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?

Looking Back on June

June definitely had some nice summer days. Granted, there were some cold ones too, with a lot of wind and a lot of rain. But every once and a while I could ditch my jacket and soak up the warmth and just do nothing else at all.

• I took in a new houseguest. (More about that soon!)
• Showed you the wonderful gifts I got from Amy.
• And received some more from someone else. (I'll post those soon!)
• Got back into playing games on my Nintendo DS.
• Hopped on the Divergent-bandwagon and finished Insurgent as well.
• Learned to play the Ukelele.
• As well as some lovely new songs on guitar.
• Followed everyone's advice and went to see The Grand Budapest Hotel.
• And made some divine popsicles just by putting melon in the blender!

How was your start of the summer? Did you do anything worth sharing?

Lovely Movies: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Every movie-loving friend I have has said to me, "What?! You haven't seen the Grand Budapest Hotel yet? That movie is so you." And they were right. Thanfkully, because despite it being visually stunning, I wasn't 100% sure I'd like it.

Why? Well, I tried watching the Darjeeling Limited and could not get through it. That made me hesitant to try another Wes Anderson anytime soon. But regretting having skipped Moonrise Kingdom, I went to this one.

Now I have the membership card I feel like I can try any movie and just walk out if I have to, as it doesn't cost me anything anyway. Did I walk out on the Grand Budapest Hotel though? Absolutely not! I loved it.

First off, has there ever been a movie with more pastel in it? I think not? I think the pink -The hotel is basically my apartment inside out.- is what got me interested in this movie to begin with. Though don't be fooled into thinking it's sugary sweet.

This film was action-packed, had some gruesome scenes that weren't too traumatizing, but still quite gory. But yes, there was romance and there were pastries too. And there was a new famous actor in pretty much every scene.

Wishlist

I know I blogged about People Tree's sustainable and fair trade fashion in my last blog post, but I really couldn't resist posting this pretty dress today. It's on sale, which is making it even harder to resist. It's just absolutely perfect!

It also comes in pink, and though that's very cute as well, I might prefer the beige one. I love how simple and sophisticated it looks and it would actually match a lot more colors accessory-wise. Besides, it still has pink trim.

Which one would you prefer? And don't you just love the cut? I love how fair/eco clothing suddenly got so elegant!

Owl Things Considered

Have you heard of People Tree? They sell fair trade and sustainable fashion only and all of it is adorable! Not only that, but they also have a cute owl cardigan that you can wear in two ways. Buttons in front or back.

Now I'm not sure if it's comfortable both ways, but the idea is original. And wearing it reversed does give you the chance to show off those owls that would otherwise be hiding in the back. What do you think? Yay or nay?

Editing Magic

Having never heard of Vine -and still not being sure about what it is-, I stumbled on Zach King's little videos by pure chance. He makes really short special effects videos that are often funny and always clever. Enjoy!

Mixed Shelf #10

My plan of sticking to easy-to-read fiction is working out well for me. I was avoiding hyped books for a while, but now it seems I'm almost seeking them out. They are usually fast-paced and entertaining, just what I need right now!

Wanting: Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett

So far I've only read Terry Pratchett books about witches. I seem to enjoy those so much that I am hesitant to try anything else. I did start The Colour of Magic, but didn't get into it as much as I did with the others I read. I guess I missed the witches. I'm especially intrigued by this pretty hardback edition of Equal Rites. Isn't it beautiful?

goodreads // available here

Reading: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Divergent turned out to be a very quick read indeed. And Insurgent is thankfully equally as compelling, if not more so. I was always interested in learning more about the Amity, and we're definitely seeing more of them in this book. I hadn't expected that at all, so I was very pleasantly surprised. Anyway, I'm sure I'll breeze through this too!

goodreads // available here as a set or alone

Waiting: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

I have heard nothing but good things about this trilogy. Even from people that weren't priorly into fantasy. I enjoy magical elements a lot, but have to admit I haven't read any proper epic fantasy yet. This should be the perfect stepping stone. And if I'm like other readers, it might just get me completely hooked on the genre. I hope it will.

goodreads // available here as a set or alone

What is on your wish list/nightstand? Anything interesting?

Lovely Movies: A Weekend in Paris

After being cooped up for so long, I really started to miss going to the cinema. So I decided to just go and see what was on. It turned out to be A Weekend in Paris, a film I had heard of but that had slipped my mind completely.

So many movies pass me by and I could have easily missed this little gem. It made me laugh, but made me a little sad at times too. And having been to Paris a few times, I could relate to some of the travel-things in as well.

Anyway, go see this. This is so much more interesting than the same old young-couple Hollywood story. This is real people, mistakes, quirks and all. How they might grow apart but are still bound to each other. It was lovely!

"Nothing's Gonna Bring Me Down"

I love Paolo Nutini's music and have been listening to a lot of it. He has a new cd out, but I also still love his older songs. In fact, I currently still prefer them because I know them so well. I didn't know this video yet, though!

Isn't it bright and fun, and cleverly made? I love the real film/claymation mix they used! And though I eventually started thinking that it wasn't really female friendly, that thankfully turned out to be the whole point.

Anyway, no Circle Songs this week, but I didn't want to keep the video from you. Hope you enjoyed it!

Aw…!

Some people are extra lucky when it comes to their pets and the bond they form, but this guy seems exceptionally blessed. This is just adorable! And to think that pit bulls have such a bad rep… They sure seem loyal to me.

Owl Helper

Now I already have a drawing tablet, but there might still be something missing… perhaps a little helper like this!

Owl Things Considered

I am typically always cold, which is why I always had microwaveable pillows, including one owl. I don't have a microwave anymore, which is ok, but it does make me miss that warm owl. However PetitiPanda has the solution!

They sell an amazing cover for a hot water bottle! It is adorable and looks so soft. The perfect companion to heat up my cold feet, hands or anything else that feels frozen. They also offer it as a stuffed animal/pillow.

There are also other animal friends, that are probably equally as cute. Like sloths or adorable, but grumpy bunnies.

Speaking of grumpy animals. Yes, there is it… a Grumpy Cat! And PetitiPanda has a bunch to choose from.

So it should be pretty clear that I think this shop rocks! I love how they combine quirkiness with functionality.

Anyway, if you're new to Etsy you can get €5 off your first purchase by using this link or the ones to the items I posted about today, because Etsy is doing a fun promotion. Enjoy!

Circle Songs #54

"Yes, she knows from peace of mind to be not sinister in purpose, and to never be unkind…"

Berkeley Girl - Harper Simon

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3}

Continuing on my Jena Malone-appreciation digression. She features in a beautiful video for a beautiful song by Simon Paul's son, Harper. I might never have found his music if it wasn't for her. So thank you, Jena, once again.

Mixed Shelf #9

Ok, I am back in the reading game. Being sick usually results in a lot of extra reading, though I have to admit I'm not always up for it at the moment. Which brings me to my loophole of easy to follow fast-paced, action-packed trilogies.

Wanting: May Bird and the Ever After by Jodi Lynn Anderson

I am actually waiting for the right time to get boxed set of this trilogy. It was cheaper on the Book Depository a while back and paying more now feels wrong, even though it's very affordable still. Especially on Amazon, if you're US-based. Anyway, magical children's trilogy about a girl with a feline sidekick named Somber Kitty? Count me in!

goodreads // available as a set here or alone

Reading: Divergent by Veronica Roth

After seeing the movie I decided I did actually want to jump on the bandwagon and read the books after all. The pretty UK boxed set arrived at my door this week and I got started right away. It's such an easy read, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Even with aches, itches and sleep deprivation I can find the focus to be distracted by this.

goodreads // available here as a set or alone

Waiting: Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

This is the second book in a trilogy. I picked up all three at a second hand place that gives all proceeds to charity. Always nice when a reading addiction does some good. Anyway, I read the first last year and hope to continue with the second pretty soon, because I'm afraid I'll forget too much otherwise. Hoping for a lot of magic in this sequel!

goodreads // available here

What are you drawn to, bookwise, when you are sick? Any tips for what I should pick up next?

In the Mail...

As I mentioned in my birthday gift post, there were still some late gifts to arrive, some of which arrived just now! Amy from I Am Adorkable sent me a parcel filled with loveliness! Let's start off with this pretty woodland kitchen set.

I was actually in dire need of a spoon rest, but every time I was in a store it slipped my mind. Amy saved the day! And a barn owl spoon rest? It can't really get any better than that! And I adore the hedgehog and mouse items too.

I really like the style of these illustrations. They're still cute, but also quite grown up and they look good everywhere. The spoon rest will find a permanent spot on my counter, but the others will probably switch between the kitchen and the living room. I'm already envisioning using them for tea time. With cookies of course!

I also got this cute magnet set. The quote is definitely something to live by! Can't wait to use them on my magnetic board. And finally, yet another beautiful and very handy gift, I was sent this adorable owl hook!

Great gifts, aren't they?! I love them all so much and they look amazing in my apartment. Thank you very much, Amy!

Lovely Series: Community

It's beautiful summer weather and I wish I felt well enough for something other than watching tv. However, it's times like these that I am extra grateful I can disappear through the twisted, addictive wormhole that is Community.

I love how it has a nice balance of being goofy or plain stupid and having very clever moments. Also, every episode is very different because they tend to really go up in their themes. But they always make time for "study group" too.

I'm well aware of the fact that this isn't for everyone. But I do advise you to give it a shot. It might just grow on you. And I'm sure you'll be able to find some characters that you especially enjoy. Like the dean, or Troy and Abed...

Amazing Art: ilovedoodle

When I came across ilovedoodle on Etsy it looked really familiar. Then I spotted this elephant print and it hit me, Threadless does a lot of ilovedoodle prints on t-shirts, and I was always very much drawn to those designs.

Anyway, the entire shop is filled with the most adorable and clever finds. And a lot of them just make you really excited about life or all warm and fuzzy. I really recommend you check out the entire shop, but here are some of my favorites.

By the way, if you are completely new to Etsy, you can use this link and we'll both get €5 of our purchase.

Owl Things Considered

I think it's time to post another owl watch. -no pun intended- Though I'm not seriously looking and am doing fine even without, it would probably make sense for me to own an owl watch, but I haven't found the right one yet.

As is the case with this cutie from Nordstrom, most watch faces tend to be way too big for my wrists, which makes it look weird and isn't very handy. But I do appreciate this one for the design and it's color. Purple is always good!

Circle Songs #53

"I didn't know my name, didn't know my heart,  didn't know if I could stand…"

Paper Cup - The Shoe

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3}

I've always been very fond of Jena Malone and my love grew even deeper when I found out she is releasing a cd. And not just this crappy actor-goes-singer cd... An actual cool one! With a partner and an actual band name: The Shoe.

Plans & Goals: June

I'm hoping for a very calm and relaxing month because I need it. Of course I hope to still do some fun things as well, but I really need some time to recuperate from whatever it was that wore me out last month. In June I'd like to:

• Dress up in nice loungewear, like these fleece pants with owl print!
• Get back into Harry Potter. And hopefully finish the series this time around.
• Finish some sort of cross-stitch project.
• Shorten the ridiculously long list of books I'm currently reading.
• Pick up some graphic novels again.
• Cast on a summer project with either silk or cotton yarn.
• Do another jigsaw puzzle.
• Marathon the crap out of some tv-shows.
• And finally see The Grand Budapest Hotel.

What are you hoping to get done this June? Or are you taking it easy too?