Sparks of Inspiration

Today we will be traveling to Linnestaden, Sweden where we will take a look at a spacious apartment for sale.  The area of Linnestaden is situated on the west coast of Sweden and is less than 5 miles from the North Sea.

The apartment we will be looking at boasts 3 fireplaces and is on the 3^rd floor with a balcony (great view!).  It measures approx. 1,072 sq. ft. – which really is sizable not only for European standards, but even here in the US.  Asking price is about $512,000 US which is typical when located in a large European city.

Let’s have a look, shall we?

The window hardware is just wonderful.  I wonder if they are original to the building.  It wouldn’t surprise me since the building was constructed 1905.  Oh, and yes, I would love a jellybean.

Well, any thoughts?  I think my two favorite spots would be the balcony and near anyone of the fireplaces.

Images:  Stadshem

I am so glad that we can now go back to using our kitchen!  Aside for being sick the last 4 days, our kitchen was not accessible for 2 days due to some work on our floors; may not sound like a big deal, but with two little ones things were becoming a challenge.  Between the kids and the use of a steam cleaner (which I will never use on a wood floor again!) the kitchen floor was starting to lose its sparkle*.  So a new layer of clear coat was in order and now it shines again!  Next is to get all of the furniture back in place.  Ugh!

I will close this post off with some wonderful watercolor and pencil prints by Amy Borrell.  If you are interested in purchasing some of her work, you can check it out here.

I think I will go and curl up in my bed for some much needed rest.

Images:  Amy Burrell, Cake with Giants

I don’t believe I’ve shared with you any finds in quite some time and they are starting to add up so I’ll share just a few as to not overwhelm you (or make me look like I need a shopping intervention)!

Forgive me if I’ve shared my chair before  – although, I don’t think I have.  I bought this sturdy chair last summer for my computer desk (I gave up on the Mod one) and just loved it.  I went to a sample sale a few weeks ago and bought fabric for $1 each.  I used one of the fabrics (normally priced at $155 per yard – that was on the tag) to reupholster my chair.  The fabric is a charcoal  tweed with some wool made by  Pollack.  Here is how it came out…

Next, I came across some little finds, but nevertheless just made me happy!  I’m trying to decide which photo to put in the frame (the one in the photo is stock).  But I did find a spot for it – right on my nightstand.

You may feel that my next find is a little more on the pricey side (comparing to the one’s above).  BUT, I could not walk away from this one (actually, I did and then ran back the next morning).  It’s as close to brand new as can be and when I found out that this velvety chair normally retails online for almost $400, the asking price seemed reasonable.

I’ve spent a few Saturday mornings sitting here with kids as I read a story book.  Oh, and get this, the seat cushion lifts up and has built in storage!

BTW, I’m working on my newsletter publication and plan to send it out in the next few weeks.  If  you’ve never received one and are interested, sign up with your email address (top right side of the site).  Have a great evening!

Images:  House of Many Hues

How will you be spending your Valentine’s Day?  Will it be with someone special?  Or is it just another day?  Would love to hear from you.

Images:  House of Many Hues

Sometime it feels like there is a price to pay when the weather during winter goes from being cold to warm and back to cold – namely getting sick.  My Grandmother and Mother (both from the old country) always warned us to take extra caution during those warm winter days and not let ourselves get carried away by hanging up the cold gear or going outside soon after a shower.  “You’ll get sick”, is what they would say.  Whether this is true I’m not sure but the fact is that I’m now sick.  Yep.  I’ve got chills, a sore throat, and feeling oh so very tired.  Last weekend we were at the park in sunny warm weather and today we have about 5″ of snow.  Gotta love Michigan!

On the other hand, I’ve been hearing rumors that in Europe the winter has been difficult and very cold.  I’m especially curious as to the weather in Denmark.  Why Denmark?  That’s where Formland, the Scandinavian Trade show, took place (you may have noticed the ad that was up on the right for last few months).  I’ve never actually been, but would love to.  Formland’s Spring 2012 show took place in January and focuses on home furnishings, accessories, gifts, art, interior design, and more.  Here are some snapshots from the event…

The show happens twice a year with the next one happening August 9-12 – Formland Autumn.

Images:  Formland

I’ve been feeling kinda down today as I found out a very good friend of mine’s dad isn’t doing so well.  He’s been having issues with his health for quite sometime and well, things took another down turn.  To make matters worse, my friend is in the hospital with pneumonia and can’t even visit his dad for fear of passing the illness to his father.  I wish them both a speedy recovery.

On a lighter note, have you heard the latest news?  You may have noticed that online magazine Lonny hasn’t published an issue yet this year.  They just recently announced that beginning in May, they will begin to publish issues on a monthly basis instead of bi-monthly.  Woo hoo!

However, you won’t have to wait until May to read about the latest in home decor and fashion trends.  On March 10 they will release the last bi-monthly issue.

Images:  Lonny Mag

I was lucky enough to go to an art viewing about a week ago and was quite inspired by all of the talented work that surrounded me.  Huge paintings, life size sculptures, and glass work that was brilliant.  It was an environment in which you didn’t want to move quickly or make any sharp moves for fear of knocking something over or worse yet breaking it.  So naturally, I took my kids to the event.  I always look for opportunities to expose them to various elements of culture and this was certainly one to explore.  The NO STROLLERS sign was probably translation for, “No one under 18″ -  but, oh well.  Surprisingly, they behaved and shocked many of the spectators (including myself).  Maybe they were speechless due to sensory overload.

I’ve been looking for time to do some art work (still figuring out a routine since the new job started).  Over the weekend, I finally got my wish and spent time whipping around some paint.  This is one of my finished projects…

For some reason, the colors just make me happy!  I would love to do something like this on a huge piece of canvas and hang it up.

Images:  House of Many Hues

Valentine’s Day is coming up fast!  You may remember me mentioning (here) that my husband and I don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day as many people do.  However, I’ve always loved the pink hues and chic/glam products that come out around this time of year.  Here are a few I came across:

1.  The Love Balloon’s Print – Judy Kaufmann 2.  Knit Hot Water Bottle Cover – LoftLines 3.  Felt Heart Garland -  BluBeau 4.  Vintage Typewriter – joevintage

There is nothing like receiving a typed letter.  I know that there are computer fonts that simulate this vintage machinery’s output, but it just can’t be replaced.  The imperfection of a typewriter is one of its appeals.  This reminds me, when is the last time you wrote a love letter to your significant other?  What a charming surprise that would be.  I haven’t written one in ages – I think I’ll get started on one to my husband and each of my daughters!

P.S.  I did think of something that I don’t like for Valentine’s Day – Sweetheart candy.  I know, I know.  But it’s always tasted like dried up dusty toothpaste to me.  Yuck!

Images:  See Links Above