Welcome to My Book Launch Party!

Over the last year I have been working very hard on producing my own book inspired by my lifestyle and entitled
'Living with Nostalgia -Surround Yourself with the Past'

It has been a labour of love, as I wanted the end result to be a book that I would want to buy myself. I have bought several interior design/craft based books by various authors over the last year and have been disappointed by most of them for one reason or another. I, like so many creative women, am a very visual person. I thrive on beautiful images and relish looking at the minutest details within a photograph.

During the year I was very fortunate to have some very helpful advice and support from author Sally Page. She had found it difficult to get her books published, basically because she wasn't famous. I knew that I would have the same problem, so decided to go ahead and create my own book using Blurb.com., with a view to using the final copy of my book as a manuscript to show to prospective publishers.

Having worked on all the editing, photography and text myself, I am finally in possession of my completed book. Sally warned me that it could take years to secure a deal with a publishers, so I have decided to offer my book for sale, for now, via Blurb.

Blurb print each copy of the book to order, which means they are a little expensive, but it is my hope that anyone wishing to buy a copy will not be disappointed with the content. The book has 238 pages and includes well over 820 photographs! Sally suggested that this was actually enough pictures for two books! Any publisher taking it on would instantly remove around 50% of them!

As I said, I am a visual person, so this is the look I was going for and would hope I am not alone in this way of thinking. Perhaps it is time for something different, rather than sticking to the usual formula?

I have given the book 6 main chapters, which guides the reader into thinking nostalgically and creating a comfortable lifestyle and homely environment, by cherishing those vintage possessions which tell a story. There are tips for finding inspiration, for recycling all sorts of treasures and materials and reusing family pieces. Everything is easy to achieve, even on a limited budget, which I felt was important. I have read books and magazines where the advice given seems rather pretentious and unachievable due to cost, or sourcing problems. I have included many of my own possessions in the photographs, to show how easy this lifestyle can be to implement.

It is clearly and simply set out, with the photographs being the main focus and telling the story.

Vintage fabrics are a passion of mine, which can be seen throughout the pages. The whole recycling ethos is as important now as it's ever been and I would hope to encourage this and to show how easy it is to reuse many of the materials that already surround us or which are available from flea markets and fairs, rather than buying new from the high street.

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Collections is a more light-hearted and fun area to enjoy, once the basics have been installed in the home. I wouldn't dream of telling anyone what they should or shouldn't be buying, but have made suggestions and offered advice for those not knowing where to start. At the end of the day, it is down to each person to have a home that reflects their loves and personality, not to have someone dictate what is good and bad taste.

Antique and vintage postcards, for example, come in many designs and styles, so a tailor made collection that you enjoy looking at is easy to achieve.

Having sold vintage goods for many, many years, I have met lots of like-minded women, either when selling at fairs, in my shop or out on buying trips. I am very fortunate to have made very good friends with some wonderful people and I was delighted when three of them agreed to have their homes and possessions included in the book. I feel this adds lots more interest to it and makes for a more balanced view as to what can be achieved when women forge their own style. Each one has a home bursting with individuality, which reflects their personalities, with the end result of a stylish and unique environment. Not one of them worries what others may think of their surroundings and each enjoys their home because they have the things that they love around them. All of the homes were photographed as they are lived in and not styled, to give a true representation of this easy way of life.

Debbie lives in a small Somerset cottage; we enjoy shopping together at flea markets and fairs and look for rose printed china and pieces of Victoriana to add to her cabinets and shelves.

The 'Room by Room' chapter will take the reader on a tour of this charming abode!

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Helen also lives in a cottage, but it has a more rustic, country style. The last 5 years have been spent renovating it from a very sad state of repair.

She has always lived with a very strong sense of nostalgia and has stories to tell throughout her home. Romance is assured in bucket loads!

Threadbare toys have pride of place in the main bedroom adding sentimentality and smiles!

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Maggie's colourful home has jaw dropping collections inspired by flowers. Pouring over every detail in the photographs is sure to inspire and entertain - I know I was mesmerised by the sumptuous nature of her pieces the first time that I saw them.

She is also very creative and has many ideas for making pretty accessories for her home. This is just one small area of her incredible workroom!

And not stopping there...gardens also have several pages dedicated to them....all with nostalgic influences, of course!

I have also shared a few simple craft projects, which are easy to achieve for the non-crafter, or which could be developed further by the more experienced.

And finally special occasions needed to be included - for many, Christmas is the most nostalgic time of the year, so a few images from this celebration find their way into the closing chapter of the book, along with Easter, Birthdays, and family get-togethers.

If you would like to order a copy of 'Living with Nostalgia - surround yourself with the past', it is simple to do through the Blurb website. They are an American company, but ship to most countries. Remember that your copy will be printed just for you, so you need to allow printing time, plus shipping from the States. The link is on my blog sidebar and can also be accessed via my website.

Why not add a copy to your Christmas list? ;-))

Niki x