Renewal

I love to ring in any new season with changes. It begins usually in early March with cleaning of the fireplace and chimney, thoroughly dusting all the nooks and crannies, trying to select things to change for spring (hard) and letting go of things for good (harder).
I open the windows wide and let the fresh air clean out the scents of last year.
It is easier to get inspired to decorate for spring, setting out different vases or candles, bedding or exchange of knick-knacks and to lighten up appearances.
We are creatures of habit and things become quickly second nature...


Fall/Winter look in our music/fireplace room

And now for spring and summer I change to light colored linen pillows, they have almost a nautical feel....

It is also an excellent time to clean out closets, pantry and medicine cabinets. The old headache pills you've kept for two years? OUT! That goes unfortunately for last year's sunscreen and many cosmetics. If in doubt - out!

All things have an expiration date, sometimes we tend to overlook that even those hiding bean cans need tossing....
It is certainly freeing and makes you feel tons lighter, when you clean out!  Follow up with paper work, books and magazines. 
Winter clothes need cleaning and fixing. When I begin, I always want to start again eating healthier as well. Winter, with it's usual party splurges and God knows how many holidays weekends, puts me always into a weight gain tailspin. I just can't seem to help it! Now is the time to shed pounds, literally and metaphorically speaking.

It is also for me a time for cleaning of the soul and it is no coincidence that many religions have this time of renewal build into the rhythm of the spiritual year. It makes sense to me and although I do not affiliate myself with any major religion, I do have the need to draw inside me, shed ballast I accumulated over the last year, try to meditate and find my center. Cleaning up the outside of my world helps me focus on inner renewal too! A wonderful kind of enlightenment! I listen to Schubert and lean back!

We start the day with lighter things too, cereals, fresh fruits, maybe an egg...gone are bacon, pancakes and maple syrup. I am not a fan of drastic measures and I trust my instincts. I like to have a time, where I feel body and soul have a new beginning. 

There is a time for everything! Nothing grounds me more!


Happy spring renewal! Open your arms wide!










Images via V.Zlotkowski

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Little Sunday post

Early March Sunday...

And I need a little magic!!!
Feeling a little under the winter weather I look for little pick me ups, finds to delight or simply goods I consider....Something on my radar lately has been PLUEMO, a British (online) shop, which I discovered a couple of month ago. They have whimsical and fabulous things from fashion to house and garden. Their red zone contains all their discounted goods and who doesn't like a discount???

This is a great little woven wool carpet.

And these little trays can be used almost anywhere. On top of a table, at bedside, on your desk.

Stylish scissors and string, anybody?

Nothing sweeter then a little pouf!!!

These slippers look like they are filled with magic! Don't they feel like summer? I'll pick these!

And this folklore inspired pillow (from the current collection) is so pretty!

Makes me feel so much better already! Enough cold air and gusty winds! I need sunshine and warmth, colors and blossoms!

Wishing you all the same!

xx
Victoria



All images via Pluemo website.

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Tickled pink?

Yesterday color authority Pantone announced it's color of the year 2011 to be an immense pink called "honeysuckle". The company predicts that we will see a lot of this color, appearing on everything from dresses to pillows, nail polish, sofas and appliances.

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Top image and this here.


A sherbety shade of pink, with a hint of red and orange zest, honeysuckle is seen by designers as a pick -me-up at a time when many people have had their fill of misfortune.
I quoted based on an article from yesterday's Wall Street Journal.

Jonathan Adler.

Harlequin Wallpaper.

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JA tray.

via Country living.

Interestingly enough many people do not necessarily associate honeysuckle with the color pink. The bush which grows on the corner of my deck blooms in a lovely shade of yellow....Apparently people associate the color with what they know from their childhood....Perhaps the honeysuckle you knew then was pink?

via google image.

Pink has been on the radar of many designers for a couple of years now and I guess the announcement to make it the color of the year 2011 culminates in it's final arrival at the mainstream households. I still remember the pink polo shirts I gave my husband and son two years ago and seeing my then 8 year old son being a little taken aback at first. Girly pink for him? But he eventually wore the shirt for many month and does now not object to pink in his wardrobe any more then to navy blue!

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I love pink as much as many other colors, my house is filled with reds and green, turquoise and blues and surely it will find it's way into it as accent on plates, pillows and outfits.
It's a summer color, reminding me of raspberries, little girl's dresses and lemonade.

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There is a sense of care free life when looking at pink. I am sure it made it's way into our current fashion for those reasons as well.

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To see on the bright side, away from worries and unemployment which must surely show itself in dull browns and muddy grays...
It's a good thing to celebrate life when the going is tough and to surround ourselves with an uplifting shade of pink is a wonderful way of maintaining optimism and a youthful spirit.
My dish washing will be stylish at last!!!

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Are you tickled pink yet?


xx
Victoria


Images as indicated.

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Victoria's holiday bazaar

May I invite you to a holiday bazaar, filled with culinary and other inspirations? The holidays approaching fast and I guess I am somewhat late with this, but perhaps not all of you have completed their shopping's - some might just starting to look....


This is a very special charmer....from kimarijewelry
.
How about this blue black jade bracelet at lylaaccessories.

Flights of feather fancy! Clutch purse from mermaidsdream.


Get the mint swirl copper lampwork earrings at dkjewels.


Do you know an art lover who will appreciate The Maiden Voyage from janethillstudio?


One of these sweet cuties for a cuddly toddler from minu?


Telling time could be 'felt' here....at evgie!


Or perhaps a doll for a little boy? Get him one at the hazeldoll shop!


This oil lamp will brighten the darkest night.... from StudioKahn!


And I adore those monogrammed pillows from organicblankees.


And while we are still at home accessories, how about these charming bookends via nextdoortoheaven?


And I am sure someone can find a lovely spot for this stylish bench from ljindustries.


And what about this sparkler from bambina?


Any guy will like this cool duffel bag from RAGGEDedgeGear.


And I love this pad for a man's desk. From doneleather.


And speaking of guys, how about that? From kaylim.


And I know at least one girl who would love to wear these glasses...from Estemporary!


Or maybe this cool dress from here.


Baby, it's cold out there. Warm up and get this poncho at sandmaiden.


And this lovely clutch is on my Santa list... from opellecreative!


And last but not least my German heritage gets the better of me: For the holidays do try Dresden Christmas Stollen! You can
get one here!
It's a wonderful tradition, eaten with coffee in the afternoon or a slice warmed for breakfast!


Of course sugar cookies and Nuernberger Oblaten belong to that tradition as well! You could get them at the German Deli.


And these cookies were made by Twosoutherngirls. Or you could bake some yourself....


And if you need to send some lovely cards out - Soulflower has great stuff. Tea towels too and more!

A long walk through this bazaar? Well, yes, but I hope you found something for everyone on your list!!!


xx
Victoria


PS: As with many items on Etsy, many are one of a kind and might be gone fast...


Top image via google image, all others as noted.

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