Monday, May 23, 2011

Pick'n'mix blog parade..

Hello friends, and 'happy weekend' to you! It's been a beautiful week here in Sydney - hectic & super busy for sure, but blessed with amazing weather which has made it all so much easier to tackle..!
For reasons I can't share with you just yet, the past few weeks have been so jammed I have found it hard to carve out time for my and your blogs. It has made me miss and appreciate it all so much more, and I am once again struck by how fortunate we are to have access to this vast virtual landscape of amazing blogs.

via Crush Cul de Sac

In fact, my blog roll has grown so big that I am going to have to re-design my blog template (it will happen soon!) but I love how it makes me feel like I have my very personal 'magazine rack' with varied and exclusive international titles that never fail to deliver the latest and the best in their own very unique way. The most wonderful part though is that as bloggers we are able to have in-depth conversations with other 'blog-editors-in-chief', which more often than not lead to real friendships that grow so strong and important that the 'virtual barrier' seems to disappear. It's powerful and always so rewarding don't you think!?!
Blog title rack created by me by fiddling around in Photoshop...


So today I wanted to share two reasonably new blogs with you - both of them written by really sweet and genuine girls that I have had the pleasure to get to know a little over the past few weeks.
The first one is 'Elegant Abode' which is authored by Ali in the West Village, NYC. Since launching in September last year, this blog has served up an array of light & fresh posts with a slight edge that I find wonderful.



Not only is this super-girl busy with her blog, she also recently graduated from the 'New York School of Interior Design' and has already landed two freelance residental design projects in Manhattan. Hats off people! And congratulations to you Ali! x



And if that was not enough, she is also in the final stages of preparing for the June wedding to her darling Peter. Actually, when I say 'darling' I may have to also include 'Abe' & 'Emma', her two four-legged darlings (pups). Along with long walks along the Hudson River (lucky pups!), antiquing, chocolate (I like this girl!), and trying new & exciting things, there is nothing Ali loves more than her family. You can tell can't you that this one is worth getting to know better...! So go ahead, hop over to 'Elegant Abode' sometime soon!


+++

Next up is 'My Beautiful Life' which is created by an amazing girl we shall refer to as 'MBL'...


Ms MBL had me totally revved up and ready-to-go after reading some of the posts in her brilliant 'Personal Growth series' (here, here and here..etc). It's all about how to become more effective, and just generally, how to tackle life and all it's challenges with a wink & a smile. We all need and want that don't we..!?! I know I do, and I will for sure keep my eyes peeled for more post in this series..!

Then I giggled and nodded in recognition to several of the 'personal facts' that she shared here (and another 'blog award list' here..). Then there was this post, that brought me to tears (as did many others!). I especially admire her big heart and the way she really cares about those around her - be that a friend, a family member, or a stranger. Her heart is big (!) and it beats hard for orphaned children. In fact, it is her & her husband's dream to move to Romania and work actively with underprivileged & abandoned children. How beautiful and admirable isn't that!?!



So this amazing girl and I have chatted back and forth over email, and the more I learn the more I admire her. Not only can she play the piano backwards sitting under it (hilarious!), but she also paints, has once sported pink hair (!), is a devoted and loving mother & wife, is extremely intuitive & sensitive, has a seriously soft spot for a good tiramisu (see!), and has a long list of dreams and wishes for what she wants to do in life. Brilliant qualities, if you ask me..! :)

 

Her friends liken her to a butterfly (how pretty!). She adores orchids, Italian food (even for breakfast!), international festivals, trapeze artists (though strongly disagrees with the treatment of circus animals!), vintage MGB cars, and interiors. This fun, varied, and unique list of 'likes' is in fact a good indication of what you will find in her blog, because Ms MBL serves up a delightfully broad and eclectic buffet of posts. You will find some truly beautiful reflections on life, carefully recited true stories (that will make you cry and really reflect), the odd fashion reports, yummy design treats, occasional art features, and also lovely family anecdotes (her two little boys are so cute!). 'My Beautiful Life' is just a gorgeous place to spend a cup pot of tea or two..!

+++

Last but not least, I want to express a dreadfully delayed but genuinely heartfelt thank you to my sweet and loyal friend Nicole over at 'First House on the Right' for giving me a 'One Lovely Blog' award. 


 
Nicole, I loved reading your list of 'personal fun facts' and I promise to share one here on the blog very soon. When I do, I will also nominate a list of blogs to pass this award onto. But for now, a big happy hug to you for always being so nice to me! It means a lot! xx

+++

Big hugs to all, and have a nice start to the new week!

xx Charlotta


All images via Elegant Abode and/or My Beautiful Life, unless otherwise indicated.

21 comments:

Splenderosa said...

Well, you know that I think I need to know everything you are doing all the time, so I cannot wait to "see" what's happening in the next days. I'll go to each of these delightful blogs & follow because if you recommend they are most certainly a "must read." Thank you, Charlotta, for another shout-out; you know I love you too.
xx's

tinajo said...

Great post, I´ll check them out! :-)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

CHARLOTTA! YOU ARE IN THE CHAPEAU and I am taking your link and name RIGHT NOW to add to my list! HOW EXCITING THIS IS TO HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE join in and celebrate PARIS!!!! Your blog is just gorgeous and I know you will have such a beautiful post. I will come by to see you on Saturday! BE READY!!!!! Anita

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

OHHH...let's see. You are what, 14 hours ahead of us? Can you leave your post up for two days so that when it is Saturday for us and Sunday for you, we can view your work? THANKS! Anita

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I am soooo looking forward to this! Have a lovely MONDAY! We are having storms for our Sunday, but our spring is really coming along so beautifully! Anita

Tuuli - Lumo Lifestyle said...

Great new blogs again. I wish I had time to follow all the fantastic blogs I find! There are so many talented bloggers around the globe.

Beadboard UpCountry said...

HI Charlotta!
I can always count on you to keep me informed!!!!!!I will chedk these two blogs aat your recommendation.... Always a pleasure!Maryanne xo

John said...

Lovely post. I'm fairly new to blogging also, and I agree with you that you meet the most wonderful people through the magic of blog!
Nice to find you. Stop by and visit me sometime at www.yonksnews.blogspot.com
Dianne
OXO

YONKS said...

Sorry, but that previous comment was not from John. My husband was still logged in so I didn't notice I needed to changeit. It was from me, Dianne, at YONKS.
Nice meeting you.
OXO

JOE. D said...

You always talk about how 'sweet' and 'lovely' other people are .. but really it is YOU that is 'sweet' and 'lovely'.

Can't wait to hear all your exciting news .. I love exciting news (-:

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Dear Charlotta
Hope you are well.. and sounds like some exciting times going on your way.. Hasn't the weather been fabulous? although perhaps we will be back to normal this week..

These blogs look delightful... must check them out soon... Have a wonderful week.. take care .. ciao xxx Julie

Unknown said...

First off...the magazine rack! ack, dying over the cuteness of that, and LOVED seeing my blog there on it with a Chanel tennis ball on it no less! You are too creative!!! I will have to check out these blogs, although I already know and love Nicole's First House on The Right! :)
xx
Sue

Karena said...

Charlotta thank you so much for the new introductions. I relate completely because I have so many wonderful blog friends and sites I TRY to keep up with!

Off to visit our new friends!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Anonymous said...

Oh Charlotta! You are so incredibly kind. I had a busy weekend with the boys, and am getting a chance now to catch up on things. What a truly delightful surprise. Thank you for such a sweet write up. Truly. I completely agree with Linda from OEKE, you really are the sweet one. I am so thankful for the day our paths crossed.

I can't wait to hear what all you are up to in upcoming posts.

Hugs, and much love!

MBL

Glamour Drops said...

Hello Gorgeous!

I haven't come across either of these blogs, so I'm off to check them out, thank you! Already loving the images on the first one.

Curious as to what your big news is ~ you are a tease ~ so we will just have to patiently wait for the big reveal.

Virginia x

Tina said...

Hej Snäckan!
Det finns sååå många fina, inspirerande bloggar där ute och du gör det så enkelt för oss att upptäcka dessa. Så mycket fantastiska saker du skriver om dessa bloggare, det är med säkerhet en ära att få bli omnämnd här hos dig! Ditt engagemang och din förmåga att hela tiden knyta nya band till Bloggvärlden där ute är otrolig! Jag minns ju själv hur utvald och älskad jag kände mig när 'Komma hem...' blev uppmärksammad här hos dig, Beyond words och något jag aldrig kommer att glömma!!!
Önskar dig en helt underbar vecka, hoppas allt är väl och under kontroll:)!
Sänder över massor med kramar fyllda av kärlek och beundran!

carolina @ patagonia gifts said...

beautiful blogs, Charlotta! glad you had a lovely weekend. it was pretty cold down here, but we warmed it up with good food and drinks along with some nice chats and laughs! happy monday, darling! xo

First House on the Right said...

Beautiful post today and THANK YOU so much for your graciousness in accepting yet another Blog Award :) I can certainly see why you get so many. Hope you're having a lovely day, Nicolex

Ali said...

Thanks again, Charlotta, for introducing me to your readers! You have such a kind heart and I've truly enjoyed getting to know you these past couple of months. It's amazing how people can connect this way when we're on opposite sides of the globe!

Also looking forward to your exciting news!!

*Ali

Charlotta Ward said...

Hi all!

So glad you came by to check these fab ladies out. Their blogs are delightful and I know you'll enjoy them.

Have a lovely end to the week everyone and thanks again.

xx Charlotta

ARTISTICS.ORG ART-PICTURES.NET GEFORCES.COM SEXEDUCATIONS.NET GOOGLEART.NET FORUMWEBSITE.NET MICHAEL TANDIONO said...

NICE :)

https://www.ArtPal.com/livestreamingfm?i=213847-291&r=213847

Blog Widget by LinkWithin