Update

Yesterday I woke up to a winter wonderland and tried to capture it for you.

I've been a busy bee (that's why it's been so quiet here), anticipating every ray of light to make product pictures for the little shop (I finally decided to go with Etsy), trying to grow an avocado (it hasn't worked so far, and I've gone through a lot of tutorials to get it right this time), and drooling over my new polaroid cam which I purchased second hand (and which was of course a lot lot cheaper than the polaroid pictures I would have to load it with).

Next weekend I'll be going to Amsterdam for a one day trip only. So if you have any recommendations on what I should definitely see/try/taste/buy, I'd be so grateful if you left me a message.

I hope you're enjoying this late winter. We're having nearly -15°C here, but as long as the sun is shining and you've got a good cup of tea waiting for you, it's bearable.

Christmas wishes

All the gifts are wrapped, my bags are packed, and Mada is (more or less) getting warm with the new company, Willy. He's my parent's cat. They are kindly providing a foster home, while I am spending a week in Denmark with my closest friends, a group of 12 people I mostly know from school times.

We've been to Sweden last year, and I'm really looking forward to cozy evenings in sweatpants, opening wine bottles at 3pm, and the most delicious culinary treats of our wonderful two (male!) chefs. I probably won't have any internet access up there. So therefor I am already wishing you a sweeping New Year's celebration, and that you may not worry too much about resolutions.

As for the autumn gift swap; thank you to all of you lovely giver's who joined this project despite of stressful times so close to Christmas. All your selfmade gifts are so inspiring, and I am really looking forward to future projects of this kind. I know, there are still a couple of presents on their way, but I'm sure they'll arrive any time soon! It's been a pleasure to watch the gifts popping up on your blogs. Here's a little summary of your handmade treasures (I'll add the last ones as soon as they've arrived);

Claudia's, Lisa's, Barbara's, Lotte's, Karolien's, Syl's, and mine.

Thanks again, and have a wonderful merry Christmas with your loved ones.
Much Love <3

Time out

The past weeks have been turbulent. And they were gone in the blink of an eye. Has it really been 3 weeks? I'm trying to pick up where I've left before I started my course. So many lovely blog posts to go through! And so many projects still to finish..

I've come to see a few parts of Berlin in another light during my stay there. My friend built such a comfy nest for me (and Mada), and we spent most evenings falling asleep while watching slightly unsubstantial tv shows (thanks to the unsurpassed invention of a timer). There were chaotic concerts by Mada exploring the piano at 3am, reparative lovely breakfasts, reunions with old friends, probably too many cigarettes and wine, and the desperate attempt to go shopping.

We spent a few evenings and a small fortune in one of those new old photo booths. It's just as good as old polaroids. Makes you happy within 4 minutes, smells like addled eggs though. 

This weekend we had time to properly acknowledge autumn's arrival, strolled through sunny streets with wintery jackets, watching our breath turn into little clouds. If it wasn't for all the beautiful colors I would believe we went straight from summer to winter, since the temperature has plunged dramatically. 
Time to start knitting some cozy scarfs again.

Off to Berlin

I'll be spending the next two weeks in Berlin. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a grand part-time job, and am sent to the capital for a substantial training course. Which I am so looking forward to.

But I must admit, I am in a sort of love-hate relationship with Berlin. (Warily) Love, because quite a few friends adore the city for so many reasons. And as they're telling me about its charms and the most awesome times spent there, I keep thinking, maybe I simply didn't get it yet.

Do you know this feeling creeping up when arriving at a new town? Those 10 minutes before your train stops at the main station? Buildings pass by, you catch a glimpse of some people. The weather sometimes plays a part in it, too. It could be about the smell, or what it feels like to take the subway. Or simply the way the first person you ask for directions might reply.

It's in those first moments that my prejudices are formed. I will either like or dislike the place. It takes a lot of effort (from both, my part and that of the city) to convince me of the opposite.

These first few minutes spent in Berlin have never made me feel particularly welcome or comfortable. Berlin feels too big to me, too versatile, too loose.

The good thing is, I've got some absolutely priceless friends over there, and one of them is kind enough to let me stay at her place. It'll be lots of sweatpants evenings with chocolate cakes and movies. And conversation over a good glass of wine (or two). Best times always. Maybe they'll shift my love-hate relationship with the capital a little.

I'll try to post from there. Have a happy week!

*picture by Giulia Bebe on flickr