Birthday Wishlist

As I mentioned at the beginning of the month, my birthday is coming up very soon! Within two weeks actually. So I thought I'd do a longer wishlist post than I usually do. And I promise it'll be cute!

I just adore these beautifully illustrated polka dot mugs!

This awesome reusable cat pouch is full of lovely stickers. The best thing about? The back of the pouch actually shows the back of the cat's head, not the front again -like most would-!

Is it just me, or does the color mint stop any design from getting childish? Either way, I'd definitely wear this bag! Other colors are available too by the way. As is an amazing backpack.

These little journals are amazing! They even have some colored pages in them as well. Also, 3 bucks and no shipping. Can't beat that, right?

Words can not describe how wonderful these creamers are! I love both of them! Yes... there is a bunny too. Just click here.

These silver pendants stole my heart! They are Chinese zodiac signs and thankfully mine -the sheep- is one of my favorites.

The other I really adore is the rabbit. It's so pretty! But they're all adorable really, just take a look at all by clicking here.

How cute is this shirt? And I love how it's almost up to scale too, so everything falls were it should be. Threadless never fails to make me reach for my wallet smile.

And last, but definitely not least, are Laura Frisk's amazing pillows! So many creatures to choose from and you can even pick the colors of the fabric and the ink.

Is it weird that everything on my list is some sort of animal or creature, or at least has a face? Perhaps so, but I guess those just make me smile the most. And isn't that what birthdays are about?

Magical Moon

Here's a teeny tiny, yet amazing animation. I love how magical and imaginative it is. Enjoy!

Owl Things Considered

Incense and animals don't often mix. Sure you see the occasional elephant-shaped incense burners, but on the packaging they usually stick with Buddhas or flowers. Nippon Kodo doesn't. They use owls!

Each beautiful box contains an incense burner and two delicious scents that are meant to make you feel like you're in your favorite café, hence the name Café Time. There are sets with Sakura and Green Tea, Cassis and Mocha, Apple and Jasmine Tea; and so on...

And each set of scents comes in a different color cilinder with two beautiful animal friends. I would not mind collecting them all, but if I had to pick favorites, I'd say the owls and these stunning foxes:

They're available Omoi, Amazon, Incense Warehouse and of course Nippon Kodo. Enjoy!

Plans & Goals: April

We've had a few false starts concerning Spring, but I'm sure April will bring some sunshine. It has to, right?
Also, my birthday is coming up very soon! Anyway, here are some of my plans for April:

• Start spinning some more experimental yarn.
• Begin decorating my new place.
• Have a nice-ish time on my birthday.
• Watch some animation movies.
• Post two new reviews.
• Cast on a Spring/Summer knitting project.
• Take my Diana F+ out for another spin.
• Eat my first ice cream of 2013.
• And finally read outdoors again.

So, what are your plans? Are you expecting Spring to finally make an appearance too?

Looking Back on March

Though I had planned all sorts of lovely Spring stuff, this month turned out to be freezing cold. In fact, it's the coldest Easter our country has had since 1964. Despite the cold, I got to do some nice things as well:

• I went to the tiniest vintage market.
• And got an amazing vintage dress in the mail as well! (Pictures later!)
• Started spinning again.
• Stocked up on Asian movies thanks to a great sale.
• Rediscovered how nice it is to play (board)games.
• And got hooked on the Sims again.
• Finished my most intricate lace project so far. (Pictures later!)
• Enrolled in a free 21-day meditation course.
• And Yanxia and Olga both came in for lovely giveaways.

How was your month? I hope you had fun! And that you're having a wonderful Easter of course!

*yawn*

{source}

I've had a very excited, but very exhausting day today. So I'm just going in early and will be back with a blogpost tomorrow. And I have some wonderful posts planned for next week! So keep your eyes open.

Sponsor Call: April

Spring is finally here! And we'll all have more energy to do things, which makes this a great time for starting new projects. If you need some extra exposure for  your project, blog or shop, you might want to consider advertising.

Here's a quick price list:

-Large ad: $20 - includes interview, tutorial or guest post ONLY 1 AVAILABLE!
-Regular ads: $8 or $20 for 3 months
-Small ads: $5 or $12 for 3 months

Read a more elaborate version here. And Email Me if you'd like to reserve a spot or if you want to discuss giveaways/reviews.

Wishlist

Have you seen these amazing bird shaped alarm clocks? I've known they were available in brown for a while now, but I only just found the other two colours. Aren't they pretty?

I have to warn you though, because I'se seen some bad reviews on these as well. Some people are absolutely fine with them, but others have problems setting them or or are annoyed by the volume. Just so you know...

They're still on my wishlist though. And if you want to order one for yourself, I suggest Omoi or Amazon.

Another take on Disney

Ever since I came across this video I find myself thinking about it from time to time. It's so well made, beautifully sung and very clever. How one person managed to do all this is just beyond me. Enjoy!

P.S. His movie villain medley is very entertaining as well.

Owl Things Considered

Yesterday I happened upon these beautiful owls. They're so fuzzy and funny! And freshlycrocheted is filled with them!

There are lots of colors to choose from and each owl comes with it's own little crocheted accessory.

I love how they look both incredibly cute and slightly annoyed. It's combinations like that that make sure we older owl lovers could never outgrow owls completely.

All owls are great as they are, but this -removable- hat just kicks it up a notch, now doesn't it? Anyway, follow this link if you want to see more!

Circle Songs #31

"If that's what it takes to make me smile. I'm gonna walk a hundred miles..."

Whole Wide World - Mindy Gledhill

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3}

I don't normally post the video in a Circle Songs post, but I could not resist today. This video is just too lovely. It's full of amazingly beautiful "real" girls and women. And it's a lot more empowering and inspiring than the song just by itself. Anyway, I hope you'll watch it!

Spotted

I have the feeling hot air balloons might become the next big thing. They seem to be showing up more and more. Here's a collection of some that really stood out to me.

You can make your own garland with this kit. I think it's for a baby shower/room because you can pick between pink and blue. But I think they're just lovely in general.

Modcloth currently has three amazing hot air balloon dresses to choose from. I'd be happy with either one. Aren't they stunning?

This vintage poster makes me imagine all sorts of stories. It's very pretty too!

Love the colors in this mobile. Is it just me or does everything really seems to float in the air?

Another less conventional print that proves hot air balloons can be kinda kick-ass after all.

These chalkboard wall decals would be an amazing "guest book" in the bathroom, I think.

No collection is complete without a stamp, right? And this monogrammed stamp is perfect!

This amazing cake was made for a baby shower. But I would not mind at all, if it were a permanent feature in my home!

And I just love the vintage feel of these printable boxes!

Drumroll, Please...

A truly overwhelming amount of people entered the Misluo Jewelry giveaway! But there can only be one lucky girl today...

If you didn't read your name just now, fear not! You can still buy your own moon phase studs with the nice coupon code you'll find below. Or one(or more) of Yanxia's other amazing creations.

And to stay in the loop, be sure to follow the Misluo blog. It's full of shop and design updates, but also about lots of other Etsy finds and things that catch Yanxia's eye. Enjoy!

Lovely Movies: Arrietty the Borrower

When I was a kid I would always wish I'd come across a tiny human, this little friend that I could keep in my pocket. Of course, this never happened. But the Studio Ghibli movie Arriety the Borrower helped grant my wish just a tiny bit.

Arriety and her mom and dad live a hidden life beneath the floorboards of a Japanese house. They "borrow" items from regular humans and have built their own tiny home with them. Arrietty's room alone is worth watching this movie by the way, it's so pretty!

Of course, Arriety gets spotted by a boy living in the house. This puts their whole family in jeopardy. And so the adventure begins!

Once again the trailer spoils everything. So mind the 1-minute rule, ok?

Despite the fact that it's a simple story -and probably Studio Ghibli's most mainstream film- it still wasn't too predictable. And it, being a Miyazaki film, is fun for all ages. So if you get the chance, I definitely recommend you watch it.

Wishlist

Olis Cupboard, a handmade ceramic store on Etsy, is seriously blowing my mind. Each item is so unique, has a gorgeous shape and a perfect color.

My absolute favorites are the jars. The one with the bird first caught my eye, but I might like the one below even better. The real twig is such a nice touch! And it would look great in my new kitchen.

You'll also find lots of other items, from cups to light objects, to the most amazing bird feeder you have ever seen.

Just click here to go to the shop.

Don't Forget...

Just little over a day left to join the Misluo giveaway. Click here to go to the giveaway page and perhaps you'll soon be the proud owner of some beautiful moon phase earrings in the finish -silver, oxidized or brass- of your choice.

And you can also use coupon code "HAPPYDAY" to get 10% off your Misluo order for the rest of the month.