The Countdown Begins | DIY Advent Calendar

In Germany we say: “Vorfreude ist die schönste Freude.“ Which roughly translates to: ”The greatest joy lies in the anticipation [rather than in the event itself].”

Perhaps that is why advent calendars are so popular in German-speaking regions. The tradition reaches all the way back to the early 19th century, but even today I can hardly name a family in my immediate surroundings that doesn’t have at least one advent calendar up on the walls; bursting with goodies and ready to be plundered by impatient offspring and well, adults just the same.

Just Bead It | DIY Printing with Beads

Looking back at my childhood, I recall fond memories of play dates involving iron-on beads: hundreds (nay, thousands!) covering the living room floor, the smell of plastic in the air, multi-colored heart-shaped coasters, rainbows ranging from grey to brown to grey, and puppies that bear more resemblance to shell fish than a juvenile dog.

Bunny, don’t you worry! | DIY EASTER BOARD GAME

"Mensch, ärgere dich nicht“ is a classic German board game that has been played by many over the past hundred years and is still a much-loved pastime. It may even be the most played game in the country! (At least, I weren’t particularly surprised if it were so.) Which is somewhat surprising given that the title in itself is nothing short of a warning label.

A quick glance at the game’s packaging is indication enough that this is not a game for the light hearted. If you can’t keep your cool, this ain’t for you! “Mensch ärgere dich nicht” roughly translates to “Dude, don’t get upset”. Which is a clear indication that, yes, you will most definitely get upset – Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Sunny Side Up! | DIY TRIANGLE EASTER EGGS

I do like eggs. Particularly in the mornings and in all the many ways they can be prepared – scrambled, boiled, poached, over-easy, you name it. Great on toast, plain, or with sauce and packed with proteins to make me feel like I’ve made a healthy choice.

Though I do steer away from green eggs and ham. After all, my name isn’t Sam. So that explains a lot.

DIY PAPER SNOWFLAKE EASTER EGGS Revisited

Unless you live in a self-made iglo-settlement (DIY or die!) somewhere in the vast snow-scape that is Antarctica, I‘m sure you’ve noticed by now that SPRING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!! It’s true, ditch the mittens, the wollen blankets disguised as shawls and the hot cocoa – wait, maybe not the cocoa – because Hallelujah, the sun has come out!

Now, whether this gets you all excited, because you too are madly in love with peonies (and the internet suggests that must be) or have come to realize that your vitamin D insufficiency is much more severe than initially assumed, or whether this leaves you crawled up in bed in misery, whining because you miss the cold wind pressing against your cheeks, sledding and freakin SANTA, no worries, I’ve got you covered.