Creating Inspirations And A Giveaway

Last Thursday night, I had the pleasure to attend my first ever Book Signing Event, In Conversation With Heather Clawson, at my favourite Bookstore here in Toronto, the Chapters-Indigo Bookstore on Bay Street. It was also the first time that I have actually met an actual Blogger in person and of all people, she is Heather Clawson, New York City based Interior Designer and Blogger of the famous blog, Habitually Chic. Before I even started my blog, I have been reading Habitually Chic and it  has been my favourite for the longest time. Her blog offers a very stylish, intelligent, well organised features about Design, Fashion, Travel and Lifestyle. She shares her stories on famous People who are well known in Design, Fashion, the Arts and Culture. She is now currently on a Book Tour around North America to promote her first ever book, Creativity At Work. 

 According Heather, her book is to inspire people to be creative and realise their dreams. The book actually featured popular Americans like Jenna Lyons, Creative Director of J.Crew and Bunny Williams, famous Interior Designer, among others, in their own work place. Heather wrote the book herself with the help of her Editor at Powerhouse Books and  photographed all of the pictures in the book by herself.  It is really a very inspiring book and gives us a glimpse into the creative work life of these talented People. 

The event featured both Heather and her close friend, Tommy Smythe, Canadian Interior Designer and co-host of Sarah Richardson's Design show on HGTV. Tommy did a splendid job of interviewing Heather. It was like two best friends having a wonderful and lively conversation with each other. They actually call each other "kindred spirits."

Tommy Smythe and Heather Clawson. They were so friendly to even pose for me here.

Heather  shared with us that when she photographed the people featured in her book in their creative work place including "the artists' mood/inspirational boards was like looking into their minds."

What is the source of your inspiration and how do you keep a record of it?

About blogging, Heather also shared:   'A blogger these days need to be a writer, editor and photographer in order to stand apart.'   She explained to us her policy of  "sharing with kindness" in her blog. That she always look for the positive things to share in her blog and will never share or comment about anything negative in her blog. 

Here are some pictures of my favourite Bookstore here in Toronto, Chapters-Indigo on Bay St. Every time I go shopping in the area, this place is always my last stop to check on the latest magazines, books and other gifts like diaries, picture frames and there is even a Starbucks inside for a drink. This is definitely one of the places that gives me inspiration. Sometimes I go in there with nothing in mind and then suddenly, I see something that inspires me and gives me ideas. I enjoy going to this place. 

These books are on my Wishlist...

The interior decoration here features some very stylish vignettes. It feels like home with books around, a fireplace design, sometimes a live piano music playing and there are chairs all around the bookstore for people to sit down and read. Shopping here is a very comfortable experience.

'The creative life is the best life of all'

-Chuck Close, Creativity At Work.

Here are some beautiful diaries for sale. I am still quite old fashioned in a way by still using a Diary to write down ideas, things to do and other things. My friends tell me, why not just use my IPAD for my schedule and for my notes? I still prefer to carry my notebook and a Pen in my bag. 

Besides books, Chapters-Indigo sell other products for the home to accompany the book that you purchase in the store. Just like this book about Tea and why not purchasing your own Tea set?

The Alphabet coffee mugs.

Kids Corner.

Thank you so much to Chapters-Indigo Bay St.Bookstore for allowing me to photograph the store.


A Giveaway....

To share the inspiration, the Giveaway is a signed copy of  Creativity at Work, written and photographed by Heather Clawson. 

In order to participate in the Giveaway:

1. You are welcome to join my Blog site on GFC and Twitter and please leave a comment.

2. For existing members, please leave a comment. 

I will announce the winner of the Giveaway on Saturday, 24 November 2012.

'I find inspiration everywhere I look. It often comes when I think I see something and realize it is something else. It can come from a building or a bridge, an object, a plant, or even a shadow.'

- James de Givenchy, Jewellery Designer, Creativity At Work. 

May you all have an inspiring weekend.