Happy 300 and Swedish delights..

Hello my dears and thank you so much for your ongoing support with my blog. I am so thrilled to have a whole 300 (actually 305..) lovely faces smiling back at me from my 'followers corner' and as you know it means so much to me that you are still with me and that you enjoy it here!! THANK YOU!!

via Are so Happy

I am sitting in bed feeling like a worn sock as I type this. After nursing Oscar through Tonsillitis when we got back from Sweden, I have now contracted the same, and feel less than average... Thankfully the antibiotics will kick in tomorrow and with the help of Panadol the feeling of razor blades in my throat is eased a little..

To make the whole ordeal a little more bearable (I am really not  I am reading your gorgeous blogs and I am yet again blown away by how amazing this this virtual world is..! So full of talent, inspiration and creativity! Post after post, you guys keep on serving up visual treats that make the need for any printed magazines obsolete..! Thank you my friends! xx

via Lotta Agaton

I am also weeding through the abundance of photos from our trip to Sweden and came across this little gem that you might like..  'Mary's Cafe'..

'Mary's Cafe' is a charming little restaurant and B&B, with a shop & gallery attached. They also do evening performances with local artists and musicians, all set in a gorgeous old converted barn with an orangerie extension, and sweeping views of the surrounding farmlands. It's simple, rustic and very very Swedish.. Like chicken soup for my soul! :)

Pictures by Me

Mary's Cafe shop - via their Facebook page

What I love the most is that the family who runs the place moved from the Philiphines to here.. ! Can you imagine the total contrast of environments and cultures..!?! What a fabulous and wild thing to do!! So up my alley to embrace life 'off the beaten track'! I admire people who actualize their dreams in this manner. Especially when it is done with integrity, insightful creativity and heart!

Picture by Me

I love spending time in the country side - I always have, and at times of stress I tend to always return to nature to re-gain my balance. The soothing quietness, the slow pace and simple pleasures are so appreciated by me and our little family..

  Pictures by Me

We spent many afternoons at 'Mary's' and I give this place top marks in all respects. The service is friendly & relaxed, and the food is fantastic! It has that 'home cooked' feel with focus on using great quality, seasonal and local produce.

Pictures by Me

Many of the local farmers also have 'self-serve-outlets' - Autumn potatoes, fresh organic eggs, berries, fruit and mushrooms.. Like a 'mini market' all set in some charming old farmhouse building calling my name.... :)  Just heaven for someone like me who loves cooking!

Pictures by Me

Have a beautiful weekend my dears!

xx Charlotta

Butterflies and Thank You!

Take a look at the stunning details of the 'Butterfly Room' at 'Singapore House' (British India Trading Company). Love themed art clusters and these butterflies had me at the first flutter of their colourful wings!

 A dash of industrial, a helping of colonial elegance, a spoonful of arty edge, and a pinch of Victoriana happily married to live happily forever after. Yum!

This restaurant first seen on Brown Button. Images seen via 'Singapore House'.

Though I could never feel comfortable with this at home ('this' = a wall of dead creatures - I prefer them alive... That said, I really like the idea of a butterfly themed wall and I absolutely love how the frames are hung like tile work on the entire wall. Such a statement! I am now thinking this would look amazing in Isabella's room! What are your thoughts?

 via Papertissue

I'd also take this opportunity to welcome all my new followers! I am so glad you found your way here and I hope that I will get to know you better through your comments on my posts. As my long term friends know, I love it when you leave me a message and it makes me very happy each time a new alert pops up in my mailbox! I will visit you all in the near future and say 'hello' properly, but for now I just wanted you to know I am so happy to have you all here! xx

Have a great weekend y'all!

xx Charlotta

P.S. I have teed up the most amazing girls to do guest posts here whilst I travel to Europe. Man o man are you in for a great treat! You may not want me to ever come back as these ladies totally rock!! :)

The Victoria Room - guest post over at Urban Style Vibes..

Today you will find me guest-posting over at 'Urban Style Vibes'

whilst the lovely blog author herself is travelling in Far East Asia.

Please pop across to read all about one of my favourite restaurants - The Victoria Room.

I urge anyone who travels to Sydney to book a table at this brilliant restaurant - but do so
well in time as the tables are popular and you may miss out.  If you don't fancy dinner,
then go there for nibbles & drinks or for high tea...and perhaps also an astrology reading..

The Victoria Rooms recently launched a 'High Tea' book, and I had the pleasure of playing
a key part in the birth of this splendid literary feast. Will post more about this here very soon...

Don't forget to wish Lise a (belated) happy birthday when you visit..

 xx Charlotta