Want to see a little loot from a recent shopping trip? I mentioned last Friday that I hit Hema, a Dutch department store with eight locations in Germany, one of which happens to be near to me. I first discovered it while vacationing in Amsterdam (my travel review here) last Fall and I’ve been hoping to get back ever since to spend money I don’t have. :)
My friend and I hopped the train and headed up to Oldenburg (charming old city, great shopping district) where we spent the afternoon drooling in Hema where things have the most adorable packaging, the prices are right, and the selection is great. Here is a glimpse of some of my loot, what I could fit in my tote anyway — I’m so glad that I don’t have a car, I’m certain I would have spent a lot of money on more cute ceramics!
My favorite departments include the home accessories and kitchen goods, stationery, kid’s toys, and the snacks & candy! Oh the candy! I love the prices too – super affordable. For instance, the small blue cups were under a euro each and the aqua mugs were under 3 euros. All of the ceramics shown above, including the gray bowl, white doily-patterned plate, and the snowflake silver/white bowl was only around 13 euros ($20 USD)! That’s a great deal. And the white candlestick holders were around 10 euros for the pair. I love them, they look great with my aqua candles I think. :) I love using aqua in my home in the winter, it’s an unexpected color to add to my lilac, black, grey and white/cream mix but with the silvery accents that I have around and the ethnic prints and patterns I think it’s a gorgeous hue to work in to my wintery look.
I am so glad that I found a Target equivalent here though I think Hema is smaller and has a bit more to choose from when it comes to cute stuff like postcards and ceramics. If we had taken the express bus from Oldenburg over the border to the Netherlands I heard that we would have been able to shop at a much larger Hema — but we did not have the time so we’ve agreed to head back in a few months, perhaps with a car, to hit the next one. I am already excited for my next Hema trip!
Have you shopped at this store? Did you like it? Aren’t their postcards the best?!
(images: holly becker for decor8)
How much is that doggy in the window? And have you heard of Best In Park? The name is great, right!? Best in Park is a curated collection of high quality home objects, dog leashes and id tags that are designed and made in Australia.
I rarely talk about pets because I currently do not have any cutie dogs or cats so I wonder how much of a review I can truly give of something I know so little about. The last time I was in a home with pets was with my parents, which has been awhile! And pet “stuff” has changed remarkably throughout the years. Today pet ownership is a whole new experience filled with everything from organic dog food to luxury items like tiny designer rain coats and real gemstone collars. While some of it feels a bit over-the-top to me, I support what Best In Park is all about: quality, stylish leashes and my favorite (and what fits the theme of this blog) — decorative doggy hooks for the entryway to hang them.
(images: best in park)
The day has slipped through my fingers like sand! I woke up at the crack of dawn today to prepare for a trip up north to shop with my friend Anne — and shop we did! We hit HEMA and had the best time. It’s my version of Target over here, only with a bit of a “Am I in Tokyo?” aesthetic — things are so kawaii in that store — the product packaging is adorable.
I’ll photograph some of my loot and share it on Monday… I’m home now but have had quite a full day — it’s nearly 9 pm, so if you don’t mind I’m signing off for the weekend. I had such a nice and refreshing time and the best part, even above the shopping, was the quality time I had with my friend who is a product designer and shop owner. We were able to talk about some of the topics that we’re most passionate about and these are always the conversations that I walk away from feeling positive, stimulated and bursting from the seams with creative energy.
I’d like to wish you all a lovely weekend… I am attending an opening party tomorrow at a new store in my neighborhood (this lady has set up shop), then taking the train out to a nearby town to have dinner at a friends house, and on Sunday I plan to work on styling and shooting some parts of my home along with having my photo taken for a magazine in Australia. There is much to do! And what about you? Any plans?
And by the way, you simply must read the comments on this post. Word. You are all something else. Talk about inspiration. xo
(images: the lovely frazier & wing, whom I wrote about today at real simple.)
I spent a good portion of my day considering several topics for today’s column… I even asked for advice while out social networking earlier! Then it dawned on me that perhaps with all the rush & stress of the season that today’s topic should be one that offers you a chance to let it all hang out and not be based on one particular topic like marketing or decorating the mantle. I hope today’s theme strengthens and encourages you to reflect on something that “clicked” personally in your life. So… I’m asking that for just a moment you can leave behind what’s next on your to-do list and join in here to see where this topic takes us… Ready?
What’s the one thing you’ve read recently (online/offline) that has resonated with you and made you think? Why? Go into as much detail as you’d like. I will participate in the comments section along with you.
If you haven’t found anything yet, actively search for something in places where you trust to find wisdom, understanding and/or inspiration. Or think back earlier this year, did you post something to your inspiration board or blog on a topic that really clicked for you? Then come back and leave your comment if you’d like to participate in this open discussion. I wonder how many others share your one thing?
(images: holly becker for decor8)
Would you like to travel to Sydney for a moment to view brightly colored stoneware ceramics and tour the light-filled store of Bison with me? Photographed by the talented Jillian Leiboff, prepare to be transported to sunny Australia! Jillian photographed Bison’s brand new shop recently and is sharing her visit with all of us today… are your ready?
Bison, which was founded by principal designer Brian Turks who trained in archaeology, first discovered his love of ceramics from his Greco-Roman excavations in the Middle East. Fascinating source of inspiration! You will love all of Bison’s brightly colored stoneware ceramics — I see so many things that I want to buy and use in my kitchen. The store design is quite lovely and simple, the neutral foundation highlights the colorful vessels and the natural light that floods the space is breathtaking. I also like the shelving and the remarkable height of the overall space — it feels airy and inspiring!
Bison will soon have an online shop opening up later this winter so bookmark them and return early next year if you’d like to purchase a few of their beautiful wares. I sure do — especially after seeing Jillian’s mouth-watering shots!
(photography: jillian leiboff)
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