Sweet Little Things // Part 1

I've been gathering inspiration for a project [to be revealed in a bit!], and was on the hunt for children's items. Today, the wonderful world of stuffed toys. Ones made out of yummy fabric and colors. Man, there are some crazy talented people out there.



[Tuulikki Titine Owls; Smallable Starboard Ghosts]



[Blabla Dolls; Little Red Caboose Matryoshka Doll]



[Monsieur TseTse; Baby Pirate Dolls]



[Devo and Summer; Reddy of the Woollyhoodwinks]

Seeing these makes me want to roll around in fabric scraps and learn how to sew. There's a sewing machine in my parents' basement, sitting in a box. I tried to take it once, you know, sneak it out of the house while no one was looking, but my sister caught me and claimed she was "just about to learn how to sew." That was 5 years ago, and it's still sitting in the box. Isn't there a statute of limitations on this sort of thing? I think it just may find it's way into our trunk next time...

CPH // My Top Three

Here it is, my top 3 experiences in Copenhagen:

1. KONGENS HAVE [The King's Gardens]



We were fortunate enough to have some nice weather while we were in town, so we spent most of our time outside [which is excellent when you are traveling with a 10 month old; museum hopping isn't really her thing;)]. My favorite spot [we actually went twice because I liked it so much] was these gardens. They are beautiful, and reminded me of a mixture of London and Paris. There are sculptures everywhere including in the playground area.





2. NYHAVN CANAL // Boat Tour



Nyhavn Canal is glorious. We decided to see the city from the water, so hopped on the Netto boat tour [only 30 Kroner/person, which is about $5]. I can't remember what all these buildings are, but they are beautiful nonetheless...





From the water we could see national landmarks like the Amalienborg Palace and the new Opera House [below]. We would have seen the iconic Little Mermaid, but she is in Shanghai at the moment. How they managed to get her over there I haven't a clue.



Even if you don't take a boat tour, definitely make your way over to the canal. Charming architecture, cafe-lined streets, street musicians, wooden boats -- a must see. We had lunch and fed the pigeons after our tour, the latter being the most entertaining for our littlest traveler.





3. THE ROYAL CAFE

We ate lunch here, and I have to say it was one of the most interesting lunches I've ever had. They serve a speciality called Smushi, which is supposed to be a mix of the Danish open-faced sandwich and sushi. It's definitely in a category all it's own!



The middle one that we ordered was described as having "an exciting topping." Oooooo -- let's try it! When it came out, my sister and I looked at each other like what is that, and what are we supposed to do with it? Turns out, the exciting topping was a quail egg that you were supposed to drizzle all over the top. We ended up passing on the drizzle, but the presentation was spectacular.



I also ordered Black Tea from India. Not only did it taste delicious, but it was served in an equally delicious cup:



Another delicious thing about the cafe? Gold painted high chairs. Maggie liked them too.



Those are my top 3, but truly, Copenhagen is the kind of place you can just set off in with no agenda and have a ball. Needless to say, it was hard to come back, and hop straight into the first day of school!

CPH // The Streets

The streets. That is what I miss about living in a big city. There is so much going on. You don't need a plan or a destination, you can just start walking and things are happening all around you. And it doesn't hurt when the streets are lined with stunning, centuries-old architecture.



One of the main things I loved about the streets of Copenhagen was the omnipresence of bikes. You know those cargo bikes I like to go on about? They are everywhere, like no big deal, doesn't everyone have one of these? Even the post-people use them to deliver the mail:



And then there are the shop windows. You can be walking down some random side street and just happen upon beauties like these:





And side alleyways with delicious lighting:



And cobblestone everywhere:



[When we got back to shorts weather, I saw some little bruises on her knees! She didn't seem to notice at the time.]

I love the feeling of not knowing what could be right around the corner, hiding tucked away in some back side street. Like this restaurant we found: Magstraede 16. We had the best dinner here, out on the sidewalk eating thin crust pizza and drinking Chianti. By far one of my favorite dinners.



And as an American who has to keep constant tabs on her kids lest someone run off with them, it was so surprising to walk past stores and see sleeping babies in their carriages alone. No parent in sight. Because why would someone take a sleeping baby? Excellent question.



[The mom on the right came out right as I was taking the picture. When we walked up there were three sleeping babies without a parent in sight! Makes me wonder why the States are so different in that respect. Why can't we trust that no one would take our babies? Frustrating to say the least.]

Just writing about this makes me miss it. Sigh. I'll be back with my top 3 favorite Copenhagen experiences! And I'm thinking about writing up some "overseas travel with a baby" tips. We learned so much that might be helpful to others making travel plans!

There + Back

[Nyhavn Canal // hand dug in the 1600's ]

We made it! And I loved it. Copenhagen is an amazing city, one I'd highly recommend visiting if you ever get the chance. Travels went relatively smooth considering -- more on that later. We got home last night at around 9 PM, and both boys started school this morning. Good thing jet lag had me and ML up at 4:45 AM! Can't wait to share more about our trip, and thanks for all the travel prayers sent our way!

Can You Stand It?

I was looking through my sister's iPhoto, and came across this picture that she had scanned from a magazine. She had saved it for me because of the window treatments, which are stunning. And so is the tub. And the floors. And that sweet bruiser. I wish there was a "transport" button!

I also came across these vintage pictures of the boys:





Honestly. How does the time go by so quickly?

And here's Marie, the goldfish.



Weez had stayed in a hotel in DC where you could request to have a goldfish in your room. I'd like the job of naming them.

That's all the randomness I've got for now. Please send happy travel thoughts our way, and say a BIG prayer that baby girl behaves herself up in the air!

Disposable No More

I like it when everyday, traditionally disposable objects are turned into something else.

Sometimes elegant:



[Astier de Villatte silver vases via Elle Decor]

Sometimes just for fun:



[Copco coffee cup // This is my favorite coffee cup. I use it every morning and it always makes me happy. I gave one to my sister, and the housekeeper at her office almost threw it away because it looks so much like a paper one! Just FYI, I bought ours at Bed, Bath and Beyond.]

And sometimes both:



[Lorena Barrezueta ceramics]

But always charming and always eco-fantastic!

Scandinavian Delights

I'm doing a little research over here to get ready for Copenhagen, and thought I'd share some beautiful images of Scandinavian homes from the fantastically lovely emmas designblogg.

Recycled Tarps for Original Thoughts

That's the tagline for the new notebook by Freitag. It's made out of recycled truck tarpaulin, and features include:

-- a Pentel 205 pencil
-- three bookmarks
-- biodegradable ATOMA binding system

-- Insert features 68 assorted pages with different colors, lineations and functions.





I wonder if our kids will ever use pen and paper planners. Or if they will be so used to using the computer for everything that it will just come naturally for them to use electronic planners. It doesn't come naturally for me. Something about physically writing things down helps me organize my life and remember things. And paper. Oh, paper. Which do you prefer?

[Find out more here; via Moco Loco]

The Top 10!

Happy news from the studio: NOEL by b.wise papers was one of the top 10 designs voted on for the Minted Holiday Challenge! I am very excited, especially considering the many, many beautiful designs that were submitted. A BIG thanks to all of you who voted!!

To The Zoo

Visit the zoo this weekend without ever leaving your house! Bembo's Zoo is the most creative zoo around, and will be sure to entertain your entire household. What's the deal? Animals are created right before you eyes using their very own letters:







[Check it out here]

And while you're clicking around, head over to Minted and vote for what you think are the latest and greatest in greeting cards. Below is the "Fantastic Birthday" b. wise design that I submitted:



Have a good one!

All in the Details

I'm helping a friend find inspiration for her wedding programs and accompanying stationery, and I came across this wedding on Martha. The couple really paid attention to the details. Those RSVP cards are perfection. How great would it be to have all these hand drawn images from your guests [assuming everyone played along;)]? The favors are so fun and unexpected, and the seating cards and cupcakes are adorable.



A lot of these ideas would be great for non-wedding parties as well. Definitely has me inspired!

[Check out more pictures here]