Just a Little Christmas Update

You've already seen my owl gifts from this Christmas, but now it's time for the rest.

My mom gave me a few different kinds of gifts, not just the owls, but also a few books (Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto, and the Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides) and some nailpolish(silver and blue) and Hello Kitty lipbalms, whose scent is very similar to my very first lipbalm.

However I also got gifts through the mail. Here's a little taste of how pretty everything was wrapped.

These pretty and delicious white chocolate truffles where sent along too.

And look at this adorable gingerbread man ornament!

Due to the snow I've been in a wintery mood and did my nails accordingly. Quite a few layers made this look: blue, peachy glitter, blueish glitter and then clear matt.

Since I haven't been blogging as much lately, you can expect another update soon, with more pictures, though this is probably it for Christmas stuff.

I wish I could show you our Christmas meals but it was too dark for decent pictures. It was delicious though, turkey with roasted potatos and ice cream macarons for dessert. What did you have?

Art Books

In the post about Oleg Dou I said I had found him through a book. I also promised I would get into that a bit more later on. So here it is:

The cover of Dark Inspiration immediately drew me in (yes, it really does have those "burnt" layers, it's not just a print) , I loved the artwork and also noticed Audrey Kawasaki's work made an appearance too, as well as a few other artists I love. I've now had the chance to flip through it a few times in the bookstore and really like it.

As most artbooks, this one is a bit expensive so I'm not buying it, or at least not yet. But I can trace some of the artwork online and am sure I'll be able to show you a whole bunch of new artists soon.

So don't be surprised if you'll see some more odd or creepy art popping up here again.

Collaboration art books are such a good way to find a whole bunch of new artists at once. I am always super excited to find one that is filled with exactly the kind of paintings I like. What are your favorite artbooks, know any I should check out?

Owl Things Considered

I hope you all had a great time during the holidays. I sure did enjoy myself with all the food and gift giving. Due to the weather I couldn't really take any proper pictures to show you what I got, but what I can do is show you all the owl stuff my mom gave me.

Of course my wishlist included some Ga'Hoole goodies and I am happy to report those wishes have been granted.

Sadly the boxed set of books turned out to be unavailable, but I am really thrilled with this movie tie-in too, it is very cute and doesn't take up as much room. I can't wait to start reading.

She also got me the DS game and I have to say it is amazing! I really love the graphics and the music too(some games have really annoying and distracting tunes, but this one is great). Ok, I haven't played it that much yet, but it's already save to say I love it. I was a hooked from the start and even saved some owlettes last night in bed.

Only downside is I seem to have some sort of bug in the menu, I click the link I want yet it often leads me somewhere else entirely. Anyone else has that problem?

But that is not all! I've always wanted some owl jewelry from danitashop, but they always seemed to sell out before I got the chance. However not too long ago I spotted these awesome earrings, my mom noticed and said I could order them for Christmas. I'm very excited and can't wait for them to arrive.

Hopefully I'll be able to take some pictures of the rest soon. But this was it for the owls.

I'd love to hear what you got. And how you spent and enjoyed your Christmas. What did you get?

...the most wonderful time of the year...

Merry Christmas everybody!

I hope you are all having a fabulous time.

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I just had a delicious meal and dessert and can't wait to eat more tomorrow (Christmas lasts 2 days here).

And guess what, we have a white Christmas! Although it's turning brown quickly but still...

See you soon and have a great day!

The DS Post

When I mentioned my Nintendo DS a few days ago I got some comments asking me about what games I had bought. I thought this would be a good time to do a post on DS games and share what I've been playing lately, as well as my all time favorite games.

As always I'm pretty much all over the place and my collection ranges from Tinkerbell to Grand Theft Auto.

I just get what seems fun, or sometimes what's on sale.

It's been a good season for games, as I found a bunch of affordable ones. Amongst them is Docomodake.

It's a fun and easy to play game, although I think it might be very short too, but I'm not sure yet.

Another one I recently got is the Michael Jackson Experience.

To be honest I didn't expect much, but was very pleasantly surprised. It is fun and very well made. You basically just tap the rhythm to the songs to make an animated Michael Jackson dance. It has 12 songs, but is still a bit of a challenge, especially if you want to get perfect high scores.

I definitely recommend it if you are a fan of Michael(, and like me love to play games such as Guitar Hero,) and I think he himself would've loved to have seen this.

I also like to hunt down really really cheap gameboy advance games. They can be played on DS and some are amazing. One of my most recent favorites, which I got for 3 bucks, is Charlotte's Web. The graphics are pretty cool, the game is awesome and the mini-games are super addicting.

Now onto the older favorites, first off Ecolis. This is a very cute and entertaining game in which you build an army of squirrels and beavers to save the forest.

I love Tinkerbell and also love the game. The first that is. It is fun and can be played into infinity, you can just keep playing the mini games and quests and keep collecting and designing outfits. The second game wasn't as good because it does have an end(and very early on). Still I'm putting the latest one on my Christmas Wishlist.

Also on my wishlist, of course, is the DS game made after Legend of the Guardians: the Owls of Ga'Hoole. I'm a bit afraid it won't be that good, or that I won't understand it (I have this strange habit of not having a clue how to get through games that are rated 3 and older, I've been known to get stuck in the first level), but how could I not get that game?! I mean it's the only merch I've seen of the movie.

Also I'd love to have the Sims 3 for DS. I haven't been able to play the Sims for years, because it doesn't work of either of my computers. So when I heard it was being released for DS I became very excited.

So that's about it: my latest acquisitions, favorites and Christmas Wishlist. So how about you? Any games you think I should try? What are your faves? And what are the ones you are dying to get? I'd love to hear about it and get a few tips.

Pretty Pictures

During my Christmas shopping an amazing art book caught my eye, with many great artists in it, some old favorites, some new to me. It's definitely going to my Christmas wishlist, but more on that later.

On the front was an image by Oleg Dou, I loved it and looked him it up when I got home. It's a little hard to see what medium he used but it turns out to be photography. I'd never seen anything like it, it's so intriguing. And just creepy enough too;)

Marvelous Music

I recently ordered a few items (games for my nintendo DS, dvds and a book) to keep myself entertained during these cold times. The site had a special deal where I could pick something for free. I saw Stacey Kent's album among all the cds, had never heard of her, but immediately liked the cd cover.

So I took a little listen and loved it. Needless to say, that became my free item of choice.

Most of her music's in English, but here's a cute little French song for you to enjoy:

Since it arrived I only had the chance to listen to the whole thing once, but I have plans of doing so again tomorrow while I wrap my Christmas gifts.

Yes, I finally bought some. It's just my mom and me this year. But we're gonna make it a fun holiday and I think I got her some things she'll really like.

How's your Christmas shopping coming along?

Gift Certificates

After about a week of hiding under piles of blankets I finally made myself a little bit useful today.

From now on I can no longer promise that international orders will arrive before Christmas, so I figured it was time for gift certificates. They can be printed and given in a cute envelope, box or even between the pages of a book, if you're giving that too. Or you can just email it if the recipient lives abroad.

10, 25 and 50 dollar gift certificates are now available in the shop. Check them out here.

Hopefully the worst of my flu is over and I can be back blogging from now on!

Giveaway Winner!

It is time to announce the winner of the owl kitchen set!

Thank you all for entering. All your entries combined added up to 36, but the winning entry is comment #1.

Rachel/meeyeehere,

you are the winner of the owl kitchen set!

Congrats!

Thank you all again and better luck next time!

Marvelous Music

The worst cold seems to be over (for now), but it turns out that after facing up to the snow I got sick. However, the show must go on.

So here's the song I'm addicted to at the moment.

I'm pretty sure at some point you've come accross "The Time Is Now" by Moloko too. I've always been fascinated with the song and when I happened to hear it at the movies a while back I wrote down the lyrics and finally looked it up.

Turns out Moloko includes the singer Róisín Murphy, who I also vaguely recalled. I remember once checking out her music, but somehow it didn't stick. So I have no idea about the rest of the music(except for Moloko's other well known song "Sing it Back"). All I know is I'm hooked on this song right now, but it definitely makes me more curious about the rest.

Lovely Series

I just watched the first episode of the series White Collar. It wasn't really promoted here so I came accross it by chance, but it is awesome. Granted I've only seen the very first episode, but I expect it to stay as good as it started.

One of the first things I noticed is the great casting, I finally feel like I'm looking at real people. And they're pretty good at finding perfect matches to play family members too.

Unfortunately it airs pretty late on a Sunday night, but I am definitely staying awake again next week.

Have you seen it yet? Does it stay as good?

Keeping warm... or trying to

It is cold. And when I say cold, I really mean freezing, snowing, seriously cold. Even indoors we can't seem to keep the house nearly warm enough. However there are a few things that make it somewhat manageable. Here's my little list:

My cat.

Nothing as comforting as a warm and furry little creature. Too bad she spends way more time on the heater than on my lap. Can't blame her though, I can hardly compete with that.

Tea.

I'm a really big tea drinker, don't go a single day without it. But this winter I am breaking all records.

Warm scarf.

This lovely scarf was made by a friend of mine. Ever since it's been snowing it's been around my neck from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed.

The ultimate rescue.

My feet are always cold so you can imagine it's near to impossible to keep them warm this time of year. However I noticed this "foot bag" in a folder and just had to have it. I was a bit afraid it wouldn't work or be practical, but let me tell you... it is the best thing I have ever bought and I am infinitely grateful to have it at my feet right now.

Due to the cold I haven't been active online at all. Somehow the desk is one of the coldest places in the house so I try to avoid it as best I can. But I'll try to keep my blogging up despite this all.

With this lack of internet I found entertainment in other gadgets and things that you can actually use while you're wrapped up in a "foot bag", "Snuggie"and numerous blankets. Such as:

Nintendo DS.

I've always enjoyed it, but never really got into it as much as now. I've been particularly busy solving murders and building hotels. Believe it or not I actually feel like I'm achieving something here;)

Books.

Before I go to sleep I love to read a few pages, or sometimes a bit more because I just can't help myself. The combination of a snow white world and Murakami's books makes me feel like I'm living in a dream world.

Seeing this you may get the impression that I haven't done anything, but with the holidays getting closer and closer I've been really busy with orders too.

Including my largest one so far, 20 bookmarks!

They had to be finished in a really short time because of Christmas. I am still getting Christmas orders as time is running out, especially people outside of Europe should place their orders this weekend, if they want to be absolutely sure it will arrive before the 25th.

So what have you been up to? Did you go into hibernation like me? Any tips to keep warm?

Giveaway Time! (US and Canada ONLY)

CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

CSN is here for another giveaway! As you probably know CSN's 200+ stores are filled with anything you could possibly need from eveything for your home, like furniture, to anything for your travels, like their variety of sling backpacks.

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I've been working like crazy on holiday orders and I'm sure you'll be getting a lot busier too now that December is only hours away. Chances are you'll be spending a bit more time in the kitchen and that's why CSN and I are giving away a kit that will come in quite handy in this time of year. Not too mention it's cute and has lots of owls!

Ok, up for grabs:

A women's apron, oven mitt and a set of potholders!

All you have to do to join is leave a comment. But please note that this is a US and Canada giveaway only!

As always there are extra entries to earn:

+1 if you're a follower

+3(each) if you grab my banner(s)

+1 if you like me on facebook

To keep things a little clearer for me please leave all entries in ONE comment in which you state how many extra entries you've earned and how

Winner will be announced next Tuesday.

Thanks for joining and good luck!

Etsy Shop Tip: alleluja

I don't know about you, but whenever I see an adorable fantasy creature in a movie I just want it as a pet. Of course that is impossible to arrange, but when this pendant by alleluja arrived I really felt like that wish had been granted.

Because it's porcelain I was a little worried about how it'd be handled by the postmen, but when I saw how carefully and well it was wrapped I knew I had nothing to worry about. And doesn't it look beautiful too?

When I held it in my hands I discovered it must be pretty sturdy too, because it is so compact. And it is unbelievably smooth! And it has the cutest little curly details all over the top and back.

This Creature Pendant, as well as nearly all the other items, can also be used as a pincushion, it even came with a beautiful little pin, which I didn't take a picture off, but they're shown in Sawako's shop.

There are still plenty of cute items found on her Etsy, but they can be sold pretty quickly. (As a matter of fact one of these Sparrow Girl Pendant was sold as I type.) So I was lucky to snatch up my own little creature in time.

Sawako also has an amazing flickr account where you can see all the little creatures as well as some "in progress"-pictures.

You can definitely tell that a lot of love and care, as well as imagination, has gone into each and every piece. And I have to say alleluja is one of the most original and special shops I have ever come accross. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would come accross a pendant like that and then to find one I could actually afford was just amazing.

Etsy Update: Packaging and Christmas Goodies

Lately there have been a bunch of changes made to my shop. Not only do I have a new header and banners(which you can find and copy here), but I also changed my packaging to this:

Until a little while ago I used old magazine pages to make packages like the one below. I liked it a lot and of course it was "greener" because of the recycling. I might still use it occasionally or get back to it later, but for now I'm sticking to the new floral bags.

However I also have special holiday wrappings, because I wanted something more Christmassy in December.

Inside you will find the bookmark in a clear bag with my logo. And on the back my url. I made them in all sorts of colors to match any bookmark.

I hope you like everything, I thought it was a more professional look. Plus this all gave me the chance to use my owl-logo more, I even have it stamped next to the address on the bubble mailers.

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It's Thanksgiving today, but I know lot of "foreigners" aren't celebrating anything, including myself. However somehow I'm in a pretty festive mood so I thought I'd show you my Christmas bookmarks.

Most people have already started planning and decorating. And for those of you who want to shop for gifts online, this is the right time to start.

Of course I couldn't stay behind on the holiday designs so I made my fair share of Christmas bookmarks.

Some of which you can even customize yourself by picking your favorite Christmas color.

So if you're looking for a Christmas themed gift or a cute stocking filler there are plenty of choices in my shop. And as always I'm open for custom orders too.

The bookmarks would make a nice gift for anyone who likes to read no matter what age. And since I invented them it really is a unique present.

Anyway, enough with the shameless self promotion;) Are you already busy doing, making and buying things for Christmas too?