all images from her blog here

Today I took some time out to go hear Rachel Ashwell, of Shabby Chic speak. She took us through unexpected pages in her new book, Shabby Chic Inspirations. Showing us images of how friends, artists she loves, and clients all have different tastes but all still have something very shabby-chic (a chipped mirror, treasures from a random flea market mixed with black walls!)

All of this I found interesting, but what I was touched by the most was her genuine honesty. She was speaking on the anniversary of her mom's passing and talking about how she thinks of her often, had made all welled up in tears. She also spoke how the last 3 years (declaring bankruptcy) have been really tough & hideous, and through it all she has gotten back to what inspires her most...people.