Wishing you my friend a wonderful day today ! I hope you get to do all the things you'd like to do today ! Love ya !
xoxo
S
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Wishing you my friend a wonderful day today ! I hope you get to do all the things you'd like to do today ! Love ya !
xoxo
S
Posted at 01:34 PM in friends | Permalink | Comments (2)
Here is the muffin recipe, I hope I didn't mess up with the metric/US conversion ! I used millet flakes, not millet grains, for the recipe. (which means that they're steam pre-cooked, like for the rolled oats) The rolled oats & millet flakes totally are invisible in the muffins, but the millet added a little crunchy side that I really enjoyed. Sorry I don't have a photo to go along.
"DOUBLE CHOCOLATE & DOUBLE CEREALS" MUFFINS
made 30 small (not mini, but rather small) muffins
:: ingredients ::
:: instructions ::
That's all ! Enjoy ! I love baking muffins, they're always so easy to do !
In other news, I have decided to remodel the shop, so it will be on maintenance mode (closed for less than a day) on Sunday. And I shall have a brand new shop to show you on Monday. Looking forward to it !
The cup on top of the post was made by a French potter, and I bought 3 of them last summer. I/we love drinking coffee in them. The inside bottom is turquoise blue, it's gorgeous ! The photo is an outtake of the photos I took yesterday for the coasters coming in the shop.
Have a lovely weekend ahead, everyone !
xoxo
S
Posted at 10:43 AM in food & recipes | Permalink | Comments (7)
It's been a while since I shared some photos of Gary (ah !) so here are some, freshly taken this morning ...
Mr Cozy ... sunbathing in the weak autumn sun
well hello girls !!
He's not unhappy of this cozy kind of weather ... eheh ! We're starting to layer clothes, and soon enough (well, never soon enough for me LOL), it'll be time to put the flannel duvet cover ... mmmm ... so warm.
Erm, one last little word about the shop, then I'll stop (for a little while). I'm looking for an earth-friendly way of wrapping orders (padded envelopes) & I've found something, I just need to find where to buy them in a more cost-effective way. And ... I'm still investigating for the shipping fees, I'm not giving up yet. I'm going back to the post office this afternoon to ask questions & hope to come back home with the answers I'm wishing for. I'll let you know anyway.
Yesterday afternoon, as it was raining, I baked a quiche for today's lunch, and muffins for the next few days' breakfasts. I always try to whip uo muffins with what I have. And yesterday, the muffins contained (besides the basic ingredients) : cocoa, chocolate chips (chopped with the knife), rolled oats, millet flakes (or maybe it's called "rolled millet" too, I don't know). And they turned pretty good. If anyone's interested in the recipe, just ring my bell. (though some of the quantities will be a little eye-balled ahah) But I'll share it with pleasure ! (sorry, it's not gluten free nor fat free)
Have a great day everyone !
xoxo
S
Posted at 11:59 AM in cat, shop talk | Permalink | Comments (8)
I'm overwhelmed by your kindness & enthusiasm, I feel so much supported in my decision & I appreciate sincerely this support of yours.
Today I've been working a lot of the shop, modifying pages, creating new ones ... so much that it literally gave me headaches. (they're gone now, thank goodness) But I'm satisfied with what I've done so far, using what I had & trying to make it better.
To answer some of the questions or concerns you left in your comments in the previous post ...
I used to have a shop on Etsy, that's where I started selling actually, back in January 2009. But I left it last year because I didn't agree with some things & their ethics, and didn't like how similar all the shops looked, anyway. (because I'm an HTML freak, you know ...)
As for the international shipping fees ... If you really want tracking, the only option available as of today, with the French postal services, is VERY expensive. So much expensive that I wonder if I'll ever propose it to my customers ... It's like U$30 for Northern America, or U$20 for European Union ! What's crazy with this system is that I could almost wrap the whole shop in the box for the same price ! (up to 1kg) So unless someone REALLY insists & is ready to pay that price, there will be NO tracked parcel shipping in the shop. (except for France, obviously, since tracking option is cheaper) I really wish it was cheaper, it would be easier for everyone. Le sigh.
OK, non shop related blog posts will resume, I promise ! Until then, take care, and be happy !
oxox
S
Posted at 11:43 PM in shop talk | Permalink | Comments (2)
I've been thinking a lot, these days. A whole lot, I swear. About Cozy Memories existence & future. After thinking about it very seriously, I had 2 choices only : stopping CM (as it was until now, which is ... ahem, unofficial), or keeping on doing what I do, and officializing my activity (taxes included, if you see what I mean). What do you think I have decided ?
I have decided to officialize my activity. Indeed. Creating is a part of me, no matter the medium, and if I want to keep on creating (and let's be clear, to keep on mainting an online shop), I need to make things clear for everyone. I'm currently, with the help of hubby, filling papers for getting the auto-entrepreneur status.
Do you think I'm excited ? You bet I am ! Weeeeeee !!!!!
Of course, all this won't come without any changes. I have a lot on my mind, and I need to re-think some (kind of) neglected areas (of having a small business), and to start thinking about other areas that I never really had to think of until now.
I'm also going to investigate about better shipping options, which undoubtedly will end in a raise of shipping prices, in the shop. So, until everything is official (and until I have actually found better options), shipping fees will be the ones they are right now, but they will change. I can't say about the prices, yet, though.
I may give the shop a makeover too, but I'm not a web designer, therefore the changes won't be tremendous.
I think it's the best option for me. It's clearer in my mind (and maybe in my hubby's & in my mom's, and why not in my children's), and even though I don't aim at making a living of it, I hope (I think) it will boost my creativity & productivity. (not that I promote productivity, but given where I'm starting from, it won't be hard to be more productive !)
So ... what do you think ? I'd love to hear your opinion. Because it always means a lot to me.
Happy thoughts to you all, hoping you're all doing great !
oxox
S
Posted at 02:34 PM in shop talk | Permalink | Comments (17)
Today is my mama's birthday, Joyeux Anniversaire Maman !
Weather is slowly but surely turning into autumn, but today is sunny & windy (after last night's rain), just in time for my mom's birthday. But since autumn is not excactly here yet, I've decided to bring it myself inside our nest !
If you haven't recognized them, the crochet covered stones were made by Margie/Resurrection Fern, the mushroom sculptures by K/Fog and Swell, and the mossy (felted wool) stones & acorns by Lisa/Lilfishstudios. Those ladies are pretty amazing & gifted, aren't they ?
Yesterday hubby & I went to our local (but biggest regional one) museum on the last day (oops) of an exhibition dedicated to local faience. I couldn't take any photos, but I found a related video, so I'm sharing it here. (only lasts a minute)
Montpellier Terre de faïences : exposition au... par montpellier-agglo
Lots to do today, so I better go ! Wishing you positive energy & happy vibes for this new week, the first of this new season !
oxox
S
Posted at 10:30 AM in daily life, friends' shops, home | Permalink | Comments (9)
Grey & chilly Friday it is today, autumn seems to have arrived at last. (hoorray !) I love grey, but in case I'd be craving colors, I have a drawer full of colors ... look ...
That's my stock of naturally dyed items. Cotton & silk scarves, pincushions & cushion covers. I think they all look pretty sweet, all in a row, snuggling in the drawer. (okay okay I'm romanticizing a little bit) They all can be found in the shop.
Oh yeah, I have been missing taking out of focus photos ... I wonder why I suddenly stopped. I love their abstract feeling/look. (all the photos on the blog look so much better on Flickr, viewed much larger, but my blog template doesn't allow much wider photos)
The other day I was thinking about how many naturally dyed clothes we had in our wardrobe now. Let me see ...
- I have an onion (peels) dyed tee shirt, an onion (peels) tie-dyed tank top, a fennel tie-dyed tee shirt, an avocado (skins) blouse, and finally two pomegranate (+ iron) blouses. (dyed this week) And, ahem ... 14 naturally dyed cotton scarves, including 2 indigo ones dyed at Margie's in 2011. (otherwise, they were all dyed by me)
- hubby has an onion (peels) dyed tee shirt, an Italian buckthorn dyed tee shirt.
- both P (10) & U (8) have (each) an onion (peels) tie-dyed tee shirt & a fennel tie-dyed tee shirt.
Not that bad, right ?
Weekend is almost here (Friday afternoon here right now), I'm longing for one at home, preferably with dyeing sessions. My computer desk & sewing corner (among other places, ahem) are terrible messes right now, they need to be cleared & cleaned or I'll loose my mind. (or something else ... that is !)
Can't get a song off my head these days, "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, and since I also like the video clip, here's the link to it.
I wish you all a weekend filled with sweet little things to do, listen to, eat & drink ... Take care of yourself.
oxox
S
Posted at 02:52 PM in handmade for the shop in 2012, natural dyeing, sneak peeks | Permalink | Comments (6)
Brr, it was much chillier over here this morning, jackets needed, and colds, runny/stuffed noses & coughs have already made their big come back (not too serious though). But we won't let them win !
So, natural dyeing session actually happened on Tuesday afternoon, and yesterday we went to pick more pomegranate (fallen on the ground), which we'll need to cut, clean & dry (for later use), and we also picked Sicilian sumach leaves, that were growing by the river, outside of the park. We'll probably dye with them tomorrow since today is way too busy for dyeing.
I'll blog later about my dyeing with pomegranate, but you can see the result already, over here :
This is obviously not the dyebath only, but modified with iron. I was looking for grey, and grey I did achieve ! You can see linen (bottom left), little balls of bamboo yarn (I used this one, I wanted to experiment & see what it gave), the thing on the right side is a (cotton) top I dyed for me (weeee). No wool, no silk, the iron would have damaged them too much. You can't see the two cotton gauze scarves I dyed, and that will be in the shop in the next shop update.
Right now, I wish I had more hours in the day ... so much to do & so little time. What you can see above is something I've been working on, too.
To be honest with you, I've been thinking a lot about Cozy Memories & its future. I'll let you know about any changes if there shall be any. A bunch of things on my mind these days ...
OK, gotta go. See you later ...
xoxo
S
Posted at 10:51 AM in natural dyeing, shop talk | Permalink | Comments (6)
So here are now the vegetal themed photos I took on Sunday afternoon in the local park. (and also a little bit outside of it)
beloved (my fav') chicory / Cichorium intybus /chicorée sauvage
we made a little friend, but he was sooo fast, this is the best I could get !
common or European alder / Alnus glutinosa / aulne glutineux
a big, empty nest, beautifully adorned with skeleton leaves
(yes, we checked it & yes we picked it)
Butcher's broom/ Ruscus aculeatus / fragon faux-houx
above & below, found outside the park, along the river :
Sicilian sumach / Rhus coriaria / Sumac des corroyeurs
I was pretty chuffed to spot & find this sumac, since it contains tannic acid,
with is a good thing for dyeing ...
this is a Jujube / Ziziphus zizyphus / Jujubier commun
I used to eat them when I was a little girl, and hadn't seen any for years !
and last but not least, Pomegranate / Punica granatum / Grenadier commun.
Trees were much loaded & there were lots & lots of them, fallen on the ground,
half open etc. Since it is interesting for dyeing, we picked the ones on the ground,
and will be using them very soon.
We didn't pick the Sicilian sumach, but will be back for sure, maybe next week. But I'm sure there'll be dyeing sessions this week, maybe no later than this afternoon, if everything goes as planned.
Thank you very much for your kind comments about the "offline sale". It almost felt weird, I'm not used to selling offline ahah !
For answering the question that has been asked to me more than once, that is, to know if I will ever sell naturally dyed threads (and/or fabrics), the answer as of today is still *no*. I don't dye in very big quantities, and mostly for my own use. (which is barely starting) I'm not saying it will never happen ... but in the near future, it's not in the plans.
I hope you're having a nice day (start or end of, that is). Thank you for stopping by.
oxox
S
Posted at 12:01 PM in france, montpellier, natural dyeing, nature | Permalink | Comments (6)
Yesterday (like today), the weather was glorious, specially in the afternoon. Actually too hot. It was a great moment for exploring surroundings. A park, accessible by foot after a long walk. (or faster, with the tramway !) For a reason I still don't know, we had never been there since we moved here, 3 years ago. And we had never been before. GO FIGURE.
I thought I'd have materials for photos, so I had taken the good one, and I was right. It had been a while since I had been out in nature taking photos. I have enough photos for several posts, instead of burrying you all today with them all today. I'll start with the water themed ones, since there is a river along the park.
Needless to say that all of my photos are straight out of the camera, I never edit my photos, unless I need to add a watermark. Thefirst one & the last two are my favorites !
Off I go, to a reunion for U's class. This afternoon (thanks to my beloved sister-in-law Tamara & her sister Tania, who motivated me for having postcards (in French) for the shop printed & who put them in evidence in their dad's natural food shop) I sold (offline !!) two naturally dyed scarved to a lovely lady who had grabbed one of the card & who contacted me kindly. (merci Tamara & Tania !!) A very nice way to start the week ! (not only for the purchase, but for the interest in natural dyeing !!)
OK off I go or I'll be late ! Happy new week & thank you for stopping by !
oxox
S
Posted at 05:07 PM in france, montpellier, nature | Permalink | Comments (6)
Already the end of the second week of school, time's been flying, hasn't it ? It's been a busy one (specially because it was a very busy one for hubby), but it's been a creative one & it fills my heart with joy. The creative juice is flowing, people, it's flowing !!
While my sewing machine had been gathering dust all summer (and well before too, ugh), it's been hum-mmm-mmm-ming all week ! I've been also drawing, erasing, drawing again, cutting paper, prototyping, cutting fabric, sewing & putting my ideas into actions ! (it was about time, I'll tell ya) So, little by little things are piling up in the basket, my creative space is a (good, creative) mess so that's a good sign that things have been happening ! For the moment, nothing made with naturally dyed fabrics, but it'll come, no doubt about it !
I haven't been dyeing these last weeks, but I hope it'll happen sometimes next week. Not that I have been out, gathering materials, but I have a couple of things at home that needs my attention & that I would like to try. Besides, I have tons of bottles in the fridge, patiently waiting for me to use them. And I have gathered a new silk thread that I can't wait to mordant & dye & use. A bunch of other fibers are waiting for the same destiny.
Before I sign off for the weekend, I wanted to let you know about two giveaways, held by two wonderful friends. I had to share. Joanie is having a "post inspired" giveaway on her blog, and Arounna is having a "mystery" giveaway on hers.
And last but not least, I'm a day early but won't be blogging tomorrow, so ...
Happy Birthday my friend ! Here's to many many more ! May all the birds of the world sing for you on your special day! I'll be having a toast for you tomorrow ! Ah !
(if you wonder, this little beauty above is a Blue Throat / Gorgebleue à miroir / Luscinia svecica ... and this is a male one.
Have a wonderfully cozy & relaxing weekend everyone !
oxox
S
Posted at 11:06 AM in friends, handmade for the shop in 2012, my creative space, natural dyeing | Permalink | Comments (7)
Um ... yep, this happened this morning, courtesy of my son P (10). Cleaning this mess was not particularly what I planned before having breakfast (not really appetizing), but well ... it had to be done. And it made quite a colorful photo, didn't it ?
This other yellow was, on the other hand, desired & savored. Organic pineapple ... mmm ... delicious it was !
Autumn is on its way, mornings are so much chillier, but in the south it always takes its time. It's still sunny, thanks to the wind, and my two loads of laundry have been drying easily, even indoors (but with open windows) I love this period of the year, between summer & autumn ... it's like having the advantages of both seasons, and it feels nice, even if it doesn't last very long.
In other news, the sewing machine's been working a lot these two last days, and I'm super delighted ! Can't wait to show you, but I'm waiting until I have more things to show at once.
I've just sorted out the boys' closet, and this evening they'll both have to try on lots of their clothes. Undoubtedly there'll be a little shopping for clothes in the near future (mostly pyjamas, undies & long sleeves tee shirts) It felt good to organize this now, before it actually starts to be very chilly. I always give what don't fit them anymore, either to charity or to one of my mom's friends' grandchildren. And P passes most of his clothes to U, unless it obviously lived too long. (or have been mended too many times !)
Oh, before I go. In case you don't follow me on Instagram, or if you simply are not there at all, but want to see my photos, I've created a page with some sort of live feed. So that you can see them from the blog. (the link is on the left, "Instagram Feed") And there's a new "Contact Me" page as well.
Back to the sewing machine ...
Take care everyone ! And thanks for stopping by !
xoxo
S
Posted at 04:58 PM in daily life, instagram | Permalink | Comments (6)
Today started overcast & muggy (like 90% of humidity) It's now clearing & drying. There is undoubtedly something changing in the air & in the light, even though it's still almost 27°C outside. We're lucky to live in front of a tiny (yet very neglected) private garden (only accessible by people living & working around, not us). Today was clearly autumn cleaning, several men have been spending all day chopping down the many bamboos & the tons of dry or decaying leaves on the ground. They have been pretty noisy though, so I closed my windows & put some nice (and calm, instead) music.
I can't remember if I already told you about Lullatone. (maybe once) It's a Japanese musical duo, whose music is characterized by an innocent, child-like quality and spare, lo-fi sounds. I discovered them totally by surprise, once when I was visiting Hello Sandwich blog. This music has the ability of soothing me, calming me, and I remember last winter, when I really needed to feel cozy in our little nest, that's what I was listening to. Their melodies may sound very childish to some, but that's maybe what I like about it.
Lullatone - "Growing Up" from Lullatone on Vimeo.
I also think if you have young children, it's the perfect kind of music for gently, softly playing, or as background when reading/looking at books. Softness and gentleness ... I'm totally happy with these right now.
I wanted to thank you for your wonderful & supportive comments yesterday. You know they mean a lot to me, and I'm very happy to be back. I have now a bit clearer ideas & guidelines in my head. Now it's up to me to make drawing, cutting, sewing, and embroidery happen, and there shall be some things to show in the next weeks or months.
oxox
S
Posted at 03:01 PM in Japanese culture, music, video sharing | Permalink | Comments (5)
Well hello everyone, look who's back ...
(beware, it'll be a long looong one)
Don't look for a title, I've decided there wouldn't be anymore. It's been a hassle to find one for each & every post, for the last ten years. It also felt like I've been writing a book with chapters etc, which I've not. It also kind of takes to "surprise" factor off the blog post. Anyway, no more scratching my head to find a catchy title.
I've had the time to reflect about how I've been feeling these last weeks. I managed to find the right word, though.
Lassitude. Though it was not that much in the physical area, but in the mental one, yup. I found myself being bored with myself (more than once), not knowing what to do. I've been having (what I call now) the Blog Blues. After blogging for a decade, it proved to be tricky to find something to say, or to show or to share. Most everytime, I fear I'm going to bore you all to death. When I have nature photos to share, I feel I actually have some content, but I can't get out in nature as often as I want. I'll gladly share recipes & homemaking tips, but I don't want to turn this blog into a Martha-esque one. (because I'm not Martha, didn't you know ?)
I know I've used the word "boring" more than once in my lastest posts, mostly because I was sincerely thinking I was getting repetitive, annoying & boring to everyone. I've thought more than once to stop blogging. I've said more than once that I should blog less. The balance's been really tough for me. Of course, OF COURSE, this is not a REAL problem, and I'm really REALLY aware of that. Maybe I've been taking myself too seriously (I've been told), or maybe my supersized ego is the problem (I've been told too) ... truth is I had been lacking real inspiration & motivation for really interesting blog posts recently, which I'm sure you had already realized by yourselves.
I've decided that I would NOT stop blogging, would NOT stop using Flickr nor Instagram nor FB, but I've considered stopping Twitter. I will most probably stop using it personally & it will only be blog and shop related, and nothing more. I'm way too chatty for 140 characters only anyway ! Blogging means devotion (as well as keeping an online presence), time & energy spent doing it. In the blink of an eye you appear online, and in just as quick a blink of an eye you can totally disappear, without anyone (or almost) noticing. Who knows how long I will be blogging/be online ... and what about you all ? I don't own a cristal ball, neither do you. No one can say what future will bring, for you, for me, for anyone. So for me the moment, I'm here, I'll stick around, to your own delight ... or despair !
*
I've been feeling the heaviness of next month coming up. It doesn't haunt me everyday, at all times, but by moments it really makes me very anxious & very sad. My mom's now used to her "new" life, but of course nothing can replace my father for her. (and it saddens me so deeply, for her) Thankfully, next month will also bring happy disctractions, such as the 1st anniversary of Gary being with us, and a trip up north (so to speak, but yep literally !) that has become a family tradition & that we look forward to, in the middle of autumn.
Life's been such a mess for a year now, there have been so many (material or not) changes, we have been obliged to re-think so many things, to optimize space, to do things with a specific deadline ... I want the coming months to be ours without any contraint. I want us all to have a cozy autumn, then a cozy winter, then a cozy spring & then a cozy summer. Repeat. You get the idea.
*
I got the Creative Block as well. Too few activity in the shop got me discouraged, I honestly admitt. Even if I'm not making & selling my wares for a living, it actually is encouraging when someone decides to pay the price for something I've made. And when no one does, well, it is discouraging (at least for me), and makes me wonder about the time, money & energy I've spent doing it all. Everything takes time, money & energy, from finding the right textile material, to picking the natural material, dyeing with it, taking photos, and all the rest. Nothing gets done by magic, may I be an amateur or would I be a professional. And even though I'm not doing it all for a living, it doesn't mean I shall sell it for cheap or that my "work" worths less than any other. I've underestimated myself & what I do for a long time, and now is the time for this to stop.
I do not dye from extracts. I dye either from fresh plants collected by myself/hubby, or with kitchen "waste" (avocado skins or onion peels for instance). I have not invented natural dyeing, I have not magically found plants noone had never used for dyeing ... or a new technique. If there's a way of doing things, I've chosen the slow way. That's my choice for sure. That's my creative process. I want to dye materials naturally & mindfully, and to use these dyed materials in my sewing and embroidering. Or at least that's my goal for what will be coming next. Because I can feel some kind of renewal coming up. It's been two years I've been respecting my commitment of not buying any fabrics for my creations (except natural or white linen for dyeing, if I needed any), and I've salvaged so many pieces of textiles (from various origins) ... therefore, along with creations made with naturally dyed fibers, there will also be creations made with fabrics I've been having in my stash ! An ecletic mix of things should be born the next few months, HOPEFULLY.
It's been a real dilemna for me to choose what to make. I really want to have my personal touch, but not the one I used to have (in case I really had a personal touch, that is), I have evolved along the years, and I want my "touch" to show it has evolved too. But everything's already been done, like for art, and it's more & more difficult to innovate. And here is the dilemna for me. What's the point of making something anyone can find everywhere else, ugh ?! If the naturally dyed scarves in my shop don't sell, I'll simply stop making them, it's that simple. The naturally dyed scarves market is most probably already saturated, I don't know ...
So, I've been scratching my head, and scratching my head some more, I tell ya. There might be holes in there by now, after so much scratching. (ok that's gross, sorry) I don't want to take myself too seriously, but I want to have given a long & deep thought about what I want to make before actually starting making things. (omg, that's too much thinking, or is it simply being mindful, respectful & conscientious ??!)
I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone, I'm just being honest with myself & with everyone. I'm so done with these long, introspective blog posts, and I bet you are too, AREN'T YOU eh ?!
Hell yeah I needed to add a photo of Gary to make this post more bearable !
It's so good to be back. I missed you.
xoxo
S
Posted at 04:25 PM in blog stuff, daily life | Permalink | Comments (10)
Both need time, and since this place (among others) has been pretty quiet these last weeks, I'm signing off until I find I'm in a better mood for blogging or sharing anything online.
I've made a little Flickr contacts autumn cleaning. Many people have stopped using Flickr, many have slowed down considerably using it, and I regret both. A couple of years ago & more, it was much busier over there. I know things have changed, in everybody's life, since then. I know not everyone is on Flickr or use it, neither. But I've read a couple of months ago on Twitter, someone saying "Flickr is not what it used to be" ... "Flickr didn't manage to evolve with time" ... "Flickr is so 'out' now". I mean there were (and there still are) communities on Flickr, and Flickr is what you make of it. If you stop using Flickr yourself, you participate in that movement, and then you can't blame something you've been part of !
Thankfully most of my friends are still using it, even if some of them have slowed down their activities there.
Hoping this boring & short post will find you healthy & in a good mood !
oxox
S
Posted at 02:18 PM in daily life, home | Permalink | Comments (11)
That's what I'll say about the boys' bedroom today, or even to the whole apartment ! Back to school happened without any bumps, I think they are way less stressed than I was when I was their age !! (which relieves me to say the least !)
I'm allowing myself today as a day of transition, without specific rhythm (but the school's rhythm). But I'm going to work on a better, well thought, more efficient, more organized day schedule. Time when the boys are in school goes very fast (and I/we go to pick them for lunch), each hour must be used wisely. Otherwise every day ends & I regret I didn't have the time to make this, or to do that, except the vital & basic. Then weeks go by etc ... you get the picture, riiiiight ??!
With a little bit of organization, everything should feel easier & smoothier. Gary agrees. (for sure !)
Good luck to everyone, big or little, for work or for school !
xoxo
S
Posted at 11:38 AM in daily life | Permalink | Comments (4)
On Tuesday school will start again. Walks to & from school will start again too. Re-adjusting (one.more.time) to the school rhythm schedule, both for the boys & for me. It shouldn't take much time though. Bedtime will happen a little earlier for everyone, and everything will happen quite naturally, I suppose.
I am hoping to waste less time during the day when the boys are in school, though. I need to organize myself more efficiently, I'm sure I can work it out. I just need to step back & see how I use my time, and see where I can improve. Some sort of introspection I guess.
Since I signed off last week, we've been to the library for bringing books back & borrowing new ones. This past weekend was spent lazying around, reading (said) books, drinking coffee, baking scones & muffis ... you get the picture ... everything you need to do before a new rhythm hits the household !
coffee in the ceramic cups we acquired this summer
on coasters that never sold & that I kept for us
speculoos + mascarpone that we whipped up last Thursday
(I'll share the recipe soon)
he jumped in the bag (giftefd by sweet Joanie) as soon as we came
back home from the library ! I think he wanted to come too !
more coffee, more ceramics, more unsold coasters from the shop
little one (now 8) baking scones with his dad
scones ready to eat, one of my favorite mug in the whole world,
freshly brewed coffee in a coffee pot I salvaged this summer from
the summer house (plate too, btw), local jams
yummy, a slice of United Kingdom !
chocolate chips/rolled oats/chopped hazelnuts & walnuts muffins
that I baked today (next week's breakfasts) in paper cases
I had forgotten I had & found again today ! Very 70's !
Next school break is in 55 days, and next family trip is in 58 days from today. I really can't wait, and if you're a familiar to the blog, I'll simply say that it's become a tradition to go there at this time of the year. I can hardly wait !!
... and finally I got around to use the letterpressed Moleskine notebooks I had made last summer at Bookhou's with Arounna. I've sorted a million (OK I exagerate, here) little bits of paper with ideas jotted down on them. Trying to fill Moleskines with these ideas & sketches, and other Moleskines for other kind of ideas. (not for the shop, but for gift making for instance, or ideas of things to make with or for the boys) (note : I'm not done yet !)
Simply sorting these papers brought back to the surface "old" ideas, but also gave me new ones, like for this year's advent calendar activities, or for what to make for my niece this Christmas. I was pretty chuffed about this, to be honest.
Just like I said above, I really need to rethink my organization. I thought I was a very organized person, but it looks like there are some areas in my life that need more attention & extra work. I don't think it's too much thinking from my part, there always be room for spontaneity & random, but for the sake of my own mind, I think I need to do this & put each thing (or here, write & draw each idea) in a specific place.
Do you think you need to organize yourself better too ? Have you worked on that earlier & now have a well-oiled schedule/rhythm ? Any tips to share about daily life time management ? I'm sure everyone would love to hear if you have something to share.
You might have been busy elsewhere last week & maybe you missed the fact that there was a shop update last Monday. A lovely rainbow of summer colours in the form of naturally dyed scarves & pincushions now fills the shop ... you can get a piece of the rainbow here ... :)
Good luck for all the new projects you'll start this month, and for all the "old" ones you'll need to work on too, whatever the area, work or home or both. Strength & positive energy to all. Thank you for stopping by !
oxox
S
Posted at 11:09 PM in daily life, insta-sundays, instagram | Permalink | Comments (7)