Birch + Bird Vintage Home Interiors

I’m not sure if it’s the globe on my desk, feeling the tedium of everyday chores and life or being totally envious of my sister, Becky, who is on a European tour with her band…probably a combination of all three!….but I’ve got a major case of wanderlust these days.

Right after high school graduation, at the ripe old age of 18 (I still can’t believe my somewhat strict parents let me go, and even helped pay my way!), I was lucky enough to spend 3 months at school in Sweden followed by another 3 months of backpacking Europe with two of my dear friends. It was a magical adventure and we had so much fun, it’s hard to believe it was more than 10 years ago already! I had the chance to go back and spend a month with my sister a couple of years later…that trip was all about hitting the beaches of Portugal and Spain rather than the cathedral and museum tours of my previous trip! Travel teaches so many life lessons and I love seeing how people of other cultures live, especially ones with such deep historical roots compared to our “young” North American ways. One day, I’ll go back, hopefully sooner than later! I’d love to visit my father’s family in Croatia and see some of my own historical roots next time ’round. Until then, I’ll treat my case of the travel bug with some of these lovelies…

Dionne from City of Dionne creates the most beautiful illustrations for many of her blog posts…this one captured my feelings exactly! Her blog is as sweet and inspirational as her lovely drawings, some of which are available to purchase in her shop.

I have been a fan of Nichole Robertson’s photographs for some time now. She has a totally enviable lifestyle, dividing her time between Paris and  New Jersey and her blog, Little Brown Pen, gives little glimpses into each through her beautiful photography. I really love her Paris Color Stories (available in her Etsy shop) and the memories they bring back of wandering cobble stoned streets…ooh la la!

1 & 4. Paris in Brown 2 & 3. Paris in Yellow

I want to meet the person who charted their travels on this map…can you imagine the tales they could tell?

Photo by Aaron Huey via Vic.

For whatever reason, I have always loved stationary stores and Kate’s Paperie is ultimate bliss! The stationary, wrapping papers, journals…seriously, I could browse forever! Some of Kate’s gift wrap is lovely enough to frame, in fact, my sister gave me this bird themed paper a couple of years ago and it’s hanging in my living room as we speak…well, as I speak anyway. I found some fabulous travel themed items on my last browsing spree…

1.Journal 2.Gift Wrap 3.Postcards 4.Handmade Boxes

I came across these amazing city posters by Ork yesterday, via Black Eiffel‘s gorgeous blog, and I think they’d make amazing gifts for a few different people on my Christmas list! Perfect travel reminders of favourite cities as well…

Our fellow Etsians never cease to amaze me. There are so many talented and creative souls out there and Rachel and I have discovered so many unique shops, especially when making Treasuries of our top faves. View my latest Wanderlust themed treasury here, and below are some other top picks I discovered along the way…aren’t the state shaped pillows adorable? You can customize your pillow from a broad choice of colours as well and I’m hoping the Canadian provinces will become available at some point…

1. The Fancy Lamb 2 & 3. love, california 4. Leah Giberson

Union Wood Company creates simple, industrial style custom furnishings using mostly salvaged and repurposed materials. I stumbled across them and their brand new online shop on Poppytalk yesterday and can’t believe I haven’t discovered them sooner! Definitely worth a trip to the city to take a look in person! Looking to add a sense of adventure to your home decor? What could be more perfect than these porthole mirrors on the wall (so great for a powder room!) or this anchor propped in a corner. Ahoy!

1. Traditional Anchor 2. Porthole Mirrors

Well, that helped to get at least a little of the travel itch out of my system…for now!