Gothenburg City, Sweden

Two weeks ago the husband and I took a long weekend break to Gothenburg City. We found cheap tickets and decided Scandinavia would be worth a trip. This month has been a crazy busy month full of work, school, and social gatherings and this trip was a breath of fresh air. We played this trip very cheap, opting for free entertainment and fast food restaurants. We felt like we were back in the states, seeing McD's, Burger King, and 7/11 at every corner! Hubby was in heaven!

We stayed at a cozy hotel that had hot chocolate, coffee, juices, and tea on tap, as well as biscuits, breads, and rice cakes available 24/7. The winning point of the hotel was self serve waffle maker everyday after 5pm.- Hubby loves waffles, but he forgot to bring syrup... the Swedes don't drown theirs in sugar, and instead top with fruit jam's. We spent our time walking the streets, riding the trams, and relaxing in our hotel.

We also took a ferry to some of the islands. The islands are very small allowing no cars, and are made up of intricate paths leading to different cottage like homes. The inhabitants, leave wheel barrows around the dock, so once off the ferry they load their stuff in a wheel barrow and make the short trek to their home. They also cart fire wood and garbage back and forth as well. I decided if I lived their I would be a hermit painter, only leaving the island when I had to, and living the simple life, growing my own garden, reading, cooking and painting all day... A typical tree-lined street, such a vibrant green!
The city was the cleanest I've every seen in my life! Not one piece of trash in site! And the streets were all quite and friendly. All the cafes had outdoor seating with chairs covered in blankets for it's occupants enjoyment! So cute!

The town is also a college town, above a picture of one of the old university buildings, I love the ivy and it's fall colors against the red brick. Some home-baked sweets, looked SO good but so bad! All in all a wonderful much needed trip!

Before & After's

These images make you take a second look at all your furniture! And the bookcase you saw at goodwill the other day! :) Just strip, paint, polish and add some new hardware and you've got your self some great unique pieces!

My parent's have this:

This is a simple Ikea bedside table that was customized...

Mom, here is some inspiration for your mirrored bar in the family room...

I have this exact Ikea set! Wow, the possibilities!

Loving this apartment

This apartment is owned by Mario and Anne Grauso and was featured in Elle Decor. Mario is the President of Puig Fashion Group, which oversees Carolina Herrera and Nina Ricci and other fashion houses. It's located in Saint Germain of Paris.

I love it, it's so chic yet modern. I especially love the four poster bed with curtains! I'm normally not a fan, but I loved the way they mixed old and new for a more contemporary look.

Love it!

A healthy discovery

I've never been a huge banana fan, but I buy and eat them for 4 reasons:

1) They are cheap

2) Almost always in season

3) Good for you

4) Easy to eat and transport

Usually though, I buy them and then rush to eat them before they spoil. Over the weekend I made a profound discovery... bananas, with almond butter slathered on top! UMMM so good, and a healthy snack. I've also tried them with fresh honey and ground flax seed on top, which is also pretty good, but almond butter is definitely my number one choice. Give it a try!

Marrakesh

View of the Djamaa el Fna at night

Last Saturday we had a couple over for dinner. I had never met them, so as you can imagine the first-impression-meal was kinda of a big deal. I decided to call upon some North African influences and do a chicken and couscous main course. It has been 9 months since I've properly had this meal at a hole in the wall restaurant of the Djamaa el Fna market in Marrakesh. Marrakesh was amazing, full of culture and trade. I will have to do another post on my love for Marrakesh, because it would require a well thought out review to give it adequate justice. So back to the dinner and the dinner guests; it turned out wonderful! We had a fantastic time! I made, sautéed chicken breast with ratatouille couscous and apple and lemon olive oil . You can find the recipe here. Although it wasn't the real thing like our perfect night in Marrakesh, it was definitely a close second. We had a caprese salad with balsalmic vinegar as a starter, and Breyers homemade vanilla ice ream with a shot of dark coffee on top for dessert. When was the last time you've had a dinner party? If you can't remember, I think you should have one. Its important to build and foster relationships. It usually isn't too expensive, depending on the recipe, but just requires some time and effort. So think of a couple, or friends whom you haven't seen in a while and have a dinner party!

More of Marrakesh

A village we spotted on our way up the Atlas mountians, usually Gerber villages built into the mountians

View driving down from our snowboarding adventure on the atlas mountains

Friday Delights

My favorite day is Friday. I love Friday's because they are full of promise, fresh optimism for the weekend. Any jobs or things to-do can be put off on Friday evening and procrastinated until Saturday or Sunday. This weekend is especially great because Monday is a bank holiday here in England so I have it off! Not so for my husband though. :( Here are a couple of things on my agenda this weekend:

Running at the Rowley Mile fields-

Current read (I live near the places the book sites!)-

Wine- Campo Viejo Rioja Crianza

This wine is featured in my "The Wine Trials" book:
Ranked #2 of light old world reds under $15
This wine is aged longer than most inexpensive reds and has an earthy taste that "transports you to a rustic place"- books words, I just really like it. :)

Challenge of the weekend: I may be having some people over for dinner Saturday night. I'm trying to decide on the menu... I know they are healthy so that throws many of my go-to-sure-to-love meals out the window. :) Any ideas?
Have a wonderful weekend!