Announcements..

Hello lovelies!

The lovely and entrepreneurial Lise of 'Urban Style Vibes' is in the process of planning a 'Meet the Blogger' event in Amsterdam and this is one you don't want to miss!!

The event will be held at the 'Dutch Design Hotel Artemis' on the 25th June and is bound to be a success! Not only will you have the opportunity to (finally!) meet fellow blog friends, but you will do so in a stylish setting, whilst also being treated to a great programme of excitement & entertainment. To find out more, please click HERE.

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My next announcement is a heart felt one and comes via my dear friend & artist Mariska Meijers (incidentally also in Holland). 

This amazing girl has out of her kindness, compassion and generosity donated five limited edition screen prints (signed) which proceeds will go to the 'Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal' to help rebuild the areas of Queensland that were hit by the horrendous floods. For those of us who witnessed the floods in real-life or live on television, there are no words to describe the loss and devastation.

If you are interested in buying one of Mariska's sought after limited edition prints and thereby helping those who have lost everything,  please contact Mariska via her blog - HERE.

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Now to yet another blog intro.. I think you'll love this one..!

Today's picture parade is channeled through from 'Love Nordic' - a wonderful blog that is written by an Icelandic girl who currently lives in England.

I simply love her take on design and style. I have spent hours browsing her stunning posts and breaking into mother tongue is sheer Nordic delight over her finds.. Here are some examples..

I love (..and am a little scared of..) these fabulous 'Raven hangers' by Icelandic designer I Ingibjörg Hanna Bjarnadottir. They are suspended from the ceiling on steel wires, and are an unexpected & fun addition to any room. Flapping my wings in excitement.. :)

Ingibjörg also designed this wonderful 'Not Rudolph' hanging rack. I think it is so much fun and would love to add them/it to my hallway any day! Actually it would look great in any room really, and I can't help but seeing it at Christmas time, with cute baubles hanging from it..

 More antler beauty, this time as a striking addition to the facade of a home in Sweden. I love black and white combos.. Will never tire of it!

Panton love.. They are so great and I love the simplicity of this particular room. It would be too stark and 'naked' for me to live in, however it is so pleasing to the eye and I feel as if I can breeeeathe in there. 

And this! I mean, could it be more fabulous?! Can you imagine stepping into a church and find it is decked with row after row of crucifix punched Pantone chairs..! The picture is apparently from the Czech Republic and the decor done by Jakub Berdych from Qubus Studio. Pure design heaven.. 

This room with that amazing over-sized chess board reminded me of my grand father. He was a chess champion (amongst other things..) and I have fond memories from my childhood with him trying to pass on his passion to me. He succeeded to a certain extent but I struggled finding someone to play with so the interest sadly ebbed out.. 

Am also so taken by the floorboards in this place. Nice and wide and silky soft. Just stunning!

Ever since watching 'The Party' with Peter Sellers (..birdie nam nam..!) when I was little, I have wanted to own at least one of Eero Aarnio's fantastic hanging 'Bubble chair'.. I have not sat in one for years and can't remember if I thought it was comfy or not.. Does anyone know?

Books, books, books.. Rows of magical reading. How I would love this room. I can see myself sitting there against the wall, reading.. A cup of coffee the floor next to me. Simple perfection..

Design classics teamed with simple rustic textures and fabulous sheep skins. Sleek, stunning and so very Scandinavian..!

Loving this office space.. Can you imagine sitting there..?!? For someone like me who adore being 'on top of things' (preferably a mountain), this would be the ultimate place to work. I'd be busting with creativity..!

This is simply adorable. Perhaps the two pillows is a bit over-kill, but I love (!) the sheep skin covering on this sofa/seat. Don't you think it's fabulous!?!

A beautiful kid's room with very few details yet so lovely. And just look a the floor and those grey doors. Wonderful!

Ok my dears, c'est tout pour aujourd'hui, but please please contact Mariska re those prints and give a helping hand to those in need (think of the children..!), and don't forget to contact Lise to secure your spot in Amsterdam's very first 'Meet the Blogger' event..!

Warm Swedish hugs to all of you!

xx Charlotta

Queensland Queensland Queensland!

What hasn't Queensland had to endure since the latter part of last year..!?!

My thoughts are with everyone in the area where monstrous

category FIVE (!!) cyclone Yasi is due to hit within the next few hours. 

May you, yours and all the animals be safe, and may the damage be minimal!

xx Charlotta

Rain.. Reward.. Return..

Hello my darlings and sorry for my extended absence this week..! 

I have almost finished the work I was assigned to do for a website that will be launching shortly (I'll share later) and all the post-holiday chores are tackled. Now I am lulling around in some sort of 'Summery haze' where I find it hard to get just anything constructive done.. It's actually quite lovely! :)

Oscar hanging out at the beach. Photo: Marshall Ward

Before I reveal the winners of my 'pre-Christmas give away' I want to say that my heart is aching for all and everyone who is affected by the insane floods that are tearing through the world at the moment. Though the ones we are witnessing here in Australia right now are especially hard for me to watch they are less severe than the ones in Brazil and also Sri Lanka.. They do however affect a much larger area and continue to spread which needless to say is terrifying!

The loss, pain and tragedy is impossible to grasp, and they affect the victims on so many levels.  So many are in dire need of help and support. My thoughts travel to those who need hope and strength right now, and my prayers are aimed at those who have lost so much.. May the sun shine on you again..!

Sunrises are such a symbol of 'hope' to me... Photo: Marshall Ward

Without the intent of seeming flippant.. I am deliberately leaving the sublect of floods now and shifting to the much delayed announcement of the two winners of my pre-Christmas give-away. Both Marshall and I were thrilled to see so many entries (both from Australia and the World) and all your enthusiastic and kind comments truly made us happy! Thank you all for entering and for being so sweet!! xx

As promised, we have drawn two winners - one from Australia and one from the 'World' .. Without further ado... CONGRATULATIONS Cath (Tea with Mary) and Vicki (Vicki the Viking)!! xx

Cath & Vicki, please email me to confirm which photo you want us to send, and also your postal addresses. Thank you dear friends on entering and congratulations again!

 Photo:  Mikkel Vang

And speaking of 'dear friends'.. Whilst I have been skipping around barefoot in the Australian Summer so many new and lovely people have found their way to my little blog corner. I am so thrilled to welcome you here and I can't wait to get to know you all..! xx

In fact I have chosen 9 of my newest followers (+ 1 of my favourite blogs) as the receivers of an award I was recently rewarded by no less than three lovely blog friends;

1) My dear and talented friend Mariska who blogs over at 'I used to be Snow White but I drifted'. This gorgeous woman is a celebrated professional artist whose work hangs in many corners of the world. Please do pop across to her brilliant blog to see her latest works and news for 2011. Hugs to you Mariska! xx

2) Swedish sweetheart Jill who blogs over at 'Live Like You'. I 'met' Jill not long ago but felt an instant affinity with her. Not only because we are both from Sweden but because of the way she looks at life. Please pop over to her lovely blog and read her introduction and you'll know why I find this lady so special. Kramar till dig Jill! xx

3) The lovely Anita over at 'A Dreamer's Den' who I feel so close with. This girl is also something special. Not only does she share name with my mother and daughter (Isabella's second name is Anita), but she has such a sweet personality. Her blog started of as an attempt to document the making of her home but has grown to be so much more. This girl has a deeper conscience and wonderful sense of style. Do visit her beautiful blog and fall in love. Hugs to you dear Anita! xx

THANK YOU so much again for this very kind and flattering nomination!

This 'Stylish Blogger Award' calls for the receiver to:
1. Link back to the person/people who gave the award
2. List seven things that you may not know about me, and
3. Pass on the award to ten others... 

I dare to share and hope that you will do the same..! x

 I cry if tickled.. I actually panic to the point of trears.. (exception feet!)

..in fact, I adore pedicures and reflexology. In my book there are no better spa treatments!

 I dislike wearing a lot of make-up and feel awkward and claustrophobic when doing so..

I love camels, quirky dogs and birds.. Actually I adore most animals full stop!

I am an obsessive 'list maker'. Love the ritual and the way they clear my head..!

I can't sleep without the window in my bedroom open. Winter or Summer it's always ajar!

I am very intuitive and often get strong signals regarding people I care about..
It's not always a blessing..

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So there it is.. Seven things that you probably didn't know about me. Now over to you my dears..!

First of all I want the wonderful and always brilliant Louise of 'Lou Boos and Shoes' to receive this award. Her blog is one of my favourite out there and it is beyond stylish in every sense. Lou, I adore every visit. Thank you! xx

As for the remaining nine people I award the 'Stylish Blogger'.. These are some of my latest friends, picked at random and in no particular order from my left hand side column. Thank you all for joining my little blog circle - I love that you are here! xx Just click on the banners to be transported..!

 

Ok girls. I hope you embrace the award and that you will share openly your 7 things. I can't wait to read so please pop in and let me know when your posts are up.  xx

source unknown for these two

That is all for today my dears. It's good to be back but please forgive me if I am a bit random in my visits for a little while longer. I am suffering total 'Summer-itis'..!  :)

From our holiday at Shoal Bay. Photos by Charlotta Ward.

Big sunny hugs with ice cream on top!

xx Charlotta

We're back..!

Hello my darlings and a very Happy New Year to you !! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that you feel bright eyed, bushy tailed, and ready to take on 2011!

We are just back from heavenly Shoal Bay and we are all feeling great after ten days in what we refer to as 'Heaven on Earth'! (Google 'Shoal Bay Pictures' and you'll see why I am feeling so blissfully relaxed right now!) We've spent almost every moment outside - either in or on the water. Sheer divinity!

Though we are home again I will need the rest of the week to get back into the groove of things and hope you forgive me if I don't reveal the winners of the 'give-away' until the weekend. xx

I've missed you all but have have enjoyed your posts via my iPhone whilst away. Once I have conquered the impending post-holiday chores, I look forward to catching up with all of you properly.

Until then..

xx Charlotta