Merry Christmas, Thank You and Give Away..

Ok my darlings, so it's only a matter of days now before Christmas is here and I am still shaking my head in amazement of how quickly this year has gone by..!

It's been year with so many memorable events, some of which have been very hard but so many others have been blissful & happy. I get all teary when I think about the beautiful moments we have shared here and all the tremendous support you have given me when things were a little shaky..! You have been such loyal and wonderful friends - THANK YOU! You really do mean the world to me!! xx

As you know, this will be our last Christmas here in Sydney before we move to Sweden next year and I am soaking up the tropical treats that the season serves up in beautiful Australia including all the lovely decorations in my favourite shops.

Photos by Charlotta Ward

I am currently loving all the locally-made ornaments from 'My Island Home'. The website does not do the store ANY justice.. Their shell adorned Christmas crackers, sliver starfish, and beautiful china have me dreaming up new & wonderful themes for my home this season.. As does this large Magnolia wreath that I found at 'Papier D'Amour' (another favourite local store..).

via Papier d'Amour

Until this year I have been stubbornly Swedish about our Christmas decorations but now that the departure date is looming in the not too far distance (July '11), I suddenly crave all sorts of tropical trinkets for my home. As much as I wanted to, I didn't buy lots, but I did pick up some gorgeous little shells on silver strings to mix in with my vintage and Swedish tree decorations. Perhaps I will sneak down and pick up some other bits & bobs in the Xmas sales.. It would be fun to be 'stubbornly Australian' next Xmas when in Sweden.. :)

Photos by Charlotta Ward

But before the craziness of the Xmas sale begin there is the actual holidays.. I so look forward to spending time with 'my beloved trio'! Between school, extra curricular activities, work and travel it is rare that we have extended time to just hang out together.. But as time slows down a little as the year draws to an end, we're enjoying some much valued down-time together. Last night we went for a sunset swim, followed by yummy fresh fish & chips that we ate on the beach whilst watching the eclipsed full moon rise out of the ocean. My dear friend Julie has captured the moon beautifully - HERE. It was truly magical and it made me draw deep happy sighs of gratefulness for what life has given me. I am truly blessed and I take time to remember that every day!

And as I sat there watching the rising moon with my happy & healthy little clan I knew that this was the best Christmas present I could ever get. In fact, it is all I want for Christmas this year!

..But that is not going to stop me from giving..! So without further ado I'd like to announce my end-of-year give-away that is generously sponsored by my dear husband through his amazing photographic works.

Photo by Marshall Ward

Marshall is an accredited and accomplished photographer whose works have been published in books and magazines alike. In his portfolio gallery you will find amazing pictures from all corners of the world in both black/white and colour. Click HERE to browse.

Photos by Marshall Ward

We will be drawing two names from the hat (one from Australia, and one from the rest of the world) and Marshall kindly is allowing the the two lucky winners free hands when choosing the shot they wish to receive. Each photograph is a strict limited edition original, and will be signed, and also accompanied by an authenticity certificate.

Photos by Marshall Ward

To enter this give-away you need to:
1. Be a follower of Space for Inspiration
2. Carefully look through Marshall's Flickr books.
3. Leave a comment confirming you are an active follower (with a link back), and also let me know which photograph you wish to win. Please refer to it by name/title only, but keep the link in your files in case you win. Your comment = 1 entry.

For extra entries:
4. Blog about this give-away including linking to Marshall's site and leave a second comment with the post link = 2 extra entries.
  
This give-away closes at midnight on the 8th January 2011 (Australian EST) and the winners will be announced shortly after. Good luck to all!

With that I would like to wish you all a wonderful ending to the year!

For those who celebrate - Merry Christmas! May Santa bring a sack full of magic & merriment for each and every one of you! Also may your New Year be splendid, sparkly and safe!  Thank you once more for being here and for being awesome! I adore you all and I look forward to seeing you all in 2011!

Big hugs and kisses from Summer wonderland!

xx Charlotta