I nearly forgot to post this photo, but you have to meet these lovely ladies. This photo was taken only a few hours after I landed in Stockholm, where Danielle and I met up with some locals for drinks and dinner at Riche. You have to meet them, so here's a bit of an introduction along with some links.

On the far left is Ulrika Gr?n?rus seated next to her business partner Alexandra Giertz who own the popular online Swedish art gallery Andyland (they ship all over the world by the way, hint, hint). I wish I had more time to get to know them because they were quite charming and very in-the-know when it comes to art, a subject I can talk about for hours.

In the center is my travel partner-in-crime Danielle from the Netherlands, and to her right is the popular Swedish blogger Emma, whom I owe a huge thanks to for spending time with us and showing me around the city. Emma will blush when she reads this, but I have to say it anyway, she has exceptional style and a great personality, I found her easy to talk to and certainly a great companion to meet up with while in Stockholm. If you ever visit Stockholm, print out her travel guide, it's the best. A publisher needs to write to her to work on a "best of" Stockholm book or something, she has her finger on the pulse of Stockholm and knows all the best places.

And on the far right is Theres Sysimets?, Tess for short, a talented and spirited jewelry designer who can fill the room with her personality the moment she enters. She can speak to any subject with insight, and she certainly is one of the kindest ladies. Sadly, she doesn't have a website so I can't link you to her -- but once she does, I'll post about her here on decor8 so you can find her. Tess supplied me with maps with hand drawn instructions and arrows on where I should go and why and also, a beautiful gift box filled with goodies - including a Design House Stockholm scarf. I spent time alone with Tess before my flight and we really got to know one another over coffee and sweet rolls at Bloom in S?dermalm (a delicious bakery located around the corner from Hotel Rival at Paulsgatan 24).

Blooms Bakery

I think a city is only as good as the people in it - the overall vibe depends on the attitude and spirit. Stockholm is so unique because it's not only scenic and relaxing, but also very friendly and welcoming, I felt fortunate to be surrounded by so many talented like-minded ladies such as this group shown above. I raise my glass to each of these ladies to say "Cheers and Tack!" for making my stay in Stockholm very special.

Psst: View photos of Riche here. I loved their illustrative menus (above) by Jockum Nordstr?m (the waiter gave these to me, one is in Swedish and the other in English). I also enjoyed the overall interior design of Riche by Jonas Bohlin - it was so pretty. I was so busy talking to my new friends that I didn't think to photograph the restaurant, but you can find some on their website. I must mention that there was a bizarre installation by Jonas Dahlberg which included surveillance cameras on the toilets, architecture models and a monitor, which you can view here under 08 on his website. Needless to say, I didn't use the ladies room - I'm American you know - as a culture, we are a bit reserved unlike most of Europe (I'm constantly aware of this when I'm over here) when it comes to matters of privacy and sexuality. Ha!

(images from holly becker for decor8)