'By Invitation Only' - Symphony...

Hello friends. Due to a hectic (but fun!) recent few weeks I haven't posted much since we made the leap from the bottom to the top of the world. That said, today I am proud to announce my participation in an international & exclusive group of blogettes that will post monthly under the label 'By Invitation Only'.

The lovely Marsha Harris of 'Splendarosa' - founder of 'By Invitation Only' - will set a theme for each post, and this month we draw our inspiration from this wonderful piece of writing by William Henry Channing (1810-1884)..

1. lzpartitime, 2. Sarah Klassen, 3. Spanish Riding School, 4. La Bella Vida, 5.Kristin who Lusts,

6. Sunday in Bed, 7/19. unknown, 8. Let's Cross the Universe, 9. From the Bottom of the Ironing Basket,

10. Pretty Stuff, 11/17. Splendid Willow, 12. Lou Boos and Shoes, 13. Patagonia Gifts, 14/15. Pinterest,

16. Kiss the Frog, 18. Life of Polarn Per, 20. Erin Farley, 21. Sunday in Bed, 22. Feel these Bones.

Keep it simple. Keep it real. Enjoy it while it lasts.

 

Before I go; 'Happy September' to you all! This is one of my favourite months of the year here in Sweden and I'll be back soon with yummy Autumnal inspiration..

Haute Right Splendid!

Darlings. I am sure you are all up to date with the amazing news over at my dear friend Monika's..!

Her beautiful e-tail boutique 'Splendid Willow Avenue' has been  stylishly revamped, updated, and filled to the brim with irresistible Scandinavian treats for the home and family!

 All images via 'Splendid Willow Avenue'

And as if that is not enough to brighten the day, Monika is also generously sponsoring a three way give-away hosted by blogettes Sarah Klassen of 'Haute Design' and Ally of 'From The Right Bank'.

Sweet Sarah is giving away a stunning necklace by Swedish designer Åsa Daxberg. You can choose between two different designs of which one has been released specially for Monika's 'Splendid Willow Avenue'. How special!

Gorgeous Ally is treating her lucky winner to a pair of super stylish  Ilse Jacobsen rain boots that come in a range of colours that out-do the best of rainbows! They are so nice you'll be wanting a wardrobe of boots. Really!

Our wonderful 'hostess trio' invites anyone from Rio to Reykjavik to take part. That's right, it's open to the world!

All you need to do is to hop across to their blogs now to find out just how to enter. Good luck everyone and thank you to the Haute Right Splendid girls!

xx Charlotta

For your blog roll.. Simply click on the banners to be transported, though please ensure you eat and drink before hand because you'll be glued to your seat for hours! You have been warned..

 

Stylish.. Splendid.. Swedish..

So I wasn't going to post at all today but how could I resist when my close blog sister Monika Claassen of the wonderful 'Splendid Willow' had her amazing home featured in the latest issue of RUE Magazine!?!

Monika is tending to family matters in our beloved Sweden and is probably frantically busy as I type this, but I want her to know just how proud I am of her! xx

I know she was anxious about the feature. I mean, how nerve wrecking wouldn't it be to have one's home show-cased by an international high end magazine!?!  

But don't get me wrong here! Monika is not the kind to look for approval or even endorsement to the way she lives her life or styles her house. She is confident, capable and rests securely in the knowledge that her style & home have genuine soul and that they reflect the values and likes of her wonderful Swedish/Canadian family in Seattle. That is all that matters, and I admire how true she is to herself!

The anxiety would instead stem from not wanting to disappoint or let anyone down, and this genuine concern and respect for others is true reflection of who she is. This girl really cares people (!), and she has the biggest & warmest heart!  
Admirably and despite having to rush off to Sweden  within days of the shoot, she spend the precious & sparse time before her departure making sure every corner of the house was in tip top shape in preparation for the RUE team. And Monika, we can safely say that it was - it all looks just perfect!!

Now, I could go on and on here.. You know it's true! :) But instead I am going to direct you over to Splendid Willow for the announcement that Monika's husband so kindly posted today (he is such a gem this man!) And of course also to the latest issue of RUE where - on page 158+ - you can see the full spread of this splendidly elegant yet warm home in Seattle..

Hugs to all and an extra warm one for my super clever sister Monika!! I am SO proud of you darling!!

xx Charlotta


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 P.S. Don't forget to visit Monika's amazing on-line boutique 'AVENUE' .

Take my word for it when I say, you will be praying for rain after having 
bought yourself some Ilse Jacobsen designer wet wear..!! Really!

Hi honey I'm home..! xx

Hello my darlings. How have you been? I've missed you SO, but I know from your comments that you have enjoyed my fantastic guest-writers whilst I was away. Aren't these girls just awesome!?! Well I think so and as such I have created a brand new award for each and all of them.

Sue, Kerry, Tina, Simone, Lana, Manvi and Kellie this here is for you for being such wonderful & supportive friends! xx
There are no obligations for this award, other than to view it like a big virtual hug from afar and to display it with pride on your blog somewhere. I hope you know how much I appreciate you stepping in and helping me. It means a lot!

*******

Can I also express a heartfelt thank you for all your loving and kind emails. I am blessed by such wonderful friendships and I am totally aware of it. I love you guys! xxx

 *******

Before I sign off for today, I'd like to pass on one last THANK YOU. This one is a bit delayed but truly sincere as well. It is aimed at my dear friend over at 'Lumo Lifestyle' who made me so happy a few weeks ago.

This gorgeous Finish girl (who I had the pleasure of meeting in person here in Sydney last year) has awarded me no less than two lovely awards - the 'Stylish Blogger' and the 'Versatile Blogger' (see  her post HERE).

As the awards request, please find herewith 10 things about me that you may not already know:

ONE

I love hammocks and can spend many happy hours in them!

TWO

I do (read:'need') at least three rounds of detoxing per year where I cut out sugar,
refined & processed foods, meat, caffeine, yeast, bread & pasta, alcohol
and dairy for approximately 5-8 weeks. I just finished a 9 week stint and I feel great!
For more details see HERE.

THREE

My favourite room in most homes is the kitchen...

FOUR

I have an addiction to books but prefer them integrated in the entire home
rather than confined to a library only.

FIVE

I love Mondays.

SIX

My lucky number is six.

SEVEN

Strong wind makes me unsettled and a little sad (for some reason).

EIGHT

Despite loving shoes and boots, I prefer being barefoot.

NINE

I am terrible at emptying my hand bags and I drive myself (and others..) insane by
having several bags tossed around the hallway with general debris in them..

TEN

My favourite holiday is Christmas but I prefer the weeks leading up to it over the actual holiday.

I would love it if the below listed blog-darlings would accept this 'award duet' (yes, both of them) and treat us to a list of personal trivia (of course there are 100 more blogs I wish to nominate, but today I wish to highlight these yummy destinations):

*

Casa Tres Chic 
*

Anzu
 *

Love Nordic
 *

A Perfect Gray
  *

Design Addict Mom
*

Snoop
  *

Absolutely Unique

*

Splendarosa
*

One Sydney Road
*

Dear Designer

*
 

Design Traveller
*
 
The Essence of the Good Life
 *

Bright Bazaar

  *

Global Atelier
*

Greige 
* 

Solid Frog
*

I am aware that the world shower you clever people in praise, and that some of you already hold one or both of the above awards, but I hope you you accept them anyway. Please see them as 'labels of love' because I think that you and your blogs are just fabulous! xxx

Warm hugs from an Autumnal Sydney!

xx Charlotta

I'd like to introduce you to..

First of all thank you for the kindness & care I have been showered in after my last post..! It really is amazing what a positive impact a friendly email or comment has, and receiving them from you guys felt like being given warm hugs from far and near. THANK YOU everyone! xx

Speaking of love and friendship.. There are a lot of magnificent blogs out there and I am once again struck by a feeling of privilege & thrill being able to tap into this virtual world that is so full of tangible personalities, expressions of style, heartfelt posts and general inspiration. It blows my mind at times and as such I thought I'd use today's post to share some blog loving with you.

via Crush Cul de Sac

I have recently discovered and re-discovered some brilliant weblogs. Some have been part of my 'blog-roll' for quite some time where as others are new to me.

One of my fave new finds is an amazing 'blog duet' authored by Lorraine Pennington, an LA based designer and artist.
This extremely talented girl (!) had me leaning in VERY close to the screen for three reasons: her blog, her art (OMG!) and her jewelry! Here's a snippet of what made me so excited, but please don't leave it at this.. instead click HERE, HERE and HERE to discover more and marvel in her amazing works!

I fell head-over-heels in love with Lorraine's paintings and would love to own at least one of her pieces one day! Also really like her hand-made jewelry - especially the big chunky rings and that romantic flower necklace... 

All images via 2bModern by Lorraine Pennington

Before I take you over to another blog haven, please enjoy pictures from some of Lorraine's recent posts..

Open, light, airy and sleek - this home would be perfect for Sydney. I'd move into that infinity pool and sit there all day and stare at the big blue beneath..! Is there anything more soothing..?!

How sexy aren't these rolls of black artwork. I just love the simplicity and imperfection. What a fabulous piece to hang in the right space..!

This loft needs no words really.. I just can't get enough of the beams and the natural light from those fabulous slanted skylights... And please also note the doorway.. A 'half door' it seems at first...but actually it is a double width passage (an old bearing wall removed).. Looks quirky from where the photographer is standing, especially with that intriguing 'hanging wall' to the left..

Elegant and understated with killer floors, and all that light..! I also enjoy the play of dimension & perspective in the way they have hung the mirrors. Simple yet striking.

I am not at all keen on the table or chairs in this room, but the artwork caught my eye. (I am in some sort of 'art mode' a the moment I think..). I love the boldness of black/white photography when it's used in over-sized format and ever since my last post I am helplessly drawn to photos of human body  parts - a hand, lips, an eye.. I might even ask my photography savvy husband (aka 'Treats') to snap some close ups of the kids. Would look cute in their rooms..

Apart from me wanting to adopt this dog (just look at him there with his floppy ears..!), I really like the simplicity of these two rooms. Perhaps it is the tired mother in me that crave a clean and bare home like this..?!? Also love the black sculpture next to the staircase - it has the same balance of force and softness that I so favour in Henry Moore's work.

Ok, so my next introduction is the awesome 'Global Atelier' - a fresh, clean looking, and warm blog that spills over with pure decor nectar & eye candy. It's written by Julie Goebel who currently lives in Portland (Oregon), but like myself has a drop of 'gypsy blood' in her, and have called many other places home as well.
Julie has a real eye for design and I love every visit to her fabulous world of interiors! Here are some of the reasons why..

That chair..with the mirror..and the bird..the floor..that framed 'creature'.. It's just lovely isn't it!?!

There is something with dark grey tufted velvet that gets me every time.. I'd quite happily sit there under that sparkly chandelier and flip through that tempting big book..!

I think we have all drooled over the stunning images from the 'Sisters Agency' but I never tire of seeing this particular home that Ms Global Atelier chose to share.

Aaaaawww.. Isn't he just adorable!?! I simply couldn't resist including this young man that is so cute I could eat him all up!! :)

Isn't this a fun way of replacing a headboard? And though a shaggy pillow like the one on the bed could never make it into our 'asthma proof home' I love it's 'personality'. Cracks me up..

Yum yum! Am licking my lips over this studio/atelier. What a dream to one day own a house big enough to host a corner like this pour moi.. :)
Before you feel sorry for me.. I do have a studio where we live now, only not anything near this splendid one.!
Also note the desk, and all the fantastic old photographs hung, stacked, and displayed all over the room. I feel no need to even carry on about the window, the skylight and those beams.. *sigh*

Last but not least I just know you will love 'Casa Tres Chic' which is written by a lovely architect & interior design team from Brazil. In fact this blog has the same joie de vivre that I associate with their beautiful country, and in their happy corner of the blogosphere you will find delicious posts with design, decor and house tours from all over the world.

This Andy Warhol artwork on the wall reminds me of Marimekko and their famous Unikko pattern... Only this one is better! Really like the playfulness and the size.. As you know by now, I like my art big and bold..!

I wish I could crawl through my screen and into this amazing setting! I am close to addicted to crustaceans and am certain I could live quite happily on a diet of lobsters, crayfish and prawns alone..! At least if I could throw in a delicious sallad, a glass of chilled white wine and some fabulous company...! Any of you care to join me? :)

I think he combination of colours here is wonderful. As is the simple but striking artwork. I love that the black rectangle is askew. It makes it so much more interesting don't you think?!?

This is one house tour you don't want to miss!  The design work is done by talented Kara Mann I love the way she has fused this home together. You can definitely tell that she has a drawn on her skills in fashion, decorating and design to make this wonderful home. Click HERE to see the post and marvel over the fabulous Suzani pillows etc..

Isn't the row of blackboards cute!?! If you can get past the brilliant 'buffet/bar door's that is.. :) Also think the water bottle collection is great. Personal collections are always fun and at times 'more is simply more' don't you think!?!

Another row of blackboards, and here they feel so relevant. In fact this would be an ideal solution for our manic household. It might make us all remember the essentials every day when we dash out of the house.. :)

Ok my dears, that is it for today, but before I go, thank you once more for your kindness. I feel truly wrapped in love thanks to you!

xx Charlotta