It snowed yesterday and it was magical. I was sitting on the couch enjoying a cup of tea when the flakes started to fall. The dogs immediately went to the window to watch. It’s been a year since the dogs have last seen snow. There’s something indescribable about the first snowfall of the year. It’s a soft way to transition into something new. The first snow will melt and help provide for the spring. But that’s all common knowledge. But…
I’ve made it a personal goal to try and read a book a week and it’s going to need a lot of dedication. In my spare time I’ve been scouting out other books to add to my list. If you remember I took out a ton of books from my Goodreads reading list. I’ve been working my way down from the top so I better start at the beginning! Howl’s Moving Castle Series I was turned onto this series by…
We all have a list of ways we can make our lives easier, right? Keep the house clean, keep your keys where they belong, and don’t forget to walk the dog. While it’s not too difficult to maintain a clean lifestyle (assuming you work hard at maintaining it!) our digital life is a whole different beast. I’m guilty of having hundreds of dog photos I’ll probably never look at again. So what’s a better way at a fresh digital start?…
The New Year can signify a change in pace. It’s the best time to start new habits and create a better life. But we should be realistic about the changes we want to make. Think about all the New Year’s resolutions you’ve made but were unable to keep. It’s important to realize that being human comes with making mistakes. There are some challenges that need hard work and discipline to get into. The best way is to start small and…
Christmas time in The Netherlands is unique. They have not one but two Christmas days. There’s the first day of Christmas. And then there’s the second day of Christmas. Both are public holidays and most stores are closed. So what exactly is second Christmas and how did we celebrate ours? An extension of Christmas While the 26th has significance for Christians, many people spend the second day like they do the first. It’s a time for family and friends. Many…
Amsterdam is a bit mysterious in the middle of winter. People from all walks of live come to it in droves but it’s like witnessing a secret meeting. There are people everywhere but the conversations are private. People bundle up to stay warm or pack into coffee shops where patrons mumble quiet conversations by candle light. Those that are outside are only there because the city is so beautiful even in the stillness of December. So why is Amsterdam the…
Everyone has a favorite Christmas movie. It never feels like the holidays are here unless those special titles come out. Even if these movies are just playing in the background of a party, I feel in the holiday spirit. There’s something about them just tickle me and bring out the holiday season! Harry Potter Movie Series I read Harry Potter growing up so I love the books. Every Christmas these movies would play on marathon mode. Now it just doesn’t…
I love Ikea. What’s not to love? The aesthetic and the feel of Ikea calls to me each time. I know it’s the way they sell themselves, but I’m a huge fan. There was an article a few years ago that said something about Ikea being for 20 year olds. I beg to differ. Here in The Netherlands, Ikea is alive and well. While it’s not considered to be a top brand name, I’ve seen a lot of Ikea in…
Hat / Jacket / Hoodie / Boots / Scarf I’ve gone back to basics this holiday season with my winter essentials. I decided that I prefer comfort over fashion this year. But that doesn’t mean I sacrificed everything! Even though I’ve been bundled up nice and tight, I still put my best foot forward each time! This year I’ve got a brand new hat that protects me from the cold. The cold bites at my cheeks when I walk the dogs on those brisk winter mornings. My…