Hello hello hello! We are back..

 by Patrick Cline

Hello everyone - we are back in Sydney after a fantastic five weeks in Sweden!

Sorry it has taken me a little bit of time to dive back into the blog-world, but had you seen the size of our washing mountain you would have forgiven me in an instant..! :)  I can tell you that life on this side of the jet lag  (and washing..)!!) is a whole lot better, and it is nice to be back here again! xx I have missed you!! xx 

We had such an amazing time away, and spending quality time with my family (and childhood friends) was just what we needed after what felt like some tough and trying months earlier this year.. Now we feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on our last eight months here in Sydney before we pack our bags (Read: 'container'..!) and head back to Sweden permanently! More about that a little later..

 The clouds lifting off the lake near my childhood home before a round of golf 
one glistening morning. So stunning!

In stark contrast to the sparkly weather and warm temperatures back here in Springtime Sydney, Sweden was crisp, fresh and quiet, with an explosion of colours in the foliage. We soon fell into the meditative and calm pace that accents this time of the year, and we actually abandoned all plans of any glam events and /or shopping excursions (no no, I am perfectly well and sane..!). Instead, this trip became all about the outdoors and spending time in the country side. A 'return to nature and basics' trip where my daily uniform soon became Wellingtons, jeans, cozy jumpers layered with scarves and warm jackets.. It was heaven to be able to slow down, breathe deeply and let go of all stresses and 'must do's'..!

These are not my cheery Wellies (sorry), but the leaves on the lawn are from near our house. The colours were amazing!

We enjoyed making excursions into the forest. We'd pack a backpack with hot chocolate, sandwiches and fruit and head off in the morning and not return until the afternoon, often carrying baskets full of mushrooms (chantarelles and black trumpet mushrooms) or blue berries that we'd cook for dinner. We'd also pick apples and plums that grew in abundance in the gardens. Simple pleasures that tickled all senses  and felt so satisfactory on a deeper level. And is there is anything better than a freshly made apple,- plum- or blueberry pie straight out of the oven after a whole day outside..!?! Sigh.. :)

Many baskets full of plums, apples and other Autumnal goodies made their way into our kitchen..!!

Other days we'd play golf (Oscar also plays now which is so much fun!), go on little weekend trips to stay with friends, visit a nearby castle or simply just go for a long lovely walk. It was truly lazy days with no pressure to really 'do' very much at all, apart from take the day as it came..

Oscar is really bitten by the golf bug and apparently has real talent. 

He was scouted by a pro on the course who asked us to call in a couple of years if 

he is still playing! I was busting with pride of course (as was Oscar!)!! :)

Divine weekend stay-over at my very dear friends Kristina and Peter, at their house set on the 

castle grounds near Lennartsnas.

We also took some time out to look at schools for next year, and I am so thrilled to have received a letter of acceptance to a lovely independent school that teaches both in English and Swedish. YAY!! I think the kids will love it there when we move, and hope that the transition from Australia to Sweden will be smoother with the help of some new class mates and friends. Fingers crossed..!

Also from the lovely lands surrounding the castle.. This looks so 'typically Swedish' to me!
I love it and could happily settle in a place just like this, and lead a simple and creative life
in closeness to nature and all that it offers!

Isabella climbing a gorgeous old log in my favourite park in Eskilstuna.
Stunning old Oak trees against the red cottages that are part of an 'outdoor museum' similar to
that of 'Skansen' in Stockholm. A gorgeous place!

But best of all was just to be 'home' and spend quality time with my family and to experience proper Autumn again. It baffled me that I actually hadn't been home at this time of the year since nearly 15 years!! (We usually go for either Nordic Summer or Xmas..) There is something wonderful about Autumn and how it suddenly feels completely natural (almost essential..) to allow daily rituals and routines to take a little longer. In Summer and Spring I find myself trying to simplify things as much as possible so that energy can be spent on making the most of the sun, surf and lazying around.. As if you need energy for that.. :) But with the cooler temperature and shorter days (and dark mornings with a slow rising sun) I love the fuss of lighting candles, layering the bed & sofa with blankets and pretty pillows, dressing my dining chairs in sheepskins, cooking hearty food, and just generally taking time to create that nurturing and 'cozy feeling' we need when the tan is fading and we prepare for Winter.

 Oaks! I love them - their structure, their leaves and of course acorns. A friend of mine has an amazing

book about 'old Oaks' that have been beautifully photographed all over the world.. I so want a copy!

To relax I love 'picking things' and that includes beautiful Autumn leaves. Thankfully my children both love it too.. 

Autumn leaves in amazing colours displayed in an antique raised bowl on our lunch table.. 
It looked even better when the leaves dried up and curled..!

Right now, and in stark contrast to Sweden, I find myself wanting to de-clutter and open up the house to the sun and warmer months ahead. I am still lighting candles (I am Swedish after all..!) but soon my beautiful tall stemmed candles will give way to Citronella scented block candles and lanterns that can survive the Australian heat and also keep the mosquitoes away (a blessing!). Twigs and branches will replaced by bright coloured flowers and pretty bowls with shells and other lovely beach finds. For a little while longer we can enjoy open fruit bowls (and I can tell you that as the 'fruit bat' family that we are, we enjoy these to the full!), but soon the heat and all that comes with it will make it impossible to keep anything edible in open air. Even the juicer will need to be stowed away as it becomes the perfect breeding ground for fruit flies that somehow can detect sweet juices despite diligent washing..! You can imagine..

 Life is busting at the seams in my garden and I am spending more time bent over than up straight at the moment.. 
There is no end to the amount of weeding one needs to do after such a long time away...

These are the first and very tiny sprouts of 'Rocket lettuce' that we planted only last week. Oscar is amazed at 
how quickly they have shot up and is convinced they are called 'Rocket' because they grow so fast..   :)

So, despite the obvious tiredness of climatic shock & jet lag, and the sadness of having said goodbye to my family & friends in Sweden (!!) we are happy to be back. The sun is blazing down as I am typing this (cross legged on the front step to our house) and I feel my toes wiggling in excitement of a forthcoming tan (..Bring it on!! Please..!) and lazy days on the beach. I am definitely hearing whispers of Summer in the not too far distance and can't wait to plunge into the salty waves of the South Pacific. I just have to work on that tan first..! :)

Gorgeous view of Bronte beach snapped by my clever husband. Credit Marshall Ward

I'll be back soon with more pictures and stories from Sweden, but before I sign off I want to yell out a heartfelt THANK YOU to all my wonderful friends who took part in my 'Guest post series'.

Montage of the greatness these awesome ladies shared whilst I was away..!

DJ, Minna, Anna, Monika, Tina, Simone, Louise, Mia, Piper, Caroline, Dawn, Kirsten and Stacey, you guys exceeded my expectations with your fantastic reports on your current seasonal rituals from your corners of the world. What an honour it was to have you here!! xx xx

If anyone for some reason missed any of the 13 posts that ran over the past weeks, I will  prepare a quick link schedule in the right hand side column of this blog. Coming soon..!

Hugs to all of you my dears! I have missed you lots and lots!!

xx Charlotta

Photo credits: All pictures by me, apart from the very first & very last ones.

Guest post 13: 'Embracing Fall' by Stacey Anne Blake of 'Design Addict Mom'...

Hi everyone!  My name is Stacey and i’m the design addict behind the blog known as  Design Addict Mom. I am beyond thrilled to be guest posting here today as i consider myself Charlotta’s number one fan!

I know our locations span the globe, hence we’re all embracing different seasons. Here in North Carolina, we’re now experiencing the magic of Fall. After the almost unbearable heat that seemed to define the Summer here, Fall’s cool breeze never felt so refreshing.

Fall is the time of year when i get out my beautiful blankets that i had reluctantly put away for the Summer months. There is a luxury that exudes from a layered bed. It also makes it oh so difficult to get out of bed…

Somehow, the act of cuddling a warm cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate becomes more endearing in the fall. I tend to let the process kind of linger and savor the moment…

Fall also gives me an excuse to get socks in every colour under the rainbow:-). I just love donning them around the house or beneath a pair of my boots.

This is also the time of year when pumpkins abound and the farmer’s market is awash with bright colours, especially orange. 

As a native island girl who really lives for the Summer, I actually look forward to Fall and the wardrobe changes that it brings. This is the time of year when one gets to really be creative with one’s look.

Spending time outdoors is so much more enjoyable too…

However, above everything else, i think that cozying up by the fire with a book is the quintessential Fall action/luxury that we all embrace and look forward to. 

Thank you to the  lovely Charlotta for having me here today.  The end:-) S

Image credits: 1-tumblr, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8  9, 10, 11, 12

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Big thank you to you Mrs Blake for this wonderful post AND for the  sweet words about our friendship! I am thrilled and honoured that you are part of my 'guest post series'. It feels like for ever since I stumbled across your blog, and became one of your very first followers. I am over the moon to see your readership and commentators explode in numbers and you know what a fan I am of your posts! I have missed popping in regularly and look forward to catching up thoroughly now that we are back from Sweden!

Please click on Stacey's banner above to jump across to 'Design Addict Mom'. You will never look back, nor will you be able to complete any planned tasks for the rest of the day.. The addiction rubs off..! You have been warn.. :)

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So my darlings, Stacey's marvellous Autumn post concludes the parade of amazing blogger friends that so kindly covered for me whilst living it up in my beloved Sweden. A formal and more proper thank you will follow at the bottom of my washing pile..! :)

For now, just know that I am happy to back (and VERY relieved the marathon flight is behind us..!) and that I look forward to sharing some pictures of our fantastic holiday with you soon..!

Big hugs from Sydney to all!

xx Charlotta

Guest post 12: 'Layers of Fall' by Kirsten Grove from 'Simply Grove'

Hi everyone!!  Kirsten here from Simply Grove.  Some of you may be acquainted with me and some of you will be new friends (I hope) after this post.  I am so honored to be over here today while Charlotta is enjoying her getaway, of which I am totally jealous....but oh so happy for Charlotta!!!!

 

My home is Boise Idaho, the state that is shaped like a key.  You will find 4 distinct seasons.  Very distinct!!  As of right now the leaves are changing into a beautiful display of orange, red, yellow, brown and a bit of deep green.  Fall in Boise brings chilly weather, a whole lot of pumpkin fields and entertaining corn mazes.  (Have you ever been to a corn maze?)   You will find fresh veggies and a variety of mums at our local farmers markets.  Iced coffees are exchanged for hot beverages in cozy cups.  It is sure a fun season for my city.

Although I miss the hot summer days, fall brings a sense of comfort and warmth.  The colors and textures make me want to snuggle all of the time.  That can be a bit distracting from my work load, BUT I don't mind. I love bringing out the right essentials for Autumn.  Cable knit pillows and throws, spiced candles, fuzzy rugs, down comforters for the bed linens and white mini pumpkins to scatter around each room.

 

Dressing for fall always allows me to think outside the box.  I LOVE layers.  Whether that is layering shirts or a skirt with tights.  It is all about layering!  Scarves and hats are fun accessories that I try to implement as much as I can.   My favorite look right now is leather leggings, a long white t-shirt, boyfriend jacket and a cheetah print scarf.  I could wear that EVERYDAY!

The Fall months always seem full of family events, harvest gatherings and parties with friends.  It is always so nice to celebrate life with the people I love.  And the yummy food is always a plus too!

Thanks for having me everyone!!  Come visit me sometime and say hello!!

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Kirsten THANK YOU so much for a gorgeous post! Layering clothes, dressing the home, gathering over yummy food with friends and family sounds like the perfect way to enjoy Autumn! Having you here was such a pleasure and I love your Flickr pictures!

People, this beautiful woman has been written about in a hugely impressive list of places (see HERE), has a gorgeous home (HERE) that has been featured in two key shelter magazines here in Australia, she runs a fabulous blog (and Flickr gallery!), works as an interior designer, whilst also re-purpousing / re-designing furniture AAAAAND raising two children..! You can see why I am so completely impressed by Kirsten (xx)!! If you are not already a subscriber of her blog, please click on the banner right now to be transferred across. (And don't forget to read all about her fun 'style tests'..!) xx

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The next and final guest post in my little series has been written by my dear friend Stacy who blogs over at the very popular 'Design Addict Mom'. Not only is this lady a very dedicated blogger, she is also a devoted mother, and has a fabulous eye for design and style. I so look forward to sharing her post with you right here on the 20th October!
P.S. Also.. Don't forget to enter Stacey's give-away that ends soon.. HERE

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So my darlings, I am now back in Australia after a wonderful holiday in my beloved Sweden.  We had a fantastic time (I am SO home sick right now..!) and I can't wait to tell you about it all after the jet lag has worn off. It will also be nice to catch up with all of you again after having been away for so long. Have missed you lots..!

Jet lagged hugs from me to you!

xx Charlotta

Guest post 11: 'NY Fall' by Dawn from 'The Alternative Wife'...

Hi everyone, this is Dawn from The Alternative Wife. I am so excited {as well as honored to have been asked} to be filling in for the lovely Charlotta today while she is off enjoying her vacation back in Sweden!

I live in NYC and after a very hot and seemingly endless summer, fall has finally arrived and I believe it's finally here to stay. I'm fortunate to live in an area that is treated to all four seasons and every season without fail I find myself antsy and hoping for the next one to roll around. So here we are at one of my most favorite seasons, autumn.

I find fall to be such an introspective time of year. This season inspires me more than any other one, whether it be cooking, photography, or art. I think it's a combination of getting back in touch with nature as well as actually having the time to explore new things.

So many fun activities come to mind when I think about fall. Whether it be apple or pumpkin picking, visiting wineries or fall foliage drives, this is the season that I want to be wrapped up in cozy knits while frolicking outdoors. It may be chilly but that's what cashmere is for, right? :)

And as much as I love being outdoors during this time of year, I also equally cherish my time indoors. My home is my ultimate heaven, a warm and inviting sanctuary where I can escape and recharge. Nothing is better than spending an entire weekend indoors cuddling up on the couch.

 This is also the time of year that get's me back into the kitchen. After a summer of dining at restaurants al fresco most nights, as soon as there's a slight chill in the air I'm ready to fire up some delicious soups, stews and countless other delectable dishes. I also love to entertain during this time of year. Everything is so delicious, warm and cozy and I just love to share that with family & friends.

Thank you again, Charlotta, for having me here today. It's been such a thrill to be a part of your amazing blog and I'm so happy to have had a chance to say hello to all of you! I hope you all enjoy this season, whichever it may be, to the fullest. xoxo

Credits:Images: 1, 2 & 4 - Corrie Bond via Everything Fabulous, 3, 6, 8, 14 & 16 - From Me To You, 5 - Mikkel Vang via Solid Frog, 7 - Corrie Bond, 9 via The Cherry Blossom Girl, 10 via Pandora, 11 Twig Hutchinson via Solid Frog, 12 via Solid Frog, 13 via Pretty Stuff, 15 - Anna Williams

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Dawn, what a post! I love all of this and feel wrapped up in such wonderful Atumnal feeling now!! How can I possibly return to Sydney and Spring tomorrow..!? Your post is gorgeous and I am sending you a big hug and thank you from Sweden (once more)!! xx

Darlings, I know you will adore Dawn's lovely blog and I hope you have already bookmarked her 'The Alternative Wife'. If not click on THIS LINK and be transported to blog heaven!

Next in the 'guest post series' is the gorgeous Kirsten who blogs over at 'Simply Grove' - you will meet her here on the 17th!

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Tomorrow is my last day here in Sweden and we are heading out to the airport nice and early. A long and not entirely comfortable trip ahead (no stop over this time..), but the reward will be landing in a warm & sunny Sydney that is in full bloom right now. Spring has really sprung and we will make the most of our jetlag and head down to the beach for breakfast (with the early bird surfers..!).

Big hugs to all!

xx Charlotta