Video + Poll

Something different today. A video and a poll.

For those of you who can't watch the video for some reason I'm just saying "hi!" live and asking you to please fill out my little poll below. The poll is about the content on my blog. I'd just love to know what posts you prefer and what posts you don't care so much for. The poll is anonymous so you can be completely honest. It's multiple choice so you can tick as many or as few as you like.

The reason for the poll is that I tend to spend a lot of time on some posts and would like to spend my time more wisely if the posts that interest you the least are the ones I spend the most time on. Weird sentence, but does that make sense?

I did start my blog as a fun project mostly for myself and possibly some Flickr friends and so didn't expect this many readers. But since you're there and since I'm honestly not writing it for myself any longer (besides for the 365 project which is more personal) I'd like to know what you like :). Thank you!

Comments

[lgrl]

I loved your video - hearing and seeing you.
I fell like I can not fill out the poll, because honestly, I like the blog as is!
I suppose I have my favorites, but when looking through the choices, I realize, I like seeing all the different things you post.

Sincerely,
reader from America

[Malena]

No "excusing" necessary - you're a doll. If only my Swedish could be as good as your English. Oh, nuts. I don't speak Swedish. But if I did...

Lovely blog. I voted, but only for what I like best, because I like all of it!

Texas reader

[marit]

Hi Benita, nice new do!
i love love love your blog, as it is! Stay true to yourself, thats all i want! Wishing you a gooood week and sending greetings from germany
Marit

[Fen]

Hi Benita, what a surprise this morning... to see and hear you. Your English is excellent and you're photogenic! I filled in the poll but personally one of the things I love about your blog is it's diversity - there's always something to learn, something to look at and something smile at. Keep on surprising us...please. I'm a South African living in France who reads your blog before she reads her mails every morning.What a pleasure!

[Caena]

there are reasons why I hang around, but why I don't write.. =)
Keep it up!

[Outi / White Country]

Hi, how nice to see you live! Your English is excellent and the way you said "weekend" just sweetly reminds that you're Swedish, so don't you mind about that.

[Yvonne]

You are so good Benita for doing a video. I was trying to make a crochet video the other day and I just kept on giggling because I was taking myself way too serious. You just do it with style!! You're my hero for today ;o) I really love your personal posts and carpentry and organizing and ... crap I like them all I guess.

[Jorun]

What REALLY make me smile and turn your blogpages, is the joy and enthusiasm you share. Thank you!

[Maria]

Hej! Gillar din blogg jättemycket, håller med övriga om att variationen är viktig. Allra roligast är att se bilder från ditt fantastiska hem och de lösningar du har hittat på där. /Maria

[Emma]

Great Video Benita! So nice to hear your voice and your English is perfect with all the right inflections and colloquialisms - and just a little dash of Swenglish!!

I filled in your poll and had to stop myself from just ticking every box (to avoid hurting your feelings - silly I know!) and then I realised ticking every box in the favourite section of the poll wouldn't help you or save you time on the 'weekend'!

Have a great day. We're barbequeing here!

[kathleen]

What a treat! And I especially loved the disclaimers that rolled by at the end. :)

[Mary MM]

Benita, what a suprise to see you and hear you at the same time. Actually your voice resembles the voice of a friend of mine!!! It so familiar. Your site is always refreshing for me. Since both me and my husband are engaged for many yeas in DIY activities, we are always welcoming themes like organizing, repurposing and "before and aftet" projects. However regardless of the topic I'm really favor your "clean" and "simple" approach to things that I'm sure reflects a very friendly, openminded and giving person and that is the real reason why I'm constantly coming back. Be well Benita and keep up with this spirit. I'm sending you greetings from Greece.

Although these

[Judith]

How fun to see you almost IRL!! Great video - and the "Swenglish" is nonexistent. Laughed my head off at the notes at the end.

About the poll: It was easy to pick my favorites but much harder to pick my least favorites, since I always enjoy reading your posts. But if I think about the ones I feel compelled to either try at home or at least comment on, then it's definitely the organizing and decorating ones over the "What's in my fridge" type of posts.

[lthg]

benita, you have such a sweet voice! I guess your image in my mind was too much linked to the diy projects -all those saws and hammers :D keep talking!
non-native english speaker from the us.

[Rebecca]

I think you should still aim to write your blog for you - not for your readers. As the saying goes'you can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time…'

Don't judge the popularity of posts by the comments either I really don't think that is a true reflection of what people think or enjoy. My favourite posts are generally about organizing (only because I am so dis-organized) but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy reading about your family life and getting to know more about you.

We love the whole package - don't go changing!

[Caroline]

I love almost every post you do, and really really like the rest! I don't really have any "least favorites" to help you with, but I can tell you the main reasons I prefer your blog over other organizing/decorating blogs:

1. You do not post 4 or 5 entries a day -- many bloggers seem to post several times a day b/c they don't really have a plan & just post something the moment they think of it (like large photo montages of ridiculously expensive "wish lists"). It gets confusing and also really clogs up my blog reader.

2. Your posts are all related to organizing/decor/daily life -- some blogs seem to wander really far off track. One of my DIY blogs has not posted a DIY project for almost a month... What the heck??

3. Your posts are beautifully designed (i.e., "pretty"), are well thought-out, and have clear accompanying text.

4. You are very practical & operate on a budget -- I like that I feel like I could do almost any project you have done (some only if I had access to your awesome tool shed, that is).

5. You are modest, funny & have a seemingly endless amount of energy. Plus, you are Swedish, and seeing the subtle differences in Swedish homes is interesting and cool to me. :)

So, hope that helps! I haven't commented on most of your posts because I'm new to this blog-world and don't want to appear to be a stalker. :) But I will post more comments now to cheer you on & let you know just how much I appreciate all your time and effort in creating aesthetically pleasing posts on interesting subjects. Keep it up!!

[Rose]

I love your haircut. Not everyone can pull off a pixie. I agree with Rebecca that your blog should be for you- we're just hangers-on.

[jiru]

Ditto to what Caroline said! Yours is one blog that I really look forward to reading and check in with daily. If I happen to be up at 12:00 I will often check to see if you've posted! I really like all of your posts. Even the carpentry ones I find really inspiring even if I will probably never attempt them.

[Juliette R.]

write for you! honestly, I like it as it is!
on the other hand, the video was pretty fun - I bet you would do a lot of fun things with video!

[Myblogswedishouse.blogspot.com]

Lovely to meet you in 'real-life' ALMOST!! Fab idea a video and again just adding that personal touch...as only you know how.
I filled in the poll ticked all the boxes...as I just lovee your blog.
Please stay true to yourself...I follow your blog because I like YOU and your sincere posts...personally I don't feel that you should write for your readers, as someone just said 'we're just hangers-on'
Keep up your good work!

P.S. Love the Hair!!

[Elisabeth - anyhow.se]

Du är ju helt charmigast - klart jag svarar på din minienkät! :)

[kellee]

I totally agree with Caroline too, and Rose - the reason I come back every day is because your blog is so genuine. Basically, there's no 'fluff' - everything you offer is interesting, charming and helpful, and comes across as being totally natural to you - you're not trying to adhere to some trend or fad. I can't tell you how many of your revamps and design ideas have inspired, if not directly informed, pieces in my own home. I love the variety you offer - sometimes it might be a full workshop on how to DIY a desk from scratch (with Martin in tow! I try to make sure my other half is reading over my shoulder when Martin's involved to drop a massive hint ;)), with really helpful photos and instructions, and sometimes it's a photo of Mini on the sofa - I love both equally.

Basically, don't go changing! I love Chez Larsson just the way it is (especially the new layout) :)

PS. Love your hair!

[sadie]

I love your blog exactly as it is! I spent the last two weeks reading through the entire archives! I'm not a huge fan of the reader-problem-solving posts, but I still love every post!

That said, please do the posts that you love to do and don't do the ones you don't love to do. I want you to enjoy blogging!

[MiaKvack]

Jag älskar allt du gör och allt du skriver!!! Det enda jag är en aning mindre intresserad av är katterna *skratt* för jag är ingen kattmänniska, ja ingen djurmänniska alls egentligen. Men så är det ju med alla bloggar, man får sålla en aning. -Fast hos dig läser jag faktiskt varenda litet ord! :-)
Dessutom är din blogg den enda engelskspråkiga jag orkar följa, annars brukar jag dissa dem då det finns så många bra på svenska... Men din kan jag inte vara utan! :-)

[Patricia]

I agree with everyone, in particular Rebecca and Caroline. I check in every day and enjoy seeing what you post (I ticked off my favourites but didn't fill in the poll for least favourite). I hope that some day your blog brings you some material rewards (book deal!) in addition to all the adulation from your followers.

[valeria]

Benita, your hair is adorable and what great skin! Do not change anything, keep on doing what you are doing. X

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

Thank you all so much for the sweet comments.

Please don't get me wrong but what I mean when I'm saying I'm writing for you is that I probably wouldn't post all the detailed how to's and step by step instructions if you weren't there. I'd probably just show the end result of my projects. I'm still writing for me in the sense that I enjoy blogging a lot and would stop as soon as it wasn't enjoyable anymore :)

[aggie]

Nice to see you this morning, Benita! Since I've been reading your blog, my home has slowly been undergoing a transformation...I make it a goal to do something handy/crafty/organizational everyday! You've been a real inspiration, and reading your blog is something I do every day with my morning cup of coffee. No matter what you post, I'm delighted to catch a glimpse of your life that you share with us! Thanks for your inspiring blog!

[IVANA]

Hi Benita,nice to see you!!! What a brilliant idea!! I check your blogg every morning and its giving me more enthusiasm to do my projects!!
Keep it the way it is,PLS its perfect!!!!
the Czech from Montreal(wish my english would be like yours :-)

[Dusa]

I love it all. I know, it appears to be a cop out, but really I do. Even the 365 posts, even though you mentioned those are for you. I love seeing little details of everyday life - it makes me look at my life a little more closely.

Thank you!

[Lizzy]

Hi, Benita! So great to hear your voice! I filled out the poll to say that I love the organizing, decorating, housekeeping projects. I'm guessing that you have a couple different types of readers. Those who love the finished product (decorating) and those who love the how-to (crafts, DIY, carpentry, re-purposing). However, if you changed your blog, you'd lose half your readers! Also, I always learn something from the DIY-type posts even though I would never try one of those projects myself. Finally, I totally agree with the others to say that all the different parts of the blog are so specific to you, and that's why we love it and you! As an example, I wouldn't do all of my house in white and black like Anna at Door Sixteen does, but I love seeing her personal creativity. I love checking Chez Larsson first thing every morning. Thank you for all that you share!

[Leslie]

Bravo Benita!! It's so nice to hear you speak. Makes the readers feel closer to you (if that's possible, since you are so open and honest with your writing anyway). I'll take your poll but I love all your posts, but I guess I do favor some more than others. Love the map background (is that Wille's wall?), your hair, your grey T-shirt (what else?), your unpretentiousness, your smile... was expecting Mini or Bonus to show up somewhere though!! :) More videos please--cats, Wille, Martin, neighborhood, etc.

[João Araújo]

Hej Hej
My first post, to your first video :) So difficult to chose what I love in your blog Benita.. Maybe the share about the little feelings that turns our life so special. Thanks for that sharing and turn my life brighter every morning in the office :) Your fan from Porto J.

[Kari]

Great video--very cute (I especially love the trailer).

I agree with the consensus that I like your blog because it is both focused and varied. Keep up the good work!

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

Mini was actually all over the place when I first tried the video out in the craft corner. She jumped up and almost pushed the lap top, which was sitting on a pile of books for a better height, over. I then had to resort to the seclusion of Wille's room where there's a door. You can't hear it but there was some meowing in the background :)

[Karen]

I agree about the design of your posts. Even if it is a topic that isn't of interest to me, I still enjoy looking at the design of your post. I will never do any carpentry, but I still love to see your designs and how-tos. You were charming in your video post!

[Sarah Sarniak]

It's different to see you in video! But anyways, my favorite posts have to be the organizing posts. You seem to have such a knack for that, I like hearing your ideas.

[Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog]

I love the great mix that you have on your blog! I'm sure that your readers have a mix of interests as well so even when you think that a post isn't as popular, there are always people out there who love it and bookmark it.

My personal favorite posts are the creative ones... anything that inspires me (which is almost everything you post)!

[Susie]

You look so friendly! Of course, I should have expected that...The only thing that I'm not crazy about in your blog is the reader makeovers. I think this is because I love your home the best--your taste, your style, and how you organize things specifically for your family in your house. When you post about those things, for some reason that is what I respond the most strongly to and just love! You are also very funny, and I laugh out loud or snicker many times while reading your posts. :-) Thanks for all your efforts! They have made my day many times!

[Emma]

Åh vad du är söt! Som utlandssvensk är det jätteroligt att följa din blogg. Det första jag gör varje morgon är att läsa Chez Larsson och dricka en kopp te ur min insmugglade Höganäs-mugg. Varje bild genomsyras av det där svenska ljuset som är så svårt att beskriva. Behåll du din blogg precis som den är; bara för att folk inte kommenterar vissa inlägg, betyder inte att de inte har läst dem.

Stor kram från New Jersey!

[Gosia]

Lovely video.
As for the post, I'm with most of other voices here. I love it as it is. I checked ALL in the favourites, realized this wasn't helpful, decided on this comment. You're doing an amazing job on this blog. Be your own judge as to the content. I'm sure people will continue flocking to Chez Larsson, regardless. Wishing you continued success.

[Michelle of Montreal]

It was lovely to "see" and "hear" you in the video. I love reading your blog because it's like dropping in to visit a friend and because it's interesting to see how a regular family lives in another part of the world. You won't please all the people all of the time, so don't feel too worried about tailoring your posts to the poll results.

[NancyV908]

Hi. My computer was mean to me & ate my earlier attempt to comment. I basically agree with many of the previous posters--I love your blog, read all of it, & am glad to hear that you are not going to change your voice, which is what makes it so distinctive & helpful.

Having said that...there are some types of post I like less than others. The heavy-duty DIY posts are things I would never do myself, so they interest me less. When I see "MDF" I know the task is beyond me. :-) I love the larger-scale reader redesigns (the open craft storage, the laundry area etc) but not as much the what-should-I-do-with-this-unusual-object ones. And although I love the images, the 365 ones don't appeal to me as much b/c I can't take anything specific away from them. Basically, I like the practical ones that a novice/low-skilled DIYer can do; in all the blogs I read, I find I prefer those to the lovely inspiration ones, no matter how beautiful the images. I loved the tips on how to arrange objects a while back, or the open craft storage, for instance. I love the homekeeping pieces.

I also loved your video, but if you do videos in the future I hope they'll be on topics where videos actually help things along. I'm thinking of another blog that posts videos all the time, just b/c (I assume) they like doing them, but the topics aren't clarified at all by them. It doesn't matter so much there b/c they post a lot & I just skip those. But since you post once a day & you are my favorite, I'd hate to have videos over still shots if they don't really add much.

Hope this is helpful--as I said, I love it all, just love some a little less than others. :-)

[marigio]

So nice to see and hear you, I really like all you write on your blog.

[Lisa Z]

I love all your posts, too. And I really like the ones where you help a reader with their space...not necessarily the object ones, though, as someone else said. Someday I hope to be one of those readers you help, but I have no idea with what, yet....Keep doing what you're doing!

[Messy]

This is a problem. I like all your posts! I don't care very much for the 365 thing, although the idea is cute and I enjoy every photo, but if one has to go, then that's what I'd choose. But personal posts on the other hand, I love!
But I like the carpentry stuff, the organising, the repurposing... I loooved the before, in between and afters! And the explanations of how to build the coffee table, stuff like that.

One thing though: I sincerely hope that you do this also because you enjoy it, and not just for us! Readers are an ungrateful bunch...

[Messy]

Oh, and the video was brilliant! :-) I can almost *see* Will behind the camera. ;-)

[Lisa A]

It's great to see and hear you, I love the video idea!

I really do love all the posts. I voted carpentry as my least favorite, not because it's not interesting, but just because I don't have anywhere to do my own. I am really inspired by all of your posts, I think because it is so personal it feels more like catching up with a friend than other more commercial blogs or sites. I love the how-tos, and the organizing ideas are what drew me to your blog in the beginning. In fact, your blog was so inspiring that I finally organized my pantry and my craft area and my two out of control closets. I have been reading organizing blogs and sites for years now, and not one actually got me to DO any of the things I read about. Again, I think it's because you're just sharing what you do personally, and not trying to give advice that is more about rules than about how normal people live. And I love that you repurpose things! I love Martha Stewart, but I don't have the money to buy all those lovely things her site recommends. Keep doing what you're doing, it's so much fun for the rest of us.

[Lisa]

Your blog is like friendship to me. Every morning I come and "visit" with you in your home. Some visits, just like real life, are longer than others. I sit with you and sometimes you tell me of your family or a project you are working on. Other days your husband pops his head in the "room", shares a bit of himself (carpentry for example). I may not search the web for vacation and 365 pictures BUT I do love to look at your vacation and 365 pictures because you share the stories that go with them and the photography inspires me!

I'm sorry I cannot complete your poll. I think that to do so would take away what you have so successfully achieved here on your blog, friendship in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

[ana v.]

Your blog is the 1st I read every day. There are things that please me more than others but I like it that way.

However I believe that after all these post is difficult to subject.

Since I am Portuguese and I dont'know many of the traditions of northern Europe would be nice to read about them. Food, traditional festivals, entertainment habits, etc.

[Lyndsey]

Hi, I love your blog and I wouldn't want it to change in any way!! It's the best part of my morning, my coffee and your blog, I read it every day. I think your pictures are the best and anything with a picture from your beautiful home is so inspiring and interesting. It is so refreshing to see how you have changed your home into something so wonderful. I love to see the little touches like flowers in a vase or how you repurposed an item in your home. Thank you so much for continuing to blog and much success to you and your wonderful family!

[Paulette]

Benita--I always like reading your blog, no matter what you're posting on. I don't always comment because some days I"m too busy or I don't have anything in particular to add to the conversation. There are some blogs in my Reader that I only check on every once in a while, but I check your posts pretty much every day. So please keep doing what you're doing. (And it was really nice to see you "in person" in this blog post. Cheers, Paulette

[Lessie]

I LOVE the carpentry. I would love to see more of that. And I can't believe it scored low on the poll! Please please please don't stop posting that stuff. You are my mentor!

[kristin]

Well I am a Svenska flicka by heritage (3/8ths -- mother's side) so I love to hear about Swedish traditions/holidays/homekeeping and see your design sense, which I think is very Swedish -- practical, down to earth, clean, natural.

I have a tortie cat so love the cat stories and photos. My tortie too must always lay on top of clothes, papers, whatever, if possible.

I just got power tools so maybe one day I can build something. Until then, I love your simpler projects, how tos and organizing tips.

You have a charming way of writing and speaking which I adore, no need to apologize. Love the haircut!

[Helena]

Hi, Benita!
What a lovely surprise when I saw your video. You seems to be a very calm and kind person.
I love your blog, so it´s difficult to me not liking your posts; anyway, I have already voted.

[kim]

Thank you for posting the video!! What a nice surprise. You are so pretty and your blog is looking amazing. No need to add the facts at the end, you have nothing to feel insecure about, your slight accent is lovely. How many of us could write a blog in our second language?? I live in Montreal Canada which is a french city so I am bilingual but I would never dream of speaking french in a video let alone write a blog in french. So good for you!!!!!
Looking forward to more great posts.

[jja]

I can not see your video :-(((. It is really hard to answer what I like the most here, because I like everything! And I also like a lot 365 project. Is there any other way to see your video?

[Liz]

How lovely to put a smiling, talking face to the blog - and so brave! My favourite blogs are always the ones with a strong personal voice and varied creative interests - both of which yours has in abundance! I do not expect to be equally interested in everything someone posts - but am happy to know others will be. To me, reading someone's blog is a privilege, not a right, and therefore I like to know what inspires them or is making them happy that day. So please write for yourself, Benita, as well as us!

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

How odd. I can try e-mailing it to you if you're desperate :) It's not that exciting though!

[Mirjam]

Hi Benita,

What a great idea to post a video! I really enjoyed it. In fact: I really like your blog, I like every single post. I go to your blog daily, it's like a friendship to me. Keep up the good work and thank you so much!

[Anne]

Ok, I came back to fill in your poll after I couldn't do it this morning, but... I still can't. I just love your blog, keep up the good work.

[Mal]

Hello, Benita, I didn't take the poll, because I enjoy all your posts, the quality, and the photographs are fantastic. I much prefer your approach to that of magazines which always seem to suggest buying a solution to any problem, your re-use and how-to posts are great. You gave me some advice a while ago on painting some wicker furniture, and I have always meant to thank you, as it worked well. Best wishes from the UK,
Mal

[Franziska]

funny to see you "live". :)

I come to your blog every day, too. I like almost every post 'though maybe I don't comment each (you know little one takes a lot of time at present). I often see a different point of view in them and think about it whether it's possible for me to add to my organizing or not. That's always interesting.

[Charyl from Va Beach VA USA]

Love 365! My brother is doing this and its wonderful! More Bonus and Mini, too, please. I seem more interested in your family everyday life and household. I am American and love a glimpse of family life in another country. Thanks and job well done.

[Elizabetta]

Hi Benita,

your blog is my favourite, I've learned a lot from you. But I can do without all the catlove. I'm just not a 'catperson' I guess.

Thanks for Chez Larsson!

Elizabetta

[MareeP]

I wonder why so many people are surprised at your good English?! Obviously they don't realise that in the Scandinavian countries children start learning English in their second year of school, and then go on to learn a third language a couple of years later.

Re. your blog, as is clear from the poll results so far, most of us love all the different elements. You are obviously doing exactly the right blend of things and if people don't respond... it doesn't mean they don't appreciate that particular blogs, perhaps just that your readers have had a really busy day!

Keep doing exactly what you have been doing. I love your blog!

[Josephine]

Thank you for posting a video! It's great to see live action of the person behind the blog ;-)
I didn't notice anything weird about 'weekend'??

I just want to add my voice to the masses here and encourage you to keep doing what you're doing. I'm another everyday visitor, checking in to see what's going on. I don't comment often, but that doesn't mean I'm not appreciative of what's been posted!

You have a brilliant writing 'voice' and make lots of things sound fun – even housework!

Cheers to you from Sydney!

[Jennifer S.]

This was suprising! I like everything about your blog. Your ideas have inspired me to make simple changes around my own house so that it is more organized. This is why I read you. And I've always wanted to visit Sweden, so I love the photos that you share. I read your blog first every day. (Oh, and I wished you had said something in Swedish on the video.)

[Erin Kleider]

It would seem that some don't like the 365 days photo thing, but I love it because I love that kind of photography and go looking for it. However, what I WOULD say, is that I think since the new year, your blog has changed radically. I often don't find you there and spend more time flicking through your photos than reading about your projects. So while I like the photos, perhaps they belong on a separate blog or in a photo folder. It is hard for me to say what I liked best about your blog before. It was clean and fresh and uncluttered and though my life seems chaotic, yours always seems ordered. I think you lost some of that with the mixing of purposes, maybe. But what do I know!

Erin :)

[Roomrefiner.wordpress.com]

Hej Benita,

Have been reading your blog for a month now... and not sure I would want to change anything. I am pretty new to the blogging world, but I am quickly finding my favorites, and yours is one for sure.

Hade faktiskt skrivit ett långt svar på dricker du mjölk och om fil i Finland (där jag vuxit upp), men sen gjorde jag något fel och allt jag skrev försvann och sen blev det inte av att skriva om allt igen).
Tack för all inspiration!

[Giao]

I really look forward to reading your blog. Your blog is the first one I read every day. I love your blog the way it is. I appreciate all the time and effort that you spend posting and detailing everything. Keep up the great work.

[Kyung]

I love your blog. I think it's the first blog I've ever discovered and then read almost every day! What I love most is your organizational tips and decorating tips. Someone else above also mentioned this, but your tips are so practical, money-saving, but also very attractive in your home! Also, your video is so cute! Glad to catch a glimpse of what you are like "in person"! Thank you for sharing your life with us!

[Caro]

I start my day (in New England, USA) with your blog. Someone else mentioned liking diversity of your blog. Me, too. Some posts are especially useful or interesting, but I like all of them and I like that I never know what I'll find. I wouldn't want all of one thing or another. It's the balance of organizing/decorating/crafts/ personal etc that I find enjoyable.

That said - and I'm repeating what I said in a comment just last week - what I find most useful is the combination of really good advice, that is both pretty and practical / thrifty. I just can't get enough of your pretty well organized closets, drawers, nooks/ cupboards, and/or your ideas for other peoples closets. You know what you are doing and you communicate the basic principles very clearly. You have a gift for making it all seem possible. And it's useful when you have links to specific items like white buckets or Muji containers.

But I also love it when you occasionally include something about Swedish design, history, culture or even the weather. I liked the Swedish bed explained, or the lovely old house you visited last summer (I think it was). And your cats. And the lovely cement rhubarb leaf/ garden ornament etc.

So I don't think I can be very helpful, because I just like what you are already doing.

[kiwe]

Dear Benita,
I think you are so sweet. I just wanted to tell you a couple things.
-I read your blog everyday but rarely post.
-Your ideas are just wonderful and have changed the way I look at my home and belongings.
-I hope that you still enjoy the blog and do it for yourself too
-Please don't be so hard on yourself, you are truly lovely
-Thank you so much for making or lives better by sharing who you are
Blessings
Kim

[Vicki K]

You are adorable!

[alex]

Hi,
I like all your posts so maybe you should have an option to say that you have no posts that you dont like on the second poll.

[Nancy]

I had to stop myself from clicking on everything as my favourite as I like it all, but I guess my all time favourites are the problem solving posts as it invites reader participation. I love the glimpses of your Swedish life and seeing the similarities and the differences to that of my Canadian life. Although my tastes aren't quite as modern and my life as uncluttered as yours, your blog offers a great variety of interesting topics and it is the first one that I check out every day. Keep up the great work Benita.

[jeannette]

you're so cute, let's have a video post of you once a week talking about Life. nice to see you.

[jeannette]

one more thing. ignore the cat haters. we love bonus and mini. we would like to have them blog. we would like you to knit them hats. and paint their toenails. and make them little elf boots out of pleather. pay no attention to the mean people. katz 4ever.

[Fan from Oz]

Hi Anita!

This is my first ever comment however I had to say 2 things:

1. You are SO Gorgeous! :-) Who knew you could have beauty AND carpentry skills at the same time *LOL* (I am only kidding - women can have it all ;-))

2. I love your blog anyway you give it to me. I love the diversity, the peek into your life, the inspiration.. the list goes on. (But I did vote to keep you happy though)

Loved the video and laughed at the disclaimers at the end - so very you :-D

Thank you for being a part of my day, everyday via your blog

xx

[Distracted Fan from Oz]

God, I am so sorry Benita!

... I didn't mean to call you 'Anita'.. what was I thinking?

Serves me right to be trying to do 3 things at once :-( Sorry, it was just a brain fart moment.

[jja]

Please e mail me, I am desperate :-)))!
I also would like to see more cats, but this would maybe not fit in the general idea of this blog so keep going as it is. You inspired me so many times - I always loved white, but let's say in last months my home became even more white, decluttered and organized (and that from a person who think she was organized all the time ;-))

[finn-lily.livejournal.com]

This was a lovely surprise, and another reason to check back to our blog from my feed reader instead... Should do more of that because the layout looks just so inviting now I see it!

I loved the video - do more of them! Your English is so pretty and you're so cute as well, photos never hold the absolute truth about what things look like at the end. I was really happy to hear you speaking, please do more of it :)

I answered your polls but I noticed I liked most of it and only liked less the bits I don't think I've noticed that much on your blog anyway... So not sure how helpful it was, but I did it anyway :) I love your style and always look forward to a new post, as we often seem to be online at the same time.

-Piia Anneli

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

Oh, please don't feel like you have to comment every day! I'm just saying that I have seen a pattern with a lot fewer comments on some types of posts (and fewer comments seem to translate into less interest) and because I spend more time on those particular ones than on others I felt I could maybe use that time in other ways, like reading a magazine or watching some TV :)

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

I know! Afterwards I was thinkiing the same thing. Like I should have taken the opportunity to tell you how we pronunce "Wille" and "Martin" and "Benita" too for that matter. Maybe I'll surprise you with another video sometime :)

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

I'm surprised that you feel the blog changed that much. I guess I maybe it has but it's not intentional. I guess we all change and focus on different things at different times.

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

Oh, but I do all those things, just in private. I don't want to embarrass our felines in public.

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

I've been called stranger things :)
Btw, you should have seen the note I received from the post office yesterday. It was addressed to Beuida Larrsok...

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

I'll try and e-mail it tonight!

[Lori]

Benita,

I love the 365. I was inspired to get a new (smaller) camera so I can start doing it as well. I like the reader transformations because they reflect your vision, which I find fresh and inspiring. Most of all, of course, I love any and every post about your home, your family (2- and 4-legged members), your style and your take on life. You seem to have a way of taking ideas and making them REAL and that is soooo appealing. DIY? What I am inspired by is "DIN" - Do It Now, which is where you truly excel. You seem so fearless.

I liked hearing your perspective on comments, that they seem to indicate interest in a particular topic. It certainly isn't the case for me! I agree with the person above (Caroline?) who said she's new to blogs and didn't want to seem like a stalker. But I also have seen that you respond to so many posts... I didn't want you to feel that we commenters are overloading you with comments that you might feel obligated to respond to. If this is not the case, look out! You may find your readers get a bit more chatty. :)

[Lori]

Oh! I forgot to add: thank you for the video! What a treat to have you speaking directly to me.

[Barbara]

I understand if you don't want to do whatever posts take you so much time.

I am also someone who enjoys reading almost daily yet doesn't comment. Like so many others have said, it's your breadth of topics that makes you so enjoyable instead of reading the same topics over and over.

[jane]

Me too. I read your blog every morning, as long as I have Internet access. Thank you for all the inspiration. Just keep doing what you've been doing.

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

I like that, DIN! My motto is "What's wrong with now?" :)

I don't have an issue with lurkers. Anyone can decide whether they want to comment or not. I'm a lurker myself on some blogs and get into the discussion on other blogs depending on the topics and type of blog. I love the comments but am not offended if there aren't any. Again I'm just saying that if some posts are way less interesting than others (and the only way I honestly have to judge that by are the comments) maybe I should not spend all that time on them and instead go work out, read a book, play more Yahtzee, bake a cake, you know :)

[Benita ~ Chez Larsson]

Thank you :)

I told Martin last night that I don't recognize myself in the video and hoped I don't look like that IRL. He says my teeth aren't that big in real life and that the camera DOES add ten pounds. I'm so relieved. The voice though is that squeeky for real and there I was trying hard to speak sloooowlyyy and not too high pitched...

[Donna]

Thanks for the video. It was great to put more than just your face with your blog, which I love. I appreciate all the effort you put into posting every day. It is my daily slice of a life that I aspire to. Thanks again.

[Abbigail]

Great video. The comments at the end where hilarious! You have such a good sense of humor. Love the blog. Thanks for all your hard work. Remember to enjoy your weekends.

[Renée Backe]

Vad roligt med lite video! Och väldigt roliga eftertexter... :-D
Jag har inte röstat eftersom jag upptäckte att det inte gick att kryssa i någon ruta - jag gillar blandningen! Som någon skrev "don't go changing!".

[Nicola Dodd]

Thank you for taking the time to post (every weekday, too), the least we can do is answer the poll: what fun and there were over 5,000 votes when I polled!!! How popular are you?! I mostly love the posts about your home, although I wonder where you get the energy. Thank you, once again.

Nicola x

[El_Jinx]

My favourite bit is your openness, good humour and enthusiasm. And, dammnit, you're an inspiration to lazy kids like me! I'm slightly embarrassed to say this, but when I'm procrastinating about cleaning or DIY or something else around the house, I quite often tell myself "Benita would have rolled up her sleeves and got it done by now, so just GO!". And it works.
Sometimes. ;)
Thanks for writing for us.