Sunday 31 August 2014

SLEEP TIGHT






Just a quick note can sometimes make someone's day.  So when you think of that someone;  a friend,  a sister or brother or mother or father, or partner- just do it. Say 'hello' or 'goodnight' or 'have a great day'. It will take less than 30 seconds, but could really make their day.

Here are a couple of messages which you are welcome to download and share

Sleep tight sweet darlings And have a great week!
And remember being thoughtful will always be fashionable

Xx


Friday 29 August 2014

ORDINARY LIFE



This week has flown past, this week my energy levels have also been quite low....  
Until today.  Cause on a Thursday evening I have a Tai Chi and Qi Gong class, and it pretty much is the highlight of my week.  I get so much out of it, it calms the clatter and chitter chatter in my head, it focuses my mind and it strengthens and relaxes and re-energises my body and soul.  I should really get back in the habit of practising regularly.  

After class I felt so good and energised I went for a run - in the dark.  Sometimes its quite nice, its a safe neighbourhood, and there are normally people around, heading home, or heading out, or also heading out for a run.  Was good to get some cardio in at the same time!

But... with all this abundance of energy it also leaves me quite invigorated at this late hour - and not ready for sleep.  So I washed my hair, and here I am - in bed, wet hair, laptop open writing this post.  

And that my darlings is just an ordinary evening, in an ordinary life ....  And I just love this quote, its so perfectly sums it all up.  

'  time stands still best in moment that look suspiciously like ordinary life  '

Sometimes we yearn for the madness and the perfection and the highs and lows of a magnificent life - and I do believe, life is magnificent and I love each and every moment of mine.... but sometimes life also happens in the not so spectacular, the not so special, the random everyday moments of just being, of going to a class, or a group or an event.  Moments of cooking dinner and having a nice chat with a friend....  We need to remember to live and to live fully also in those ordinary moments and to be fully present, fully aware and to fully enjoy those moments of just being ordinary.

Lets keep going in those ordinary moments -  those life moments - but at the same time....

'  keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable  '

Because the unimaginable still happens, and it happens sometimes, no most times when we least expect it.  So be ready, and leave a little room in your heart but in an un-expecting kind of way....

Sleep tight now everyone, and have a great start to the weekend tomorrow, yay its Friday!
xx


Images via Pinterest

Tuesday 26 August 2014

BLACKBIRD STYLING IN GOTEBURG











Beautiful interior styling by Charlotte from Blackbird; for Alvhem Swedish Property Brokers.
Sadly this spacious yet minimal property is no longer in the market...

via nordic days blog

http://nordicdays.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/inspiring-interiors-simple-home-in-malmo.html#/page/12

Wednesday 20 August 2014

MINI DUTCH ISLAND HOUSE BY 2BY4 ARCHITECTS

















Recreational Island House, in the Dutch lake area ‘Loosdrechtse Plas’ designed by 2by4-architects


Project description
On an island of 5 by 100 meters in the Dutch lake area ‘Loosdrechtse Plas’ 2by4-architects designed a unique recreational house. The house is a subtle frame that captures the view from the inside out and outside in. Completely anticipating on the client’s needs 2by4 has designed the house in such a way that it can customize the interaction with the surrounding nature. One of the glass facades can be completely opened so that the wooden outdoor terrace becomes part of the interior. To even more lift the inside-outside barrier the dark wooden facade can be folded open, creating a panoramic view to nature. The folded facade becomes an abstract perpendicular element that floats above the water. By opening this part of the facade the wooden floor of the living area is now directly connected to the water enabling the inhabitants to access the lake from the living room.
Although the size of the house is limited it still contains all the functions that are needed for comfort. Shower, toilet, kitchen, closets, storage and other functions are all integrated into a double wall. According to the need of a specific function the wall can be modified so that the spatial configuration changes, resulting into different atmospheres. The fire place, that hangs from the ceiling, also contributes to the changing of atmospheres because it can be rotated towards the outdoor terrace for those cozy summer evenings.
The orientation of the house is based on sunrise and sunset. In the morning cold light shines on the east facade, illuminating the white interior. In the evening the warm light flows into the west facade, announcing the end of the day.
Visitors that arrive at the house enter it in a series of sequences. Seen from the main land the house floats above the island. Arriving on the island itself the visitors are guided towards an elevated jetty that brings them to the terrace on the other side. The terrace continues towards the inside of the house where it stops halfway. Here the floor changes material and becomes a raised platform from where the visitors can look back at the nature they just came from.
Due to heavy demands after international recognition of the Island House 2by4-architects has started a prefab version of the house. I will maintain all the main features of the original design, but will be much more affordable, flexible and faster to built. The flexible prefab cabin can be used for a wide arrange of functions like garden house, small business unit, bungalow, student home, family holiday dwelling, mountain cabin etc. 2by4-architects even wants to strife to create a do-it-yourself kit for the more enthusiastic client.
I love love love everything about this - except the size - for me it can be just a tad bigger, won't you say?
Especially if there is a group of friends, or more than 2 people.  But on the other hand, I imagine your time will be spent mostly outdoors enjoying the lake and landscape and scenery - and indoors only for shelter and sleeping and cuddling in front of that cool fireplace!  For a tiny space this is one of the best designs I have seen in some time!  I love how the kitchen and bathroom components are slotted into the wall areas.  Clever idea right there!

Please can I have one of these delivered pretty pronto!

Via contemporist

Tuesday 19 August 2014

LIVE WITHOUT PRETENDING...


Big apologies for the long and unplanned absence from AnUrbanVillage.  Lots of life stuff going on, and not enough time - but I'm back now, and back for good!

Love love love this quote!

Via maika nagao