Our sponsor Maison’s Christmas issue hit the stands yesterday, and I LOVE it! They’re covering a huge range of different styles, all with the little extra.

 

Now this is Christmas decor with a twist ;) The yellow touches are totally not what I associate with this particular holiday, but boy, does it work!!

 

Cupcakes for Christmas too?? Yes, please! (it’s actually a great idea! )

 

 

 

 

We all know and love Norwegian interior designer Halvor Bakke, and “Stugan” where he celebrates Christmas is incredibly cozy!

 

 

Would love to cozy up in front of that fireplace with a huge cup of tea! 

 

 

This home is probably the epitome of traditional Christmas. Absolutely beautiful!!

 

 

The wreath with the wine red bows is absolutely beautiful. Am very fascinated by the stenciled floors! (more about that later ;))

Now, go and get your hands on the Christmas issue asap! I promise you you’ll enjoy it!

(their website is also filled with lots of eye candy. Check it out here)

 

All of the contestants got the same pictures for inspiration, and they can be viewed by clicking here and here.

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, and in Norway, we celebrate the four Sundays of Advent before Christmas. We celebrated our youngest daughter’s first birthday, went to see the Christmas tree in our neighborhood get lit and met Santa too!

 

This morning, I got the husband and kids out of the house early, and am enjoying the bliss of burning the first Advent candle, and eating my breakfast from a very pretty bowl. It just makes breakfast a tad bit more exciting, doesn’t it? I’m eating oatmeal on a bed of fresh apples and bananas, topped with cinnamon and rice milk. LOVE IT!! The stunning bowl is Morning Flirt by Elinno, which is available from Mandarin Chic.

 

 

Have a fabulous Monday morning, and I’ll be back later tonight with the last contestant in the Cupcake Challenge!

 

 

xoxo

okay, this isn't a Scandinavian brand but these shoes are so fab that I have to show them anyway!

This really is the perfect shoe in my book. I have long been looking for a lace up shoe that doesn't cut right at the ankle but continues up a few inches. With the "Packer Wedge" shoeboot, the Paris based brand Surface to air did everything right! I LOVE wedges, but I often think that wedged boots have a tendency to be a little butch, these ones on the other hand are cool yet feminine with its narrow shape and soft color.

 
The suede leather gives the color some extra softness, and the lacing gives this shoeboot some edge.

Love the leathered wedge and the patchwork detail on the sides.
"Surface to air" also have some other wedged beauties;

Buckles buckles buckles. wish summer wasn't over so I could parade about in these....

Ah, they come in suede gray as well!

Buckle and lacing in perfect combo. and the color again is just beautiful.

 

Do you have a shoe out there that’s just waiting for you?

 

xx
Ida

1. Brass / Gold

2. Chinoiserie

3. Colors!

Image 1, 2, 3

The third contestant in this season’s Cupcake Challenge, is the successful Chopcakes. Founder, Tone Oraini is very passionate about her cupcakes, and in addition to the regular kind, she also makes healthy lunch cupcakes.

All of the contestants got the same pictures for inspiration, and they can be viewed by clicking here and here.

1. Chocolate oreo with a variation of different frostings
2. Caramel with burnt almonds
3. Lemon with salty licorice
4. Dark chocolate with after eight frosting
5. Spiced cupcake with chili frosting
6. Coconut cupcake with banana frosting

Hope you enjoyed the presentation! Make sure to visit Cupcakes Confidential here.
Make sure to check out the previous contestants:
1# Olea’s Cupcakes
2# Cupcakes Confidential

Next Monday we’ll introduce you to the last bakery, Hancock Cupcakes!