Thursday, December 23, 2010

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.


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.


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




54 comments:

Will @ Bright.Bazaar said...

Thank you for all your kind words of support from afar this past year, Charlotta. Your posts always bring a smile to my face and I wish you a very Happy Holiday and a New Year full of good health and happiness. xo

Karena said...

Charlotta I adore the 1st image of Big Ben in London! Beautiful. Thank you so much for all of your encouragement!

Joyeaux Noel!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Vicki said...

Oh Charlotta as an expat Aussie now living in Iceland it would have to be one from Marshall's Australian images and I do love his seascapes but it is sooo hard to make a choice. I am torn between "Just a Moment", "Wylies Squared Reimagined" and "Mahon Pool Cascades".

I am definitely an active follower.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

Anne said...

Dear Charlotta,
I want to wish you a lovely holiday season. These photos are incredible! When I have more time (and access to a computer) I will peruse your husband's work and enter the giveaway. I can't wait to see the rest! I hope you are well and happy.

xoxo,
Anne

lila Braga said...

Hi dear Charlotta,what a fabulous post...so breezy,sad and yet so full of life and joy...Iam sad that you are leaving Australia,I know how you are feeling right now and It is very hard to leave a place that catches our heart and makes us feel at home...enjoy every second you have left living inside Australia with zest!
Have to go soon,as my plane is about to leave...but before I go I want to wish you and your family a fabulous Christmas and awonderful 2011!
hugs
lila

Greet Lefèvre said...

My dearest Charlotta,
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet wishes!
I wish you and your family in return a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2011!!
And PLEASE let me know when you come to Europe!!!! I would love to meet you and your family!!!
A big hug,
xxxxxxxxxx.....
Greet

... said...

What a wonderful post, as always! Thanks for being my far away-but so close blogger friend. I hope next year we will meet up some day, some where, some place. I wish you and your family all the best for 2011. I hope it will be a good one with lots of love, travels, new ideas and exitement!!!!

XO

Lise M.

Kerry said...

Firstly Charlotta, thank you for being one of the loveliest and kindest of bloggers. Your comments are always full of encouragement and delight in life...it shines through. I really do hope you manage a trip to Canberra before you go home :) Secondly, Marshall's images are stunning. I've just spent ages looking at each one but if I were lucky enough to win your gorgeous giveaway I would choose Shuttered, Venice...a city I love! Wishing you and yours a wonderful, sunny Christmas and I'm glad you'll be taking some Oz decorations back to the snow! Lots of love xx

Carla said...

HI Charlotta, Wishing you a wonderful Australian Christmas. I would love to be there myself. That santa shot with the bridge is fun. I love your friends photography. Enjoy your last Aussie Christmas. Carla

Unknown said...

Dear Charlotta, hope you have the most wonderful tropical Christmas--your images are just fabulous! It would be impossible to chose a photo from your husband's amazing portfolio, but if I were to win, I know I would have to chose one of those seascapes--leaning towards Splash or Uh Oh...

Lots of warm wishes for a happy holiday and bright New Year!
xo Mary Jo

carolina @ patagonia gifts said...

oh Charlotta, so beautiful images! thank YOU so much for being my blogging friend. I wish you the loveliest Christmas in Australia. enjoy the weather as much as you can, and treasure it deep in your heart. warm hugs from Patagonia, Carolina xo

Tuuli - Lumo Lifestyle said...

Hi Charlotta

What a year it has been and gone past so fast...

Marshall's photos are amazing. My favorite photo is Nielsen Park Point, Sydney, as it reminds me of the day we spent with you and Isabella.

Helsinki has more snow than even in my lifetime (said that already last year, but we are breaking the records already now and there should be yet another snowstorm coming in during weekend)...

Tomorrow morning we are heading to countryside for Christmas, slighly less snow, but high on atmosphere in my inlaws' house...

En riktigt god jul till er alla från Helsingfors!

Kram

Tuuli

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Your husband is so talented! I am a tree lover and endlessly facinated by their beauty so I would pick the Lonely Road or Oak Detail from Sweden.

Charlotta,
Wishing you and your family all the joys of the holiday season!
xo,
~R

Leigha said...

What a talented man (and lucky to have you!). Looks like I'd be on the fence between A Splash of Color in Mumbai and Shuttered in Venice...but the entire Singapore album is lovely, too.

Merry Christmas Charlotta (and Marshall!)

s a n s k u :) said...

came to wish you God Jul and all the best for 2011!
i love the tropical themed decorations for christmas. and that wreath is gorgeous!! i would definately be hitting the sales after christmas. you'll have a very original christmas decorations when you go back to sweden.
i look forward to seeing lots of sweden posts in the future.
i'll have to come back to check out your husband's photography. running out of time right now.

designchic said...

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas in Australia and all the best for the new year...thanks for all the inspiration you have given us through the year!!

Anthony said...

Wonderful post! It is a welcome change to the traditional Christmas time we have here in Denver (snow, snow and you guessed it, more snow).

All the best in 2011!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Oh Charlotta... I will be sad that you are leaving Sydney next year.. and must make sure we meet up before then... It's been such a pleasure getting to know you and your kindness and support have been a breath of fresh air for me... a bright light when I needed it!!

You know I was going to decorate beachy style and didn't quite get around to it.. I did look for pine cones at the beach but couldn't find any.. haha

Of course I would be delighted to win any of Marshall's beautiful pieces.. they are all exceptional... As you know Venezia is my favourite city.. but that wave shot is superb!!!! has such an incredible feel to it.. the awe of the sea and nature at it's best!!! beautiful..

Wishing you and your family a fabulous christmas.. filled with love, happiness and as many special moments as you can take!! lots of love.. xxx Julie

PS.. will email soon.. might have something for you tomorrow...ciao

Lou said...

Hi Charlotta - I feel like I found you late in the year so I shall look forward to much more in 2011! I looked at the shots on flickr - they are amazing - my fave I must say is the one of Big Ben and the Thames...the London shots. I love the one of the London Eye too...
Anyway - have a very happy time in the tropical version of Christmas! Lou xxx

Splendid Willow said...

Merry Christmas back to you and your beautiful family!

Thank you for your support and your wonderful friendship. You are one special girl, Charlotta.

How fun to see Marshall's photo art here! (I will add a link on my blog to his Flick stream shortly R. hand column).

Please, put my name in the hat! And of course I gravitate towards the images from Stockholm.

Love "Gamla Stan evening". You can see S:t Jacob's church in the background -- where we got married!
Only good memories!

Love to you and Merry, Merry!

Punctuation Mark said...

wishing you the very best Christmas and lots of great things!!!

anita said...

What a fantastic giveaway, Charlotta!
I went back and forth between choosing a vibrant color photo (the temple series from Malaysia!) and the beauty of the black and whites. I chose this one:
Oak Tree, Eskilstuna, Sweden

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

Julie at Belle Vivir said...

Charlotta,

Just a quick stop to wish you Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year.

Great giveaway.

Stacey said...

Lovely Charlotta,
You're a rare gem and i feel so lucky that we found each other this year! Thank you so much for your sincere friendship and for all your support. I wish you and your beautiful family a very Merry Christmas and a Fantastic New Year!
Now, your hubby is super talented! You're such a talented pair:-) I love the Lord Murugan, Batu Caves Colour Study. This is the perfect giveaway. Lots of love!

marzia said...

Buon Natale Cathrine to you and all your family.
No time now. I'm in a rush.
Will come back in the next days. Hugs
Marzia

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Merry Christmas, Charlotta! Wishing you and your family the most wonderful holiday! Thank you for providing us with such gorgeous inspiration day after day xoxo

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

Have a wonderful Christmas, Charlotta!!! Such beautiful photography -your husband's and yours!!! I'll have to come back later and go browse!!!

Also, check out my linkup 2010 beginning Mo Dec 27th. You could link up this post (adding giveaway in title). I'd love that!

Solid Frog said...

I wish you and your loved ones a merry Christmas and a great start of 2011!

Tack för all inspiration, härliga kommentarer och uppmuntrande ord under 2010. Sköt om dig och familjen!

Kram Mia :)

Absolutely Ladylike said...

Dear Charlotta,

Thank you so much for daydreaming together with me this year and become a part of Absolutely Ladylike. I hope my posts has sweetened your days just like a spoon of honey and I hope we can continue dreaming together in next year.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and sending you much love: Eve

Ps: Your page is very inspirational...I love it.

sharmin said...

Merry Christmas!!!

It was such a treat to view Marshall's work! I absolutely LOVE "Beacon, Venice" the best. It feels like a beautiful dream. I showed it to my 11 year old daughter and she fell in love with it too.

Thank you for the opportunity to enter this amazing giveaway!

Tina said...

My dearest friend!
I love your tropical x-mas, feels all very exotic to me sitting her in a cold and wintry Sweden. Today the sun is showing a little bit though and I feel blessed!
I love your gratefulness, life is all about that isn´t it!?
You mean the world to all of your readers out there. Thanks for being the beautiful person you are, sharing all of your kindness, wisdom and love to all of us!
I admire you in so many ways and can´t put words into the gratefulness of having you as a friend! You rock!
All my love!!!
Have to check out Marshalls great photos now. I´ll be back to tell you which one is my favourite in case I would be the lucky, lucky winner!
Tina

Tina said...

So many beautiful photos, hard to pick a favourite!!! But if I´m the LUCKY winner this would be my choice: Pidgeon, Batu Caves, Malaysia. Absolutely love the colors in this one and it would look perfect on one of my white walls!
Håller tummarna(hårt!)
:)
Kramar!

anney said...

Happy Holidays to you and your family! God Bless!

Tiina said...

god fortsättning Charlotta! Vilket härligt år det har varit, och massa nya spännande äventyr är planerade inför nästa år!

Vilka underbara bilder din man tar, måste säga att jag väljer Alleyway Stockholm eftersom jag bor i denna underbart vacker stad, och skulle verkligen vilja ha en vacker bild på den på min vägg!

Kram
Tiina

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Mad love for you and your post and your giveaway and your husbands talent! Did I forget anything?? :) This year went crazy fast (cliche I know), but really it did. So many things fly out the window as our wheels turn, but it's amazing how many wonderful things stick with us. I often thought of not blogging, wondering what I'm doing. But then people like you really made me stop and think that such wonderful things can happen from it! Thank you, truly, for all the inspiration, kindness and love from the other side of the world! As far as the giveaway goes, you know I would absolutely cherish a photographic work, esp from your love. I really "England" the simple cow picture. The Wylies Squared Reimagined really spoke to me as well. And for just visual entertainment, I adored Misty Morning in Venice with the Gondola & Rialto. Love, love, love XO, Kelly

Unknown said...

Hope you had a beautiful Christmas...!!! and thank you so much Charlotta for your lovely comments and kind words.... you are the best!! I really try to create a special and magical Christmas for the kids even thought its hard for me since this was one of the few Christmas I was not able to go back home.... but at the end of Christmas eve when my son said Mom this was the best Christmas ever... I felt ... I did it... I was able to put my feelings aside and be so present that my kids would never even imagined I felt home sick!!!

How's summer? Winter is cold here..!

Cath said...

Dear Charlotta

Connecting with you over this past year has been very special, I look forward to continuing the virtual friendship! Marshall's work is amazing, and this giveaway just wonderful. Bogey Hole is definitely one of my faves.

I hope you enjoyed your last Aussie Christmas in true Sydney style!

xxx Cath

ps...a little post in support of the giveaway is up on my blog :)

Anonymous said...

I hope you and your family had a merry Christmas! I love the photo of santa sailing!
Thanks for sharing always!
Xo,
E&J

Anonymous said...

Charlotta! hope you had a super Christmas. I"m glad I stopped by your blog today. It is always so nice to hear your reminisce about Sweden. I've booked my tickets, and heading back end of February! now I can see this winter light you speak so fondly of!

best,

Jennifer

Charlotta Ward said...

Cath King - Tea with Mary

http://www.teawithmary.com.au/blog/2010/12/28/the-spirit-of-giving-space-for-inspiration.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+com%2FvUyh+%28Tea+with+Mary%29&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail

Charlotta Ward said...

Cath King - Tea With Mary

http://www.teawithmary.com.au/blog/2010/12/28/the-spirit-of-giving-space-for-inspiration.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+com%2FvUyh+%28Tea+with+Mary%29&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail

M said...

Charlotta, what a beautiful post. Love the tropical Xmas flair, among other things. Enjoy your last holiday season down under, and look forward to moving back to Europe at the same time! OK, the weather in northern Europe isn't exactly comparable to Sydney's chill vibe, but on the upside you must be looking so forward to Sweden's proximity to the rest of Europe -- just a hop and a skip to tons of variety!
Happy New Year, and let's see if I can get over to your blog as often as I'd like in 2011.
XOXO
Michael

lila Braga said...

★ ┊    ★ ┊┊   ★ ┊  ★ ┊    
┊   ┊ ☆   ☆┊ ┊     ★┊  
  ★ ┊    ★ ┊ ★ ┊ ★ ┊
┊   ┊ ☆   ☆┊    ★┊ ☆ ☆ 
☆┊   ☆   ★ ┊    ★ ┊┊ ☆   
┊   ┊ ☆   ☆┊    ★┊★┊ ★
☆┊ ☆   ★ ┊    ★ ┊ ☆

wishing you a fabulous 2011 !!!

WARM HUGS
Lila ........

tinajo said...

Gott Nytt År Charlotta! :-)

desde my ventana said...

♥¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´♥♥.¸.•´¸.•*´¨)
........|___|...
........|000|...
........|000|...
........|000|...
........|000|...Felíz año 2011 !!
.........\00/....
..........\0/..... Te deseo
...........||..... felicidad,paz,
...........||..... y mucha salud.
...........||......Muchos Besos
........._||_....
♥¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´♥♥.¸.•´¸.•*´¨)


My best wishes for the new year 2011
CECILIA

La Boheme said...

My dearest Charlotta, I hope you had wonderful Christmas and are enjoying some relaxing time with your family. It's been incredible getting to know you in the past year and I cannot wait for more heart-warming posts from you in 2011. All the best to you, xoxo.

Kirsten Randolph said...

Dearest Charlotta,
I am soooo happy to returned to blogging just in time to read this beautifully emotional blog of your last Christmas in Austria (just think you'll be closer to Italy! and Marshal's breathtaking photographs. I will surly return to select...to select and "hopefully to win"! I returned to blogging with new reflections. I am writing to you now with refresh feelings and a new point of view.
Please stop by and visit me. I would love hearing from you...

Until then on behalf of Love Accents Couture Atelier, may all the blessings of this blissful season shine upon you. Wishing you all the love, laughter and happiness in the world, your return back home to Sweden and "grandeur golden dreams".
With joy,
Kirsten and Prince Tchaikovsky

manvi @ mochatini said...

happy new year charl. your pics are AMAZING, as are you. thanks for your frienship. i look forward to a great 2011 together. love to you and the kids.
xoxo

LiveLikeYou said...

Enjoy your last "winter" there. Sweden was -30 C-in short freezing!! Looks like fantasy land with Santa's at the beach!!
Gott Nytt Ar!!

Paris in Pink said...

Beautiful images. I'm in love with that magnolia wreath.. so dreamy! Your blog is so enchanting... indeed a "Space for Inspiration". Hugs from your new fan in Paris :) Paris in Pink

Cassie said...

I think I would choose a Swedish Christmas over an Australian one, although it does look stunning I just cannot get my head around it being summer.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011!
xx

Beadboard UpCountry said...

Dear Charlotta,
What a lovely xmas combination of Swedish stylings and the Australian beach! It seems you will miss your present home as you embrace your new one again....I am playing blog catch up as we recuperate from the holiday season..Thanks for this lovely glimpse of yours. Maryanne xo

A Perfect Gray said...

Charlotta, just a note to thank you for your sweet comment. Just like your blog, YOU are such an inspiration to me and many others. And I treasure that.

Your island treasures are beautiful. So exotic from where I stand. How lucky you are to have experienced life in such a wonderful place.

I am so looking forward to returning to blogging! I miss all the friends and all the fun!

Charlotta, many thanks again and all my best to you and your precious family for the new year! love, donna

(love you new blog look and your new profile photo!)

F.L.A. said...

Amazing pics!!!!!!

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