Oct 31, 2012

View the world with glittering eyes...



INNER BEAUTY
Hope you´re having a great Halloween! This is a favourite:

"Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it."
{Roald Dahl}
 
 
{Image from Pinterest via pinklemonadedesign.blogspot.com}

Oct 30, 2012

Makeup day - She´s one of the best





 
 
OUTER BEAUTY
One of the frequent search phrases here on the blog is "Bobbi Brown to Sweden?". I can totally see why, since this is one of the best beauty brands ever. Last week Bobbi Brown was finally launched in Sweden (e.g at bigger Åhléns). I have a lot of makeup from Bobbi Brown, having stocked up on it when being abroad. Most of it though comes from nearby Bobbi Brown in Copenhagen at Magasin. Those makeup girls at that Bobbi Brown counter are the best. As nice as super professional, always giving you the best treatment and advices. You will never leave with the wrong products. Otherwise you can always indulge in Bobbi Browns books or spend ages at  bobbibrown.com. I can highly recommend the live chat with Bobbi Browns own makeup artists, which I have actually done several times from Sweden regarding colours and products. (I know I may sound makeup geeky here but this outer beauty is as important as inner beauty and glow:) So why not turn to the real pros when they´re just a click away? Try it, you get the best advices and it´s fun and free. As I mentioned I have a lot of makeup from Bobbi Brown, but if I can only (which is impossible in reality) choose one product, it has to be the Award winning Long-wear cream eyeshadow. I think I have at least 12 different colours...This is simply put an eyeshadow that is better than any other else in texture, colours and staying power. What I also love about Bobbi Brown is that the whole idea is to bring out your best look with makeup. It´s still you, only better. And with a little more glow.
 
 
 
{Images from Bobbibrown.com}

Oct 29, 2012

Window to the world

 
 
 
 
OUTER BEAUTY
Sometimes I dream of bigger windows. It looks so grand. The only problem is that you also get a good look inside from the outside. What do you think, do you like big windows or not?
 
 
{Link with love! Images from Pinterest via 1nocturnalwishes.tumblr.com 
 

The Monday Peptalk - Successful people



INNER BEAUTY
Welcome Monday. A blog day focusing on our purpose and success. It´s always interesting to know what successful people do differently from less succcessful people. Copy paste so to speak:) I often read the popular blog Marcandangel and found this list on the subject. (I have shortened the list a lot, here is the long version.) This is no rocket science and most of it we´ve heard before, but still I think it´s great to be reminded now and then. I think a lot here is true (although not always easy), like focus on being productive rather than bussy, keep a positive mind and don´t let the negativity sabotage your life, maintain balance (really important) and find your tribe and spend time with the right people! What do you say? Have a great Monday friends!

12 Things successful people do differently
(that the rest of us can easily emulate)

1. They create and pursue S.M.A.R.T. goals

Successful people create and pursue S.M.A.R.T. goals that are: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. When you identify S.M.A.R.T. goals that are truly important to you, you become motivated to figure out ways to attain them. You develop the necessary attitude, abilities, and skills. 

2. They take decisive and immediate action

There’s a huge difference between knowing how to do something and actually doing it. Knowledge and intelligence are both useless without action. It’s as simple as that.

3. They focus on being productive, not being busy

In his book "The 4 hour work week" Tim Ferris says, “Slow down and remember this: Most things make no difference. Being busy is often a form of mental laziness – lazy thinking and indiscriminate action.” The solution: Slow down. Breathe. Review your commitments and goals. Put first things first. Do one thing at a time. Start now. Take a short break in two hours. Repeat.

4. They make logical, informed decisions

Don’t let your emotions trump your intelligence. Slow down and think things through before you make any life-changing decisions.

5. They avoid the trap of trying to make things perfect

Remember, the real world doesn’t reward perfectionists. It rewards people who get things done.

6. They work outside of their comfort zone

Significant moments of opportunity for personal growth and success will come and go throughout your lifetime. If you are looking to make positive changes and new breakthroughs in your life, you will need to embrace these moments of opportunity even though you will never feel 100% ready for them.

7. They keep things simple

Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” If you complicate your life by inundating yourself with too many choices, your subconscious mind will give up. The solution is to simplify. 

8. They focus on making small, continuous improvements

Making small, positive changes – eating a little healthier, exercising a little, creating some small productive habits, for example – is an amazing way to get excited about life and slowly reach the level of success you aspire to. The simple act of getting started and doing something will give you the momentum you need, and soon you’ll find yourself in a positive spiral of changes – one building on the other. 

9. They measure and track their progress

Successful people track themselves against their goals and clearly know what needs to be done to excel and accelerate.

10. They maintain a positive outlook as they learn from their mistakes

Successful people concentrate on the positives – they look for the silver lining in every situation. They know that it is their positivity that will take them to greatness. If you want to be successful, you need to have a positive outlook toward life. Life will test you again and again. If you give in to internal negativity, you will never be able to achieve the marks you have targeted. Don’t let your own negativity sabotage you. Learn what you can and press forward.

11. They spend time with the right people.

Successful people associate with people who are likeminded, focused, and supportive. They reach out to connected, influential individuals who are right for their dreams and goals. You are the sum of the people you spend the most time with. Find your tribe and work together to make a difference in all of your lives. 

12. They maintain balance in their life.

When you let your work life (or social life, family life, etc.) consume you, and all your energy is focused in that area, it’s extremely easy to lose your balance. You need to balance the various dimensions of your life. 



{Image from Pinterest via:reachingbeyondnow.com}

Oct 28, 2012

Vin Chaud for the home


Zermatt, Switzerland

OUTER BEAUTY
Hope your´re having a wonderful and cosy Sunday evening. This is not the best photo, I know, but I just had to tell you about the favourite scented candle of the season. Malene Birger candle in "Vin Chaud". It´s pure magical. It takes you direct to that little pittoresque mountain village, a Swiss après ski and Wham's "Last Christmas". I bought it two years ago, before Christmas, and sought for it everywhere last year, only to be told that they didn´t make that fragrance last year. One foot in in a Malene Birger store the other day, who had a scented candle lit on the desk, I immediately knew it was back. Of course, I cannot be the only one thinking this is the ultimate candle for late fall up to Christmas. This one sells out fast, I was told. So hurry if you want that magic smell at home.

Have a lovely Sunday evening!
 
 

Oct 26, 2012

BON Weekend!

High time for decorating for Halloween. This is a fab alternative!
 
Will definitely treat myself to (at least) a latte and cinnamon bun

Am behind reading Vogue Oct. Maybe sneak some time for that in the bath
(although a rather heavy issue, not great for bathing reading...)

Searching for inspiration and colours for the decoration
of the childrens rooms - love this calm white & blue combo
Also considering these colours in green
- and reminding myself to take a mental vacation:)
 
Thank goodness in the renovating mess -
we´re invited to pre dinner drinks by friends both Friday and Saturday.
 
The sudden colder temperatures means well done comfort food
like this parma chicken with asparagus in cream
 
Late weekend evenings - starting to review "The Forsyte Saga"
with Damien Lewis on Netflix
 
OUTER BEAUTY
Did this week go by fast, or what? So these are my plans for the weekend.  We´re renovating the second floor. Two big rooms will become four smaller, it takes some time...so this our main theme of the weekend. What are you up to? I hope you have the best weekend and get a combination of everything you need!
 
 
{Link with love! Images from Pinterest via 1 longislandprep.tumblr.com 2 archive.feedblitz.com 
 

Oct 25, 2012

Love is beautiful

Photo copyright by Kungahuset.se by photographer Patrick Demarchelier

OUTER BEAUTY
Isn´t this a really beautiful photo of two people in love? Well, it´s todays official engagement photo of Swedish Princess Madeleine and her American/British fiancé Chris O´Neill. This gorgeous black and white photo is just waiting to be a classic. We shall always celebrate LOVE of any kind, I think. Con grats!
 
 
{Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier/Kungahuset.se}

Oct 24, 2012

DvF's rules for key pieces in the closet

 
"I REALLY SELL CONFIDENCE,
BECAUSE CONFIDENCE IS WHAT ALLOWS YOU TO
DESIGN YOUR LIFE AND BE THE PERSON YOU ARE."
 Diane von Furstenberg to Interview Magazine
 

OUTER BEAUTY
Few people in the fasion business are giving us so many true words of wisdom as Diane von Furstenberg. She has talked several times of confidence and it clearly is something that has had a big impact on her own life. I would give anything to ask her more about this since I think she has a lot more to say about this...In the meantime she can tell us what key pieces every woman should have in the wardrobe. As told to the great newsletter GOOP who asked:

What are the 5 - 10 key pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe?  
  • a day coat
  • an evening coat
  • a pair of really high heels
  • a black cocktail dress that travels well
  • hiking boots
  • a cozy sweater and leggings
  • a sophisticated handbag
  • a wrap dress
  • a clutch for evening...
Do you have this in your wardrobe? I don´t have the leggins, since I´m not a leggings person, but maybe I should reconsider...I definitely agree on the sophisticated handbag, the evening clutch, the day coat and the black cocktail dress.

Have an awesome Wednesday!
 
 
{Link with love! Image from Pinterest. Text source Goop.com}

Oct 23, 2012

Under the Mexican sun...

 
 
 
 
OUTER BEAUTY
Now it´s reeeally autumn and the summer sun is long gone. Let´s go to Mexico, Cabo San Lucas for some sunshine. This is home of a Seattle family. “I fell in love with Mexico because I crave sunshine, like so many others from Seattle, and I was seduced by the culture and the language,” says the homeowner, a real-estate developer to Architechtural Digest. “I wanted this house to have a soft, warm, contemporary feeling, but with a Mexican twist." I think we can agree that they succeeded with that. And that we all could use a little Mexican sunshine.
 
 
 
{Images with permission from Architechtural Digest. Photography by Pieter Estersohn}

Oct 22, 2012

The Monday Peptalk


INNER BEAUTY
Welcome Monday and brand new week! I don´t know about you, but I´m a person that can stress myself with all the things that need to be done, all at the same time. Oh, and did I mention it has to be perfect? All of it...In worklife, with the years come some experience, thank goodness. Now I can tell myself; step back, take a deep breath, get yourself together and start prioritizing. Focus on what is significant here and what matters most. For this skill I actually thank my three children, who taught me this art to perfection...to be used at home, in work, anywhere. Life is so much easier with the knowledge of how to prioritize and focus on the significant. Or what do you say? Can you focus on the significant or do you have any other tips on how to not get stressed out on a bussy Monday?

If we only do one thing this Monday,
let´s focus on the significant
 (and leave the rest of it until Tuesday:)



{Link with love! Image from Pinterest via  bubbelsoda.tumblr.com}

Oct 19, 2012

BON Weekend!


 
 
 
 
OUTER BEAUTY
I´ve been longing for this coming weekend for some time now...especially after this pretty hectic week. We are five close girlfriends who are heading for a weekend of total relaxation, fantastic food (according to the rumours) in great New England style setting. Add to that a huuuge dose of laughs and talks that never seem to be finished. That outdoor bubble bath is waiting for us. Well, it´s exactly what I need right now to get in balance. Of course I´ll tell you all about this hotel later. How about you? Anything nice planned this weekend? Whatever you do, I wish you the best weekend!
 
 
 
{All images from The Lodge}

Oct 18, 2012

On the run between meetings...

Serene office
 
Prada
 
Olivia Palermo with her Birkin
 
Céline "Boston" bag
 
Rushing between meetings...
 
OUTER BEAUTY
Happy Thursday! Almost there, almost the weekend...Today I have a day full of business meetings in the city. The biggest issue is, of course, what to wear...A big statement handbag is always a necessity in meaning business. On my wish list is the gorgeous Céline "Boston" tote above...Do you have a handbag on your wish list? And since I´ve got to run, I leave you with these photos for business wear inspiration.
 
 
{Link with love! Images from Pinterest via 1homegoods.com  2capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com  3misszeit.tumblr.com  4atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com  5thepurplebow.blogspot.com}

Oct 16, 2012

A new era for SPA


 
 
 
OUTER BEAUTY
Going to the SPA isn´t what it used to be with a mud mask and massage...The SPA world is evolving. Meet Dr. Ali. He´s an expert in ayurvedic medicine and naturopathy with a holistic vision, that is to say he views the person as a whole. Dr. Ali uses both oriental and western medicine and has transformed a health concept of "preventative medicine" into treatments offered at the luxurious Castel Monastero in Tuscany, which I wrote about in this initial blog post. Dr. Ali has a long list of celebrity clients like Prince Charles, Richard Branson, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Claudia Shiffer and Kate Moss, to name a few. Or as the Daily Mail says: "Dr Ali’s credentials are impeccable and his results are astonishing". One can choose from programmes called; Detox, Slimming or Lifestyle Revitalising. I would really like to visit this amazing place in the (near:) future. It sounds like the perfect combination of beautiful environment, great hotel, the best food and promising spa treatments like those from Dr. Ali. What do you say, would you like to check in here and take some of the treatments?
 
Until then I let these guys tell you what they think about Dr. Alis' treatments:
 
“Dr. Ali has done us a great favour in pointing out the way forward during the coming centuries and I hope his books will help to revolutionize many people’s lives and reintegrate mind, body and spirit.”
HRH Prince of Wales

“I promise you, this is amazing stuff!”
Morgan Freeman

“Dr. Ali has an encyclopedic knowledge of the muscle & nerve systems that he applies therapeutically & energetically to get maximum results. Try it you'll like it! Guaranteed!”
Samuel L Jackson

“Dr. Ali tells you everything about your symptoms that you don’t want to hear, then how they came about, then he cures them.”
Lord Andrew Lloyd Weber