I was over the moon delighted to be invited to join the New York ladies from the Gudrun Sjoden, Soho store to Stockholm Sweden for the Fall Kick Off. The" Fall Kick Off", is when the company officially shows the clothing to their store managers, store display team and some very special sales associates. It was a world wind trip full of activities, delightful sights, delicious meals and "Behind the scenes"…. join me!

DAY ONE!
Began with a wonderful "Smörgåsbord" for breakfast. What's better to cure jet lag than a great spread? ok good Fika (read on to discover what Fika is)!

BZ in her favorite Bess dress and the fabulous Marlena in Melissa

Karin, the New York store manager decked out Gudrun Style and looking ravishing (no jet lag!)

The Smörgåsbord breakfast :whole grain breads, fresh veggies, meats and cheese galore! Who can ask for anything more mouth watering delicious?

and here is the all important FIKA = coffee or Kaffe

I always get excited seeing ladies wearing Gudrun all over town

After having the opportunity to window shop (alas no I did not buy a thing, REALLY).

I had the pleasure to join the display team for lunch outdoors at the charming restaurant

Blä Porten Cafe

The court yard at the restaurant for lunch al fresco

The fabulous Monika and the display team

The talented Beauties from Germany and Scandinavia enjoy lunch in the sun

my weakness = desserts to swoon for!

I am still dreaming of this" D vine " rich, moist, coconut chocolate "Tosca" cake

OUR NEXT STOP WAS A TOUR OF TWO OF THE THREE GUDRUN STORES!

The wonderful Åsa was our shining guide and leader

I love these hanging lights… They decorate most of the stores and you can buy them on line!

Åsa and Marlena on the narrow streets of "Glama Stan" Old Town

Narrow cobbled stone streets with charming views are the delights of Glama Stan

I love this old sign telling you Dentist/ hygienist

Reading the newspaper or your phone, enjoy a coffee or an open face sandwich at the open air cafe

Hello Cecelia and Bonnie from the Flagship Store

I had to share another street scene, look at those ocher colored walls!

...and you never know who you'll run into when you stroll the delightful streets

Two proud "frogs" Frenchmen dressed as Dragons,

So exciting! The Gudrun Store in Old Town, I love the flower boxes above the store window

I love Maria's head wrap!

Green plants everywhere

So true, Gudrun Sjoden has a green thumb and a Green Soul

This store has a greenhouse! birdsongs included

my "five seconds" of Modeling. What do you think?

Pattern on pattern (in the dressing room)

Sweet plants and Gudrun water colors = a great combination

a draw full of plants

A happy shopper with her new dress

Hubbies can sit comfortably while the ladies shop.

Marlene with the lovely Fati, she is all smiles.

Please sign the guest book and sit a while

A Beatles style hairdo!

I love the architectural doorway.

The linens look so inviting… I was told since the winters are long and dark… Scandinavians love to have color in their home!

So I end with a delightful floral arrangement… flowers were everywhere

More to come and share, as the Stockholm Adventure Continues...Soon

I was so very lucky to visit my wonderful Cousin, "the doctor" in San Francisco. She knows that I love art and took me to see some very special places in her city.

Hamming it up in front of the of Keith Harring sculpture

THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY VISIT WAS THIS OFF THE BEATEN PATH GEM (AND THE SUSHI OF COURSE)

Golden Gate Heights – Mosaics in San Francisco HIDDEN GEM

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps project has been a neighborhood effort to create a beautiful mosaic running up the risers of the 163 steps located at 16th and Moraga in San Francisco
Artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher led the creation of the 163 mosaic panels that were applied to the step risers, over 300 neighbors joined in making them, and over 220 neighbors sponsored handmade animal, bird and fish name tiles imbedded within the mosaic. KZ Tile, a major San Francisco tilesetting company, generously agreed to set the mosaic panels into the risers and tile the step treads with rough, nonslip tile. The installation of the Project was completed in August 2005,