Welcome Back!

I did promise I would return ;-) 

So here I am on the other side of the world blogging from our new home. So much has happened since we left Germany in early December. I think this has been one of the most emotional times I have ever experienced. 

Joys and Sadness so closely interlinked. 

Saying goodbye to my family and friends in Germany has been heartbreaking but then we've had the most wonderful welcome here in Christchurch and I feel deeply happy about being back here.

After two wonderful weeks with my mother-in-law (thank you Jane!) we have shifted into our new house yesterday - just in time to celebrate the start of a New Year.

I am so excited to turn this house into a home. We chose location and size over style so there is a lot for me to do to turn this ugly duckling into a pretty swan ;-) 

I will also be blogging a little about life in New Zealand for those back in Germany interested in a slice of the kiwi lifestyle.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful start to the New Year!

Tschüss...

And we're off... almost

Hello friends! I am sitting in utter chaos with boxes piled up around me. Our shipping container arrives in a few days and then it's only a few weeks until we board our plane to New Zealand.

Although I should be getting pretty experienced with moving countries - this time feels quite different. 

With two kids in tow the whole effort of moving turns into a logistical mammoth exercise. 

How did we accumulate so much stuff after only 2 1/2 years in Germany? 

People keep asking me how I feel - quite honestly I don't think I even have time to feel anything right now. Everything will probably sink in when I take my seat on the plane and finally stop moving for 24 hours. 

I am really looking forward to all the new opportunities in New Zealand. Moving into a new home is really exciting and I can't wait to create a home for my family once again.

I will of course keep you all up to date with our progress of finding a house in Christchurch. Which in itself could prove to be quite a challenge but one I am more than happy to tackle head on.

 Tschüss...

(images: Nina Lamb)

Impressions from Basel

This morning the boys and I went for a stroll through the old town of Basel. The Rhine feels so different here than at home - a lot narrower and calmer. 

I enjoyed exploring the beautiful cathedral and buying fresh produce at the market outside the stunning red town hall. Only the prices made me flinch ;-)

The boys' feet got tired after a while so we boarded the old green trams. I felt transported back in time watching the beautiful architecture from aboard the old rattling streetcars.

Tschüss...

(images: Nina Lamb)

Home away from home

Helloooo???? Do you remember me? Sorry for the long absence. Things have been beyond crazy around here. We are due to move out in three weeks and instead of packing up we are on a quest to travel to as many places in the shortest space possible - mainly to say goodbye to friends and family scattered around Europe and also because there is a sense that once we're back in good old New Zealand we'll be kinda stuck there for a while because lets face it - it's a long and expensive way from anywhere else...

Today I want to share a great website which provides an alternative to staying in boring hotels. Airbnb is a global network of accommodation offered by locals. Living in someone's home while visiting New York, Shanghai or London is the closest thing to feeling like a local and really getting a feel for a place don't you think? 

What do you think? Could you imagine renting any one of these apartments while on holiday? Each home has so much personality and I would love to imagine what kind of person lives there. How much fun would it be slipping into these people's lives for a few days - drinking coffee in their local cafe, looking through their book collections and taking home ideas and inspirations for your own home.

Next time I will give you some updates on our big move and until then I will be exploring Basel in Switzerland - while my husband is here for a conference. 

Tschüss...

(images: airbnb)

Autumn Decorations

I've got a nasty cold and have been stuck inside the house unable to enjoy this glorious autumn weather. Fortunately I decorated our house a little last week and was able to enjoy the things we collected from our visit to the forrest. 

I think the hardest thing about being a mother is not being able to call in sick and being forced to soldier on looking after the kids when all you want to do is curl up in bed and rest. Well, it's been pretty chaotic at our place this week but it's lovely having a little corner in your home that you can walk past and take delight in even when everything else is a little out of control. 

The black cabinet in our dining room is the spot I decorate frequently and the best thing: it's not within the boys' reach. Do you have a spot in your home that you pay particular attention to and that provides you with a sense of calm even when chaos rules?

(images: Nina Lamb)

By Nord's Hanne Berzant's home

While I was sitting down with a cup of well deserved coffee recovering from a morning of cleaning, ironing and washing windows, I stumbled across this beautiful apartment owned by Hanne Berzant and her family. Hanne and her husband are the founders of By Nord, a hugely popular danish lifestyle & interiors brand. On their Facebook page they share glimpses into their stunning Copenhagen apartment - including some of their latest products. 

(images: Morten Holtum via By Nord's Facebook page)

Decorating with Apples

Although we've had beautiful sunny days this week, there's a definite feel of the change of season - the air feels fresh and crisp. I'm out with my boys every day and the slightly cooler temperatures suit as well. I feel a lot more energized now than during the heat of summer. 

Today we collected some tiny apples that had fallen of the trees along our walk to kindergarten. They're really too small to do anything with other than decorate the house.

I made an apple wreath by "threading" them all on a wire. You could hang the wreath on the outside of your door or use it as an autumn centerpiece like I did. 

Thank you for your lovely comments on my last post. I feel excited to be blogging from the other side of the world before too long. I no doubt will have lots to show and tell when we embark on yet another adventure - the biggest one being finding a new home in poor old Christchurch.

Tschüss...

(images: Nina Lamb)

Dreaming of a cottage by the sea

I feel like my blog is at times facing the same fate as my pot plants - somewhat neglected but still loved. Life has been so hectic I have barely had the time to sit in front of the computer.

Our move back to New Zealand is looming and the list of things I need to get organized before we board that plane in December seems endless. My emotions are a bit all over the place at the moment. I can't wait to see family and friends again after almost three years away, but I am dreading saying goodbye to everyone here. Moving house is something I'm pretty used to, growing up we lived a pretty nomadic lifestyle and that has continued as I got older and started my own family.

I tend to look forward rather than back once the decision is made i.e. the flights are booked. I think moving is always a great opportunity for a fresh start and that of course applies to making a house a home as well as to any other aspects of life. I love our modern, light filled apartment with great views over the city but am secretly dreaming of a little cottage by the sea.

I have recently discovered the wonderful blog a beach cottage.
Originally from the UK, Sarah set out to live a coastal lifestyle with her husband and three kids. They moved to Australia in 2005 and purchased an old seaside property which they have lovingly restored. Sara's blog is more than an interiors and diy journal, it promotes a certain lifestyle that I feel very drawn to.

Whenever I feel a little sad about leaving behind the hustle and bustle of German cites, great shopping, cultural life and architecture I turn to Sarah's blog and feel excited at the prospect of throwing on some wellies and heading down to the farmer's market for some freshly gown organic veggies which I would bring back to my very own cottage by the sea - a girl can dream :-)

I hope you are coming along with me on this journey...

Tschüss....

(all images: a beach cottage)

Cox&Cox Autumn Collection

It feels as though Autumn is just around the corner and with it we see a lot of beautiful new collections in interiors. Cox & Cox are among my favorite online shops and their catalogue does not disappoint:

earthy tones, natural materials, hints of industrial elements and whimsical detailing.

Check out their full online catalogue here.

For more autumn inspiration check out House Doctor's catalogue here 

and Broste Copenhagen's look book here

Tschüss...

Tree stump side tables

I don't tend to follow interior trends too much but every now and then ideas pop up that I am itching to adopt in my own home - even better when they are easy diy projects.

I'm seeing tree stumps used as tables all over the web. Some polished or painted, others raw and with bark still on. I've collected some images that give inspiration to this growing trend. If you feel like making one yourself here and here are great instructions. 

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend and thank you so very much for visiting me this week.

source: here

source: martha stewart

source: here

source: here

 source: here

 source: the happy home blog

 source: the happy home blog

source: thrifty and chic

Kitchen crush

Happy Monday! Today I want to share with you a lovely swedish Kitchen via Stadshem that caught my eye.  I am always drawn to white kitchens but really like it when another color is added to liven things up a bit. In this case lavender is used which I think works beautifully.

LOVE the little coffee station with its open shelves tucked away in the corner 

LOVE the wooden elements 

LOVE the block of colour above the stove

LOVE the wooden floors

LOVE the light

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Chairs 

(images: Stadshem)

Hints of Summer

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope this week has treated you well. I had a dear friend visit with her two little girls this week and we thoroughly enjoyed the return of summer.

I really dislike housework so to make it a little more enjoyable I often end up re-arranging and re-decorating a little as part of my cleaning routine. Today I gave the lounge a fresh look by adding some blue cushions, fresh flowers and shells.

I am looking forward to a school friend re-union on Friday night and a summer festival at my oldest boy's kindergarten on Saturday. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Tschüss...