Happy Holidays!

Darlings I am popping in to wish you all a Happy Holiday!

I am writing this post from Sydney. We are back in Australia for a bit of a tropical treat. It is our first visit Down Under since the big move to Sweden a couple of years ago, and it is lovely to see dear and familiar places and faces again.

Of course Christmas this year is a stark contrast to that of Sweden. Winter woolies, hot chocolate and sub-zero temperatures have given way to sandy bare feet, bikinis, and fresh mangoes on the beach. Truth be told I don't feel all that Christmassy, but it is festive and fun never-the-less. And of course it is divine to enjoy a sunny break from the cold Nordic Winter back home.

So from my far-away home to yours, my most warm wishes of a Merry Christmas and all the best for these last few days of the year. May 2014 start with a magical glow that lasts all through the new year!

Last but not least I wish to extend heartfelt thoughts and rays of light to all of those who have no-one or nothing. Too many people suffer the losses or lacks of life, and it will be my new year's resolution to continue to help better the lives of those in need.

Peace & Love

..and lots of big warm sunny hugs to all of you

xox Charlotta xox

Summer holidays..

Hi lovelies! 

I know it has been very long since I did my last post and I apologize for my infrequency. Life is good, busy and full of Summery treats.

We have three more weeks before school starts again here in Sweden and I will continue to spend time away from my computer however wanted to pop in and say 'hi' and also share some wonderful pictures I found in the latest number of 'Est Magazine'.

These wonderful vistas are shot in Mexico's Riviera Maya and featured as part of the Mr & Mrs Smith travel guides (I can highly recommend them!).

 

 OK my darlings, on that heavenly note I am off. I will be back towards the end of the month with a fantastic give-away by a local organic skin company (Pure Skin) and some snapshots from our very own Summer adventures.

Big sunny hugs from the beautiful far North

xx Charlotta

Mauritian island home..

Can it get better than this? Your own private island retreat set in tropical paradise.. I think not, and I'd be a very happy Swedish girl if I was to skip across that walkway and into this stunning home..!

This much loved home has been in the family since the 1930s,  and is located on the East coast of Mauritius. Such a heavenly setting don't  you think!?!

Though the villa was recently rebuilt after having been demolished by a cyclone (oh horror!) it has maintained its originality and uniqueness. In fact to me, it doesn't feel like a 'new build' at all and one can tell that a lot of love and heart has gone into re-erecting the home.

I love the mix of modern elements such as the poured concrete floors, and sleek design mixed with local rustic materials, colours and craftsmanship. The simplicity of the design elements and detail are wonderful and there seems to be a seamless relationship between the house and the setting.

The use of organic detail to add warmth and texture works beautifully without over-dressing the beautiful features of the house. And as a typical 'Swede' I must say that I really appreciate the lack of growth and greenery too close to the house because of the wildlife lurking in it.. Since moving to Sydney I have battled many 'un-welcomed creatures' in our home, including possums, lizards and gigantic spiders.. At first I was terrified (OMG the 'spider nightmares'!!), but over the years my courage has grown and I am now able to catch a Huntsman spider without squealing in fear. (pride!)

The house looks inviting and comfy yet has that 'practical simplicity' that I have learned to value since moving to Australia. With the hot & humid weather, sandy feet,  and little bodies smeared with sunscreen things need to be scaled back to feel clean, fresh and inviting. Less is definitely more here!

 

I love all the bursts of colour. They feel so in tune with the surrounding landscape. Aqua and blues from the ever changing ocean & sky. Lime, tangerine, mango and reds from the abundance of tropical fruits.  Yum yum! 

I think this approach to colour is very true for all international styles of decor - just thinking of my very own 'Swedish Style' and the soft, paired back colour pallets it it is known and loved for.

  

Yes please! I LOVE lobsters - actually all seafood, except snails & urchins.. - and think I could quite happily live on a diet of just that..! Add to that being able to fish them off the jetty in one's own back yard and then cook them out in the open.. Heaven!

The best news about all of this is that you can actually rent this house.. For more details, just click HERE . And please. make sure you book it outside of cyclone season dearies..!!

 ****

Before I go. GRAZIE MILLE  to you dear Julie (aka 'Julie Being Ruby') for the kind award! You're a lovely friend! xx

x 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

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

Weekend away..

Over a month ago I was lucky enough to be whisked away for a lovely long weekend 

at magical Shoal Bay, located in Port Stephens some three hours North of Sydney. 

 

Relaxing days on and by the beach, including the gorgeous 'One Mile Beach'.

This trip took place back in early May and I had all intention to post some of the pics
and stories from this fab trip a long time ago.. Am very sorry for the delay friends.  xx

Oscar perfecting his hand stands on the beach, friendly pelicans watching us have snacks and the famous yellow/red flag of Australian beaches.

Amongst enormous Sea Eagles, hawks, yellow crested cockatoos, rainbow lorikeets, corellas and many others were these hungry dudes that
kept on swerving in from all around us as we were having a snack on the beach! I love bird and was needless to say in heaven here!

We had four days in this paradise and went there with the focus on spending as much

time as possible in the fresh air and stunning outdoors. One morning we went out on 

a dolphin cruise and were richly rewarded by many beautiful finned friends swimming

next to our boat. I absolutely love dolphins and think there is something so great about 

these amazing creatures. I always feel so infused with positive energy having been close

to them and this time was no different. I could have spent all day watching them really.

 Marshall and Oscar chatting at the stern of the boat, the view from the marine sanctuary near Little Beach, dolphin friends, and our cheesy cruise boat.

Port Stephens (the bay/area) is brimming with the most amazing marine life making it
the perfect place for snorkeling and diving (if you are not afraid of sharks!). As the kids
are too young to take into deeper waters, we spent the afternoon snorkeling at the natural
marine sanctuary near Little Beach and saw so many fantastic animals, including large
turtles, tropical fish and more dolphins swimming past just meters away from us. As you
can imagine we were in heaven and this blissful time flew by very quickly. So amazing!

Oscar checking the territory before heading out, Isabella and I splashing around, Marshall & Oscar getting ready. Seagulls watching nearby.

On my birthday I was celebrated thoroughly by my beloved little trio and was given a 

gorgeous & lovingly prepared warm breakfast, songs in both Swedish and English as

well as some much too expensive presents and some truly sweet handwritten cards. xx

I felt so loved, spoiled and grateful for all the effort, attention and wonderful kindness!

Nothing better than a big kiss from the kids! We held off on the cake until we returned to Sydney. Total bliss.

Oscar is an aspiring gymnast and kept on practicing his hand stands.. He got it in the end!

The fab three that made sure this weekend was perfect. I love them to bits and I can't breathe without them!

After breakfast we spent the rest of the morning just strolling around in the sweet little 

marina of Nelson Bay. For lunch we stopped at a great little place on the water and had

fresh fish that had been caught that morning and was served straight off the barge! Yum!

Nelson Bay marina with all the fishing boats and private yachts. Even the tie poles on the pier are cute (heart shaped). Isabella wading.

Yep, another one. This time watching us have fish for lunch.. He kept on pulling his beak down over his neck.. very odd, but impressive!

In the afternoon we headed over to an amazing place called 'Stockton Beach' which is the

largest moving sand-mass in the Southern hemisphere. The actual beach is 32 km long (!)

and is attached to what seems like a desert with sand dunes as high as 30 meters. Suffice to

say this place is incredible and my photomaniac husband was let loose with his camera and

tripod for a couple of hours whilst the kids and I relaxed and played on the beach. If you
haven't already, please do check out his amazing Flickr stream. He is very very talented!!

The kiddies loved this part of Port Stephens - so much to climb on, run around in and generally just explore and investigate!

The view from the beach as you enter the dunes. So surreal!

The beach is so hard and compact that the council allows 4 wheel drives to cruise along the shoreline. Though the boys did have a swim
here Isabella and I stayed on shore and in hindsight I am happy we did as Marshall showed me THIS real life film when we got back home...

 Isabella deciding the beach and desert needed a tree..

Come Mother's Day we were all so tuned into the relaxed lifestyle and rhythm of Shoal Bay

that we contemplated staying for ever.. but life back in Sydney awaited and it was time to go.

Those are Isabella's little foot prints.. is there anything cuter than little feet...!?!

We'll definitely be back here at our favourite spot before we head off to Europe next year,
and for any of you planning a visit to Australia, this is one of your must-see-places!!
I just know you will love it as much as our little family does!

xx Charlotta

Images: 1 Catherine Ledner, 3 Chris Everard, 23 Churchill Daily Photo, 24 Jean-Mark Palisse, 
44 Thayer Allyson Gowdy , 47 The Bridal Cafe and 48 Troy House via Paper Moon. 
All other images are private and must not be used by anyone without prior written consent.