Merry Christmas

 

 

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

 

Hi everyone,

 

It has been a very long time since I last did a blog post. It was in fact early autumn, since then I started a new job and life has been very different. One year on sadly  my shoulder is still not entirely healed from inflammation, but every day a little bit stronger ;) Which means I have starting sewing and stitching. I have missed it all so incredible much! Meanwhile I have been inspired by different creative Instagram accounts, like Woodfolkknits, who made me a beautiful par of knitted mittens a couple of weeks ago (seen above). The mittens are made from a maritime wool and feature a traditional Maritime/Maine pattern known and flying geese or crow's feet (heritage wool from Briggs and Little wool). I am very inspired by the talented knitters seen around, the fantastic patterns they create and also beautiful wool fabrics, specially tweed and tartan wool fabrics from England, Scotland and Ireland. I appreciate the growing love for traditional skills, great craftsmanship and natural living everywhere I look, especially since these ingredients are a big part of my own life as well.
 

The gifts are carefully wrapped, all the shopping is done, even the Christmas tree is up and twinkling. I just need to bake a pudding and send a couple of cards I forgot last Friday. Feeling very warm and fuzzy, here's to a Season filled with warmth, comfort and good cheer.

 

 God Jul - Merry Christmas - Joyeux Noël !

 

 

~ Aina ~

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

 

 

 

   

 Images source : Alastair Hendy’s beautiful Christmas House in Hastings

 

 

  Christmas is a little bit different this year. Previous years it has been a tornado of guests, or we have been accompanied with lots of friends and family members. This year we keep things small scale and dinner for only the two of us. The food is easier than normal, a huge thanks to our wonderful fishmonger who makes all the preparations, only for me to set the table and lit the candles. Very thankful, saving my arms and helping me recover from the inflammations. The cards have been written and sent by my husband and the decorations are sparse. Focus on health, warmth and love is the only thing on my mind. And surely that's what christmas is all about ?

 

I wish you all cosy warmth and much joy. May your Christmas celebration be filled with all the wonderful things you are longing for. Give and receive friendly hugs, appreciate the moments, share the Love.

 

 

 

From the southeast of Norway, To all my blog friends
 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

 

 

~ Aina ~


 

It`s That Time Of Year Again

 

Hi everyone, I have been wanting to get back to you and say hello for such a long time. I have been missing you very much. Due to an injured shoulder I have not been able to do much, no sewing, no keyboard tapping, no heavy lifting. Even washing my hair has been a real challenge. Feeling very lucky that this is not a permanent situation, realizing how difficult life would have been without my two hands. I am still taking things slow (took me a couple of hours writing this post) but at least, now you know.

 

Below a note I started writing to you over a month ago, thought maybe it could still be relevant.

Photo © IKEA Life at home

My friends, I hope you are well adjusted to the new temperatures and the changes of the new season. Lately I have been snuggling up and searching the internet for ideas how to make autumn wreaths, ordering a new fantastic bread knife and slowly I am also thinking about what to bake, make and how to decorate our home for Christmas. A bit early perhaps, but cleaning up my coffee table stack of magazines I found a couple of country living magazines from last November and caught myself longing a little bit. Have you already started making some plans ?

Via Design Sponge


This beautiful autumn wreath sparks a few great ideas, how to make a Christmas wreath looking pretty with a fresh mix of seasonal greenery, fruits and berries.


~ Aina ~

 

Have a wonderful new year !

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

  

 Thank you for all the lovely messages during the holidays, it was so nice to read. I hope you also enjoyed your days full of warmth, peace and magic.


I do think I have the most wonderful blog friends you can have. I feel grateful about you coming here ( some of you 7 years in total! ). So thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas, the kisses and well wishes, the patience and most of all maybe, the shared excitement for life in general. I like to keep it real, and you definitively are able to see the beauty in the simple things. The little things that many seems to forget. Because sometimes, life takes over and make your days way too hectic. And then, you forget to breath, to listen, to wonder. It is about slowing down, enjoying what you have and making the most of what you have where you live. Because we share so many similar interests I feel connected, a sort of togetherness I really like. I hope we can continue this another year!


This would be a great new year resolution.
More kindness.



    K I N D N E S S    

One of the greatest gifts you can
 bestow upon another. If someone is in
need, lend them a helping hand. Do
not wait for a thank you. True
kindness lies within the act of
giving without expectation of
something in return.

(Author unknown)



  Have a Wonderful new year !


~ Aina ~

 

At the table (2)

   

( lack of natural light made it almost imossible to take good photos today, so excuse the poor quality!)

 

 

 

I really enjoy giving my friends and family personal presents which have been thoughtful wrapped and decorated, but in a simple and natural way. Using brown paper, kraft paper, wax paper, I`m  just adding  finishing touches as twigs, cones, sticks of cinnamon, berries and dried fruit. Specially dried fruit as lemon, orange and grapefruit works really well. I think that looks beautiful on top of a gift.

 

 

 

 

How to dry slices of orange, lemon and grapefruit for decoration :

Dry oranges for decoration by slicing them about a half a centimetre thick and softly squeeze out as much of the juice as possible. Try not to squeeze and misshape the slices. Place the slices on a cookie sheet and leave for about 4 - 6 hours at  between 80 -100 degrees to dry. ( Keep the oven door slightly ajar for air circulation )

 

~ It looks beautiful and the wonderful scent makes your home smell amazing also.

 

 

 

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

 

I also use natural twine, jute, wool and straw as ribbon. I thought about using strings of handwoven linen also. These whole anise seeds were actually meant as a subtle flavour for my favourite cake, but I think they look pretty cute on top of these small gifts for my mother. Looks like christmas stars.. 

 

How do you like to wrap your gifts ?

 

 

 

~ Aina ~

 

 

Gratitude

 

( Photo : via October Afternoons )

 

 

Recently my husband asked if I had a Christmas wish list. Sitting curled up embroidering, I raised my head and looked straight into his eyes. Thinking about his question, I could not feel anything else than gratefulness. I felt so happy having him near me, I just smiled at him. Having friends loosing their loved ones, babies, mothers and fathers, I feel this huge gratitude towards life. Being healthy, having a home, a warm bed, a kitchen to work in, a great relationship with this caring man and two beautiful cats, my blessings are numerous. I could not ask for anything more. After being restless many years, having difficulties to leave behind certain things and living in different countries, I still marvel at the luxury living here in this old charming home with a quiet and lovely garden. I don`t always feel this way, but I really really should. 

 

 

I once read - 

 Perhaps you're wondering what to be grateful for. Be thankful that you don't have everything you desire. If you did, you would have nothing to look forward to. Be thankful for the difficult people you have to work with. They are improving your patience and understanding. Be thankful when you don't know something, because it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for difficult times, because it's in times of hardship that you grow. Be thankful when you're exhausted at the end of a day, because you know you've accomplished something. (Mary Hunt)

 

 

 

Much love ~ Aina  

 

 

 

At the table (1)

 

 

Hi everyone.

 

How are you doing, are you well and ready for the holiday season ? Myself are Feeling a bit behind with everything, like I always do. But I try not to worry, so I keep it as simple as possible. I have a motto : buy less and make more. That I find more enjoyable also.

 

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

 

But, I did buy something. Last year I started a new tradition, collecting a few simple ornaments. A couple of weeks ago I received these beautiful ornaments from a Dutch online store. There are tons of different ornaments of glass, wax, paper, cardboard, wire wrapped and metal, molded or blown glass made, which can be found at different markets, esty, e-bay etc... I just started collecting so it can be a bit confusing, because there is so incredible much out there. How can you tell about the age, how do you know when they are fake and when they are really antiques? What I do know is that I should watch out for reproductions, conditions and rarity. But, until I am really 100% sure and become more educated I just buy what I find pretty. I really like these. Mostly because of the colour, I love the vintage silver gold finish. I will show you more later on..

 

 

* Happy Wednesday to you *

 

 

~ Aina ~

 

 

Oh what a wonderful trip !

  

 

Out of 8 farms we choose to visit a couple, Sigstad farm because of the delicious food ( mountain air sharpens the appetite! )and Hovinsholm which arranged an old fashioned Christmas market. Situated near the beautiful and peaceful lake of Mjøsa, surrounded by mountains, the view from the car was breathtaking. Farm houses, grass and trees were covered with Ice crystals. Through the misty fog a  ray of sunlight made it all twinkle. It was as cold as it looked, but it was very beautiful. 

 

 

A couple of deer were even crossing the road. They soon disappeared, but I quickly managed to take a blurry image. Can you see them running ?

 

 

 

 

I loved the decorated fence down the hill to Hovinsholm farm, single trees and flare burners. Simple, but such a warm welcome.   

 

 

  

 

When it comes to celebrating the old fashioned way, nobody does it like the Norwegians. As December approaches old traditions take precedence, a fond reminder of simpler days. And that is how I like to celebrate my Christmas also. In a simple peaceful way..

 

 

Inside the barn (one of many out buildings) there were installed a little shop, where you could buy all sort of Christmas decorations.There was a nice open fireplace also, where we could sit and warm up a little bit. Which was great because at one point I thought my fingertips would fall of. (That`s what photographing in cold weather does! )

 

 

Here were handmade crafts, antiques, wood carvings, ornaments, baked goods, Christmas trees, local produced steaks, ginger bread and star shaped pastries, sausages and jams. The smiling vendors were bundled up in winter coats and offering tastes. I bought a couple of spiced fruit breads, a little surprise for my mum later. 

   

 

 

 

To me is not necessarily what is sold on the market which makes me happy. And that's not what makes me appreciate old fashioned Christmas markets every year either. It`s everything else which surround such an event that makes it all so idyllic.


 

 I always remember the small things, the weather, the knitted mittens, the runny noses, Christmas trees in groups, wreaths hanging in clusters, lamps, old red barn doors, crackling bonfires where people gather in groups to warm up, the frosty trees, smell of horses, hay and burning torches. The entire frame around with cold winter weather, the foggy air and frosty trees made our trip this year specially nice and memorable I think. 

 

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

 

I would love to hear about what makes you get into the festive Christmas mood.

What makes the holiday season for you ?

 

 

~ Aina ~

 

 

 

Jul På Mjøsgårdene - Christmas on the farms of Mjøsa

  

 

 Igjen nærmer det seg Jul og helgen 23. og 24. November åpner 8 gårder rundt Mjøsa i vakre omgivelser dørene, og inviterer alle til en tradisjonell førjulstemning.

 

 

På gårdene  har tradisjonene gått fra hånd til hånd i generasjoner, og man ønsker å dele denne unike kulturarv med flere. Publikum inviteres derfor inn i jule pyntede stuer og saler, på kjøkken og i bryggerhus til bakeverksted, designklær, matmarked med kortreist mat, julekafé, julebakst, julehistorier, julegrøt, måltider og overnatting i gårdsbygninger for å nevne noe.

 

* Møystad gård har matmarked med juleribbe av utegående gris, spekemat, oster, saft og syltetøy med mer, samt bakeverksted for barn.

* Sveinhaug gård & historisk pensjonat har «kaffefremmend», førjulstaffel og julevarm overnatting i historiske interiører. Fredag og lørdag klokka 19.00 serveres førjulstaffelet i storstua. Historier fra gården serveres til kaffen. (Bordbestilling).

* Edel Design & Galleri Hjerterom viser designklær i lunt galleri og servering av fars økologiske, energigivende solbærshot.

* På ærverdige Hovinsholm gård på Helgøya, skafferiet, arrangeres et stort gammeldags julemarked.

* Lier gård har førjulskafé i julepyntete stuer med mulighet for julegavekjøp i det lille Julehandleriet.

* Sigstad Gård har også førjulskafé i julepyntete stuer med kaker, julebakst og lunsj. Einar Sigstad har åpent galleri begge dager 11 - 16 og Biri tapet selger julegaver og julenek. Lørdag fra kl. 19.00. er det åpen restaurant med lokale smaker. (Bordreservasjon).

* Minne Gårdskafé har førjulskafé og pepperkakepynting for barna.

* Stokke Nedre har bålkos og åpen kafé og salgsboder på tunet.

 

Dørene er åpne mellom 11.00 - 16.00

Det blir også salg av boka «Mjøsgårdene - skapt for selskapelighet» på alle gårdene.

Oversikt og fullt program finner du på Mjøsgårdene. 

 

 

 

Jeg har hørt at Frostrøyken har kommet til mjøsa og at det nå er ferdig pyntet i alle hus, låver, gårsbutikker og tun. Det er første gang vi tar turen dit, og vi gleder oss veldig !

 

~ Aina ~

 

Have a Fantastic New Year

  

 

    Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

 

 Hi everyone, hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday break.

 

We had some really good days here in the south east of Norway. I can`t remember a lazier, nicer, more "eat yourself out of your home" time ever. Both cats and people have been purring. It has been pretty cold, some days -15 and lots of twinkling snow were falling. Our neighbour made a huge scary snowman. I almost drove off the road the first time I saw it. Made my husband laugh out loud. Well, the snow has gone but when it fell it was thick and lovely, in the back garden the bushes were laden. Had a nice walk with our Dutch visitors, they took a lot of pictures. Norway is beautiful they said. I agree. I am happy to be surrounded by all this.

 

Thank you for your new year`s wishes, and your gentle words, for all your kindness, for all your compliments and support,  for Inspiring me with words, images and all your fabulous creative work. It means a lot to me that you take the time to come here, I am grateful for finding friends all over the world. Looking forward to another year, it will be my 6th with Modern Country. Utterly amazed how time flies. Wishing you all the best for the new year, let`s make the most of it !! 

 

 

" Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself.

Go forward and make your dreams come true "

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

Much Love ~ Aina

 

 

Slowing down..

Photo © Aina - Modern Country

 

Last Christmas we went on a (spoiled ) 4 weeks trip to The Netherlands. We stayed at the fabulous castle TerWorm for 2 romantic nights, visited countless antique shops and markets and did the last Christmas shopping in Maastricht. We also enjoyed the (oh so jummy) classical "Limburgse kersenvlaai"  with thick whipped cream, in Valkenburg. It was a fun and memorable trip. This year we are slowing things down. After a pretty hectic few months it shall be nice to rest our feets. Although I love travelling with my Dutch husband, I am looking forward to spend a quiet holiday with friends and family. I have missed them immensely during the years I lived abroad, and I am now so utterly happy to have them nearby. Finally.

 

 

5 ways to slow down and enjoy Christmas :

 

- Keep it simple

- Just breathe

- Don`t go overboard on gifts

- Better to give than receive

- Slow down, cut yourself some slack, give yourself a moment. Feel the cool Christmas breeze, gaze at the beauty around you and be grateful for everything that you already have.

 

Have a great start to the week everyone. 

And thank you for stopping by and leaving me messages, I am grateful for all of them.

Glad to see a few men here also, from Sweden, USA, and recently I got a new blogfriend in Normandy. Please stop by "A Normandy Kitchen ", Ivan`s blog is such a good read. He makes great dishes, has a lovely home and now and then you might follow along on a day trip also. Last  time we went along to beautiful Paris.

  ~ Aina ~

 

Simple Christmas

 

 Image source : Soon Remembered Tales

  

Image source : Ambiance & Cocon /  Tongue in Cheek

 

 Image source : Shelterholic

   

 Image source : Marie Claire idees / Jeanne d`Arc Living

 

Image source : unknown

 

Image source : Marie Claire idees 

 

Image source : La Sciere

 
 Image source : Sköna hem / Biskopsgården

Image source : Craftily ever after


* It`s all about slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of enjoying the company of friends and family. Celebrating the things that matter most ... *

 

 

- Quote,  new favorite magazine : The Simple Things

 

 ~ Aina ~

 

Monday thoughts - gifts and wrapping

Good morning everyone,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the molding issue in the previous post. I am really thankful ! I have decided to start sanding and painting the shelves before we add anything more. I think I will then be able to imagine how it`s going to look like in the end, and then we can take a decision about what to do next..

Photo : Sarah Kaye / Photograpy Chris Everard

 I hope you had a lovely weekend, what did you do ? I made myself a "what to buy and make for my family and friends list". Usually I wait until the last minut. Every year It seems like I have the time in the world and then, whoosh ! However, this year I have started to make some things already.

 

Photo : via  Modern Hepburn

 

Handmade gifts for Christmas are great, they kind of say thank from your Heart. I remember as a little girl, receiving homemade gifts were definitely not at the top of my favorite gifts list. But now as an adult I am able to acknowledge and appreciate the time and energy that goes into anything that is hand or home made. I appreciate when someone takes the time to wrap a gift beautifully too. It makes a gift even more special don`t you think ? Yesterday I read an article in THE PHILLY POST, " The Lost Art of Gift wrapping, who else misses wrapping paper " ? I loved it. The writer shared some valuable points. The last part of the article made me giggle :

 

 

 ~ I gave my mother her birthday presents last weekend. As she started to rip open the first and peek at the book title, she remarked happily, “Oh, good! Just the kind of book I’ve been looking for.” And then she looked at me and added, “And wrapped so nice.”

 

Photo : Roostblog

 

 

 Have a great start to the week, keep yourself warm. 

 

~ Aina ~