WHERE BOOKS COME ALIVE

Ever wondered where books come from?

Well, it seems they have their own London-esque town, where everything is possible and made from paper.

A lovely short film celebrating 4th Estate Publisher’s 25th Anniversary.

( Written by Lola )

BOOKWORM DESIGN

With summertime full on, besides enjoying the glorious sunlight so characteristic of this part of the world (yay!), and also working more closely on my animal welfare and adoption project, i've been been taking the time to read a few books which were postponed in the cooler months.

And speaking of reading material, Harper Collins just launched Harper Perennial Classic Stories, a sixtet of literary classics - Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Wilde, Cather, Melville, and Crane - in pocket book form and a spanking new look by graphic designer Adam Johnson.
Featuring colour blocks and a black and white cutout image of each author, it plays on the image of the writers, giving readers a graphic insight of the person behind the words.

( Words by Lola )

ECO DOG

As pets are part of our families, holistic wellbeing and a greener approach to life should certainly be extended to those with paws and hairier bodies.

In a mission to extend our health and eco concerns to Dot and Dário, we got Eco Dog, a gorgeous book on healthy living for canines, filled with upbeat photography and precious advice.

Comprehensive and beautifully done, this guide covers everything one should know when creating the best eco environment for our four-legged friends, from how to shop for and make non-toxic grooming products and eco-friendly pest control, and how to bake organic dog treats, to how to create a canine first aid kit.

As a plus, at the end of the book there's also a resource guide to organizations, publications and products on the subject.

( Written by Lola, Photography by Lola and Álvaro )

INSIDER SCOOP

We love magazines, and one of our absolute favourites is Domino... Easy on the eye, full of decorating tips and truly unpretensious (inspirational instead of aspirational), it's such a fun and gorgeously edited publication it always cheers us up.

The good news is, besides the magazine, Domino has launched a book, Domino: The Book of Decorating, which is packed full with the most inspiring decorating ideas, interior designer tips, must-buys, and everything one needs to know when creating a space to live in, and most importantly, to be in love with.

We love it.

( Written by Lola, Images courtesy of Domino )

LITTLE PRINT

Reading is one of life's greatest pleasures, and although it's what's inside that truly matters, we cannot help ourselves but to also judge a book by its cover.
Introducing some of the most famous works to young readers, Penguin's Puffin Classics are a great way to indulge the little ones in the healthy habit of reading.
Besides showcasing titles such as, among others, 'The Wind in the Willows', 'Alice´s Adventures in Wonderland', 'Little Women' and 'The Secret Garden' (pictured here), these 2008 relaunches are also rather beautiful to look at, making the overall experience of reading, besides educational, truly a thing of beauty.

( Written by Lola )

ATONEMENT AT THE BAFTAS

I'm constantly disappointed with movies. More often than not, i feel the need to never, ever step foot on a movie theater again. I really do.
Upon seeing the Atonement trailer i instantly knew this wouldn't be one of those movies, and was right.
Based on a novel by Ian McEwan - adapted to screenplay by Christopher Hampton - and directed by Joe Wright, it takes place in an english country house in 1935, in the hottest day of the year, in a glorious peaceful time between WI and WII.
It tells the story of Cecilia Tallis (played by Keira Knightley), the older and somewhat distant daughter of an upper-class family, and Robbie Turner (played by James McAvoy), the kind-hearted son of the housekeeper, who clearly has feelings for Cecilia - feelings she also has but doesn't admit owning. Briony, Cecilia's 13 year-old sister, is quite prodigious for her age, but when stumbling upon a situation she doesn't quite fully understand, the child inside her speaks louder, a dreadful lie is told, and lives are ruined... her own included.
The performances throughout the movie are truly spectacular, and so is the period wardrobe and photography, which begins bright and sunny but turns greyer and greyer with each scene, only made more obvious by the beautiful, breathtaking music.
This is one of the many stories of a period in our history that although terrible and filled with sorrow, also tells a tale of hope and love.

I can't stop but wondering how many wonderful books must be hidden in the memories of those who survived the war, some of them still alive today.

The Baftas will take place this Sunday, 10th February, on 195 Piccadilly, and Atonement is nominated for 14 awards, including best film, director, adapted screenplay, leading actor, leading actress, music, wardrobe... the list is just too long to go on.
Quite beautiful and emotional, this is my favourite movie, set on my favourite historic period, so i'm quite biased in hoping it wins in all categories.
In the meanwhile, and before the ceremony, one can always visit its entertaining website, explore the visual book, read the novel, purchase the newly released DVD, and listen to the truly wonderful soundtrack by Dario Marianelli.
True food for the soul.

( Written by Lola )

GLAMOUR PUSS

Because life can't always be serious and we do need a bit of humour in our daily affairs, i find fashion writing, when wittily done, the perfect secret weapon to unwind and let go ( along with a late session of Foyle's War on DVD, and a cup of spearmint green tea ).

Camilla Morton, a british fashion writer who has worked for The Times, The Telegraph Magazine and Harper's Bazaar, has written the most delightful books, which being non-fictional, they're more of resource guides for style oriented women.

The first one, How to Walk in High Heels, is a truly amusing and beautifully designed book, with delightful illustrations by Natasha Law ( definitely a plus where i'm concerned ), and covering the usual subjects such as grooming, gardening or packing, in a modern way. With a foreword by John Galliano, what makes it much more exciting are the added tips from experts such as Manolo Blahnik, Stella McCartney or Anya Hindmarch.

More of an almanac-style book which goes through the 1st January to the end of the year, A Girl for All Seasons is 528 pages of good fun. With illustrations by Natalie Ferstendik, each month covers a few 'How to's', features a travel postcard ( Paul Smith's London, Erin O'Connor's Wales ), a muse of the month, a book review, and being Camilla Morton, also a focus on footwear.

Although not everyone's cup of tea, i believe these are happy, eclectic and humorous books not to be taken too seriously, which show us life is simply too short to dwell on everything all the time, bringing a smile to one's face even on the bleakest of winter days.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

THE WORLD BY MIROSLAV SASEK

When it comes to finding the best travel guides for adults, we think Wallpaper* and Nota Bene fit the bill perfectly. When thinking of something for children, our favourites are the 'This is' collection - definitely the best choice for the little ones.

Conceived by czech illustrator Miroslav Sasek in the 50s and 60s, the colourful books show some of the big cities (and regions) of the world in an innocent and charming way, providing a delighful image of the most typical global scenes such as the San Francisco trams, or the Queens Guard in Buckingham Palace.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola and Álvaro )

A VIEW FROM ABOVE

Naoki Honjo, a japonese photographer that recently exhibited his work at Paul Smith's Albemarle Street gallery, in London, shows the world you live in from a perspective you've never seen before.
Taking photographs of natural sights or city scapes from high above, Honjo creates images that resemble miniature worlds where real people, trees and buildings seem like small pieces in artificially created model sceneries.
Also available in a book called 'Small Planet', Naoki Honjo's photography is a great example of how all art should be, truly refreshing and ironic.

( Written by Álvaro, Photography by Naoki Honjo )

CANINE SNAPSHOTS

Here at La Maison de Lola we are great fans of dogs.
Besides our little female companion Dot ( pictured above ) we love all dogs, big and small, fluffy and short haired, mutt and pure breed.
Picturing half a century ( since the early 1900s to the fifties ) of anonymous snapshots of dogs, Phaidon lauched a book called Dogs, an essential photo portfolio for lovers of man's best friend.
Showing dogs in the most mundane settings, such as two puppies popping out of a hat case or a child swimming with his four-legged companion, this book reveals how dogs are so important to us and that the world without them definitely wouldn't be the same...

(Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola)

STILL LIFE POETRY

Some of the most special moments in life are those of unexpected beauty, the ones we didn't plan for - those private, unrehearsed and unpredictable moments we all share as humanity, no matter what nationality, creed, or social background.
Captured on camera by unknown men and women, and preciously collected and edited over two decades by French photohistorian Michel Frizot and photographic researcher Cédric de Veigy, 285 amateur photographs were compiled and beautifully displayed in Photo Trouvée, a book which presents itself as a large and anonymous photo album of everyday life.
Published by Phaidon, and portraying subjects such as children and their beloved pets, a trip to the seaside, or a person's private surroundings, this powerful yet understated book makes us relate to a stranger's history, while subtly revealing our own.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

AIR WORLD

We love to travel and visit new places, and although not very eco-friendly, planes are still the fastest and most efficient way to do it.

Fascinated by the vintage aesthetics of the mid-century airline companies - modern airlines just don't have the same allure of the older days - we can remind ourselves of the golden age of air travel through the new book from Vitra Design Museum: Air World.

Full of great pictures (which include airports, airplanes and uniforms), and texts about companies such as Braniff Airlines or Lufthansa, this white cover book gives an extensive insight on the world of travelling by air.

( Written by Álvaro / Photographed by Lola )

HOME DESIGN STAPLE

One of the things we love best at La Maison de Lola is making some changes in our studio. We've come across The Ultimate House Book by Terence Conran, a wonderful source for the best home decoration tips. First published in the seventies, it's full of useful advices on how to make the best of the space you own, including a guide to home improvements and a practical compendium with materials, finishings and furniture.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

DAUNT BOOKS

We've arrived from a mini-break in London last week... Although the weather wasn't as gracious as we'd hoped for ( rain and thunder in July, anyone? ), London is always an inspiration with its elegant architecture, beautiful shops and museums.

Passionate about books, one of our favourite shops in The Big Smoke is definitely Daunt Books in Marylebone High Street.

A true treasure trove, besides the wonderful travel dedicated books, this Edwardian bookshop is a delight to the sight. Beautifully decorated with teal painted walls, vintage wallpaper, huge skylights, bright green lighting fixtures, and long oak galleries and staircases, Daunt has the old english ambiance down to a T.
Sprawled along three storeys - basement, ground floor, and galleries - the book selection is vast and conveniently organized by geography, so you can easily find not only travel books but also novels and other works regarding your desired region.
Besides the colourful display of books, you can also attend evening talks by writers.

Daunt Books, 83 Marylebone High Street, London W1.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

EAMES HOUSE

The Eames House book may be thin, but it's full of wonderful images and info about one of the most emblematic houses of modernist architecture. Conceived by Charles & Ray Eames, this wonderful house located in Pacific Palisades, California, is without a doubt an homage to simplicity and great design, using the colour block aesthetic often seen in some of their furniture.
Published by Phaidon, this five year-old book is still a must-have for those who love the work of the two american designers.

( Written by Álvaro / Photographed by Lola )

SUGAR, SPICE... AND EVERYTHING NICE

Not many things are as wholesome as the wonderfully sweet smell of a fresh baked cake, savoured slowly and preciously surrounded by the ones you love.

Although not very fond of sugary foods herself, Rose Carrarini became a pastry chef almost two decades ago, and now, after Villandry in Marylebone and the more recent Rose Bakery in Paris and Dover Street Market (both of which created along husband Jean-Charles), she launched the most perfect book called 'Breakfast Lunch Tea', a compilation of 100 of her favourite gourmet recipes, ranging from carrot cake to risottos and soups, and focused as much on flavour as on being healthy.

Besides the mouth-watering dishes, the book is beautifully illustrated with more than 100 comissioned photos by photographer Toby Glanville, which far from being 'pretty perfect' goumet shots, are so raw and real you can almost feel the creative process around each dish.

Published by Phaidon.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

MINI THE BOOK

Mini is one of our favourite cars because it’s ideal for cruising big cities in a stylish and truly practical way. Created in the fifties by Alec Issigonis, this appealing automobile is definitely our cup tea, both the original model and the new one.
Aiming towards making an homage to this authentic design legend which drove through generations, the brand launched a book with its history from the early days to the present moment, suitably named 'Mini The Book'.
Featuring ten different personalities, including Paul Smith and Mary Quant, this richly illustrated book shows their own views about the fabulous four-wheeled wonder.

( Written by Álvaro )