I’ve recently tried to make a habit out of picking up a book {on my iPad which totally counts in my book!} right before bed. I’ve found it’s a great way to unwind, break away from the online world and frankly, keep the ol’ brain working. It’s a difficult habit to form when your emails are screaming at you to take just one last look before you hit the sheets. However, Im trying my best to stick to it, especially on this vacation!

I’m currently in the middle of Blood, Bones and Butter, a fabulous food memoir, but have my eye on a few more that I’m tempted to pick up and just begin {who else out there reads more than one book at a time?}! After all, it’s been raining the last couple of days in Sydney and I’m thinking a day inside, reading while the rain whips against the windows, sounds like a perfect way to relax. And while most of these aren’t novels, they’re still an excellent source of inspiration and are great presents for say someone like…myself!

I always look to Alexa Chung, model, television personality and contributing editor at Vogue, for inspiration. She has such a distinct, modern style that I can only try to emulate myself. Anything she puts on becomes the latest trend in fashion and did I mention she’s Karl Lagerfeld’s muse? I would die to get a chance to talk to her and witness her “it” factor for myself. But until that day comes {likely, never!} I’ll just have to get my hands on her new book “It”. I’ve heard you can’t put it down!

Kinfolk magazine is always full of the most dreamy photos and stories that inspire us to get back to the heart of life: simple living with the emphasis on fostering community. They are the epitome of a gorgeous backyard farm to table dinner set under the stars for no less than 15 people. I can’t wait to leaf through their first cookbook, Kinfolk Table, full of uncomplicated, back to basics recipes from 45 chosen tastemakers, cooks, chefs and artisans. You know that every page is going to leave your mouth watering for more! We all know this is more than a cookbook. I want it, like now.

Cereal is another great quarterly publication, based out of the UK, and is full of food inspiration. This is volume 4 and I hate to judge a book by it’s cover but it looks like it’s going to be the best one so far! I’m obsessed with how beautiful that wheat looks. It’d look great on a coffee table or night stand, just throwing it out there. This issue travels all the way from Krakow to the California coast and is bound to be full of beautiful imagery, styling and stories.

Lastly, I’m itching to see what is inside Remodelista. If the book is anything like the blog, we’re in for a treat. I just read that it’s 400 pages. That’s 400 pages of awe inspiring interiors, projects and ideas for a home and you know, I just can’t turn down a new design book, no matter, how many I have {which is  a lot!}. They’re my secret addiction. How ’bout you?

I’d love to know what books are on your radar lately. Any good reads out there to add to my list? I’m going to try and crank out three while I’m here – the 24 hours of travel back to San Francisco should help me do that!