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."