LLYT Glimpse: 8 Decor Elements Found In Every Scandinavian Home This Winter

There is something our neighbors to the North know about winter. And that is... how to enjoy it!

Since the cold and the dark are conditions that last for quite a few months out of the year they're not something one just puts up with for a short period, they are the reality of everyday life. What do our neighbors in Scandinavia do? They make their homes warm, cozy and bright! 

After consulting the live catalog of livingrooms (Thanks Instagram!) we have picked out the 8 elements that every Scandinavian home seems to have. And we're sort of obsessed. 

1 - The Star - Perhaps it is the Christmas star (jul stjärnan) or the advent star, or the North star that shines brightest of all. It is a star that is hung on windows with a little light inside. (See above)

• • •

photo by: @marenbaxter

2 - The Rocking Chair - More specifically the white rocking chair from Eames. 

3 - The "plus sign" pillow and it's geometric friends - It could be a black plus sign on white, or white plus sign on black, or a whole other color altogether, but it's a plus sign and it's right there in the middle of the room demanding attention, and for some reason completely irresistible! Julie from the Einstein blog talks all about it here. 

4 - White fury thing - We can call it sheep skin throw, but honestly it can be a fake one too, weather real or fake it's simply a furry white thing. Inspiration overload here. 

• • •

photo by: @jeanette-duaas

5 - Urbania Tea-lights - Candles, tea lights, lanterns etc, etc, the more the merrier. THE tea lights of note ofcourse belong to the Urbania collection by Danish designer Kähler. (World shipping available through Nordic Moods.)  

6 - The "Snow ball" lights - These are not Scandinavian, they are apparently Thai, but this winter EVERY home in Scandinavia has them.

• • •

photo by: @brenates

7 -The Omaggio vase - It has stripes, usually black, sometimes grey and this year it's GOLD to celebrate 175th Anniversary of the Kähler brand. 

• • •

photo by: @mokkasitt

8 -Striped Mug from Lexington Company -  last but definitely not least, is the striped mug. Speaking of stripes, the inconspicuous beige stripes and star mug is what's holding everyone's hot coco this winter. Don't be fooled by this company's very patriotic American look, they're a 100% Swedish company from Stockholm. 
    

Share your suggestions for a cozy winter, and use  #LiveLikeYoureTraveling!

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Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

IDEA150: Have the Perfect Fika Break

"Fika", in the Nordic countries, is a special way to have a coffee break. It requires stopping what you're doing to enjoy the moment in accompaniment of coffee, something sweet to eat and good company. In Sweden coffee breaks are mandated by law and an employee earns 5 minutes for every hour at work to have a nice coffee break which everyone usually takes at 10 in the morning and again at 3 in the afternoon. (With the help of my trusty calculator this averages out to 20 minutes per break if you work an 8 hour day.) Inspired by Maria's sunny fika in the park and spurred on by the resolution to create new traditions, I have decided to also give it a try. Then another... and another... 

• • •

{ Fika With A View } 

Above is a fika moment from last weekend in Porto, Portugal from our hotel's breakfast terrace. Coffee with marmalade croissant and a little fruit cup. I traveled with three friends (ladies on tour!) but since I'm a chronic early riser this was a moment for myself to enjoy the view and to journal about all the discoveries from the day before. Good company is actually one of the required elements for a great fika, but there is nothing wrong with having a fika all by yourself as long as you're taking in the moment.  Besides, me, myself and I are lovely companions!   

• • •

{ Fika On The Beach} 

Back home in Holland... during warm spring and summer weekends when the sun is shining we like to take the kids to the beach. There is a magical place with in-ground trampolines, slides and a whole menagerie of toys to play in the sand with. The magic lies in the fact that parents can sit down in a civilized manner at tables and order adult beverages all in view of their precious little princes and princesses jumping their brains out! This time it was the usual koffie verkeerd* for her and a cappuccino for him. When the nice waitress asked if we'd like cake, remembering that I now have a new fika tradition I quickly and rather loudly said: "Yes!" then I shyly pointed at Vito adding "one just for him". The only problem is that my husband is not a 'sharer' so I only got one measly little bite... of white fluffy heaven! We sat back in the sunshine enjoying the sea view and the bouncing children. 

*koffie verkeerd - translated from Dutch means "coffee done wrong" because it has "too much" milk. I would venture further to say that according to culturally conservative Dutch nature anything in abundance is considered over-indulgence and therefore wrong and thus too much milk in coffee is just "wrong". Well, to that I'll say: "if this is wrong, then I don't want to be right". 

 • • •

{ Fika, The Family Affair }  

Here is another perfect example of the fika. Last month we went on what has now become an annual Easter weekend family trip. We arrived at our Bungalow Park and instead of frantically trying to "settle in" our cabin we headed straight to a very cozy lounge with fireplace and view of the little lake for coffee and cakes. (I had one of my own this time.) It was a much better way to settle in and celebrate the start of a long weekend all together. 

• • •

{ Fika Portuguese Style }  

Back to Porto! These are the famous pastel de nata, delicious creamy egg custard tart in flaky crust. Served warm with a sprinkling of cinnamon and nutmeg on top. These beauties were accompanies by a galão, the Portuguese version of cafe latte (or koffie verkeerd), served in a taller glass with a long spoon to mix copious amounts of sugar that you're expected to put in your coffee. This time we were all together having an afternoon pick me up after spending the entire day walking around Porto, making new friends, and getting used to inclines (Netherlands in contrast is very flat). 

{  Want more global coffee traditions?
Follow our Pinterest board: Around the world in a Coffee Cup  }
 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

To travel is to discover that we are much more similar then different. 

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IDEA146: Find Fresh Pickins that Will Make You Smile

This month we join our OTSP Glimpse with lovely neighbor Trishie's Floral Fridays. There's nothing like having fresh flowers around the house and for me it's a must. It's a sure way to *make me smile* and I love the reactions that they elicit from guests who visit. They step closer to touch and smell the flowers ;) It's essential that I surround myself with a vibrant and multi-sensory environment. It draws out my creativity and it's almost a distraction if I things just don't feel good. (Good-kind-of-crazy Allium balls pictured above)

One of my biggest tricks to making it affordable to have these pick-me-ups every week, is to use little bud vases, much like the kind you might find in your neighborhood cafe. With a small vase, you only need to a few stems of 2-3 types of flowers or filler plants to create a really unique arrangement. Cost wise, these were all fresh pickins straight from my garden or yard, so that's a bonus. Plant spring, summer and fall blooms and you'll have something to play with all season long!  When picking out what types of flowers to grow... my mind quickly goes to a garden like this in Taiwan. 

• • •

A few of my favorite fresh pickins...

The roses in the front parkway have white markings on them that make them extra romantic and exotic to me. I like to combine it with a pop of yellow prarie flowers to compliment each other. Are you smiling yet? ;) 

• • •

Oh daffodils! They are the first to spring up and I don't mind pairing them it with a stem from a flowering bush. I'm all about using all varieties of plants to create enduring combinations!

• • •
Now Queen Anne's Lace...they are a real treat and can go for $3+ a stem in a shop or you might easily find some growing like weeds on the side of the road. How ever you come acquire one, their intricate and delicate petals makes for a great contrast next to a bold graphic bloom like the coneflower (echinacea).

• • •

Lily of the valley couldn't be cuter with their bell shaped petals the size of a pencil's eraser. They are so sweet and fresh...perfect for a space where you might not expect it. 

Floral Fridays is a monthly photography project with different themes each month.
This series is about fun & taking time out to smell the flowers. To play along, please email Trishie (trishie@underlockandkeyblog. com) for next month's theme.

  {  Want more ideas? Follow our Pinterest board: Urban Garden  }

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED #55    • • •

Love it? Share it! - We are dedicated to sharing stories that spark ideas and are meaningful to you. The best way to let us know is by posting a comment, like below or pin it on Pinterest! ~ For More ways to Live Like You're Traveling follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

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IDEA145: Get Deliriously Happy with Samba

{ Beija-Flor Samba School at the Sambadrome in Rio, Brazil} 
via @stefany_dentista

Are you aware that the biggest party of the year is happening as we speak all over Brazil!? It's Carnival time!  A week long party with samba school parades, music, street parties and elaborate balls when Brazilians simply stop everything and just basque undisturbed in delirious happiness. What is "delirious happiness"? It is a capability to let go of any problems or issues and to concentrate solely on being happy in that moment. It is an amazing skill that Brazilians possess and we all should learn. Let's go and take a peak...

• • •

{ The elaborate floats, Beija-Flor at the Sambadrome }  
via @kadudantas
 

In Rio de Janeiro, in the famous Sambadrome, Samba schools parade for two nights, showing off their elaborate floats, singing, dancing and going wild together with the crowd. The parade usually starts in the evening and goes till just about sunrise.  

• • •

{ Street scene, Salvador de Bahia }  
via @claudio_vasconcellos
 

In Salvador de Bahia and other cities the carnival is more 'grounded' where the spectators actually take part of the procession following their chosen samba school. Outside of Rio the celebrations have more of a street party feel.  

• • •

{ Deliriously happy in Salvador de Bahia! }  
via @prizinha_

Whether you're in Rio or Salvador the way it works is you buy a ticket for the duration of the carnival which gets you a spot in a "Camarote" or team if you will. Your camarote organizers takes care of everything such as security, designated area to watch the processions, after parties, open bar and cold buffet. You also wear the same outfits to stay distinguished from other groups. A full access ticket for the entire week of the carnival can run you about $600-$800. I wasn't kidding when I said "undisturbed" happiness, you don't have to think of anything except having fun for a whole week straight! 

• • •

{ Equally delirious in Rio! }  
via @amandacapellani
 

I had a special chance to learn about this delirious happiness when I visited Rio with a good friend of mine who is Brazilian. There is nothing like sampling it first hand and I highly recommend it for everyone young and old-er. It's not about partying non stop and going crazy, it's about being able to turn off all your "troubles" and just get happy for the sake of being happy and alive. It's one magical skill! It does take practice if you're not used to it. Brazilians practice it weekly, and they've even designated a special day for it, it's called "sexta-feira" or Friday... Once Friday comes, nothing else exists except getting together for a barbecue, meeting at the beach, and simply enjoying time with friends and family. Not a bad guide for a weekend.

Learn more about the carnival vocabulary.  
Perhaps plan to visit in person next year?

And don't forget, there is probably a Brazilian Carnival celebration happening right in your own city!

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED #54    • • •

Learn to be deliriously happy and you'll learn how to notice the blue horizon above your challenges. 

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IDEA143: Get On the Edge

{ P on Mt. Huashan in Huayin, China }  

Why is it that when we travel it's so easy to take all kinds of risks? Maybe because we're somewhere for the first time and we don't know when we might be back, so it's always a "once in a lifetime chance"? We bravely climb things we probably should not be climbing, since "this mountain ONLY exists here!" We eat things that... well, are most definitely NOT kosher, because when in Tokyo...we talk to strangers as they're not really strangers they're fellow friendly travelers, and that makes them practically family! And we speak our minds, since our friends are not here to judge us and our co-workers will never hear the drift of it...

Boy... sounds like we live on the edge when traveling and have one heck of a time!!! 

• • •

{ Mu-Hsien climbing Jade Mountain in Taiwan }

The other day I came across a terrifying looking hike. Immediately a thought crossed my mind, "I would NEVER..." As I continued looking at the pictures of the happy and smiling travelers I reluctantly admitted to myself that yep, I probably would have. If I'd have found myself at the entrance to the trail, I'd have talked myself into risking my life doing the plank path just because it's a "once in a lifetime chance!" When is the next time I'll get an opportunity to have tea at Buddhist temple on Mt. Haushan??? 

So what happens when we get home? We don't even want to leave the house if it's a bit rainy... Where does our sense of adventure go? But there is no Mt. Haushan where I live! And the mountains we have, I've done them! You might say pouting cutely while stomping your fuzzy bunny slipper. (And when I say "you" I mean "me," because I totally stomp my feet.) 

• • •

{ L in Colorado, USA }   

No Mt. Haushan where you live? Oh really!? Maybe it's really not about a MOUNTAIN. It's about having the guts to live out experiences that get our blood pumping and heart racing, that make us say: "wow I can't believe I'm doing this!" And really, the opportunities to have these kinds of experiences are all around us if you really think about it. Let us count the ways...

Do you love your job? If not, then why not look for another one? If you're in the wrong field all together, change fields! Scary huh? Less scary then Mt. Haushan or..?

Is there someone you've been meaning to apologize to? And it's been years? Why not call them up... Blood pumping yet?

What about organizing your garage? Ok, less dramatic, but I bet the sense of accomplishment just might equal one after climbing Mt. Haushan. (This is on my list.) 

We shouldn't loose our gutsy side just because we are not in a picturesque, once in a lifetime setting. The decision process to take the risk and go for it is really the same whether we climb a dangerous mountain or decide to change something in our lives.   

I personally am very risk averse when it comes to climbing things, so there is no dangerous looking picture of me, but trust me I get out on the edge in other ways. Like those magenta, crocodile print boots I got in Prague...and now I leave you to meditate on all this at the Pulpit Rock.

• • •

{ @Lyngaasa, Pulpit Rock in Stavanger, Norway }  

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED #53    • • •

Risk taking is a sport of it's own. 

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IDEA141 : Make a Symbol of Love, Uniquely Yours

{ Above: Nora & T. - Switzerland }

My ring represents our meaning of love, that much like the moon, it can be shiny and sparkly...and yet is sometimes a rough trail. T. designed the model out of wax and the goldsmith did the finishing in gold.

Symbols of love come in all shapes and sizes. Most important are the people, cultures and beliefs that are brought into union. Today, we glimpse the wedding rings across several of our global neighbors! In each case, you'll find that the materials, process, design and meaning are all so varied. Probing deeper...they let us in to answer, what makes it uniquely yours?!

• • •
Courtney & M. - Mexico

(Lovely neighbor Courtney, over at Chiapas Bazaar) wanted something simple, beautiful, and most importantly, meaningful and symbolic. We decided on using one of the few organic gemstones in existence, a 25 million year old tree resin that is found in a few places in the world, one of which happens to be the state where my husband was born and raised. We chose a piece of faceted amber and had it mounted as a solitaire in white gold by a local artisan. We love the way it turned out, its uniqueness, that it comes from organic materials and was locally made in Chiapas. The artisan who made the ring kept repeating,'it is a true jewel, no one else will have something like this.'

How beautiful to weave in your husband's home town and local artistry...and there's something about amber that embodies the mystery of the earth's history!

• • •
Karen & J. - Chicago

My father-in-law's grandfather had this ring made for his future wife sometime around 1919 or 1920 in Germany before they left to come to the United States. When my husband had it appraised, the jeweler said everything about this ring is hand-crafted from the cuts on the stone itself to the delicate filigree work in the setting and down the side. It was saved for the wife of my husband (the only boy of four). The diamond has a flaw in it, but it's part of his family history and I wouldn't want any other ring.

Ohhh...Karen, all the way from Germany...this ring was destined for you all along!

• • •
Audrey & S. - Chicago

The engagement began with the mountain rings. Each member of S’s immediate family has one of these rings—handmade by an artisan in Alaska and modeled after the mountain range along the Kachemak Bay. The view has always struck a chord with S’s parents, and became representative of their wild Alaskan natures.

S. has always been my stars, and I’ve been his moon. We’ve never yearned for diamonds or glamour, so we wanted to find something simply representative of our past, present, and future. With a Portland-based jeweler, we designed the sapphire wedding rings to represent the moon circling the sky over the mountains, in a perfect union. 

How beautifully symbolic and the pieces truly *fit* together, just like the two of you!

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED #51    • • •

There's a story behind every ring.

Love it? Share it! - We are dedicated to sharing stories that spark ideas and are meaningful to you. The best way to let us know is to post a comment, like below or pin on Pinterest! ~ For More ways to Live Like You're Traveling, follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

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Love Without Borders : Phoebe & Ronnie, Create "Many Many Adventures"

about 10 years ago

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Do What You Love...Right Now.

Yesterday we put extra layers on and went for a walk on the beach. My first time seeing an open sea was when I was eight years old and my parents and I went to Sevastopol. I remember my dad pointing towards what seemed to be just a darker patch of sky in the distance and telling me that it's the sea. I was almost afraid to approach because it seemed that the sea would spill over washing us away. 

From that moment I was in love with "it,'' all of it! The salt, wind, sand, a bit of danger, a lot of adventure and a shimmering horizon that promises...well, anything even an eight year old can dream up. There on the horizon everything is possible! Romantic isn't it!? 

Speaking of the far away horizons... The other day a mysterious packet arrived all the way from Costa Rica. Sofia sent me a garland made of colorful leather patches, a bit of Costa Rican colors to decorate Netherlands with. I was beyond excited and it was immediately decided that the "colors" are coming with us to make their first international appearance at the beach! 

{ "Costa Rican colors" flying high on a North Sea beach...Made by cueropapel&tijera. }

• • •

The idea was to bring a bit of Costa Rica to our North Sea beach. A symbol of international friendship and a reminder that we really are closer to each other then we think, all part of a big global village. As I was trying to snap a picture of the garland being thrown here and there by the strong wind I noticed something. There, dotting the water were surfers. Yes surfers! This is Northern Europe... in the middle of WINTER! But there they were on their boards! 

It's not the first time we've see them, they're always out there. But with Costa Rica on my mind I said to Vito, why don't these crazies just move to Costa Rica if they love surfing so much. Vito said: "Why should they? They seem pretty happy surfing right here." And there it was, the Aha! moment (again). That's true! Why should they move somewhere else!? They're doing what they love right here at HOME!!! 

I'm guilty of this as anyone else, not doing certain things that I love because I get caught in the "If this, then, that" statements. If I lived in the warm Costa Rica, then I would take up surfing. If I lived on a Caribbean island, then I would run on the beach every day. If I win the lottery, then I will quit my job to sail on my pimping yacht around the world...

• • •

{If I lived in the time of Ben-Hur, then I would ride an epic chariot...
No "if this, then that" statement is stopping these guys! }

• • •

Do you do this too? In our defense, it's natural to do this. We go on vacation we try new sports, new foods, we get inspired, and we come home sad that we can't partake of these experiences anymore. Ohh, if I was...then I would... Let's ask ourselves what's really stopping us? Is it REALLY impossible to do what we want? What is your "if this, then that" statement that is holding you back from doing what you love right now???

• • •

Jump start your week and flip the statement! "If I really want to...then I WILL make it happen!"
 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED   • • •

If you really want to surf, then grab your board.
The waves are closer than you think.

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IDEA135 : Infuse Your Days with Costa Rican Colors!

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Dim Sum Like a Pro - What to Order

{ Above : Steamed Sticky Rice - meat stuffing wrapped in lotus leaves }

Dim sum can be intimidating. Carts are zooming past you from all directions...filled with mysterious bamboo containers and the room hums with what seems to be a secret communication between the many attendants and guests. Well today I'm arming you with insider knowledge. Consider it your must-have list (more advanced delicacies will be saved for another day) Imagine for a moment that I will be your *friend* that takes you out to dim sum...who will do the ordering for you.  
 

Shall we begin? 

• • •

The bill. There will be some furious scribbling on on a bill like this each time an attendant hands you a dish. All of the dishes are considered small, medium or large and are charged accordingly. Don't even worry about this.

• • •
We have to start with a round of dumplings. Immediately.
All kinds of dumplings! Potstickers, steamed shrimp and veggie ones. One of everything!
They come in cute little bamboo containers... we just can't go wrong!

• • •
Then we move on to root vegetable that is not as common....Taro Cake 
Crispy on the outside and soft (potato-like on the inside with savory little pieces of meat and shitake). Fantastic with soy sauce and a dash of chili oil! - We may have to order a couple as I might have one of these to myself...  

• • •
Then we flag down a cart to get fluffy steamed BBQ Pork Buns with a semi-sweet and salty filling. This is almost always a favorite for the table.

• • •
By this time, I will have ordered a large bowl of Hot and Sour Soup for the table.
We'll need it to help wash things down...and just because my all-time favorite soup! 

• • •
Now just to balance things out a bit...we get in some Chinese Brocoli with Oyster Sauce

• • •
And just when we think we've had our fill of little dishes...I put this light and refreshing dessert in front of you. Almond Jello with fruit. A childhood favorite! I used to make this at home all the time...just the smell of almond extract would make me so happy!

• • •
And just because you need to try this too...we squeeze in ONE more. Red bean pastry.
It has a crispy chewy rice skin with a sweet red bean paste filling.

Are you full yet?!  The great thing about all these little dishes, is that you end up trying a variety of flavors, but not necessarily feeling stuffed at the end. In the spirit of trying something new this week...we are going to start a new tradition of celebrating Chinese New Years by introducing friends to dim sum at our local Chinatown. And with this little cheat sheet...now you can dim sum like a pro without me!  
 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Even if you're feeling adventurous,
it doesn't hurt to have a guide.

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

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IDEA137: Bring Good Luck with a Chinese New Year's Tradition

I feel pretty lucky to know another home outside of the U.S...to know another language...a whole very different culture from the American side of me. I was born in Taiwan and with Chinese New Year's coming up and all, I figured I'd give you a little glimpse into what fond memories I have of my hometown AND to give you a peek into some of our Chinese Traditions. 

I'm hoping that some of this *luck* will rub off on you this week! 

• • •

{ 18 Peaks Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan }  
Taiwanese people are serious about their parks. It's a way of life. Zen-like parks are everywhere. You'll find old and young enjoying the flowers and many hiking trails overlooking mountain peaks and views of the city.

• • •

{ Hsinchu Noodle Stand } 
We are pretty darn serious about our food as well. And I don't think my husband really understood
why I love noodles so much until he tried them for himself in my hometown. 

• • •

Every time I smell the exhaust of scooters...I am instantly transported to a bustling scene like this.
Although it's a small island, it should not be understimated...my grandmother had dial up before I did!

• • •

{ Sun, Moon, Lake, Nantou, Taiwan } 
Meanwhile in the countryside...it's as though you've stepped straight into a mystical story.
Taiwan's mountainscapes are a favorite. They have a distinct way of layering and fading into the distance.

• • •

{  Chinese New Year's Tradition }
I used to love seeing these red envelopes. They were always filled with LUCKY MONEY 
gifted from my parents or elders! Red is a symbol of good fortune and practically everything is red...This is just one of many aspects of New Year's to bring in luck. Families also clean the house to sweep away the bad luck and making room for good fortune in the coming year. (via @zyucy)

• • •

{ Lantern Festival 2013, Hsinchu, Taiwan } 
This marks the end of the chinese lunar year, and the end of the New Year's celebration.
(My cousin pictured is clearly too excited about this all to keep it to herself) 
 

• • •

New Year's is a big deal. Parade of lights, light up the town along with the lanterns...
(via @ben_issac)

2014 is the year of the Wood Horse, and each year the symbolic animal brings on a certain "vibe" to the year. Not all animals bring good things to the year. Fortunately for us, horse year is considered VERY LUCKY...so get ready for big wins, romance and unexpected adventures!

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Love it? Share it! - We are dedicated to sharing stories that spark ideas and are meaningful to you. The best way to let us know is to post a comment, like below or pin on Pinterest! ~ For More ways to Live Like You're Traveling, follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

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IDEA138: Cook a Chinese New Year Meal

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IDEA136: Look Up & Get Lost in a Skyscape (Riviera Maya)

I did double-takes...triple-takes and allowed myself to get lost in it. Lost in each of the skyscapes that I encountered on our last-minute 5th yr. anniversary trip. Last summer, we set off to the Riviera Maya in Mexico for a little exploration and R&R. It takes me a few days just to unwind and get used to not having to be so darn *productive* all day, so I definitely took note of these times where nothing else really mattered...no worries fought for my attention and no problems were needing to be solved. 

Here is to allowing for some drop-everything-to-take-it-in moments this week!
Warning! Looking at these may cause a calming effect!

• • •

Returning to our casita, I turned around before stepping inside,
to notice that the sun was saying goodbye over the serene water...

• • •
As we headed out to dinner, I stopped in the middle of our stairs. 
This unassuming little moon had my attention.

• • •
I made an effort to get up earlier than usual and this was my reward. 
When the heavens speak...I listen!

• • •
And sometimes a little orchestration is called for,
Room service with a view doesn't just happen on its own!

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Look up to the sky for your anchor. 

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