Modern Country

Spring is here !

2013-05-12T19:58:00.000+02:00

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

I can`t hide my excitement, spring is finally here !! I am so happy !!

The first signs is everywhere to be seen, small leaves on birch, apple, pear, plum and cherry trees. New buds are popping up every day and all the birds are singing their favorite songs, making mornings very cheerful. The cats are exploring and jumping around celebrating the new season also.

It was beautiful last week, how lovely it was to see a bit of sunshine. I spent several of hours out in the garden soaking it all up, taking a few shots as well. Here are some of my favourites. Hopefully you are enjoying these wonderful days also.

~ Aina ~

Have you seen any signs of Spring yet ?

2013-03-08T17:16:00.000+01:00

Hi friends I hope you are well and happy.

Thank you for reminding me and letting me know that I am missed. I hope I am not letting you down, sorry about the infrequent posts. It will soon change, I promise you !

Have you seen any signs of spring yet ? I am waiting impatiently to see any changes. Although it is still cold (during the night about -8) we have been enjoying more sunny days than normal. The light is different, it changes. From grey and cold, the light is now intense bright and a bit warmer in colour. Makes getting up in the morning definitively a little easier ! Here in Norway we barely see any natural light during the winter time, no wonder we are getting a bit out of "happy" energy sometimes.

The benefits of warm and beautiful sunlight are significant for everyone, me too.

Photo © Aina - Modern Country

A couple of years ago I wrote about my little trip to Dyhre nurseries. It was a delightful experience, a beautiful little treasure trove of lovely things to admire. Among the things you can take home are antique French garden furniture, lamps, nice pottery, a huge selection of herb plants ( which I really like ), exotic trees and much treasured European plants like roses and Pelargonium. Small round tables are set in one of the decorated greenhouses surrounded by flowers and vintage furniture's, where you could enjoy your coffee or cup of tea. It`s quirky and charming, and feels very special. I felt really inspired by the surroundings too, set in the beautiful countryside with fields and farmhouses. The nurseries are now closed but around Easter time they will once again open their doors for customers. I am definitively taking another trip back, I need a fresh new Rosemary tree and maybe a couples of terracotta plant pots. They always have a few of those you never find elsewhere.

Here are a few pictures from last trip mixed with a few of their own...

( and here`s my enthusiastic story if interested )

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

Photos © Dyhre gartneri

Photo © Dyhre gartneri

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

Photo © Dyhre gartneri

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

Have a nice weekend !

~ Aina ~

A slow start

2013-02-20T13:31:00.001+01:00

After catching a terrible flu, spending a chunk of the first two months indoor, finally I can start the new year making a debut at this blog as well. So how are you my friends, are you coping with the winter blues ?

Myself are feeling a bit out of energy and a bit depressed about the cold, dark weather. I have to admit, this is the hardest time for me of the year. It`s the darkness, the lack of light that makes it so hard. It feels like it will never ever be a sunny bright day again. Of course I know that`s not true. Although I love winter, with hot stews, woolly socks and the wonderful noise from our wood burning stove, I have trouble keeping my spirit up. At this point Spring seems very very far away.

Image source : Maison & Deco

To keep me going a bought myself a couple of new books, a new plant for our living room, and I`ve booked a weekend in Gothenburg for spring shopping at my birthday also. That will certainly cheer me up ! I also started looking for inspiration for my vegetable garden/green house buying seeds. Choosing seeds can be a bit of a challenge because I am tempted to try everything at once. This year I will be growing spring onion, chili`s, beetroot and of course a various of sweet and juice tomatoes. Just the though of it makes me itch getting started already. I always get a buzz from watching green shoots poke through the soil. I was brought up om frozen peas (nothing wrong with frozen peas, they are a healthy and culinary success if you ask me) but it is such a wonderful feeling to grow your own vegetables. It is the ultimate feel good experience.

Image source : housetohome

Where do you look for inspiration when all is frozen and covered with snow ?

~ Aina ~

Have a Fantastic New Year

2012-12-31T16:20:00.000+01:00

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

Hi everyone, hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday break.

We had some really good days here in the south east of Norway. I can`t remember a lazier, nicer, more "eat yourself out of your home" time ever. Both cats and people have been purring. It has been pretty cold, some days -15 and lots of twinkling snow were falling. Our neighbour made a huge scary snowman. I almost drove off the road the first time I saw it. Made my husband laugh out loud. Well, the snow has gone but when it fell it was thick and lovely, in the back garden the bushes were laden. Had a nice walk with our Dutch visitors, they took a lot of pictures. Norway is beautiful they said. I agree. I am happy to be surrounded by all this.

Thank you for your new year`s wishes, and your gentle words, for all your kindness, for all your compliments and support, for Inspiring me with words, images and all your fabulous creative work. It means a lot to me that you take the time to come here, I am grateful for finding friends all over the world. Looking forward to another year, it will be my 6th with Modern Country. Utterly amazed how time flies. Wishing you all the best for the new year, let`s make the most of it !!

" Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself.

Go forward and make your dreams come true "

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Much Love ~ Aina

Slowing down..

2012-12-10T14:48:00.000+01:00

Photo © Aina - Modern Country

Last Christmas we went on a (spoiled ) 4 weeks trip to The Netherlands. We stayed at the fabulous castle TerWorm for 2 romantic nights, visited countless antique shops and markets and did the last Christmas shopping in Maastricht. We also enjoyed the (oh so jummy) classical "Limburgse kersenvlaai" with thick whipped cream, in Valkenburg. It was a fun and memorable trip. This year we are slowing things down. After a pretty hectic few months it shall be nice to rest our feets. Although I love travelling with my Dutch husband, I am looking forward to spend a quiet holiday with friends and family. I have missed them immensely during the years I lived abroad, and I am now so utterly happy to have them nearby. Finally.

5 ways to slow down and enjoy Christmas :

- Keep it simple

- Just breathe

- Don`t go overboard on gifts

- Better to give than receive

- Slow down, cut yourself some slack, give yourself a moment. Feel the cool Christmas breeze, gaze at the beauty around you and be grateful for everything that you already have.

Have a great start to the week everyone.

And thank you for stopping by and leaving me messages, I am grateful for all of them.

Glad to see a few men here also, from Sweden, USA, and recently I got a new blogfriend in Normandy. Please stop by "A Normandy Kitchen ", Ivan`s blog is such a good read. He makes great dishes, has a lovely home and now and then you might follow along on a day trip also. Last time we went along to beautiful Paris.

~ Aina ~

Simple Christmas

2012-12-05T12:43:00.000+01:00

Image source : Soon Remembered Tales

Image source : Ambiance & Cocon / Tongue in Cheek

Image source : Shelterholic

Image source : Marie Claire idees / Jeanne d`Arc Living

Image source : unknown

Image source : Marie Claire idees

Image source : La Sciere

Image source : Sköna hem / Biskopsgården

Image source : Craftily ever after

* It`s all about slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of enjoying the company of friends and family. Celebrating the things that matter most ... *

- Quote, new favorite magazine : The Simple Things

~ Aina ~

Another package on its way

2012-11-27T15:14:00.000+01:00

- As morning dawned all these handmade Antique Linen stars were sent on their way to Corniche Antique In Drøbak Norway. Thanks for supporting my little business !

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

- Clothespin bags made of rare handwoven antique linen, and another two handmade stars, travelled all the way to south of France. Thank you all my sweet French customers !

~ Aina ~

Monday thoughts - gifts and wrapping

2012-11-26T10:54:00.000+01:00

Good morning everyone,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the molding issue in the previous post. I am really thankful ! I have decided to start sanding and painting the shelves before we add anything more. I think I will then be able to imagine how it`s going to look like in the end, and then we can take a decision about what to do next..

Photo : Sarah Kaye / Photograpy Chris Everard

I hope you had a lovely weekend, what did you do ? I made myself a "what to buy and make for my family and friends list". Usually I wait until the last minut. Every year It seems like I have the time in the world and then, whoosh ! However, this year I have started to make some things already.

Photo : via Modern Hepburn

Handmade gifts for Christmas are great, they kind of say thank from your Heart. I remember as a little girl, receiving homemade gifts were definitely not at the top of my favorite gifts list. But now as an adult I am able to acknowledge and appreciate the time and energy that goes into anything that is hand or home made. I appreciate when someone takes the time to wrap a gift beautifully too. It makes a gift even more special don`t you think ? Yesterday I read an article in THE PHILLY POST, " The Lost Art of Gift wrapping, who else misses wrapping paper " ? I loved it. The writer shared some valuable points. The last part of the article made me giggle :

~ I gave my mother her birthday presents last weekend. As she started to rip open the first and peek at the book title, she remarked happily, “Oh, good! Just the kind of book I’ve been looking for.” And then she looked at me and added, “And wrapped so nice.”

Photo : Roostblog

Have a great start to the week, keep yourself warm.

~ Aina ~

Building shelves

2012-11-25T16:53:00.000+01:00

I am decidedly unhandy, so I asked my husband to help me out with my fabric storage problem. For the faithful reader you might remember me complaining about piles and piles of messiness.Thankfully he said yes, so the last couple of weeks he has been down in the cold and dusty kelder ( poor thing ) building some shelves. Considering he never make anything except the times I am asking him, I am very happy about the result ! Before sanding and painting I want to add something that might help an ordinary shelf look more pretty, a crown molding.

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

A: Attach the crown molding perfectly against the top plate ? B: Or a few millimeter above the edge ?

Personally I think It looks prettier to attach the molding a few millimeter above the edge of the top plate, but maybe I have stared myself blind. I think I need your help, what do you think looks more beautiful ? Or is it a right or wrong way to do it ?? I would be happy to hear your opinion !

~ Aina ~

Christmas ornaments to make

2012-11-19T10:30:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, hope you had a nice weekend !

I am still busy sewing, and are steadily continuing my work to finish the last 65 star ornaments. I know, it is a lot, but I am so happy that so many seem to like what I make !! What about you, have you started thinking about preparing for christmas, or are you making something special ?

Photos : Pinterest / Marie Claire Idees

Photos : Marie Claire Idees

Photo : Marie Claire Idees

Photo : GardenMama

Photo : Marie Claire Idees

Photo : TheNestUK

Photos : Côté Sud / Côté Est

Here are some of my favorite handmade Christmas ornaments / decorations, hope you find them Inspiring. And here`s a few MORE.

Have a great start to the week !

~ Aina ~

HELLO PAPER

2012-11-15T11:58:00.000+01:00

Thank you Audrey, you made wrapping fun ! I specially loved all the cloudy shaped stickers and tags.

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

My friend Audrey recently opened a little shop. From their studio in Hamilton New Zealand, Hello Paper make gorgeous paper goods. They offer tags, toppers, twines, boxes, stickers, cards and sweet sparkly star toppers and even cute little Christmas light boxes and cards. In addition they offer homewares and also personalize products with logos and pictures.With the holiday looming this online store may fulfill many desires.

A small selection of their delightful paper goods

Photos : Courtesy of Hello Paper - Audrey is responsible for the styling and photoshoots of all their products.

- And then something extra for you : Hello paper offers all Modern Country readers a special discount code. All you have to do is Enter code MODERNCOUNTRY at the checkout and you will get 15% off your first purchase in the entire store !!

Hello paper SHOP / on FACEBOOK

Audrey`s beautiful and inspirational BLOG

~ Aina ~

Todays project..

2012-11-03T14:42:00.000+01:00

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

Todays project ; Sewing a pile of small lavender pillows, star ornaments, and a few cones also...

All made of antique hand-woven linen. Then, finish another embroidery. Thinking about the little tree, should this become another lavender pillow, or just a cute little pin cushion ? I can`t decide, hmm..

Outside my window, a bit sad looking really. Drizzling rain, cloudy and grey.

Inside my livingroom, snug, warm and nice. Drinking ginger tea and waiting for husband to finish my new shelves, which should be a much better solution to my "fabric storage problem".

I like saturdays, hope you have a nice one too.

~ Aina ~

Two lucky winners of Mi ~ Septembre giveaway !

2012-11-02T19:03:00.000+01:00

Photo : Mi ~ Septembre

Hi everyone, hope you had a great week !

Thank you so much to each of you who participated in our little giveaway, it was so much fun.

Today we have two lucky winners, and they are :

The white linen sachet goes to : Coco from Japan, who writes Coco

The natural colored linen sachet goes to : Karen from USA, who writes French and Feather

Congratulation girls, I know you will be delighted with these beautiful handmade sachets !

Please contact me, so I can send off your gifts.

E-mail : vinterhvitt@online.no

~ Aina ~

Early, crisp and cold, but beautiful..

2012-10-30T12:47:00.000+01:00

Noen ganger er det verdt å stå opp tidlig. I morges da jeg passerte denne urna, det første jeg så var noen herlige varme solstråler som skinte på toppen av lyngen. Jeg smilte fordi jeg synes det var så fin start på morgenen...

- Sometimes waking up early is worth it. This morning, the first thing I saw when I passed this urn was glowing sunbeams on top of it. I smiled, it was such a great start to the day.

I veksthuset har jeg fylt opp et lite lager av naturlige materialer som jeg skal bruke fremover til kranser og dekorasjoner. I kassene hvor jeg tidligere dyrket salater og bønner oppbevarer jeg nå mose Jeg bare sørger for å vanne av og til. Jeg måtte selvfølgelig tenne et lys, og det ble nesten litt førjulstemning her inne..

- The greenhouse now serve as a shelter for twigs, herbs and moss. Normally I use a lot of it in decorations during the autumn and winter season. Candle and juniper, yes it does look a bit like christmas already..

Jeg bruker einer og små grantrær som dekorasjoner i bøtter og baljer av sink, men jeg synes det er fint å pynte opp gamle trekasser også. Den kombinasjonen synes jeg er kjempefin.

- Juniper and twigs of spruce is beautiful as decoration in buckets and tubs of sink, I use them also in old wooden crates. I like the colours..

Av og til står jeg under ett tre og ser oppover. Nå med det det fargerike løvet som blåser i alle retninger kan det være ganske heftig !

- Every once in a while I stand under a tree and I look upwards. Now with all the colourful leaves it can look pretty amazing !

All photos © Aina - Modern Country

Ikke langt fra hvor jeg bor. Høsten er virkelig vakker..

- Not far from where I live. Autumn is truly beautiful..

~ Aina ~

Mi ~ Septembre giveaway !

2012-10-23T16:12:00.001+02:00

Photos © Aina - Modern Country ( click to enlarge )

Hello everyone, I hope you have a great week !

Do you remember when I introduced these linen scented sachets back in September ? Well, today you have the chance to win one of them !! In collaboration with the wonderful Paris based company Mi ~ Septembre I am arranging a little giveaway, and we are giving away two of these sachets.

Photo © Aina - Modern Country ( click to enlarge )

These handmade sachets are just wonderful, filled from bottom to top with a mix of spices as star anise, cinnamon and clove, they have the most delicious fragrance. I know they would be perfect for any linen cupboard, bathroom or your bedroom also. I have a couple in my chest of drawer, between my collection of french antique linen sheets and napkins. You can image the divine smell every time I open the drawer.

Photo : Mi ~ Septembre

- As you can see the sachets are also tastefully wrapped in tissue paper and presented in a branded gift box.Pure luxury !

To participate, here are the details :

Everyone may participate, with or without a blog. Because I am giving away two, all you have to do is leave a comment in the comment field and tell which color you prefer, white or natural colored linen.

To receive extra entries :

You can post the giveaway to any of your social networking sites, such as blogger, twitter, and or facebook, and you will receive an extra entry...Just make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry.

The giveaway ends next week, Friday the 2nd of November. Two winners will then randomly be picked and announced the same day. I wish everyone good luck !!

* A huge thank you to Mi ~ Septembre for sponsoring this generous giveaway *

Mi ~ Septembre shop
Mi ~ Septembre on facebook

~ Aina ~

CREATIVELY MADE HOME

2012-10-17T09:45:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone,

A little while ago my sweet blog friend Tracey Leber, who writes the always pretty and Inspiring blog French Larkspur introduced me to a brand new e-course that could help women to create The Home they always wanted. Not the perfect, over styled soulless home, but a home that makes everyone happy. With warmth, a bit of character, an imperfect home that still looks pretty. To me this sounded very interesting, considering the huge focus on that everything "needs" to be perfect these days. Personally I LOVE a home with personality, rooms decorated with a mismatch of furniture's, an odd chair, some children`s art, a home with something a little surprising to it. However I know it can be very difficult to achieve !! But with a little help from these 5 talented and kind women, maybe you could get the tools to create Your dreamhome that reflects you and your family.

Creatively Made Home is an all new e-course designed to inspire and encourage you to create and style a home that you and your family love to live in...it is a journey to help you define your decorating style so that it is a true reflection of your heart...

This is a 5 week online course that will be hosted by:

SARA DUCKETT

KIMBERLY TAYLOR

JENNIFER RIZZO

JEANNE OLIVER

and TRACEY LEBER

This is a course that celebrates making life beautiful in the everyday!

Here is the jam-packed schedule for Creatively Made Home:

* Each week you will have amazing truthful videos from not only the five teachers but other creative women.

* Each week we will take a room from one of YOU and all five women will give their suggestions telling you how they would transform the room with their style.

* There will be 50+ project videos.

These will be incredible videos that include everything from gardening, cooking, gift giving and decorating.

* There will be written tips from each woman telling you how she starts a room, picks paint, fabrics, etc. You will learn where to start when putting your own home together.

* Tons of beautiful house photos from each of the five women.

* Videos that truly reflect what life is like in each of their homes. The stuff that life is really about.

* Each woman will share their own truthful journey about how they started making their home a reflection of their hearts.

* Each person registered will get an easy entertaining e-book to download.

It will contain go to recipes for beautiful and easy entertaining (they do go together), photos of table settings that take the stress out of having people over, favorite drinks and so much more (and their funniest entertaining story).

* There will be a private Facebook group to connect with other class members.

* There will be a once a week live discussion with one of the teachers!

* You will get printables and pdfs to keep and use again and again.

Class begins October 22nd

Registration is now open

The price is $58 for all 5 weeks

Click below to sign up

* For frequently asked questions please go HERE

- Doesn`t this sound like much fun ???

I have already joined this wonderful group of women, I hope you will join us too !!

~ Aina ~

Tanker og ideer om arbeidsrom - Thoughts and ideas, studio / workroom

2012-10-15T14:13:00.000+02:00

Nå var det en stund siden jeg laget ett innlegg til bloggen igjen. I mellomtiden har vi kommet godt inn i Oktober måned, og det er skikkelig høst med vind og regn og noen ganger også frost om morgenen. De siste par ukene har jeg vært litt ute av form, så energien jeg har hatt til overs har jeg først og fremst brukt på å bli frisk igjen, men jeg har orket å bake noen Nederlanske eplekaker og vært med i ett par kjempe hyggelige bursdagsselskaper også. I tillegg er jeg i gang med forberedelser til årets julesalg og marked. Midt oppe i alt dette har jeg dratt ett par menn ekstra hardt i øra, og endelig fått satt dem i gang med å gjøre ferdig wc`en. Jeg har gjort alt forarbeidet selv, revet og skrapet vekk tre lag med tapet, deretter pusset ned veggene, funnet nye materialer, fordypet meg i listverk, diverse paneler og hvordan man legger fliser og hentet inn prøver. Så da er resten opp til mennene hvordan de løser siste del av jobben. La oss håpe det er ferdig til Jul !

Men akkurat nå tenker jeg på hvordan jeg kan forbedre arbeidsplassen min, hvordan jeg kan jeg innrede den mer praktisk så det blir lettere å jobbe. Det hadde vært så deilig hvis jeg hadde hatt et høyere og lengre bord. Da hadde ryggen rettet seg ut litt, og så hadde jeg unngått å måtte flytte rundt på sakene mine hele tiden. Rommet jeg har nå er ikke så stort, så det er ikke så mye jeg kan forandre på. Men ett nytt og større arbeidsbord og ett mer praktisk hyllesystem ville sørget for at jeg fikk bedre plass til stoffene og mindre rot rundt symaskinen. Jeg har sett ett par flotte bord på Finn.no, men jeg synes det er litt vanskelig å finne et som klaffer helt. Jeg har samlet endel bilder til Inspirasjon som jeg stadig vekk ser på, og det setter igang ideene til arbeidsrommet...

Image: via Kikette Interiors

- Denne kroken er så Inspirerende. En god ide å ramme inn gamle tegninger. Det kan man jo gjøre med symønstre, skisser og oppskrifter også.

Image: via Atlanta Homes magazine

- Et stort klippebord midt i rommet ville vært ideel.Perfekt til å brette ut store ruller med stoffer på også.

Image: via The Life of Polarn Per

- En interessant blanding av stoler og arbeidsbord, artige vinduer og godt med lys. Rett og slett et makaløst fint rom !!

Image: via Gail Rieke studio

- Love this !! Det hadde vært perfekt til alle stoffene mine. Hyller i forskjellige høyder og bredder. Liker så godt at alt er laget av massivt tre. Det er robust og veldig vakkert å se på.

- Enda mer vakkert å se på fra Gail Rieke studio..

Images: via we ♥ it / Le Divan Fumoir Bohémien / Yayakoz

- Den magiske verdenen til Manon Gignoux / The magical world of Manon Gignoux !

Image: via The Apartment

- Gamle arkivskap er flotte !

Image: via Anthology Magazine

- kreativt innredet med bord og hyller i forskjellige størrelser og høyder. Synes det skaper en god dynamikk i rommet.

Image: via The Etsy Blog

- Liker veggfargen og vintage følelsen dette rommet gir..

Image : via The Telegraph uk

- Roy Conn's Studio 1, et rom kunstneren har brukt siden 1963.

- Roy Conn's Studio 1, a space the artist has occupied since 1963.

( ..read more about the renovation project of this beautiful space at Porthmeor Artist studios ..)

Ha en herlig dag alle sammen / have a nice day everyone.

~ Aina ~

Veksthuset slutten på sesongen - Greenhouse, end of season

2012-10-03T14:18:00.000+02:00

Det er ikke så mye mer å stelle med i veksthuset. Jeg har tømt sinkbøtter for jord, kastet de siste tomat - og agurkplantene, fjernet edderkopper, tusenbein, maur og snegler, og sakte men sikkert er alt klart for en mørk og kald høst- og vinter sesong. Det eneste jeg har igjen å gjøre er og reparere vindusluka, og sørge for at alle vinduene er tette så de tåler høststormene.. De siste krydderplantene står nå i kjøkkenvinduet og de få plantene som er igjen tar jeg nok inn når den første frosten kommer. I mellomtiden tenkte jeg å fylle noen av terrakotta krukkene med litt nye høst og vinter planter, for det er alltid litt hyggelig å ha noe å se på når vi går rundt i hagen.~

Det har vært en god sesong tross variert vær, og vi har kost oss mye med å lage forskjellige sommersalater av det vi høstet inn. Siste del av sommeren ble nok kanskje litt for kald for bondebønnene, de begynte rett og slett og råtne bort på plantene før de var ferdig utviklet. Jeg fant også ut at sukkerertene trivdes bedre ute, plantene ble større, frodigere og smaken ble også mye bedre. Etter 3 år er jeg ganske fornøyd med hva vi har fått til, til tross for at frø ikke har utviklet seg, planter har råtnet bort og at mauren laget hus i jorda til tomatplantene. Men økologisk hageglede handler jo først og fremst om gleden og stoltheten ved a dyrke frem planter som gir duft, god smak og mye vitaminer, så vi ser frem imot å velge ut nye planter og urter til våren.

Høststeming i og utenfor veksthuset..

Ha en nydelig høstdag bloggevenner..

~ Aina ~

Nyanser av grå lilla - Shades of purple grey

2012-09-26T12:11:00.000+02:00

Nå må jeg nesten bite meg i tunga. Husker dere at jeg sa at jeg sjeldent kjøper noe nytt ? Vel, forrige helg kjøpte jeg faktisk noe nytt. Jeg kom hjem med en ny pute i 100% lin, en i rekken av en stadig voksende samling. De fleste syr jeg jo selv, men det hender at jeg kjøper noen nye også. Blant annet synes jeg Linum og Vaxbo Lin har noen utrolig flotte produkter. Ikke bare puter, men duker, håndklær, pledd og sengetøy også. Jeg liker designet og de naturlige fargene de har på produktene sine, men aller mest elsker jeg at de verner om gamle håndverktradisjoner, arv og miljø. Puta fra Linum skiller seg nok ganske mye ut med den mørke grålilla tonen, men jeg synes den gir en fin kontrast og at den passer til hygge og høst. Dessuten er jeg litt ferdig med den helt hvite paletten og prøver forsiktig å bli litt mer vågal enn før. For en liten stund siden kjøpte jeg en bok skrevet av stylisten Hans Blomquist, "The Natural Home". Jeg ble så inspirert og full av energi at jeg begynte å flytte rundt på ting med en gang. Er det ikke herlig når noe sånt skjer ?? Samtidig lurte jeg på hva jeg hadde drevet med de siste 5 årene. For første gang følte jeg at jeg hadde skjønt det. Iallefall fikk jeg mer forståelse av hvordan man skaper den perfekte balansen mellom materialer, tekstur og farger. For jeg synes at det kan være fryktelig vanskelig å få til. Nedenfor har jeg skrevet en liten felles anmeldelse av boka.

- Fargen på puta ser nok ganske mørk ut her, men i virkeligheten er den litt lysere i tonen. Linum har også linputer i blått, lys rød og olivengrønn...

I have to bite my tongue..Remember me saying that I hardly buy something new ?

Well, last weekend I actually did buy something new, I came home with another Cushion. An addition to my continuous growing collection of linen cushions, this one stands out a little bit. The colour is dark purple grey, a muted shade for a soothing atmosphere. I try to be more brave, choosing a bit more contrast between the colours than I normally do. I am quite ready with the all white on white colour palette. I recently bought a book on how to create and achieve the beautiful simplicity and spontaneous elegance of the natural look. Reading this books made me feel so Inspired, that I immediately started to rearrange and rethink what I have been doing the last 5 years. It felt like,wow I I finally got it. Because, how do you achieve the perfect balanse between materials, texture and colours ?? I must admit, I do find it quite tricky, but this book is so helpful!!

GOOD READ : THE NATURAL HOME

- BY STYLIST AND AUTHOR HANS BLOMQUIST /

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBI TRELOAR

* Before anything else, this book is one of the most aesthetically beautiful books I have layed my eyes on. Every single page is filled with atmospheric displays. The interior is quirky, comfortable, modern and vintage. It is the perfect balanse. Secondly the book is divided into important sections I think other books very often miss. In addition to Inspiring rooms with natural elegance and history it also covers natural elements, plants and foliages, displays, colours and textures. For instance, how do you bring interior to life by plants by a few simple stems, or how could you make an interesting look by mixing fabrics made from natural fibres. It is all there. This book is so different from other books that I have read, it just capture your interest from the very first page.

Here`s a few images from the book.

Images : via Agent Bauer / Kakform.se

If you do not already have a copy, don`t miss it !!

~ Aina ~

Høst kvister med bær - Autumn branches with berries

2012-09-19T11:38:00.000+02:00

Jeg har lovet meg selv å bli flinkere til å blogge fremover. Etter at jeg har fått litt mer struktur i hverdagen og mer energi fra treningen føler jeg at jeg kan sette av mer tid til å skape noe. Jeg synes det er helt fantastisk å se hva andre bloggere gjør bare for å Inspirere og glede andre. For jeg vet hvor mye tid og energi som ligger bak. Tusen takk, dere gleder og inspirerer meg også !!

Hjemmet vårt har aldri vært overfylt av pynt, det er innredet på en rolig og harmonisk måte med noen få utvalgte ting. Det får meg til å slappe av, og det er deilig. Dessuten bytter jeg ikke så ofte ut det jeg har heller, for jeg er i grunnen veldig fornøyd. Men på høsten liker jeg å ta inn noe av det jeg finner i hagen eller langs veien når jeg går meg en tur. For min del er den aller vakreste pynten fra naturen selv, som greiner fra trærne eller tørkede planter fra sommeren som nå er over. I går var jeg ute på en sånn tur hvor jeg fant noen nydelige greiner med rød oransje bær. Jeg satte dem i en av mine antikke Franske krukker. Og vips så var det med en gang litt hyggeligere på kjøkkenbordet. Noen små bær på en linserviett med vakkert monogram er ikke så værst å se på det heller.

Naturens gleder ~ Bloggetips :

MOSEPLASSEN
BLOMSTERVERKSTAD
ATELIER KARI
TUSENFRÖJD
LOTTENS VITA OCH GRÖNA

I have promised myself to get better at blogging. After I have become more structured in my work and also have more energy from my daily exercise, I feel that I am able to dedicate more time being creative. I think it is amazing to see what other fellow bloggers do to Inspire and delight others. Thank you for Inspiring me as well !!

Our home is pretty plain, we love the simple uncluttered way of living. It makes me relax and I love that. More and more we choose each decoration very carefully, we want it to last forever. That means, I do not very often buy something new. However I love bringing different materials of nature into the home. Autumn is such a great season.You will find something beautiful everywhere you look. I often gather leaves, flowers and branches on my way home from a walk. Yesterday I had such good luck, I found these beautiful branches with red orange berries. I just sat them carefully in one of my favourite Antique french storage jars. And voila the kitchen table became a bit more inviting, don`t you think ?

~ Aina ~

MI~SEPTEMBRE

2012-09-16T11:52:00.001+02:00

My September, how convenient as we already have reached the middle of September. A beautiful month, end of summer, the beginning of a new season. Winds starts to whip, the air is crisp, the farmers are busy harvesting, and most of the apples are ready to eat. It is a month with new beginnings and change of colours. I love this time of year, and specially early fall when all the cosiness begins...

MI~SEPTEMBRE

All photos : Mi~Septembre, Paris

I recently discovered a wonderful new shop in Paris. Marc contacted me and sent me a few of these delicate little Scented sachets, which really stands out with their magnificent details. I am so glad he did, they not only smell heavenly but they look very beautiful too!

They comes in various shades of white, grey and natural coloured Linen. Some of them are closed with a knot of dark cord and coconut shell button, others are wrapped together with a raphia and decorated with star anise and stick of cinnamon. All filled with delicious spices, comes to mind images that evokes early fall, as wood-burnings stove, wooly blankets, roasted nuts and a cup of hot tea on a cold day with cinnamon and honey.

Mi~Septembre products are available for delivery to most countries around the world, so why not treat yourself with one or two of these gorgeous scented sachets. Myself can`t get enough of them, as they fit perfect in any room. You can simply place them in your Linen cupboards, in your drawer, it is a beautiful touch in your bathroom and they are a great gift to give a friend too. Don`t miss their special mid September offer, 15 % discount on all products from 15th to 20th of September, midnight Paris time.

* Mi~Septembre Shop, On facebook.

~ Aina ~

Høsten er her - Autumn is here

2012-09-11T13:47:00.000+02:00

Photo : Det Franska testamentet

~ Celebrating fall with comforting colour scheme, Inspiring Interior books, wonderful soft plaids and Cosy knitwear ~

Just a few random details around my home. I have decorated my hallway with a bundle of dried wheat, put together in one of my favourite French earthenware storage jars . I think it is a perfect way to bring some of the Autumn nature-made beauty inside..

I have made a few small changes in the kitchen also, and finally I swept all the dust of my sewing machine. I have slowly started sewing these cute little Christmas stars made of antique fabrics. They will be back in sale as soon as I have updated my little shop later this month.

Jeg kan ikke tro at høsten er her, er sommeren virkelig forbi?

Selv om været har svingt veldig opp og ned føler jeg at vi har fått mye ut av det siste halvåret allikevel, men det blir vemodig og si farvel til hyggelige frokoster på terrassen, velduftene blomsterbuketter, og muligheten til å tørke klærne ute. Det var den første sommeren jeg ikke har følt meg tjukk heller. Jeg lovet meg selv i fjor, " ikke tjukk en sommer til !! ", etter å ha fått ett aldri så lite sjokk av å se meg selv i speilet i en venninnes bryllup. Jeg kunne ikke tro at det var speilbildet mitt, og ble så lei meg at jeg nesten begynte å grine der og da. Resten av kvelden gjemte jeg meg i en stor strikkejakke. Det siste året har jeg sakte men sikkert begynt å forandre meg selv, både innenfor og utenpå. Jeg startet med å trene regelmessig hver uke, lot være å spise på kvelden, porsjonene ble mindre og en hel flaske vin ble byttet ut med ett par glass i uka. Etter å ha mistet de første 10 kg. kunne jeg for første gang på mange år ta på meg en kjole og nyte sommeren som jeg ville. Og det har jeg gjort også !!

Denne høsten er jeg både muntrere og lettere, og jeg ser frem imot å la meg selv Inspirere av herlige farger, lune høst garderober, lese nye bøker og ikke minst nyte av sesongens deiligste frukter og grønnsaker. Jeg ønsker alle en god start på høstsesongen. La oss dele alt det vakre !

I can not believe Autumn is here, is summer already over ?

Even though the weather has fluctuated a lot, I feel that we have gotten a lot out of these past six months. But it is very sad to say goodbye to the early breakfasts out on the terrace, to fragrant bouquets of wild flowers, and the ability to dry clothes outside. It was the first summer in years I have not felt fat either. I promised myself last year "not another fat summer!! ", having a great shock seeing myself in the mirror at a friend`s wedding. I could not believe it was my reflection and became so upset that I almost started crying right there. The rest of the night I hid behind a huge cardigan. Over the past year I have slowly but surely started to change myself, both mentally and physically. I started to work out regularly, I stoppet eating at night, all portions were cut smaller and a whole bottle of wine were replaced with a pair of glasses a week. After losing the first 10 Kg. I could for the first time in many years put on a dress and enjoy summer as I really wanted. And I really did !!

This fall I am both more cheerful and lighter, and I am looking forward to let myself get Inspired by glorious colors, a new wardrobe, reading new books and especially enjoy the season`s finest fruits and vegetables. I wish everyone a great start to the new season, let us share all the beauty !

~ Aina ~

WEEKEND

2012-08-23T09:41:00.000+02:00

Arts de la Table

It would be so hard to leave such a beautifully decorated breakfast table..

Photo: via Domino magazine

Photo : via The butcher`s apprentice

God morgen.

I dag våknet jeg opp til et nydelig vær, å så glad jeg ble. Det er så oppfriskende å stå opp når lyset flommer inn i soverommet. Jeg blir energisk med en gang. Straks er det weekend og jeg har tenkt å lage litt syltetøy av de få eplene som har falt ned. Det har ikke kommet så mye på trærne i år og mange av eplene er små og brun flekkete. I stor kontrast til de store, saftige og røde vi fikk i fjor. Jeg er nok litt skuffa over det, men håper det er nok til fire, fem glass. I verste fall kan jeg jo snike meg til å plukke forkledet fullt hos naboen. Sånn forsiktig når de tar seg en middagslur...

Ønsker dere en god start på dagen, ha en hyggelig helg også !

Fijne weekend / Enjoy a wonderful weekend !!

~ Aina ~

Nyter fortsatt sommeren - Still enjoying the summer

2012-08-17T11:34:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone, how are you doing ?

I assume many of you are busy enjoying the summer, like I am doing.

We`ve had some fabulous weather lately, so I am afraid my blog has been a bit neglected. So sorry for that !

I have to admit, I don`t spend much time thinking about pillows and rugs, cups and corners I have to finish, or even the downstairs loo. Which is totally ripped from wallpaper, and should have been finished two years ago. I rather spend my time with friends and family, in the garden, taking day trips, celebrating the season with ripe fruits and vegetables, watching sunrises and sunsets, holding hands, or diving into lukewarm lakes. I just want to enjoy all those little things that makes summer so special.

Soon the beautiful green leaves will turn grey and brown, the wonderful butterflies will disappear and the flowers will fade away... Scandinavia comes to life during summer. For many, summer is THE favorite season. We hardly spend time indoors. Gone are the freezing cold, the hopeless longing for warmer, brighter and longer days with lots and lots of sun.

Summer is time for sheer joy, but also a time to have patience, to grow, to take time to sit back unwind and reflect, and find balance by spending quality time with your loved ones.

...So you see, I will try not to miss out on anything. Not yet.

Totally, I think we already have harvested 8 cucumbers. And they just keeps coming and coming.

Hurray, our broad beans are almost ready to be picked too!!

Ha en fortsatt deilig sommer - Enjoy summer my friends !

~ Aina ~

New find - antique French pottery bowl

2012-07-30T13:43:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone, hope you had a good weekend !

Today I want to share a new find, I am so excited to tell you about it I can hardly contain myself. It is

probably one of my favorite finds ever!! I love rustic handmade pottery, and I was over the moon when I found this large antique French pottery bowl a couple of weeks ago. There are no cracks or repairs, just a tiny chip at the tip of the bowl. It doesn't have to be perfect, I like it when I can see it has been used and loved. The inside is glazed and the measurements are 12 x 36 cm, the color is typically from the region of Provence. And I was told that it dates from the late 1800`s. I have been looking for the perfect salad/baking/fruit bowl for a long time, but either the color was wrong or it was too expensive.

Normally I would pay more than 2000 NOK (approximately 270 Euro), but payed less than half. So I think it was a good bargain as well ! Used commonly in French farm homes, picture : A charming cottage home furnished with a mix of pieces that have been in the family for decades, light painted walls, wooden beams, a mix of antique homespuns, monogrammed Linens, large kitchen table... Well, I just swoon every time I look at it :)

I also love these 100% Linen fabric Sardinia kitchen towels from Libeco Home. They come in two colors, Olive and Terracotta. I think both looks gorgeous and could not choose either one of them. They would fit well with my new bowl, don`t you think ?

At last, I want to thank all you lovely people for stopping by, and also for leaving me such wonderful comments. I smile when I read them, your positive feedback is of enormous value. You are so special to me for so many reasons. I will soon arrange a give- away as a little appreciation. I think you will like it.

Have a Good start to the week !

~ Aina ~