Swede Dreams

A Touch of France...

2013-05-17T09:21:00.003-04:00

Enjoy this gorgeous weekend! Mine will be filled with graduation celebrations for my son and his friends with the ceremony to follow on Monday. I'm not sure where all the years went. It seems not too long ago that we were walking into that kindergarten classroom and now he's headed off to college. Bittersweet emotions. The tears will be flowing on Monday...

Purple Series

2013-05-10T12:32:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! Just sharing some purple love from my studio today. All these prints and more can be found here. I would love you to pop in for a visit! And please remember that all my fine art prints are available in a variety of sizes, on canvas and as discounted sets. I welcome custom orders! Enjoy the weekend... {sharing over at

Dreamy Photography

2013-05-07T09:30:00.000-04:00

Admiring a few talented photographers on Etsy this morning. Dreamy rustic images...my favorite. May be a nice idea for Mother's Day gifts if you are still wondering what to give mom on Sunday. Enjoy! 'Captured Dreams' by StudioSwede13

It's All About Pink Today...

2013-05-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

...it's a mood, a manner, an attitude and a belief. Have a beautiful day...

Graduation Inspirations

2013-05-02T10:13:00.002-04:00

It's graduation time...I ought to know, I have two this year and the month of May is full of events. I just flipped my calendar over this morning and began filling it all in. I'm hoping I can slow down enough to enjoy the moment and savor these precious memories. The enormous anticipation leading up to it all and then it all goes by in the blink of an eye! If you are in the same boat and

Rustic Love

2013-04-22T08:25:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday! Sharing some rustic love from a few creative Etsy artists this morning. You may find an idea or two for mother's day or a even a spring wedding in this collection. I've got my eye on that wax seal necklace and the silver hammered stacking rings. Hmmm..gift to self possibly? 'Rustic Love' by StudioSwede13 Rustic Wedding Card Box... ThePaperWalru... $52.99 Rustic Metal

French Cottage Series

2013-04-20T09:11:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's been a whole nine days since my last post. My excuse? Life. It sometimes gets in the way of my plans. My plan was to get back on the blogging schedule when I returned from the beach but a few things happened along the way and well, you know how it goes. My oldest son had shoulder surgery about a week ago. He's also the one leaving for college in the fall and he finally picked

Beach Bum

2013-04-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

My days at the beach may be gone but not forgotten...now I'm left wishing for summer. I just love my Florida beach days. Sharing some beach dreams and the perfect summer cocktail to leave you feeling like you're on a permanent vacation. Now that has a good ring to it. Welcome to the beach, where it's ok to be a bum...in your hammock, at the bar, on your board or simply lounging in the sand. Life

French Country Morning

2013-04-08T08:58:00.000-04:00

I've returned from my much needed week at the beach and I'm ready to jump back into my little world of blogging, treasure hunting and creating! Getting away for a bit always brings me new inspiration and ideas for my Etsy shops. It may have something to do with spring and a fresh outlook on life in general. I was lucky enough this past week to have a few of my items featured in three

Easter Blessings

2013-03-31T13:45:00.001-04:00

"May Christ's glory and the promise of this joyous time of year bring peace and happiness to you and those you hold most dear."

Beach House Living

2013-03-29T12:15:00.000-04:00

So we are headed over to the beach tomorrow for a week...spring break with all our teenagers. Each year we rent a different condo unit and it's always a roll of the dice to see what we will wind up with. I've learned over the years to be particular about a few things. My priorities are a three bedroom (king bed in the master) with washer and dryer facilities in the unit and wireless internet

Blush...

2013-03-27T09:53:00.000-04:00

OPI Hawaiian Orchid {the inspiration behind this post} I found myself at Ulta the other day shopping for some new spring nail colors and fell smitten with the OPI Soft Shades Collection. It's a drastic change from the dark grays I've been so fond of for the past six months, but perfect for the spring days ahead. Now if the Florida weather

Floral Fashion

2013-03-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

I just couldn't stop with the blooms from yesterday...floral fashion inspirations to put some "spring" in your step and for those that are still battling the cold, a little something to keep you dreaming. Here's to warm sunny days ahead! Have a lovely Thursday...

Spring Blossoms

2013-03-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring." {Bern Williams} "Spring has come when you can put your foot on three daisies." {proverb} "When Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil." {Bishop Reginald Heber} "Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day." {W. Earl Hall}

Shabby French

2013-03-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

Jody and Rebecca from SimplyPosh on Etsy compiled some perfectly shabby but chic french decor over the weekend in their Ooh la Bleu treasury list...I'm smitten with the soft gray blue palette.Thank you, ladies for including my "Forget me Not" photo in your creation! Here you go... 'Ooh' lÃ Bleu' by SimplyPosh Gray blue Home Decor sold Robins Egg Blue Fr... aSouthernStor... $215 Pastel

Irish Blessings...

2013-03-17T11:50:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day my friends!

Cottage Photography

2013-03-14T09:34:00.001-04:00

I have been spending endless hours lately filling up Studio Swede 13 with new photography and photo options. One of the new features I am offering is a twenty percent discount on sets of four images. My most popular options are shown below, but customers are welcome to choose their own selection of four as well. My selections are offered in 4x6 or 5x7 size images, but I am happy to accommodate

Sweet Treat Sunday

2013-03-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Donuts. With Chocolate chips...and bananas. Baked. Someone pinch me. If this isn't heavenly, I don't know what is. And the crazy thing is, they are healthier than you would imagine using Fat Free Greek Yogurt as opposed to vegetable oil (keeps them nice and moist). Janie has substituted spelt flour for all-purpose creating a healthier option, but either will suffice. Enjoy morning, noon and

Shabby Inspiration

2013-03-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Need a fresh look for spring? Ready to update your cottage? Looking to add a little french style to your decor? I have just the thing for you! Sharing some newly listed items in the shop today for you to consider for your cottage. Click on individual pics for additional details or pop on over to Swede 13 Vintage for more shabby french inspirations...

Friday Fashion...Lace Indulgence

2013-03-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5} Seems lace is popping up all over for spring and I found some frilly favorites at one of my favorite shopping destinations...Victoria's Secret. I like the subtlety of these lace tops, nothing too fru fru for me. And for the tops, I personally tend to stick with neutrals like cream and gray. But the little Lacy Bralette, now that's another story...a peek of color under a

Hello Spring!

2013-03-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

'Garden Greens' by StudioSwede13 fresh greens for spring... Peridot Ring Light Gree... JessicaLuuJew... $22 Green Pillow Three Piec... ElemenOPillow... $51 Green Skirt fashon ski... fashiondress6 $45 Eye Shadow Mineral Make... MadisonStreet... $4.99 ceramic dish, heart bow... karoArt $23 Spring Green, Leather M... 2Cr8Beading $25 Sliced Limes Daveidaho $25

It's A Turquoise Thing

2013-03-06T09:46:00.000-05:00

I'm gearing up for my annual trip to Nashville for the CMA Festival in June. Yes, I know it's still three months away, but it's never too soon for a girl to start planning her outfits. I just ordered a new pair of boots the other day...bottom right corner. Love them! My favorite boot designer is Corral. Immediate comfort, no need to break them in. The very first pair I purchased was in the

Indulge

2013-03-05T09:12:00.000-05:00

Make the most of each and every day...

Quick-Fix Chicken

2013-03-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

If it's quick and easy and it involves chicken, sign me up. Chicken is possibly the only food that my entire family can agree upon and if I can prepare and serve a meal in under 40 minutes, it's a winner in my book. Southern Living has compiled a list of 45 quick-fix chicken suppers and I found three favorites that I will be saving in my own recipe files. Risotto, pasta and rice are mixed with

Friday Fashion...Blinged Out

2013-03-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! Where has this week gone, not to mention the month? Can't believe we are into March already. I've taken the lead from Alison at Friday's Fancies today and I'm pulling out all the stops with some serious bling. Personally, I rarely tend to go too over the top with my bling, but if you are into the bling thing I found some spectacular blinged out images courtesy of Pinterest that may