Happy New Year 2010

Wishing all my dear blog friends, regular readers and visitors a very happy, peaceful and inspired new year. Throughout 2009 I have been cheered by your comments, educated through your blogs and uplifted by your friendship. Thank you!
Below is a selection of charms/symbols of GOOD LUCK, especially the last one ;-)
The actual items can be found here.

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

Just for fun!

Ha! I received an email from my online selling venue with my horoscope for 2010. Here's what it says:

Leo's Taking it all the Way to the Top!

If you're a Leo, 2010 will be your super year! Energetic, cheerful and ambitious, you're the type who knows what you want, goes for it, and does a smashing good job of it! Your career will take off in 2010, reaching new and unimagined heights. If you're just getting started, 2010 will be the year when you figure out what it is that makes you most happy, and start working towards making it your day job. Go for your goals in 2010 and let no one stand in your way - and check out all the great items at DaWanda to help you out on the journey to the top of that career ladder.

Sounds good, eh? I wonder who at Dawanda admin came up with this one...hehehe.

In the meantime, the last sleep mask in my shop sold yesterday, so I need to set aside some time to make new ones. Time flies! Gotta run.

Of trains and double-booked seats...

After several delays and, on one stretch of the ride a double-booked seat (guess who got to stand the rest of the way - yup, me), I finally arrived home late last night.

Thank you, dear readers and blog friends, for continuing to stop by my blog and your very kind comments while I was away! I hope to stop by yours shortly!
I also hope everyone had a happy Christmas and your gifts were well received :)
I had a great time, and for once blogging took a back seat while I enjoyed preparing and eating the marvellous food, listening to a boys' choir and visiting the oldest Christmas market in Germany.

But now it's back to work, and with new regulations for freelancers (like me) starting on 1st January 2010, I have a lot of forms to fill in and getting all my papers in order...

Until then

take care!

Seasons Greetings from Sammy and me!

Sammy, don't be shy. Please stay and help me wish all my blogging friends all over the world a happy and safe holiday! I will be away for a week visiting family and friends. December 24th is our big day here. We always have a nice dinner, listen to traditional Christmas carols, and then the exciting part: exchanging gifts! I have a 9 hour train ride ahead of me - and it's snowing heavily. Wish me luck that the train doesn't get stuck in the middle of nowhere!

Signing off and wishing everyone Merry Christmas, Frohe Weihnachten, Prettige Kerstdagen, Joyeux Noel...

Sweet rosy apron

With the temperature dropping to -7°C (19.4 F), it's hardly surprising that we've been congregating in our cosy kitchen these last few days! And since I'm spending so much time baking I designed and made a new apron from this pretty fabric with an all-over rose print. Did I mention I love roses? The fabric is from Westfalenstoffe, a company  headquartered not far from where I live :)

Here's a close-up of the pocket and the strawberry button.


 The weather report said there might be snow this and next week - highly unusual for this area. Perhaps we're going to have a white Christmas for once. I'm sure all the neighbouring kids will love that! But sun-loving person that I am, I can't really share their enthusiasm!

take care,

New Kaffe Fassett flower print

I have had a number of requests for a bag I made from a colourful Kaffe Fassett print. I sold this bag a couple of months ago to none other than Michelle of Maria Michelle's Furkids and Animal Rescue. And since I don't usually duplicate any of my make-up bags, I decided to look for another print similar to the previous one. I came across a lovely flower print from the latest Kaffe Fassett collection. It is very cheery and bright and will stand out on any dressing table!

Also, before I forget, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Jenie, who generously passed on this award (my third time to receive it!). Changing the rules yet again I encourage anyone who leaves a comment on my blog to consider this award hers/his, since I already passed this one on here and here.

In other news, that non-sale I talked about a couple days ago really was more hassle than it was worth. Right now the issue is going back and forth between me and admin. Frankly, they are being very bureaucratic about the whole thing. I think I'll just consider it a write-off.

Internet connection - finally!

I switched on my computer this morning shortly before 8:00 a.m. as I always do and - nothing.
(panic mode ON)
I called the provider straight away and got a recorded message saying that there's a technical problem. Later on the news I heard that due to roadworks on the main highway a vital cable got cut leaving the entire state I live in without an internet connection!
It's 7:30 p.m. and they've supplied us with a temporary connection, because people all over are getting highly annoyed, not to mention frantic! So here I am just getting started on my work. Looks like it's going to be an all-nighter.

Happy 3rd Advent!

These are traditional German treats called 'Bethmaennchen'. Here's the recipe:

you will need

50 gr powdered sugar
1 tblsp. corn starch
400 gr. block of raw marzipan (chopped into pieces)
1 organic egg (size medium)
whole almonds
1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tblsp. cold water

this is what you do

put the sugar, starch, marzipan and egg into a bowl and knead until smooth. With cool hands quickly roll into about 40 balls and place on a baking sheet. The dough is quite sticky, so you really need to work quickly! Stick on the almonds (three each) and let them dry overnight.
Preheat oven to 150°C.
Lightly brush the 'Bethmaennchen' with the eggyolk mixture and bake for approx. 15 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and cool on a rack.

And yeah, I know it's tempting--but don't eat them straight from the oven, because you'll get a tummy ache. You have been warned :)

Early Christmas gifts for me :)

I had a huge surprise in the mail yesterday...a package from my dear blogging buddy Mel. Feast your eyes on these beautiful handmade items - Yes! That gorgeous card is also handmade!

The glittery bracelet is so, so beautiful and perfect for the festive season! I wish I could capture how it sparkles, but at mid-morning it is as dark outside as if it were 6:00 p.m.! The photo really doesn't do justice to its beauty. I love it, Mel!!!
Inside the cute pouch was this:

It's soooo adorable, don't you agree? I love the little ribbon. Thank you so very, very much, Mel. Your gifts are very special, and I will cherish these always. And I can't wait to wear them. The sparkly one will go so well with my little black dress :)
You can find sparkly bracelets like this one, rings, earrings and headbands and so much more at Mel's Etsy shop GlamUp. Please stop by her shop. There's sure to be an item there to glam up your holiday wardrobe!

Black Ornament Zipper Pouch

In the run-up to Christmas sales are picking up in my online shop. Newly listed is this versatile zipper pouch. I teamed the black ornament print with bright pink, and added a useful keyring too! Sorry about the dark photo*. It has been gloomy here for weeks!

*note to self : construct lightbox, and soon!

I have also had my very first non-payer! It's okay, though, because someone else bought the item instead, but what does one do about the feedback? If I don't give any feedback, then this non-sale will sort of 'hang' there. I want it closed. I'm reluctant about giving negative buyer feedback, because it will reflect back on me. Have any of you online sellers ever had this problem? Do you give negative feedback?

Happy 2nd Advent!

Chocolate-Mocha-Walnut Squares

as you can see the glaze is still partially wet - sometimes I'm so impatient!

They're very good, though (wet glaze or not)

☺

Wishing everyone a pleasant Sunday. Hope you're enjoying the day with your family!

My wristlet got featured!

My 'rosy wristlet' was a featured product on Dawanda yesterday! It's the one on the left. As always I'm dumbfounded when this happens, because admin has about 50.000 shops to choose from, but I'm especially pleased they picked the wristlet, because it is one of my favourite items :)

In other news...I went to see another doctor because of my uncertainty about having surgery done on my throat, and he reassured me that in his opinion I don't require surgery. I should just monitor the cyst every now and again to make sure it doesn't grow. Only then should I consider surgery. I'm so relieved.

Happy 1st Advent!

It seems I'm spending more time in the kitchen these days than at my desk!
I made these chocolate orange cookies this morning, and now my whole house smells yummy :)
Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

100 gr dark chocolate (chopped)
125 gr butter
125 gr sugar, pinch of salt
1 free-range egg (medium)
grated rind of 1 organic orange
200 gr white flour
1 tsp. baking powder

chocolate for the glaze ( I used one with 65% cocoa)

How to

Beat the butter, sugar, salt, egg and orange rind. Mix the baking powder with the flour and sift into the butter mixture. Add the chopped chocolate and quickly knead to a firm dough. Wrap it in foil and leave in the refridgerator for at least 2 hours.
Roll out the dough to about 5mm thickness. Cut out any shape you wish (mine is a flower). Place on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 10 - 15 min. at 200°C.
Let cool. Melt chocolate in a small bowl. Dip each cookie into the chocolate and place on a rack to dry.
Store the cookies in a cool and dry place.

Enjoy!

Catnip Kitty

Sammy needs to lose weight. He's not a particularly active cat, so the vet advised us to reduce his daily intake of food. No more snacks! He's been on a diet for about a month now, I thought he deserved a little reward...so I made a little toy shaped like a cat and filled with organic catnip!

Expect the Unexpected

My mini-event was a wonderful experience! Who would have thought that a room full of women (and one cute toddler) plus a table full of bags translates into lots of FUN!

Since it was an informal affair I wasn't under too much pressure, and by the end of the day we were talking as if we had known each other for ages.

Sales-wise I sold a few make-up bags, but surprisingly my handbags and shopping totes drew the most attention, although I hadn't even planned on selling them! These are bags that I made about two years ago, and I actually took them out of the cupboard in the last minute, because I needed to fill some space on the table. At that time I didn't have my label yet - nevertheless one lady was so delighted she bought two straight away. I also received two custom orders for the same type of bag. I am very pleased, especially since things are slowing down with my other work as we are nearing the end of the year. 

As mentioned in my previous post I will gradually list the remaining bags in my shop, but I won't be making any new products until next year. This cute make up bag is now for sale in my shop. If you look closer you'll see the retro print is made up of tiny little birdies. I embellished the front with a satin ribbon and bow for that chic touch!

Dunibagz Party

I am currently cleaning, clearing and re-organizing my office/design/sewing space, because I'm expecting a group of customers in my home. This is a first for me and I am excited! That is the reason I haven't been listing much in my online shop, seeing as I can always add the bags that don't sell later. I have been busy attending to practical matters, like attaching price tags to my collection, making sure I have enough business cards etc. I don't know what the customers are expecting - something along the line of a tupperware party perhaps, except it will be bags: a Dunibagz party :) I have thought a lot about the organizational aspect of this mini-event, and have decided that after greeting the customers in my office - which is where they will see how my product is developed - and hopefully admire my professionalism :), I will then take them through to our living and dining area, which is quite spacious, and therefore ideal for people to browse my bag selection, which I will display on the dining room table. I am aiming for a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. I will offer hot and cold beverages along with biscuits, but nothing chocolate-y for obvious reasons. And this is where it gets tricky. Naturally, nobody wants to get cookie crumbs all over the products, but I can't exactly expect them to look but not touch... So, I'm just going to hope for the best, and this goes for the sales too!

Listening to the voice of my heart

It is not a nice feeling sitting in a cold and austere room at the clinic, while the (lady-) surgeon discusses the rather radical (in my opinion) removal of certain body tissue with her assistant as if I wasn't there. Turns out my 'lump' is an atheroma, which in itself is harmless, BUT it is located at a very unfortunate area in my throat. Naturally, I am cautious about having the surgery done. I will definitely get a second opinion. Fortunately my survival instinct and passion for life kicked in shortly after leaving the clinic, and one of my favourite quotes sprang to mind:

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts, therefore guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature. Marcus Aurelius AD 121 - 180

Therefore, I refuse to be intimidated by this surgeon or anyone else, and I will not succumb to the 'doom loop'. Looking back, this entire year has been one health issue chasing the other, yet I have consistently remained optimistic, despite the people in my life despairing about my various conditions. I have ceased to explain why I'm convinced that all is well, and that all I am experiencing this year is a low point in life from which I will emerge stronger and even more optimistic! Oh wow! This post has turned out quite philosophical, so maybe it's apt I close with these simple yet profound words:

Our life is what our thoughts make it.

Wishing everyone a terrific weekend!

Little girls love make up bags too!

I feel better today. Thank you, my blog friends, for your well-wishes! I was feeling down because my doctor discovered a weird lump at the base of my throat, and I have a CT scan scheduled for tomorrow. I kind of thought I would be spared having the radioactive agent injected into me yet again. Oh well. Better to find out what that lump is, right? Anyway, a few weeks ago I made some more gifts - for a few pre-teen girls I know, and who always complement my make up bags whenever they visit. They will be getting these for Nikolaus Tag, which is celebrated here on December 6th. Happy Tuesday!

Mommy let me blog today!

Hi all! Mommy asked me to fill in for her today, because she is not feeling well :( This is my first time to blog, so I'm a bit nervous...bear with me. Let me tell you what I did yesterday! Well...I slept quite a bit, and then it was mealtime. Afterwards I played with my mousie, but I got bored so I went off to sleep. When I woke up there was a sliver of sunshine, so I went out on to the terrace to get some fresh air and watch the duckies play in the pond. But then it started raining and I got my paws wet, so I hurried back inside! Mommy was snoozing on the couch, so I snuggled down with her (my favourite activity). I must have lost track of time, because when I woke up it was mealtime again! Later that evening I saw a little moth - I tried to catch it, but I got bored after a while... Anyway, it was almost bedtime, so I crawled up on Daddy's lap while he watched TV. I must've dozed off...too much excitement for one day, I guess! And what have you been doing this weekend? purrs, Sammy

Gifts galore!

Each year I get THE LIST. Let me explain...the list is a list of requests from family and friends to make something as gifts for Christmas. I usually get the first request late September, and it gets longer the closer we get to Christmas. This year was no exception :) Let me share a few of the items I made. The recipients are unaware that they will be getting these, so it's safe for me to show. Various aprons (the yellow one and the ovenmitt is a set) Black floral make-up bag, XL gift bag (with gift inside) which doubles as a shopping bag There are a few still left on my list, so I better get cracking :)

East-west German unity

Today is the 20 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Heads of government from all over the world, including US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, have gathered in Berlin to commemorate this momentous occasion. It is indeed a day for celebration, but let us not forget that atleast 140 people died at the hands of former East German border troops, simply for choosing freedom. My mother was one of the lucky ones.

I ♥ Hearts

Although I didn't plan it, it looks like it's going to be a heart theme at our house this Christmas! Here are my ' hearts with wings ', which make unique Christmas tree decorations. And continuing the heart theme...I received this sweet award from Jenie. Her four blogs are highly entertaining, sometimes thoughtful, sometimes funny, but always 'from the heart'. Thank you, Jenie, for passing this on to me! This award is given to blogs that make you feel all warm inside :) And since there are soooo many blogs I visit that make me feel all warm inside, it's impossible for me to narrow them down to just nine. So I encourage you, my dear blog friends, readers and commenters, to pick up this award, because all of you deserve it!

Sweet and Simple holiday wreath

There's nothing like a brisk walk - then curling up on the sofa with a pile of magazines and a pot of tea - to get the creative juices flowing again. Here's a simple idea you can make to add some holiday cheer to your home! You will need: scraps of fabric - a red theme looks good natural wreath (mine is a small one) ribbon brad (optional) Polyfill stuffing sewing machine, thread, needle sharp fabric scissors hot glue gun piece of cardboard How to: Draw a heart about 7.5 x 9 cm (3 x 3.5 '') on to a piece of thin cardboard. Cut it out. Fold your pieces of fabric in half. Then draw the heart shape on to the fabric. The larger the wreath, the more hearts you will need. I made five. Sew around the heart shape, leaving a small opening for turning. Cut out with sharp scissors leaving a narrow seam. Turn carefully and iron lightly. Proceed in exactly the same way with the rest of the hearts. Begin stuffing them by filling out the pointed tip first. Continue until you have a soft (not overstuffed) shape. Close the opening by hand. Tie your choice of ribbon to the wreath. You may add embellishments if you wish. Then, with your glue gun stick on the hearts all around the circumference of the wreath. Once dry you can hang it up in your favourite place!

Cold and rain call for...

...more waffles with hot cherries! These are homemade. I made them with lactose-free milk, since I'm lactose intolerant, and instead of the red goop that usually accompanies restaurant-bought waffles, I simmered the not-too-sweet cherries lightly, and added a bit of cornstarch to thicken the juice. The waffle is lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Yummy!

The tote bag goes to...

Thank you all for participating in my giveaway. It was so much fun! As I mentioned yesterday I decided to hand pick the winning entry myself :) I allocated a number to each of your comments in consecutive order (1 through 71), printed them, cut them out, and folded them up. I put all the numbers in my pink polka-dot box. Now, find out who the lucky winner is...

Yay! Congratulations!

I will be contacting the winner by email shortly! And to everyone else - there's always a next time :)

Stay in or go out...

...that is the question. ♥♥♥ Quick Reminder

You have five more days to enter my tote bag giveaway. Don't miss! The response so far is great, and your comments are too kind! Some of you have a great sense of humor, and it's so thoughtful of the male entrants to think of their wives! This is the kind of interaction that makes this giveaway so much more fun :) Oh, and just to clarify: I will be shipping to anywhere in the world - but please understand I do not have any control over what happens once it arrives in your country. There shouldn't be a problem, normally. So, what are you waiting for? Leave a comment on my giveaway post and you're in! It's that simple. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator and announced on Monday, 26th October. Have a nice day!

'Lovely Purses' Giveaway!

Hi everybody! From today, 18th October, until Sunday, 25th October you have a chance to win this tote bag - designed and made by me! Everyone is welcome to join. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post including your contact information! The bag measures approximately 30 x 22 x 10 cm (12 x 8.5 x 4 inches), and is made from a rich, dark brown fabric featuring tumbling flowers and leaves and delightful birds! It is fully lined with a dark brown soft linen and includes a zippered pocket. Those handles are real bamboo - not plastic. It closes with a magnetic snap button. I will ship this bag via registered mail to wherever you happen to live, but please be aware that certain countries may levy custom-related taxes/duties, for which I'm not responsible. Meanwhile, I wish you all a pleasant Sunday and good luck!!

New fabrics

In the coming weeks I hope to be able to sew a few new tote bags with the new fabrics I bought. These fabrics are all decorator-weight cottons or cotton blends, and are printed with bold patterns. Also, watch this space for my new purse giveaway...

Bumpy ride - but safe landing!

Hey everyone! I'm home again! I have missed you guys and look forward to getting back to my usual blogging routine. The flight back was awful. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared getting on that plane - particularly since the flight was delayed due to a technical defect. Thank you, airline staff, for being so brutally honest ;-) Typically we landed at Frankfurt Int'l Airport in the middle of a rain storm. There was massive security over there too, due to recent terrorist bomb threats. The Federal border police were even lined up right outside the plane when we got off, checking each and every one of us, but I was horrified to see that Asian passengers in particular were singled out! My apolgies to our Asian guests on behalf of the rather grumpy officers. When we collected our baggage hubby and I experienced 'a moment' while passing through the immigration. There were about five burly officers standing there watching us in complete silence. It was so intimidating. I don't know why, but I felt like I had to arrange my facial expression to neutral, you know! I mean I've got nothing to hide, so why was I feeling guilty?! I was even holding my breath while I shuffled past. It was so strange. I had to swallow the urge to say something, like 'good morning' or 'hi'. I didn't even dare look at my husband, because I knew exactly what he was thinking and I didn't want to burst out laughing! Those were the longest two minutes... Sammy greeted us from the top of the stairs then dropped straight into my arms! He must have been pretty bored, because every table cloth, blanket and kitchen cloth was lying in a heap on the floor! Hahaha. Did I get a tan? No. And not because of the fickle weather. It's because I later remembered that my skin has become more susceptible, due to the medication I'm currently taking. Oh well. Despite the freakish weather we had a lovely time! I really enjoyed eating out and not having to wash up afterwards. I'll tell you some more in upcoming posts. Till then,

Fireworks and other stuff!

Last night there was a harbour fireworks display. It went on for about half an hour, but due to intense fog we weren't able to see the last ten minutes. I captured some of it with my digital camera, although I wasn't sure it would work, due to impaired visibility. You can see the beginning for yourself in the above mini-video! Meanwhile I'm saddened by all the disasters happening in quick succession in this region. Normally, back in Germany, we would hear only a few snippets on the main news, but since we are currently in Asia I feel quite affected and a bit helpless by all that's been happening. The rain has eased now, but more has been forecast for the weekend, by which time we'll be packing up and ready to depart for back home. My deepest sympathies go out to the families of all the victims and the thousands of people made homeless by the recent typhoons and earthquakes. Here we donated to the Ketsana/Ondoy cause, which we were happy to do (not forced - see previous post). According to the latest weather report there is another typhoon on the way...

Yikes ! drastic change of weather!

The typhoon signal #1 was hoisted this morning, and it's still raining quite heavily, so we're pretty much hotel- bound at the moment. What a drastic change from yesterday! We had a strange encounter yesterday... my husband and I were taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront back to our hotel when all of a sudden this monk turns up out of nowhere (we were the only people there) and blocked our way, grabbed my wrist and thrust this card into my hand. Talk about over-stepping boundaries! While I was protesting feebly he then launched into what I can only describe as his 'sales pitch' in his local dialect, every other sentence ending with 'peace'. Now I'm all for peace - but not with a price tag attached! While we were planning our route of escape he pulled out this booklet and blocked our way again. I don't mind donating money to a good cause, but not if it involves a number with a long row of zeros in the back! Our particular monk actually expected us to part with thousands right then and there. Sorry, but as it so happens my family is befriended with a 'real' monk, and I know that monks would never force anyone to pay such large amounts of money. He was really, really persistent. We finally managed to move past him, and yes, for the sake of 'peace' we gave him a small donation, but I couldn't shake the feeling that somehow we had been thoroughly duped. I still have the card, as a gentle reminder to be more alert while walking along unfamiliar and often deserted paths. So, while we are more or less stuck indoors we have no choice but to sample all the local delicacies on offer here. Yum :) Wishing for clear skies tomorrow...

Ahhh...this is the life!

Hi everybody! After our gruelling flight (thank you, Erika, for advising me to keep my shoes on) and battling jet-lag for two days, hubby and I are finally beginning to relax... It's a glorious 30°C with a mild breeze. Perfect. Nessa wrote I should be getting a nice tan! I'm trying, I really am, but I burn easily, so I've got to slap on the SPF50! Yes, I hear you, Frances :) Today we decided to take a break from the sun and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. The pastries and scones were soooo delicious, but even though they were dainty we couldn't finish off the tray. We were so stuffed! I tried the white tea, which I have never tasted before. It was superb: mild and fragant. Oh yes - we could get used to this :) This weekend we have some sight-seeing planned, and well... more relaxing! See you next week!

Bye Bye for now...

We're all packed and ready to go! I can almost smell the ocean...just a 2 hour train ride and a 12 hour flight and we're there. It's been ages since I last swam in the ocean, and I must admit I had a hard time finding my bathing suit! I finally found it crumpled up in the back corner of one of my drawers. The hubs will need to buy a new pair of swimming trunks over there, because no way am I going to allow him to wear his old pair from the 80's! Haha. As a compromise he gets to take along his laptop...so he won't be cut off from the outside world entirely! Plus I get to keep up with your blogs every now and then too - don't want to miss the action :) The difference is I'll be reading up on your blogs lying on a sun-drenched beach slurping a cocktail. bye bye, take care everyone...

Oktoberfest!

The official Oktoberfest in Munich is opening this weekend. No doubt the ladies down in Bavaria are all busy dusting off their Dirndl dresses! These don't come cheap, by the way. Expect to pay at least 200 US$ plus traditional jewelry, ankle boots and matching purse. In case you don't know what a Dirndl actually is, here are two examples (the short version). The dresses come in calf-length and ankle-length too.

And for the sake of equality, here's what the guys are (or should be) wearing ☺

Eons ago I was invited (forced) down to the Fest by my company to participate in some fun and games (mandatory team-bonding exercise) with my colleagues. During the course of that prolonged weekend I learned how to drink beer properly - don't hold the handle: push your hand through the handle and grab the jug with your palm - received a handful of drunken marriage proposals, and was almost schunkelt* to death! * linking arms and swaying to and fro to traditional brass-band music Cheers!