Love to the world..!

Darlings, though it still takes for ever for me to load images to the blog I wanted to pop in and wish you all a wonderful Valentine's Day! xx

Despite the commercial aspects of this holiday I whole-heartedly support any initiative to spread love, kindness and thoughtfulness in the world.

Let us all genuinely and generously share our affection and appreciation of our friends, family, pets, and loved ones today!
Of course we should do this all and every day, but on Valentine's I think one can go that little extra mile and really spoil them!

And please don't forget yourselves - so important to kiss the mirror, pat oneself on the shoulder, and just generally send a thought of appreciation and love towards oneself once in a while! So easy to forget isn't it..!

If you don't feel like aiming your loving efforts at a person, do take this day as an opportunity to celebrate love itself. An act of kindness towards a stranger or the world goes a long way!

A Happy Valentine's Day to all and everyone! 

May you be loved & appreciated today and always!

xx Charlotta

P.S. NB!

We love you daddy/Marshall and miss you so much today!

Marshall and Isabella in 2011 - so much love!!

Tech trauma..

Thank you so much to everyone who has checked in on me and for sweet emails. You have no idea how much I miss you guys, but it seems my broadband and modem issues persist. 

My telco company is working hard on determining the issue which apparently has nothing to do with my hardware.. but something to do with their station.. 

In the mean time.. 

All is well with me and the detox is going fabulously - week 4 now! The sun is slowly returning after what feels like forever, and the rays turn crisp & glistening Winter days to gold. It's heaven!

I hope to be back with a proper detox update and regular posts soon and I really look forward to checking in on everyone as well. It feels like forever since last time, but please know that I haven't forgotten about you. Far from it!

Biggest hugs to you all!

xx Charlotta

Back soon...

Darlings, I have problems with my modem and broadband speed, hence the lack of posts and visiting. Sorry x

via etsy

I am not a 'techy person' and this kind of thing is so boring it kills me, but hopefully it will be fixed in a matter of days now.

I will be back as soon as..

xx Charlotta

P.S. Thank you so much for all the interest in the detox/cleanse. After a few trying first days I am now doing great! I will respond to all the questions in a dedicated post once I am back. xx

A 'Clean' start..

Darlings, time has come for me to leap into my very first 'cleanse' for the year. Yep, it's 'detox time'..!

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As much as I have loved the abundant & carefree eating habits of the holiday period (I would have it no other way!) I have definitely reached a point where I want to give my body a much needed break so that it can readjust, recover and rejuvenate.

Those of you who read me regularly will know that my life consists of 3-4 detox routines per year. They help me stay healthy & happy, and infuse my life with a raft of positive side effects in health, appearance, performance, and just generally in a sense of wellbeing & inner peace that is hard to beat!
If you are new to the concept of detoxing/cleansing, please READ THIS POST for a good introduction. 

via Sweet Paul Magazine

Though of course you inevitably loose a little bit of weight on a good 'detox programme', it is important to know that it is not a 'diet'!
In fact I am hugely against any depriving diets or detox programmes such as the 'lemon detox' because cleansing is not about starving or alienating your body from vital nutrition, but rather to maximise it.

You should only really withdraw those substances that add congestion, toxins and pollution to your organs - such as meats, salt, sugar, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, nicotine, yeast, heavy metals, chemicals etc. Actually not only do you need to withdraw these, but also replace them with generous amounts of the right kinds of food - ones that are packed with nutrients and beneficial properties that will give your body the fuel it requires in order to perform the taxing tasks of elimination, detoxing, and healing.

01. Per Magnus Persson and 02. Susanna Blåvarg

Of course there are thousands of 'cleansing and detoxing' programmes out there. What works for me may not work for you, hence I urge each and every one to think hard and carefully about what is achievable and what will fit into your particular life style. 

It is also important to think about 'why' you want to cleanse your body because there are many programs out there that can help you achieve a specific goal such as;

- boosting your immune system

- breaking a candida cycle

- restoring the ph balance

- clearing heavy metals in your body

- detoxing the liver or/and kidneys

- expelling parasites

- recovering from long term or chronic illness 
etc etc..

via Cannelle et Vanille

Though tempting to dive deeper into one specific area, I usually prefer to do more of a 'general cleanse' where I focus on expelling toxins from all my key organs (stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, lungs, and skin). By doing this I allow my body to benefit somewhat from all of the above categories, though of course I can not reap the deeper rewards of a fully targeted programme.
I also want to say that even if you decide to cut out only one or two toxic things from your daily life and keep the rest the same, you will benefit. For example, you may decide to go at it without coffee, sugar, bread, dairy, meat, wheat or alcohol for a couple of weeks (the longer the better) - that too will have a tangible and positive effect on your health & appearance. 
Start by doing some research into some of the health areas/issues that concern you personally - e.g. tiredness, sluggishness, insomnia, bloating, mood-swings, breakouts, depression, joint ache, or what ever else may disrupt your life - and cut out a few known toxins that tend to cause those.

via Sunday In Bed

As my regular readers will know, I have grown fond of a 'detox programme' by Australian brand 'GNC Live Well' (I am not sponsored!) and I have used their so called 'detox kits' for years with great results. 
Other good programmes that are also excellent are:

1. Susan Cabot's 'Liver Cleansing Diet' 

90% of all people have over loaded livers! And this is not due to over consuming on alchol or drugs, but from living 'an average life' in today's world. Susan's books are eye opening and very well researched. I highly recommend this one for any/everyone!

2. 'The Life Tree' Cleanse

This company seems to have a great approach to health and living. I am so keen to try their cleansing programme. Including a 'parasite cleanse'! Maybe next time..

3. 'The Goop Cleanse' (by Gwyneth Parltrow) 

I am not a huge fan of 'meal replacement plans' but Gwyneth knows what she's talking about so I am endorsing this one.

And whilst you are over at 'Goop' please read THIS article on stress! xx

via Breathe Easy 

Of course you don't need a so called 'kit' or 'programme' do to a cleanse - you really can go at it without any herbal supplements or set plans! For me personally though, it is a lot easier to stick to the detox if I have something tangible to hang on to. My 'detox kit' keeps me focused & motivated, and by the time the 2 weeks of supplements have run out I am so much on track that I don't need them to keep on going. In fact I have been known to go on for up to nine weeks with enthusiasm and great results!

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Also, the herbal supplements assist certain areas of your body to expel the stored toxins. They make the elimination process a lot more efficient, and in some cases also quicker because their properties specifically target certain areas of your body.
The not so great aspect of the herbs is that the detox side effects tend to get more pronounced. The head- & joint aches, nausea, tiredness and what ever else you may feel will be better or worse pending on how toxic your body is. Though hard, the knowledge that the process is working keeps me going - i.e. the pain proves to me how much pollution is in my body, making it easier to push through.

via Dust Jacket Attic

This particular cleanse will be a tough one - not only because it is Winter (it's easier in Spring and Summer!) but mostly because I have totally allowed myself too much of the good stuff since returning to Sweden a few months ago. I have loved this 'free ride' thoroughly but now it's time to get back on track. I am set to do this (!) and I know that the few days of feeling 'under the weather' will give way to a more energetic & happier me!

via Janet Dick on Pinterest

Ok darlings, I am making myself hungry with all this talk about food so I better stop..! :)

I am kicking the detox off in the next week, and I welcome anyone who wishes to join me. Though I am not an expert, nor do I have any formal education in digestive function or detoxing I am happy to coach you through this as best I can.

Big hugs

xx Charlotta

Happy New Year!

Hello darlings and 'Happy New Year'!

This year we will tango to zesty Tangerine decor tones, and I couldn't be happier. I adore the spectrum of piquant & vibrant deep oranges and feel very inspired by the colour direction for 2012.

For our wardrobe there will be more than 'Tangerine Tango' to keep us dancing into Spring. Try 'Cabaret', 'Solar Power', 'Margarita', 'Sodalite Blue', 'Cockatoo' and 'Starfish' to mention a few (for full fashion colour trend report click HERE).

I feel inspired to soak up this zesty and bright colour energy and focus on getting our home on right keel after the holidays. 
Though I will leave the tree up for another few days (Oscar & Isabella will force me to resign as mother if I don't..!), I am very keen to stow away Christmas and allow the house to breathe again!

The kids will do their bit to clear away the holiday decor by eating one of our ginger biscuit houses tonight.. Something they have planned vocally & excitedly (!) since we planted the last 'Smartie' on the roof in the days before Christmas Eve..! :)

I will also find some time sit down with my brand new wall planner & diary and carefully mark key dates for the year ahead. I love this ritual and get all tingly by the thought of all the exciting and fun things we will embark on in the months to come!

I'll be back here in a few days but please do hop across to my dear friend Louise of 'Lou Boos and Shoes' to read my 'January Diaries guest post' that will go live tomorrow (Tuesday 3rd January).

Last but not least I wish to send all of you - my dear friends, followers and fellow bloggers - big warm hugs and wishes of a great January!  May 2012 will be a splendid year for everyone!

xx Charlotta

Image credits: 

01. Google image, 02. Toonpool, 03.  Pantone, 04. We Connect Fashion, 
05. Sköna Hem, 06. Private photo, 07. Papier d'Amour

Let ME talk to you about Christmas..

Darlings, just one day to go - can you believe it!?! 

I always get nostalgic at the tail end of the year; reflective, pensive, and always so grateful for what the year has brought - the good and the bad. It's been a BIG year for us. Many adventures.. Many changes..

The biggest one of course was the move from Australia to Sweden, which marked the end of my 23 years as an expat ('Alien' or 'Euro-trash' as Marshall likes to call me..ha!).  I am finally home again in my beloved Sweden!

I am loving every moment and cherishing all that is familiar, yet so new to me due to the years I've been away. Christmas time is of course very special up here in the North. We get the 'Winter Wonderland' dream by default, and where as many of my fellow Swedes dream of sun and hot temperatures, I want to go nowhere. I am completely and blissfully happy with the cold and dark (really!).

Having shared eight fantastic Christmas posts from some of my dear blog friends around the world, it is now my turn to 'talk to you about my Christmas'.. 

What does Christmas mean to me?

Christmas means kindness, generosity, togetherness and consideration. This can be expressed in an array of  ways and I have so enjoyed Sarah Klaassen's lovely Christmas series 'In the Spirit of Kindness'.  
Sarah I love every post you have written on the topic and think you have such a beautiful heart! Thank you! xx

 

It's simply not Christmas without..?

People to share it with. 
Though family is the ultimate choice, I have learned over the years abroad that Christmas can be wonderful also with friends (other 'Christmas orphans'), and even strangers if shared in a spirit of kindness, togetherness and joy.

I also used to think snow was absolutely necessary for Christmas but having lived in Australia I learned that it was the darkness I missed.. (Yep, you heard me right..).

 

My ideal Christmas..

Having lived so far away from my family for so many years all I have ever really wanted for Christmas is a ticket home so that we could all be together. 

Now that I am here (insert: cartwheel) I will allow my self to dream about the ultimate Christmas..

A log cabin perched on a mountain side near a small & pitoresque village. There would be lots of snow, low temperatures, Northern lights and perhaps even howling wolves at night.! :)

The cabin would be authentic but big enough to host my entire family and closest friends. 
We'd arrive a week prior to Christmas and together we would deck the place, cook the food and build the merry atmosphere. We might squeeze in a spot of skiing, a dog sleigh safari, and long walks under the starry sky at night.

 

Christmas morning we'd fill the house with scents of seasonal foods, laughter, old time jazz and excitement of what's to come. 
Of course we'd roast apples & chestnuts, grill marshmallows, drink hot chocolate with whipped cream & candy canes, bake ginger biscuits & saffron bread, and generally be totally merry and bright..! :) 

Log fires would keep us snug and cozy, candles would flicker in the windows casting long shadows over the dressed tree that we would have cut ourselves from the nearby forest... *sigh*..  One year we'll do all of this..! :)

Fave Christmas movie?

In our house we LOVE watching Christmas movies. Especially those with a happy ending - it's all about that cozy warm feeling right! :)

We particularly love 'the Polar Express', 'Prancer' and Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol'. The latter is a wonderful way to remind oneself that we can all make a difference. My children curl up close to me during the scary parts when the 'ghosts of Christmas' appear, and without fail there is always a lively discussion about 'morale', and the importance of 'kindness' & 'compassion' at the end of the movie. I love that! :)

Number one Christmas song / music?

Ever since I was little I have loved listening to Adolphe Adam's 'O holy night' (listen to THIS - it's amazing!) and 'Ave Maria' at Christmas time (well, any time really..). They are both magic and are always part of our Christmas playlist, as is a generous selection of old school Christmas jazz.

 

What's on my Christmas table?

I have always dreamed about hosting the family Christmas dinner and this year my dream will come true! :)

Everyone - including my Godfather - is coming over on Christmas Day for my very own version of an 'Australian Christmas buffet'.
On my buffet table there will be a large roast turkey (I am using Nigella Lawson's recipe - HERE), a bowl of freshly made 'Risotto alla Milanese' (recipe HERE. You can swap the 'dry white wine' for Champagne if you want a nice twist), oven baked figs (topped with freshly grated Parmiagiano-Reggiano).

There will of course also be a Swedish roast ham, home made mustard (by my sister Sofia), a large apple & ruccola salad with a balsamic & honey dressing, smoked salmon carpaccio (topped with fresh coriander leaves, lime juice and large capers), freshly baked breads from my local baker and a generous cheese buffet.

Of course there will be dessert! There will be a large tropical fruit salad (mango, melon, strawberries, kiwi, star fruit etc) with whipped saffron cream. 
Also, I have spent the entire afternoon making chocolate truffles (HERE), saffron & roast coconut toffee (HERE - I added a pinch or two of chilli pepper to add some depth amongst the sweetness), and also some chocolate toffee (HERE - thought I swapped the ginger for coffee!).

 

Tomorrow I will add a few different toppings - like flaked sea salt, fresh chilli pepper, pine nuts and coconut flakes. We all like a bit of flavour in our family! I might drizzle some white chocolate over some to create nice patterns too. We'll see what time allows (it's so much fun though!).

What would I love Santa to bring this year?

It would be lovely if he could bring my husband..!
Marshall sadly has to stay in Sydney due to work commitments and won't be joining us for Christmas this year (the very first we spend apart..!). 

Of course he could have flown up for the actual Christmas week, but it is a big ask doing that from Sydney! Instead we were sensible and decided that it would be more fun for the kids (and us) if we held back the trip for the Spring when he can stay longer. We have some wonderful plans for then, which I'll share with you nearer the time.. Actually just the anticipation of all that is enough as a present for me!

Also.. I wish that Santa could bring comfort and relief for those less fortunate than us. May they be the target for acts of kindness, compassion, and support. Christmas is a very difficult time for many and we must not forget to reach out! 
I for one will be lighting candles for those suffering in the world and send a prayer of comfort and relief. Please do the same. x

My Christmas message to the world..

Be kind to those who least expect it. 
Show love, appreciation, and gratefulness. 
Share and receive with grace. 
Donate to and help those less fortunate. 
Embrace the spirit of joy, and help spread it further in the world!

Darlings, with that I wish you the most magical Christmas! 
I know you are all celebrating in your own unique way - some of you perhaps not at all. But whether you are following or breaking tradition this year, I hope that you have a wonderful time and that you find time to look back at the past year with gratefulness and love in your heart. 
May the new year bring laughter, good health, fortune, and the most splendid new adventures!

I treasure you so much and have had such a fantastic year with you all. Thank you for everything. Let's do it again in 2012! xx

 

All my love & the biggest Christmas & New Year's hug to all!

xx Charlotta