this is it folks...

Seriously, another Scandinavian post. But this is the most amazing home ever. I LOVE it, and am ready to move. Location: Sweden, land of all things cool apparently. The outside shot of the birch trees is what winter should look like, and I am in love. Via doorsixteen via remodelista.

why is scandinavia so cool?

Lately it seems like everything that I like is from somewhere in Scandinavia (not sure that's a proper term, but it works for me:)...for example these gorgeous photos from the tine k catalog, a Denmark-based lifestyle shop. (The photos have been scanned, so I apologize that the quality isn't better). I really dig the black hutch above with the collection of black dishes-it's a really beautiful little tableau. 

And the photo below may be Christmas decorations, but I love the twist of the black with the natural touch of the chestnuts(?). Just really different!

chairs i covet

Above is the Bertoia chair. I would love to have two of these, one at each end of my nonexistent dining room table Isn't this a beautiful photo? Found on flickr... LOVE the colors and the weathered door.

And this is the Wegner Sawbuck Chair, available from Room and Board. A 1951 design that I think is still really current feeling today-I just really like this chair! It's Scandinavian feeling to me, and I'd like to drape a nubby, soft blanket over the back. I don't know where I would put this one, but since it's about $3000, I guess it doesn't really matter!

baby it's cold outside...

...but this girl is not dressed for it. I like her outfit anyway, and the styling of the photo. That's kinda like a hipster version of a fanny pack or something. Not sure I would actually rock it, but I like it anyway.

Cool layout from the new free people catalog

update...tonight's dinner

Broccoli- quite tasty, definitely worth a go

Soup- ridiculously spicy. I love curry, and perhaps went a little overboard...?  I don't recommend as is, but I plan on trying a few modifications. Stay tuned...

Sorry I don't have any beautiful/artistic photos of my dinner. I tried to take one with my iphone, but it didn't look very good. But I was too hungry to pull out the good camera...

tonight's dinner

Tonight I am making myself curried carrot apple soup and this new roasted broccoli recipe I just found for dinner. I'll let you know how they turn out...very excited for something new. Plus, it's a very good day for soup...brrrr!

loveliness light & dark...

What is there not to love? Texture galore, and muted, but warm and rich colors. Via style files (amazing stuff over there, fyi...) Just some Friday lunchtime eye candy!

like i need another time waster...

Coconut Cashew Chicken Satay

Ok, I have found stumbleupon. If you haven't spent time with this yet, I suggest you stay away unless you have copious hours to kill online... I am finding ALL kinds of awesome new websites to explore! Today I love TasteSpotting, which features hundreds and thousands of beautiful food photos, and links to the recipes from other blogs. I have found a bunch of stuff I want to cook, and I love having a photo to go by (I've always hated recipes in books with no photos...). Anyway, here are a couple of my favorites. Enjoy!

Thai Red Curry Soup with portobellas, red bell pepper, potatoes, green beans, and seitan in a red curry coconut milk broth with fresh basil.

Egyptian Torte - caramel and hazelnut cake

black and white and gray all over

I'm loving the moody black, white and gray thing right now. Some new products for the etsy shop are in the works (oh yes, I haven't forgotten about etsy!!), and this is a little inspiration for what I'm working on...stay tuned! I like the warmth and depth of some of these rooms, rather than the starkness that usually comes from simple black and white. I'd love you to share any good links or photos to other black and white products, interiors, whatever! 

back to winter...

Well, the temperatures are supposed to drop this week (don't complain, it is January after all!!), so here is a little shot to remind you that spring will be here before we know it. What a cool patio idea- and look at all the awesome greenery! Photo from Sunset Magazine.

happy monday!

A little photo from Portland's N Williams Ave. to start off the week...read more about this hipster neighborhood right here from Sunset Magazine!

finally...

Scan Lounge Chair

Got the new cb2 catalog yesterday, and I'm so excited because they finally have some new stuff to look at!! Good work cb2! Here are a few of my favorites from their new '09 line:

Credo pillow

Quill Rug

Platform coffee table

a little bike love...

Saw this in a house tour on design*sponge, and tracked it down to etsy...cute little card and message! It's been so warm, I've been itching to ride my bike too, but these darn short days make it a little hard once I get home from work...

after christmas wish list

I love this blanket that I saw a while back- it's a vintage Swiss Army blanket. As I was searching around for a good photo to use here, I discovered that the Ace Hotel in Seattle (the Ace Hotel is the coolest place, ever) uses these in their rooms. Go figure!! Love it!

happy new year!

Everyone always talks about "spring cleaning", but yesterday as I was taking down my Christmas decorations, I thought - what better time for a fresh clean house than on the first day of the new year? And I mean, organizing, weeding out, and paring down. While I only got 2 rooms done so far, it feels great to know that my cabinets are uncluttered, and my kitchen table is usable once  more!

A few tips from Sunset Magazine on uncluttering a space:

1. Build in flexibility: Cubbies and storage that's easily modified when your needs change.

2. Put furniture to work: Double duty pieces are great, especially in small spaces!

3. Maximize wall space

4. Access what you often need

5. Hide what you rarely use

Good luck with your own simplifying efforts, and just know that the rewards of a calming, clean space are totally worth it!