Ikeas greatest hits

went to ikea yesterday. Big mistake. I havent been there for ages and im not sure if it changed or i have but i wanted E.V.E.R.Y.THING!

here is my greatest hits list.

what do you love from this mega store?

Friday Finds

i had a busy friday! but i enjoyed every minute of it. i love estate sales, but sometimes they are bitter sweet for me - standing in the ashes of someone else life. My favorite finds from this one are the vintage hats. I tried them all on when i got home. I imagine the woman was french, and i hope she was laughing at me awkwardly trying on all her hats and pussing for the mirror. one thing i will say, she and i shared similar tastes. I was told she cooked sunday dinner for her family of about 50! every sunday.....

hope your weekend is filled with imagination and bliss.

xo

Karl and Ester - Farmhouse chic

recently ive been really drawn to very simple things, im usually pretty casual in my all around philosophy but ive been even more aware of textures, natural colors and patinas. I cant help but think that im channeling the scandinavian roots of my great grand-parents, Karl and Ester, who's farm the shop is named after

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They emigrated from Sweden around the turn of the century and lived in an adorable but very utilitarian farmhouse. Ive had my eye on a lot of farmhouse items with a scandinavian bent recently...here a little sneak peek of whats coming to the shop soon!

the gift chalet - scandinavian food and gifts

since childhood i have made many trips to this quaint, family run scandinavian imports store. it is filled with hand crafted gifts, linens and my personal favorite, foods. there are so many things to see in the gift chalet - i love the wonderfully textured linens and table runners below -

there is a wonderful variety of hand painted and carved dala horses, a symbol of sweden, as well as other whimsical animals -

and the food selections are spectacular!! there is everything from scandinavian candies and sweets to bread, cakes, jams etc. there is even a deli counter where you can order traditional potato sausage and other meats, cheeses, even a variety of pickled fishes.


i loved this simple glass chandelier - wouldnt it be perfect on a summer porch!!
our swedish family traditionally celebrates with a large feast on christmas eve, a smorgasbord, so after our trip to the chalet we are all ready to prepare this holiday meal - more about this in another post.