It's Been Awhile.

Well hello there!

I can't believe the last time I blogged was (*gasp*) June 3... 2013! What the what?

So much has happened since then... I:

• visited Helsinki (twice!), Maastricht, Rotterdam and last but not least, Hamburg (I totally fell in love with this ultra hip & super friendly city)
• saw a lot of great films and read some amazing books (have you read this one yet? If not... DO IT. NOW.)
• fell in love with Prague (hipster) cafés. There's so many cool cafés popping up all over the city - they're my new obsession! If you'd like to keep up with my café gallivanting, check out my Instagram. A word of warning: if you're not into latte art, don't even think of clicking on the latter link
• got into pilates, power yoga and working out in general. While I may never be a true gym rat, I'm totally enjoying keeping fit (I'm also currently trying to put together the perfect fitness wardrobe... not very wallet-friendly, let me tell ya!)

Why have I been gone for so long? I guess I just needed a (looong) break from blogging. I gotta admit, I don't read as many blogs as I used to. I still love the blogosphere, but I'm more careful with what I check out on a daily basis.

Having said that, I am super excited to be back. I already have a few posts lined up, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that at least some of you haven't given up on me. Till next time... or should I say, see you soon? :)

Iittala Leimu lamps

I've been pinning up a storm lately, which has led me to rediscover my love for Iittala. I first got to know about Iittala when I was living in Helsinki (couldn't have been more fitting :). Finland has definitely shaped my appreciation of clean & simple design that's also highly functional (yup, I think it must be prettttty clear by now... I LOVE simplicity :).

This is why I'm totally head over heels for these Leimu lamps. They were created by Norwegian-born & London-based designer Magnus Pettersen for Iittala and were exhibited at Clarkenwell Design Week. I love the use of the word 'Leimu' as well - it means 'flame' in Finnish and since the use of light is a really important part of Nordic design, I think they couldn't have picked a better name.

The lamps have concrete bottoms but they are mainly made of glass. Pettersen has indicated that he wanted to 'combine opposites in a lamp'. Don't you think this lamp totally evokes cold & warmth? I love everything about it - the shape, the materials, the orange glass shade. Sophisticated yet cozy! Coming to an Iittala store near you this September (totally adding this to my wishlist ;).

Story via Dezeen
Original article by Dan Howarth, photos via Iittala

Role Model.

Robyn 'Dancing On My Own' (Official Video) from Robyn on Vimeo.
Do you have role models? I think it's important to have people who inspire you to go the extra mile (did that just rhyme? I'm trying to be all deep and this is what comes out... great). Robyn is definitely one of my role models - despite outward appearances, she hasn't always had it easy. She's had to work hard and in the end she's come out on top. I love her music but I also love her take on life. She rocks. 
P.S.: I know my blog has been in hibernation mode as of late, and it makes me sad because I miss having all the time in the world to blog. I have decided that I will set myself some blogging goals and see where that takes me. I love writing and I love blogging, and I'm excited to be back! :) 

Danish Days

Eek - I can't believe the last time I posted was January 3rd. I feel like so much has happened since then. I've been quite busy with work stuff & got really addicted to my new phone & got even more addicted to Instagram (you can follow me here - social media buttons are in the works!). Oh and I also sprained my hand last week (damn those icy streets of Prague! also, thank you, unknown gentleman who tried to help me, I appreciate it :) - it's nothing too serious but as you can see, I've been quite busy.

I've also been enjoying ALL THE SNOW (even though it kind of caused my injury...). Prague looks so pretty clad in white and since I'm not a huge fan of summer and heat, this kind of weather is right up my alley. Plus, what could be better (and cozier) than watching Danish crime TV shows when it's freezing outside? I hope I don't sound like a granny, but I admit I'm totally into the Danish TV show The Killing. I just finished the second season & it was just as amazing as the first one. Next up - me wearing a traditional Faroese sweater, just like Sarah Lund.

Last week, I went to see the Danish film The Hunt, which was also pretty epic. Or more like jaw-dropping. It's definitely no walk in the park (watch the trailer here and you'll see what I mean) but I loved it. Mads Mikkelsen killed it. Seriously, what is it about the Danish? They (& their hotness) can do no wrong in my book.

Today I thought of posting a few Instagram photos as part of my big 'return' to the blogosphere, but then I realized that I don't really want to duplicate content like that. I might do it in the future, but what I love the most about my favourite blogs is the fact that they produce fresh posts that I find really inspiring. My goal for 2013 is to produce (super awesome) original content! Which brings me to my question of the day: what kind of posts would you like to see more of on this blog? Illustrations, exhibition reviews, fashion stuff, design and interiors? Or something else (new) altogether? Let me know! :) xx

Photo sources: 1, 2

Baby, It's Cold Outside.

Today I got my wish - snow! It's been snowing for a few hours now and Prague suddenly looks completely different. The Old Town especially looks really magical (except for Old Town Square.. I'll never be a fan of the Christmas market there, wayyy too touristy & crowded). I met up with my friend Jitka in the afternoon and we went to a cozy little cafe close to the Charles Bridge. Afterwards, I just had to snap some super touristy pics on said bridge. The pic of my friend and I was taken by a really funny man who first insisted on taking a picture with me ('the photo will be really nice if I'm in it') and then finally offered to take a pic of the two us. :D All in all, I had a really cozy day today! 

What have you been up to?

P.S.: So many blogs have really cool Christmas posts this year, so here are some Christmas-themed links for your enjoyment:

Christmas in Copenhagen.

Fun gift ideas by Maiju, whom I interviewed a while back. 

DIY Christmas tree.

Brittany from The House that Lars Built has asked her favourite Scandinavian bloggers to share their personal Christmas traditions in her 'My Scandinavian Christmas' column. Every day leading up to Christmas, a different blogger shares their story.

Cool Christmas giveaway.

A really touching Christmas ad.

Aaaand... a thrifty Christmas gift guide. 

Interview with Henrik Aarrestad Uldalen

Today I bring you guys a special treat! I recently came across the artist Henrik Aarrestad Uldalen and I immediately fell in love. His dream-like paintings were unlike anything I had seen before. I was interested in finding out about the inspiration behind Henrik's art, so I asked him whether he would be up for an email interview. And he said yes! His answers are honest and thought-provoking. Definitely a rising star in the art world! 

What prompted you to become an artist? Tell us about your personal journey.

I have always done and enjoyed art. Mostly drawings. It is probably the only thing I've been remotely good at. But at the same time, I didn't really manage to pull off exactly what I wanted. It wasn't before I reached the age of around 21, under my education for being a teacher, that I discovered oil painting, and with that decided that it was indeed an artist that I wanted to be. With oil painting I could do what I previously had failed to do.

Which artists inspire you the most? Are there any young artists such as yourself which are among your favourites?

I find inspiration in a lot of different artists, both living and dead. From concept art to classic fine art and photography. Many of these artists are young, in their 20-30-40's. 

Your paintings are one-of-a-kind - in my opinion, they represent a return to realism while also retaining a very individual, 'contemporary' quality. And then there is also the indescribable dream-like quality of the art - it is as if we have all seen these paintings in a previous life. Can you tell us a little bit behind this concept?

Thank you for that. I'm always striving for better craftsmanship in my art, as I think that modernist art have neglected it for many years. It seems that the appreciation of a well executed piece of art, with solid craftsmanship is on an offensive. A renaissance. I agree that a good idea is important in art. But if the idea is the only thing with the piece, it should be an amazing idea. Which I think many of the conceptual artists today don't have. Of course with some exceptions. 

I have certain works with very concrete motives, and some that I simply don't know how to describe with words. I have always been fascinated by art that is both beautiful and dark. Art that is subtle and dual. That has perhaps rubbed of on the way my paintings look.  

I feel like your art is very 'Scandinavian' - the subtle hues, the soft emotions... Is your art influenced in any way by your nationality? Do you think the fact that you're Norwegian permeates your artworks?

I do believe that growing up in Norway has a lot to do with how my paintings look today. On the other hand, much of my inspiration has come over the internet. I also think that it's hard to define a specific style as typical Scandinavian. We have all sorts of art. But I'm sure the long winters have an effect on the mind. We do have black metal as one of our biggest exports. 

How do you think your style will develop in the future? Would you also like to beging working on completely different projects?

I have no idea. I live from painting to painting. It's so many things I want to do. Luckily I have a lot of years left to do just that. 

What was the most exciting point in your career so far?

I would have to say that making the cover on Hi Fructose vol. 24 was pretty damn cool! I have loved that magazine a long time.

Which of your own artworks is your favourite? 

I personally like the pieces where I have challenged myself with complex buildings and backgrounds the best. But the pieces I enjoy the most in the process is without doubt the portraits. I love painting portraits. 

And finally, a question I have to ask... What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Bust a move! And also, practice a lot. 

Thank you so much, Henrik!
All photos courtesy of Henrik Aarrestad Uldalen.
Thank you Simone for the inspiration! 

Thursday Thoughts

I haven't really had the best week so far. I was quite hopeful about a job a while ago (things looked really promising!) but now I'm not that sure anymore. :-/ I've been feeling really unmotivated job-wise in the past few... months, I guess (I was going to say weeks, but 'months' is closer to truth). I guess all I can do is keep my chin up, keep trying & hope for the best! I just wanted to put these feelings out there because while blogs can make a person's life seem like a fairy-tale, everyone has their own struggles. Personally, I'd like this blog to mainly focus on positive elements - that can't always be the case though!

The above two photos sum up two things that have inspired me lately.

1. Just a photo I really like - found it in Dolce Vita magazine. This is one of my favourite Czech magazines, it's all about fashion, design and architecture.

2. Swedish lessons every Thursday! I looove going to the classes, the group is super relaxed and fun and our teacher rocks. And getting better at Swedish is really exciting! :)

xo

Top photo by Benedikt Renč for the November 2012 issue of Dolce Vita

Interview with Maiju from 'my 2nd hand life'

TGIF! I'm really excited about today's post and I hope you will be too! On Wednesday I dropped a hint that I would be posting about something exciting soon and, well, it seems that 'soon' is today (I'm pretty impatient, if you haven't noticed yet ;). Soooo... a few days ago I asked the lovely Maiju from my 2nd hand life if I could do an email interview with her and she said yes! She was super nice about it too. :) For those who don't know Maiju's blog, it mainly centres on interior design - Maiju often blogs about her own home as well as things that inspire her. You really have to check her blog out, it's filled with beautiful photographs (Maiju's house is just amazing!) and witty posts. It really is one of my favourites! I wanted to interview Maiju as I was curious to find out about the story behind her blog.

Tell us a bit about how your blogging journey began. When did you start your blog and what inspired you to do so?
I started blogging in 2007 on my maternity leave. In Finland the maternity leave is 10 months, so I needed a nice hobby that I could do at home. I have always been interested in interior decorating, but when I at the time discovered interior blogs, I really became fascinated with the field and wanted to start my own blog too. My 2nd hand life blog I have had for two years now.

What do you like the most about blogging? Has blogging changed your life in any significant way?

Yes, it has definitely changed my life in a positive sense. I'm a creative person and blogging is a great way to express yourself and your ideas I think. And to get inspiration from other bloggers. Also the feedback from the readers has been amazing and really made me more confident about my visions and skills! And that's priceless, I think!

Apart from blogging, what do you fill your days with?

I'm a mum for a 5 year old boy and soon for a little girl too, if everything goes like expected. I'm also a public servant on the public sector on daytime - a job that isn't that creative all the time, but needs constant rethinking and new ideas too. I think that these two sides (being a blogger and having an administrative dayjob) go well together :)

 

You have a great eye for interior design, where do you draw your inspiration from? Has your 'interior style' changed at all in the past few years? What 'motifs' do you love using in your place?

Thank you, I read lot of blogs from everywhere - mostly from Europe though. I love the Danish style of interior decoration - black and white, contrasts, vintage items, playful details mixed with good design. A bit bohemian look I guess. To live in an older home with wooden floors, old windows and doors, several fireplaces and so on is something that I enjoy and appreciate everyday! I think my style has changed from more ruff industrial vintage to more clearer style with more modern design during the recent years.

What's your favourite thing about living in Finland?

Four seasons absolutely, all though having a long and dark winter feels many times a bit tuff...

Finland has so many amazing designers, who is your favourite?

This is a difficult question, I really can't pick one. But I think that for example Marimekko has a nice brand and products.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully happy with my family of four persons! I would also like to develop my blog and blogging to a stage, where I could earn some of my income from there. Just to have more freedom in life and do the things I love!

Thank you so much, Maiju! You rock :)

Photos of Maiju's house courtesy of my 2nd hand life

Stephanie Gundelach's Copenhagen Apartment

Today I am dreaming of airy and bright interiors which are filled with quirky and cool details. I guess this is quite logical - all I want to do is stay inside (it's still freezing here in Prague! I really want a REAL fireplace, thank you!). This is why I remembered stumbling upon pictures of a beautiful Copenhagen apartment a few weeks ago. The flat belongs to Danish fashion blogger Stephanie Gundelach and was featured in the October 2012 issue of Danish Elle Decoration. The place was styled by Helen Wiggers and photographed by the wonderful Line Klein. What do you think, isn't it amazing? When can I move in? :)

I think the last photo is my favourite - I'm kind of obsessed with the combination of clear furniture & wood. Clear furniture can also come in handy in smaller spaces, giving them the illusion of openness.

What do you think, could you live here?

Photos by Line Klein, from the October 2012 issue of Elle Decoration Denmark, via My Scandinavian Home

Zabludowicz Collection - Sarvisalo, Finland

Thanks to this postcard, I now have another arts-related place I'm dying to visit. And it's not really a gallery or a museum...

Swedish Music

Ha, it seems like I can't pry myself away from my new blog! :) I just have to share these 2 songs before I sign off for good today. I've been listening to these songs on repeat today.. and I'm still obsessed! I swear it's a coincidence that both artists are Swedish... seriously!

I guess I wouldn't really pass the hip(ster) test with the last one, but I don't care, I love it! Have a nice weekend! :)