Autumnal bliss..

Hello lovelies,

I am so happy to be able to sit down and reconnect with long lost blog. It  has been months since I posted regularly and I miss the rhythm and connections so much. You, my gorgeous blogettes and blogeurs are often on my mind and I look forward to catching up. XO

After what has felt like an unusually long and hot Swedish Summer we are now deep into Autumn and all that it brings. The trees have nearly lost all their leaves leaving nature at its bare and honest core. It is a soothing time for me when everyday focus inevitably go from exterior to interior in every sense possible. I find myself layering the home with little touches of comfort and coziness, I fill urns with twigs and bowls with wonderful ripe citrus fruits and apples. In the early afternoon as the sun hides behind the trees I light lanterns and candles and enjoy large cups of fragrant tea. I take deep breaths in the crisp air as I take brisk walks along the river and I find myself drawing my attention within. Autumn is truly such a reflective and soothing time - like chicken soup for the soul.

We are at the tail-end of a week-long school holiday and it was only three days ago that the kids and I returned from our five day trip to London. It was the first time for the kids but for me it was a much anticipated return to what was once my hometown (for 8 years). And what a wonderful return it was! London welcomed us in full Autumnal glory with wafts of roast chestnuts in the crisp air. We enjoyed long walks in the park on a carpet of golden leaves, some sight-seeing, and of course also the mid-season sales.. ha! The trip was a perfect balance of family- and solo- time which has left me recharged and happy.

As a lovely contrast to the urban buzz of London we are now back in the serenity of our hometown here in Sweden. This weekend has brought a string of Halloween parties with lots of creative hosts spoiling us with hilarious tricks and yummy treats. Pumpkins have been carved, faces have been painted and my little monsters have had a lot of fun and a lot of lollies. Just the way it should be.

On a more serious note we have also lit candles for the absent loved ones and enjoyed the sweetness their memories. And as we shoot a thought of thankfulness into the universe our minds inevitably lands on the forthcoming Thanksgiving weekend. Though not a Swedish tradition it is one of my favourite holidays of the year and one that I so desperately want to adopt into our family in a major way. There is always so much to be thankful of don't you think!?!

I love and leave you for now but hope to be able to return here a little bit more often from here on.
Big warm hugs to all from me.

xo Charlotta