Some of my favorite things in my house

Here are some favorite places/things in my own house. Some pieces of artwork I just fell in love with. Photo's in my hallway. My bed, where I read the most wonderful books. My cups, all from different brands, but all a joy to drink coffee or tea out. My shells which give me a summer feeling, even though the winter seems never to end here in Holland. My office, where new ideas are born. The piano on which a lot of special things have found a place, where we gather around now and then and make music and sing. Yep. I love these places in my home.

Stormy

Quite stormy weather outside at the moment. And not only outside, but also in my daily life. There are important choices to be made by my kids, Amber will be studying somewhere next year, which of the 3 studies will it be? Joost will go to seconday school: but which one? We have about 4 highschools in our neighbourhood. Two of them make a good chance, but which one suits his needs best?
Next week, Chris is starting his intern apprenticeship at a secondary school as Geography teacher for 2 days a week. Very exciting, but also a busy period till summer holidays. He'll work at the printing company as well, to maintain a bit of an income. I am starting coming week with 3 (!) new groups of children for Hokeypokeykids, so that will be busy as well.
Stormy. Not in a negative way. But still stormy it is! Time to enjoy some free time this sundayafternoon. Feel like some brownies or something...

Scandinavia

I'm a bit of a Scandinavia freak. Been to Denmark very often. To Sweden once. To Finland once. Next on my list: Norway!
If the winters wouldn't be so long (and dark!) I would probably live in Sweden, where everything is quieter, cleaner, bigger and brighter.
I love their houses and interiors. The way they create harmony with a few pieces of furniture. Nearly careless, demonstrating an easy way of living. So light and clean.
Bought two lamps for my diningtable this afternoon. Had some kind of a Scandinavian design idea in my head, but those were far too expensive...So off to Ikea which is more for MY budget :)and still a little Scandinavian as well.
And I have to save up. To go on holiday to Norway. Or buy a summerhouse in Denmark or Sweden!

time flies when you're having fun

Well, came back yesterday from our trip to Germany. It was really nice spending some time together. No mail, no internet, no appointments or calls to be made. No kids, no responsibilities. Just enjoying every moment as it comes. We went to the museum I blogged about (proof: the room with the red circles) and the architecture was as astonishing as I thought it would be. The exposition was not that interesting (not my taste really) and the staff was unfriendly actually. But anyway, we saw many nice towns like Tecklenburg, Munster, Herford and Steinfurt. We had two lovely dinners (eat as many spareribs as you can/like) and drank coffee at Starbucks, just to make Amber jealous,hahaha! The only negative thing about it was the fact that those 3 days went too fast. But hey, time flies when you're having fun huh?!

Just the 2 of us, going away!

Somewhere between the German Teutoburgerwood en the Wiehengebergte. That is where Chris and I are going to. Just the two of us, for three days! Finally. It was pretty hard planning this, as he works in shifts and I teach nearly every afternoon. We will be visiting the Marta Herford Museum which has been on my "wish"list for ages. It seems to be one of the most innovative museum buildings worldwide, built according to the plans of the American architect Frank Gehry. I can't wait!

My little niece Merel

During the Christmas holidays, Merel came to stay with us for 2 days. I went swimming with her, painted with her, laughed and giggled with her and gave bread to ducks and birds near our house. I loved it. I love this age (2,5) and the uncomplicated conversations we have. Those small arms around my neck and her giggles. And ofcourse the fact that after a day or so, she will be picked up by her mum (my sis) and she is no longer my responsibility. Took a nap on my couch afterwards. I am not used to having toddlers around! Watch her energy and hear her cute singing:

The flu and some nice things

It started with a sore throat. A little cough and pain in all my muscles. Yep, got the flu. Not as bad as some people have it. Luckily. Not as bad as Joost, as he has a fever with it as well; poor kid. But anyway, haven't been feeling very well. And the weather is so depressing over here. So I made myself go and have a look on the internet for nice stuff. Beautifully handmade things. See for yourself!
Nice necklace from this lady


Or this gorgeous pocket planner, sold here


Or this happy photograph from this Flickr album, including matching moody colors!