I just posted the new blog of the week but it's one you may not expect: Rachel Ashwell! Yes, she now authors a blog and I'm so glad that she does because it is simply lovely. Care to take a peek?

You may know Rachel from her brand Shabby Chic based in southern California. I had the honor of meeting Rachel in 2005 and she is a great lady, very humble, charming, and she has a warm and sweet spirit. Here are some images from her blog that I fell in love with this morning... The perfect way to begin the week for me.

I love this photo. The floors, the room, a faded rug, the pretty vent cover on the wall, the chandelier, the table... Okay everything. But what I love most is a raw space like this. So many options. This makes my heart swell...

This dining room is so pretty, but a bit ornate for my taste. I'd remove the wall sconces and that large ornate mirror, but the chandelier would stay though I'd hang it a bit lower. I'd also paint the ceiling pale blue. I'd have to add flowers to the table and of course my Turkish teapot... But I still really like this room! The lighting is just great, makes me long to live in southern California or someplace where the lighting is always perfect. :)

These are photos of some of the Shabby Chic retail stores, I've only been to two: the flagship store in Santa Monica, CA (my favorite) and her new shop in Natick, MA just outside of Boston. They are absolutely transporting, you should try to visit one sometime.

Here are some clippings of vintage wallpaper that Rachel is currently drawing her inspiration from. Most of us find bits and bobbins from the past, connect to them, and translate what we see into something modern with a twist - our personal style - making them fresh and new again. You don't always have to reinvent the wheel!

I had the opportunity to interview Rachel for decor8, you can read our chat here if you'd like. Browsing her blog this morning, I noticed the web-famous Keep Calm and Carry On posters in her shop (wow!) and I spotted some more good things in her newly designed web shop, would you like to see them?

Candles from Voluspa that smell like a little piece of heaven, stamped leather card holders (my favorite find), a crown doormat so everyone knows you are the queen of your castle, and a gorgeous union jack wall hanging in fabrics from Shabby Chic.

Very feminine throw pillows. (not shown but worth a click: Milly curtains)

A delicious gold bordered calendar. This is super pretty!

Psst: You can purchase these things so matter where you live because Shabby Chic ships worldwide!

Welcome to blogland Rachel and everyone else please go see what Rachel is up to, I'm sure you'll find some of her inspirations most interesting and of course, beautiful!

(images from shabby chic)