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I've been contemplating whether to write the typical 'New Year, New Me' January blog post, with a round up of my resolutions and outlook on the year (yada yada). But then I thought, I may as well cut to the influencing source. We're nearly 10 days into January and I've already gained so much positivity and perspective on the year ahead, how? ... I've devised a fantastic reading list.

I had a conversation the other day about The Amazon Wish List and realised that I've never actually used it. My books go straight in the basket and wait patiently. Sometimes they rack up, sometimes it's an instant purchase, but nevertheless, beautiful books are my weakness. As I'm sure everyone else does but aren't quick to admit - I'll come across my favourites in-store, flicking from the back to the front, then seek out a cheaper deal online, knowing someday I'll checkout.

You may remember me saying at the end of last year that I was itching to share the books that I'd bought as presents for my nearest and dearest. Continuing on from my Stocking Filler Gift Guide, I'm finally leaking the (very well received) reads I gifted for Xmas 2015. You're probably thinking who does a recapped gift guide in January? Why not? Prices are slashed on Amazon, so be selfish and buy what you really wanted for Christmas.

Gift Guide: Top 5 Scandi Stocking Fillers

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Without tooting my own horn, I'd say I'm a pretty good gift giver and this year I've been super organised and my Christmas shopping is complete! Not only have I bought presents for my loved ones, but I've treated myself to the odd early present here and there. I just couldn't resist!

I've pulled together my top five gifts, all with an understated stamp of Scandi charm.

First up, I've featured Berlin based brand, Bonanza Coffee (yes I know not technically Scandi but too good not to feature!). More like a product of design than something to consume, the packaging is spot on. The coffee is said to be pretty spectacular as well and combines old and new techniques to get the absolute best out of the coffee. Referred to as 'Retro Innovation', Bonanza Coffee is continually looking for the best production methods, nurturing the flavour and taking as much care of the coffee as possible.

Trend: Hardware in the Home

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I'm quite surprised, but I've recently adopted a liking for good looking plug sockets. Ranging from the perfectly designed for a minimal luxury interior, to camouflaged marble outlets - these plug sockets have become something of a discreet design feature. And it doesn't stop there. Silky brass and stainless steel offer a great polished finish to other 'hardwares' of the home such as door handles, pegs and light switches (It's all very exciting over here on Dursk).

Perhaps it's the fact that our stationery, our workspaces and just our homes in general are becoming more metallic, more masculine; nevertheless we've gone full circle and this utilitarian style has reached the everyday functioning details of our homes. Those finishing touches that always lie silent and have an everlasting presence. We're more obsessed than ever with items being handcrafted or made to measure, perhaps this is the reason for this sudden influx of metalwork and hardware, which ironically at the end of the day, offers a basic, uniformed style.

Getting Ready for Winter with Magisso

Last weekend my housemate brought the last of Summer indoors, when she spotted some lonely blooms at our local grocery. Quite ironically, as she walked through the door, I was preparing to shoot my 'Intro to Autumn' post. I was trying out the latest smart designs by Finnish brand, Magisso; the chalkboard cooling tumbler and clever tea-cup are my new A/W necessities. Aiding early mornings and dark, cosy evenings, these accessories are ideal for the Summer to Autumn crossover.

Trend: Framed Botanica

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Forget displaying your flowers in a vase. Instead pull apart, press and transform them into a two dimensional wall feature. I've seen this trend emerge this Summer with beautiful wild flowers and botanical leaves being encased within glass clasped frames. Set to flourish into Autumn Winter, this trend will encapsulate Summer as we (I hate to say) enter those colder months. A lamination of arranged petals and leaves - basically your very own 2D bouquet.

I'm so glad this trend is making a comeback. Pressing flowers is a pastime I used to love with my Grandma, and she had such a knack at turning her flowers into a hillside scene or some sort of floral print (so retro). This once upon a time traditional decorative style is now entering the Scandi-thrifter's home and is less 'seventies brown', but rather, 'wild meadow'.

Trend: The Minimal Kitchen

Prepare 

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The kitchen is an indoor shed of cooking tools, and the industrialised look has definitely made a comeback, seeing appliances and accessories become stripped back to their basic form. Just as aesthetically pleasing (if not more beautiful), it's time to go back to basics with a more utilitarian approach. I've collated my favourite kitchen products that all have that easy living vibe. 

Brand Watch: Feeling Green with Yard Etc

In the past few years there's been a gradual increase of wholesome and organic beauty brands gracing the market. More and more experimental scents and flavours continue to emerge, consisting of completely natural extracts and ingredients. The ever growing conscious consumer seeks household products that not only naturally enrich us cosmetically, but also give back to the land.

YARD ETC exaggerates this connection to nature by directing its products to the guerrilla gardener. For someone who doesn't mind getting their hands a little dirty, YARD ETC nurtures your skin just as you nurtured your greenery. Nourishing your skin with natural ingredients, that originated from a lovingly cared for garden  -

'your love for nature coming right back to you'.

- Monica Kylen, YARD ETC.