Hello friends, I’m Susannah from Ink on my fingers and the Unravelling e-courses and I’m thrilled that Holly has let me loose on her blog! It’s an absolute pleasure to be here and share some of my favourite things with you all. I live in the historic and ridiculously beautiful city of Bath in south-west England and have filled my home with vintage treasures that I love to look at and have around me. I had to smile when Holly asked me to put this post together as I’ve been documenting my favourite things for nearly a year now in collaboration with my fellow Polaroid enthusiast Alicia Bock. For a moment I feared I might have already photographed everything I loved, but as it turns out there’s always another Polaroid to be shot!
My collection of blue & white plates are gradually replacing all the other crockery in my kitchen – the similar colours give them a sense of coherence and they look lovely when laid out together on a table. Markets, charity shops and eBay have proved to be fertile hunting grounds – I never like to pay more than five pounds for a find, the more floral and fancy the better.
Despite the extraordinary amount of rain we’ve been having lately it’s summer here in the UK, and that means I can wear my favourite dresses. This silk kaftan from Zara is so comfortable to wear over jeans; I simply slip on some flip-flops, grab my bag and I’m good to go. I also love my silk quilt from The White Company, which is the softest and most luxurious item in my house. It turns my bed into a cloud and is perfect for snuggling under with a book and mug of tea.
I can honestly say that my Macbook has revolutionized my working life, allowing me to take my work outside the house. I enjoy my life as a self-employed person but occasionally you can go stir crazy working from home, so my new trick is to work at my local library – they don’t have wireless internet access there so I get tons of work done with no online distractions!
I’ve been wearing Angel by Thierry Mugler for about 12 years now, but every so often I fall in love with another scent and become obsessed with it. Tom Ford’s Black Orchid has bewitched me beyond all reason. There’s something narcotic in it, I’m sure, and I just can’t resist dowsing myself in the stuff – do you do that too? I’ve also been wearing a perfume oil I had made by Etsy seller Sweet Anthem – it was such fun trying to decide which fragrance notes to put together.
My latest favourite thing is this first-aid box my mother bought for me from Cath Kidston; I keep in the bathroom next to the oil painting I found in a market for a pound. I haven’t needed to use it yet, thank goodness, but there’s something so 50s-housewife about it that it simply makes me happy.
What inspires me… As a photographer I am most inspired by daylight – I love the way it can wrap around objects and people, and how it changes throughout the day. Sometimes the light can haunt me, when I find myself without a camera to hand and the morning light is dancing before my eyes. For visual eye candy I’m drawn to films that make my brain work, either through the use of imagery or the themes of the story – favourites include The Darjeeling Limited, Hideous Kinky, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Amelie, Solaris and Bladerunner.
I’m also an obsessive bookworm and words move me as much as images; Jeanette Winterson’s novel Written on the Body and the poetry of Sharon Olds and Jane Kenyon are particular favourites. Music is a constant presence in my house and right now I have Florence + The Machine, Rosi Golan, Tosca, Donavon Frankenreiter and Jonatha Brooke on repeat. I love to walk around town with music playing on my iPod, watching people go about their day as I hunt for photographs.
Advice to live by… The best advice I was ever given was from my paternal grandmother. After my grandfather died in 2003 I would call her every Sunday afternoon from London to check in and see how she was doing. We’d end our calls with I love yous and promises to take care during the week; she would always tell me to ‘go gently’ meaning to not rush around too much. These are words I live by now and I always try to slow down, take a deep breath and let go off the stresses of the moment. I know she would approve.
Thank you so much for having me here, Holly – I hope the move is going smoothly!
Enjoy your weekend, everyone ~ Susannah ~
Tags: favorite things
August 14th, 2009 at 4:56 am
Wonderful post! I am really inspired, I love your blog documenting your favorite things, I was doing the same before, but suddenly I stopped…but I am now soooo insired that I will continue ;) Thanks for it :)
.-= pehava´s last blog ..turned hearts =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:04 am
I adore those 3D vintage maps. Beautiful.
.-= Beach Vintage´s last blog ..Project Day: Vamping an Old Desktop =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Yay! What a happy Friday, to have a Susannah Favorite Things! =) Gorgeous photos as always, and a wonderful glimpse in to your life.
.-= Shanon´s last blog ..It’s another Glory morning =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:09 am
So many amazing favorites here! I adore the plates and may start trolling the flea market sales myself. And I’m taking your grandmother’s words with me today. . .as I go gently into the world. Thanks for sharing a peek into your world.
.-= Corinna´s last blog ..In Remembrance of Condé Nast Perks =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Favor the collection of blue & white plates. Good advice. Thanks for sharing.
.-= Petergaye Kisielewicz/yahgie´s last blog ..Living in Loft Style =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Susannah,
Thank you for sharing your treasures!
I love that kaftan from Zara! Is it new or will I never get my hands on one?
.-= Juliet´s last blog ..Eye Candy =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 9:18 am
hooray! so nice to see the lovely susannah here as well! i’m always up for seeing more of her beautiful polaroids! i love the “go gently” advice too…thanks for that! (i needed that reminder today)
(we seem to be following the same path this week, yes?! … ) xo*s
.-= sarah ahearn bellemare´s last blog ..more guest blogging! =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I love absolutely everything in these photos!
And I love the advice to “go gently”. To often do we take on life in an agressive manner instead of slowing down to enjoy our days!
.-= Kim´s last blog ..American Girl =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 10:53 am
‘go gently’ – I find I say that to myself and friends quite often! It really resonates for me when life feels hectic. That said…I’m off to walk my dog on the beach!
Lovely things you’ve shared here, Susannah. Thank you.
.-= Pebbledash´s last blog ..meetings at the edge =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 10:59 am
thanks for your lovely comments, everyone!
Juliet – i bought the kaftan in the summer sale two months ago, sorry :(
Sarah – yes we do seem to be stalking each other this week! x
.-= Susannah´s last blog ..~ My Creative Life: Camilla Engman ~ =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 11:23 am
I love that saying “go gently.” I think I will paint it and hang it on my wall next to my front door. What a great reminder! Thank you for sharing that wonderful thought!
August 14th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Always gorgeous shots from Susannah…I really get swept away in the atmosphere of her images. Inspiring words -a treat for my Friday morning!
.-= leslie´s last blog ..Jumping at The Getty =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
That kaftan made me gasp out loud. I’m with Juliet – is there any hope in ever owning one?
August 14th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Lovely pictures! I adore that silk kaftan from Zara, I want it!
xoxo
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Mirror Mirror……..On My Vanity =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
love that white silk quilt … and that Macbook (I have one too, but it’s in Crewkerne …).
.-= Roxanne´s last blog ..Ivy, Sunshine, and Ghouls =-.
August 14th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I’m reading Written on the Body right now, and loving the imagery and sensuality. Really beautiful. Like that silk quilt, which now I must own. Alas.
August 15th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
That Zara Caftan is gorgeous! Is the design printed or embroidered? We’d love to see a close up!
August 19th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Wonderful bedroom! It makes me dream… ;) If you wan’t to enrich it with italia stuff take a look at http://mazzonicasa.it where you can find luxury bed linen too…
August 20th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I love your photos. They leave a soft and memorable impression.
September 12th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Hey there!
What lovely little post you have, and thank you so much for including my little shop in it!
xoxo,
Meredith
.-= Meredith´s last blog ..Bridesmaids Gift Set – 3 Custom Perfume Oils – Gift Wrapping Customized with Event Details =-.