Birthday Post

original photo via Avenue

Well well! I'm 25 now. yeah!! I have to admit it feels better than expected. It sure helps that yesterday I had one hell of a night with most of the people I love around me. My boyfriend as you know is in the Netherlands so he couldn't come :( BUT I'm going to see him in 10 days and I couldn't be happier!!! Also, my two best friends, Kynthia & Antigone are in Switzerland and Thessaloniki. BUT they sent me flowers. Beautiful flowers!! And they know that flowers make me smile!!

About last night: Even though I used to throw parties at my place every year, this year felt right to move the celebration to a different, more adult-ish, place. So I invited everyone to Buba, a beautiful new bar-restaurant that opened in Kifisia (the neighborhood I grew up in). Everything was lovely. The music, the wine, the finger food. I have nothing to complaint about. And all the happy faces around me were totally worth it :) 

Regarding this year's resolution, I'm not sure I have anything interesting to share. I think I still stand by what I said last year. I'm sure (I hope at least) I have quite evolved since then but yet I don't feel like pointing out something new.Truth to be told I'm experiencing a lot of changes and I'm going to experience a lot more during the summer. Planning on moving to the Netherlands by the end of summer, searching for a job, debating with myself whether I should invest more in my Jewelry Collection* or find a cool Architecture firm to work in...all these and some more are making it difficult for me to act zen and sophisticated about life. So I'll skip the resolution part for today. And let's hope that I will have everything figured out by September.

Here's to everything beautiful that 25 has in store for me :)

*don't forget that I'll be taking a break from jewelry making for a couple of weeks and you'll get the chance to buy anything you want from my shop 25% less!

25% DISCOUNT (a birthday offer)

Here I am. One day before i turn 25 and  still can't believe it. How fast time flies? It feels just yesterday when I moved back to Athens and yet it's been more than a year. I remember how happy I was for throwing a birthday party -more like a soiree if I want to be honest- in my new apartment. And i remember inviting people I had just met and now, one year later, I call them friends. 

Anyway, probably I'll post more on my birthday one of the next days. My today's post, although inspired by my birthday, is a completely different topic! I have many times posted how incredibly thankful I am for the support and appreciation people from all over the world have shown for my jewelry collection. Since i feel that this is a very precious gift you've all given me, it felt only right to reciprocate. Therefore, I will offer 25% off every item for the next days (until the 25th)!! How great is that? And in return I will take a small break from jewelry making with a short visit at Chania and Rotterdam. While not for pleasure I will definitely enjoy some days off away from Athens. 

Mother's day

Everyone has a person in his life that holds really close to his heart. So close that it is almost a part of it. That person for me is my mum. It might sound cliche but it is 100% true. My mum has been my mmother, my father and my friend for my whole life. I practically owe everything I've turned into, to her. Personally and professionally. She has always been the person to look up to and my most strict judge. But in the most loving and caring way possible. We sure have had our difficulties and I've stormed out quite a lot screaming at her that she cannot get me at all. But who hasn't claimed at least once that their parents don't get them? And believe me, bottom line, she's the only one that gets me that good. 

So, mum, I first need to say a big thank you for being there for me no matter what. For supporting whatever crazy thoughts and ideas I might have and for understanding my feelings so well, every time. You are my favorite person to share a wagamama meal with <3 And I always enjoy watching cheesy movies with you while you almost certainly fall asleep. I promise I will do my best to show you my love more and be more understanding when I'm not and I promise to cook for you your favorite mini potatoes with rosemary whenever possible.

Love you!

May may May

Happy May & happy Sunday people!

May is my month so I'm super excited. In a few days I'll be turning 25 - which i guess is a big deal. Or not. I haven't decided yet how I feel about it. Usually I'm thrilled about birthdays and stuff. I never minded about getting older. But 25 feels a bit different, don't you think? I can't stop thinking where I imagined myself at 25 - and how far I am from being that person. Well, I guess it is only natural to question my achievements,right? Anyway, I have 9 more days to overthink about it :)

On a more general note, May is a bit more summery but still holds the freshness of spring! love love love it! Let's all have the best of it..

xxx

First day of Spring

I have to admit that this spring thing has really gotten into me. I couldn't be more excited with the change of season. It is clearly only symbolic but I'm so fueled up with energy to do things and be more active in general. Even though I don't have a particular problem with cold, it makes me really sad that the day is over so early during winter. And it also makes me sleepy much earlier. 

Yay spring!!! Days last longer, flowers bloom and sun starts to make me take off my jacket! What's not to celebrate?

So happy spring to all ! 

To travel is to live

Well it is not long ago since I came back from my Eurotrip and yet here I am craving for my next getaway. Obviously influenced by Pinterest and my "Places" board I keep dreaming about roadtrips and exotic places all over the world. I guess some people just have this traveling urge inside them. And I'm pretty sure I'm one of those. If only I could afford more trips. But I shouldn't complain at all. If I count my trips during the last years it seems I've managed to travel at least twice a year. Which is pretty decent I suppose. 

Now the next goal is to actually go to more countries. For some reason I keep revisiting places. Like London, Paris or Istanbul. Oh and Italy! I've been so many times to Italy, it is crazy. And I will go again in two weeks. Anyway.. 

The feeling you get when traveling, meeting new people and places, different cultures and traditions, tasting weird flavors and listening to unknown languages is so amazing. I could really live on traveling. 

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In other news, I'm literally busier than ever. Working on my portfolio and thesis project in order to apply for master programs for next year has been all I've been doing lately. And although it is a really creative process, it undoubtedly is extremely exhausting as well. Let's hope all this effort will pay off eventually :) 

photo found here

my terry blinds interview

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Connecting with other people is by far my favorite aspects of being a blogger and designer. After all this is why I have a blog instead of a diary. And I also love answering questions. They make me think about stuff I haven't realized myself and it is nice to feel that you share some bits of your story with people who might find it helpful. As I've said many times, I'm no notorious blogger or designer. I think of myself more of a novice designer, blogger, architect etc developing slowly and steadily. But it sure is flattering when a big and respected brand such as Terry Blinds ask me to give an interview. Makes me feel special and what more does a girl want than feeling special? So here it is.. with some drops of bragging.. my interview! 

Thanks a lot Terrys Blinds 

Farewell 2014

Well it is hard to believe that it is 2015 already. I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve with family, loved ones and happy bellies :) I, for one, had a lovely, warm and cozy NYE with A and his family, with a yummy dinner and amazing gifts for everyone! Followed by a long and sweet stay-in-bed-harrypotter-marathon first day of the year that couldn't be more perfect. Needless to say that I'm all fueled up for 2015 and everything it has in store for us. Bring it on baby!!

Well, while I haven't yet sorted out my resolution for this upcoming year, one is for sure, 2014 was one hell of a year - full with all kind of emotions. I really find it hard to believe that it is already over, but when I look back I realize that so many things happened that it's kinda enough. The biggest change I went through is undoubtedly my decision to move back to Athens after a good five-year period spent in Chania. Even though it was weird at first, I have no regrets whatsoever. I love my new apartment and my life here. Then A. came into my life, giving me a lovely summer -and many more- that is hard to forget.

But, besides all my personal stuff, this blog and my jewelry shop developed as well, in ways that I could never imagine. And even though it is evident that I'm no notorious blogger nor this is my basic job, this little niche on the web makes me truly happy. And I want to thank all of you for engaging with it these past year. And for letting me share all sorts of projects or bits of my personal life with you.

Here's to a creative, full with love year!
Thank you 2014 for all the amazing moments you generously gave me.
2015 welcome :)

Christmassy words 2014

Merry Christmas hohoho! How are you people? I hope you are having a great holiday season full with love and smiles. And cakes. And coziness. oh and gifts!! How awesome are gifts? Ha! 

Well I for one am having a lovely christmas period. A bit busier in terms of studying that I'd want to, but it's fine I guess. My boyfriend is finally in town and I can't get enough of him. I can't even think that in one week he'll be gone again. At least he came soon enough to decorate! We had this deal that I would wait for him in order to decorate the tree together. And thank god we did before Christmas. And we used mostly ornaments I've shared here as well. You can find the clay ornaments here and the gold square-rings here (they were napkin rings that this year became ornaments.) And we also used cookie cutters! 

My best friends bought me an instax fujifilm camera and I took many many pictures that were used to decorate some branches as well! 

In other news, I threw a christmas gift-giving dinner two nights ago and we had the best time ever. I had this lovely idea that everyone should bring a small and funny gift to put under the tree in order to randomly exchange with each-other. And actually all of our guests brought amazing gifts. It was by far the best time of the party. 

We also had lovely food. Me and A (my bf) made most of the dishes, but three of my friends helped as well and brought tarts and appetizers too. I was told that everything was delicious - unfortunately I caught a cold and couldn't taste anything!! I actually was cooking without knowing if the food was tasty. Haha! That was definitely a good challenge. But apparently everything went perfectly well.

I wish all of you the best for the upcoming year
Let's see what 2015 has in store for us :) 

Hugs xxx 

Feeling Thankful (+ Black Friday)

original photo found here 

I have to admit that I've been in better places in my life. But also in a lot worse, so I don't get to complain. Truth to be told, it is just that lately my life seems way too full of chaotic things to do. As the time passes by, one by one things get of the way and let me dream about Christmas and holidays in general. However, as my boyfriend perfectly says, I shouldn't be whining at all. My shop is going unexpectedly great this month and at least one of the things I have to do is this -which brings me money- which is good. But still, there are these times when I feel so bummed out, facing the fact that I don't have enough time, courage or strength to do everything I want to. And again, I guess i should listen to my bf once more when he says that we can't do everything. Oh man!

Anyway, where I'm trying to focus though is on the little things that can make life a lot easier to cope with, even when everything feels like falling apart. The postcard you find in your mailbox from your friend who lives abroad, the photo in your inbox when you wake up from your boyfriend whom you can't wait to see, a nice surprise, song or even a good joke you heard randomly at the post office. Therefore, i couldn't feel more grateful with my life as it is. Because, bottom line, I am healthy, I have the loveliest, most adorable, truly caring and amazing friends I could ever wish for, I have my boyfriend whom I extremely miss but also enormously love so who cares if he is miles away, and last but certainly not least, I have the most amazing and huge family ever, that keeps growing and growing. 

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel thankful from the bottom of my heart for all these reasons and many more. Because happiness lays in the little things, we just need to take a deep breath and see them!  

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In other news, tomorrow is the day most Americans wait for in order to buy the hell out of shops. So i thought it would be nice to be a part of it in my own way. If you've been eyeing any of my jewelry pieces on my shop but you were having second thoughts (but why?), now is the time to place your order!! Take advantage of the Black Friday discount and take 20% off your next purchase. (coupon code MLBFRIDAY, typed on the checkout)

design your dream

hello hello!! 

Now I realize how much I've missed you guys and this blog. This summer has treated me with extra love (if anyone of you is following me on instagram will know how beautiful the places I've visited are) and I feel so fulfilled and ready to get down to business already. I have loads of new ideas written down and hopefully, if I manage my time effectively you'll soon be seeing a lot of new exciting projects over here. 

I know I haven't been around so much lately. Juggling between studies, life, etsy shop and blogging I guess is something I can't do perfectly. However, with a little more effort I think that I will find the balance to do everything. That's why I took this summer off of everything. To relax and reevaluate all my needs and dreams seemed more than necessary and I have to admit that only good things can come out of it.

Let's say that this summer was the time I needed to start designing my dream. (Ha! That's where the quote came from) And it worked actually. 

In other news, a huge thank you to Corina, whom I met last Sunday! I had the chance to meet one of my favorite bloggers which I guess is pretty awesome! She is a huge source of inspiration to me and I look up to her in the best possible way. And guys, believe me, because I know you all love her as much as I do, she is even lovelier in person.. 

Birthday | hello 24 !

So I turned 24 this month!!
This last year past through so so so fast. Plenty of things happened and most them were huge changes for me. However, even though many of them were difficult and hard to cope with i feel truly thankful and very happy for everything I have in my life right now.
This year I celebrated my birthday at my new home in Athens, with all my dear friends and loved ones and it felt amazing to actually be surrounded with all these people that I missed for the past 5 years of my life.

Well, since I never posted my resolution for 2014 I think now is the right time to share four maybe extremely cliche things that are really important for ones life and we, people, often forget. These four things are the things I try to live by and it is my goal to never forget them.

WALK AT YOUR OWN PACE
For some reason, ever since I was a little girl I was a bit slow. Not bored nor unable to do things, but I always need my time to process things and make decisions. I used to feel really bad about that. Mostly because during my studies I was surrounded by many people who were really really faster than me. At some point though, we need to accept our pace and walk at it. Cause everyone has different abilities and that's just fine.

TRUST YOUR GUTS 
If I've learned something the past year is to trust my guts. i used to over-analyze things but i deeply believe that the best thing one has to do in order to make the best decision for him and therefore have a good life, is to trust his gut. Even when i end, after hours or days of analyzing something, believing which is the right thing to do, if my stomach hurts then it doesn't feel right.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
And that's so so so important! I've many times been around pessimists. Believe me - the worst thing to do. Optimistic and positive people live longer and have by far a better life than people who tend to be negative. Plus people who surround themselves with optimists tend to be more happy as well!

STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF
So this combines all the above more or less. We have only one life and it is a pitty to spend it trying to satisfy others or being someone that we are not. Many times people feel different and isolated when being their selves, but trust me, there is absolutely no f**ing way to be alone out there. After all we are 7 billion people on this planet. Even if you are the weirdest you don't compromise yourself, you're all you've got after all!!

Last but not least, I want to mention how thankful I am for my family. I've talked before about how big it is and I couldn't be happier for having four lovely siblings. That being said, I want to thank my lovely sister, who is the designer behind the madame shou shou brand, for the dress you see on the photos above. And I also want to send my love to my brother who is getting married this Saturday to a lovely woman who will make a perfect wife. Tenia, welcome to our family!

100 happy days challenge

This is an explanatory post about the photos I've been posting on twitter the last month. I know I might have been a bit annoying, hahaha, but I really love this project :) A month ago I stumbled upon Elsie's post about the 100happydays challenge and I loved it. Here is what you need to know about it:

We live in times when super-busy schedules have become something to boast about. While the speed of life increases, there is less and less time to enjoy the moment that you are in. The ability to appreciate the moment, the environment and yourself in it, is the base for the bridge towards long term happiness of any human being.

The basic idea is to find every day something that makes you happy. It can be anything, from a meet-up with a friend to a very tasty cake in the nearby coffee-place, from a feeling of being at home after a long day at work to a favor you did to a stranger. Is it so hard to appreciate these little happy moments every day? 

WHY WOULD I DO THAT?

People successfully completing the challenge claimed to:

- start noticing what makes them happy every day;

- be in a better mood every day;

- start receiving more compliments from other people;

- realize how lucky they are to have the life they have;

- become more optimistic;

- fall in love during the challenge;

After completing the first month I have noticed that it is really hard some days to appreciate the beautiful things in life. People tend to get very easily overwhelmed by every day difficulties in life. However we need to put more effort on paying attention to the details that make our lives special. And this challenge will help you to do that... 

So if you want to register in the challenge go here...and then comment below with the link of your account cause I'd love to follow along you journey in this challenge.

Happy Happy Easter!

As some of you know today is, traditionally, the dying-egg day.. Unfortunately this year I didn't dye eggs, but you can always check out my last year post here!

I hope you all have a perfect Easter weekend, wherever you are, whatever you do!

And for those of you who want to get a bit inspired with all the egg dying and everything, check out this video I stumbled upon. Now that's art, right?

The Egg Painter from Titus-Armand on Vimeo.

Long Time No See | Moving

Besides that lately my favorite color is pink (that's new, right?), there are a few more changes in my life that I haven't talked about yet and I was really looking forward to the day I'd find some time to write a post about them. I know I have been completely absent for more than a month but things have been hectic and I decided it would be just better to deal with one thing at a time and stop trying to be a super woman.

As some of you may know, I have been studying architecture for the past 5 years of my life in Chania, Greece. Studying architecture can be very time consuming and demanding and right now I'm in a place where it couldn't be more of these. Writing a research thesis and conduct a design thesis are the most important and difficult things one has to do in order to graduate. And now I 'm doing exactly that. 

In addition to that, me and my family decided that there was no point in keeping my apartment in Chania, since I do have a lovely apartment in Athens waiting for me. Therefore I left (or at least my stuff did) Chania and moved to Athens. But since I still have things I'm working on in Chania, I'm currently crashing at a friend's place, which, although she is lovely and I really have a great time with her, is a bit new to me!

So, trying to write my thesis coupled with me moving out of my 5-year beloved apartment just drove me nuts during this last month. 

That being said, I'm really sorry in advance that I'm not and won't be much around. Considering my blog is most about DIYs and recipes, which need some kind of space to be done and photographed, I hardly can imagine to post in regular basis soon again. But, I'm planning on a couple of posts that don't need that kind of space flexibility when I find time again! 

However, I truly love this blog and I cannot imagine my life without it. Maybe I'll need some extra time to catch up with you and your lovely blogs guys but I'm sure I'll make it at the end. Thanks a lot for understanding and I really want you to know that I miss you :)

With Love!

Anna-Rosa

First Post of the Year

While I was trying to find some time to post something here, I caught myself wondering about the subject of my first post. I know it's been quite a while and I actually feel a bit bad about it, but I have to admit that I super enjoyed my vacation time and now I'm kinda ready to get down to business again. However, by business I mean the blog, the Etsy shop and my studies. The day feels so small when I have so many things to do! Not to mention that I have to fit my personal life somewhere as well :)

So, while the first post idea I had was obviously a "resolution" one, I thought it would be better to talk about my current great great love! And hopefully one of the next days I'll talk about my "Goal list" as well.  

As some of you already know or have noticed on the sidebar, the last one and a half month I run an Etsy shop, selling statement jewelry! When I decided to open my shop I had no idea how time consuming it would be. And I'm so sooo grateful that I see my necklaces, not only being purchased but also on the front page of Etsy (hooray!!) and in loads of treasury lists. It is absolutely a dream come true to actually be running my shop and selling my goodies. So, if you miss me and my blog posts, blame Etsy :) 

I'm really working hard on finding the perfect balance between Etsy, the blog, my studies and personal life. I'm still figuring everything out though. Hopefully 2014 will help me solve this equation :) I have to admit that the past year hasn't been the best at all. And while I was really happy about my blog's progress and I was planning, literally, a tone of Christmas and holiday projects, everything fell apart when I was in Athens. I actually have like 26 candy canes waiting to make a Christmas wreath, around 5 different Christmas stamps waiting to decorate wrapping papers and 3 blocks of clay waiting to be transformed into ornaments! Not to mention all the unfinished, unedited posts on my computer. So, we can officially declare December as a bad blog month. And January seems to become one as well, judging from my progress so far. 

Anyway, I'm sure I'll figure out how to do everything and stay alive too :) I'm so happy I found a couple of mins to post something here though. I really miss you guys and I promise I won't disappear again :)

Love 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! Finally 2014 is here and waiting for us to live every little moment of it.. I hope you all had a wonderful NYE with friends, family and loved ones. 

I don't know about you, but I'm really eager to see what this year has in store for me.  I truly wish to all of you the best and we will be in touch :) I just need a couple of days more to stay unplugged from everything!

Send you my love 

xxx

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas y'all!! The last few days have been hectic so I didn't have the chance to post anything around here. I do miss you all though and I hope you are having the best Christmas time ever. I sure do!

Even though I didn't do anything extraordinary, I threw a small dinner Christmas Eve party and everything was lovely. You can see some photos above, but unfortunately I didn't take many since I had too much fun to bother :) Anyway, you can still get the vibe, right? So things have been pretty Christmassy around here! What was your Christmas Eve like? Did you do anything special?

On other news, I gave a small interview on IamTheLab about my jewelry line. You can read it here :) 

Tagged | 5 things about me

I was tagged by the lovely Emma Lou to join the game 5 Things. Lately many bloggers have joined this or similar tagging games and I'm so excited I get to be one of them. I loved reading all these little weird facts about fellow bloggers, but now it's my turn to share some funny facts about me as well. The truth is it was kind of hard to decide what to share but I hope some of you will relate to my weirdness :)

1. Singing in the car. It seems that my driving always comes with my terrible singing. I would love to have a nice, or at least decent, voice...but no! God decided to leave me without any vocal talents. And apparently I desperately want to prove him wrong. Therefore I sing, as loud as I possibly can when I drive. With the windows open :) And of course singing comes with theatrical moves. It just feels wrong without them. At least I make people laugh :) 

2. I am a crier. Hmm..well that is probably one of the first things (I hope not the first) that my people would say about me. I literally can cry about anything. I get moved extremely easily. And crying while watching The Notebook I guess is fine. But crying with moving commercials (yes, moving but still...commercials) I'm sure it is not fine. The funniest thing about it is that till recently I was sure that no one had actually noticed how much of a crier I am :) 

3. I can live on milk. And any other dairy product in fact. I can replace water with milk. My mom tried really hard to make me stop drinking milk but I think it just can't happen. Sometimes I believe that I have milk running in my veins. It makes more sense. Plus I can drink milk with any food. Especially with pizza! Ok, sorry if it sounds disgusting guys :) 

4. My love, Booky! I simply cannot imagine my life without my beloved dog. I know this is not a fun or weird fact about me, but it sure defines me as a person more than many other things. Booky, is the most wonderful and tender creature and I'm so happy to have her in my life! We always sleep together and I looove her so much I could die. 

5. Five names. I think only a few of you know that I'm half-Dutch/half-Greek. My mom is from The Netherlands but I was born and raised in Greece. My parents decided to name me Anna-Rosa, which already is a bit unusual and most people who don't know me just call me Anna (which is fine)! But the funny truth is that my whole name is Anna-Maria-Rosa and then I have two surnames too :) So my complete name is Anna-Maria-Rosa Moschouti-Vermeer!! Yes, children used to tease me a lot at school :) 

So that's all guys!! Five things you didn't know about me :) I'm tagging Eleni (myparadissi), Kelly (Pink and Lola), Jacquelyn (Lark & Linen), Juni (Hej, Juni) and aaaaaall of you who want to play along :) Because it is not about tagging other people :) 

Feeling Thankful

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving. 

The truth is I didn't have in mind to write anything about Thanksgiving, since we don't celebrate this in Greece. I actually had completely different plans for today's post. But things can change just in a glimpse of an eye. And that's something important to keep in mind.

I try to be as personal as needed in this blog. I don't want to overload you with my feelings and emotions. On the contrary, I try to be as optimistic and light as possible. 
But today I really feel the need to share something more personal with you. Something really terrible happened yesterday and all this giving thanks thing, just moves me a little bit more now. My best friend, M., lost her dear mother, and because I've been in her shoes three years ago when my father passed away, I want to be close to her, give her my love, support and whatever she needs. Therefore, I will go to Athens for the weekend, to be with her, and probably I won't be around much. But I'm sure you'll understand. Right? 

These kind of situations though, always make me think about the beautiful things we people have in life and take for granted. I don't want to get too deep, but please, take a moment and think. 

And since the day is all about being thankful, I need to share with you a couple of things that make me feel thankful myself. My friends and family. Maybe too common but seriously, I can't even imagine my life without the people I love. First of all I want to thank my friends for loving me and accepting me for who I truly am, without judging or pushing me to change. I want to thank them for being in my life and I need them to know they are the family I choose to have. And that's just very special and important to me. Secondly, I want my family to know how terribly proud I am that I'm one of them!! And I totally mean that. I had the chance to grow up with the privileges of being a lonely child and of being the youngest child of a lovely and huge family as well. The perks of being a divorced parents child... That makes my family really huge, believe me! I have had hard times and great times too, but I never never forget how much I love them. And when I do, please someone punch me in the face :) Especially moments like this make me feel even luckier. Plus, I really want my unborn nieces to know how much I love them...without even meeting them yet. Because a loss always makes people embrace life. And life is about to be created...and I'm so thankful for that!

Please have a great time today. Take care of your lovely families and make sure they know how much you love them. Cause I'm sure you do. Even if they are a bit weird, loud or anything else funny :)

- M I love your very much. I'm sure you already know that, but you know..., saying it here, out loud, makes it even bigger! And I want you to know that I will be there for you no matter what. Seriously, no matter what. Because that's what friends do. Support one another. And laugh, cry, gossip, go shopping and even fight every now and then. And we two...make a hell of a friendship my lovely M. And that you know!