Let there be zoom

Raise your hand if you use your phone more often than a camera to take photo's. My hand is up. Keep your hand up if you wish said phone would take better quality photos. Ouch, getting a cramp. So how cool is this idea of not a camera with a lens but just the lens, which you can (un)attach to your phone!

I could totally see myself using this, if not on a daily base, then at least kept close for say an impromptu sighting of coolness or my kids being super adorable for more than two seconds without notice. What do you think, silly or the new direction? It's the DSC-QX10 from Sony lens by the way.

Limited edition weird

I want to share a little bit of the workspace that I am carving out of the eaves of my home. A place to occasionally work from home, work on this blog, do projects and just feel in my creative element. It's not yet complete but the desk is in and this poster now sits above it. When I saw it, I smiled and so I clicked it home to adorn my space. I have always been different in one way or the other and told so. It is only recently that I started embracing my idiosyncrasies as a positive. What better way than a visual reminder that different is sometimes just extra special and one of a kind?

And for the extra special people and moments, be they positive or be they negative (she said with a devilish smile).. an extra fitting note holder. What do you think, will it be an inspiring place to work, be creative and just be my own limited edition self?

All for children

Last year was the first time I heard of the “All for Children” UNICEF collection that H&M brings out in the autumn (another reason to love the season). I love the idea of some good coming to children by doing something as simple as buying a beanie and a pair of gloves. And everything is super cute to boot. I immediately made a purchase from the collection for myself. Ahem, I mean for my kids. The tent was popped up on Christmas day with every intention of taking it down after a while, but the kids have played with, in and around it every day since.

 

So when I saw the dress-up theme with the Marie-Antoinette dress and ditto wig and pug bag, I squealed in pleasure. And how great is it that boys are just as well represented? An absolute godsend as Mika gets a bit anxious when Zoe Isobel makes him wear the 'prince' outfit which is a pink fur cape. I was stoked for the release, ending up being busy that night and the next day found my favorite articles, like the puffy wig and captain's outfit, already sold old. Queue the sad face. Now queue the happy face as I still managed to get some fun stuff for Zoe Isobel and Mika. I expect they will also be kept till Christmas and gifted in a cool dress-up trunk. From all for children, to my children, to support the children.

Woonbeurs Amsterdam {edition two}

Last week I posted about the Woonbeurs Amsterdam. Here are some more pictures. With everything from a gorgeous bed (the walnut shell is even better), to fabulous and fun accessories including something to keep my head warm while still listing to tunes on my giant headphone and a place to hang said hat.

Enjoy the weekend!

Who doesn't like French toast? With sour cream, whipping cream and vanilla extra yum.

Plum beauty

I'm a girly girl as my sister often reminded me as kids. Yet I never got really excited about make-up. Then I rediscovered eye shadow and MAC and got interested. And so I recently started wearing lipstick (on occasion) again after being a clear gloss girl for a good while. So it was only a matter of time before mascara followed suit. It is the one thing that is not just a fun add-on to me but a must as without you can't find my lashes. This rediscovery round I decided to up the ante and try something other than the standard otherwise know as black or black/brown.

I searched high and low and decided on my favorite color; aubergine which of course I could not find. I ended up online at the Bijenkorf and bit the bullet for the baby doll mascara from Yves Saint Laurent in violet, which is far outside my usual price range.. I have only had it for a day but love, love, love the effect. It does not have the heaviness of black but still the drama. I feel like batting my doll like lashes like a true butterfly. Forgive my pic (taken with my phone and office lighting), but you get the idea.

It's DDW baby!

It’s officially my favorite design time of year with the various functions. From fashion weekend in Utrecht to the Woonbeurs in Amsterdam and my personal favorite; Dutch Design Week! And right here in my home tome Eindhoven. Dutch Design Week is from the 19^th till the 27^th of October and spread out over various inspiring locations in the city. It’s a great opportunity to see and purchase some beautiful and innovative designs, including stuff from new or small design studios that you might not otherwise get to know. There is lots to see and do, from readings and expositions to presentations and workshops. And important to us moms (and dads) these include activities especially geared for kids. You can check out the program or download the app.

 

 I definitely have a few things on my list, including finally visiting Piet Hein Eek followed by a slice of pastry heaven at Pinkie Patisserie. The presentation ‘lighting up another possibility’ seems intriguing as well as ‘living room 2.0’. The 3d print-a-keychain at Onigiri,  the expositions ‘objects to play’, ‘luscious food cravings’, ‘young art night’ and house of talent’ are also on the list. I am also definitely considering taking the blogger (fashion and/or product and architecture) tour. It seems like a great way to get an even better perspective on DDW.

Inspired by the Woonbeurs Amsterdam {edition one}

Inspiration creates energy. With the world wide web you can get your daily dose with the click of a mouse. However sometimes, it’s more inspirational and just plain fun to experience things firsthand and so I made my way to the Woonbeurs in Amsterdam. I was last there a couple years back so it was a renewed experience. I also went by myself and did not attempt to drag my husband around with me who’s enthusiasm for interior design is at an entirely different level to mine. This would also have been near impossible with two little kids trailing along behind, touching (and possibly breaking) things or getting lost in the crowds.

I ended up going at warp speed (typical me) from one beautiful and inspirational stand to another. Here are pictures of some of the beauties that inspired me. In will post more later in the week. I must admit that the luxury and sophistication of several stands including the Eigen Huis & Interior stand really caught my eye despite being utterly different from the sleek minimalism I love but cannot attain with little kids, a husband and an intense love of accessories. The general warmth of the color palettes makes me feel more at peace with the arrival of autumn. Oh no, I feel inspired to get my home autumn ready!

Hoorah for Puha

A couple weeks ago Daan and I spent a day in Utrecht to celebrate our anniversary (the quiet moments of no kids are few and far between). An ideal day for me will always consist of shopping, even if it is just a wee bit. So how happy was I to find Puha while strolling in search of a music store for Daan.

I love individual stores with that undefinable mix of hip and quirky, even more so when fashion and interior collide. I love the yellow  rubberized cords they use for the shop lighting and there is this super cute jewelry cupboard that would look great sitting on my dressing table. I bought a summer tunic, which turns out to be made of wood (go figure).

I however regretted not buying one of the lovely wooden ‘navels’, could not find it in the web shop and contacted them by mail. Great service as they sent me photos and info and mailed the chosen ones out to me. I love turning them around in my palms and do so daily. I now can’t wait to get my workspace in order. A lovely little piece of tactile inspiration. Ah, feeling zen.

Product love; Rough lamp

A sleeker version of the thin and long pendant lamp above the dining table has been a wish for quite a while now. I had even decided on the cover lamp from Perlei. Lo and behold how quickly that decision began to crumble and all because of ...

Thank goodness the Rough Lamp from Oli13 is not such a strong contender in the budget stakes. But a girl can dream, so dream I will of this totally wicked lamp fixture.