Souvenirs

Life has returned to normal this week. On Monday I talked John into a spot of decorating, and on the last day of his leave too, I am unkind to that long-suffering man. What should've been a simple job (re-paint the pink wall white, and touch up any scuffs on the other three white walls) turned into an nightmare when we discovered that one brand of pure brilliant white was not the same colour as the other brand we'd used. How is white not just white? Much swearing under the breath ensued but it's done now, and looking fresh and clean. I'll share photos later in the week. Then there has been washing, and more washing; it's my punishment for going away and being carefree. The tyranny of laundry. And a pile of ironing that grows and grows, and housework, and small people to entertain, although that bit is fun.

So it's been extra lovely to unpack my treasures from our trip away and admire them and then decide where in the home they will live, for now.

This happy chappy is my birthday present from John. Remember when it was my birthday back in February he gave me a voucher for a gift of my choice in Copenhagen? I love this bird by the Danish designer Kay Bojesen. I spent ages deciding on which colour but in the end chose this bright and cheerful combination, perfect against the grey wall in the living room.

Dala horses! I love these. I think they are actually a Swedish folk craft but I saw them in lots of shops and well, what's not to love? Inexpensive too - the larger white one was bought for about £8 from Illums Bolighus (the most incredible shop - four floors of Danish design for the home. I was in heaven) - and the smaller red horse was bought for about £3.50 from the tacky airport gift shop. I don't care, I still love it.

Egg cups! Who doesn't need egg cups? These wooden ones are called bordfolk which translates to "table people". They were widely used in Denmark in the 60's and 70's then fell out of fashion until they were recently resurrected by designer Lucie Kaas. Of course four was absolutely necessary and I chose one for each of us; I'm the brunette in yellow, John is the blonde in the dashing knitted jumper, then our two brunette children in pink and green.

Of course, these wont actually be used for egg cups. No. That's crazy. They'd get dirty! We've got lots of ceramic and plastic ones in the cupboard. These are to be admired and played with. 

And a rather attractive print of Copenhagen, needing a frame, but lovely nonetheless. It's by the Danish company Ferm Living who I hadn't heard of until about a year ago, and now I see that John Lewis stocks some of their wares, but sadly not the small pink wire basket that I am obsessed and want to store my yarn in.

And of course there were gifts for the children, thoughtfully chosen Lego and sticker books and Moomin cups, which have been largely ignored in favour of the plastic Copenhagen snow globes we bought at the airport.

So there are my souvenirs. Chosen with a budget in mind, pieces that will brighten up our home and make me happy when I look at them, pieces full of memories and a strong sense of the country we so loved visiting.