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Welcome to February, angels. A fresh blog post has been a long time coming, but 2021 left me feeling defeated and just overall… uninspired. Now that we’re back in the swing of things, the sun is finally shining and I'm moving my body again, I'm feeling a little more invigorated and energized, so we're back with a fresh February vibe check.
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Well, it wouldn’t be December if we didn’t have any gift guides, now would it?? If you’re feeling anything like me, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the sales and gift options all over the place, so my hope with these guides is to make it a *little* easier for you to shop for everyone on your list.
If you have any specific gift ideas you’re looking for, I’m happy to help, just let me know! Without further adieu, let the holiday shopping begin!
Gilles & Bassier | Trudon Candle | Croissant Hoops | Fizz Glassses | Beast Health Blender | Diptyque Philosykos eau de parfum | Sculptural Vase | Move Diffuser (promo code vitruvixlinnea) | Ganni Toque | Onyx Bookends | Vintage Breadboard | Matte Black Cutlery (promo code LINNEA10OFF)
Baloo Weighted Blanket | Le Labo Room Spray | Interiors Atelier AM | Belgian Linen Dining Set (promo code LINNEA10OFF) | Electric Kettle | Diamond Letter Pendant | Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm | Slip Silk Pillowcase | Glass Vase Set | Bach Dof Glasses | Fluted Candlesticks
Our Place Home Cook Duo | Wavy Vase | Assorted Bud Vases | Cheese Knife Set | Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask | Holiday Essential Oil Kit (promo code vitruvixlinnea) | Amber Coupe Glasses | Pave Signet Ring | Rose Stone Diffuser (promo code vitruvixlinnea) | Golden Light | Dinnerware Set (promo code LINNEA10OFF)
Happy gift giving!
xo
Linnea
Well folks, here we are again… Black Friday has arrived!! As usual, I’m sharing my favourite products of the year, most of which will be on major SALE! Black Friday is usually always when I do my Christmas shopping, because let’s be real, it’s kind of dumb not to. And if I know anything from working in furniture, lead times, shipping delays, and shortages of everything are REAL, so be as prepared and ahead of the game as possible this year!! Without further adieu, let’s get to the good stuff.
| Vitruvi Move Diffuser | Byredo Mojave Ghost | Fable Dinner Set | Charlotte Bold Ring | Holiday Oil Kit | Fable Tall Glasses | Bliss Plush Throw | Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick | Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne | Cire Trudon Candle | Byredo Bodywash | GLDN Innoko Chain | Beast Health Blender + Hydration System | Daily Mini Hoops | Always Pan |
Vitruvi – It’s time to make your home smell as good as it looks. This year, Vitruvi came out with so many beautiful new diffusers, and some really great smelling essential oils as well! As their BIGGEST sale they’ve ever done, enjoy 30% off sitewide with my link from now until to November 29. Vitruvi has so many different gift options, so I’m very excited about this sale!!
GLDN – GLDN’s best sale of the year ends tomorrow, Nov. 22! Get 15% off orders under $150 with code GDLNSALE15 and 20% off orders over $150 with code GLDNSALE20. If you use my link to shop, I would be so grateful!!
Fable – You guyyyyys… my favourite dinnerware/cutlery/linens and all is on sale!! Get up to 20% off from November 22nd-29th. Spend up to $300, get 10% off, spend $300-$600, get 15% off, and spend over $600, get 20% off!! If you’ve been holding out for a sale on a full dinner set (Japanese glassware included), this sale it IT!! Here is the Canadian site and the US site.
Our Place - The must have Always Pan had to be on this list - not because I want it, but because I have it and love it! You won’t find it at a better price than right now (I mean look at the Perfect Pot Bundle pice!!) so snatch it while you can!
Mejuri – As their only sale of the year, this is the time to buy the goodies you’ve been eyeing!! Their sale goes live this week, so use my link to buy one piece, get 10% off, buy 2 pieces, get 15% off, buy 3 or more, get 20% off!! You deserve it :)
CF Interiors – From Nov. 23-29, get up to 20% off some of my all time favourite items, and their best sellers! Sale starts on Tuesday, November 23rd.
Nordstrom – If there’s something you’ve been eyeing at Nordstrom, it’s a good idea to check out the site to see if it’s on sale - perfume, shoes, beauty, you never know ;)
Happy shopping all!
xo
Linnea
Over the past year and a half, the importance of prioritizing mental health has become more and more apparent. For some, that looks like making more time for themselves, building stronger relationships, or rediscovering what actually serves them and brings fulfillment.
Pictured: The Jordan Bouquet
Over the past year and a half, I’ve embraced this time to get to know myself - to find out what I truly enjoy, what I love doing the most, who I love spending time with, where I want to be, and I’ve worked on weeding out the noise that doesn’t serve me. It’s been a time of self reflection, gratitude for the life I have, and appreciation for all of the incredible people I get to surround myself with.
Passions have come to the forefront, and I’ve been lucky enough to combine my passion for design with some of my previous skills, and have ultimately been able to create a role that perfectly aligns with my 'do-it-all' zodiac.
Of course, with discovery and hard work comes exhaustion and burn out. There have been many times throughout this year and a half where I’ve burned the candle at both ends, especially while I was working full time and going to school, and I’ve had to take a moment to just breathe.
To help with this, I now prioritize time for myself (hellooooo self dates!), my sleep, and my workouts, and I've also realized how important it is to treat myself to the things I love (good food + dessert, quality time with friends, time outside, you name it). I've accepted the fact that it is okay to rest - my body and my mind crave it, so it’s only fair to ensure I’ve received enough down time.
What’s one of the ways I treat myself, you ask? Hands down, one of my favourite mood boosters is fresh flowers. Maybe it has to do with the fact that my name originates from a flower, but there’s something special about fresh blooms that soothes me. Whether it’s the scent, the bright colours, the texture, or the life they bring to my home, they always seem to boost my mood that much more.
To find fresh, high quality blooms that last, one thing I’ve found is that there aren’t many great florists where I live. Believe it or not, I literally have to drive at least 30-40 minutes to find beautiful blooms that aren’t from a grocery store! Because of this, I’ve relied heavily on Bear’s Blooms. If you haven’t heard of them, they’re a floral delivery service that allows you to choose the bouquet you like (which are ALL so beautifully curated), choose a delivery day, and they deliver them right to your door!
Besides the curated bouquets, the thing that I love most about Bear’s Blooms is that they send you cut stems before they’ve actually bloomed. This means that if you’re not home to receive your delivery, there’s nothing to worry about, because the blooms will come to life as soon as they hit the water. This also ensures that the blooms will last a lot longer than flowers typically found in stores, that are already in bloom. If sustainability is important to you, they also work directly with local farmers to ship in-season flowers, and waste less flowers by buying exactly to order. Talk about flowers that are worth the investment - and trust me, you're worth it.
If you’d like to give Bear’s Blooms a try for yourself, feel free to use my code LINNEACARMEN for $15 off your first bouquet!
It’s time to stop and smell the roses.
Xo
Linnea
This post was in collaboration with Bear’s Blooms. All opinions are my own.
Hey lovelies, it’s been a minute. Today I’m bringing the blogging back with some of my favourite H&M Home finds. I’ve loved H&M ever since I discovered it in Sweden before it’s arrival in North America (a VERY long time ago), and their home items kill it every season, no fail. These items do sell out very very fast, so if you see something you like, you better make that purchase asap (or set up notifications for when it comes back in stock)! I’m sharing some of my faves from their current collection, but be warned, some of it may already be sold out. Happy shopping!
Soft Wool Blend Throw | Ceramic Candlestick | Printed Cushion Cover | Sundried Linen Fabric Candle | Firewood Fig Candle | Glass Vase | Ceramic Wavy Vase | Silver Candlestick | Braided Storage Basket | Ceramic Circle Vase | Large Ceramic Vase | Utensil Crock | Fluted Vase | Eucalyptus Candle | Glass Storage Box
xo
Linnea
2021 Vision Board: For the Home
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As we put a close to 2020, I'm taking a look back on the year that changed everything, for everyone. We started the year off with the theme of 20/20 vision - hoping to achieve our goals, dreams, trips, and more. Little did we know that the entire world was going to be shaken up. We were forced to rethink everything, take a step back from the hustle, and refocus on the things that matter most. A clearer-than-2020-vision, if you will. My year was full of hard work, focusing on my goals, adjusting to change, overcoming fears, and welcoming new challenges. Without further ado, here are just a few of the things I've learned from the year that was... 2020.
Even if it's a short FaceTime or coffee date, connecting and catching up with someone can change your entire day. We all experienced the power of connection this year - both virtually and with the ones we love. I haven't seen many of my closest friends much at all this year - some are in other parts of the world - but weekly FaceTimes are pretty much a ritual at this point. It's amazing how much one person can boost your mood!
You can try as hard as you want, but you have to remember to rest. I started the year very ambitiously with 4 design courses while working full time, and although I knew I could do it, I eventually broke down from the workload, and had a panic attack in a line-up at Staples. I fainted, as my old self tended to do, and woke up to a bunch of strangers staring down at me making sure I was okay. It was a major wake up call to go back to the basics: nourish, move, sleep, repeat. I was going 8383729 miles an hour, and I needed to take a moment to slow it down, rest and just breathe. Little did I know this was some major foreshadowing for the year ahead.
This year, like everyone else, I was forced to stop attending my fitness classes and seeing my yoga fam, and that was a big part of my self care routine that was completely cut off. Thanks to quarantine, I had two, sometimes three workout buddies to run or workout with almost everyday, but I was still missing my yoga studio deeply. Having said that, self-discipline is hard. Working out from home is NOT my forté, because I'm someone who needs external encouragement to push harder and keep going. Adapting to the workout-from-home lifestyle has been a struggle and a half to this day!
Quarantining with my brother and his gf was definitely one of the highlights of my year. It was nice to avoid isolation during such a trying time, and the cooking-cleaning-workout rotation was VERY much appreciated! It was also a great chance for me to spend time with my brother before he moved away, so that was a blessing in itself.
Along with the rest of the world, I felt like bad thing after bad thing kept happening, and as a mostly positive person, the negativity was really weighing on me. Just as the pandemic was starting, Dash was attacked by the neighbour’s dog, then attacked again 2 months later. A month after that, my Grandma was diagnosed with cancer. The whirlwind of events in combination with my school workload, the travel industry dwindling, and the uncertainty of it all was very heavy, but I kept reminding myself to look on the bright side. At the same time, we were all asked to take a big look in the mirror and recognize our privilege across the globe - we all have tons of it. Recognize it, and find ways to support those who don’t.
It's ok to be sad and to have a bad day. You wouldn’t be human if you had beautiful, blissful days all the time anyway. The bad times are what build character and make you who you are. But remember: you can still find golden nuggets in each day. Journaling in the morning and in the evening can help you recognize those nuggets - and make you appreciate each day that much more. Highly recommend it.
I have some of the greatest friends a girl could ever ask for, so it's very important to be the best friend I can be in return. Spending any amount of time with my friends immediately lifts my spirits, and my girls trips this year did wonders for my mindset and overall happiness. My book club also didn't die in 2020 - we remained strong over Zoom, and even got to meet our newest bookie irl this summer (2 more coming 2021)! I love each and every one of you!!
Lessons are constantly learned, unlearned, and relearned again. Remember not to force anything; clear communication is the only way any relationship can work. If you’re not communicating (or being communicated to) effectively, you’ll end up in a huge misunderstanding at the end of the day, and that’s a waste of everyone’s time.
Want to switch careers? Do it. Go back to school if you have to. Want a new job? Find one you're passionate about and go get it. Want to conquer your fears? Go and do something that scares you. After years of not needing to drive much, I’m finally driving again, and I have no idea why I waited so long. Something so basic and trivial was accomplished in one day of being back on the road. Our fears are often much bigger in our minds than in reality. You might be surprised at how easy some of them are to overcome!
Time. Is. King. There are so many events in my life that I never understood at the time, but you have to trust the timing. If something doesn't work out, it wasn't meant to, at that time. If something comes back, maybe now is the right time. This has happened to me time and time again, and it couldn't be more true. You never know unless you trust the process and let things be when they need to be.
And with that, my friends, I welcome 2021 with open arms. Not that it will be any less difficult - it will be full of its own challenges - but perhaps we'll all have a slightly better, less self-focused outlook on life, and on what matters most. Sending love and light to all of you for this new year! ✨
xo
Linnea
Wor·thi·ness /ˈwərT͟Hēnəs/ The quality of being good enough; deserving of respect, which tends to mean something different to everyone. I recently listened to a session on Mine’d focused on self worth, and it was too good not to share some of the golden nuggets, along with my thoughts on the topic. For years I believed I was unworthy - unworthy of attention, the time of day, honesty, respect, commitment, unconditional love. Every now and then, I still have to remind myself that I am worthy of all of those things. Maybe you’re in a similar situation, on the hunt for worthiness within yourself, or maybe you’ve lost it in your current situation. Whatever the scenario, before you can choose worthiness, you need to ask yourself what your self-worth means to you. How do you view worthiness? What does it look like? How do you want it to make you feel? How do you know when you have self worth?
Before you even begin your search for it, you need to understand exactly what you’re searching for. Take time to embody the notion that you are worthy. Worthy of time, thought, care, dedication, attention, respect, humour, alone time, adventures, slow sundays, home cooked meals, self care, nice gestures… worthy of love. You need to sincerely believe all those things before you can receive them in abundance. The quality of your relationships - the people you surround yourself with and allow into your life - are all directly correlated with how you view yourself, and in turn, your worth.
The quality of your self worth dictates the quality of your life. If you really see your value, you’re not going to put yourself in a situation that’s detrimental to your well being (guiltyyyy 🙋🏻♀️). You know how valuable your time is, so you shouldn’t accept anything less than that.
In order for worthiness to really work, you have to ensure it’s unbreakable - and it’s a constant work in progress to keep it that way. Are you journaling daily? Meditating? Making time for yourself and your thoughts? Or is your day constant chaos, bowing down to the needs of others? If you were royalty, how would you present yourself differently? Why do you think that is?
When you stop giving out second chances to those who’ve constantly let you down, that’s when things start changing. Remember: there never has been and never will be another you. You are a unique human being that brings your own light and gifts to the world. So remember to choose YOU. Lean into your growth and watch the magic happen. You’re worthy of the magic, after all.
xo
Linnea
It wouldn’t be 2020 without a switch up during the holidays, now would it? This year, we likely won’t be able to spend much time with our loved ones… and some of us may even have to spend the holidays alone. I realize that I am very lucky to have my immediate family so close by - something I definitely don’t take for granted! But because of these circumstances, whether you’re a gift person or not - gifts may be a little more important than usual to show our appreciation for our loved ones.
This year, I’m doing what I can to support small businesses - both local and across North America. To help you do the same and spread the word about these businesses, I thought I’d share a gift guide, with a focus on shopping small (read: let’s try to spend less on Amazon)! Below you’ll find everything you need to mail or give to your loved ones.
Waffle Knit Throw | Uncle Studios Crewneck | Olive Beanie | Charcoal Diffuser | Fable Ceramic Mug Set | Magnetic Knife Block | Unbreakable Glass-Lined Waterbottle
Let me know what other gifts you’d like to see - I’m always happy to create more guides throughout the month! In the meantime, happy gift giving!
xo
Linnea
Black Friday is pretty much here, and you know what that means! Holiday shopping should be top of mind - especially this week, so you're able to take advantage of all the incredible sales. As usual, here are a few of the sales happening right now from some of my favourite brands, with a focus on shopping small as much as possible.
Mejuri – Their only sale of the year is back, and as always, it's a GOOD ONE! Until December 2, use my link and get one piece for 10% off, 2 pieces for 15% off, or 3 or more pieces for 20% off!! I'm an avid gold jewelry lover, and cannot recommend Mejuri enough for everyday pieces - it's time to invest in yourself!
Vitruvi – If you were looking for a new (or first) diffuser, now is the time to get it! Why not treat yourself to a Terracotta colour, or maybe even a Charcoal Diffuser! Whatever you choose, it's time to pull the trigger, because the entire site is 30% off with my link until November 30th! Some of my favourite Vitruvi essential oils include Pacific, Dusk, Boost, Sleep, Lavender, Grove, Peppermint and Geranium.
The Ordinary – Get ready to shop slow during KNOWvember! Enjoy 23% off sitewide until November 30th. Time to stock up on what your skin really needs!
Well.ca – Up to 50% on over 1000 items!
Summer Fridays – 20% off sitewide with code FRIDAY
Paula’s Choice – From Nov. 25th to Dec. 2nd, get 20% off glowmakers plus free shipping on orders $49 or more.
Fable - Take 10% off $200, 15% off $300, and 20% off orders of $500 or more. Discounts will be applied at checkout!
CF Interiors - It’s very hard to find great furniture in Canada, but CF has some of the best!! Save up to 20% on some of their best products, now until November 30th with promo code BLACKFRIDAY.
Xasmin Interiors – Some of my favourite cushion covers are going on sale!! You better believe I'll be treating myself to a few I've been eyeing. Enjoy 20% off sitewide with code BF20OFF from November 25 to 30, 2020.
Our Place - I’ve been dying to have this Always Pan that literally does it all, so I finally bit the bullet and made the purchase! Get yours for $50 off with code SUPERSALE. Other dining sets are also on major sale!
Hudson & Oak - My favourite planters are on sale!! Shop their planters on sale, and remaining products for 20% off with code PLANTLOVER.
Indigo - Cyber Monday starts on November 30, 2020!
McGee and Co. – Shop one of my faaave stores 20% off sitewide with code SOVERYTHANKFUL until November 30, 2020.
Everlane – Everlane’s annual Black Friday Fund is here! They’re partnering with Feeding America® with the goal to help provide two million meals to people in need, starting off by donating $100K. From Friday through Sunday, they’ll donate $1 for every Everlane order placed.
Girlfriend Collective – Cute, sustainable workout wear - need I say more? Up to 50% off leggings for Black Friday - no code necessary.
Aritzia - Up to 50% select styles in store and online.
Happy shopping!
xo
Linnea
The wait is over… welcome to my 2020 Nordic holiday oasis. You’re probably familiar with my 2019 and 2018 holiday home tours, so I obviously have to keep the tradition alive! As a decor lover who’s been collecting ornaments and holiday items for almost ten years, the holidays are usually a time where I go all out with my decorations, and this time around is no different.
This year, I went with neutral, Nordic-inspired decor from Gluckstein Home, with pops of brown, gold, silver and warm wood tones throughout. My pre-lit flocked tree pretty much speaks for itself, but I’m sharing some of my best tips and tricks for decorating below! And I must say… it is soooo pretty when it’s lit!
It’s important to stick to a few solid colours to lay the groundwork for your theme, and accentuate those colours with your neutrals and greenery with the rest of your decor.
Last year, I created my own DIY wooden bead garland, and it’s been my favourite garland to date. It’s subtle enough that it doesn’t distract from the ornaments, yet the tones of the wood pop perfectly against my flocked tree. Highly recommend making one yourself!
It’s also a good idea to mix up your ornaments! I always buy at least two to three special ornaments a year. That way, my tree is a little different every year, but it has meaningful keepsakes scattered throughout. I also like to mix up the textures of the ornaments. Feel free to mix metallics, pearls, mattes and sparkly ornaments.
This sitting dear paired with this Nordic snow globe makes me smile every time I see it! They’re sitting pretty in my buffet cabinet, and the lights from the tree make them sparkle even more.
Big Glitter House: GlucksteinHome, discontinued; Glitter Church: The Cross; Trees: Homesense & Walmart
It wouldn’t be the holidays at Linnea’s without a holiday village! I no longer have my console table where I used to style the village, so this year, I decided to take it to my floating shelves, and I love the result.
However you’re decorating this year, I hope you find these tips useful. There are so many beautiful decor options to choose from right here in Canada, so always take a look locally first!
Flocked Tree | Garland | Flocked Wreath | 3-Wick White Birch Candle | Cable Knit Stocking | Standing Deer | Sitting Deer | Snow Globe | Nutcracker | Mini Counter Tree
Happy decorating!
xo
Linnea
*This post was made in collaboration with GlucksteinHome. All opinions are my own.
Hey friends, it’s been a while - but this time, the break was intentional. Before I picked my content back up again, I wanted to make sure I took a step back and reflected on the type of content I’d like to be sharing going forward.
Although I’ll be continuing to share my home/beauty/lifestyle tips and finds on here, I’d also like to go back to my roots a little bit by posting more meaningful, valuable content, particularly around positivity and mindset. I used to be an open book on this blog when I started it, sharing almost every little detail of my life as I blogged almost daily from a coffee shop before hot yoga class. And honestly, the blog became an extra outlet that let me explore different thoughts and ideas, which was incredibly helpful for my own mindset, self awareness, confidence, and where I placed my compass in life.
That portion of my content has been lacking… maybe, because I’ve been uninspired? Unmotivated? Or feeling like I don’t bring enough value to the table for anyone to learn anything new?
Regardless, I’ll be doing more of the work, and sharing more with all of you. So welcome back to the blogitty blog. Be prepared to read my rambling thoughts and how I navigate this little life of mine, finding snippets of joy along the way.
Speaking of joy, the most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner. Is it as joyful as everyone chocks it up to be? Well, it comes with its own baggage and associated memories for everyone. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely brightens the mood and gives everyone something else to focus on other than politics and the pandemic, but it’s also a little bit of a trigger for many, including myself. A significant moment in my life took place during the holidays, and I’ll never get that moment back. It’s taken time to rid of the bitterness, but year after year, the gratitude for that very moment grows. I wouldn’t be nearly as independent/spicy/self aware/cognizant of my time as I am today, and for that, I am beyond grateful. That being said, I love the holidays very much, and will do everything I can to celebrate them in all their glory. So over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing loads of exciting holiday content - decor, gift guides and all. Keep your eyes peeled and stay safe out there!
xo
Linnea
October, I’ve missed you! I feel like October is generally a good month - it’s officially Fall, new routines are in place, and pretty much everyone is in a good mood. I’m looking forward to working with another design client, getting back into the swing of things after a few road trips, and simplifying my home a little bit this fall. I just came back from a fall girls trip, so I’m feeling inspired, refreshed, and just so appreciative of the life I have. One thing I kept saying during the trip, in awe of the beauty of it all, was,
If this is what life looks like, I’m pretty damn lucky, and it’s not to be taken for granted. To have as many loving, supportive friends by my side, experiencing so many of life’s joys at the same time - it’s pretty incredible. Lately, I’ve been drawn to warmer tones, crisp fall flavours, new routines, more DIY projects, and trying new things. I wish you the best month ahead - happy almost Thanksgiving!
xo
Linnea
With September comes fall, and you know what that means. Pumpkin s p i c e everything! I’m a huge pumpkin fan - not only for the flavour, but for the health benefits too. It’s incredible for your skin with a ton of Vitamin A, great for your immune system, and my dog loves it too! I’ve included some of my favourite fall drinks below - both hot and cold - and trust me, you’re going to want to try these! So. much. yum.
For the coffee
1 Iced Nespresso pod (I like Freddo Delicato)
Ice
For the oat milk cream
1/3 cup unsweetened oat milk of your choice
1 tbsp organic pumpkin puree (canned)
1/2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
Dash of fine Himalayan pink salt
Directions
Brew your cold brew or iced espresso as you like it. Some add maple syrup to their coffee, but I prefer it black, as the foam is sweet enough for me. Make sure it’s cold enough before you move onto your foam.
Place all of your cream ingredients into your milk frother and froth on the cold setting. I’m absolutely obsessed with my electric frother, because it works like a charm for hot or cold foam, and it’s sooo aesthetically pleasing!
Top your iced coffee with your cold pumpkin cream, and garnish with a little more pumpkin pie spice. Throw a straw in, and prepare to sip your new favourite drink!
Ingredients
1 Nespresso pod of your choice (brewed latte size)
1/2 cup oat milk
1.5 tbsp organic pumpkin puree (canned)
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Dash of Himalayan pink salt
Directions
Brew your espresso as usual, then place remaining ingredients into your milk frother on the hot setting.
Once frothed to your liking, top your espresso with your hot milk, and garnish with extra pumpkin pie spice.
Ingredients
1/2 cup organic pumpkin puree
1/2 cup oat milk
1 scoop Cookies and Cream or Vanilla protein powder (unflavoured if you like it less sweet)
1 frozen banana
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Ice
Let me know if you try these recipes - I’d love to see your creations!
xo
Linnea
After years without having a proper dining area, I decided that it was about time to introduce one to my space - and I’m so happy I did! When I originally moved into my condo, I brought all the furniture I had from my previous condo, so my office furniture ended up in my main living space. It worked, for a little while, but I got bored of it pretty quickly, and I felt like I was wasting a ton of valuable space. I haven’t really shown much of my “process” to you guys before, so I thought I would share the before and after, and how the full design came to life.
I started by gathering dining room inspiration in this post, and after months of searching, I finally found the marble pedestal table of my dreams… on Facebook Marketplace of all places (I know, I’m sorry guys, but I’ve linked similar ones below)! Once I found it, everything fell into place. I lowered my light fixture, selected chairs, a wall cabinet, frames for a gallery wall, and sold everything in my space that no longer served me or suited the room.
I was going back and forth between a few different dining chairs, but in the end, I chose Wishbone Chairs from Eternity Modern, made of Natural Solid Ash. They’re classic, they suit the tones of the table, they’re comfortable, and they’re a timeless Scandinavian design by Hans Wegner.
To be honest, when they arrived, I wasn’t quite sure about them. They stuck out from the table a little more than I had hoped (because the arms hit the table), so to solve my problem, I did a little DIY hack. I got a piece of plywood cut to size at RONA, and placed it under my marble tabletop to raise the table by 3/4”. Once I did that, the chairs were absolutely perfect. They tucked under the table exactly how I envisioned them, and now I’m completely obsessed!
For the gallery wall, I purchased Ikea Hovsta frames, which I intended on customizing with new mats to fit 4x6 photos. Instead, I took the clever advice of my friend Madison (@madisonandsuch), and placed my 4x6 travel photos in InDesign, added a drop shadow, and printed 12x16 photos to fill the entire frame. Madison, you’re a genius!!!!
I sold my bookshelf to make room for the Billy Oxberg Cabinet to act as my buffet for all of my entertaining needs. Originally, I was thinking of purchasing this jute rug for the dining area, but there simply wasn’t enough space for two rugs in my space, and I’m happy with it as-is. And that, my friends, is my new dining area. I hope you enjoy the tour!
I’ve linked as many products below as I can, but let me know if you have any questions! Need help with furniture selects or putting your space together? Shoot me an email at linneacarmen@gmail.com. I’m always happy to help!
xo
Linnea
Hi guys!! I haven’t been on here as often as I would like, and I apologize, but that will change - I’ll be posting on here a lot more regularly again. To be honest, with this roller coaster of a year, I think I just needed an extra long break after school, especially with the side gigs occupying the majority of my time outside of work… I’ve just been drained all around. But all good things! With the arrival of September, it always feels like it’s a fresh start, a clean slate, and the perfect opportunity to reset your goals, check in with yourself, and reach for the stars. I’m already taking on e-design clients on the side, and I’m really excited to bring you along during the process!
If you need to update your space or have no idea where to begin in terms of selecting furniture and decor, that’s exactly what my e-design service can provide. I can create everything from floor plans to furniture selects, mood boards and everything in between. Feel free to email me at linneacarmen@gmail.com if you’re interested, and I can walk you through the full process/answer any q’s you have!
In other news, I had a great time getting away to the Okanagan and forgetting about work for a weekend! It was just what I needed, and we felt completely safe the whole trip (and trust me, I was so scared about covid!!). This month, I’m feeling inspired, refreshed, and very ready to just chill out indoors for fall. Nothing like sipping on one of my 827392 bottles of wine I brought back and a great TV show to binge! I hope you all have a promising fall transition - sending lots of love your way.
xo
Linnea
The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is almost here, and there are some amazing things on sale! I’m sharing my home and beauty favourites from the sale preview in shoppable images below. For non-card members, the sale starts on August 13th. Ready, set, shop!
As I spend more time at home, I’m getting more use out of the things around my home, and I’m loving it more and more everyday. I’m finding so much joy in the little things, and in order to combat stress from my crazy schedule, self care and ample time for rest have been key.
If you’re looking to make an investment in both your home and your self care, bedding is the perfect place to start. There’s something so refreshing about jumping into a bed of beautiful clean sheets - made of fabrics you know will stand the test of time. If you’re anything like me, updating your bedding is an instant mood booster, and does wonders for your dreamy slumber, too!
I recently updated my bedding for a summer refresh in my bedroom, and I’ve been loving my new sheets! For my duvet, I chose the GlucksteinHome Davenport Duvet Cover in white (a literal cloud), paired with the GlucksteinHome Davenport Sheet Set in white. To add some neutral texture to my bedroom, I wanted something cozy and luxe. I opted for the GlucksteinHome Knit Cotton Blanket in Beige, and it’s hands down, one of my favourite blankets I’ve ever owned! It’s effortless, casual, yet oh so cozy. I’m very much looking forward to using it throughout the fall and winter! Here’s a peek into my bedroom, new bedding and all.
If you're ready to elevate your bedroom (and your sleep), I highly recommend taking a look at the GlucksteinHome bedding collection, available at Hudson's Bay.
Sweet dreams,
Linnea
This post is in partnership with GlucksteinHome. All opinions are my own.
Hey guys, it’s been a while. Now that we’re 10 days into a new month, I thought I’d pick up where I left off and share some of the scenes that have been inspiring me lately. I had a few days off from school before my final semester (which started yesterday… the workload expected in 4 weeks is insane, so see you in 4 weeks!), so I tried to take advantage of my free time and enjoy the few sunny summer days we had in Vancouver during the break. I must say though, I’ve only been downtown once, and I did not feel comfortable at all. I totally understand we’re in phase 3, but no one’s really living like we’re in a pandemic anymore, so I’ll probably be staying home in my bubble a little longer… I mean I don’t have time to go out anymore anyway :)
Since turning 30, I’ve realized so many things… it’s like a switch has gone off in my life and my entire perspective has changed. In my twenties, I remember dreading the day I turned 30, hanging onto my twenties for dear life. Looking back on that twenty-something girl, there were still a lot of unanswered questions and unguided decisions. But now that I’m here, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve never been more content with my life, more comfortable in my own skin, more certain of what I want in life and what’s valuable to me, and I’ve never had so much confidence. I’m in tune with my body, I’ve been prioritizing my health and wellness, and I feel more empathy and compassion than ever before.
We’re growing up, and honestly, it’s a great feeling - it really does mean growing wiser. I’ve been continuing to educate myself about issues happening around the world, and if anything, this time in quarantine has grounded me, and released so much gratitude. I am very lucky for all the beautiful people and love in my life - having their support during this pandemic has been incredible.
If you told me that this year would include my dog being attacked twice during a pandemic, that my Grandma would be diagnosed – then free of cancer months later, all while a global revolution was taking place, I probably wouldn’t believe you. But although it’s been a tough year, it’s producing a huge wave of growth for everyone. Like I said in my manifestation post, be thankful for these little moments - they’re what build resilience, strength, and make you the beautiful human that you are.
Thanks for reading, I’m so grateful you’re here.
xo
Linnea
My herb garden is up and running, and you know what that means… mojito season! I had a book club hangout on Zoom the other night, so it was the perfect opportunity to make a fresh “skinny” cocktail. It turned out so delicious that I thought I’d share it with you!
For 1 Cocktail…
Handful of fresh mint (roughly 10 leaves)
1.5 tsp monkfruit sweetener
1 lime, cut into wedges (save 1 for garnish)
2 oz. New Wave Distilling Bride’s Tears (or clear liquor of your choice)
Ice
Sparkling water (SodaStream is where it’s at!)
Since we’re only making one cocktail, you can skip the cocktail shaker and make your drink directly in your glass. Muddle lime wedges, fresh mint, monkfruit sweetener and Bride’s Tears. If you wanted to add additional flavours to your Mojito, this is the step to do it! Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries are delicious ideas.
Fill your glass with ice, and finish with sparkling water. Give your drink a good stir, garnish with lime, and you’re set! Cheers.
If you give this recipe a go, let me know! I’d love to see what you create.
xo
Linnea