Merry Christmas! ...and an Update

First of all... I hope you're really enjoying Christmas! I know not everyone has big plans, but even a hint of Christmas can be enough to put you in that nice mood and have you enjoy the holiday a lot.

Also, I've been wanting do a tiny bit of explaining. If you're a regular follower you know I've been working on moving to my own place all year. It is finally nearly done. -And this time I really mean nearly, it actually looks like a home now. I have my bed made and everything!- But I needed this month to take care of the last errands. I'm guessing I won't do much blogging for the remainder of this year either, but I'm planning to be back with daily posts in 2014.
 I miss all of you, I miss writing about what I love and I definitely miss taking pictures too. If I can I'll whip up a post with what's in store for you if you continue to follow me next year, but now... I'm going back to join my mom on the couch and enjoy the rest of my last Christmas living with her.

Happy Holidays!

Lovely Movies: Pride and Prejudice

I'm always embarrassed to admit I haven't read Jane Austen's most famous novel. I haven't seen the series either, but I feel like I've slightly made up for that by watching the movie that was released in 2005.

Honestly, I didn't have very high expectations. I've heard so many people rave about the original series and talk shit about this one., but I thought it was actually a wonderful movie. And the dresses didn't hurt either!

Remember the 1-minute rule, maybe 1:20 or so!

And I am definitely inspired to go read the book now. I've had a copy for years and years. High time I dust it off and take it for a spin! Also, for the record... I did actually read Mansfield Park. So I'm not a total Austen-barbarian!

In the Mail...

Earlier this month the lovely Suki threw a wonderful giveaway with an amazing assortment of all the lovely things she makes -buttons, a lavender heart, a puzzle brooch and a beautiful Christmassy owl!- and I turned out to be the lucky winner!

As you can probably guess, the arrival of these things really brightened my day. The lavender heart will get a prime spot in my new walk-in closet so I can see it everyday. And all the pins will be flaunted regularly.

Thank you so much for everything, Suki! Even the gift wrapping was perfect!

Anyway, don't forget to pop by her blog if you're not a follower already, and her shop if you're looking for some wonderful handmade, yet affordable Christmas gifts.

Amazing Art: Yelena Bryksenkova

Yelena Bryksenkova's illustrations are full of beautiful patterns and colors, yet somehow the women in them always make the pieces look very calm. Anyway, it turns out Yelena not only has an Etsy, but a lovely blog as well. Enjoy!

Blood Brothers

I'm skipping my usual Circle Songs and am making way for an actual video, because I came across an amazing one by the always wonderful Ingrid Michaelson and can't bear to just let you hear the song. Even though it is amazing too!

Now wasn't that intriguing? And I love the message she sends out too. If you're somehow not familiar with Ingrid Michaelson I suggest you look her up. I promise you'll find some magical songs!

Amazing Art: Bruno Vergauwen

Haunting and beautiful. That's all I can say to describe Bruno Vergauwen's art work. I'm sure that if you don't mind the eeriness some pieces exude, you'll love his work as well. I wish he would make a graphic novel someday!

Owl Things Considered

Ridiculously overpriced, but also incredibly cool, is this side table from Urban Outfitters! They didn't say anything about the size, but I imagine it would be big enough to put next to a reading chair and hold your tea and book.

I wonder if anyone will lay down that kind of cash (€95) to buy it though. Let's hope not, because that way you might be able to pick one up during the post-Christmas sales. If, at least, it manages to drop to a normal price.

Circle Songs #43

"I can tell you how it'll go down, but only you can tell me how it will end..."

It's Quite Alright - Maia Vidal

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Cold weather always makes everything harder, slower and much more uncomfortable. I'm trying to get as much done in a day as possible -so I can finally move!- but I still feel like I'm falling short. I'm also still very excited! So that's good.

Tara McPherson for Lomography

Lomography releases some very nice limited editions sometimes. The Japanese collection for instance, from which I got my very own Diana F+ Kirameki. And now Tara McPherson -an artist I love!- has designed a beautiful Diana Mini.

It's adorable, isn't it? I love the pink flash on it! And even the button that forwards the film is cute and has stars on it.

Of course it won't be around for ever. So if you plan on treating yourself to one, I suggest you don't wait too long...

Sweet Paul Headphone DIY

Every once in a while I find a DIY that is simply jaw dropping. And these embroidered cherry blossom headphones that were featured on Sweet Paul definitely did drop my jaw. And made me want to make my own pair pronto!

I'm a bit hesitant to try this, as I don't want to mess up any of my headphones, but I think I might take the risk if I have an eligible pair. I know I have one with wood print somewhere and I bet that would look really cute!

The DIY doesn't really come with step-by-step instructions, but it seems pretty logical. Let me know if you decide to give it a go too, ok? I'd love to see it!

Wishlist

As far as cute aprons go, I'm pretty much set. However, I would not say no to this one. Isn't it pretty?

You could almost wear it like a dress, right? Anyway, you can get it here if you fancy getting one.

Circle Songs #42

"But I cannot turn around, the angels hear me now, go where I'm bound..."

 

Gold - Wake Owl

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3}

My place is nearly done! Yes, there's still stuff to do, buy and move, but it's almost looking like a home now. I even had my first guest over for tea today. Hopefully I can finish all these remaining tasks soon. Fingers crossed!

Owl Things Considered

The weekend before last I went to a literary festival -my very first actually- and had a great time there. So when I saw this librarian-style cardigan, it made the freshly nourished bibliophile in me extra excited!

You can get it on ModCloth. It doesn't come cheap, but it sure is lovely, isn't it?!

Circle Songs #41

"When he woke up with nothing, he said let me tell you something. When you've got nothing you got nothing to lose."

Holes - Passenger

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3}

I've been so busy building something out of nothing in my new place, and it won't be long before I can move out and start my own life. I know it will be very different from how things are now. Different, but good!

Plans & Goals: November

I know I've thought this for this entire past year, but this is the month! I swear! I am actually going to move. Nearly everything is done and I even have most of my furniture now. This month I look forward to:

• Moving and unpacking all my stuff.
• Actually assembling that furniture.
• Having some sort of housewarming, or at least flaunt my new place.
• Bake something in my very own kitchen!
• Do some knitting in my lovely new chair.
• Catch up on my reading.
• Write more songs.
• Go to an art house cinema again.
• And get most of my Christmas shopping done.

Did you plan anything for November?

Lovely Movies: Million Dollar Baby

This actually isn't a lovely movie at all, but it's just so damn good that I can't help but love it. If you haven't seen it I don't feel bad about spoiling the ending for you by saying it's incredibly depressing. But you should watch it anyway!

I know sometimes actors take a crack at directing and it doesn't work out that well, but other times they completely blow your mind. And that's what Clint Eastwood did. Of course picking Morgan Freeman as a sidekick and a narrator helps. And giving Hilary Swank the lead didn't hurt either. She really deserved the Oscar she got for this part!

Also, on a final little sidenote, the boxer that plays Blue Bear is an actual professional Dutch boxer. I've seen her in interviews and she's a Buddhist and actually really friendly, but she's absolutely terrifying in this film.

Looking Back on October

It seems getting used to the cold is even tougher after you come back from a sunny vacation. Nevertheless, I ventured out whenever I had any fun plans. And otherwise I just stayed in and enjoyed my old home, while I still could. Also:

• I met some wonderful new people!
• Did quite a lot of songwriting all of a sudden.
• Came into my apartment to find it nearly done, yay!
• Visited a book festival.
• Worked on my first knit-along project.
• Procrastinated.
• And later still tackled those to-do lists.
• Got some lovely limited edition things at Ikea.
• And worked on a lovely blogpost about Anjolee!

What did you? I hope you had some nice things happen too!

Anjolee: Future Vintage Treasures

If you're in the market for a pretty necklace, some diamond studs or an anniversary band, I suggest you seriously consider Anjolee. They use high quality, conflict-free diamonds and are even eco-friendly! 

I love that Anjolee's designs are so timeless! They are perfect for a modern wardrobe, but -more importantly, I think!- also seamlessly fit into a vintage wardrobe. Just look at these pairs I formed and how they seem made for each other!

Everything is customizable, which means you can choose the carat, quality and even pick between white or yellow gold, or even platinum. So whether you're looking for a true heirloom or a more affordable option, you'll always be able to order your favorite piece from Anjolee.

Visit their website to browse around, get more information and to get a 360 degree look of every item they have!

---This is a sponsored post.---

Wishlist

Books have always made me smile -and I'm sure they always will-. Especially pretty books. And as far as I'm concerned you can't get a whole lot prettier than these Mr. Boddington's Penguin Classics.

I know a lot of pretty editions come with a price tag, but these are actually very affordable. So even if you wanted the whole set -6 classics: Jane Eyre, Little Women, Sense and Sensibility, and the ones above-, you wouldn't be that broke after. So enjoy!

Intrigued: Thorunn Arnadottir

Thorunn Arnadottir's candle idea is so simple, yet so unbelievably brilliant! These little cats reveal a skeleton as they burn up. The whole burning process is so cool, but it also leaves you with a little something after the wax has gone.

Unfortunately you can not order them yet, but you can sign up for the newsletter. If you want a candle for yourself, I suggest you do that because you'll then be updated when the designer's Kickstarter project goes live.

UPDATE! The Kickstarter is now up and running until November 22nd!