Shall we take this outside?

Our very first London flat had no garden/balcony/large window ledges. I remember spending hot summer days with my face pressed against the glass of the back window watching on in envy as our neighbours gleefully enjoyed their too large gardens. So when we moved into our new house, complete with outside deck area, we vowed to use it every day come rain or shine. And for a while, we did just that (we have been known to bbq in the snow), but as with all good things, we have started to take it for granted and spend more time sitting in front of the laptop than enjoying our outdoors. I would chalk it up to the atrocious English weather but after seeing how they live in Stockholm, I fear I can no longer use that excuse. Even though the temperatures were a not-so-toasty 7 degrees, it did not deter the hardy Stockholmers (is that even the right term), who hit the parks, balconies and outside cafes in their droves.

To illustrate my point I am using images of stunning balconies from Swedish based brokerage-come-interior design firm Alvhem.

Starry nights…

I woke up on Monday morning with thoughts of camping. I contemplated totally blowing off work, packing the car, loading it up with treats and hitting the open road. I wanted the peace, I wanted the quiet, I wanted the crisp fresh air of autumn. I picked a spot in my mind – on the banks of a stream and the edge of a dense forest, just close enough to smell the familiar wet, dense air but also far enough to catch the last of the sun’s heat. I pictured a day of hiking and canoeing, followed by huddling around a camp fire, warming our feet, enjoying dinner and wine and then being lulled to sleep by the sound of nature. And like the fool I am, I went to work instead!

Have you ever blown off work and done anything on a whim? Just lived in the moment?

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Just a thought…

Someone, somewhere is enjoying one of these sunsets right now! Doesn’t it make you want to down tools and seek out a sunset?

Just a little breath-taking scenery to help get you through Tuesday!

Click on the image to go to its source.

Poolside…

We’re going poolside today so go on and get your bikini, your favourite book, your iPod and your drink of choice. We are going to lounge around, gossip, read the latest fashion and interior magazines, catch a beautiful tan and if there is time, maybe we will take a nap. My idea of the perfect Thursday (or any day for that matter).

C’mon! Some of us have already hit the pool!

Click on the image to go to it’s source.

Outdoor Chic

Garden furniture usually gives me the heebies. I am always the person that gets stuck with the wonky plastic chair and ends up going flying when it gives way or sinks into the grass. With the days getting longer and the fact that I only have to wear one pair of thermals (instead of 2), I have been happily re-designing the layout of our tiny garden for the arrival of summer. I came across these garden furniture pieces whilst browsing for ideas - aren't they lovely? I love the concept of bringing indoor furniture outside - who's to say you can't be comfortable and stylish just because you are outside? These pieces are by Spanish company Kettal and have been designed by some great names in furniture design - Marcel Wanders, Rodolfo Dordoni and Patricia Urquiola to name a few (this is the second time I have heard her name in two weeks)!! I can only dream of being able to afford something so extravagant for my garden but they are nice to look at anyway!



IMAGE CREDITS: Trendir