Birthday Gifts

More than three weeks after the fact, but here I am, finally ready to post about my birthday gifts. Believe it or not, but there are still some late gifts to be received, so I might even have to do a smaller second post. But first...

This pretty pastel pile was sent to me by a wonderful friend from overseas. She's the sweetest person with the best taste! Every gift is, without exception, wrapped like a dream and always holds something absolutely amazing!

All the wrapping paper was designed by Natalie L'Ete. I think every single gift had a different design. There was a lot of gorgeous stationary inside, including one planner by the same artist and some notebooks from Rifle Paper Co.

I also got some things that I'm sure will make -or already have made- an appearance on the blog. Book post will follow! But I just had to show you these adorable mints as well. They are so incredibly delicious, I could hardly believe it!

During the weekend my friend came over with a cute Easter floral arrangement, which happened to match her outfit perfectly! Anyway, it brightened up my living room for quite some time and I'll see if I can revive the bulbs next spring.

A little while ago I had a tiny nail polish party with another friend, so on my birthday she surprised me with some lovely OPIs. These colors hold so many possibilities as far as combinations and designs go...

Onto my mom… She gave me something totally unexpected, but completely amazing! I think I literally screamed when I saw this little suitcase. My dad sat there utterly confused by my reaction. It was pretty funny seeing his face like that.

In it were a couple of lovely little gifts. Including dvd, some kitchen utensils -that sounds horrible, I know, but they were pink and I'm really happy with them!- and some fun post-its. Also, she helped me out with a microphone! Which deserves a post of its own...

So yeah, that's my big birthday post! I'm really happy with all the lovely things and sweet notes I received. And if you're reading this and recognize something you gave me. Thank you very much, yet again!

Lovely Movie: Tinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy

Could it really be? Another great movie to add to the already long list of the adorably amazing Tinker Bell films?

Yes! And this time it has pirates, even of the fairy variety. I happen to own all of the previous films on dvd and have seen not all (yet!), but definitely a bunch of them, and I have to say that they keep surprising and entertaining me.

This one was really different from the rest, partly because it didn't take place in Pixie Hollow all that much and partly because, well… pirates! I love how they keep getting ideas to subtly tie the new movies in with the old Peter Pan film.

Anyway, this was a great movie. Was I the only childless person in the cinema? Highly likely. Am I embarrassed? Hell no! The Tinker Bell movies are always original, kinda cute and just a lot of fun to watch, no matter what age.

Mixed Shelf #7

I'm suddenly reading a lot of books at once. Perhaps too many, but new things keep catching my eye. My latest one is a really fast read though though. Perhaps it will help me finish the rest too, so I can start something new yet again...

Wanting: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

This is pretty much a book about books. But not quite so simple as there's this mysterious air about the bookshop in this story. People come in to check out this special selection of strange books. So much so, that it catches the attention of the new employee and he decides to go and investigate what is really going on in this 24-hour bookstore.

goodreads // available here

Reading: Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

This is something different. And I mean really different. I've not read anything like it. It did take some getting used to, but now I am thoroughly enjoying this story. It's made up of all these emails tied together by the main character's daughter's narrative. It is strange, it is exciting and it includes human and flawed people. Can't wait for the ending!

goodreads // available here

Waiting: Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Having not yet read The Time Traveller's Wife, I wasn't really planning on buying this book. But for about 30 cents on King's Day, I just had to pick it up. It seems like more my cup of tea than the former book anyway. I love me some gothic stories about twins. Strange maybe, but it's just something so intriguing.

goodreads // available here

          Did you give any of these mildly hyped books a shot? Also, as always, new recommendations are welcome!

Current Nails

After quite a long nail polish-hiatus, I've gotten back into the routine again and I'm loving it! I'm especially excited about the gorgeous Butter polishes I got for my birthday. I can't praise this polish enough actually!

I was already in love the moment I saw the colors, even more smitten when I read the names (esp. "Artful Dodger"), and a complete convert when I tried them on! It goes on so smoothly, dries quickly and one coat really is enough.

P.S. If you're very observant and are noticing some bubbles on my nails and are put off by it… that is the topcoat -or maybe my impatience to quickly put that on over it- and definitely not Butter's fault.

Owl Things Considered

I am really liking joeyfivecents' buckled belts. Especially the owl of course! The vintage illustration is so pretty and I love how the belt matches the buckle so nicely. This would instantly make any casual outfit so much cooler!

But there are lots and lots of themes to choose from. From flowers to world maps to beautiful vintage ladies.

And other, non-belt owls as well! Like this lovely bracelet. Most of the shop actually consists of jewelry.

Lastly I want to share this necklace. It's so intriguing and unique. I've seen similar chain necklaces before, but this one is very original. And the owl, the owl just makes the whole thing even better!

So if you liked these, be sure to check out the joeyfivecents shop for more. Enjoy!

Circle Songs #50

"Your feet, they never found a firm hold on the ground…"

To the Bone - Bombay Bicycle Club

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3}

A few weeks ago I picked up a 7". I try to be really critical when it comes to buying records, but this was a great choice. This song... It's so magical, so honest and actually very refreshing. It's not often you hear a love song quite like this.

Plans & Goals: May

I hope May will be the month in which I find a good rhythm. Now that I've lived on my own for a couple of months and are past the craziness brought on by my birthday, maybe I can figure out a good routine. I'd also like to:

• Show you my birthday gifts!
• As well as some of my loot from King's Day.
• Save some money for a summer vacation.
• Post some pictures of artsy things I've collected for my house.
• Shoot at least one roll of film.
• And go to an open mic again to watch, play or do both.
• Get started making my little room into a studio.
• Finally finish my winter sweater and cast on something new.
• And put a lovely new design in my shop!

Do you have anything you'd like to change this month? Or any fun plans?

Looking Back on April

April was crazy. Good, but so full. I have quite a lot of pictures/stories saved up because I had so many things to juggle and often dropped the blogging ball because of it. So expect some themed posts to catch up on all that soon.

• I had my birthday and the very first party at my new place.
• Got a movie theater membership, so I can now see unlimited art house movies.
• Started Zentangling. I also put it on hold again, but hopefully not for long!
• Picked up spinning and finished my old spinning project.
• Played some songs for friends and family.
• Discovered the cutest little market.
• Treated myself to a gorgeous cookbook.
• Tried chocolate sorbet ice cream and had my mind blown.
• And there was King's Day (formerly known as Queen's Day), hence the nails.

Did you do anything special this month?

Owl Things Considered

This may come as a surprise, but I don't have any animal shoes. Not even owls. I can't complain as I love my Docs, but I wouldn't turn down a comfortable pair if I found one. Perhaps something similar to these owls from Modcloth.

At the bottom of the page I spotted these fabulously elegant bunnies. Now those… I'd almost kill for those. And I think I'd have to as I am definitely not paying $274,99 for them. Unless I win a lottery, I'll just admire them online.

But those aren't even my faves from their current collection. I just adore these sky blue flats! They are very reminiscent of Oxfords, yet they are a lot more feminine. And thankfully a lot more affordable than the bunnies.

I know, they're the odd ones out in this post, but they were too cute not too add. And I'm sure you don't mind either.

Are you lusting after any pretty or unique shoes at the moment?

Circle Songs #49

"See the blue pools in the squinting sun, hear the hissing of summer lawns"

The Hissing of Summer Lawns - Joni Mitchell

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3}

I've finally started listening to Joni Mitchell. On the one hand I wonder why I didn't earlier, on the other I feel like this is the right time. Now that I'm so busy with music, I'm glad there are some lady musicians left to still explore.

Lovely Movies: the Book Thief

The little blogging hiatus is mostly to blame on my birthday. After my celebrations, some important things and sunny weather, I was just too drained to blog. I did go see the Book Thief though and I'm so glad I did!

Somehow I didn't make it through the entire book. I can't remember if I disliked it or not, I think not, because I do love the story. I probably didn't read often during the time I tried this book, and I must have lost track of where I was.

The movie definitely made me want to give the book another try though! It was wonderful, heartbreaking, heartwarming and yes, it did made me cry a bit towards the end.

I'm not drawn to WWII films/books, if anything I tend to stay away from them. Though there are a few exceptions that proved really amazing once I gave them a chance. This one included.

Mixed Shelf #6

I'm currently reading a bit of a historical mystery (to review for goodreads), I'm hoping to read more of that and I happened to have my eye on a few already, so I found a nice little group to go together. And yes, they look pretty too!

Wanting: Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald

Theodora spills alcohol over her grandfather's painting. Another more valuable painting turns out to be hiding underneath. Her family could really use the money, however it might just be a stolen painting. So she's going to have to find out exactly what happened, which should provide us with a lovely adventure. I've heard many good things!

goodreads // available here

Reading: The Steady Running of the Hour by Justin Go

As mentioned, I won this as a First Reads proof copy. I only join giveaways for books I actually want to read and this one seemed really interesting. I only finished the first few chapters so far, but they were all really promising and intriguing. It's sort of an inheritance mystery, if that is a thing. I'm really enjoying the writing by the way.

goodreads // available here

Waiting: The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

You know I am a cover whore. I am also strangely intrigued by long books, hence getting the Luminaries was pretty unavoidable. With 800+ pages I'm sure this will take me a while, but I still do plan on reading it and have my copy at the ready. Also, there should be a lot of astrology in it to match the pretty moons and stars on the front.

goodreads // available here, or suddenly really cheap as an audiobook

Did you read any of these? I know the first and last are quite the hype at the moment. Any tips for me, perhaps?

Circle Songs #48

"Everybody's moving so fast, makes you feel like you're already part of the past…"

Airwaves - Ray LaMontagne

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3}

I was so excited to find out Ray LaMontagne is releasing a new cd soon. Some songs are already out, and judging by those, Supernova will be a perfect summer record! It makes me want to do some impromptu outdoor jam sessions too.

Post-It Love

This video is so original, creative and adorable. It made me smile and I think it will do the same for you. So enjoy!

One Zentangle a Day

When I got that nasty flu a little while ago I decided I could use a hobby that would take very little time or skill and would just be relaxing and without any pressure whatsoever. Zentangles came to mind. So I ordered a book!

It took a while to decide, because there are so many, but I ended up picking One Zentangle a Day by Beckah Krahula.
Of course it only arrived two days ago. But in those two days I've been zentangling like crazy. I love it!

Every spread is a one day tutorial and it teaches you three patterns that you can use to fill in the zentangle. It might seem a little simple, and it is. However, it is great having a manual and seeing all those neat little patterns that I might not have come up with myself.

The picture above is my very first zentangle. Is it simple? Yes. Is it kinda messy? Sure. Did I have fun making it? Hell yeah! I love this new hobby. Don't be surprised if you see more of these popping up in the future...

Lovely Movies: Nebraska

This movie was a little less "lovely" than I was expecting. It was also better, just not as friendly as I would have guessed from the trailer. It is still a road movie and it leaves you feeling good, but it was also very realistic.

In fact there are few movies in which families feel so real as in this one. I love how unglamorous and kinda boring it was. And especially how it dealt with those relatives you hardly ever see and don't really know.

It was also very casual about love and marriage. It doesn't add to that idea that finding someone and tying the knot is the end of all your problems, in fact it acknowledges that it actually creates some new ones too.

All in all it's a slow yet intriguing film that turns the story of a not so special family into a pretty special journey.

Mixed Shelf #5

Even though I'm still very much enjoying stories with at least a hint of magic, I did pick up a novel for grown-ups again. It's promising so far, so I'll dive back in right after I finish this post about it and two other interesting books.

Wanting: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

This is a retelling of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. Now I love fairytale retellings, or at least if they're done right. However, I have to admit I'm not that familiar with the original that inspired Breadcrumbs. Nevertheless I'd love to dive into the world both through this retelling as well as the classic that inspired it.

goodreads // available here

Reading: the Girl who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

I just got myself a library card and immediately searched the shelfs for a nice new read. The title caught my eye, the cover made me fall in love and the synopsis proved interesting enough for me to take it home. Just read a few chapters, but I'm loving it so far. It has wallpaper that changes to fit your mood, now isn't that interesting?

goodreads // available here

Waiting: the Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

This is a book I've been wanting for ages! Eventually I ordered it, but now that it's here I have to admit I haven't touched it yet. I'm still excited though! It probably fits best in the genre of Magical Realism. It's about a mysterious girl that appears in the woods right after a child built of snow by a childless woman has disappeared. Very intriguing!

goodreads // available here

What book is keeping you up reading at night? Or did you find anything recently that you're really excited about?

Circle Songs #47

"Could I make it more clear? Could I give you more time?

Did I say enough or did I say to much?"

Too Much - Pale

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3}

This song was a very lucky random find. Gotta love that YouTube sidebar! Anyway, it really fit my mood and it's exacty the kind of electronic music I somehow do love. In fact, I love this song so much I ordered it on vinyl.

Lovely Movies: Only Lovers Left Alive

This movie is something special. Something really, really special. I had actually nearly missed it at the cinema, but managed to catch it on the very last day. But I might just get the dvd on the release-date to make up for that.

Holy guacamole, I don't even know where to begin… The first shot was freaking gorgeous and it had Wanda Jackson's song "the Funnel of Love" to give it this eerie vibe. I was sold within the first couple of seconds. And I really knew I had found a new favorite when the blood popsicle-scene came. Tilda, way to go!

Anyway, this film is full of pretty guitars, amazing apartments and fantastic actors. I love that it was calm, yet exciting and just unlike any film I'd ever seen before. I even loved the romance in it, which I often don't in contemporary vampire stories. Also, it was really funny at times, had a nice dose of mischief and I love how they dealt with death too. Oh, and it wasn't even that gory.

You should really just skip the trailer and trust my judgement, but here we go:

Just go see it, ok? GO! You won't regret it. And you might just want to change your hairdo after... why was Tilda's hair so intriguing?!

Mixed Shelf #4

This week the Mixed Shelf is less about fantasy, but it still has a surreal thread running through all of its novels. However, it's less about fairies and hocus pocus and a lot more focussed on imagination and day dreaming.

Wanting: the Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

A friend of mine told me about this book and said I would probably really enjoy it. Enjoy might be too happy a word, it's actually a pretty eerie tale. But I love a bit of a gothic vibe in my books now and then, so I still hope to read it. When I came home and sat on my computer to add it to my to-read list, I noticed it was already on my Goodreads! 

goodreads // pictured edition available here, or the cheapest copy

Reading: the Daydreamer by Ian McEwan

Ian McEwan has written many famous novels, the Daydreamer is one most people don't seem to know. It's still the first one I've picked up. Was it the cover again? Hell yeah! But also the story, of course. Through a couple of short stories we get to follow the daydreams of a little boy named Peter. It's actually written for both children and adults.

goodreads // pictured edition available here, or the cheapest copy

Waiting: the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

This is a novel I actually got stuck in. I can't remember exactly why… Was it because it was too dark? Possibly. Was it because it just didn't interest me? Maybe so. Anyway, I used to love Murakami and I don't want to let this experience spoil that for me, so I want to get back into the story to give it a second chance. And otherwise grab another novel.

goodreads // pictured edition available here, or the cheapest copy

What's currently on your nightstand? Or to-read list of course, as that's always interesting as well!

Wishlist

I should probably make this really exciting birthday wishlist post, but this year it seems I'm slow with everything. Anyway, I saw this little guy and he's pretty adorable. Do I need another stapler? No. Would I take him in? Yes!

Anyway, if you love this little bunny too, you can get one at Paperchase. 

Plans & Goals: April

April is always an exciting month for me! It means nicer weather, Queen's Day(which technically now is King's Day) and… my birthday! All three of these lead to plan-making of course! So here we go! I would love to:

• Soak up the sun and this lovely weather as much as possible.
• Read a graphic novel again.
• Play another gig and bring some friends to watch.
• Sell old stuff on Queen's Day...
• And maybe buy a nice tv-show on dvd.
• Go see a couple of movies at the cinema.
• Add some new items to my Etsy shop.
• Make a new collage or finish the one I was working on.
• And throw an awesome birthday party in my new apartment!

Do you have any nice plans? Any special occasions this month as well?