June 20th. Just around the corner! That is the day when we celebrate Father’s day here in the US.

I have only great memories of my own father, who passed away way too early (when I was 14 years old). In my heart I remember him as a very hard working,  intelligent,  generous and family oriented person with a good sense of humor and an always positive attitude. My parents were immigrants and were clearly very different than the parents in the ritzy part of Stockholm where I grew up. Growing up I always felt like an outsider. But maybe that is exactly what I needed to become strong and independent and to learn to not be afraid of things or people who are different.

Much later in life I found my soul mate – the love of my life. And as no surprise to myself  – he is very much like my own father! So, the goodness continues.

A couple of years ago - on Father’s day – I started placing a framed photo of my father on the kitchen table next to some beautiful flowers. And I told my children about their Grandfather. This year I will do the same with Peter’s father who passed away 12 years ago and who I never had the opportunity to meet and love. It is about time that they meet! I know that our fathers would have gotten a long wonderfully. They are probably talking about us now!

We only do little things on Father’s day at our house. But we do make sure that family quality time with Dad (the best on the planet – I insist!) gets highest priority. A good brunch is a given, small handmade gifts and cards from the kids and a small little gift from me. I have not made up my mind yet but here are some good gift candidates:

1) A membership to a local wine tasting class. (Hey, I would only benefit from that!)

2. A good quality key holder or wallet. Something that only looks better overtime. (Yes, go ahead. You may call me a snob when it comes to small leather goods!)

Key holder: Tod’s via Neiman Marcus

Wallet: Ferragamo

3. A backyard hammock. (It would quickly turn into everybody else’s favorite spot!). This one from LL Bean.

4. Electric salt & pepper mills. (My husband is so good with the pots & pans!). Via Williams-Sonoma.

5. Monogrammed BBQ tools (hey, why not!). Via Williams-Sonoma.

6. A Thermometer fork. Via Williams-Sonoma.

7. Stieg Larsson’s best selling books.  My Swedish contribution!

Stieg Larsson (1954-2004) was a Swedish writer and journalist. Prior to his sudden death of a heart attack in November 2004 he finished three detective novels in his trilogy “The Millenium-series” which were published posthumously; “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”, “The Girl Who Played With Fire” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest”.

Altogether, his trilogy has sold more than 20 million copies in 41 countries (spring of 2010), and he was the second bestselling author in the world 2008. Also, if you have a chance see the movie – the Swedish, original one. It is fantastic!

Anything good you have up the sleeve and would like to share? Don’t be shy now! We are all looking for great gift ideas!

Photo credit: Image 1. Flickr, Image 2. Weheartit, Image 3. Flickr, Image 4. Unknown (sorry!),  Image. 10+ 11 stieglarsson.com

Hello friends! Today, you will find me “Guest Posting” over at Mochatini. My dear friend Manvi, who is behind this fabulous blog, is super busy this week with a really fun design project (I can hardly contain myself, but I will let her spill the beans herself!). Come over and say hello! I will share my post about “Simply Swedish” -  here!

Before I let you go, I glanced through the Jayson Home & Garden catalog (while waiting in the car for an adorable 8 year old ballerina!) that arrived the other day. Lots of lovely things in it.

Here are a few accessories that caught my attention:

Shagreen Trays – $95-$395.

Decoupaged glass silhouette plates – $65/each

Suzani Sun pillow - $250

Eyeglass case - $24

Have a wonderful day lovely friends – all over the world!

Happy Monday, Friends! (And Dream Big on this Martin Luther Day).

I consider myself very lucky to be close to not 1, not 2 but 3 Anthropologie stores within a 30 minute radius! I have not been lurking at any of the stores for quite some time but I think I will be going very soon (like later today!) after visiting their on-line home section. It’s all to do with that “vintage industrial look” that is so hot right now. I personally can’t do a whole room in this style (but many others do it beautifully!) but a single piece here and there as an unexpected touch, I am all for.  Some lovelies here, wouldn’t you say?

How fun this distressed Ordinal dresser with a metal top is. (And if you don’t want to spend the money think consignment store +  stencils + black paint+ labor of love).

Handsome and sleek rocker. The Bresson Rocker

I think this Decker End Table is fabulous. It is made of iron and mango wood. (Can see that top packed with white orchids in weathered pots).

Who said a folding chair can’t be handsome and comfortable? Just look at this Terai upholstered chair.

Feminine and pretty Rose bathmat.

Ingegard pendant. Simple and lovely.

Nice, toffee colored leather Battersea sofette . I don’t know about the quality. But this two-seater with a fan back sure looks nice!

Add a touch of color to your room with this Iris Bolster pillow.

And for your sushi loving friends these twig chop sticks  make for a splendid gift.

What a unique & fun mirror! (Also, a great DIY project!). It is called Collected Memories.

I am about to start working on Prince William’s (2,5 y) big boy room. I know I will use some vintage looking numers as decor, but I am always concerned about the lead level in old signs. So this Take a number sign might be an option. ( (But I have invested in this great little lead test kit from Home Depot that I use when in doubt!).

And finally, there is always space for a simple & lovely recycled vase from Spain. Something, perhaps, to put your stunning cherry branches in. I think that combo actually makes for a really wonderful gift.

Most for her – and some for him….!

These items I am passionate about myself. Hopefully you can find some inspiration here too. (Or maybe I am the only one left out there who has yet to buy some gifts. Wouldn’t surprise me a bit…) Happy day lovely blog friends!

1. Design House Stockholm Bicycle Basket, 2. Pink Cameroon “Juju” Headdress, 3. 18K Wishbone Necklace by Jennifer Meyer, 4. Linen pincushion, 5. Dachshund pillows, 6. Leather passport holder, 7. Montblanc Rollerball pen, 8. All-clad fondue pot, 9. Prada cosmetics bag

I haven fallen hard for these stag wine stoppers (the owl is also cute) from Pottery Barn. I am loading up on a bunch myself. Together or without a bottle of wine they make for perfect hostess gifts. I can see a cluster of them on bottles at a buffet table. A simple but festive decor on any kind of table. $12/each. (They show them as no longer available on-line but I just called a local store and they put a few on hold for me. They seem to be hot commodity!)

I am running around like a holiday stressed otter right now and on top of everything our amazing and precious boy, 2 year old William, fell down and broke his arm yesterday, with 2 bones more or less sticking out. Needless to say, I am a distraugt and emotional wreck and should probably just pull the covers over my head now when my lovebug William is happily sleeping away. 

But I have a few moments so for a little personal downtime I’ll share some gift ideas with my wonderful & loyal readers. I mean, Christmas is literally around the corner! So, here are some gift ideas for younger ones. I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of them. (More gift ideas will be coming for  “Her” and “Him). Cyber hugs to you all!

1. Robeez Skating Penguin (Limited edition), 2. Labyrinth, 3. Recycling truck, 4. Animal Croquet, 5. National Geographic Globe, 6. Mini American Girl Doll, 7. Girl Mouse in a Matchbox, 8. Wooden Parking Garage, 9. Jelly Cat, 10. Book “The Gift Of Nothing“, 11. Maileg Brother & Sister, 12. “Animals of the world” Floor Puzzle

In a time of computer-generated communication, paper takes us back to the basic. It can be typed on, written on and read and, best of all, treasured for years to come.

Image: Inside Out

As a continuation of my last post about postcards…I am so charmed by this image with the large paper cut-outs on the wall. I have written about the Etsy store PaperCutDieCut before but I never realized that some of their paper cuts are quite large. Look at them again – all cut by hand!

Everybody who knows me well knows that I am not a big fan of anything plastic and mass produced. I have always been drawn to unique, different and handmade objects in earthy materials. To me this is lovely!

Here are a few other art pieces from their store.

…everywhere I look around…

Photos: Flickr – “Wanderlust”

… and I am drooling over all the lovely things that I have come across that will keep me warm & very content while the air is getting crisper and the days much shorter. Imagine me whistling when I am putting together the list of some of my fall FAVES!

Fall = boots! ! A lady needs a nice pair of boots! How about these lovelies from Coclico.

Image via the lovely blog Bliss

I also like these from Cole Haan.

I have a real crush on these boots from Italian Fiorentini & Baker. I can’t obtain a good image, so go to Barney’s if you want to take a real good look. (Check out the image with the cool zipper!)

It won’t keep me warm – but very happy! – this lovely leather and silver bracelet called Jumbo from Hermes. Simple. elegant equestrian.  Not cheap. But I am a hard worker – so, yes, please!

This sweater from Nordstrom would keep me both warm & purring!

And of course anything from Swedish Odd Molly will do. I was a lucky owner of this cardigan below (in a different color) but it magically disappeared from the back of my chair at a fancy bistro… I am still mourning it and am determined to  get a new one. ( I know that Mint Julep, among others, sells them).

This gray dress from Odd Molly together with boots. It would make me pretty happy!

I bought this scarf from the Etsy store Karlita last year. People went nuts over it. It is still one of my favorite scarves.  It looks so good with jeans and a simple shirt or sweater.

I am eyeing this one in rust for fall.

My husband can’t stand strong artificial scents. (What is wrong with him anyway?!!) So, when he is on business trips it is my chance to indulge! I love the elegant Mandarin Tea collection from Aquiesse. Their soy based candles are handmade in the US.

Fall = curled up in a cozy chair right next to the fire place reading a really good book. A nice throw is then a must! I love this one from Swedish Inredning Etc. It is a high quality wool throw made on Gotland, my favorite Swedish island. (The store ships internationally). Let me know if you need any help with the Swedish language.

Also from Inredning Etc are these adorable baby slippers! What a cute gift! (And they are not too expensive).

With my good book and throw I also need a great cup for my green tea. This one from Dean & DeLuca in NY can move in with me anytime.

I recently ran across this tea infuser from the MOMA store in NY. Very slick!

Sheep skins have been on my mind a lot lately. They are warm, cozy, and make so many of the minimalistic chairs so much more comfortable and inviting. (How lovely during cold winter months).  I am saving up for a whole bunch. And I will only get them from my lovely Gotland where sheep farming is a key industry.

Photo: Stellan Herner for Elle Interiör. Stylist: Tina Hellberg.

Photo: Flickr – Scott Dungan

Now I am ready for fall! Are you?

I mentioned in one of my posts that I was going to hit the Gift Shop at the Royal Palace Stockholm basically as soon as I landed in Sweden. And I only had one purchase in mind. I should have known my readers better! I immediately got a couple of comments and a few e-mails with you guessing – and you guessing right about my mission.

Yes, it was the little crown charm I was after! It is modeled after the Royal Crown for Sweden made for the coronation of Erik XIV in 1561. The one I picked is made of 18K gold. They also offer one in silver as well as one in gold over silver.

I find these well made charms to be so adorable and I can’t wait to give them to my young daughters for their upcoming birthdays, with the hope that they will always think of Sweden and its wonderful history with great love and appreciation.

I realize that many of my readers are on vacation, but let’s have some fun amongst us who are yet to hit the beach!

I have been collecting Åsa Lindström’s handmade cups for years. (See previous article here). I think they are absolutely stunning with their unexpected enamel motifs (inspired by old books and magazines) and real gold rims. Åsa Lindström’s imagery has been described as “a nostalgic back-heel with a focus on the future and it achieves a balance between laughter and purity of style”. In Sweden many use them to drink tea or coffee from. I prefer to line them up and just enjoy the artistic side of them, or to put pencils or flowers in them for my office or next to my bed.

YOU now have a chance to win this lovely cup by Åsa Lindström, which I bought last weekat Blås & Knåda in Stockholm!  (With the delighful motif of a bunch of stylish rowers from the 40s!) All you need to do is to add a public comment (note: not under my contact tab) to any of my individual posts on Splendid Willow this week. Your comment and name will be put in the “comment hat” and a winner will be picked. The contest ends on Friday July 3rd @ midnight west cost time. The winner will be notified immediately. Good Luck/Lycka till!