Hello all, I am back after a couple of weeks in Sweden. It feels so good to be back. Thank you for not giving up on me!

I tend to not want to get too personal on my blog. But I am going to tell you anyway, since there have been many hints on my blog, that my wonderful Mom in Stockholm has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I am just going to say this once and only because there might be one or several of you out there going through the same thing with a loved one. If I can be of any support or help to any of my readers then use my strength and energy. Good news, in my case, is that all the hard work and nights filled with worries have turned into something good and my Mom is very happy in a new home — and we are beaming with her!

So, where did we last left off? Well, Rue magazine ended up being a wonderful experience (and it gave me two new design jobs!). You can see my home in the fabulous Rue Magazine here. Thank you all for you tremendous support and your heart warming e-mails and comments. I am a little overwhelmed by it all. There are so many generous people out there! I have lately only been focusing on my Mom in Stockholm, but now that I’m back in the saddle in Seattle, I am going to respond to each and every one of you. Your support means the world to me.

I have received quite a few e-mails regarding my book wallpaper. Seen here in my home office.

It is Andrew Martin and I ordered it from London via his showroom in NY. I like it a lot!

I also put up some wall paper behind my old sad and lonely plate rack. I have never picked anything with flowers on before but I was going for a look that was old yet new and interesting. Can I just say again how a little bit of wall paper can take a room or wall a long way! I am definitely hooked. And there are so many fun patterns out there.

Here are a few images from the photo shoot (via the lovely photographer Dorothee) that did not end up in the magazine. My favorite is definitely the first one with my old Swedish 18th c. secretaire and my favorite painting in the house by Swedish Peter Frie (perhaps the most well known landscape painter in Sweden today). You know what I will say — simple is beautiful.

My favorite light fixture in the house is this photo lamp by a NY designer. It is called “Picnic in the park” and I love putting it next to antiques.

Wall artwork by the talented Curt Asker. I am obsessed with his work.

Did any of you (more than Charlotta!) notice that my old Swedish mirror (new glass though) got a brand new old American icon – Dr. Seuss – quote? Swedish royal mixed with American royal! My good friend Allison wrote the quote in literally 10 seconds (her handwriting is much better than mine!) and she used a permanent marker!

And yes, those wonderful wall baskets are Ralph’s (!) via The Bootstrap project.

And how can resist showing Prince William? Charming and good hearted he is and the best sport in front of the camera!

I also would like to extend my deepest gratitude to these fabulous ladies and friends. They all decided to feature my Rue segment on their own blogs. (Follow the links). (Yikes, I hope I did not forget anyone! Let me know if I did, I am still a bit jet lagged!).

Haute Design

Mochatini

Solid Frog

Space For Inspiration

Komma Hem

Nancy Marcus Design

Belathée Photography Blog

Ladies, have you all gone insane?I had already received my day in the spotlight! I did not exactly need more! It was totally unexpected and such at treat. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You are all amazing, generous and wonderful. Several of you I have met or talked with in person and I am hoping to meet all of you before the end of the year — and many other lovely bloggers as well!)

Finally, I am today featured on another dear friend’s blog, Julie with Belle Vivir (yet another blogger who I am all mushy for and look forward to meeting in person). She is starting a new series today called  “A Blogger With Style” and she is kick-starting it with little me. What an honor! Thank you Julie!

Hop over here to read her segment.

My first post back in the US. Great to be back in the saddle!  Next week I plan to unveil William’s big boy room (long due, I know).

Happy weekend to you all!

P.S What on earth happened to “Blogger” when I was gone? I hope it is fixed now because I want to connect with friends!

Images. no. 1 via Sky Horse, no. 4 via Andrew Martin. All other images via Splendid Willow.

I am on route to Stockholm, Sweden were I will be spending a couple of weeks (and will occasionally blog from). My husband is sending out this post while I am still up in the air!

It is an honor for me to share with you that today my home is featured in the latest issue of the oh-so-fabulous Rue Magazine. I can hardly believe it myself. Bloggers and magazine founders extraordinaire Anne Sage and Crystal Gentilello felt that my home in Seattle would be something for their readers and asked if I wanted to open my doors for them. I am beyond thrilled. This is the first time a design magazine has featured my home — ever! And what a magazine!

Another fabulous blogger and Rue magazine contributor (and good friend!), MacKenzie Horan, spear headed the text.

Thank you all! It has been such a pleasure working with you and I am so looking forward to meeting you all in person one day soon.

For the article Rue sent over the super talented Seattle-NY photographer Dorothee Brand with Belathee Photography who spent a day at my house and made my home look fantastic from angles I had not even discovered myself! (She is a gem).

Here is a sample of a few images from the photo shoot.

Please, visit HERE to read the full article. (Page +158).

I can’t wait to land in Stockholm and read the article myself. It’s a little surreal (really, my home?!) but what a fun experience! I am very grateful.

Warm hugs to you all.

And the latest buzz in blog land is the most anticipated magazine - Rue Magazine (I really like the name), by bloggers extraordinaire - Anne ( I once won a giveaway over at her blog that made me giddy for a week) and Crystal. These two girls (with their teams) rock and have so many fun and creative things up their sleeves. Yes, almost every blog I follow has mentioned the launch of this on-line magazine, but since the vast majority of my readers are non bloggers – take it from me and follow this magazine!

Sweet Paul, food & prop stylist/blogger, Prince Paul, just lauched the Fall issue (second issue) of his magazine Sweet Paul Magazine. Another must-read with tons of inspiration. Be prepared to drool — literally.

And then finally. Ms. Grace Bonney (behind the one and only — DesignSponge!)  is getting ready to launch her design inspiration (hard copy) book this fall.  From what I understand this book will be a fabulous mix of design chic meets ”real” people. I am so going to pre-order it! I will let you know when it is available.

Photo by Anna Wolf.

So, tons of more fun reading again and excellent on-stop shops for great design inspiration. (And yes, there is room for you all. Just keep on being creative and go your own way!). I could not be any happier!

I am investing in a good pair of new glasses (thick, square Prada, in case you are interested), since my eye doctor says I am going bi-focal.  (Yikes!) Then I will be reading in style again —  and with all of this lovely design material —  like a very content cat.

Hugs & happy reading to you all!

 Image no. 1, via Flickr.