Weekend Inspiration #38

Life Without My Iphone

Disaster has struck! My WI-FI button won't swipe so I've had to hand in my Iphone to get it repaired. I was told it could be up to 2-3 weeks before I get it back so I've borrowed an old phone which is good because I suppose the essence of a phone is.... telephoning, right?! 

Oh, but no!! I don't miss the phone function on my Iphone one bit. I miss everything else that it provides - capturing my life for instagram, texting, checking e-mails, snapping pictures and listening to music. So the interesting part, and I think this goes for most people, is that we can't do without our phones although telephoning is the last thing we actually use them for. 

These days I am very much aware of the present moment as I can't look at life through my phone camera or miss details because I'm busy checking messages or snapping a picture of my café au lait and croissant. 

In other words; this time I don't arrange my coffee and croissant so it looks good for instagram. Now, I actually drink my coffee while it's warm and enjoy the superb crumb of my pastry. Now, I take my time conversing with the Japanese couple next to me who excitedly tells me it's their first time visiting Copenhagen and I genuinely smile with them because I feel their excitement and how much they enjoy the city.* I'm forced to take a step away from my (narcissistic) universe and engage in others.**

While observing people with phones I realize that I must come across just as absent-minded and boring as them. That kind of behaviour is not really welcoming or nice - it's actually kind of rude. But despite that I must admit it surprises me just how vulnerable  "naked" I feel and how much I miss my phone.

But then again, maybe "naked" is good sometimes.  

*I probably would have spoken to the Japanese couple anyway as I'm known to strike up conversations with almost anybody :-)
**I'm exaggerating here but you get the point?!

How to be Successful!!

I don't know about you but I find there's always room for improvement in what we refer to as life and I sometimes stumble across advice that I feel makes sense to me and is within my own ability. These pointers for Success by American author H. Jackson Brown Jr. struck a cord with me - and sometimes it's the simple steps that get you the furthest and has the most power.

You may wonder about the picture I've chosen to illustrate this post? I took it one early morning in June while biking through Copenhagen. I like the simplicity and serenity of it as I've always felt trees symbolize some kind of friendly wisdom - just like Mr. Brown Jr. 

I added the last two (no. 22 and 23) myself. I think hope Mr. Brown will approve.

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.
2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.
3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.
6. Be generous.
7. Have a grateful heart.
8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.
9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.
10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.
12. Commit yourself to quality.
13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.
14. Be loyal.
15. Be honest.
16. Be a self-starter.
17. Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong.
18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.
20. Take good care of those you love.
21. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.

22. Travel as much as possible.
23. Read books and keep educating yourself.

Weekend Inspiration #37

Garance Doré for Zara

These pictures of French blogger and photographer Garance Doré modeling a few fall pieces for Zara instantly put me in a good mood. Fall is my favourite season and as many others out there I love seeing what the designers come up with.

First of all, Garance Doré looks stunning with her short hair. I've followed her for a while now and it seems she's really found her sense of self lately - and hasn't she lost weight?? I'm often inspired by her and her take on fashion and trends, e.g. she was the reason I got into Mansur Gavriel and the Paris Jean from MiH.

The outfits she's modeling here are spot on - especially the knitted pants and oversize white poplin shirt - a piece of clothing you can never have enough of. 

Zara's knitted pants (and v-neck sweater that goes with it) reminds me of the very cool knitted ensembles Marc Jacobs showed on the FW 2014 runway. They caught my eye immediately.

Marc Jacobs F/W 2014

I could easily picture the knitted set from Zara as perfect homewear for the cold and dark months ahead. I think it's nice to look stylish and pulled together even if you're just inside your home as I know I'll be. This is something I definitely would get a lot of use out of.  

I wouldn't be surprised if Garance herself chose, styled and mixed the outfits she's modeling because the combination is genius and very French/European. She models it with such natural ease and joy that you'd sort of wish you were there laughing with her on that street in New York. 

Picture credit: Garance Doré: Taea Thale & Zara / Marc Jacobs: Style.com

Weekend Inspiration #36

The Søborg Chair by Børge Mogensen

My chairs arrived today and I am writing this with excitement because not only have I lived here for a year without any decent sitting arrangements (sorry family and friends!!) but also searched for just the right chair and design to fit my personality and decor. I am a big advocate for quality over quantity and investment pieces which will last a lifetime. Also, living in Copenhagen means lack of space so it's paramount to find the right furniture so you don't feel crammed. 

What keeps amazing me about Danish furniture design is that each piece is like artwork. They don't need particular surroundings but can fully stand on their own and fill out a room. 

My chairs are the Søborg chair designed in 1952 by Børge Mogensen.