Support your local independent shop this Christmas

On November 24, 2014November 14, 2017 By SpektakulärIn Christmas, Gift Ideas, NewsLeave a comment

Do I really need to ask people to support their local shops? Why do we need to do it? Do I do it myself? What is the big deal? Can we just not price hunt online or visit the big retail shops? So many questions and of course there are some text book answers and most likely a few hearty messages.

Of course you should support your local shops, if you don’t we would not be here. I think that is the main reason but of course you can see lots of lovely posters why you are support your local shops. Like this one…

I get it, small shops often have a smaller range, prices are not hammered due to competition and parking…oh don’t get me started on the parking around Holy Corner. But I do really love that we have so many shops in this area that are all lovely, different, personal and not to talk about the independent cafes, bistros and restaurants. So why not make a day out of it. Take the bus, meet up with a friend, chat your way though some shops, enjoy a great lunch or fika and then chat through a few other shops. Christmas shopping done and you had a nice day. One of the reasons why we are open on Sundays is because there is free parking and most cafes are open.

Now do I do it myself…come on I am not perfect! And I am a very convenient person and always (well feels like it) on a tight budget. I try the best I can! When I go food shopping, yes I go to a big supermarket and things do end up in the trolley because it is convenient. And with small children I like to get it done very quick and always seem to forget something. This is why Richard does our food shopping. He is great at shopping and only misses to buy things because I did not put them on the list and apparently after all our years together he can still not read my mind (sigh)! But I try to visit my favourite local shops now and then and I have also (since the girls arrived) created a gift box at home with things we pick up in sales, odd shops, Sweden holiday or whenever there is an opportunity. I went though it not that long ago and realised that the girls have enough in there so their Christmas gifts are sorted, will just add a tomte (santa/gnome) for them each since I like to continue my tradition.

I am incredible impressed by you who come in to see us with a list and get your Christmas gifts and treats here and enjoy the shop and a little chat (yes I can be a bit chatty). Thank you! We are still here only because all of you our wonderful customers.

Please try to support your local shops this winter and for the rest of the year. It does help your community and of course us as well. I promise to do my best as well!

For you with American Express cards, don’t forget their Shop Local Campaign starts the 6th December and runs all the way until the 21st December. Last year they did one Saturday and it was a huge success. Shops don’t have to pay to be part of it, just take the card. It encourages people to explore the shops around them and rediscover the places beyond the TV advertising and corporate Christmas. You can come in and do your Christmas shopping with us instead of the big department store and get a £5 credit back from Amex. You can read more on AMEX website. I have already seen a few of my favourite shops is on their list (including our amazing local curry take-away…sorted)

Thank you and happy Christmas shopping, remember to take it easy and enjoy treating your loved ones, it should be fun!

Charlotte x

Christmas we welcome (and love) you!!!

On November 4, 2014 By SpektakulärIn Christmas, Inspiration, Latest deliveries, New window display, News, Shop images1 Comment

YES the shop has transformed into Christmas and it is warm and welcoming and absolutely jammed packed and I am amazed how fantastic all the staff have worked. So hard, well done ladies (and Richard of course).

So after a long weekend, well started mid week last week really with the big pallet deliveries and then a few late nights, Richard took time off his normal job and grandparents arrived to look after our girls, the shop is now a proper Scandinavian gift and Christmas shop.

I LOVE IT! What I love the most is all the beautiful stars and candle bridges . They sure brighten up the shop and already many peoples homes. Richard and I hung up all the stars in the window on Sunday morning and then in the evening Richard, myself, Zuzanna and Ruth was joined by Åsa and Emma (who has not worked in the shop since Spring time) and it was so nice to catch up and I think they enjoyed it too. Emma and also Joanne will come back and cover a few dates from mid November and December which will be great. Both Zuzanna and Ruth have their own businesses and are super busy at the moment so it will be nice to have Emma and Joanne around as well.

After many hours of hard work, a short mulled wine pit stop (including cake and apple crumble) we had enough and went home and I think that was the first night in a VERY long time I woke up by the alarm. Thank you children! Then back again, Richard was sent on a mission and Ruth and I continued to unpack and organise the shop yesterday and today I unpacked the last boxes and have a lovely print delivery to unpack tomorrow.

Leave you with images from the shop…

LED lights…genius for us with children , animals or just a little bit forgetful.

Hello… Cute Santa tealight holder by Cult Design

Charming Tomtar by Naasgransgarden. Hugo lantern with friends

Stunning Foxes pattern by Swedish Almedahl

Julia Cocktail Tray and Ester and Eriks stunning cone candles

Charming beautiful tealight holders by Pluto and Snow Princess tray

Love these Viking Candle Bridges, stylish way to brighten up your home

LOVI Xmas Trees 12cm in wood, red or green — LOVI

Beautiful LOVI decorations made from wood — Love LOVI

Pluto has done it again, beautifully detailed decorations.

Please do pop in and say hi. Hope you will love the shop as much as we do… I will post a album on our Facebook page with all our beautiful stars and candle bridges, but it will be another day because now I need to go to bed.

See you tomorrow

Charlotte x

Star Trading Visit (Autumn 2014)

On October 20, 2014October 20, 2014 By SpektakulärIn Inspiration, News, Sweden, TripsLeave a comment

So I am finally catching up with all my posts and so on and hopefully I shall be better at posting images from the shop regularly before Christmas. Delivery after delivery is arriving at the moment and one brand I am VERY excited to receive in again is Star Trading. A Christmas at Spektakulär without our lovely, stunning, welcoming Advent stars and Candle Bridges would not be as amazing and fantastic as a Scandi Christmas should be!

So this summer when we where at home for our holidays we took the opportunity to visit Star Trading in Svenljunga, about 1.5 hours drive from my mum. Not bad at all, so packed up and headed over for a little visit. Right, when we arrived, I think all of us, including a then 16 month old girl, first impression walking in through the doors to a 900 sqm showroom was WOW! We were all stunned and amazed, it was massive! And it was beautiful!!! Sadly non of my camera phone images does justice to how it truly was, so just imagine: brighter, bigger and more colourful!

It was very difficult to capture that amazing feeling of walking in to this room. It just went on and on. The girls and Richard disappeared in the back among the massive Christmas trees and of course cuddly toys that sang Christmas songs. They managed to set them all off at one time and Richard did say he never wanted to hear one of those again. But the girls were delighted.

Lovisa and Stina at Star trading, found the cuddly singing toys!

Malin and Mikael took me on a tour and we left 2.5 hours later, all exhausted but happy. I felt extremely inspired and excited. The colours of this year is grey, white and red and the shop will look so stunning. Our biggest order ever of Christmas lightning is leaving Sweden this week and I shall make sure I can be in the shop when this pallet arrives because as a shop owner every day is like Christmas when we get deliveries. Some more than others!

This year we have introduced a few more candle bridges, pretty stars, led candles (great if you young children or animals) and lots more Scandi decorative designs.

I leave you with a few happy images from our visit, think they will explain it better than my words…

And do pop in after 3rd November since the shop will look like a little Scandi Christmas shop then. Previous and current staff will come in on Sunday the 2nd and while drinking mulled wine we will create a wonderful winter shop for you!

ST 2014 — Inspiration, these knitted balls light chain is on its way!

Do pop in for inspiration after 3rd November. Of course anyone can create a Scandi Christmas!

Enjoy

Charlotte x

Next Pappelina order… 1st September

On August 28, 2014 By SpektakulärIn Inspiration, New orders, NewsLeave a comment

Hooray! Time for another Pappelina order. They are so popular and I am so pleased how delighted our customers are with their plastic rugs and coming back for more, just like us working here at Spektakulär. We all love our rugs!

I am so excited to let you know that Pappelina has introduced a new size, so now there is two designs with the new 85 cm width size. Some of you find their standard 70 cm too slim and I am so pleased to see the new size. Hopefully it will make some of you very happy. The two new designs in 85 cm is called MONO and DUO and their lengths are 160 cm or 260 cm. The designs are simple yet classic. MONO is plain with two similar colours to create a warm and welcoming feeling and DUO is a lovely stripy design, we Swedes do love our stripes.

PAPPELINA 2014 PLASTIC CARPET MONO 85 CM — MONO Pappelina rug in Olive and Lime green. Image by Pappelina

PAPPELINA 2014 PLASTIC CARPET DUO — DUO in Warm Grey and Vanilla. Image by Pappelina

Not only is Pappelina incredible at making beautiful plastic rugs at a high standard, together with with Swedish Klippan Pappelina has created the most stunning blankets in high quality. The Honey blanket is a new favourite for me. In 50% Wool and 50% Cotton Chenille, the softness is amazing and to be honest, how sad this may sound, I am looking forward to a dull dark Autumn evening with a cup of tea, candle lights, cuddling up in a warm cozy blanket with a good book.

PAPPELINA 2014 SORTIMENT — Beautiful Honey Blanket in Turquoise/Vanilla. Image by Pappelina

Oh the shop will look fantastic in a few months, lots of cozy blankets, stunning rugs and I love their super stylish cushions. Pappelina has introduce more cushions in pretty designs and bold colours. These cushions are printed in Sweden at Rydboholmstextil and the cover is in 100% cotton canvas. The cushions come completed with a feather inner.

pappelina_cushions_2014 — Super Stylish Cushions in stunning designs and colours. Image by Pappelina

What I personally love about Pappelina is the quality. Just the feeling and the look at a Pappelina product make you warm inside. It is good quality design that lasts. While I was home this time I saw many plastic rugs by other brands and I am so pleased that I never ever thought of stocking anyone else then Pappelina. I have seen horrible copies, no edges (basically just cut off, and then folded and sewn over to create an edge). And then if you feel them, they have been thin and far less comfortable underfoot.

I am saving up for a new rug or perhaps two more. One large for under my dining table and one super long for my hallway, but since I have a kind of funny shaped hallway I might need a super long and two small ones…oh I better set up a secret Pappelina saving account, I hope Richard does not read this!

If you like to know more about Pappelina, check out their website. It is a very stylish website and their images are beautiful. There you can find all their designs, colours and sizes. However do pop in, call us on 0131 629 0941 or email me at hello@spektakular.co.uk if you like any more information, we are happy to help. Our next order will be placed on Monday and we normally say about six weeks for delivery, but recent orders has turned up within three to four weeks. If they don’t have them in stock they will make the rug for us. If you can not make up your mind straight away, we place orders regularly and I am ordering in quite a few rugs to the shop so you can always come in and have a feel and look.

Enjoy!

Charlotte x

Let me introduce you to…

On July 9, 2014 By SpektakulärIn Gift Ideas, Latest deliveries, NewsLeave a comment

New brands, new designs and new products!

I am so excited, last year I was in touch with a lovely brand called I LOVE DESIGN who does stunning prints and since she is Swedish as well she does some strong Swedish designs prints I personally love to have on the walls in my own home. However sadly this never got any further than to my “new brand” list (which is way too long).

Last Autumn I got in touch with a Swedish Agency Citronelles Agenturer in Stockholm regarding other beautiful designs. Then suddenly these two teamed up and voilà stunning products was created and to my happiness I could order these in for Spektakulär.

Now finally a small delivery arrived with beautiful trays by I LOVE DESIGN. Happy, stylish, simple and very very Swedish. If you know me you also know that I love a good cup of coffee and of course a bit of cake to go with it. In Sweden we have a word for it: FIKA. One of Stina’s first Swedish words she understood the meaning of was FIKA. It is what we Swedes do, we meet up for a fika. We do see the coffee trend hitting the UK, I have noticed it more since I moved to Scotland, in London it was all about going for a pint. Maybe it is actually an age thing (please do NOT rub it in). I love saying that word, FIKA, lets meet up for a fika rather than lets meet up for coffee or a drink. And guess what just arrived in to the shop: FIKA trays! These beautiful trays are made in Sweden by the well establish company Åry Trays. At the moment we stock the small size tray 20×27 cm in dark grey, turquoise and pink. It is a handy size and a lovely gift.

Fika Trays (20x27 cm) — Fika Trays (20×27 cm)

Citronelles is also the agency for Emelie Ek, a Swedish designer who is extremely talented and make the most beautiful designs and patterns. We have stocked her tea towels before, My Stockholm and My Skåne then in collaboration with Klippan. Last year I saw Emelie’s stunning Christmas trays and fell in love. Sadly I was not quick enough since they sold out in Sweden so fast. This year, yes I shall get a move on and order in early! But for now, lets just enjoy her Summer Strawberry design, we are very pleased to stock the large round tray.

Since I am from Gothenburg (well just outside) I love her Göteborg designs and am happy to stock her small tray in blues as well as the Stockholm tray in red. Love love her Houses of Sweden and Houses by the Sea collections. It just remind me so much of Sweden, Emelie has really nailed these designs. These products are beautiful gifts for anyone who love a great design with a quality finish.

house of sweden small — Houses of Sweden (20×27 cm)

As a shop owner it is always like Christmas receiving new deliveries and new brands! You get kind of used to the same product agaib and again, and sadly you do get quite picky with your private taste. But I must admit, this delivery was pure happiness! Maybe I am a bit homesick after all :) I am looking forward to introduce more products, colour and sizes in the FIKA range as well as other stunning products by Emelie Ek. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

All images by Citronelles Agenturer AB

Charlotte x

June

On June 10, 2014 By SpektakulärIn Gift Ideas, News, Upcoming eventsLeave a comment

Finally it is Summer…well if the weather could just stay a little bit sunnier and not so much torrential rain! Was watching a heavy downpour yesterday from our window at home. And noticed at the bottom of the Blackhall dip a little lake was nicely being created, poor lollipop man looked quite soaked and all the kids crossing the road on their way home for school got splashed from speeding cars. Was not looking forward to pack up Lovisa and head across town to collect Stina from nursery in Morningside. Am aware that there is a lot of road works at the moment and with the rain comes a lot of issues, like small lakes. At least it is not freezing cold rain. So enough moaning about the weather or Edinburgh traffic and roadworks (arrrggghhh)!!!

Anyway June is here…hooray! And with June comes a lot of events. Students are celebrating, Edinburgh Film Festival, Father’s Day and Midsummer (very important for us Swedes), lets not forget all the beautiful weddings. First we got Father’s Day this Sunday (yes I got Richard’s gift sorted and I believe Stina has prepared something as well). For you who is looking for stylish designs for your dad, husband or partner. Pop in and see us, we got a offer on at the moment. 15% off selected items, including the wonderful Wine Breather by Danish MENU. Check out how to use it here you will be amazed!

Then next Friday is Midsummer and I can do a little hint hint, we will start out annual clearance sale on Midsummers Eve, 20th June!I am super excited because we are off to our friends for a proper Midsummer party. They did one last year for fun and it was such a great hit they will do it again this year, and hopefully it will continue year after year.

Then it is my birthday weekend, and all I have asked for this year is a date with Richard. Sadly now these days with children and business we don’t do a lot of travelling, or holidays or just a little date. I can not even remember the last film we went to see together, might have been the day before I was due with Stina so almost four years ago…really!

Also have you met Ruth? Ruth is our new Monday lady. A great, cheerful, local lady with lots of retail experience. Ruth is also a very talented crafty person who has her own business Ellie and the Rubester. Why not check out her beautiful paper cuts and she does stunning personalized designs…just get in touch with an idea and I am sure you will get a great end result.

So during June why not pop in and treat your loved ones with some Scandi design or sometimes it is important to treat yourself too.

Charlotte x

A few small shop changes…

On March 5, 2014 By SpektakulärIn NewsLeave a comment

I am really enjoying this, my first weekday back at the shop! Lovisa is settling in very nicely at nursery. Of course I miss her (and her big sister), but it is rather nice to be back at the shop and to be Charlotte as well as mamma. Be surrounded by lovely, colourful and stunning designs, having a chat with a customer, and Spring is in the air…

There has been a few changes at the shop, unfortunately Emma and Åsa has now left us for new adventures. However I am sure they will cover now and then just like Joanne who is also working full-time else where but just can’t let go of us (makes me very happy though).

Zuzanna who have been with us for a year now has taken on Emma’s Saturdays and a couple of weekdays, and when she is not at the shop she is busy illustrating her own designs. Check out her amazing designs at her Etsy shop.

Alix, our very busy photographer is covering one day a week. Brows through her website, she is so talented and I really love her photos. We are very grateful for her fun and creative photos with shop designs.

And then it is me, I am in the shop Sunday’s and two days a week. And when I am not here I am just running around after two wild but happy girls and trying to get our webshop up and running! Hopefully Spring will give me a little more energy and inspiration, but for now I am just very happy to be back at the shop because I love it:)

Charlotte x

Midsummer Clearance

On June 22, 2013June 22, 2013 By SpektakulärIn News, PromotionsLeave a comment

It is time again for our annual clearance sale…

We need to start making space for the new Autumn and Winter designs so most of the clearance lines have 30% -50% off. We will post some highlights on our Facebook page so “Like” us if you haven’t already.

Pop in and find yourself a bargain and please do remember when it is gone it will be gone. We will not re-stock any of these lovely designs so if you see something you know you would like feel free to call us on 0131 629 0941 and we can put it aside for you for a few days or take a card payment on the phone.

And yes we do mail order so just send us an email to hello@spektakular.co.uk and we will give you some more information.

Happy shopping:)

Charlotte x

Spring Time!

On May 4, 2013 By SpektakulärIn NewsLeave a comment

Oh lovely Spring is on its way!

It has been a long, cold and windy winter and I am so ready to put the children in the pram and go out for some fresh air. Lovisa is now two weeks and life suddenly feels a bit more controlled again. However Richard is back at work next week so we will see but then my mum is coming over from Sweden for a week and it will be so nice to have her around.

We finally made it to the shop this week, and I am so pleased how well the girls are looking after the shop, it looks so cheerful! We have so many lovely designs in the shop (I seemed to have gone a bit crazy before I went on my maternity) and more will follow during the next couple of months.

We are looking to introduce a few new designs and brands during the summer. We have looked at jewellery for quite some time now, I guess our problem is space. Have found a great supplier back home, it is important that I like what we stock and I just love their jewellery, it is colourful and vibrant as well as stylish and elegant. Perfect gift to go with our super popular jewellery trees from Pluto Produkter. So keep your eyes open, hopefully late spring early summer some of the lovely designs will appear.

Well that is all I seem to have time to update you with today:)

Please do not forget to pop in to the shop, it sure is full of lovely designs, perfect wedding, housewarming, birthday, just thank you gifts or why not a small treat for your self?

Enjoy this bank holiday weekend

Charlotte x

Lovisa

On April 21, 2013April 24, 2013 By SpektakulärIn Latest deliveries, News2 Comments

It’s a girl! Our new family member arrived on the 18th, very swiftly which was great. And of course she got a Swedish name:-)

Stina is a very proud big sister and we are now focusing on getting to know this little beauty!

Richard and I would to thank all of you our amazing customers for the lovely well wishes and support given to me and Lisa (who also had a girl a few weeks ago). It really makes us so happy and pleased so thank you!

We are now spending a couple of weeks away from the shop. But not to worry, Åsa, Emma, Joanne and Zuzanna are doing a great job looking after you and the shop.

Please do remember we do mail order. Just email hello@spektakular.co.uk for more information.

Soon very soon I am sure you will meet Lovisa in the shop but for now we are just taking it easy.

Charlotte x

Welcome to Spektakulär

Category: News

Support your local independent shop this Christmas

Christmas we welcome (and love) you!!!

Star Trading Visit (Autumn 2014)

Next Pappelina order… 1st September

Let me introduce you to…

June

A few small shop changes…

Midsummer Clearance

Spring Time!

Lovisa

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