Beautiful Shop

Harem Melbourne has lots of lovely things, including owner Sasha's remodelled vintage lingerie..xx

Beautiful Home

The blog kind of ground to a halt this week, I had some catching up on all things to do! And I'm a little early with the Beautiful Home as I'll be finishing the main bathroom over the next couple of days. For those that haven't come across it before, this is designer Shannon Bowers beautiful home. I just love the Gustavian settee in image 1 and the c.1800 Swedish chair in image 2. Oh, and all those solid shutters and the colours..and the kitchen..and the nursery..xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

All images - Veranda

Beautiful Garden

Of the very few places I have travelled to, I am happy to say China is one of them. My husband attended a conference and I was lucky enough to tag along. We visited both Shanghai and Beijing and I highly recommend a visit. Shanghai for its fun and hospitality (it used to be called the Paris of the East) and Beijing for its history.

Here are some of our pics, including the Yu Yuan Gardens in Shanghai. The gardens are over 400 years old and took 20 years to build. The site is considered to have some of the most beautiful architecture and gardens in China. Over 5 acres consisting of the Grand Rockery, Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion, Hall of Heralding Spring, Hall of Jade Magnificence, Inner Garden and Lotus Pool.

The bazaar that has sprung up around Yu Yuan

Tea tasting in Yu Yuan, something I was unable to try as I 

was in the early stages of pregnancy with my first child..

The silk spinning factory in Shanghai. The silks were beautiful and it was fascinating

 to see how Chinese silk has been produced since the 14th century..

Part of the Shanghai skyline

A sign in all taxis..One of the rules is:

Psychos without guardians are prohibited to take taxis!

The water town of Zhouzhuang where we boarded a Chinese-style gondola and cruised the waterways through this 900 year old town, dubbed the Venice of the East .Locals still live here and you can see them going about their daily activities from washing clothes to shopping from vendors in boats.

The Forbidden City, Beijing

That's me sitting on a seat in front of one of the buildings, 

to give you an idea of the sheer scale of the Forbidden City..

Some of the beautiful, ornate steps

This was one of the funniest things that has ever happened to me.. This lovely young man asked if he could have a photo with me as "you are supermodel, most beautiful woman". His obliging, smiling girlfriend took the picture with my falling about laughing husband taking one in the background! 

I can assure you, I am nothing close to a supermodel! 

He was so sweet and funny..

Just a small part of the very beautiful and romantic Summer Palace in 

Beijing. Built in 1750, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Words can't describe the Great Wall. I was unable to climb much of it

 as this was the day that first trimester nausea hit! It is an incredible place..

Have a lovely Monday xx

Beautiful Shop

Bit late with the shop this week...I've been very busy! I've got lots of blog reading to catch up on too..
Anyway, we're gettin' funky with UK shop Rockett St George. They have some really unique gifts and homewares.. how cool are the laptop stickers to create the look of a vintage typewriter? xx

Beautiful Home

A bit of romance this week..in London's East End. I just love the cat's name .. Michigan xx

All images Home Beautiful