Resolute

+ strong. I don't really do New Year's resolutions and am obviously too late. But I decided "what the heck". I will always love design, creativity and individuality as that is a huge part of my life; which is what this blog is about. But on the flip side to all the shiny, I am grateful for what and more importantly who I have and do not take that for granted. I try (work in progress) not to get caught up in more, better, faster, more. Knowing and doing humble, grateful and strong... in 2013 & beyond.

Little b-day dreams

Even before a stroke of the keyboard for the dream b-day list, the hubby specifically requested a more manageable list. One that takes about a goldfish sized and not a piranha sized bite out of the treasury's coffers.

1. Slightly borrowed from the Baker world post; a pizza stone. Even better with the traditional long wooden handle to get in on and off the hot baking stone.

2. Keeping in the cooking theme; silicone baking mats. Helping to save my baking trays form more agony and stains and my nails from having cleaning said stains.

3. I enjoy reading, but have not been doing so often enough lately, so a book or gift certificate is a great way to go.

 

Mika's first

Mika is exactly one month away from his first age milestone; turning one! Calls for a celebration, don't you think? Being a baby and all, he has no birthday (gift) wishes and/or can not express them. That's okay though, I'll make his wishes for him, as any good and slightly controlling mum would. Here are some pre-approved (only half joking) gift ideas. All from the Bijenkorf.

For my head-banging, butt shaking, jumping and jiving, musically inspired dude. How can he anything else, what with all his names having music links? To complete the family bandstand consisting of a guitar, accordion, harmonica, flute, tambourine and xylophone; a baby drum (set).

Nothing beats destroying a tower, except doing so over and over and over again. Therefore more wooden building blocks please. These two sets are great as their have different sizes, letters, numbers and shapes making them great for puzzling and learning as well as building.

 If you have not figured it out; we prefer if our kids use their own imagination as much as possible, even if they don't. So wooden, non-battery operation toys please. In this case planes, trains, cranes & automobiles... in wood. How cute is this ride-on fire truck with built in storage?

Dream B-day

So the big 30 is closing in fast. I remember having panic attacks about getting old when I was a teenager. Back then thirty was a game changer. I doubt anything will change and so no huge changes and purchases needed. But a girl can dream.This is my if "money was not a consideration, big spender, totally unrealistic, maybe someday/but not right now dream"...

 KitchenAid Artisan Mixer
If you know me a bit, you knew I would end up loving the most expensive one in the line; chrome. Following distant second and third are the brushed nickel and pearl versions.

iPhone 5

My conversion to the apple brand (2008) started with the first iPhone model. My current is completely full storage-wise, has cracks on the screen and is plain out old. I want, no I need the 5 and then in white.

 Canon Eos M
Currently using a Sony digital compact camera which is on it's last leg (problems with the lens, spots, frequent errors). I want a camera that takes great, not good photo's but does not need it's own backpack and a back brace to lug it around.

Samsung Series 9 laptop
Also my current laptop from Dell which is not that old has been annoying me senseless lately, esp. since sharing with the hubbie. Slow, slow and slow. Heavy and kinda ugly. My laptop needs are quite shallow; pictures, images and light reading, but then done everywhere (from garden to bathroom). So I only need a good screen, fast flitting capabilities and easy to carry. One thing you can not say about the Samsung is fugly.

My Christmas gifts

Christmas as come and gone ...but the fun fashion items remain. Check out some of the goodies as I drink my last bit of eggnog.

I love, love the meringue ring my husband got me and wear it often (gosh, it's difficult to photograph your own hand). I got the gorgeous MAC holiday gift sets (the lips and eyes, double yea) from my wish list. Even from far away my big sis still amazes me. The fingerless gloves which I always thought were daft have turned out to be perfect for three quarter length sleeves, what with the current freeze and my love of shorter sleeves and bracelets.

Kids @ Christmas

So the holidays have come and gone. The memories... and toys remain. A few pics of Zoe Isobel and Mika with some of the spoils. We spends tons of time in the house where after bedtime the architect elves rebuild the building blocks so Mika can demolish them within a minute the next day.

 

The play tent from H&M All for Children which I blogged about earlier. The crown and matching wand are also from H&M which looks pretty darn good with the coif and spiked hair clip. The swat bib is from The Kings of the House (currently one of the Fab sales). The Dora the Explorer block sets were purchased on Vente Exclusive.

Origami

First things first; Happy New Year! I hope it brings you an even better year than 2012! If 2012 was so-so, may 2013 be a good one. If 2012 was already good, may 2013 be better. If 2012 was better, may 2013 be Amazing!!

To start off 2013 a bit of Japanese inspired styling in the form of origami. Cute and fun while still fresh and simple, just perfect. The skirt is from Topshop. The necklace is from River Island. The sweater and dress (no longer available) are from Asos.