Perfect Paris

Our fab lunch venue L'Avenue - the place to see and to be seens, and where the food is orgasmic

I nearly had the Billiecart-Salmon rose bottle all to myself (one of my favourite champs)

Mouth watering! I had lobster pasta and Bear chose jumbo prawns risotto

Taking in the beautiful architecture in what is surely one of the world's prettiest city

See if you can spot the Eifel tower behind me

the en suite bathroom

our huge walk in shower

the bathroom had a tub too

Room service - some more rose champage :-)

Strolling down Champs Elysses

heating up with a warm mulled wine

a perfect people watching spot

drinking cafe au lait

Dinner and drinks at the very extravagant Hotel Costes

And finally, the lights that wraps the Champs Elysees in a tinselly Christmas glow

Paris, here we come! :-)

Ok, so the excitement is building up. With Dolly Parton's lovely version of "Winter Wonderland" playing in the background, I'm packing for mine and Bear's baby- free weekend (yes, we really are making the most of having my Mum over, as I wouldn't trust Sean with anyone else for that long) in France's capital, where we will have a suite (thanks Bear!) at the fabulous boutique Hotel; The Pershing Hall.

I've just checked the weather, and there lots of snow today and tomorrow, so it will be all Christmassy when we arrive. Paris in Christmas winter wonderland, YAY! Can't think of a more romantic setting!

At the salon for a wash & blow dry

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Snowing in the capital

This is London today

It is snowing in London! And has been since this morning! Not the sort of chill you to the bones white stuff that freezes the thermometers like in Sweden. No, this is British snow. Light fluffy cotton wool-like snow, but still pretty horrible at the moment as it's not cold enough for it to leave a beautiful white blanket over the capital.

This is the more inspirational snow that I like. And it reminds me of back home....

Imagine this as your own private entrance - just gorgeous!

At the Clifton Garden Nursery

If you haven't yet bought your Christmas tree, or just fancy buying a nice in-door or out-door plant, you should visit the very inspiring Clifton Nursery in Maida Vale.

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random notes and ramblings

Its Monday again, which bites - but on the bright side, I'm one day closer to our weekend in Paris, and Christmas of course (hooray!)

My weekend - the very short version: Mum cooked two fab dinners for us, we wrapped some x-mas presents, had Swedish mulled wine in typical Swedish style with nuts and raisins, went to local market early Saturday morning for cheap fruit and vegs, had brunch in Starbucks and ginger bread lattes, and Mum and I ended the weekend last night going to a warm cosy pub nearby, where we enjoyed a long girly chat. We stumbled home safely , and joined Bear on the sofa watching the end of X-factor final.

This morning started at 5.50am when Sean woke up and decided not to go back to sleep, and bugged me for his milk bottle.

I've emptied the dish washer, put a load of washing in the washing machine, had breakfast and we are now, all 4 of us (Bear, Mum and Sean too), hanging out in our living room. Once Bear leaves for work, we will get a cab(!) to IKEA (we have just sold our two seater Carrera 4s cabriolet in anticipation of finding a proper family car such as a Range Rover) for shopping various stuff, having lunch at their restaurant, and of course a visit to their Swedish food shop!

Lucia & Third Sunday of Advent

And so the third candle should be lit today! Only one more Advent Sunday of the very Lutheran (and therefore also Swedish) tradition before Christmas Eve :-)

Another popular tradition today is Lucia, which will be celebrated amongst Swedes all over the country.

Have a beautiful day!

XOXO

getting in to the Christmas spirit...

....at the Dickens Inn pub and restaurant, that lies at the heart of St. Katharine's Dock

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Our night away in pics

On Wednesday I was wearing a black dress (meant for New Years but couldn't wait wearing it)

The dress has a zip all along the back which is such a nice feature. Here on our own private (outdoor) terrace attached to our hotel room. (looks warmer than it was!)

Bear in his element, drinking rose Champagne.

In love

Outside the restaurant, Scotts, as you are not allowed to take pics inside. Especially not as Gordon bloody Ramsay happened to sit next to me. Think I was star struck or what??? I love him! LOL

24 hours of festive fun – daahling! :-)

Good morning! I’m very excited this morning! Today is going to be crazy fun with a capital C. Crazy in the capital city, and fun fun fun with a capital F! Today Bear and I will spend one baby free night in a fab London hotel. It’s all kicking off this morning with an appointment at the hairdresser for a wash, treatment and a blow dry. Bear will come home after a breakfast meeting at the Landmark Hotel around noon.

We will then pack and get Mum organised with all the necessary bits and bobs (including writing down which one, of all the 5 remote controls we have, to use for the TV, which channel Sean likes to watch and stocking up on loads of goodies for him should he for some reason miss his mum and dad) to baby sit for a whole 24 hours.

No later than 2pm, we will elope in a black cap for a quick bag drop at the Mayfair Hotel. Not much later shall we head for Selfridges were we will start our Christmas shopping which we will carry on on New Bond Street down to Old Bond Street. Lunching will take place in DNKY (which I have earmarked a great place for a midweek casual lunch after shopping) where we shall no doubt be sitting with our carrier bags spread around us. I mean, what's not great about sitting in an open plan restaurant with a lobster salad, rose champagne and Bulgari, Gucci, Tiffany, Hermes and Cartier all around you? It is the perfect people watching paradise!

Once we are done with our Christmas shopping we will head back to our hotel room, kick of our shoes and throw ourselves on the fabulously comfortable king size bed with the finest Egyptian cotton bedding ( I have stayed in the same hotel on numerous occasions before and will post pics of Bear’s and mine last visit in another post), call room service and order some more champs (the hotel does not have any minibars – they’re so oldschool!) before we have dinner at nearby Scotts, followed by some bar hopping and then......who knows... the world is our lobster *wink*

We have decided that a leisurely breakfast in bed (room service again - no doubt full English one – you crave those carbs the morning after the night before!) ) is far more appealing than another city walking marathon with heavy bags, and sometime in the afternoon, or when the hotel kicks us out (late check out is requested), we will head back home, most likely itching to get back of our little prince and give him the biggest squeeze ever and just a sniff of his hair!

cool Kate

December issue of ELLE has got my favourite Kate (of Moss, Bosworth and Winslet) on the cover, and she looks gorgeous as ever!

Idyllic romance setting

Isn't this such an an idyllic setting for a little romance??? And a perfect place to go for date. When I walked past here I instantly dreamed myself away to Paris (we are going for a baby free weekend the 18th December), where Bear and I will do just that. Outdoor ice-skating - I really can't wait. :-))

Of the many ice-skating rinks in London during the winter months, this one is in front of the Natural History Museum. Somehow I'm thinking it will be a whole lot more romantic in France's capital.! ;-)

Here you'll find the nearest outdoor rink to you (listing all of the country)

This is how "they" should b dealt with

Sometimes when you open your inbox, you read something that is unpredictable and interesting. Like this story. And supposedely its completely true...

This scene took place on a British Airways flight between Johannesburg, South Africa, and London, England. A white woman was seated next to a black man. Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air hostess.

"You placed me next to a black man. I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an alternative seat."

"Stay calm please," the hostess replied. "Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I will check if something is available."The hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later."Madam, just as I thought, there are no other available seats in Economy Class. I spoke to the captain and he informed me that there is no seat in the Business Class either. All the same, we still have one place in First Class."

"Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued. "It is not usual for our company to permit someone from Economy Class to sit in the First Class. However, given the circumstances, the captain feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit next to someone sooooo disgusting."She turned to the black guy and said:

"Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please collect your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in First Class."

At that moment, the other passengers, who'd been shocked by what they had just witnessed, stood up and applauded.

Winter inspiration

With the winter quickly upon us, I thought the latest Hermes Winter 2010 campaign is very inspirational and suitable.

Too much details?

Good morning!

I often come across blogs that, in my opinion, are too personal. As much as I may be a little curious to read about other people's supposed stupid boss, latest conquest, kinky drunken night, an evil ex and run in with the police .

It makes me wonder if some people think before they blog? These people are the ones who don’t leave ANY details out. I have a fairly personal blog myself, but am still very selective of how much personal info I decide to share with you, especially since having a child.

Most people I know have or will eventually read my blog. Since having this realisation, I have tried to never write about anything I wouldn't want my friends and loved ones to read. Instead of censoring, I like to call it “sensitivity selecting” ;-)

I suppose the ever growing popularity of social networking sites and blogs have now made it overerly acceptable to be 'too personal', but what I think the uncomfortable part is, are those creepy people who do actually want to find out about you and your online activities (stalker, boss, partner, exes, etc..), and can easily do so using the net.

Well my aim is for Sean one day when he grows up, to read my blog, with gratification and fulfillment, but without embarrassment . I really hope I make you proud, Sean! I love you with all my heart!

In our household this morning; Sean, my number one, lounging in his new Thomas the tank engine chair that I got him

Today..

Today I ...

...adore my son who’s such a copy cat and eager to learn at the moment

...went to a baby playgroup with Sean and really enjoyed it

....plan to make minced beef cutlets (ala Swedish style) for dinner

....have had a strong craving all day for hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled over it

...wish me and my family stays healthy this Christmas

...have pretty French manicured nails

...wonder what we will be doing for New Years Eve

...can’t believe I’m quite liking Mariah Carey’s version of Foreigner’s “I wanna know what love is”

...won't let the grey weather get me down

....realise that balloons have a happy feel to them (our living room full of them from Saturday’s party)

...am having a bad hair day (oily), and look forward to washing it tomorrow

...feel happy and positive with the weekend just around the corner

Me time :-)

With Mum in town hanging out with my brother (who's off uni today) and with Sean having his afternoon nap, this is what Ill be doing right now.

Yup, a whole hour of a new episode/new season fab US drama, Nip Tuck, that I recorded last week.

I've changed in to my gym jams and cosy slipper socks and with a large cup of tea. Pure bliss!! :-)

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Central London xmas market

Opposite Selfridges in Oxford St has been a big empty site for quite a long time now. There used to be a building that was then demolished and now finally they are making use of the space.

As of last Friday until 3 January it will be a Christmas market with a German feel to it. Little wooden chalets selling everything from trinkets, clothing, Xmas decorations to bratwurst (German sausage) and gluhwein that will warm you in the cold. You should take your family, friends who are visiting from abroad, or pop in there if you've been shopping in town.

New jacket, N Hill & birthday party

Trying out Sean's new uber cool puffa jacket that his uncles Erik and Diamandis gave him for his birthday

Sean had a doze while Mum and I had a fabulous lunch on very the trendy Westbourne Grove..

..in Daylesford Organic, where the Christmas decoration where on full display
We then later popped in to see Sean's best mate who turned 1 today (i.e. only three days younger than Sean, and also born at the Lindo Wing)

Birthday boy Oskar with his mummy, my very dear friend Vivien