On my bookshelf...

I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to books and I thought I'd share a new addition to my bookshelf with you...

I know I'm probably the last person to get a copy of 'Homespun Style' by Selina Lake and theres not really much point writing about it and continuing to tell everyone to go out and buy a copy of it, as its been doing the rounds in blog land for a while now...

But, I shall continue to do it anyway as its absolutely beautiful!

Honestly, I have to admit, I haven't read it in any great detail yet as the imagery is just so bloomin' gorgeous, I had to keep turning the page to see what was next!

She's gone and done it again with another stunning book! 

I thought 'Bazaar Style' was yummy, but this instalments a visual treat.

Covering everything from crafts, textiles, customising, children's rooms through to outside living, colour and pattern, it really is worth parting with your pennies.

Each photograph that features in the book has been styled and shot beautifully.

(Im no expert but I do love a well styled photo)

Chintz and retro wallpapers are followed by vintage teacups and sewing rooms, walls filled with an eclectic mix of frames, bookshelves and piles of yummy fabrics for a craft room... ooh it goes on, just beautiful.

Anyway, don't just take my word for it.

Here a few pages from the book...

(photos above from the book taken by me, copyright of the book itself, Homespun Style - Ryland Peters and Small)

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Oliver Jeffers...

I've always looked to childrens illustrations as a source of inspiration right from my days at University many moons ago through to today, and have admired the work of Oliver Jeffers for some time now...

So, I decided to treat myself to an early Christmas present and buy his amazing collection of books, every page is literally filled with yumminess!

My favourites have got to be 'The incredible book eating boy', 'The great paper caper' and 'Stuck'. 

(if I had to pick a top three, but all are gorgeous)

Here are just a few examples of his beautiful illustrations...

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Oooohhh new books...

Ooh I just love a new cook book or four! 

Couldn't resist these lovely new additions to the collection.

I absolutely adore the Leon books so when I discovered their third out last week...

well, what can you do?

Also being added to the book shelf were 'Pieminister', (love a good pie, comfort food is the way forward!)

'Supper Club' (gorgeous illustrations too, added bonus!) and 'The Great British Bake Off'

Plenty to be keeping me busy I think...

Where to start?

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Coralie Bickford-Smith for Penguin books

Ooh, aren't these just lovely! 

I came across the work of Coralie Bickford-Smith on various blogs recently and just had to have a little trip over to her website for a looksie. 

Coralie is the Senior Cover Designer at Penguin books and has created several series designs. 

The 'Great Food' books are just stunning, I love them all, and the 'Clothbound' series are gorgeous too.

If these don't make you want to pick up a book for a read, I don't know what will!

For the series of 'Great Food' book covers, she took inspiration from the illustrations of traditional tableware and old ceramic design from history books and catalogues, and along with using an object silhouette that reflected each books content, created the book cover.

Here are a few of the fabulous designs...

(even the spines are enticing me in!)

These are the designs for Hans Christian Andersen and Arabian Nights...

In the 'Clothbound' series, Carolie again uses a particular motif or object that represents the story beautifully; Great Expectations has a chandelier repeated on its cover, Treasure Island has palm trees and parrots, and perfectly fitting, Alice in Wonderland has pink flamingos and the wonderful croquet game that features in the story. Love it!

(Where should I start my collection...?!)

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Rachel Allen Home Cooking...

I'm loving this book at the moment. 

Gradually working my way through some lovely recipes. 

It's a couple of years old now but I came across it in a bookshop the other day at a ridiculously cheap price and had to buy it! 

(There were too many yummy things in it it to turn down!)

Might just have to have a look at some of her other books...

I can highly recommend the 'Roast Tomato Soup' (with added roasted peppers) mmm.

And the potato cakes will be tried and tested tonight!

Some other 'soon to be given a whirl recipes' are 'Broad bean, mint and feta pasta sauce', 'Chicken casserole with cheesy herb dumplings' and 'Mushroom soup with stuffed mushrooms'.

The book is full of really good everyday, comforting and home cooked recipes that aren't too fussy and don't have endless ingredients lists, perfect for busy days!

It also helps when a cook book is beautifully designed with good layouts, and this won't disappoint with gorgeous title fonts, sweet shop striped pastel pages and lovely photography! 

What more could you want...

Rachel Allen Home Cooking can be found over on amazon