Owl Things Considered

It was already pretty obivious that ModCloth is really good at making cute stuff to fit each season, and also that they carry some amazing owls in their online store, but they're really outdoing themselves with this Halloweenish dress.

Isn't it cool? I love the vibrant color and the sneaky orange eyes! And the black waist and peter pan collar make it a hundred times better still. Too cute to scare anyone during the holiday, but it will definitely make you look amazing!

Mixed Shelf #13

I'm ahead of my Goodreads challenge again! Last month was a great reading month, I finished lots of books. So I thought I'd do a books-about-books blog post today. Also inspired by the (audio)book I'm currently reading.

 Wanting: The Moment of Everything by Shelly King

This is a book I found through a bookstore newsletter. It came with a giveaway and I'm keeping my fingers crossed because it sounds like a truly lovely story. It involves a bookstore, a woman finding a book with special side notes that lead her on a search that teaches her about herself in the process. And there are cats, too. What's not to love?!

goodreads // available here

Reading: The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

It was hard to miss the hype around this book. Especially after the magnificent movie. Anyway, I tried reading this book years ago, but somehow stopped. I can't remember if I didn't like it or if I just didn't like it enough not let myself forget about it. Anyway, I'm now reading the audiobook and it is very good indeed, so I'm glad I gave it another shot.

goodreads // available here or as an audiobook

Waiting: Book Lust by Nancy Pearl

This is supposedly a great help for when you're not sure as to what book to read next. I usually don't have that problem, but I've heard some great things about this book. And as a book lover it seemed like a bit of a must have. Also, the cover just stood out and I had to pick it up. If not for myself someday, then it will make someone a great gift.

goodreads // available here

Have you read a good book about books? Or are you reading anything fun at the moment?

In the Mail...

It's been a pretty rough week for me, but there was also something that cheered me up a great deal... Some amazing happy mail from a very dear friend! Everything was so beautiful! And of course I took some pictures for the blog.

The stunning turquoise owl is a cookie jar. It looks a lot smaller in this picture, it's actually pretty huge and could hold a lot of cookies indeed! And there were also some other equally awesome and beautifully wrapped-up gifts.

Like the fairy tale coin purse and the tiny gift that held some very pretty nail polish (post coming!), but there was also an amazing week planner for my desk (will show up later too). And socks. But not just any socks, no no no... cat socks!!!

Wasn't that awesome?! It certainly makes it harder to feel sad when you have these things to look at, doesn't it? And my friend and I also made a very special owl thing happen, but I'll save that for another post as well, so stay tuned...

Have you gotten any happy mail recently? I hope so!

Lovely Movies: Fading Gigolo

When I saw the Fading Gigolo trailer I knew I had to go see it, especially since I have a membership card. It seemed like such a fun movie! And it was, but it was also more than that. It wasn't just funny, it had lots of layers to it as well.

It also touched on loneliness and cultural traditions (people breaking from them or sticking to them). And it wasn't predictable either. Also, it had some very human and realistic things woven in, like some of the family situations.

As always, the trailer shows pretty much the whole movie, so beware. 

Let me just say that John Turturro was the perfect guy for this part, which perhaps makes sense, because he was also the writer of the story. And he even directed the whole thing too! So he was definitely responsible for this gem.

Plans & Goals: September

I am not done with summer yet. In fact, if I could refuse to give it up I probably would. So I'm really hoping for some wonderful sunny days this month. We definitely got quite lucky today! Anyway, this month I'd like to:

• Get back to making some fancier sandwiches.
• Wear a skirt or summer dress while I still have the chance.
• Visit my favorite ice cream place for the first time this year.
• Write a couple more elaborate book posts.
• Finally make a listing for a bookmark subscription on Etsy.
• Do an outfit post again.
• Finish two knitting projects.
• Go out with an analogue camera and have pictures developed.
• And finally do a giveaway again!

So, what do you have planned? Any last-minute summer plans?

Looking Back on August

Even though I had to spend a lot of time taking it easy and resting, I thankfully also got to do a couple of really fun things. Despite -or perhaps because of- those changes in pace, this definitely felt like the fastest month of the year so far.

• I hung out and relaxed with the cat a lot.
• Spent more time at the pharmacy than ever.
• Read a great book and went to a Q&A with the author. More on that soon!
• Cried my eyes out at the TFIOS movie.
• Had a good spot viewing the Gay Pride Canal Parade. Even saw Conchita Wurst from a couple yards!
• Visited a huge library with a lovely friend. We went home with a big pile of books each!
• Bought and received some amazing new yarn.
• Turned a blogger-friend into a real-life-friend during an awesome day with Jerlene.
• And even got lucky and won myself a gorgeous bag!

Was your month eventful? Did it pass by quite quickly too?

Lovely Series: Dead Like Me

Ever since I moved and gave up cable I've been mostly relying on DVDs. And mostly on the double-edged sword that is cancelled tv-shows. It's cheap to invest in their full sets, but it's also sad to run out of episodes so quickly. 

I might just go through withdrawal when I'm through my Dead Like Me DVDs. I'm so accustomed to seeing George and the others struggle with their "afterlives" every day while I'm eating my dinner, it's such an addictive show!

The premise of people dying and then having to work as grim reapers to collect souls of others soon to die is very interesting. I feel like it could have worked in lots of genres, but it works especially well in comedy.

There's also a movie, but from what I've heard, it isn't nearly as good as the tv show. But I might watch it as I doubt two seasons of the tv-show are enough to keep me satisfied. Thankfully I still have some episodes left...

Wassupbrothers Update

Current main sponsor Olga is a very busy bee. She's always keeping her shop full of old favorites, while creating lots of new creatures at the same time. A lot of new items have hit her Etsy shop recently, so high time for an update!

 I love following the Facebook page to see what's in the making. Apart from the plush creatures we know and love, Olga enjoys trying out some new mediums and techniques. She recently added a wooden bird that she painted.
But she also created some stunning textile sculptures. They seem so alive and attentive! Great for when you want to invest in some lovely art! But if your wallet isn't as thick at the moment, you can get these lovely babies instead!


 I fell madly in love with them… They are so tiny and so fluffy! But if you don't have room for any creatures, not even tiny ones, there are also some paper pieces to grace your walls. Most illustrations are even hand embroidered.

As you can see, there's always something -or someone!- new at Wassupbrothers. So be sure to follow Olga's blog, the Wassupbrothers Facebook page and her Etsy shop to see what comes in next. Every update is a lovely surprise!

Lovely Movies: Begin Again

I loved this movie so much that I actually hope to go see it again before it leaves the cinema. It was bound to be good, of course. How could a feelgood movie about a singer/songwriter with Mark Ruffolo in it be anything but amazing?

The story revolves around a singer-songwriter that has just broken up with her rockstar boyfriend and then crosses paths with a record producer after he has just been fired from the company he founded. Together they "Begin Again".

This is the part where I normally post the trailer, but today I won't. You should just trust my judgement and go see it. Anything I show you now will only spoil the surprise. Just know that it is wonderful, funny and quite inspiring.

Owl Things Considered

I couldn't quite decide whether or not it was strange to do two bag-posts in a row, so I just decided to go for it. As it turns out Acccesorize is selling some adorable owl bags these days. Like this one with the metallic scallops!

But when I passed by one of their windows a few weeks back, I also spotted an owl backpack! I love it! I'm not really sure if it's the practical backpack I am looking for, but it's adorable and looks like it might just be waterproof.

I'm glad to see they're not done with the owl hype yet, even though it's been going on for years now. Lucky us, right?

Daisy Dream Come True

Perhaps you've heard about the global Marc Jacobs tweet shops, where you can tweet a picture to get a free miniature. I knew about them but heard about the one in my city pretty last-minute. Just in time to join in and win a bag though!

The most creative tweets won either a real Marc Jacobs bag, a perfume or pair of glasses. I did my best and came up with an original idea that obviously paid off. I am so happy! Never in my life have I had such a fancy bag as this!

Apart from being over the moon about my taupe leather satchel, I also still appreciate that Daisy Dream miniature a lot, I was really hoping to somehow get my hands on one of those so I could add it to my existing Daisies at home.

The big eau de toilette was a birthday gift to and from myself in Singapore, the Daisy flower I got in a really nice sale a few months back.

Anyway, I am so thrilled with my new leather satchel, the mini bottle and the little canvas make-up I got. So much has been going wrong lately and I really needed to catch a lucky break like this. Guess I earned the Karma points!

Apart from showing off these amazing goodies, my point is... if there's a Marc Jacobs tweet shop opening near you, go there. It's free to join and might just be worth your while. Also, it's just a whole lot of fun!

Fifty Shades of Frozen

I foolishly thought the world was done with Fifty Shades of Grey, until, of course, the movie popped up. Having dodged most of the hype, I did catch the trailer at the cinema a while back. However, I also happened upon a phenomenal mash-up trailer called Fifty Shades of Frozen. I wonder how Disney feels about it though… Check it out:

Mixed Shelf #12

I've read a lot of YA recently, but after finishing the Divergent trilogy I am now venturing into historical fiction. It's a genre I haven't read that much of yet, but I definitely plan on reading more! It's keeping me quite entertained.

Wanting: Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

This book is getting pretty much only good publicity. Or at least I haven't heard anything bad about it so far. I haven't made my mind up if I am actually going to read it though. The premise is quite depressing, as the book follows a woman while she awaits her execution. I think it's even based on a true story, which probably indicates a sad ending.

goodreads // available here

Reading: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

This is such a delightful book so far. Perhaps it is something you need to be in the mood for, but I most certainly am. It's quite slow-paced, but enough happens to keep the reader interested. Also, I just really enjoy the main characters and the change of perspective between them. Also, this book is filled with fossils, and that is so rare in fiction! 

goodreads // available here

Waiting: the Girl in the Blue Beret by Bobbie Ann Mason

Honestly, I can not tell you a great deal about this book. I actually picked it up in a sale-by-weight event and mostly because I liked the cover. The main character was rescued by a girl -in a blue beret, of course- in the war and can't stop thinking about her. It could be great or it could be boring. I just need to pick it up and try it at some point.

goodreads // available here

What have you been reading? And do you have any historical fiction you can really recommend?

Lovely Movies: the Fault in Our Stars

Shailene Woodley made one hell of a Hazel. Not my Hazel, but she was so good I couldn't help but believe her to be Hazel as the movie went on. Now Augustus on the other hand. I just didn't like Ansel Elgort as Gus. Okay? Okay.

What issue do I have with him? He doesn't have emotion in his eyes and he came across as a way cockier guy than the Gus from the book. Anyway, it was still a good movie. A great one actually, though with some lesser parts...

I also noticed a few mistakes, especially Dutch things, being an "Amsterdame" myself. (I heard myself think: "wait, that tram doesn't go there".) But I still loved seeing my city in a movie and was relieved they hired some actual Dutch actors too.

Anyway, if you haven't seen it yet, but you plan to… bring tissues. I can not emphasize this enough. I thought I'd cry once or twice, but I have to admit I was sobbing through most of it. And of course I couldn't find my own Kleenex…

Owl Things Considered

We're having a bit of a heatwave and it is definitely way too warm for pajama bottoms right now. But I suppose this cute set would work. Ever since last year I found I actually sleep better when I do have sleeves on. Strange, I know.

It has to get really warm for me to ditch the sleeves altogether, so this might just be perfect for most of the summer. Anyway, the set is available at ModCloth, but that should come as no surprise as it fits their style perfectly.

Introducing...

A couple months back a wonderful cat came into my life. It took a while to get everything in order and for him to settle in, but I now feel like I can introduce you to the wonderful feline that has made my first own apartment a real home.

Not only does he look stunning and adorable, he is actually the friendliest cat I've ever met. We had an instant connection, but we still bond more each day. Every morning I get a 15-minute greeting full of cuddles and purring!

He does silly things, like fall off footstools regularly and jump into mirrors, and clever things, like playing fetch. He's very vocal and has different meows for different things. Anyway, I'm sure you'll see plenty more of him soon.

Also, if you have a cool idea for a name let me know! I have something in mind, but I might be persuaded by something that has a really good ring to it or that fits him even better… So feel free to leave a suggestion.

Mixed Shelf #11

Some people read a whole lot over the summer. I don't think I'm one of them. I started Allegiant a while back, and though I did finish two audio books in the meantime, it's been a while since I sat down to read for hours on end.

Wanting: Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis

If you watch any BookTube or spend a lot of time on Goodreads, I'm sure you've heard of Otherbound. And if so, I'm sure you've heard many good things, because it's getting phenomenal reviews. Apparently it's filled with great world building, interesting dynamics between characters, a very realistic queer character, as well as an interesting plot.

goodreads // available here

Reading: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I have to admit that I'm a little stuck in the final book of what seemed to be wonderful trilogy. It's not that I'm completely indifferent, but everything has changed. Everything I liked in the other books is gone and I'm not quite into the events that replaced them yet. On top of that I'm really struggling with the dual perspective. So we'll see.

goodreads // available here as a set or alone

Waiting: Huntress by Malinda Lo

This is not quite a sequel/prequel to Malinda Lo's debut Ash, however it does take place in the same world and revolves around one of the characters from the first book. It's been ages since I read Ash, but I'm sure that won't matter. Also, my guess is that it's a quick read, so I might pick it up to do some lazy reading in the park after all.

goodreads // available here

What have you been reading? Are you a real summer reader or do you get distracted easily too?

Wishlist

As I love pretty much everything Mark Ryden makes, it was to be expected that I would get very, VERY excited about a brooch like this. Isn't it gorgeous? And yet again, slightly eerie, because it wouldn't be a Mark Ryden if it wasn't.

Anyway, I could maybe get over the fact that this brooch is very expensive. It's a Mark Ryden, so that's no surprise. But to have the slowest option of shipping to Europe already be nearly half the price of the actual thing…? Not to even mention custom fees that will no doubt follow… Consider my dream shattered. But it sure is gorgeous, isn't it?

Lovely Movies: The Wind Rises

Being a huge Studio Ghibli fan I felt very disappointed and slightly embarrassed when I thought I would miss the Wind Rises while it was on the big screen. But thankfully I managed to get myself to a cinema in time to catch it.

It was wonderful. Of course it was. I mean, it's Miyazaki, it is bound to be wonderful. Unfortunately this is also his last film, because he is retiring. He actually wanted to make a sequel to Ponyo, but was persuaded into making this.

It was originally a manga by Miyazaki himself, which was in turn based on a short story by Tatsuo Hori. Anyway, the final product is amazing. Not as magical as most Studio Ghibli films, but still with a hint of magic and lots of dreams.

I always advise people to watch the original version, but I have to admit that the cast for the US version sounds pretty amazing. I can't promise it will be perfect, but if you can't watch the Japanese I'm sure this will be wonderful too!

Have you seen many Studio Ghibli movies? Which one is your favorite? I have seen a lot, but have yet to catch up on a few. I won't rush into finishing them all though, because I love having some left to look forward to as well.

Plans & Goals: July

Honestly, I'm still not quite up for making lots of plans. Instead I'd like to take things as they come, but I suppose that is what summer is about anyway. But just to make a few plans and gain a little structure... In July I really hope to:

• Introduce you to this sneaky fellow.
• Start working out again. But nothing too intense.
• Finish that infamous sweater for real.
• And cast on the next one.
• Learn some jazzy chords and progressions.
• Write some good lyrics.
• Go see the Fault in our Stars.
• Book my vacation.
• And possibly even do a new layout for the blog.

What are your summer plans? Going anywhere nice or are you staying home?