All things blue

Time out

2008-08-17T22:34:00.002+02:00

Sorry for my absence in the last few days. Work's been so busy - that's what happens when you're away for three weeks. Weekend has gone by in an instant - but I managed a trip to Ikea with mu Mum today. I only wanted to pick up a few items and of course ended up with a big blue bag full of stuff...

It's lovely quiet and blissfull here in Blogland and since I've already been out for an evening jog (a very short one) I really need a time out and a blog stroll. Thanks for all your lovely comments. Unfortunately there's no saving any of my data since it was the hard drive that crashed...

Oh no...

2008-08-13T08:53:00.000+02:00

Remember I told you that my laptop became very uncooperative a few weeks ago? Well, yesterday I brought it to work hoping they would just fix it with a boot disc. But no. They replaced it. Seems their solution is always to take as drastic measures as possible.

Now all my picture archives are gone. And so much more. I'm now buying and external hard drive and tons of USB memory pens and plan to back up regularly. Like everyday. Almost.

So today I've lost my inspiration (along with a lot of lovely lamp pics, sorry A-M). This weekend I will have to trawl the net for tons of lovely pics. Till then I'll just have to go with what I've got on my other laptop. Trawling is very time consuming and I really should be working ;-)

Photos: Cottage Living, Home.dk

You may also enjoy: Time for Garden Inspiration or The Best Garden Escape

Let's get wet!

2008-08-12T08:40:00.000+02:00

I just realized, I haven't done a bath post in a very long while - and I who loves to soak in a tub! I've found some that captures the feeling of beach and summer. Wouldn't it be lovely to have that feeling all year round? I really like the detail in the first picture - and the flatscreen in the last. Aah, to soak in a lovely warm bath and watch men's olympic swimming...
However, I'm instead trying to figure out what kind of stone I should get for my terrace. So far I've decided on clay tiles (I've no idea what they're called in english), and my conclusion so far is, that's it's going to be way too expensive. Sigh.
Well, anyways - have a terrific Tuesday!

Glass makes summer grow longer

2008-08-11T08:33:00.000+02:00

I seems summer has left us a little too soon in Denmark. But with a lot of cash and glass we could prolong it - sort of. I just love these conservatories!

Saturday's for shopping

2008-08-09T09:38:00.000+02:00

Photos: Livelaughlove.co.uk (pics 1&4), mio.se (pic 2), ceannis.com (pic 3)

Saturdays are made for shopping. These are some of the goodies I wouldn't mind taking home with me today. But today I'm going to spend my hard earned cash on some much more shortlived pleasures. We're going on our traditional trip to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen - G, his father, stepbrother and I. It's going to be horribly expensive, utterly exhausting - and so much fun!

Have a great weekend all of you!

Photos: Tivoli.dk

Retro Racing Red

2008-08-08T08:08:00.001+02:00

Photos: Frou-Frou, Qualitypedalcars, Cotsco

In the good old days boys liked the colour blue and girls liked red. Nowadays, in our household I am the lover of blue and my son G loves red. So I thought of him when I found the old educational boards with the race cars. What a find! Unfortunately G is a bit too 'grown up' for a race car themed room, but perhaps some of you have boys at the right age? Hence this little collection of racing reds.

Have a great day!

(Btw - this post was posted on 08.08.08 at 08.08!)

Dallas in Provence

2008-08-07T08:08:00.003+02:00

I'm not married - I'm keeping myself available for the architect of these houses. His name is Robert Dallas and he's a Scottsman living in Provence. I know, he is somewhat older than me - to put it mildly - and already married (to a Danish lady actually), but I'm willing to wait it out just to live in one of his gorgeous houses. These homes look like they've been tucked to the hill sides for ever, but they are all new (or newish) built with original materials. And they make my heart skip a beat every time I see them.

Enjoy!

Photos: Robert Dallas

Beachy beauties

2008-08-06T09:44:00.003+02:00

Photos: 2 x House Beautiful, Williams Sonoma Home

Monday I'm going back to work so we're trying to make the most of our last days of laziness. During the last few rainy days I've been making lists of what to buy for the house - I love making lists!
I would really like a couple of table lamps like the one above made from claer glass. But I can't seem to find them in Scandinavia. Does anyone have any suggestions?
The sun's back and gone are all thoughts of fall and x-mas - the beachy look is back. Yeah!
Have a great day everybody!

Fall so soon?

2008-08-05T08:21:00.005+02:00

The temperature has dropped more than 10 degrees (Celsius), it's raining, the sun can't be seen anywhere. No wonder the fall catalogues are coming out these days. Here's a couple of Danish manufacturer's ideas for this season's home decor. I'm not quite ready for the x-mas stuff yet, though. It's only August!
Click on pics to see catalogues, enjoy and have a beautiful day!

Bloomingville/Trendkompagniet

House Doctor

Seeking shelter

2008-08-04T08:31:00.003+02:00

Photos: House Beautiful

After two weeks of gorgeous sunny weather the rain is coming down in truckloads today. So we're seekeing shelter inside - but I would much rather be sheltering from the sun in the pics above. I love the sheer drapes and the colonial feel.
The few days I've had at home between visiting relatives, I've spent in the garden. I think today is the day the 'panel painting' begins! I just have to check my basement first. Last year the summer rain flooded my laundry room.
Later, I'll reward myself for my effort with some blog-strolling - so many of you left comments for my birthday (thank you so much!) and in between are some bloggers who are new to me. I just can't wait - but that's what the panels have been telling me as well for some time now...

Click here for more colonial inspiration

Back in Blue

2008-08-03T07:45:00.003+02:00

Photos: Country Living

System halted. That was the message on my laptop as it booted up monday evening. My IBM hasn't been cooperative at all. So I haven't been able to update my blog or visit yours for nearly a week (scandal!) Now we've returned home from a visit with at my father's and I have spent the morning installing all sorts of security things on my HP so it's safe to go on line. But I can't access any of my picture archives. So here's a little something from Country Living. I love the blues (of course).
Have a great day!

Little gems for your floor

2008-07-29T09:21:00.003+02:00

Photos: Horchow

Aren't the rugs just lovely? I love them and they come in so many different sizes and beautiful colours (of course I prefer the blue ones...). Sadly you can't by them in Denmark. They are made by a company called Dash and Albert and they also make some you can use outdoors. This would be just perfect for the garden house I'm planning.

Thank you all for your kind comments and birthday wishes. We had a lovley and hot, hot day. Half my family ended up in the tiny pool I set up so suddenly my house was like a beach hut.

Have a great day everybody!

All I want for my birthday...

2008-07-26T06:00:00.000+02:00

So today it's my 38th birthday. The weather's going to be fantastic and sunny and my family will come and celebrate the day with me. The paddle pool is all set in the garden for the kids. The Asti Spumante is chilling in the fridge and I've already prepared some of the dishes. So everything is as it should be. What more could I wish for?

Well, I wouldn't mind the lovely house below. And it doesn't need to be wrapped ;-)
Have a great day and weekend!

Photo: Hamptons Cottages and Gardens

Porch & Play Project

2008-07-24T23:27:00.004+02:00

Photo: Country Home

I really like this idea - it's simple, it's fun(ctional) and it's very decorative. And so easy and inexpensive to copy. So why not go shopping for a bit of paint and hunt down some black and white stones (a bit 'Something's gotta give'-ish, right?)
Thanks for your comments regarding the lost luggage - the good news is: We've found it! So G's happy again. And so is our neighbour. We bought her a divine box of chocolate on Bornholm - which we carried in the once lost and now found bag. Eight tiny pieces of heaven. If you ever visit Bornholm, go to the town of Svaneke and visit the chocolate shop 'Chokoladeriet'. Unfortunately they haven't got a website yet so you'll just have to imagine the white, white interior with elegant display cabinets containing these tasty things. Could have been a jewellers shop.
Have a great day!

Finally home

2008-07-24T00:03:00.002+02:00

Photo: visitrhodeisland.com

Oh my, what a journey home. The flight was fine, but we had to wait for our bags for so long, walk a kilometer to get to the subway and due to 'cleaning of the tunnels' a 20 minutes trip took us an hour. When we arrived home, we realized that we forgot a bag where we waited for our luggage. G was really sad because the bag contained presents for his father and his favourite beach towel bought in Hawaii. I hope they've got it at lost and found - I'll call them first thing tomorrow. I'm a bit exhausted so my blog-stroll will have to wait till tomorrow - but thank you so much for all your lovely comments. It's like having tons of post cards from exotic places waiting for you, when you come home. Thanks!

See you soon

2008-07-21T16:55:00.002+02:00

We're having a great time here on Bornholm - unfortunaltely I forgot my laptop (how could I) so I won't be updating till Wednesday evening. Enjoy your week, everybody!

Bring me Ballard

2008-07-17T13:50:00.005+02:00

Photos: Ballard Design

If it wasn't for all the tariffs and taxes I would have to pay here in Denmark I could have shopped myself poor on American on line stores. Take a look at these sweet little things from Ballard Design. Sigh. But getting them over the Danish border more than triples the cost. I know it's a selfish thing to complain about with people starving in so many places around the globe and dying from diseases extinct in my neighbourhood - but there you go.

On an entirely differetn note: Fifi from Fifi Flowers Design Decor has also given me an award, which I'm truly grateful for. It actually pleases me a whole lot more than lowered tariffs would. Thank you so much!

I wil now pass this award on to 7 gorgeous blogs as promised:

Compulsively Compiled
Daisy Pink Cupcake
Marley & Lockyer
Teal Chic
Vardagstugg
Vosges Paris
White and Wander

The rules for this award are 1) Put the logo on your blog, 2) Add a link to the person who awarded you, 3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs, 4) Add links to those blogs on yours, 5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Have a great day everybody!

It's all in the detail - kitchens

2008-07-16T21:49:00.005+02:00

Photos: Robinson and Cornish, ?, Better Homes and Gardens, Larsen & Schiøtz, Better Homes and Gardens

I've been a bad blogger these last couple of days. I know and I'm sorry. I've simply been too busy with all the work I have to finish before my vacation. But I've found a collection of beautiful and clever details for those of you who are planning a new kitchen or simply need a few ideas for an update. I'm especially smitten by the ingenious kitchen ladder. It's so practical and beautifully done - and could be copied by your local carpenter.

Even though I haven't been the busiest of blogger bees you guys have been so sweet to leave clever, funny and kind comments. Thank you - it's such a pleasure to read! A very special thank you to Kristin from I Mitt Paradis and Tine fra Tine's Kreative Hjørne for the award you've passed on to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll pass it on to some gorgeous blogs tomorrow.

Mon-day-dreaming

2008-07-14T06:36:00.000+02:00

Another week of work - the last before three weeks of summer vacation! Five days that will simple fly by due to work, socializing and planning. Next Saturday we'll be heading off to visit family on Bornholm (a Danish island). They are restoring the cutest old school and making it their home.
But till we board that plane Saturday morning allow me to do some Monday morning day-dreaming. Wouldn't it be amazing to start your week of in one of those exotic hotel boats? Or on the simple deck overlooking the deep blue sea? I think it would.

Photos: Architectural Digest, Coastal Living

Have a...

2008-07-12T06:01:00.002+02:00

...great weekend!

Friday Romance

2008-07-11T06:25:00.004+02:00

Photos: Marie Claire Maison, Coastal Living, Marie Clarie Maison

It's Friday girls (and boys?) and I know bedrooms are more of a Monday blog thing but these ones are supposed to spur some romance amongst you. (Must be all that talk about lighting that sparked the flame...). My conclusion - for romance go for four poster, some sort of canopy and very simple decor - vaulted ceilings too if you are the lucky owner of a castle or the like...
(Tried to add a playlist to enhance your romantic decor mood - but failed embarrassingly, sorry). Oh, and by the way - if you are more in the contest mood stop by Fifi Flowers Design Decor
Have a beautiful Friday all of you!

Now we're talking about lamps...

2008-07-10T08:59:00.001+02:00

Oh dear, the lamp from yesterday's post made me rediscover my craving for beautiful lamps - well, electrical lanterns to be more specific. Found a heart breaking selection at a UK store. How come they don't make or even sell beauties like these in Denmark?

Photos: My selection from Charles Edwards Antiques

Found the cute lamp below at an Australian site.

Photo: Robert Kitto

On an entirely different subject - no, I haven't painted any panels at all yet. Work, friends and family have simply kept me too occupied - what ever happened to things slowing a bit down during summer?? G calls at least once a day (which is very apparent on the phone bill, but never mind). He's having a great time in Berlin especially after their luggage arrived only a couple of days late. Apparently, his bag did a little detour visiting Norway and Russia before heading to Berlin. Have a great day everbody!

Colourful Colonial

2008-07-09T10:21:00.004+02:00

Photos: Architectural Digest

Espcially during summer I get the colonial fever. I want my home to be like something 'Out of Africa' (preferably with a certain charming edition of Denys Finch Hatton on my porch...). I love the notion of a cool elegant refuge from the mercyless heat and sun. Normally, colonial style means dark wood and natural colours. In the house near the Gulf of Oman they've added a bright blue that really sparks things up. Not cozy for winter, I agree, but for summer it's gorgeous. Oh, and that lamp in the hall... I think I'm in love...

French Blue

2008-07-08T13:42:00.000+02:00

Photo: La Maison Bleue, Lytton and Lily, Manufactum, Cosas

Sorry, I didn't post yesterday - felt utterly uninspired. Today I've found a tiny collection of lovely French stuff all connected by the colour blue (of course). The candles are special since they have holes all the way from top to bottom which should make them drip-free.

I hope you're all doing great - I'll be doing some blog strolling to night and am really looking forward to visiting all of you.

Oh, if only it was I...

2008-07-06T11:00:00.006+02:00

Photos: Living etc

In sweet, sweet comments A-M suggested, that I keep myself busy and Anette that I could spend the two weeks without G painting my panels. And I'm planning to - I really am. Just not today. A little later I'll go on a tiny, tiny shopping spree instead. I may be missing my boy, but my wardrobe sure is missing a serious update for summer - especially in the dress department. The ones I have are all a bit too evening-ish.
But first I'll have an hour to myself reading one of the books I bought on sale yesterday - the thriller I think - and perhaps spend a moment or two wishing it was I who had a summer house in St. Barts like the owners of Day, Birger et Mikkelsen (a Danish design brand with clothes and home decor). Their house is a kind of colonial meets New England. Lovely!