Things that made me smile today ...

It's been a while since I posted. Been busy celebrating Christmas with my family. This was really special for  us all, since we celebrated it in my sister's first apartment. A post with some photos might come. Or not. I have not quite decided yet. In the mean time I thought I'd share a few of the things that made me smile today.

 This beautiful handmade Christmas card from my family that features some of my favourite men. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, anyone? Perhaps Idris Elba? Thanks, guys! You made my day!

Making my first sketch in a long time in my new lovely new book.

My copy of THE COMPLETE COLLECTION of The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency!!! I LOVE that show. (Thanks Familia!!!)

More to come soon ...

From homebody to thrifting queen ...

Did you follow the show Monk? Then you probably saw that episode where his brother had been in the house for 20 years (if I remember correctly) without ever leaving? That has been me for the past few week or so. I have barely left the apartment, except for evening strolls with my sister. I have spent most my time  playing housewife, catching up on lost sleep, trying to get a head-start on next terms assignments, reading books and blogs and watching TV.

 So yesterday I decided enough with the hibernation already! I met up with a friend for some hot chocolate and coffee at a nearby cafe and followed by some window-shopping. And today I went out to get some wool for my sister and I to crochet with. On the way back I stopped by a thrift store. My plan had been to pick this beautiful vintage tweed blazer that I saw there a couple of days ago, but sadly it was gone. With a heavy heart (and empty hands) I began to make my way out of the store. Then I spotted a pretty deep purple coloured v-neck sweater. Purple is my colour, I can rarely walk away from purple items. Right across, on the opposite rack, was this lovely little brown vest. I picked the two items up and  headed for the counter, feeling quite content. Then I spotted this pretty red cardigan with lovely silver hooks. It's been pretty chilly out and I could imagine that it would keep me snug and warm. And the bright colour would cheer me right up on gloomy winter and autumn days. It would be a crime to leave it in the shop. Long story short:

Note: tip of rainbow coloured sock. Totally did that on purpose. Alright. I'm off to bed.

G'night!

Happy Berfday to me ....

This week, I celebrated my birthday. I am spending most of my vacation at my sister's place in a city quite a distance from the village where I live. She lives next to door to some well ... suspect characters who are notorious for invading the personal space of their neighbours. So when she is at work she had given me strict instructions to not open the door to anyone. So when at around 12 o'clock someone knocked on the door, I panicked and grabbed the nearest object to defend myself. Then I realized it was just the mailman. Yeah, I felt pretty cool and ninja-like. Who wouldn't after such a shocking display of bravery?

And best part of that whole event - He came to deliver a gorgeous flower arrangement and box of chocolates that my my folks and sister had sent me. I felt pretty darn special (not to mention silly) after that.

After my dramatic display with the mailman, I figured I'd been cooped inside for too long and went to have coffee with a friend at nearby cafe. When my sister cam home, she prepared the most amazing dinner (forgot to take pictures). While she did, I enjoyed a mug of hot chocolate in this adorable mug (which made smile every time I picked it up for a sip) and  enjoyed some of the chocolates (half milk/half white chocolate - gotta love it). And yes, I do know that I ought to be ashamed that I sat stuffing my face while she slaved over a hot stove.

 Meet my beautiful sister

Then my Dad called and told us he had a special something on the bus that was coming from my home area. I knew what it was going to be, but it did not make it any less exciting.

Yup, it was a Sony Xperia X8 - mama's got a brand new phone!!! (And yes, I do love James Brown in case you were wondering). Digging this phone so far. Makes me feel super business.

And of course no birthday is complete without cake. We got an ice cream from the store which was delish. Oh yeah and ginger beer. I sure do love me some ginger beer.

It was a brilliant day! Now I'm off to chill with my sister for the rest of the evening.


Speaks!

Artist on my mind: Regina Spektor

I first discovered Regina Spektor about 4 years ago when my sister had a mad fling with the song "Fidelity" and played it incessantly. It, along with some other over-loved tracks, came together to create our soundtrack for the summer of '06. The summer came and went, but the unique, almost haunting sound of Spektor's voice lingered in my subconscious. And though I did not completelyy forget about this artist, her music did become a distant memory. Until the release of "Samson" came and reminded me of this gem of an artist.

But obviously Spektor's offers alot in addition to her music. The air about her is reminiscent of musicians and actors of yore who offered the whole pacakage of talent and style. They offered you escapism, allowing a spell in their world. Regina Spektor has that which is pretty rare these days, in my opinion.

Source: All photos from Google Images

Yeah, she's pretty much got the whole package. This song is my current favourite. It's off her album "Far", which I recommend you check out.

When a muse appears ...

I am starting a feature titled "When a muse appears". In this feature I'll post anything that lingers in my subconscious. It could be things I find intriguing, inspiring or just plain fun.

I'll start of my first feature with this image I found on http://colormysoul.tumblr.com. I love this. It perfectly captures the mood I am in at the moment. I'm on my third day of vacation and all I want to do after a busy term is sit back, relax and listen to some calming tunes and reflect what has gone down this term. 

Source: colormysoul

While lazing around, these are tunes I've got on repeat:

1. Bookends by Simon and Garfunkel
2. Love of My Life - Erykah Badu ft. Common
3. Eet - Regina Spektor
4. Higher Love - Steve Winwood ft. Chaka Khan
5. If It's Magic - Stevie Wonder 

Are we humans .... or are we dancers?

Dance is probably one of the most important things in my life. For as long as I can remember, I have not been able to hear music and stand still. Regardless of genre, when music comes on, I feel compelled to share my interpretation of it through movement. I hope to be as good as these people one day.

Source: Google Images

Santa Baby ....

At my school we are having a Secret Santa gift exchange. I decided to try an be a nice Secret Santa (for once) and make some nice, cozy pressies for my "victim". My mum came up with a great suggestion for making him sweet little personal gifts that would eventually amount to a Christmas stocking-ish thing. First day he got some some chocolates and sweeties and yesterday I made him a mixed-CD of my favourite Christmas tunes, from "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole to "Walking in the Air" by Aled Jones. Then I made him a nice envelope and finished it off by tying a candy cane and Christmas tree gummy sweet on it.Sadly I don't have a picture of the finished result , but it was good fun putting it together. I am starting to feel the Christmas mood with all the pressie-making. Go on then, join in and have a listen to good 'ol Eartha .... My (not-so) secret gift to you ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfqZmlfQEto

 Source: http://javaline.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/confusion-about-santa-claus/


Love Santa ...