To All Of My Friends/Readers/Partners/Customers

Thank you all for the wonderful energy you have given me throughout the year. I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for you. I treasure each and every one of you. I always say that I have the BEST group of supporters and friends. Thank you, thank you.

Image no. 1 via Skona Hem.

Every winter holiday season we turn our old, Swedish secretaire into a treat cabinet, which my children officially have dubbed “The Candy Store”. We fill the cabinet with all kinds of sweets and let me tell you that there is a constant flow of family members and guests heading in that direction of the house! Plates and bowls are frequently being filled up!

I personally love this tradition. The kids (and hubby!) get so excited every year. As of Dec. 18th (my oldest daughter’s birthday – the big 10!) - “The Candy Store Is Officially Open! Even our spoiled cat Charlie, wants to be part of the fun!

An absolute must have in our store, are chocolates from Brugge Chocolates. It does not get much better than that, folks. Absolutely top notch European style chocolates made locally here in Seattle. I can’t rave enough about this brand – and once you learn about it, you almost want to keep it a secret! Remember that you learned about Brugge Chocolates here first!

Brugge Chocolates was opened in February 2010 by owner and head chocolatier, Susan Walukiewicz. I really like her. After retiring from a career at Microsoft (kind of envious of here career switch…), Susan attended the Barry Callebaut Chicago Chocolate Academy, where she trained with Belgian, French and Canadian chocolatiers, always with an emphasis on artisan chocolates and confections.

Here are a few pieces I just picked up. More will be added next week – I want it all super fresh. ( I gave myself a medal for not taking even the tiniest of nibbles).

…with real gold flakes…

Some other Holiday touches at our house. You all know that I like to keep things simple. But for being a fairly modern gal, it sometimes even surprise myself  that I am so attached to a more old feel, rustic Christmas. I feel it has such a good, friendly vibe.

The Christmas tree (with its forest theme) is up. Here seen from my office.

Hubby wanted more red in the tree (The only time he has an opinion about colors, is when the tree is to get some decor. What is that all about?!) – so I added red apples to the mix.

The kids decorated their village.

Today you will find me linking to these lovely and creative blogs: Cottage & Vine, Savvy Southern Style, Between Naps On The Porch, Dittle Dattle & DIY Home Sweet Home. Thank you for the fun parties, ladies!

And if you are looking for some last minute gifts, meet me over at my close & stylish friend Manvi’s blog Mochatini, where I have listed a few things I want for myself!

Happy New Week!

How are you all holding up? I am going 100 miles/hour over here. But this image made me stop in my tracks, sigh and stare. So pretty and timeless. Just change the table cloth if you want to adopt a new design trend. Ha! The rest will look perfect 100 years down the road. Just the perfect amount of Winter Holiday decor. (Pay attention to the bulbs in the lanterns).

Hubby knows that my dream house for us is actually a farm style home here in Seattle. Nothing big, small will do just fine, but a very warm and inviting place.

You already know how busy I am with my store – but I have blog friends who are equally busy!

My close friend Jill with Live Like You recently launched her Recessionista look. Here you will get lots of lovely inspiration and find many nice objects for the budget conscious looking for style! Hop over here for more. (Ask her for a special Splendid Willow Discount if you see something you want to buy).

My very good friend Mona, together with her sister over at Providence Ltd. Design just took their on-line store to the next level and here you will find TONS of lovely antiques as well as gifts and art for the home. They have a huge warehouse packed with hand picked, unique and beautiful furnishings but things go rather quickly over there! If you see something you like, you’ll need to be fast on your feet! Access the store here.

I have a serious crush on these old French Farm Documents.

Providence Ltd. is also hosting a lovely giveaway you do not want to miss! You can win this stunning art piece.

Hop over to see what it is and how to enter the giveaway – here!

Speaking of giveaways, my good Willow sis Gina, with Willow Decor, is hosting a fabulous giveaway together with the spectacular 3 Fine Grains Linen. You can win a GORGEOUS burlap tree skirt, valued at $725!! (German, antique grain sacks).

 That is some skirt, people! Hurry over here and enter!

And our stylish blog friend Jessie with Mix And Chic recently started to offer her on-line design services (yeah!) and she is right now hosting a giveaway where TWO lucky winners will receive Jessie’s online design services valued up to $290!

Hop over here to find out more!

This will be the last news alert this year for my own store – many items are now completely sold out! The Scandinavian hand woven blankets came and flew of the shelves. I now only have 2 left! Next shipment will come end of January.

 And I only have 4 adorable Danish reindeer left!

If you want any of those items before Dec. 25th, you need to place your order by the 16th and I will speed up the delivery. On the house of course. (Pick up a 15% discount code from me, if you are interested. US based customers only). The rest of the items, will continue to be stocked. And more NEW things will be added in the new year. Link to my store: Splendid Willow Avenue. 

Now everyone (or is it just me?) close your eyes and take a deep breath…. Big breath in and a slow big breath out… “And don’t forget to use your sense of humor when the wheels are starting to come off the bus”, as my wonderful Mother-in-Law always reminds me. And she should know. She and her husband raised nine fantastic and well educated kids!

Hop Hop & Hugs!

Design inspiration and image no. 1 via Belle Vivir.

Hello all. Feeling a little frazzled here! A hectic season indeed!  Between my family, my shop, 1000 holiday activities and many evening gatherings & parties, there has been zero time for my blog. I don’t know how you do it all but I need 10 more hours/day – at least!

I have also made a promise to myself to refocus a tad and really enjoy the season this year. So, what a treat it was to, in the midst of all holiday stress, join hubby and go listen to this guy, my FAVORITE !, Mr. STING!!! I LOVE HIM!!!

When he started talking from the stage at this quaint little Seattle Theater, I got all weepy. I am listening to Sting’s real voice – and he is standing there, right in front of me!! He is so humble and professional and his brilliant songs lift my mood. I have had a serious crush on him for a very long time. He is the real deal.

My tree is now up but it is kind of empty underneath (I have been focusing on making customers and friends & family in Europe happy!)… I have some serious shopping ahead of me. Mainly for the kids.

Restoration Hardware Baby & Child has many lovely gifts for the young ones. And their styling/photography is so nice.

My own little shop is keeping mega busy! You have to place orders this week if you want to get your items in time for Christmas.

I have finally added a professional e-mail alert with STORE NEWS & DEALS. Sign up here – if you want to receive first hand information from my store. I want to keep the blog and the store as separate as possible. They both fulfill different needs.

Speaking of store, my good & stylish friend Jeanette (looking forward to your party, girlie!), just opened a little on-line boutique (Cute Like Mad) selling beautiful Swedish Sami Bracelets.

These handmade, leather bracelets have an intricate weave of silver threads and two leather cords. The buttons are made of hand carved reindeer antler.Very Swedish and very pretty! Hop over and visit here!

Happy New Week Everyone! (I know, I know… I have some serious blog catching up to do!). 

Image no. 1 via Nancy Grayce Blog.

This will be the last segment of the year in  my ”2 cents series” and you are in for a real Holiday treat! I have invited 11 wonderful friends, designers & bloggers extraordinaire for my Gift Guide Special. They are all smart, good hearted, creative and oh so inspirational. I follow their blogs loyally (and you should too). I always learn something new when visiting and I truly enjoy their friendship. (Some of these ladies I have known since my very early blog days).

I am extra happy over the mix of styles these ladies represent! Modern with classic, American with Swedish — just the way I like it!

Take your time to read their inspirational gift ideas.

They have all put their personal ideas and heart into their ”2 cents”. 

You will quickly understand why I love these beautiful ladies.

One of my absolutely favorite gifts I love to give is a pair of really comfortable and warm slippers. This year I am giving someone in my family the Wicked Good Moccasins ($59) from LL Bean and they come in all sorts of great colors. Enjoy The Season & Happy Shopping! 

You will find Laura’s lovely blog here.

Hi, so happy Mon asked me to participate in this fun post! I like to give personalized gifts, which shows the recipient that I put some thought and time into my gift. I love anything, and I do mean anything!, with a monogram — from monogrammed soaps, to a bowl with the persons initial to a set of monogrammed towels, an ottoman tray…… the sky is the limit. Who doesn’t love receiving something with their own personal stamp on it? So for this holiday, I thought ahead (a first and partly out of necessity with a pending move on the horizon) and ordered several monogrammed/personalized gifts. Below is a collage of some that I really love and are all at an affordable price point. All between $9-$90. Happy shopping & Happy holidays to everyone!

 You will find Tina’s lovely blog here.

Having grown up in a home where we were taught not to be too attached to material things, but  instead cherish new experiences, it has definitely formed my idea of what the perfect gift is. My mother instilled early on that things won’t bring you happiness, but experiences and travel will make new memories that you will have forever.  So not surprising, I’m obsessed with the site, Excitations, where you can buy the perfect adventure gift to someone! So my pick is: “SWIM WITH THE SHARKS”. (Yes, for real!).

Mon also asked me to pick something from my own store, and I must say that I really like these handmade velvet pillows. Just the perfect color for a stylish Winter Holiday!

You will find Jill’s lovely blog here.

This Swiss military-style blanket is perfect for the guy (whether little or big) in your life. (I would purchase it for my Dad!). Classic, well made and immaculately designed, the blanket is large and cozy—and best paired with a hot cup of cocoa and great company this Christmas… Happy Holidays to everyone!

You will find Sarah’s amazing blog here.

I spotted this Kathryn Bentley one-of-a-kind Gray Sapphire Ring the other day and fell in love. It’s elegant and understated with a simple, organic shape – sort of the same things I strive for in life and my own interiors. Kathryn’s jewellery is made using the lost wax technique and every piece is homemade. Her goal is to create timeless pieces that can be passed down to the next generation which really appeals to me. I think we would be a good match! Of course, it would be even more special if someone special like my husband bought it for me. Hint, Hint!You will find Emma’s lovely blog here.

My two cents on a great gift idea is this Agate Trinket Box from my own store. It is so pretty in person, and so versatile…desk top, dressing table, looks great almost any where and is not something you see everywhere….I love giving this for special birthdays and occasions, and this Holiday season I know I will be gifting a few more. For me, the true test of a great gift, is something that I would love to receive myself, and this fits the bill quite nicely!

You will find Sue’s lovely blog here.

When it comes to holiday gifts, we leave the scarves, ties, tupperware and other standard gifts to someone else. Our idea of the perfect gift? Something we would want as a treat but would never actually buy for ourselves. This year, for the ladies in our lives,–mothers, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, etc.–our pick is these Juliska “Florence” Champagne Flutes. They’re beautiful in a glass-front cabinet, double as gorgeous bud vases and, of course, are just the tiniest bit impractical. We’ll pair them with a yummy champagne, perfect for ringing in the New Year!

You will find Beth’s and Kristy’s lovely blog here.

Anything Scandinavian makes me extra happy! The perfect gift for a person who likes interior design, is a good coffee table book. You can never receive too many lovely & inspirational books! “Life and Work” by the Danish fashion designer Malene Birger, is one of my favorites. For someone who likes flowers, this beautifully designed vase from Orrefors is perfect. The Kubus candlestick is like a modern sculpture. A sheep pelt makes a living room cozy and warm. I always think that pretty bowls, plates and cups (all these are from Swedish Rorstrand) make great gifts because they are so functional. Finally, fun posters with thoughtful statements by the Swedish designer, Therese Sennerhol, are always fun to give and to receive! You will find Susann’s lovely blog here.

I’m a true believer that some mischief and color make a home inviting and fun – so my perfect Holiday gift for a friend would be “Happy Chic Colors” by Jonathan Adler. I have this book myself and enjoy reading it for inspiration over and over again – even though I don’t go quite over the top like he does! That’s what books are for after all – to be inspired by book segments you really respond to. And since it’s Christmas time, I’ll give you a little rhyme to go with it too (A very Swedish Thing!): 

 You will find Tina’s lovely blog here.

When researching great gift ideas for my Holiday Style issue of my digital magazine ::Surroundings::, I came across these amazing petite cache pots by one of my favorites: John Derian. I just love, love his decoupage work and was even stalking his Provincetown house this summer. Twice I was there and his store was closed! I think these pots would would make the perfect client gift as they embody my love for Paris and beautiful workmanship. And I know I’d be thrilled if one of these babies showed up under my tree! You will find Linda’s lovely blog here.

I would love to have a portrait of my home by celebrated Chicago artist Jack Simmerling. A master of subtle photo realism, he creates treasured keepsakes through original pen and ink drawings that can be commissioned for a limited time through Uncommon Goods for $400. Simmerling is known for his prestigious commissions of historical homes. What a treat!  Happy Holidays to everyone!  

Thank you for all the great ideas & inspiration. You are the best!