Autumn & Easter

Easter in the northern hemisphere is usually a special time for it is the start of spring and with is comes a sense of renewal, freshness and awakening after the long grey winter. I have fond memories of going on a long walk with the whole family over the Easter holidays and my grandfather would walk ahead and drop little chocolate eggs along the way - it certainly kept us children motivated and I don't think we ever quite made the connection why Opa walked ahead of the group all the time.

Here in New Zealand of course, the temperatures have dropped, the days are getting shorter and there's no denying that summer has come to an end. With the cooler temperatures, we are spending more time indoors and I have once again got my decorating mojo back.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter break - wherever in the world you are. I am counting down the days until my dear mother arrives from Germany and for her to finally meet her latest grandchild.

Tschüss...

Introducing...

May I introduce to you our precious little girl Heidi. She came into our world on New Year's day and has since filled our lives with so much love and joy. She's simply perfect and we couldn't be happier.

Life is certainly turbulent at the moment and I am learning to adjust to my role as a mother of three little ones.

Tschüss... 

Summary Christmas Decoration

As much as I love this warm temperature we are having at the moment, I still struggle with the concept of a southern hemisphere Christmas. I miss the cozy atmosphere around this time of year in Germany - the smell of baking, candles and snow.

This year I combine my traditional decoration with some beachy elements. The boys and I collected driftwood and turned it into stars and a small tree.  

 I loved filling the advent calendar bags this year. The temptation of peeking was just too much for my little one though so I ended up taking them down and putting them all in a basket - out of little hand's reach.

I hope you all have a lovely time leading up to Christmas. It will be very quiet around here as we are waiting for the baby to arrive early in the New Year.

Tschüss...

Stylist Anna Church's Island Sanctuary

I picked up the latest Inside Out Magazine and completely fell in love with Anna Church's home. Anna is both a successful stylist, having worked for many of New Zealand's lifestyle brands and magazines, and an artist.

She lives on the beautiful Waiheke Island and has turned a seaside shack into a stylish family home with a relaxed beachy vibe. Her talent of arranging objects is evident throughout the home. Go check out her portfolio and artwork here.

(Images: Kevin Emirali for Inside Out)

Black forrest cupcakes

There is no doubt my apatite for sweet things has gone up considerably so I find myself baking quite a lot :- These black forrest cupcakes are delicious and super easy to make. Here's how:

Mix the egg, sugar, oil & milk and in a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix the dry ingredients with the rest. Combine the kakao with half of the dough. Fill cupcake forms half way with the light dough, put 4-5 cherries in the middle and top of with the dark dough. Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes. Let them cool before topping with whipped cream, chocolates flakes and a cherrie.

Yes, the belly is definitely growing. This is me at 29 weeks. I promised I would show you one of the maxi skirts I made. With the warmer temperatures I find myself wearing it almost daily.

Tschüss...

Niki Jones

I received Niki Jones' new season catalogue today and had to share some of the exquisite images with you. Niki Jones has created a unique collection of home accessories fusing traditional craft techniques with a modern aesthetic. Trained in textile and industrial design, she has previously worked at Habitat before launching her own company.

I love the fresh yet traditional feel of the textiles. I am determined to add a hint of citrus in my home this summer and the cushion above is just simply perfect. 

The Niki Jones collection does not just include home textiles and vintage quilts but also selected furniture, decorative accessories and mirrors. You can view the full catalogue here.

Tschüss...

(all images: Niki Jones)

Bedroom sanctuary

Some people's bedrooms are a calm sanctuary, mine in all honesty is usually a complete mess. I have an inability to put clothes away and they end up all over the floor and bed. I must have always been like that as I remember my mother regularly threatening to throw everything out the winder. My poor husband has reluctantly gown used to it - but that's ok because it's really the only flaw I have (hahaha).

Since I have started studying again our bedroom also functions as my office and I have a little desk set up in there. I found it hard to concentrate when the room is messy, so now I just throw everything into my wardrobe before I sit down in the mornings - easy!

You might recognise the painting from our lounge in our old apartment in Germany here

I do like it in our bedroom as it's very soothing. Another bonus is that a canvas on your head at night during an earthquake hurts less than a wooden picture frame. Got to keep these things in mind around here :-)

I have only one more week to go until the Uni semester finishes and will hopefully have some more time to visit this space. I have also been busy sewing up a storm - my bump is growing by the day and these maxi skirts are a lifesaver. I whipped up three yesterday - so easy. 

Tschüss...