Friday, April 9, 2010

~C & R interview & giveaway part II~

Happy Friday everyone!!


I really love Fridays......


the kids are done with school for a couple days....


Mr. T & T is home for a couple days....


Ya know it amazes me how each Friday


every single week.....feels so
hopeful & exciting!


what are we doing tonight.....

watching a movie as a family?
going out to dinner w/ Mr T & T?
getting take out for family?
go watch airplanes take off from the airport?
{we are strange like that.....}
go to the mall & browse around
go on a bike ride? weather permitting of course...



don't you just love the feeling of anticipation?

kinda corny I know but.....


I bet you're ready for part II of my

interview w/ Christina Strutt
Founder of Cabbages & Roses??


let's do it then!

Ticking and Toile: What is your housekeeping routine, Christina?

Christina: Bicarbonate of soda (I think that's just baking soda right guys?) is my housekeeping routine.  I use it to clean the baths and sinks, in the laundry, in the potting shed.  It is the only cleaning material I have in the house along with copious quantities of white distilled vinegar...which I also use in the laundry, and to disinfect chopping boards. (wow....have us Americans really been snookered into buying all the stuff we buy?? We don't need softscrub, bleach, comet, windex?? ) I can get quite boring about housekeeping so it is probably best for you to buy a copy of Cabbages & Roses Guide to Natural Housekeeping, which is the only way to make me stop droning on and on about how easy it is to use natural products for all your housekeeping needs!  One of our cabbage girls spotted it for sale in the new Anthropology shop in London at the week end.  It might be available in Anthropology in the USA ~ it is certainly available in all good book shops via amazon.  {is she so fun? ;) }


 { I think that must be baking soda in that little jar there on the counter!}


T & T: Where do you look for inspiration?

Christina: Strangely, to my youth!  Unconsciously my designs always seem to slip back to the 60's and 70's both clothing and home designs.  I think people were braver then and happy to use colour after the drabness of the 40's and 50's.  It seems that minimalism is the antithesis of Cabbages & Roses style, where life becomes neat and beige and streamline.  Give me wobbly lines and faded roses, stripey t shirts and wellington boots every time!!

I am also inspired by music and films.  And Paris!  It is always such fun putting the music together for our fashion shows, that now I tend to fall in love with the music, and then design clothes that go with it! (that's what you call creative, huh guys?) For home inspiration there are many designers that inspire me.  Particularly Colefax & Fowler, and Jean Monroe, who produced beautiful floral chintzes with timeless qualities.  Their interiors had such impact and warm inviting coziness that even the keenest elk hunter wouldn't notice he was surrounded by flowers, but would immediately feel warm and welcomed!


T & T: And lastly, you have truly followed your life's passion in founding Cabbages & Roses.  What advice would you give someone who wants to fulfill a similar dream but is unsure of where to start?

Christina: Start by asking yourself if you are ready to devote 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the next 10 years to your dream.  If the answer is yes, then go for it!  Be prepared to do everything yourself from designing to answering the telephone to hand writing address labels through the night, and into the morning.  It is also important that your family understand that it is better to join in than wait in the wings for your attention, because unless they can wait for 10 years, they won't get it.

Once the above is established, follow your dream.  Make sure that your dream is your passion, and that you are prepared to stick with it through thick and thin.  It is not unlike getting married or having children.  Once you embark on it, it is very difficult to get off.  Secondly, do thorough research.  Make a one year, two year, and a five year plan.  Be realistic and budget very carefully.  There will be pitfalls, and low times, but keep your eye on the bigger picture and you will get there!

wow! 
that is serious dedication isn't it?

well she would certainly know what it takes....

given Cabbages & Roses enormous success!

Her latest book is sure to be a huge success as well....


oooooh the color of that bench......yummy.....


I really enjoyed this opportunity
to interview Christina....

what an amazing woman~
and an amazing company she has built~


I hope you all enjoyed it as well!


If you haven't entered my giveaway for
her new book
"At Home With Country"



You can leave a comment on today's
or yesterday's post,
follow,
blog about it
grab a button

4 opportunities to enter!
{drawing will be April 14 in the morning}



Have a wonderful weekend everyone!





xoxo,




Shellagh




{all photos are from the Cabbages & Roses website, with the exception of the very last photo which is the cover of "At Home With Country" by Christina Strutt, photographer Edina van der Wyck, http://www.cicobooks.com/, $29.95}

99 comments:

Janice said...

I really enjoyed this interview! I totally agree with her about baking soda and vinegar, it really does work! Thank you so much for sharing this. Have a good weekend!

Beach House Living said...

Such beautiful photos! Vinegar and baking soda fan too not everything but used a lot.

Sweet Old Vintage said...

I enjoyed reading and viewing your interview and pics... How lovely... Just makes you want to jump into the pics and enjoy..

Victoria said...

That was a great interview and lovely photo's! I already follow your blog:) I'm grabbing your button right now and will post about your giveaway cuz I really want this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's me said...

Woww Shelagh...........i enjoy the second part..........Thank you for your comment on my blog you are a nice person.......have a good sunny weekend i do my fingers crossed..........hugs from me .....and i have also a new post today.i think you like ! bye sweetie.........

Auntie Cake said...

Wow! She is fabulous! Love those pics. Makes me just want to jump into them and live there!
Kate

Irene ~ RE~VINTAGED said...

Such a restful and romantic style. Does the faded roses so well.
Well done with the interview and the posts!!!!
Irene x

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos and a great interview! I think I need to throw out all my caustic cleaners!

Lori said...

the interview is amazing...so informative and quite inspiring...all of the pictures are so beautiful...all of the colors and fabrics are tdf stunning...thank you for sharing...and for the chance to win this wonderful gem of a book:)

Lori said...

posted on my sidebar...and crossing my fingers and toes:)

Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic said...

Really enjoyed the interview {both parts}. I too use vinegar mixed with distilled water for cleaning ~ no streaks! Hope I win this book ~ the pictures are so inviting and inspiring! Cheers from Southern California :-)

Mona @ la la by mona said...

I have her "Romantic Home Sewing" book - her style of decorating is just wonderful! Thanks for sharing the fun interview and the chance for her new book!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Love the interview, Shellagh, thanks so much for grabbing my giveaway button for your sidebar and for having me on your blog roll! I really appreciate it!
big hugs,
Debra

Karen Valentine said...

Shellagh you did such a wonderful job on your interview!!! The questions were awesome, and I loved your extra commentary. What a treat!!!

Karen
My Desert Cottage
Valentine Design

Ms. Bake-it said...

I have reduced my cleaning supplies to baking soda and vinegard also. It does a fabulous job! Great interview and beautiful photos. I too love the color of the little bench.

I am a follower and I have your button on my blog.

~ Tracy

Annie Louise said...

What a wonderful interview, very informative. I am a follower of your blog and would love to be entered in your drawing.
Thank you so much for sharing all your inspiration and beautiful posts.
Jeanette

Jessi said...

Great interview and it looks like a great book. Count me in!

KayC. said...

Love to be in your giveaway! The interview and photos are just wonderful. It also looks like a great book to have. I'm a follower,too.

Unknown said...

Love the write & interview ... had not heard of baking soda & vinegar ... someone needs to tell me about this.

Have a lovely weekend.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

calej said...

Dedication to the dream... that's a really good point! Will put a link to my blog about this truly special interview!

Bless you!

Christina
http://calej.blogspot.com

frankie said...

oooh! I love her books I have 'decorating vintag style".. love love love it! I am a follower , Loved the interview,, Please include me in giveaway.. thank you!

Anonymous said...

I don't usually read interviews for some reason but I really enjoyed this one!! I think it was her using baking soda and vinegar for everything- I do too! Her book looks lovely.
I am a follower of your awesome blog!

Tina said...

I am sitting here amongst my C & R Hatley cushions, next to my C & R Hatley lampshade I made, and again I am in C & R heaven:) Thanks so much Shellagh for sharing this wonderful interview with us! Christina sounds so down to earth and so much fun, and I am so glad!! Wishing you a wonderful weekend Shellagh ~ Tina xx

Cathy said...

Lovely interview. Love her style. I especially like her business advice...it's so true...you must live it and breath it, with passion, 24/7.

Anna said...

I've seen her book floating around in blog world and have been wanting to see it! Thanks for the interview!!!:)

Anna said...

And I've blogged about it!!!:)

http://youremylastfrenchfry.blogspot.com/2010/04/so-heres-what-ive-been-up-to.html

Inspired-Simplicity said...

Shellagh,
Good job on the interview. Looking forward to the new book.
Blessings,
Carolyn
PS I painted the guest bedroom a light grey and I love it.

Unknown said...

Great interview! I had to have it so I ran to Barnes and Nobles and got it. It's wonderful.
Enjoy your weekend!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Shellagh you did a wonderful job with the interview ~ congrats!! Lovely photos, until I get the book I will be back to these two posts to look at the photos again and again!!

the old boathouse said...

Great interview..the book looks amazing..cheers Katherine

Diane Gill said...

Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring interview. The fabrics are so wonderful.

Connie in Hartwood said...

I never heard of Cabbages and Roses until now. LOVE the photos you have shown us. I could get lost in the one of the library.
Connie

Sylvia (at) Lily's Pad and Petals said...

fingers crossed for this giveaway.
Sylvia

Sylvia (at) Lily's Pad and Petals said...

I am a follower.

BailiwickStudio said...

What a fabulous book! It's just my cup of tea, so please count my name in. I already follow your blog. ::Jill

Vicki K. said...

I just bought her Housekeeping book - can't wait to dive in...

Thanks for a wonderful interview - she seems so lovely!

Destiny said...

That book looks amazing! I would love it to my collection! All of the pictures are beautiful and I LOVE the laundry room photos!

Destiny said...

I am a proud follower : )

Destiny said...

Just blogged about your giveaway - added it to my sidebar : )

Loui♥ said...

Am a follower..
am posting on my sidebar..
blogging about it!
Would love the book!
the interview and photos..
Scrumptious!
Warmest hugs, laughing smiles..
Loui♥

Victoria said...

The interview and photo's were wonderful! I grabbed your button and put it on my sidebar.

Victoria said...

I also posted about it on my blog this morning:)

Victoria said...

And I'm already a follower! I've covered all my bases now:)

Jeannette said...

What a beautiful cottage! I'm gonna have to scroll back and find part 1 now.

Jeannette said...

I am following your blog.

Jeannette said...

I grabbed a button and put it on my sidebar. I love your button design.

Jeannette said...

I blogged about it here: http://goodmorninbeautiful.blogspot.com/2010/04/ticking-and-toile-book-giveaway.html

*crossing my fingers*

MarionG said...

I'm also a big fan of Cabbages and Roses. I'd love to read the book. Please count me in on your draw.
polo-puppy-fluffy[at]hotmail[dot]com

MarionG said...

I'm also a follower on GFC(MarionG). The pictures are inspiring. Cheers.
polo-puppy-fluffy[at]hotmail[dot]com

Susanne said...

Hey, I've been to the airport to watch the planes, that can't be strange.

The book sounds great, can't wait to check it out.

Susanne said...

I'm a follower, hope to win the book.

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

WOnderful interview ~ wonderful prize!
Please sign me up. I follow you and I grabbed your button as well! I also invite you to come over to my blog and enter my little give~away. Drawing is tomorrow evening.
Smiles,
Beth

Irene said...

I absolutely loved the tips and the whole interview. Thank you! Please enter my name.

Irene said...

Blogged here http://happy-turtle-deco.blogspot.com/2010/04/cabbages-roses-interview-and-giveaway.html

Irene said...

I am now following you (thehappyturtle)

Irene said...

And I just added your button. Thank you for letting us join in !

Kath Soderstrom said...

Enjoyed the interview...never tried baking soda,except in the frig(odors) Your blog
is lovely.

Cheryl said...

I love Christina's style and have a couple of her books. Looking forward for this one to come out. would love to win it!

Shabby Vintage Junk said...

Oh YES....Good old bicarb & vinegar....I started using this powerful duo a couple of years ago to save money & realised a short while later I was helping the planet a little as well....!!

THANKS for part 2 Shellagh AND the dreamy pics....!!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

Stephanie said...

I saw this page on Happy Turtle today and am so glad I did! Loved the book, and the interview. WONDERFUL. Thanks so much for the chance to win such a great book.
Best,
Stephanie

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this so much, Shellagh! I realized years ago that I'm living on the wrong side of the pond. C&R is heavenly!!!

Mary Ann said...

I would love to win this lovely book. I follow your blog, enjoyed the interview.

Lululiz said...

Thoroughly enjoyable interview, and quite surprising and unexpected answers occasionally.
The book looks fabulous, I'd love to spend time looking through it properly, fingers crossed and thank you for the chance of winning it.

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Fabulous My Dear! I ordered My book, it's on it's way Woo-Hoo! See you soon.~Cheers Kim

Brenda Pruitt said...

That's it, I'm ordering this book! When she says they're the antithesis of minimalist, she's talking my language for sure. I'm a color girl with all the frippery.
Brenda

Brenda Pruitt said...

Oh, and I will add that simply per the fact that I don't have to copy word verification numbers/letters in order to comment on your blog, you're going straight to my blogroll!
Brenda

The Weathered Bungalow said...

I am drooling over the beautiful interiors you featured! Thanks for sharing!

xoxo, Meredith

Natasha in Oz said...

This has been so interesting. Thank you for posting these interviews and the divine images.

I would really love to be included in your give-away please! I am a follower.

Thanks again and best wishes,
Natasha.

Inspired-Simplicity said...

shellagh,
Just posted on my start of a 3 bedroom makeover thanks to your inspiration of your beautiful bedroom. I have painted the walls a light grey, and have bought a white quilt. I found a mirror at Round Top to go above the bed. Here goes. :)
Blessings,
Carolyn

Seawashed said...

I'm new to your blog but not to Cabbages and Roses. I have posted about C and R on my blog. I'm so happy to come over for my first time and find a giveaway for C and R. I did not even know! So pleasse toss my name in. I would love to win that book...because I'm going to buy it anyway. Can't wait to read it. I will post about your giveaway on my blog. And I am now a follower. Thank you<3

Stephen and Lacey said...

I'd love to win this book!! Thanks!

Deb said...

I am in love with this book! Thank you so much for the chance to win! Loved the interview too! I am a follower!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Shellagh
Fabulous interview.. I will need to read right through again I think.. quite informative.... and also great giveaway.. I just love Cabbages and Roses and unfortunately have never seen it here in Australia... will have to check out her website... Thanks for the chance in the giveaway... and happy to be a new follower... Julie

Adrienne (Cead, mile failte) said...

Looks like a gorgeous book ~ who wouldn't want one of these!

Adrienne (Cead, mile failte) said...

I also follow your blog.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

That book looks great! If I don't win, I will be sure to check it out! Love your blog!~Patti

Gabrielle Mader said...

I would love to enter..I love Christina's style..have for a long while and this looks like a beauty of a book too.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Shellagh, thank you for lovely interview and thank you to all the heavenly people who have made such lovely comments.

Kate and I are coming to New York in May and our lovely PR Suzie at Branding inc might be able to organise a book signing - we will keep you posted on our blog.
xx christina

Obee Designs said...

Hi Shellagh,
Thanks for stopping by. I am a follower of yours from a while back, But I should really put you on my blog roll so I remember to come see you more often! I just love your blog and sense of style. Your bedroom is just gorgeous! I especially love your bed, the headboard and all those pillows. I am such a pillow freak!! My husband is always complaining there are more pillows and no where to sit down :( Oh well, I still love them. How long does it take to take all your pillows off before you can go to bed? In my house I need to get a good 15 minute head start!! HaHa I wouldn't change it for a minute. The pretty soft pale bench is so perfect at the foot of the bed. I guess you can put the pillows there each night? :)
Can you include me in your giveaway. That book is just divine. Every image is just a perfect fairytale. I how I am dreaming of living like that. I just love the farm sink with the skirt and the butcher block counter. It's ALL so pretty!!
I hope you are having a fabulous Monday. Again,thanks for stopping by!!
XoXo
Gail

Unknown said...

Love everything...great interview, I will have to own this book! Thanks...

savvycityfarmer said...

I'm not sure how I missed this ... what a charming post ... of course I'd love ANYTHING you're giving away ...

pick me
pick me

Lady Katherine said...

I had so much fun looking around your blog tonight! This is my cup of Tea! I live in a 100 year old Craftsman Bungalow,we are remodeling. I just love the interview! The make over of your bedroom. Just so much fun!

Denise Marie said...

love your blog and all the pics. I'd love that book it looks divine.

Sammy Girl said...

mmm .... loved the photos and know the book will be wonderful! Thanks for sharing the interview and this giveaway!
Betty :)

Kathryn I said...

What a lovely interview! The book sounds fabulous!

Alice said...

I just came across you lovely blog and will enjoy browsing past entries after I post my entry for the giveaway.

What a great interview and gorgeous photos! I love reading about women in business.

The book sounds lovely and very inspirational, and I'd love to win it!

Privet and Holly said...

WOW!!! Found you while visiting my friend the Fairmaiden at Sea Cottage. I love it all ~ your blog, the interview, the book! I will follow you and be back to visit, often.

Privet and Holly said...

Oh my goodness. Just read further and realized you live near my parents. They are in Ridgefield, Washington....one of my most favorite corners of the world. I look forward to coming back and visiting yours : )

Cindy said...

hi Shellagh, I blogged about it today. I would so love to have this wonderful book. Hugs, Cindy S

grammy said...

Would love to have this wonderful book. Great interview...
and what great photos (o:

the gardener's cottage said...

I would LOVE this book. I'm a new follower. I see I'm on your bloglist and didn't even know it! So I'm super happy to have found you.

~janet

KAREN said...

HEY!! SHELLAGH ~
LET'S HAVE A SLUMBER PARTY AND JUMP IN THAT COZY, BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE BED!! LOOKS WONDERFUL, DOESN'T IT? HAVE A GOOD WEEK!

Melissa said...

I would love to win! It looks like a great book.
missmelissaf at yahoo dot com

Julie said...

Would love to see and read her book. count me in! :-) Enjoy my visits!!
Julie

belinda said...

I would love to move into your blog and live there..

((sigh)) Such beauty!

I would aslo enjoy the book!

bellestark@gmail.com

My Cottage Charm said...

wow, such a talented lady! :)

My Cottage Charm said...

I'm now a follower. If I win you can reach me here...janiebirdthorn@gmail.com
:)
Thanks!

Samantha2818 said...

I just wanted to let you know Ive mentioned you on my blog.
~Sam

Lynnette said...

Wow! I love it!

Blog Widget by LinkWithin