Today I am dreaming of..

photo by Alexander Crispin

This would be the perfect place to work or blog don't you think!? To sit in the soothing presence of the lapping ocean and that infinite view... Heaven!

Warm hugs from a crisp Autumnal Sweden

xx Charlotta

Sunday sunshine..

Hello hello. Today has been one of those sparkly bright Winter's days here in Sydney. The sun was so warm & divinely bright that we headed to the beach after breakfast. I didn't swim.. though it was very close (!), and I am determined to get at least one more dip in the ocean in before it gets too cold..!

After basking in the sun for a good while, I left my happy little trio in Bronte and walked the breathtakingly beautiful cliff-walk between Bronte & Bondi (or the other way around if you prefer..).

The Bondi/Bronte stretch is only 2.5km, but the cliff walk continues all the way down to Coogee for those who want to continue. You walk high above the ocean at times and needless to say, the view is spectacular!

An added treat at this time of the year are the large pods of whales that migrate past the East coast of Australia.  Though I have seen many over my 12 years in Sydney I didn't see any today. 
Instead I settled for watching the surfers. To me there is something so zen about the whole ritual, and I could have spent the rest of the day just watching the motion..

In the afternoon - having worked on a painting for a couple of hours - I rewarded myself with the latest issue of Adore e-zine that just hit the cyber-shelves. Regardless of the hot discussion about digital magazines at the moment, I think they are a wonderful way to spend a lazy afternoon. Don't you?!

I hope you too had a nice and relaxing Sunday.

xx Charlotta

Image credits: 1. Life of Polarn Per, 2. Aubrey Road, 

3 - 6. by Charlotta Ward, 7 & 8. Marshall Ward, 9. Adore magazine

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.

Photos by Marshall Ward

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.

Photos by Marshall Ward

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

Christmas Everard after and an upcoming Give Away..

Can you believe that it's just about a week to go till Christmas, let alone a mere two weeks left of this year..!?! I am (as always) gobsmacked by how fast a year can go, and how things just seem to sneak up on me these days.. 

Tidying up my mailbox (..all the folders..OMG!) I came across my 'great photographers' index' and had fun revisiting the brilliant Chris Everard's portfolio. As you do when you're supposed to be efficient and focused..
In his extensive books,  I found three themed 'Christmas shoots' (there are more..) that I thought you'd enjoy. They are by no means new to blog-land, but they still feel fun and inspiring. Enjoy!

This silver & blue Christmas feature is fun, and I like the sleekness of the decor in this first picture. In fact, I love it all from the bones & materials of the room to the fab stack of fire wood, the classic furniture, and right down to the turquoise little darling by the fire.. (I have a thing for camels!) And don't stars just work better in clusters..!?!

How can one not love the Forest wallpaper..!?! For those who grew up in the 70s (like I did..) you'll remember that this sort of thing was quite the bomb back then.. I remember drooling (in envy..) over my sister's 'tropical sunset wall' Complete with a loving couple holding hands in silhouette against the sun.. Oh yes..!  :)
Also loving the Swan chairs, and how they look right at home on the shag pile rug teamed with that  fab white coffee table. And doesn't the green tree against the Wintery wall, look great.  Those silver ornaments and baubles carry the white of the snow through so well.

More playfulness here at the dining table, with some adorable and kitsch 'police dogs' guarding mini Christmas crackers on those fab plates. Though this look may not for me right now, I think the neon blue tree, and bright aqua accents is a fun alternative to a more traditional Christmas theme.. Am really liking the metallic finish on the table and the glass bauble cluster above it.

This next one is deliciously girly, rich and decadent - a fabulous Christmas to step into as a guest. Not a hostess..! :) Also, it would have been so much fun to style and shoot. don't you think.!?! It's exaggerated and playful with a focus on the abundant approach many countries take to Christmas these days.  Though that evokes some serious ethical thoughts about what Christmas should REALLY be about, I still enjoy this colourful and fun shoot. And just look at the yummy present wrapping inspiration! And the massive window with it's deep niche..! *Sigh*

I think the tartan paper is wonderful, and love 'stacked presents' like this.. especially with broad colourful ribbons holding them in place...! I will have to play around with this.

Last, a cozy and warm country Christmas. I can smell the mulled wine and chestnuts roasting all the way to Sydney, and just love the comforting nature of these pictures. If given a choice, this is the scenario I would like the most for the holidays because when it comes to Christmas, I go back to my roots and crave all the simple pleasures that a quiet countryside celebration bring.

The bright fushia and muted mulberry colours work wonderfully mixed in with rustic & textured neutrals, pine tree green, and dollops of cream. Again, the tartan looks delicious and I am also loving the large alcove hosting the wood fire and candles! What a cozy room to snuggle up in with the family, dear friends, and some Christmas treats & good wine!

I am a big fan of an ambient kitchen and home cooked buffets decked directly on the bench like this.  Also really like the look of that fabulous ginger biscuit wreath! If it wasn't so hot here in Sydney I'd try to make one just like it, but I am afraid it would either melt or be eaten by the creepy crawlies (and I don't mean my kids.. :). Please remind me next year when I am in Sweden..!  

And generally, don't you just love kitchens!? I do! Especially the kind where there is room for many people, and where you don't get the feeling of 'too many chefs..' when preparing of the festive foods..! My dear friend Will did a lovely post on kitchens the other day (HERE), and today he referenced me in his post about Walter & Co (HERE). Thanks Will for the shout out! xx

More wonderful tartans, making me think of the British company Mulberry and their beautiful luxury goods collections. Though I am not crazy about the large branding/badges on some of their bags these days, I like how their designs & style generally have evolved to become more modern (even edgy at times).  I still adore my Mulberry filofax that I bought with my very first pay-check whilst working part-time at Whistles in (St Christoper's Place) London, when studying interior design. OMG it is so hard saving money when working there..! But I did it and I loved walking into Mulberry a few shops down and buying it! It looks as great today as it did then.. if not better!

All images above by Chris Everard

Which Christmas above is your favourite?

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Image by Marshall Ward

I'll be back in a few days with a give-away that is very close to my heart... Click and browse HERE for a clue..

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Last but not least..  Are you still with me..?!? :) Today, my friend Lana featured me and my dear 'blog sis' Monika in her fun 'Christmas Wishes Series' on her blog 'Lanalou Style'. Thank you Lana!

Please stop by her lovely blog and also find out how you can participate in Lana's upcoming 'Christmas Decor Series'.. Read on...

Sunny hugs & kisses from Sydney!

xx Charlotta



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P.S. Don't forget to enter Monika's brilliant 'double give away' over at Splendid Willow, and to congratulate her on the launch of her store Splendid Willow Avenue.

'Mochatini's Little Book of Holiday Inspiration' by Manvi Drona Hidalgo..

How on Earth you can call an 82 page masterpiece a 'LITTLE book' is beyond me, because in my eyes it is HUGE!! This incredible (!!) creation was made by my dear and wonderful friend Manvi who blogs over at Mochatini  - the sweetest (and most stylish!) girl you can meet!

'Mochatini's Little Book of Holiday Inspiration' is not just any kind of book.. It is a tailor-made and exclusive edition that was created from scratch as a 'thank you for a great year'.. Just because this is the kind of person she is. Generous and genuine. xx

The book is copy written, typeset and laid-out by Manvi herself. All the images were styled and photographed by her, and digitally formatted so that everyone from Hawaii to Japan, and the Arctic to Antarctica can cherish it. How incredibly thoughtful and generous isn't that!!?!  It also puts the concept of 'hand made' on a whole new level!!
Manvi, I am overwhelmed with all the work you put into this and appreciate every word, picture and page! xx

As if this wasn't enough there is also a brilliant 'Ten Tips for Holiday Entertaining' guide inside - something that will make you the 'hostess of the mostess' (or a 'host to celebrate & toast'!.!) this festive season!!

Manvi's style is feminine, fresh, and elegant with a glamorous yet modern edge, and her beautiful blog spills over with examples of her fantastic styling and photography works. She has been featured in several publications and those of us who know Manvi are eagerly & lovingly encouraging her to publish a 'coffee-table book' showcasing her table top decor, styling & images. Armed with this holiday book, the publishers will fight to be the first to do so!! Hear me dear friend!!? xx

All images by Manvi Drona Hidalgo

Thank you again dear Manvi for including me in your beautiful book and for creating such a wonderful Christmas treat for us! It was the best blog thank you I have ever been given!!

xx Charlotta

Happy Spring to the South of the World!!

Aaaah yes! Finally it is here..! Today is the offical 'first day of Spring' for us here in the lower half of the world. The 'Weather Gods' knew we needed more proof than the date itself and they blessed us with 25C (77F) and sunny! 'Tusen tack' for that!! :)

Sydney is a symphony of blooming Jacaranda and Magnolia trees at the moment!
This splendid picture by Corrie Bond found  via Santa Barbara Chic

As a Swede I am used to a very sloooow approach of Spring back home and when it finally hits it is as if a magic wand has touched my beloved countrymen - they are transformed from hibernating zombies to bouncy balls so full of energy that our fellow Continental neighbours shake their heads in amusement. 

One Love Photography via Dandelion & Grey

Suddnely the Swedes awake. They blossom, tweet, sparkle and explode in tune with the awakening of nature and as a child I embraced a tradition of 'Spring Screaming' founded by a famous children's book character named Ronja Rövardotter (by Astrid Lindgren who also invented Pippi Longstocking). In consideration of my children and the public perception that their mother is (reasonably) sane, I no longer unleash the desire to stand on top of a mountain and holler in joy and honour of this most splendid season. Instead I do it quietly and inwardly.. and I whisper a heart felt welcome to the 'alfresco season' that will last well into next year for us!

Amanda Pratt

xx Charlotta