August: On my mind

Can´t believe it´s already the end of August, this summer really passed by so fast. I didn´t do a monthly list for July as I allowed myself to be offline as much as possible but since I really enjoy both reading others and making my own – here´s what´s on my mind for August!

Instagram Anna MårseliusTravel: Summer days are not quite done for me yet as I´ll be heading to France for a few more days of sun to celebrate my Dad turning 70. This trip has been booked for a really long time and since then many sad things has happened in France (and elsewhere) and also in Nice where we are going. Because if that we have really been going back and forth if it´s really a good thing going but in the end we have all agreed that we can’t let the evil of the world stop us from continuing living our lives. It will definitely be there in the back of our minds from time to time but at least for me I have to face my fears instead of hiding and as I really love traveling and am super scared of flying I already have a conflict there. But It won´t stop me, I will always hope for the best even if it means facing some moments of anxiety…

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shoes augustShoes: These ones will soon be on my feet. Perfect while still having some color and before it gets too cold.

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styling Anna MårseliusFlower: Have been craving a big bouquet of white hortensias but still haven´t been lucky to find white ones. The hunt will continue for sure.

Pic: styling by me, photo Kristofer Johnsson

outfit AugustOutfit: Stockholm Fashion Week is currently going on and I´ve never felt less fashionable as I´m just recovering from a cold and have hardly slept so that my eye bags are in need of a bra. This kind of outfit would be the perfect way of transitioning from whatever I look like now to (maybe) looking forward to a mirror.

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bedroom augustBedroom: Would´t mind going to bed in this blue beauty in one of my on-the-wishlist hotels – Hotel Providence, in Paris.

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office augustOffice: Luckily I´m excited about most of my projects but there is one thing that I´m currently obsessing a little about. One part of a bigger project is to decorate a home office with a masculine and executive touch. It´s actually been really hard finding good reference pics to show the client of what I want to do and this probably shows that there are not many inspirational masculine offices out there (online that is). I´m sure there are in fact many and would love to see more of this. Researching it now most of the things you find would then feature lots of heavy wood and old not very fun furniture. Always dark colors and often without finess. I won´t put a yellow desk in there but the setting of this room is not far from reality of the room I´m decorating as it is surrounded by a book shelf like this one. So looking forward to get my hands on this.

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words augustWords: In deed it is. The best challenge of Fall? Keeping the calm from summer holidays and juggle all projects and things in life with some kind of balance.

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food augustFood: Fennel. Our friends who we spent a week with in France with this summer are amazing at cooking. Fennel was used in most things and since then I´m addicted to it. Perfect as a side in many different shapes and forms and great on it´s own as a salad too. Chop it, put it in a pan with some olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, dill, some salt and pepper. Easy, quick and so delicious. Find more inspiration here.

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the night managerSeries: Finished ”The Night Manager” two weeks ago and the setting of the last episodes alone are a reason to watch.

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filippa leaseSustainable pick: ”The Filippa K Lease” was launched already early 2015 but being such a great project is still deserves mentioning. I´ve never tried it to be honest but definitely will. Instead of buying something you get to rent it for 4 days to a cost of 400 SEK. A perfect way of trying things out so that you know you actually like it before buying it and like so many other times just end up making it just a closet warmer. But hurry up, the SS16 garment are only available until end of September. Read more about the project here.

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music augustMusic: It seems I have a weakness for men with guitar and longing in their voice, oh well. This song is currently on repeat at home and it is a nice change from Justin Bieber and Marcus and Martinus that the kids are insisting on playing over and over again. In addition to Rivers by Tallest Man on Earth I´m also excited to hear more from band Tiger Lou who soon are releasing a new album after several years of silence. Happy (or melancholy) listening people!

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June: On my mind

It´s been a hectic and so lovely month with lots of fun at both work and at home. I can´t say that I´m sad to say good bye to this busy month though because now we are heading of for July and the holiday that comes with it. But before that, let´s summarize the list for June!

travel june

Travel: I´ve always wanted to go to the Amalfi coast but still haven´t gotten there. Definitely something to look into for next year´s summer holiday.

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shoes juneShoes: From now on it´s bye bye sneakers and hidden feet, welcome era of flip flops and sandals!

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flower june

Flower: I love the scent of Jasmine and luckily we have a big one in our garden. The rain did some major damage to it but there are still a few days left of one of the best smells.

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outfit juneOutfit: Every summer I´m chasing the perfect kaftan to live in during the holiday and I even though I´ve searched like crazy I haven´t found the right one yet. Bought a black one but am hoping to at least for summer use a little bit of color for a change. Maybe not orange but with some summer lovelyness to it you know?

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Outdoor space:
Leaving the traditional bedroom category for an outdoor space this month and what could be more suitable than a garden setting with a view, a space in the shadow to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. And yes – if you find my inspiration mostly comes from warmer places that is true. I adore what we have here in Sweden and that is where my heart is but inspiration often comes from what you don´t see and experience all the time so here it is. In just a few weeks this is where I´ll spend most of my meals.

Pic by me via my Instagram 

office june

Office: The kids actually had their last day at school and daycare yesterday so Summer break is on! It feels absolutely lovely and we are now at the country house but to be honest even though I hoped my holiday would start now I´m not quite done yet so there will be some hours…days of work still. But with a proper view and family around me I don’t´feel sorry for myself but will enjoy the inspiration this environment gives.

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words juneWords: So true I think. It´s probably because we experience the changes of seasons that we appreciate summer so much and it feels as if every summer has it´s story. This one has already started and I´m excited to learn the rest.

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food june

Food: Love googling beautiful and delicious food and recipes and I think when ordering a salad you far too often get something not very interesting. This one is so simple yet so pretty to look at and probably a perfect side or lunch. Will definitely try it soon. For more inspo on salads – check here.

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Series: I watched all of the episodes of HBO series ”Casual” in just a few days last week. I wasn´t convinced until after a few ones but then I started really liking it. Great casting and with a lots of personality.

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sustainable pick juneSustainable pick: One of summer´s best treats, flea market shopping! The market suddenly explodes and there are flea markets and car sales everywhere. The perfect way of reusing and making special finds. Look at my friend Maria´s guide here.

Pic, styling by me & photo by Pauline Suzor for Make it Last. 

Music JuneMusic: Singer Adam Olenius of Swedish band Shout Out Louds has just released a solo EP called ”Looking forward to the new me”. Sounds very promising and ”News are saying” is probably the perfect car track for this summer going through the roads with the summer green around you.

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May: On my mind

Two more days of one of my absolute favorite months to go and here is the list for lovely May. 

travel may

Travel: Right now I don´t want to go anywhere but to our house in the archipelago to enjoy what I love the most – Swedish Spring and summer with nature exploding in all it´s force to the most beautiful green and blooming thing.

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shoes may

Shoes: Would like to find something similar to these, preferably hairy too. Perfect to make a jeans and t-shirt outfit a little more exciting.

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flowers may

Flowers: Without doubt white lilacs right now. Love the purple ones too and we are lucky to have both in our garden so everyday the house is filled with their amazing smell. Reminds me of the feeling being younger just before finishing school for summer and still gives me that sense of excitement and expectations for the summer to come.

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Outfit May

Outfit: I´m very into everything from Totême and would love to have a summer dress from that brand right now. Classical clothing with no fuzz and details to love.

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bedroom may

Bedroom: Like I said, I don´t want to travel anywhere right now but to our summer house and the view is not far from this one. There is nothing like waking up to a calm like this. We are currently re-decorating a bit in the guest house as well and I´m really looking forward to getting my hands of that properly when we get there.

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Kitchen with doors onto the backyard. Stone was salvaged from same place as the coney isalnd boardwalk. Shelves are reclaimed scaffolding.

Office: A dream! A glass studio in the backyard. Yes please, anytime.

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words may 2Words: That´s literally what I´m doing all the time know. I LOVE spring and feel unstoppable, ridiculously excited and positive. The light, the smells, the freckles, the people coming out from their homes looking happy and equally excited, fun events, long mild evenings and holiday plans just around the corner. What´s not to like? Well, that would be that I´m sick in bed in addition to a crazy hay fever but can´t stop smiling anyway.

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food may

Food: I make watermelon and feta cheese salad almost everyday now and the great thing is that the kids love it too. Adding avocado, mint, lime and red onions looks lovely too so will have to try that tonight.

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Book: One of the most inspirational things I find is to look at hotel design and this book would probably be a nice addition to that. You can find it here. 

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Sustainable pick: Want new towels for the summer house and even though I´ve used these for several photo shoots I still haven´t bought any. Ecological cotton from Craft Collective with the cutest fringes.

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Music: The ”Docks” record of Amanda Bergman has been on repeat since released and recently the new single ”Taxis” came out. Just in case you still haven´t discovered this woman´s incredible voice, don´t miss out. Start with the most amazing track ”Falcons”. You won’t be disappointed.

 

April: On my mind

Once again time for the monthly list, here we go!

travel april 2

Travel: Just a few weekends away from going on a weekend trip to Berlin. My husband is running the Big 25 and I will happily be cheering from a restaurant table next to the course with a glass of wine. I´ve been in Berlin once before but was a bit unlucky with the weather as it was freezing cold and very windy so this time around I´m hoping for Spring feelings and new findings. Have any Berlin favorites? Would love to hear about it in the comments. I definitely want to visit this rooftop bar as I´ve never seen Berlin from above before.

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shoes april

Shoes: Since the weekend trip for sure will offer some restaurant visits I´m looking forward to leaving my sneakers for a while and step into some proper heels. Something like this would do it.

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Blommor april

Flower: This is exactly what I´m looking forward to at the moment. Just enjoying Spring and all the flowers and greens that comes with it.

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fashion april 2

Outfit: The perfect sand colored coat and a pair of white pants like these ones are on the wishlist. I haven´t worn white pants in years even though I love it on others. Hopefully this year will be the return of this piece of classic look even for me.

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april sovrum

Bedroom: Not that far from last month´s bedroom but this is still what I want. Open doors or windows with fresh air, lots of light and no fuzz.

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office april

Office: I´m just finishing decorating our new home office and one of the things (in addition to finally having two desks facing each other, so cosy!!) I´m really happy about is that we picked a rug soft and high piled like this one to warm bare feet.

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words april

Words: Trying to remind myself that all bumps on the road are to learn from no matter how tough they might be when you are in that moment. Not always easy but still true.

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food april 2

Food: Well ok….more like drinks. It´s time for rosé and pink bubbles and I´m for sure happy to join. This weekend we will be celebrating Valborg in Sweden and putting the religious old reason for celebrating this day aside – now days it´s more about celebrating Spring and welcoming the light by putting on this massive fire. Out with the old, in with the new kind of thing. I´ll be with friends and family hopefully with lots of sun, good food and pink drinks on the terrace.

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Book: Found this book through Editor in Chief of Residence Magazine, Hanna Nova Beatrice, and it´s now high up on the wishlist.

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susan hoff

Sustainable pick: Have been looking for a big beach bag that can fit all the things you want to bring to the beach. Inspired by Susan Hoff making these ones with sustainability in mind using retired sails and vintage horse tacks.

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music april

Music: Like classical music? Or even if you don’t, do not miss Icelandic super talent Ólafur Arnalds. A modern version of classical with lots of emotion and so beautiful it gives me goosebumps every single time. Start by listening to his most popular songs on Spotify and work you way down.

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March: On my mind

Last day of March and time for my second monthly list. Here we go!

Monthly List March travelTravel: When I was about 12 my parents and their friends rented a big boat – pram        style – and went through the canals of France. It was quite an interesting experience going through the locks and seeing France from a different perspective. My favorite memory is jumping of the boat, running to a strawberry field picking your own basket and running back to sit on front of the boat eating those sun warm berries. I probably won´t do the exact trip again but seeing this image made me think back.

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Monthly list March shoesShoes: This month is all about comfortable shoes as I (eh…) dropped a very heavy lamp on my foot and it went twice it´s size causing to say the least a little bit of pain. Already have too many Adidas but this pair could easily fit into the collection too. The love for details is constant.

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snowdropsFlower: The ”snow drop” without doubt. Finally signs of Sping all over are garden and everywhere else and it´s gives me the greatest feeling every year.

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monthly list march outfit

Outfit: Even though Spring is getting there I´m still into big and chunky knits a while longer. But soon, very soon, there will be an end to that too…

Pic via. Monthly list March bedroom Bedroom: I just want it simple at the moment. White crispy sheets, fresh air from an open window and not too many distracting details. And a Paris-view added to that wouldn´t be a problem.

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Office: An office with a view. Always preferred comparing to facing a wall in my book. I´m sure most people could come up with great ideas by this desk.

Pic viamonthly list march daydream
Words: I´m slowly dreaming and working on something that is hopefully becoming reality within not too far ahead. Meanwhile I´m telling myself it´s ok to daydream, that is often how the most fun things come to life. Now I just have to pick the brains of some smart friends to make this daydream come through.

Pic via. foodieFood: After having eaten everything but healthy throughout this Spring break all I dream about is a simple and delicious salad.

Pic via. Skärmavbild 2016-03-31 kl. 13.49.47Series: Last month this category was a book but I´ve decided I´ll keep it open and since I unfortunately don´t have time to read as much as I like I still watch a lot of series tucked in bed at night. Hopefully you´ll find something you haven´t seen or we can at least share the love for something here. This time ”Togetherness” on HBO. Described and ”some people have it figured out, these people don´t”. Perfect cast and caption of what life can be like. 

monthly list march sustainable

Sustainable pick: H&M initiates World Recycle Week between 18th-24th of April.  Any textiles in any condition from any brand will be accepted for drop-off for hopefully another ”reclaimed” collection. M.I.A is an ambassador for the project and the official video to highlight it will be released on April 11h.

Via Make It Last with thanks. 

kent
Music:
The song ”Egoist” by Kent. Last tour and last album, end of an era. I know I will be there in December for sure. Unfortunately no video available yet, but their good bye message is a piece of art itself directed by my friend Adam Berg. You can see it here.

You can see other monthly inspiration at Husligheter, Johanna Bradford, Krickelin, Seventeen Doors, Brass & Gold & please feel free to add more.

February: On my mind

I´ve been thinking about doing one of these of my own as I´m always inspired by others doing the same. I was also inspired and reminded when reading a post about loving listings by Sanna Fisher Nordström (big thanks for mentioning by the way!).

Original monthly list starter here in Sweden as far as I know was Johanna Bradford with her monthly listings encouraging other bloggers to do the same and there has been many great followers in for example Krickelin, Seventeen Doors and Husligheter to name few.

So here is my attempt and naming it ”On my mind” instead of list as I got caught in not being able to decide if it should be ”February list”, ”February listings”, ”List of February” or something else. Please feel free to fill in if you have a suggestion for a good name. All categories inspired by the bloggers mentioned above. Ok – February, here we go!

In Vail, CO

In Vail, CO

Travel: I can´t say that going to the sun is not high on my wishlist at the moment too but before that I´m gonna enjoy some proper snow and will be heading up north already next week. Equally excited about hitting the slopes as enjoying that hard-to-beat-feeling of super tired legs and sleepiness with a cup of hot in front of a fireplace afterwards.

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skor 1

Shoes: They are actually already in my closet and now I´m just waiting for the streets to clear up so that they can brighten my day.

ranun 2

Flower: Ranunculus – I buy them for work and I buy them for our home. In different colors, on their own or combined with greens. Every year it hits me how beautiful I think they are.

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outfitOutfit: I look far from this casually cool on a daily basis but that outfit would be perfect to match up my oh so pale face.

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sovrumBedroom: A perfect bedroom. Calm colors and no fuzz. I´m far from done with ours but new beds are in, the old headboard is out and hopefully soon we will get to what I´m dreaming of (without repainting the walls that would make the biggest change but also is a little bit too much work at the moment)

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kontorOffice: This office has been in my inspiration files for ever. Mostly because I love the idea of a duo work station at home for me and my husband. Finally (!!) we are getting there and within a few weeks we can sit opposite each other and work. We do work a lot in the evenings when the kids have gone to sleep so why not make it enjoyable? The room does not look anything like in this picture as our station will be in the basement but at least a 100% improvement from banana position with lap top in knee on the couch.

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wordsWords: I´ve been so so tired for the last couple of months without almost any daylight and the work load has been massive, not a perfect combination. But it´s still been a lot of fun and not giving up gives energy too. Writing this I´m hearing the birds chatting outside and I´m sure they are talking about Spring and that it is almost around the corner. Hallelujah to that!

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zucchiniFood: I might even start looking like a zucchini soon. I eat it every day at the moment. This recipe is a favorite. 

modekokbokenBook: It´s not new but I use it in my styling all the time as I love the cover.  Fashion and food combined in a great wrapping. You can buy it here. 

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skaphaSustainable pick: I love the products made by Tina Bergdahl of Skapha. I´ve got two of her cushions in my sofa and a basket functioning as a flower pot (you can spot it here in the window). All made in recycled materials.

half moon runMusic: I first got the tip of Half Moon Run from a friend in the car listening to music on our way to his wedding in this beautiful spot in Denmark. Because of that special moment sitting in the car just listening to great songs while traveling the incredible green summer landscape just hours before the wedding – this song will always be special to me. The band played in Stockholm on my birthday just a few days ago and even if we missed it I still was reminded of listening to them again. Half Moon Run with one of my favorite songs, Full Circle.