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

It is uncomplicated..

Soothing white walls that allow the eyes some rest... A tangible quietness… Soft healing natural light.. Transparency... Rooms like these calm me right down and I feel as if my soul draws a deep sigh of relief...

Just a place to work...

A place to day-dream…

A place to cook…

A place to eat…

A place to read & reflect…

A place to sleep…

via Sköna hem

C'est tout.

xo Charlotta

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

IKEA insta crush..!

Limed floors, matte near-black, distressed bricks, copper pots.. yum!

xo Charlotta

Happy 4th July!

I wish all my lovely American friends a wonderful 4th of July!

xo Charlotta xo

Wishing all a Happy Easter...

Darlings, Easter is less than two weeks away and I wanted to duck in here to wish you an early 'Happy Easter'!

image credit: Ylva Skarp *

I know I have been absent from the blog world for a fair few weeks now but I want you to know that not a day passes without me thinking of you and missing our regular interaction. xox

My life is better now - in fact a lot better, and despite recent challenges I feel happy and excited about the future. I will be back here as soon as I feel I am able to give you the attention and continuity that you so deserve. Until then..

..lots of love and hugs from me to you..

xx Charlotta  xx

Starting over..

Darlings, I hope you have had an excellent start to 2013! The first couple of weeks of January are such a special time don't you think!? Without fail it always triggers an urge to clean out the old and lay a new & better foundation for the new year ahead. I am living this urge literally right now, and am heaving out a ton of old things from pretty much everywhere in my home. Most of it is sorted into piles and will be given to charity or those in need in my local community. It feels good to know the things will come to good use somewhere else. Empty shelves leave room to breathe, and for fresh energy to flow more freely!

And I am in dire need of a new burst of energy and flow after a few life-changing events during 2012. All of which require time coming to terms with. I am therefor taking a little break from blogging in order to focus on healing, restoring balance and direction.

I will be back in a little while hope that you will all be here then. I will miss you. 

xx Charlotta

Happy New Year everyone!

Here's to living life to the full in 2013!

xox
Charlotta

A Merry Christmas to all!

Darlings, the Polar Express is definitely shaking our house at the moment. Four more sleeps till Christmas and our traditional Swedish celebrations (always on the 24th Dec!).

The house is clean, decorated and glowing with Christmas cheer and love - ready to embrace all that the holidays bring. And we are so looking forward to this our second Christmas in Sweden since our move from Australia last year! The silence of fluffy snow flakes falling outside our window, the smells, rituals and traditions of my beloved motherland - it is all so wonderful! :))

All we have left to do before we let go and simply enjoy the festive cheer is to buy the last few ingredients to our Christmas buffet, wrap the final presents, and to drive around to our closest friends with little home-made tokens of love & appreciation.

In the afternoon of the 23rd we will also make our way to our favourite nearby forest with bags of apples we have stored since Autumn. We spear the apples on tree branches for the animals to feast on, and we hang nut & seed balls for the birds as well. The snow and ice makes it very difficult for all four-legged and bewinged little darlings to find food and so we make sure we continue our tradition to extend the Christmas spirit beyond our human friends!

I recently read somewhere that "the true spirit of Christmas is what fills the room if you stop opening your presents, close your eyes, and listen!". The statement was made by a 7 year old (!), who clearly has tapped in to a higher level of understanding. Children are so wise!

With that warm and insightful reflection I leave you for now. 
From the land of glistening snow, Northern lights, and happy reindeer I wish you a very heartfelt Merry Christmas, a peaceful ending to an eventful year, and a fabulous start to what I believe will be a truly magical 2013! Here's to you, to life, and the adventures that lay before us!

Warmest and biggest of hugs to you all & thank you for all your support over the past 12 months!

xox Charlotta xox 

Monochromatic Christmas..

 

x Charlotta x