Beautiful Blue and White Book

At the crack of dawn this morning our postman rang the doorbell as he had a parcel to deliver. It has been some time since I hopped out of bed with such a spring in my step and the reason being that I knew the postman was bringing a book that I had ordered.

So it was kettle on, curtains open, quilts and blankets (that had been left on the sofa last night) folded and put away, tea made, toast put into toaster, cats fed.... gosh doesn't the morning routine go on and on when you want to do something different?

Finally I got to sit down at the kitchen table and open the parcel that had arrived. Whilst I receive parcels on a regular basis and at work, I open a huge number of parcels every week, this one I knew was a bit special.

Earlier in the year I was contacted by Gail Abbott (who wrote that fantastic book called Shoestring Chic) who asked if we could lend her some bed linen and quilts for use in photographs for a new book she was writing. Happy to help, I sent off the selection of quilts, duvet covers and pillowcases that she had asked for and in due course, she returned them to me. For months I have been quietly waiting for the book to be published and at last on 1st September Gail's new book, Decorating in Blue and White was released.

So this morning, my copy of her book arrived and with a good cup of tea made, I spent half an hour browsing her book and ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the beautiful photographs (taken by Mark Scott), stunning scenery and gorgeous rooms that illustrate her words. Because I am dreadfully impatient and wanted to spot the quilts and bedlinen that I had sent her, I haven't actually started to read her words of wisdom yet... that will be this evening's treat.

Gail's latest book is published by Cico Books and is available 'at all good bookshops'.

I need to get to work, chat soon, Liz

P.S. At midday today, Cecily telephoned me to let me know that this morning she has passed her driving test (at her first attempt), so now I am an extra proud mummy.

All images and text copyright Pretty Practicals 2006 - 2008 except where stated.