HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Bottle It Up | ALMOND & BAILEYS CAKE IN A JAR

If you're planning on doing some holiday baking this year, I've got just the thing for you!

We all know by now that cake in a jar makes the perfect gift. You can make cupoards full and you're all set for weeks and months of birthdays, holidays and nonsensical celebrations such as America's National Cake Day (November 26th, be sure to mark your calendars!).

But I like to think of these darling sweets as little "emergency cakes", à la "In case of emergency, break glass". Though I don't recommend any actual breakage here.

Tis The Season | DIY BEADED STAR ORNAMENTS

If you ask me Christmas decorations should long be up by now. And yet, there are some people who leave this joyous and - in most cases - aesthetically pleasing task to the very last minute. Why this is, is beyond me. I will simply assume that these individuals have neither heart nor soul and might want to consider moving to the moon once that becomes a realistic alternative to life on planet earth.

I on the other hand will keep breathing in the oxygen this planet provides and spend every waking moment in the spirit of Christmas until someone tells me that I should knock. Out. Of. It.

Crafter's Know-How | The Best Way To Paint Wooden Beads

This past weekend I spent amidst a large pile of plain wooden beads pondering how one - with a lack of dye - could most effectively paint a good handful or two of said craft material without much frustration or too much of a mess that would keep me looking like a party clown after a double shift.

Deeply philosophical I know.

Festive Fun | DIY CHRISTMAS BOARD GAME

Christmas is swiftly approaching which means soon enough precisely half of my family will be gathered round the kitchen table for some disastrous card and board games. There will be tears and tantrums, and probably more than one sore loser.

The other family members will sit in the next room rolling their eyes while sipping Glühwein and listening to us come very close to bashing each other's heads in. At least one of them will mutter something along the lines of "Told you so", or "Same procedure as every year, James".

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING XI

Paying Tribute to Santa's Reindeer | DIY WASHI TAPE WALL DECAL

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen,
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?

Yes. Yes, I do.

I mean, his nose is red. Freakin' red! And he doesn't even have a cold! And as far as I'm informed, he doesn't have a part-time job as a circus clown throwing pies in people's faces and giving little children nightmares.

Though it would make sense.

Into the Woods | DIY FESTIVE PINE CONE GARLAND

It's the first Sunday of Advent and Christmas season has officially begun - both on the blog and in my home. The most essential decorations are up and it looks so damn cozy! It's cold outside, baby, and snowflakes are twirling through the sky.

Now all I can think about is transferring my comfy Christmas corner - bed included and most essential - to a little cabin in the woods, being snowed in, and not leaving the house for the next few months; except for roasting marshmallows in the backyard, sipping hot chocolate on the porch and the occasional snow ball fight. I'd like a dog too for cuddling.

And Sondheim. Sondheim is on my mind also. Not for cuddling, but because of into the woods and all that.

Countdown to Christmas | DIY ADVENT CALENDAR PHOTOBOOK

I love the scent of cinnamon and ginger spice, twinkling lights, red ribbons and mistletoe. Yes, Christmas fever is spreading once again and I am one of the early victims. Decorations are well underway, Christmas sweaters are being sourced, gifts are being wrapped (yupp, it's happening) and I would love to be invited to a gingerbread house decorating party. So if you should have a last-minute cancellation, don't hesitate to let me know. I'm up for it.

No, really. This needs to be a thing in my life.

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING X

Holiday Celebrations | DIY PAPER LANTERNS

I love that cozy time of the year when only the evergreens haven't lost their summer's coat and the sun decides to head back to bed a little earlier each day; the best time of the year for the moon to truly shine.

Speaking of shining, it is also the time for scented candles, twinkling lights and illuminated paper lanterns.

Late Autumn Glory | DIY PUMPKIN VASES

All Hallows' Eve is over.

Say good-bye to your vampire fangs, zombie bandages and witches brooms. Actually, you might still need those. For sweeping and the like.

But dressing up as a creature of the night has gone right back out of fashion. It's red coats and white beards from here on out.

10 BEST WAYS TO DESTRESS: AT THE OFFICE

No, I don't think knitting is the answer to stress caused by a dispute over which PowerPoint layout is more pleasing to the eye, or which colleague forgot to put the lid back on the coffee pot.

But similar to the wooly handcraft, it is essential to find a way out of that tangled mess and get back to being productive; you know, to making scarves and a pair of socks.

Sounds easy enough - and usually is, if you know what you're doing.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

"Death must be so beautiful."

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING IX

Altogether Ooky | DIY BAT MOBILE

Babababoo *snap* *snap*

For some, it's Hocus Pocus. But for me, it's The Addams Family - the ultimate indication that Halloween is about to kick us in the groin. Hard.

It's true. Halloween isn't always pretty, but it sure is fun to let your inner demon out for just once; to get out the fangs and the claws, the pointy hats and crooked toes, to embrace your messy hair. If you ask me, Halloween doesn't come round nearly as often as it should. You don't need to tuck in your shirt and your eye liner doesn't need to be perfect - come to think of it, I'm not sure mine really ever is. But it's nice to not be judged for it at least that one day of the year.

Wow, humans really are little monsters.

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING VIII

Holding on to Autumnal Beauty | DIY PAINTED LEAVES

Au-revoir golden sunlight streaming through colorful tree tops.

It was nice knowing you.

When I think of the perfect fall day, a cup of tea comes to mind, knitted sweaters and layers, colors ranging from gold to scarlet red.

I do not - I repeat -, do NOT think of what is going on around here lately:

A Sea of Color | DIY KALEIDOSCOPE COASTERS

I'm sure we all remember chasing rainbows when we were young(er).

My siblings and I would be delighted to find one hanging over the distant trees and would set out on a quest to find its very end. Double rainbows were the best; twice as much gold to go around!

It's funny though, however hard we'd run, the rainbow never seemed to come any closer.

(Which usually meant we'd give up within only a few short minutes. But hey, at least we tried!)

CRAFTY SUPERSTAR OF THE WEEK

I don't know if I'd call myself a superstar, but I do know how to handle a hot glue gun.
And one project at a time, I am saving the planet from dull surfaces and uninspired designs.

So that's pretty cool.

But it is even cooler that the lovely Cat from Cut Out & Keep is featuring me as her Crafty Superstar of the Week!

A Love Note | DIY BEDAZZLED TOTE BAG

I am in love. Deeply. Madly. Passionately.

I think I've known for a while, but just couldn't bring myseelf to say it out loud; to admit it to myself, my devotion to you.

When we were both still young, we'd lie together in the morning sun, we'd dance under the sheets, and sip from the same cup.

But I didn't know.

There's No Place Like Home | DIY GLITTER SHOES

Come with me to the land of Oz.

There may not be another place like home, but I am always up for an adventure; and I wouldn't mind a lion, tinman and scarecrow leading the way to a land where monkeys can fly and cities are made of emeralds.

Truth be told, I always thought the wizard was more creepy than wonderful. And the munchkins could definitely do with a little more hair.

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING VII

Yes: I am a dreamer. 

DIY DOMINOES

When it comes to playing games, my family is pretty much divided. Some love it, others hate it.

I'm not talking about manipulative, back-stabbing kind of games, but jigsaws (meh), uno (yay) and monopoly (oh dear god no!).

My dad will play just about anything, my sister anything that involves math or, you know, brains, and my brother will play anything from which he can come out the winner.

LIEBSTER AWARD 2015

I am pleased to announce that I have been awarded a Liebster Award 2015!

Those of you familiar to the blogosphere will certainly know what that means. However, my guess is that not all of you know that the word "Liebster" is actually of German origin and means something along the lines of "favorite", "dearest", "kindest". So if someone out there thought that I am any one of those things, I gladly accept the award!

10 BEST WAYS TO DESTRESS: STAYCATION

Need a break, but can't afford to travel?

Don't worry, I've got you covered!

Following up on my post on destressing after work - and still not a stinking rich Hollywood goddess with a butler at my disposal -, here are my top ten destressing techniques for when you need a break, but can't afford an out-of-town vacation.

The great thing about a staycation is that it doesn't require much planning! Heading to an unknown country, an unexplored city requires a lot of planning ahead if you want to make the most of your stay.

But it doesn't take much to unwind in your own home! You've got all you need right in front of you. The trick is not to let it trap you in your everyday routine.

DIY NATURE MANDALAS

The shelves at the book store are full of them - in pocket size, in hard copy, with gold inserts and purple ribbons. The designs are intricate and impeccably tasteful.

Adult coloring books are everywhere. 

Mainly because coloring is such a meditative, relaxing activity.

I mean, I'm guessing here. I haven't actually painted between the lines since elementary school.

LET'S CELEBRATE! 1st BLOG BIRTHDAY & BLUEBERRY GALETTES

Hip Hip Hooray! Motte is officially one year old TODAY!

Nuts, how time flies, isn't it?

You blink once and BAM! another year over.

I'm not sure how often a person actually blinks within one year, but that is clearly beside the point anyways.

Google says about 5.6 million times.

DIY TIC TAC TOE in the Country Side

I had forgotten that it makes sense to bring boots to the country side. You know, the kind that you don't mind getting all covered in mud during one of your morning hikes. I has also forgotten the lovely pungent smell of the cows, the fresh air, the wild flowers blooming in the fields, and the tranquility; oh how quiet it can be out here!

Far from Berlin, these past few days I've been back in my hometown for the first time in a long time.

While this sure isn't Jane Austen's Hampshire, my inner child is still quite excited! Bouncing up and down with joy, it's already looking for a jump rope and planning a tea party with its animal friends.

DIY BEADED SHOE LACES

Although it is already starting to look a lot like fall (boooo), it is still warm enough for short sleeves and shoes made of any material other than rubber (yaaay).

I got a pair of blanc canvas shoes earlier this year, and though I enjoy their company, I am now kind of bored by them. I've worn them more often than I can count as they go with just about anything, are casual, but don't downplay any outfit, and they make the sailor look the easiest thing to pull off.

Though plain, white and simple is something I typically go for (read clean lines, bright, and classic; not boring, dull and bare), this week, I felt the need to jazz them up a bit.

10 BEST WAYS TO DESTRESS: AFTER WORK

Let's face it. We all love our jobs, we enjoy the company of our co-workers, our bosses are angels sent from heaven-above (idealistically speaking), but despite it all, we all get stressed out from time to time. And in those few hours between leaving the office and diving into bed, there is typically not too much time to shake it off, shake it off.

We don't always have the time to go to a spa, or a spontaneous three-week vacation on the Bahamas. Because most of us aren't Angelina Jolie - taking care of the world's children one moment, then going on a million-dollar shopping spree the next.

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING VI

Alice laughed. "There's no use trying," she said. "One can't believe impossible things."

"I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen.

DIY POM POM BOOKMARKS

Hi, my name is Motte and I am a pom pom addict. 

It's true, ever since crafting this DIY pom pom tree, I have become obsessed with making these darling little fluff-balls. 

It all started when I noticed all of the left-over yarn that didn't make it into my latest project, but needed a purpose in life. But I quickly noticed that there was more to it. The soft strings of yarn caressing my fingers just felt so darn... good. Carefully looping them around and around, I quickly learned the easiest way to make handfuls in seconds flat.

The pom poms kept me company while watching my favorite tv shows, happily greeted my friends during some of my picnics on the floor, rolled around the floor blissfully playing with the cat...

HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

Ever since I started this blog I have come to realize that I complain about the weather a lot. It is either too cold, too wet, uncomfortably foggy or so darn windy. And I never forget to let you know about it either.

Today, it is much too hot.

Like, I-do-not-want-to-move-ever-again-in-an-attempt-to-keep-the-sweat-from-running-down-my-face kind of hot.

But this time, instead of moaning about the temperature, the lack of fans in my apartment and the number of days until fall is finally upon us, I have decided to share with you a more practical solution to withstand the heat. Because so far, moaning has gotten me nowhere. And, truthfully, the fall months are simply going to make me curse my broken umbrellas and non-existent rubber boots.

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING V

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING IV

POLONIUS

What do you read, my lord?

HAMLET

Words, words, words.

DIY POM POM TREE

It is the weekend and I have caught the worst cold.

I will spare you the details on my aching muscles and the rainbow-colored goo coming out of my nose. (Always had a feeling I was of unicorn descent though, need to look into that!)

But I do mention it anyhow because although not a pretty sight, I feel oddly inspired by my indisposition.

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING III

I have heard of your paintings too, well enough.

God has given you one face and you make yourselves another.

NEED WORKOUT MOTIVATION? Follow These Eight Simple Steps

Want a Victoria's Secret beach body?

Yeah, don't we all.

Unfortunately, that is a privilege denied to many. But no worries, We can still improve on our own hourglass/pear/apple/watermelon figures with a healthy diet and a little hard work at the gym.

Which, let's face it, sounds so much easier than it actually is.

Where is that eat-once-drop-those-superfluous-pounds-and-never-gain-weight-ever-again miracle pill when you need it?

I for one haven't lost faith in this happening soon.

But until it does, the gym it is.

DIY NATIVE AMERICAN BELT part II

As promised, I have for you part two of how to make your very own 100% unique Native American belt. Perfect for a July Fourth-weekend, but just as suitable for a casual outfit that requires a little eyecatcher to pull the look together.

DIY NATIVE AMERICAN BELT part I

It's July Fourth! To all of those celebrating, party on! To everyone else, have a spectacular weekend!

Whatever you're up to, I hope you're not dying from the heat... In case you are though, check out my instant frozen yogurt recipe. You probably have all of the ingredients lying around anyway and it is the perfect treat for any summer picnic!

I know I will be having loads of it this weekend...

But let's draw our attention to this weekend's craft.

Since it is Independence Day, I decided to dig out photos of a project I took in July last year (!) that I have been wanting to share with you for a long time (but clearly haven't gotten round to), and which is deeply connected to America's history.

For this project it was my brother who dug out, or rather, stumbled upon this Native American beaded belt. I don't quite remember where we got it, but I have the sneaky feeling it is in fact a children's belt.

Pretty darn sure actually.

4th JULY INSTANT FROZEN YOGHURT

The rumors are true.

I am an inventor.

Yes, my humble self has sailed uncharted waters. I have packed my bags, or in this case my smoothie maker, and am taking the high road to success.

For I have single-handedly discovered the one thing long missing from any recipe collection:

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING II

Not all roses are red.

Some are white, others yellow.

Some just hurt.

FITNESS ROULETTE

When it comes to fitness, I am a beast. Building up my muscles is my primary goal in life. Nothing can stop me. I pump and press, and huff and puff until every bone in my body aches with joy. At the gym, I am the girl that everyone stares at with a look of envy and a tad bit of annoyance. And I am also

just kidding.

I am no beast. I am no health guru. And while I understand the necessity to make healthy life choices, I also like to stuff my face with pasta and finish my day with an ice cream sundae.

Royal Bed Chamber | DIY PILLOW POETRY

I remember, many years ago, asking my little cousin whether she'd like to be a princess. In all earnest and not so much as a trace of doubt in her voice, she turned to me and said 'No. I am a witch'.

She had her mind set early that one! Excited to see where life will take her!

Witches have free spirits, magic powers and fly high in the sky on household items others use merely to sweep the floors! (ha! humans, so lame!)

So I would say, dear cousin, witches sound pretty damn cool to me!

(I am not sure if she is aware, but just in case, I won't tell her about witches being persecuted and burned at the stake for many, many miserable years...)

SUMMER SMOOTHIE DELIGHT

Like most of you (I'm just guessing here), I too had planned on being über-productive this weekend.

Like crazy busy, but not in a bad way.

Never in a bad way.

Rather, like the-cookie-monster-gobbling-up-chocolate-chip-cookies-by-the-ton-in-a-matter-of-seconds kind of productive. You know, get stuff out of the way.

In a pleasurable manner.

Happy Donut Day | SAY IT WITH A SONG DIY

"I'm not done with that cupcake, so donut stop me now!"

"I have seen it do miracles, so donut stop believing in the magic of fried dough!"

Musicians and bands all over the world, such as Queen and Journey, have been getting it right for years. So let's just put some faith into them performers and, this Donut Day (yes, this is a thing), say it with a song!

SEND ME A POSTCARD, DARLING

Be honest, when was the last time you wrote a letter?

And I am talking about a proper, hand-written, ink-on-paper letter? None of them fancy facebooky things: statuses, updates, pms, tweets, emails, text messages and what not.

The digital world truly has taken over, and yet, every now and then I do receive a postcard with an incredibly tacky image on the front not-so-subtly reminding me that, unlike you, I am not spending my afternoons slurping margueritas at beach parties on hawaii.

It's cool though, the office is buzzing with energy also. There may not be any booze, but people are still going crazy!

NEW LOOK

(Unfortunately, I am not talking about the store "New Look". I certainly would not mind a little shopping spree...)

(If you're paying.)

Anyways, as you will have noticed, my blog has undergone a little procedure. And I am pleased to announce that the procedure has gone quite well. There were a few hiccoughs here and there, but the bandages have finally come off and MOTTE is ready to present her new and improved self to you and the world.

(Thank god, because that bondage thing is not the look for MOTTE...)

ACCIDENTAL INDOOR BREAKFAST PICNIC

Sunday is my favorite day of the week.

Sundays stand for relaxation, for unwinding, a much needed break. Sunday means sleeping in, coffee and cuddles, scented candles, a cuddly blanket and a good book. It also means pets are allowed on the bed and binge-watching your favorite TV show.