Thrift Shop

If this song even made it to our tiny country, I imagine it must already be a massive hit worldwide. Either way, I still have to post it. If you can stomach a tiny bit of nasty language, definitely do watch this awesome thrift shop rap.

I love how this song is the complete opposite of all other rap songs about money. Of course everyone loves a good bargain, but who knew rap stars could have so much in common with bloggers like us?

When I first heard Macklemore I knew he was very promising, but he still blew my mind with this catchy tune. I can't wait to see what might come next. If he stays on this track it might even start to involve owls!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Of course I've already wished you all a happy 2013, but today was only the beginning of the Chinese New Year. I went into town, saw the famous dance, got my name -though I highly doubt they got it right- written in Chinese and also received this lucky coin.

I know this is a worldwide event as well, so I'm wondering... did you celebrate as well?

Wise Words

  {picture from here - quote from Oscar Wilde - merged by me} 

In the Mail...

A little while ago I got lucky on Lauryn Green's Blog. So this week I received a wonderful little parcel full of lovely items from mi+ed design.

There were some adorable little cards in tiny envelopes. A beautiful calender, with a gorgeous print for each month.

I was also very impressed with these bookmarks, they're printed on cotton and look very durable and flexible.

And to top off this gorgeous collection of goodies, I got three little notebooks as well. All with wonderful illustrations.

If you liked these items as much as I do, I suggest you check out the mi+ed design Etsy store. It is bound to make any stationary lover's heart pound a bit faster. Here's a glimpse of what's currently in stock:

Lovely Movies: Valentine's Day

Even if you're not a big fan of mainstream cinema, you have to admit that Hollywood does feel-good like no one else. And sometimes star-packed flicks can surprise you by not being cliché. Valentine's Day certainly did. In fact, I'll go as far as to say it was pretty quirky.

Despite the obvious theme, it wasn't sugary sweet. It featured all sorts of people with all sorts of stories. And so it makes the perfect Valentine's Day movie for everyone! Whether you're in a relationship or single,  young or old, gay or straight. I bet even guys would have a good time watching this.

So if you didn't have any plans for this year, you do now. Enjoy!

Drumroll, please...

A lot of people joined the Ruby Robin Boutique giveaway and I know you were all crossing your fingers, but there's only one necklace I can give away to one very lucky reader...

And it is going to Zia Blue!

Congrats!

If you didn't win you can still join another giveaway on Khrystyna's own blog. Or perhaps visit her shop and order a little something to spoil yourself. Here's a glimpse of what's available there.

 Aren't they stunning? They all look like they've come straight out of a fairy tale. So what are you waiting for? Go check out the rest!

Owl Things Considered

I'm so impressed by how Ann from Chudibeads got these owls in this bracelet! And it turned out so cute too.

If you're not as intimidated by this technique as I am you can even make one yourself, because the pattern is for sale as well. Thankfully the actual bracelet is too.

And there are loads of other pieces as well, usually more abstract, like these stunning necklaces.

Visit Chudibeads on Etsy to see more.

Last chance for the Giveaway!

Be sure to join if you haven't already! Just click this link.

Wise Words

{picture source - quote from Stephen Hawking - merged by me} 

Plans & Goals: February

As of a few days ago I started noticing some flu-signs. Now it could still be something else that might pass soon, but either way, I won't be too ambitious with my plans for February. It's the shortest month anyway. I just want to:

• Survive the upcoming cold.
• Take a decent picture of a lovely snowflake.
• Finish reading my first Terry Pratchett book.
• Make a hat to match my soon-to-be finished shawl.
• Pick a winner for the current giveaway.
• Try a new recipe or ingredient.
• Buy some buttons for this project I've put on hold.
• Watch Alice in Wonderland again. (The first of course!)
• Go celebrate Chinese New Year!

Don't Forget...!

You can still enter the Ruby Robin Boutique giveaway for the next few days! Read more about it on the giveaway page or just fill out the rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And for another chance to win some of Khrystyna's lovely jewelry, you might want to check out her blog.

Spotted

This week I happened to spot a bunch of origami inspired items. It's amazing how many different things you can make with the ancient Japanese folding technique. Here are a few:

I am just in love with this necklace! It is so subtle, yet intricate and very cute as well.

Isn't this brooch amazing?! I suppose beetles are the closet thing to origami in nature, but I'm still really impressed by how this was made.

I love how elegant and delicate this skirt looks.

This crane bird is actually a little lamp.

Not something for every day, but it sure makes an amazing statement necklace.

Isn't this elephant brooch adorable? It reminds me very much of the circus.

I bet this lamp would look wonderful in my new home!

Not only is this necklace beautiful, the money made from it will also go to a good cause!

Believe it or not, but these origami heels are actually wearable.

I really love this dress, especially the back looks very unique.

Can't have a collection without an owl now, can we? I thought this print would fit right in.

Another clever and intricate idea for a necklace!

 And last, but not least, a beautiful little keepsake box.

Looking Back on January

On one hand it feels like January flew by, on the other New Years Eve seems ages ago. Anyway, here are some things I did during this cold and grey winter month:

• I finished four books.
• Wore layers upon layers just to stay warm
• Went to a lovely French Film.
• Saw some spectacular snowflakes up close.
• Started packing things in boxes.
• Got an amazing new sweater.
• Started working on an amazing scarf.
• Made some delicious risotto.
• Posted a wonderful giveaway (that you can still join).

What did you do this January?

Wishlist

Uniqlo is an amazing store I first discovered in Singapore. Later I found out they had shops in multiple countries(though sadly not mine). Anyway, I spotted this amazing waterproof windproof parka on their website. Isn't it perfect? I love the cut and the color.

It reminds me of the cute coats you sometimes see in the kids' department, yet made into a lovely grown-up version.

And it even folds up and can be kept in a little pouch. So it's very handy too! I'd say it's pretty near to perfect actually.

Amazing Art: Xue Wang

Creepy and cute is still a combination I'm drawn to in art. And I was in luck, because I recently came across the works of Xue Wang(who also keeps a blog if you want to stay in the loop).

It is very Mark Ryden-reminiscent, but it's often more glamourous, and in my opinion, a tad more creepy. It's not scarier in it's subjects, but where Mark Ryden brings a calm vibe to each piece, these just tend to look a lot more haunted. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I did. And I apologize in advance for the crazy dreams you might have tonight.