Souvenirs + Last chance to enter for Sania Pell's 'Handmade Home' book!

I'm back! I've really had to hit the ground running this week, but it's incredibly good to be back in my own home and back with my husband; 18 days was a long trip! It was a busy trip, but a good one.

Since I was there over my birthday (!) I brought back even more treats this time, which was fun. Many of them will be making appearances in some upcoming projects, but I had to share some of the cute fabric I brought back. Most is from JoAnn's and one piece is from a quilt shop. I even bought some pink filmy fabric to play with, but I'm a little nervous about using it!

TONIGHT is the deadline to enter the giveaway -so be sure to enter by midnight German time (EST+6) if you'd like a chance to win a copy of Sania Pell's book 'The Handmade Home' (oder, 'LieblingsDeko' auf Deutsch)!

**Also don't forget that you get 2 extra entries if you fill out the short 10 question survey before midnight tonight! The survey results have yielded some lovely comments and suggestions so far (thanks!); it's also shown one VERY strange result which I'll share when I post the winner!**

DIY Nature Walk Display Bar

I like this simple display rack that brings the outdoors in. The folks over at 101 Wohnideen wrote a tutorial about how to put one of these together. Head over there to check out their how-to.

Would you do something like this in your house? I would, especially for something like Christmas cards. Hm...there's an idea....

** Before you head out, be sure that you've entered for a chance to win a copy of Sania Pell's 'Handmade Home' or the German version, 'LieblingsDeko'. The giveaway ends tomorrow and I'll announce the winner later this week!

This weekend: Baked Eggs

Baked eggs are marvelous. If you've never tried them, try them. Cheap, easy, fast. They also are a nice way to use up the little bits of leftovers that are in your fridge, that stub of sausage, that last half of an onion, the lone cherry tomato rolling around in the vegetable drawer. Check out this post at What Katie Ate for more details.

Are you an egg person? What's your favorite way to eat an egg? I love an egg fried, over easy. I usually just go for a hard boiled one though.

** Check out some of the favorite cookbooks that have been listed on the giveaway post. Add your own, if you haven't yet, to enter for a chance to win a copy of Sania Pell's 'Handmade Home/LieblingsDeko'. Contest ends next week!

Vacation snapshot: Feeding Giraffes

It's hard to believe that this time next week I'll be back in Germany (and that it'll be September, so be sure to enter the giveaway before then!). One of the highlights of this week has been going to the zoo with my sister and two nieces. How cute is it to see a 2yr old squeal with joy at seeing giraffes?! It's sweeter still to be the one whose hand she insists on holding as she nervously feeds the giraffes.

Hope you're enjoying these last days of summer and getting out there to see the wild life in your area!

Exciting times: Dottie Angel's upcoming book

dottie angel book proof from UPPERCASE gallery on Vimeo.

I like this. I think you'll like it. It's a preview of Dottie Angel's upcoming book and this video takes you through the process of looking through a book's proofs. I like Dottie Angel's style and approach to sewing and pulling things together and this was a fun sneak peak into what her book will look like. I especially like the DIY project that her book cover turned into, but I think it would be hard for a larger publishing agency to pull off. Still, it's very cool!

What's your favorite craft/sewing/cook book? Tell me here and be entered to win a copy of Sania Pell's book, 'The Handmade Home' or the German version, 'LieblingsDeko'. Or just check out the giveaway post  to read what others are saying!
 

Fast project: Clipped Butterflies

Butterflies have been popping up all over the place and I've been meaning to do a project similar to this display by Prydelig. I actually made a collection like this once, but with real insects. It was for a school project. This time around I won't be harming any creatures, but I will need to get a new ink cartridge for my printer!

Are you a butterfly fan? What insect would you display in your home?

** Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Sania Pell's 'Handmade Home/LiebliengsDeko'!

 

To make: Cherry Sherbert

Yep, I'm getting my fill of Breyer's right now, but I'm telling you, I really want to eat some of this cherry sherbert. You can grab The Pioneer Woman's recipe here. It's summer in a bowl.

What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? I have a tie between Mississippi Mud and Breyer's Fudge Twirl. Of course, if you tell me something irresistible, I may just have to try it!

** Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Sania Pell's 'Handmade Home/LieblingsDeko'!

 

Vacation snapshot: Savannah, Georgia

We went to Savannah yesterday. Loved the SCAD shop and a few other fun shops thanks to the Design*Sponge Savannah City Guide. Don't you just love Spanish Moss? I do!

Hope you're having a nice week!

Printable Jam Labels

I like the cute selection of labels (Etiketten) from DaWanda shop Anmutig. Super sweet, right? I also love her DIY idea to top her jars w/things on hand like wrapping paper, post paper, striped jersey scraps, etc! She also runs a lovely blog.

I've yet to make jam. Something about it intimidates me. What about you? Do you make your own preserves?

** Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Sania Pell's 'Handmade Home/LieblingsDeko'!

Free Seashell Printables

Since I'm at the beach this week, I thought I'd share some free printables and/or digital art. VintagePrintable.com has some lovely seashell and sea life artwork that could be sweet to print and frame. Go here and type 'seashell' into the search box to check out their selection!

** Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a chance to win Sania Pell's 'Handmade Home' (or 'LieblingsDeko')!

Free road trip music: Josh Garrels

By the time I return to Germany I will have spent well over 34 hours in the car just driving from point A to points B, C, and D. This is not including all the running around needed at said points, or the 20+ hours sitting on airplanes. Needless to say, I was pretty happy to find some fresh, cool tunes from Josh Garrels to help pass the time. The bonus? They're FREE. Yes, the entire album is free -or donate as much as you wish.

Check out Josh Garrels' website to download a copy of his 'Love and War and the Sea in Between'. I'm liking his other albums as well, but this album has really captured me. Each song has a different vibe, yet is clearly written by the same guy. I really love the lyrics and the music; quality stuff. You can also check out his blog.

What music are you jamming to lately? 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Sania Pell's 'Handmade Home/LieblingsDeko'! There's still time!

Giveaway! Sania Pell's 'Handmade Home' (Lieblings Deko)

Hi everyone! I'm super excited to tell you about my first giveaway! Because it's my birthday month and because my blog now has 100+ followers, I thought it was about time we celebrated! (and that I tried some German again, ahem)

Gewinnspiel! Wegen meine Geburtstags Monat und die 100+ 'Followers' an mein Blog, sollen wir jetzt feiern! (und dass ich auch ein bisschen Deutsch schreiben probieren, ahem) 

THE PRIZE:
In keeping with the theme of my blog, I thought it would be perfect to give away a copy of Sania Pell's book, 'The Handmade Home'. Not only are her projects exactly the sort of thing I would love to do in my own home, but her book is offered in English AND German; how perfect is that?!

If you don't know who Sania Pell is, get ready to be blown away! She works as an author (new book in the works), interiors stylist and designer. Check out her beautiful blog and website.

Weil es so genau zu mein Blog-Thema passt, ich habe gedacht dass das Buch, 'LieblingsDeko: Schöner wohnen mit kreativen Ideen' von Sania Pell wurde das perfekt Prize sein. Ihre Projekten sind genau die Sachen ich wurde für mein eigenes Zuhause machen, und -als riesen Bonus- ihr Buch ist nicht nur auf Englisch geschrieben, sondern auch auf Deutsch!! Perfekt, oder?

Kennst du Sania Pell schön? Sie arbeitet als Autorin, Interiors Stylistin und Designerin und wohnt in London, England. Sie hat auch ein wunderschönes Blog und Website! Alleine die Website anzuschauen liefert Inspirationen!

Isn't it gorgeous?! So many great project ideas and inspirational images!
Ihre Arbeit ist unglaublich wunderschön, oder?! Es gibt so viele tolle Projekt Ideen und inspirierende Fotos!

HOW TO ENTER (lots of ways!):

1. Complete the questionnaire here. (=TWO ENTRIES)
2. Leave a comment on this post answering the question "What is your favorite craft/sewing/cook book?"                              ein Kommentar lassen und antworten "Was ist dein lieblings- bastel/nähen/koch Buch?"                                                  These should be fun to read! (=ONE ENTRY)
3. Become a "follower" of this blog (over there on the right). (=ONE ENTRY)
4. Tweet this phrase for another entry (so I can find it): Hoping to win @SaniaPell 's book from @Juliette_R 's giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/3zgv46v

* Sorry, no email entries!
**Please be sure your entry/profile has a way for me to contact you!
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON AUGUST 31!
Winner will be announced via a post on this blog. Winner should then contact me and send their mailing address. I'll have Amazon mail the German or English version directly to the winner. I'm looking forward to reading your entries!

I'm off! (plus some free printable luggage tags)

Hi friends! Today I'll be spending most of my time up in the air, flying over Germany, Spain, the Atlantic Ocean and America's eastern seaboard. It will be a busy trip, but I'm looking forward to spending time with family for a short bit.

There will be a few surprises coming your way while I'm gone, though. Stay tuned tomorrow for a big announcement!

In keeping with the spirit of things I thought I'd leave you with some free printable luggage tags courtesy of One Charming Party (via 74 Lime Lane) -so cute! 

Framed: Chris Koelle print

We finally got around to framing a print we received for Christmas 8 months ago. In fact, this was probably my favorite gift and I have to give my mother major props for creating an Etsy account just so she could buy this print by Chris Koelle. It's from his History of Redemption book collaboration.

Artwork (and decorating) is such a delicate topic in our house, mainly because my husband and I have such opposite tastes. On the one hand it can be maddening, on the other hand, it's balancing. The things hanging on my office walls generally wouldn't fly elsewhere in the house; the same could be said for what hangs on his office walls, ha! We're getting good about compromising! Still, I was pretty shocked when I showed him this print and found he loved it as much as I did!

Chris' work seems to be very graphic novel-oriented and while we've never read graphic novels, this piece really spoke to us. From the text to the colors to the symbolism, we really felt this was something we wanted in our home.

Another thing: we're fans of religious art. I appreciate other art as well, but I personally seem to find so many more layers and points to ponder in a piece of religious art. Some I like are more subtle than others; this is clearly less than subtle. This piece is heavily based on Matthew 22:37:

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The verse he actually quotes in Matthew 22:37 comes from earlier in the Bible, Deuteronomy 6:5, which is preceded by the Shema (6:4). All in all, very cool connectedness for Christians, especially those aware of their faith's Jewish roots. I could easily go all fan-girl on this topic as well as Chris Koelle's talent (and of his wife, goodness!), but I'll restrain myself. =)

So here it hangs, in a funny little alcove between our living room and dining room, and over the little leather bag. We were never sure what to hang here because it's a space you see all the time and it needed something that could stand on its own. I think we found the perfect solution.

Be sure to read the Koelle blog, see their Etsy shop, and check out Chris' website as well as his wife, Annie's website (she also used to help with the now-closed-but-still-amazing Royal Buffet shop).

What about you all? Who decides what hangs on your walls? Is it a democracy or a dictatorship in your house? Any favorite artists or genres?

 

Balcony privacy screen: the green update

I started with seedlings in eggshells and then they grew; so I created a simple, framed balcony privacy screen while I waited for the seedlings to grow. Then our area of Germany had the coldest, rainiest, most overcast summer ever. Depression. Slow growth. Things did grow...but aside from a couple of mini flowers, nothing bloomed except our morning glories and sweet peas.

I thought I would post a picture of our green privacy screen update in its heyday. Admittedly it's not looking too bad, but mainly because you can't see how nappy the rest of the balcony is. This wasn't really how I envisioned it to take off, but I'm happy the sweet peas offer little punches of color. See how they decided to grow off the edge of the screen? Poor little guys were always reaching for the barely-there light!

Next year I'm planning on filling our boxes and containers with things that will do well in the shade. I think I overestimated and went for partial-shade plants. It's just too pathetic to see a balcony that looks like it's totally overgrown with weeds when it's really full of plants that just aren't getting enough sun to ever bloom. (I'm sure there's a life analogy in there somewhere...)

How did your garden grow this year? Any favorite shade loving plants you might recommend for next year? I'd love some ideas!

Giftwrap snapshot

We celebrated a birthday today. There was a 'Geburtstagstisch' (birthday table) this morning per tradition. We'll celebrate more later with 'Apfelweinkuchen' (apple wine cake). I had fun doing simple wrapping with post paper, ribbon and scrap fabric (red details).

It seems I'm pretty addicted to the plain canvas post paper offers and I know I'm going to have a hard time giving it up one day! Oh well, I guess if I'm using gift wrap on my walls I can use post paper for my gifts, right?! What do you typically use for gift wrap?

 

High 5: links to check out this weekend

I thought I'd share a few things that caught my eye this week:

1) How to use washi tape strips on Piknik (not how I do it, but maybe helpful for those without a photo editing program).
2) 7 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda
3) "It's gettin' real in the Whole Foods parking lot"...video cracked me up!
4) My mom sent me this link somehow and even though it's a year old, it makes me go *sniff* b/c it's a post about where I used to live.
5) One day when I'm super skinny I'll indulge in these ricotta and honey butter bites; for now I'll just drool.

*Like my little back-to-school style logo for this post? School starts here on Monday. German summer vacations are only 6 weeks long!

Q and A: Carolyn interviewed me

So fun! Carolyn at Life in Graz interviewed me as part of her 'Expat Inquiries' series. Head on over to her blog to find out what I love most about living in Germany and where my favorite European travel destinations are. You can find the interview here.

Thanks Carolyn!
ps- Carolyn is a blog designer and an American living in Graz, Austria.

My unstyled life: repurposed wall decor

We had friends over for dinner the other night. Good times. I was super tired going into it, but still had fun. It was late when they left and we just managed to clear the table and start the dishwasher before going to bed. The next morning I went in the dining room to gather up the tablecloth and shake out the crumbs, but I decided to take a picture first.

I really like our dining room right now, even if the chairs aren't my first choice. Curtains from our first apartment still work in this space. The tablecloth was a recent find in the 'as is'/fundgrabe section of the big blue box. The wall decor consists of 4 bulldog clips, 2 tiny nails, and a 1.50 Euro sheet of gift wrap. Yes, gift wrap.

There's a fun shop in a nearby town that carries all sorts of fun office supplies, stationary, gift wrap, etc. I'll probably never spend 1.50 on a small-ish sheet of thick wrapping paper just to wrap a gift, but I've been known to purchase a few sheets for decorating purposes. This hand-drawn map of Manhattan is a nice way to remember my/our many encounters with NYC. It's also an attractive and affordable way to fill some empty wall space (bulldog clips at the bottom keep it weighted down). I think we even hung this in less than 60 seconds! 

Michelle from Design Evolution just posted on monochromatic design schemes last week and I must say I'm a total fan. I like the visual peace a primarily monochromatic look brings to a space, not to mention how much easier it is to find accessories. Obviously it's not for everybody, but in a home where diverging tastes collide, sticking primarily to one color certainly helps grease the wheels!

What about you? Anything unconventional decorating your walls? What do you think of monochromatic interior design?