One of my sisters has always said that I like a bit of drama, or rather attract it. She has certainly been right this year, as I’ve gone from the not so good, to the super exciting. So here it is…. are you ready for it?
We are moving to STOCKHOLM!
Yes, Guillaume has been offered a job there and our little family couldn’t be happier. We knew the time would arrive and that we were only in New Zealand temporarily. We were waiting with bated breaths of where we might end up, especially this past year. Europe was always high on the wish list so that we could be closer to our French family for a few years. Then the offer came… Sweden. Gee let us think about it – for about half a second.
As a mother, I’m over the moon as it looks like a wonderful place to raise children. As a lover of design, I’m floating with the thought of the life I’m going to get immersed in. Let’s not even mention the fashion, the café culture – (hello Fika), the nature and overall standard of living. It’s going to be so much fun!!!
Of course with the impending move comes a heavy heart. I’m going to miss New Zealand and the beautiful people here. That part really is tough. As much as we were preparing ourselves for this moment since our arrival, I think I’m going to be a blubbering mess when the actual day comes to leave. This country is also the birthplace of our daughter so it’s very special to us for many reasons. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it.
Before my health hiccup, I had actually been out and about photographing some of the wonderful creative and design talent here as part of an NZ series. To showcase this now, couldn’t’ be more perfect, kind of like my homage to this wonderful place that I’ve called home the past five years. So watch this space. Obviously I’m still taking things easy, I’ve still got a lot of work to do on it and I’m not entirely sure how I will deliver it yet, but it’s coming!
Our story in NZ is not over yet; we’ve got three months left before we leave. I will also continue to follow and support NZ design and produce from over the ocean. The talent and quality that comes out of this tiny country has always amazed me. I also hope that you will follow my new journey, life and discoveries in Sweden and surrounds.
If you feel like a bit of a taste for what we’re up for, check out this cool teaser video “This is Sweden”.
Mel xx
Hi
I’ve loved reading and being inspired by your blogs. I’ve lived in Stockholm and I’m sure you will love living there too!
The people are so friendly and they love New Zealanders and Aussies too so you will be made very welcome.
Don’t worry if you don’t speak much Swedish as most people can speak English and they love to practice too.
Enjoy your time there!
Oh thank you so much Lesley:) So cool that you lived there! It’s unusual for people on this side of the world. I do hope that you follow my Stockholm adventures too – it might bring back good memories. xx
SO SO exciting for all of you Mel! Huge congrats and I can’t wait to follow your new adventures! Your blog is so inspiring xxx
Thank you Caroline sweet you xx
Dear Mel,
I was doing some catching up on my fav blogs today and it seems that I have missed so much you have going on… Regarding the previous post, so sorry to hear what you have been through – it must have been really scary and tough time for you and your family. I’m very sensitive to health related issues myself and I can’t imagine how I would keep on functioning normally when having to deal with something like that myself. It’s definitely life changing – such events in our lives definitely make us start looking at everything with fresh eye and appreciate everything we have more than before.
As for your current post – wow! What an exciting news :) Stockholm is really lovely city, definitely a good one for living with kids. And it’s so close to Estonia too! :)
I remember you mentioning that you’d so love to catch up for coffee like I do with Michelle… I kind of knew that I’d soon be your neighbour and was bursting to tell you! Can’t wait for that coffee Anu xx
Great news Mel, congratulations! Stockholm is a wonderful city and I can’t wait to meet you one day here in Europe. ;-)
How great would that be Angela! Mel xx
Wonderful news! Stockholm has such a good reputation for just about everything!!!! heeeee so exciting for you guys, I can;t wait to follow you on your adventures over there XX
Thanks Audrey. Yes I guess you can feel I’m bursting with excitement xx
The secret is out! ;) SO very cool, oh and yes FIKA! Haha, you’re going to love it, I’m sure. Good luck with all the preparations and the move. See you ‘soon’ xx
Can’t wait to meet you Yvonne xx
You just never know where life’s path will lead. Congratulations, what exciting news. It will be a great adventure.
Thank you Cyndi. Yes, it’s funny what life throws at you. Very happy xx
How exciting! And may I ask where the gorgeous bobbly throw is from? x
Hi Sara, thank you:) It’s a Country Road throw… current collection. I love it – so cosy and was a mothers day present x
Congratulations for the exciting new path. I can totally relate to your emotions, having left NZ and still missing it. In case the missing gets too hard, you and your family are always welcome to the Berlin close countryside to have some Hoky Poky and a rich Pavlova! Besides, Stockholm is amazing.
Oh thank you Anton:) I would love to do that one day and Berlin is on my must see! Can’t wait for Stockholm xx
Wow Mel, what exciting news! Can’t wait to see what “Styled Canvas: the Stolkhom Evolution” looks like! xx
I’ll have loads of inspiration there, that’s for sure! x
I am very excited for all of you! And I am happy for myself as this means we will see each other sooner than thought:-) Looking forward to seeing you here in Europe, Mel!
Yes! Can’t wait to see you guys again xx
What a bundle of excitement! It will be a haven for your interests. You know Hans Blomquist is from Sweden! You would know of his work. So much to look forward to. :) x
Oh yes I do! In fact, I would love to find a styling course while I’m there. How amazing would that be!!! Big hugs Louise x
Oh, wowsers Mel, that is truly fantastic news!
I can’t wait to read your blog posts from Sweden!
xxx
Thank you Morag! Yes it’s going to be a fun adventure and I won’t be short of inspiration I’m sure. xx