illustrating children's books and designing my own beautiful line of cards & giftwrap. Over the next few years I'm going to take the first steps by doing some fine art & graphic design courses. Hopefully one day, with hard work and determination, I'll find myself in a bookstore sitting on a little chair with a group of children at my feet and I'll be reading one of my own stories to them. One day...

Until then, I'll continue to be joyfully inspired by others.

xxx

 

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