Liefgeval

Weekly Wonderfuls #9

2012-02-09T20:52:00.000+01:00

I recently discovered the brand Mint & Berry and I really love their products. So much actually that I already purchased one of their dresses and love it to bits, it wears like a dream!

This picture by Kimberly Ross does something to me, as do her other beautiful photographs.

I have no words for these rings... except maybe WANT! By Vera Balyura.

Sarah McNeil's work is the cutest!

AMAZING garland by Confetti System.

♡ Nikki

Thrift as if your life depends on it...

2012-02-07T15:59:00.001+01:00

Last Friday wasn't the most practical day to go on a thrift trip, the weather was crazy and it was discouraged to go on the road if you didn't have to. However, once you have the itch, the thrift itch, there's only one thing you can do. Thrift as if your life depends on it!

Though it took us nearly two hours to get to the thrift store, and even longer to get back home (everyone was driving very slow due to slippery snow and traffic jams) it was so worth it! Here are some of my favorite finds.

I'm very happy with my bird species book from the sixties, I love birds just like my grandpa (who owned a lot of birds) and the illustrations are very pretty. The other book I found is an adorable crochet book from the eighties with super cute crocheted collars in it. They seem quite difficult to make but I definitely want to give it a try :)!

Floral china is still pretty much the first thing I look for while thrifting, I just can't get enough of it and keep adding new floral patterns to my collection. I also couldn't leave the cute swan cup behind, it's so kitschy I love it!

Knitting needles! Just looking at this rainbow colored bunch makes me smile. The thrift store had 2 huge boxes filled with knitting needles and I nabbed every last colored one out of them. It felt a little sneaky in a nice way ;).

Yep, I have a feeling a new collection is born...

What can I say. It's Bambi, and Bambi is a deer, and he looked so friendly, and I needed him for a Deer a Day and I could go on making more excuses all day long... The hanky is cute too right :)?

And last but not least, pretty vintage beaded necklaces. Have you found some pretty things lately?

♡ Nikki

White World

2012-02-06T12:54:00.000+01:00

Last Saturday I went on a little sunset stroll through our current white wonderland, though I'm freezing my butt off, there's no denying it's pretty!

I just wish it came earlier, like during Christmas! I'm kind of longing for spring and want to put my ugly snowboots in a sealed box under the bed and not take 'em out for a loooong while.

I don't think the ducks and geese mind the cold much, you never know what they might feel but they look comfy in their little ice pool.

Luckily they live on a lake surrounded by family houses so food is not an issue...

And now that I have my white wonderland photos, everything may melt (please?) :). What's the weather like where you live?

♡ Nikki

It's the little things...

2012-02-04T15:39:00.000+01:00

Like making my hair curly...

Presents from friends...

Pretending it's Spring even though it hasn't been this cold in the Netherlands in 27 years... yikes!

Clearance sale everywhere! I scored this lovely pair at Zara for next to nothing...

Cute crochet projects {I'll show the results soon}

Heart shaped plants ♡

And my sweet animals enjoying life...

♡ Nikki

In January...

2012-02-01T16:26:00.001+01:00

I started my 365 project a Deer a Day. It has been fun so far, I'm really enjoying it :)! Some days when I really have time to think about what kind of photo I want to make, I surprise myself with the results. The photo in the middle is my favorite so far, little Moby stuck her cute nose in the photo just when I pushed the button. I made a deal with myself that after every completed month I get to buy myself a cute deer present ;), the first one came in yesterday.

I finished up some things in my headquarters, it's really coming together and it's almost time to start decorating!

I received the prettiest package with the prettiest bag from Dreumesdromen...

And I finally got an Iphone, + Instagram :)! Addiction alert...

I'm really looking forward to February! It's my birthday month, I'm going to a concert of Eefje de Visser, the musical Wicked :) and I'm hoping to finish my headquarters.

♡ Nikki

Wallpaper

2012-01-30T21:27:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, I'm back with a couple more peeks of my headquarters. Wíth wallpaper this time :)!

I'm quite happy with my choices, though it took a loooong time for me to decide what I wanted and if I wanted wallpaper at all. I was afraid it would make my space smaller or too restless, so I picked sweet and light colors.

I also wanted the big white chest to stand out more, it got a little 'lost' at first against the white wall.

Aside from a couple of knick knacks, my space is still pretty empty. I have to move a whole lot of boxed up stuff from my basement once it's finished. I can't wait though, decorating is my favorite part of it all.

What I really can't wait for, is crawling behind this desk and create! Once all my supplies are moved and unpacked, the real party begins :)! There are still some things that need to be done though, and some things I can't do myself (if I want to get them done properly) unfortunately.

But I'll keep you updated on any new developments ;)! It's going to be so sweet!

♡ Nikki

Iphone

2012-01-27T14:58:00.001+01:00

Last week I said goodbye to my beloved pink htc and welcomed a shiny white Iphone! I've been wanting one for ever and I'm so thrilled to have one now :). The first app I downloaded was Instagram, and I'm completely addicted. It's just like a little visual diary, a couple of photos every day. It's also a great 'behind the scenes' into (blog)friends lives, I'm checking my feed non stop to see what you're up to ;) teehee!

Here's what I've been up to:

I received the sweetest package full of surprises from Kelly.

Flipping through some lovely books {make hey}{Paris made by hand}

Catching the kitties in cute poses

Playing in my headquarters

Photographing my feet {I love doing this}

Eating yummy things

And of course taking some self portraits :)! I was very exited when I found out there was a camera on the front of my iphone too!

Come and find me on Instagram if you like, search for liefgeval ;). And any advice on cute apps or Iphone covers are welcome, I'm still exploring.

♡ Nikki

Weekly Wonderfuls #8

2012-01-26T18:49:00.001+01:00

These prints are so pretty! I would love them for in my headquarters :). The first one is from Steph Baxter, the second from This Paper Ship.

This 'Poupée Coeur' necklace with a little porcelain doll is made by Natacha Plano. It's so lovely!

{via Knuffels a la carte blog}

Very colorful, very geometric, very fabulous! Brooches (and more geometric deliciousness) by Sketch.Inc

One of the cutest deer I've seen in a while. Photography by Oso Polar.

One for my wishlist, a beautiful personalized camera strap from Harlex. I love the nude pink color. The camera strap in the photo is Elsa's.

♡ Nikki

Dreumesdromen

2012-01-23T16:58:00.001+01:00

Remember the special delivery? I received this beautiful Littleoddforest Munchkin Blush Posies bag from Dreumesdromen!

It's so pretty don't you think? And the perfect size, not too big but everything you need fits in perfectly! I'm so happy with it, it took a lot of willpower to not use it before the photoshoot :).

Dreumesdromen is the only Littleoddforest selling point in the Netherlands, so we're very lucky to have the sweet owner Audrey with us. Her webshop is filled with pretty things and has a lot of lovely brands like Mini Labo, Papaya and Zoé de Las Cases. Definitely worth a visit!

♡ Nikki

Special Delivery

2012-01-19T18:04:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, I received a very special delivery...

With the prettiest packaging in all my favorite colors...

From Dreumesdromen!

There was a beautiful present on top ♡

And little butterflies :)

But what was in it? Do you want to see it? Well.. Soon you will ;)...

♡ Nikki

Matching colors

2012-01-16T17:29:00.001+01:00

I just felt like sharing my deer a day picture here today, the wool colors match the colors of my blog. I'll be back soon with fresh posts, I'm still getting used to some new activities in life so it has been a bit more quite around here lately. Won't be forever though, promise :)!

♡ Nikki

Weekly Wonderfuls #7

2012-01-12T18:09:00.001+01:00

Love this illustrated Paris map by Marisa Seguin, everything Paris catches my eyes lately because Joris and I are planning to go there in July or August this year. I'm looking forward to it a lot! Any tips or ideas are more than welcome :).

I most definitely need these 'mugtails' by Roxxor. Or at least the deer! It's my birthday next month, maybe I should put them on a little wish list...

If Joris and I move to a new place (won't happen for a while though) I would really love this button wallpaper by Studio Ditte in one of the rooms.

Beautiful jewelry by Sandra Turina, I especially like this acorn necklace.

These lucky dolls need to be on my wishlist as well, they are made by Annemoon van Steen and available at Strand West in Utrecht.

♡ Nikki

Playing

2012-01-10T18:32:00.000+01:00

Just playing a little, wasting some valuable time ;).

♡ Nikki

Hello pretty carpet

2012-01-06T19:19:00.002+01:00

On Marktplaats (sort of a Dutch ebay) I bought this beauty of a carpet.

I bought it for my headquarters, and it was exactly what I was looking for, my dream carpet :)!

And now it's all mine, I'm such a lucky gal. It still needs a little refreshing, but for a used carpet it's pretty darn wonderful.

And here is the wallpaper I picked out, it came in the mail yesterday. I think it's going to be a very floral bunch ;).

♡ Nikki

Third Peek

2012-01-03T18:50:00.001+01:00

Last week some projects were finished in my little headquarters, mostly thanks to other people like my dad, who has proven to be the number one handyman in the world, thanks dad! And thank you Mom and Ingmar (my brother) who sanded and painted the floor, and Jan who made pretty shelves.

^ Dad ^

The next weeks (that is when I feel better, because sneezelouise I have a pretty bad cold) I'm going to be painting and wallpapering, and after that... decorating (the part I look forward to the most)!

In between work, my mom and I snuck out for a little thrift trip and found a couple of cute things, like this wooden owl board.

And a deer! Hadn't found a deer in a while, I couldn't leave his friends behind now could I?

I also found these lovely curtains, where shall I hang them? To be continued :)...

♡ Nikki

In December...

2012-01-02T21:11:00.004+01:00

I had the loveliest dress up of all dress ups. I know where my next dress up will be, outside :)!

We made a start on my new headquarters and I showed you some first peeks. More to come this January, in which I hope to finish my space. I finally picked out wallpaper and I'm so exited to see the outcome, but first I have to paint several things like my desk and shelves...

I enjoyed the little things...

We celebrated Christmas with our pretty wood & wool x-mas tree and I'm happy to announce it's totally kitty-proof! Also, I'm not taking it off the wall anymore ;). We had 3 lovely Christmas days, the first one with Joris's family and the second one with my family in my mothers new home. It was so lovely, especially with my dad and little brothers there with us. I'm happy that though my parents are separated, they're still friends. On the 'third' Christmas day we had the traditional leftovers party with friends, and two of them made the special announcement of expecting a baby, a lovely surprise! I regret not taking pictures during these days, but on the other hand, when my camera and I are together I forget about everything else and get completely wrapped up in taking pretty photos, so maybe it was a good thing :).

Other exiting things:

- I decided to do my 365 days project 'a Deer a Day', or more of a 366 days project as it turns out to be :)!

♡ Nikki

Starting today!

2012-01-01T17:03:00.000+01:00

Here's to my new project :)! From now on a new deer will appear here every day, come on over and be a Deerling ;).

♡ Nikki

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T11:08:00.000+01:00

2011/2012

2011-12-29T12:23:00.017+01:00

I feel like it was only yesterday 2011 started, and now we're already heading towards 2012. Strange how suddenly time flew by. Though I usually get a wee bit melancholic right before the start of a new year, I hope this time will be different. 2011 was a good year. For the first time in a long time I feel like I actually accomplished things.

In 2011, my major project was quitting my anxiety medication, it was hard but worth it. I’m so happy to be free of medication even though sometimes I still miss it, just the thought of not needing it anymore gives me confidence. Though I doubted it at the time, I’m happy I wrote about my struggle here, on my blog. Reading it again helps reminding me I should be proud on myself, and reading your comments again is heartwarming, so sweet!

I’m very thankful I was able to take it easy in 2011, it opened up possibilities for personal development, getting used to the ‘new’ me, taking horse riding lessons again, photography adventures and a lot of blogging, one of my favorite activities throughout the year. It was a year of Lomography, dressing up, collecting and collections, new blog designs, weddings, remembering, bokeh, family, little (thrift)trips, meeting new (wonderful) people and crocheting!

Here are some of my favorite 2011 posts:

Cookie for my deer Floral china collection

Joris {about how we met} baby Bunnies

Thrifted vase and nibbler Frutsel In to the Forest

Little home tour Lomo Saturday Polaroid

Red Dress Up #15

I’m ready for 2012, I’m ready for new steps, little or big, impulsive or planned, I welcome them all with my arms wide open! My biggest challenge in 2012 will be keeping everything balanced. I have so many plans, like making Liefgeval a ‘real’ company, working on and in my new creative space, spending more quality time with friends, meeting new people, seeing the world and of course my new project ‘a Deer a Day’ which is a challenge on its own.

I’m not sure yet how all of this will affect my blog. As I wrote before, blogging has been one of my favorite activities throughout 2011, because I was able to put a lot of time and energy in it. I must admit though that lately I feel more and more pressure to deliver and this sometimes defeats the fun part of blogging, especially if you can’t keep up with your own expectations and perfectionism. I highly doubt I’ll ever stop blogging, but just to prepare you a little, my blogposts might become a bit more unpunctual in 2012, or maybe just in certain periods when my balance is lost ;).

I didn’t make resolutions, I think things will happen when the timing is right. I just have this odd feeling telling me amazing things will happen in 2012, and that everything will be ok. Thanks everyone for being a part of my blog adventures and I wish you lots of love in 2012. Happy new year!

♡ Nikki

Christmas

2011-12-24T22:03:00.000+01:00

A very happy {and merry ;)} Christmas everyone! I hope that wherever you are, your days will be filled with nothing but joy ♡. I took this picture today as a little try out for my a Deer a Day project (I just can't wait), and the website is finished so have a peek if you like :).

♡ Nikki

Lomo Saturday

2011-12-24T19:27:00.003+01:00

I'm drastically out of lomo's, and haven't had a chance yet to shoot some new ones. Here are some never before shown oldies ;).

I didn't post this one because I looked so serious, next time I should smile a little :)...

Don't know why I didn't post this one, I mean, she's the cutest ♥

This one was taken with the Konica Pop :), it's the view from our kitchen window.

Camera: Diana Mini and Konica Pop

Film: Klick Max 200 35mm expired and Lomography color negative 400

More Lomo Saturday fun:

Marcia | Sacha | Nine and Marieke

♡ Nikki

a Deer a Day

2011-12-23T14:35:00.002+01:00

Is 365 deer too much? I don't think so! Inspired by all the lovely 365 days projects going around the web I decided to try one myself. It wasn't hard to think of a subject for my project, of course it has to be deer. I have so many of them and I look forward to photograph them beautifully each day, 365 days long. I'll try to not only photograph deer figurines, but everything deer related, hopefully even real deer :). I hope I know what I'm getting myself into, it's challenging, but I like that! I'm currently designing the blog and I'm starting my project 'a Deer a Day' on January first. Meanwhile you can also take a peek at my deer set on flickr. Keep you posted :)!

♡ Nikki

Weekly Wonderfuls #6

2011-12-22T19:20:00.000+01:00

Darling kitty plate by Love Mae

Adorable little purse from Dreamkey, I ordered something there a while ago and it came so sweetly wrapped :)!

After seeing this short film about the making of Liekeland's big tea mug, I want one even more than before (if that is even possible) :).
♡ Nikki

Second Peek

2011-12-20T20:10:00.000+01:00

Hello creative space, you have such a pretty white floor, and look there's some furniture as well!

And some pretty things...

And more pretty things...

And with this pretty garland made by Judith, it's a bit Christmasy as well :).

And it was wrapped so pretty! Thank you Judith, the little birdies are happily in my hair :).

I do have a bit of wallpaper stress, I really want to wallpaper the wall behind the closet, but no wallpaper seems to be perfect enough and I seem to be not brave enough :(. Advice anyone?

♡ Nikki

Christmas

2011-12-19T15:20:00.004+01:00

I finally found some time to decorate my wood & wool x-mas tree!

We didn't put up a 'real' Christmas tree because last year Frutsel attacked it every night, leaving me to pick up the pieces every morning. I hope she leaves this one alone, because I like it way more than a 'real' one ;)!

Our living room looks so cozy now, I want to keep this little tree on my wall for the entire year!

This little deer is very happy with her place of honor :).

This little lady's face tells you that actually, she wanted the top spot ;).

I really love the decorating part of Christmas... And it's going to be our first Christmas in my mothers new home this year, I'm really looking forward to it :)!

♡ Nikki

Lomo Saturday

2011-12-17T23:02:00.003+01:00

It's a little dark (I should buy a flash for my polaroid) but this is my pretty new closet in my wonderful new creative space! I've been so busy the past couple of days I almost forgot about Lomo Saturday, so it's a little late, and a little dark ;) but I'll make it up next time :)!

Camera: Polaroid 340 automatic land camera

Film: Fujifilm instant black&white FP-100b

More Lomo Saturday fun:

Marcia | Sacha | Nine and Marieke

♡ Nikki

Weekly Wonderfuls #5

2011-12-15T20:00:00.002+01:00

The House of Kami opened today, they have such sweet and delicate products. I adore this diy stitching necklace package, so pretty!

Aren't these Christmas decorations darling? Find them on Candy Stripe Cloud!

As you can see I haven't had much time to browse the world wide web for the past week, I've been working on my new headquarters and my mothers new home. Tomorrow is the big move, exciting :)!

♡ Nikki

First Peek

2011-12-13T18:48:00.002+01:00

Here's a tiny first peek at my new creative space :)! Joris and I painted some walls last weekend and today my mom and I made a start on the floor, which is going to be a lot lighter when were done with it.

Just being a bit silly here, we had these funny work suits ;). My mom actually did most of the work, she really is one handy momma! I thought I'd stick to the somewhat smaller machinery, I'm kind of clumsy when it comes to these things.

In the last picture you can see that there are two different floors (these came with the house). I really would've liked there to be one type of floor but unfortunately this wasn't possible (yet). I still have to think about something to cover up the black stones, I'm not really a fan of the color black. I can't wait to decorate my new space when were done though!

♡ Nikki

Dear Santa...

2011-12-12T15:20:00.002+01:00

1. Cat Chase wallet from Keecie 2. Deer necklace from Nevertheless 3. Shy Bunny plate from The Storybook Rabbit ♡ 4. Jenny Lane's Life's like a Chox of Bogglets and Schradinova's India Lima 5. Collégien Slippers 6. Party dress from Modcloth 7. a Planet Fur creature 8. Snug Brooch from Make Room 9. Ontwerpduo bag from Guten Appetit 10. Enjoy books from Dreumesdromen 11. Big tea mug from Liekeland 12. Phone sleeve from GUP.

Have you made a wishlist yet :)?

♡ Nikki

Lomo Saturday

2011-12-10T19:36:00.000+01:00

Night..

Click..

Hold... And wiggle!

Camera: Diana Mini

Film: Lomography color negative 400

More Lomo Saturday fun:

Initiator Anki | Casper | Iris | Mireille | Marrit | Judith 

Marcia | Sacha | Nine and Marieke

♡ Nikki

It's the little things...

2011-12-09T11:36:00.000+01:00

Enjoying all the nice things about this season, like woolly cardigans and warm slippers...

Hot drinks, they're extra nice when it's cold outside...

A warmly wrapped boyfriend with a sweet smile...

Winter comfort food with lots of vitamins...

Candlelight...

Christmas lights...

And ordering a pretty new years eve dress.

♡ Nikki

Weekly Wonderfuls #4

2011-12-08T17:36:00.001+01:00

Such a cute illustration by the black apple

I love these animal wall stickers by Kek Amsterdam via Wonen met Lef! I want some for my new creative space :).

And what about these adorable cardigans from Urban Outfitters, I think I need one...

Gorgeous photography on a most wonderful blog, Once Upon a Time by Jessica Silversaga...

Amazing project by embroidery queen Lucky Jackson.

♡ Nikki

Dress Up #15

2011-12-06T16:19:00.003+01:00

What is it with me and sitting on fences ;)? I'll tell you this though, I'm way more balanced since I've picked up horseback riding again. In this photo I'm still modeling my dress, I asked Joris to take the photos this time and he took his job very seriously, literally photographing my every move :).

It's silly how the photos in which I wasn't doing my best to look 'good' are in my opinion the most fun, like this one where I discovered a leaf was camping out on my right foot.

Or this one, in which I was trying to make the leaves swirl around me in a charming way, but as soon as I released them, the wind took over and blew them away!

It's definitely fall in Holland, no signs of snow yet, I wonder if were getting a white Christmas? I wonder if I already wondered that before in a previous post... hmmm... Anyway, I like me some white Christmases, so fingers crossed!

I was pondering about uploading this photo, it's gigantically close up, it somehow makes me feel a little vulnerable. On the other hand, this is me, I simply get shy when cameras come closer ;) (yes, even when Joris is behind it).

Details:

♡ Nikki

Photocabine

2011-12-05T12:58:00.000+01:00

When Lucia and I were shopping in Utrecht last week, we jumped in a photobooth afterwards for some silly pics. When we were waiting for our pictures I realized how fun it would be to start a series of 'photocabine' photos, just like I've seen on Zilverblauw and initiator Twee meisjes in de stad. I got so enthusiastic about it that I started digging up old photobooth pictures. I found quite a bunch from when I was a teenager :)! I created a special 'Project Photocabine' page where you can view all of them (I'm warning you, some are pretty weird) and from now on I'll try to fill it up at least once a month. I'm really looking forward to participating in this project, and hope you like viewing all those funny and silly photos ;).

♡ Nikki

Lomo Saturday

2011-12-03T18:40:00.000+01:00

A while ago I ran into this really special creature; a cat with a little pigs nose! I was so lucky to have my Diana mini on hand! Seriously though, I was not happy about this. Usually I take double exposures on purpose, not this time... Turns out little miss Diana decided to stop forwarding the film once again so I missed out on some possibly very cute pot bellied piggy pics. Ah well, it makes me laugh a little bit too ;).

Camera: Diana Mini

Film: Lomography color negative 400

More Lomo Saturday fun:

Initiator Anki | Casper | Iris | Mireille | Marrit | Judith 

Marcia | Sacha | Nine and Marieke

♡ Nikki

In November...

2011-12-02T12:29:00.000+01:00

I crocheted and crocheted! I can't stop crocheting (though I'm currently stuck on a crocheted Christmas tree tutorial I can't figure out, booo!) But it's still such a lovely activity.

On 7-11-11 exactly two years ago our dear Frutsel came to live with us, to celebrate we had a little photoshoot in the bedroom, where she was all over the place :).

I finally visited the hairdresser to get rid of those long bangs in my face. I still need a little splash of red though...

I introduced a new feature; Weekly Wonderfuls. And we waved goodbye to Etsy Alphabet...

I dressed up in my wonderful new Diversitijd dress and Frou frou's cardigan.

I pondered about the color red. I really liked doing a post about one color with photo's, I might do it again :)!

I bought pom pom's for my new creative space, and scored a beautiful old typewriter!

I posted a big telephone photos update and these feet were most appreciated, maybe I should keep photographing my feet and make it in to a series :)?

Last but not least, I went on a good old Utrecht shopping trip with my friend Lucia. We ate pea soup at KEEK and bought goods at Tiger and our other favorite stores. It was most lovely! Afterwards we jumped in a photo booth and the results are quite fun. I'll show them next week!

♡ Nikki

Weekly Wonderfuls #3

2011-12-01T15:03:00.003+01:00

I love these illustrations by Clare Owen. I love all her illustrations! She has an Etsy shop too.

These dresses by Lauren Moffat via Modcloth are gorgeous! If only I could afford them ;).

Woah! Great deer collection from Wooz! I should put mine together in a group sometime too...

Wrist Worms! I love these, the name, the packaging, the colors, it's perfect!

Cute earrings, I mean, earknits :)!

♡ Nikki

Utrecht #2

2011-11-30T13:21:00.002+01:00

With the holidays on our doormat I thought it was time for a good old shopping trip in one of my favorite cities, Utrecht!

A new store opened recently, Tiger, and my friend Lucia and I were very curious about what they had in store for us :).

Tiger is a Danish company so I expected to enter a Scandinavian dream. Though I thought it was a very nice store with a lot of cute products, it wasn't really what I expected. I thought it was quite similar to our Dutch Xenos and Expo stores, perhaps a little more fancy, but not typically Danish if you know what I mean ;).

Nevertheless I had fun browsing the silly and cute items, like a singing flamingo and cute owl wallets.

I bought a couple of very practical things like clothing hangers, cute wrapping paper and some sewing supplies in a cute tin.

After visiting all of our favorite places it was time to sit back and relax in KEEK! An organic lunchroom where everything is homemade. I hadn't been there before, and I thought it was most lovely!

After taking a peek at their delicious menus we went for the vegetarian pea soup, homemade lemonade and chai tea.

And it was so good, heavenly even ;)! There's nothing better than a delicious cup of soup in cozy surroundings after shopping in cold weather. Visit KEEK if you're in Utrecht, you won't be disappointed.

And who do we have here? We ran into this little feller on our way back. Isn't he the most precious? French bulldogs are so cute, have you seen Kelly's frenchy Wilfred?

After many oooohs, aaaahs, iieeeehs and some happy snores it really was time to go home. Feeling very content with our bags and pockets full of cuteness we entered the bus home where we could enjoy our scored goodies.

The sewing supplies I bought in Tiger. I really have more than enough sewing supplies but couldn't resist the cute tin ;).

♡ Nikki

The Telephone

2011-11-28T14:20:00.001+01:00

Telephone photos from the past two months :)!

Feet waiting for the bus in Utrecht...

Warm weather and sunshine during the beginning of fall, we didn't even wear coats!

And I still had my too long bangs :).

We enjoyed asparagus as long as the season allowed it, we especially loved the little green ones.

But then it got colder, time for some mood lighting, and I crocheted an ear warming headband...

I visited my mom, we painted chairs and visited flea markets. Such wonderful things...

And I received a beautiful package with two wonderful dresses from Diversitijd.

The next telephone photos might finally be from an Iphone, It's my turn in January, huzzah! These photos were established with Vignette, Retro Camera, Molome and Pixlr-o-matic.

♡ Nikki

Lomo Saturday

2011-11-26T14:41:00.002+01:00

Fun Fair!

Camera: Diana Mini

Film: Lomography color negative 400

More Lomo Saturday fun:

Initiator Anki | Casper | Iris | Mireille | Marrit | Judith 

Marcia | Sacha | Nine and Marieke

♡ Nikki

Liefgeval Headquarters

2011-11-25T13:21:00.002+01:00

December 9th is the day I'll receive the key to my new Creative Space, I'm so exited! So far I haven't made any major decisions about the interior yet because I keep doubting myself in what I want and how I want it to look. I have however, bought Pom Pom's at Een Nieuw Avontuur in the colors of my blog. I'm really looking forward to hanging them up there, I visualize them above my desk. So far, there will be a wooden desk (one I'm thinking about painting peachy pink), there will be this most fabulous prettiest vintage cabinet you've ever seen for all my materials and there will be an amazing mint green embroidered chair. I've been up to my ears in vintage wallpapers, but I just can't pick one or decide if I want wallpaper at all. I really like these from Retrovilla though:

But because there aren't much windows in my new space, I can definitely see the appeal in leaving everything white instead of wallpapering a wall. I guess I'll just wait till I have the key and spend some time in there, perhaps the answers will appear in my head by itself by then :).

♡ Nikki

Etsy Alphabet

2011-11-24T19:46:00.004+01:00

Z = for Zakka

Christmas special h... MemiTheRainbow $12.00	Zakka Retro White F... RetroNaNa $7.50	Sterling silver nec... karlita $22.00	Momoro DECO STICKER... BeHappyDaily $5.50
SALE - The little h... PetiteMaison $16.60	wooden brooch hand... PinkrainShop $20.00	SALE - Floral with ... heydayhandmade $7.20	Elephant & apple mi... SoundOfHome $7.90
Dot Socks with love... VintageBazaarh... $8.00	Zakka Sewing Book chiara139 $23.00	Felted wool russian... Tetsukuribazaa... $15.00	SALE - Kawaii Felt ... swiedebie $6.50
mk018/224 - 6 pcs o... himenana $2.50	Scrap Pack Eight - ... theheydayshop $6.95	6 Yard roll of Recy... kawaiigoodies $4.95	paper doll mate sti... jamroll $6.00

A = for Apple | B = for Bear | C = for Cloud | D =for Doily | E = for Embroidery | F = for Frida Kahlo
G = for Geometric | H = for House | I = for Itty Bitty | J = for Jungle | K = for Knitting | L = for Love
M = for Mint Green | N = for Narwhal | O = for Origami | P = for Photography | Q = for Queen | R = for Rain
S = for Sailor | T = for Toys | U = for Unicorn | V = for Vixen | W = for Wood | X = for XOXO } Y = for Yellow
View All

'Zakka: Everything and anything that improves your home, life and appearance. Zakka can also be a contemporary handicraft.'

And with Z being the last letter of the alphabet, we wave goodbye to Etsy Alphabet... I really enjoyed making these treasuries, though sometimes I spend hours of work on making it perfect ;). And no worries, an occasional treasury will surely be back here now and than. Who knows, Etsy Alphabet might return someday as well. And you can always look back on past letters. My favorites are:

G = for Geometric K = for Knitting

M = for Mint Green R= for Rain

Oh, and if someone's planning on doing a round of Etsy Alphabet for themselves, let me know, I would love to take a peek :)!

♡ Nikki

Weekly Wonderfuls #2

2011-11-22T20:36:00.000+01:00

I so love this illustration by Ivana Petrovic found via Meredith on Pinterest, I wish I knew where to buy it...

Noteworthy blog 'Girls raised by Wolves' (love the design) with a very cute floral headband tutorial!

I accidentally came across this store 'Koshka' and found that they have some very snazzy items!

Oana Befort creates beautiful illustrations, and up for grabs are these lovely notes of thankfulness!

And last but not least, these 'trapped illustration lockets' by Feverfew are the cutest!

♡ Nikki

Red

2011-11-21T13:10:00.000+01:00

Joris surprised me last Saturday with a bouquet of red flowers. This got me thinking a little about the color red... There isn't much red in my house. I think red and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship. One moment I love it and the next moment I think it's way to bright and prominent.

Two winters ago I bought a red coat and boots and wore them practically everyday (and still).

But in my home the color red is nowhere to be found, except for this little stack of books...

Quite strange how I do wear red often, but don't allow it in my interior...

I hope my friend Lies does like the color red in her interior, last Saturday I crocheted these red tomato coasters for her birthday :)

I'm kind of proud of how they turned out...

And the flowers... well the flowers can stay ;). Do you like red?

♡ Nikki

Lomo Saturday

2011-11-19T11:12:00.000+01:00

Fall

By now the trees are almost completely leafless, but on these photo's they were still rich with leaves and pretty colors...

I wonder how lomo's would look filled with snowy landscapes, and I also wonder if we are going to get a snowy landscape before the new year starts. I've always liked white Christmases...

Camera: Diana Mini

Film: Lomography color negative 400

More Lomo Saturday fun:

Initiator Anki | Casper | Iris | Mireille | Marrit | Aukje | Judith 

Marcia | Daan | Sacha and Nine

♡ Nikki

Dress Up #14

2011-11-18T14:23:00.002+01:00

I have some new vintage pretties I can't wait to show you...

Like this cardigan from Froufrou's, it's so quirky and flowery. When I saw it I had to have it!

And my wonderful new dress from Diversitijd, which came in the mail today together with another very pretty dress and cute owl brooch. This one fits like it was made for me and I love the color!

♡ Nikki

Etsy Alphabet

2011-11-17T16:55:00.000+01:00

Y = for Yellow

floral Day Planner ... nauli $20.00	Yellow Home Decor /... crabappledesig... $18.00	Photographer - Prin... ilovedoodle $30.00	Canary Yellow Lite ... daintyloops $25.00
Wool coin purse - m... oktak $24.00	Design Your Own. Th... merriweatherco... $68.00	Yellow Dala Horse E... TheClayPony $18.00	vintage 1980's ... clevernettle $32.00
Samba amarillo glac... MODvintageshop $39.00	Brooch 'retro a... littleZ $9.95	Womens Slippers - R... Molipop $35.00	Mini Wall Hanging C... decoylab $18.00
Mustard Yellow Larg... mojospastyle $38.00	one spring hedgehog... lulufroot $20.00	Felted Soap yellow ... SoFino $18.00	Ceramic Pig Planter... fruitflypie $29.99

♡ Nikki

Weekly Wonderfuls #1

2011-11-15T20:04:00.000+01:00

Etsy Alphabet is almost coming to an end and though I very much liked making those treasuries, and certainly won't stop making them in general, I thought it was time for a new feature: 'Weekly Wonderfuls'.

It's similar to Etsy Alphabet, but no longer tied to one word and Etsy. It will be everything I find around the web I love, admire and find inspirational. So I may not forget them, and you may find yourself inspired as well :). How about that? Let's get this party started!

I love this illustrated quote by Lily Moon, I'm thinking about ordering it for my new craftroom/store.

This Iphone cover from La Marelle is so pretty. It's designed by Nathalie Lété, love her work, I'm also crazy about this cat hanger she designed, available on Domestic:

People webs: cute girl, cute blog and a very cute crocheted headband tutorial :)

Janne from Schradinova has such a sweet voice, this video is awesome!

I love this idea by Anki from Zilverblauw, photographing your home through a Christmas bauble. I want to try it too sometime :)!

This was Weekly Wonderfuls so far, I hope you've seen some things you like :). Next order of business; I finally updated the 'About Me' page. I always find it a bit difficult to write about who I am so I mainly let the pictures speak for me ;) have a look if you like!

♡ Nikki

Lazy

2011-11-14T13:49:00.000+01:00

Today we're lazy.

♡

Lomo Saturday

2011-11-12T08:57:00.000+01:00

My pretty home town at her finest. Fall, sunset, geese crossing the water...

The town I live in has about four flocks of geese. I really like them, but lately I've been hearing complaints about them, about the sidewalk being slippery due to their droppings (just walk around it) and they do have a way of crossing streets at a very slow speed but I actually think it's kind of charming (as long as traffic stops for them).

In my opinion, we should stop blaming innocent geese for some droppings and start with ourselves, by throwing our own trash in the trashcan instead of sidewalks, streets and rivers...

Come one, they're cute right ;)? ♡

Camera: Diana Mini

Film: Lomography color negative 400

More Lomo Saturday fun:

Initiator Anki | Casper | Iris | Mireille | Marrit | Aukje | Judith 

Marcia | Daan | Sacha and Nine

♡ Nikki

Etsy Alphabet

2011-11-10T14:56:00.000+01:00

X = for XOXO ♥

xoxo- perfect for y... vol25 $24.00	Lipstick Stain Teac... SwirlyGarden $16.00	Hugs and Kisses Fin... newhopebeading $35.00	xo - Translucent po... stepanka $28.00
xo scarf - gray and... LoopDeeDoo $45.00	Handstamped Brass H... SPUNKbyCM $35.00	xoxo Mini Notecard whimsywhimsica... $2.00	knit toddler bootie... BaruchsLullaby $32.00
Kiss Me, XOXO, Love... hooop $7.00	XOXO 14x18inch recy... alexandrafergu... $69.00	Brown Knit Clutch P... WoolflowerBout... $40.00	XOXO Stacking Ring... meltemsem $80.00
XOXO. - vinyl wall ... TastySuite $6.00	XO Hugs and Kisses ... risecreateshin... $14.00	Love art print, XOX... GraphicAntholo... $24.00	XoXo - Hugs & Kisse... Buttonlandia $14.00

♡ Nikki

Off with her... Bangs!

2011-11-09T21:25:00.000+01:00

Well, I finally visited the hairdresser! My bangs were terribly long and in my face non stop. They were originally cut straight but when I came home I felt pigheaded and put them to the side again, works either way I guess :). All it needs now is a splash of red and I'm good to go again!

♡ Nikki

Frutsel

2011-11-07T16:25:00.002+01:00

Today, exactly two years ago, Frutsel came to live with us! Though I knew our house was a little small for three kitties, I just couldn't say no to her. My neighbor-friend had found her and the very moment I saw Frutsel I was in love. We placed a gazillion ads for 'kitten found' but no one claimed her.

After batting my eyelashes to Joris he too gave in and Frutsel became part of our little family. I tried to look up a translation for her name, the dictionary says 'Frills' :). Though our house indeed is a little too small for three kitties, especially with Frutsel used to living outside and sometimes getting really bored, I'm very happy with our decision to take her in for she has given us much joy and laughter ever since :)!

Since we don't know her birthday, we use today to celebrate. We had a little photoshoot in the bedroom, she usually isn't allowed there so she was all over the place (I really missed autofocus on my lens) and tonight the kitties are getting a special meal ;).

A couple of funny things about Frutsel (which I probably already told about a hundred times): She's missing her upper canines, this causes her to have a very funny expression now and then and her tongue easily sticks out of her mouth and sometimes stays out ;). Luckily she has enough teeth left to chew her food, since she's obsessed with it. Though the kitties all get the same amount of food, Frutsel is the only one who's a little too chubby, it makes her look adorable though. She has the highest meow I've ever heard on a (grown up) cat, which is very cute (unless she's giving her 6.00 am concert), and she lays down in the weirdest positions I've ever seen, sometimes I think she's doing yoga. We love her and hope to have her with us for many years to come!

♡ Nikki

Lomo Saturday

2011-11-05T14:06:00.000+01:00

I've been a little slow with filling my diana film, so here are some lovely ttv's, taken with my Kodak Duaflex.

I haven't build a proper contraption yet, it would make ttv a lot easier, maybe I should ask Joris to make one :).

Camera: Kodak Duaflex

Film: None/Digital

More Lomo Saturday fun:

Initiator Anki | Casper | Iris | Mireille | Marrit | Aukje | Judith 

Marcia | Daan | Sacha and Nine

♡ Nikki

Meanwhile...

2011-11-04T14:49:00.001+01:00

I have a new motto. 'If you can't buy it, make it yourself'! My new crochet skill comes in real handy, I successfully finished two pretty bows.

One for in my hair, and one for on my previously boring coat.

I also tried my hand at making pom pom's. I found it quite difficult. I kept accidentally tearing pieces of tissue paper that needed to stay attached to my pom pom, and they have a bit of a strange shape :), but I like them anyway. It was fun to do!

A while back I spotted a beautiful old type writer on the blog of Yvestown. I instantly craved one, so I turned to our local Ebay, 'Marktplaats'. Imagine my enthusiasm when I spotted one exactly like it! Seeing as I can't make my own old type writer, I figured I was allowed to break my new motto ;) and made an offer.

It's so pretty. It even works, though the ink is a little dry. Joris went crazy with it, wanting to figure everything out and marveling about the technique (that's what you get with a physics teacher I guess).

Know some other cute DIY's for me :)?

♡ Nikki

In October...

2011-11-01T18:10:00.005+01:00

My sweet kitties made their appearance on World Animal Day...

I wore a cute apron and one of my favorite skirts for Dress Up...

I visited the Fun Fair and took home a Mr. Jummy...

I scored some cute socks and bought Dottie Angel's book, which I adore. Sadly I've already finished it, but I'm still going to use the tutorials in it, which are awesome...

Magnificent things were found during thrifting...

I experimented with a Polariod 340 land camera, and fell in love with the results...

And last but certainly not least, I learned how to crochet, I met the lovely Lisa and browsed her cute shop Elle Aime...

In the September monthly review I wrote that my mom is moving to my town. There is more exiting news on this front I've been dying to share! The house my mother bought has a little office space with a separate entrance. She isn't going to use that space for a while, and my mom is so sweet to let me set up a whole new craftroom in there! I'm so exited about this, I get to decorate it the way I love and I'm even thinking about turning it into a little shop! It's a big step towards achieving my dreams and goals and therefore I'm so thankful to have the sweetest mom on earth. I'm going to start painting and decorating in December, so I'll keep you guys posted :)!

♡ Nikki

Crochet at Elle Aime

2011-10-31T12:25:00.000+01:00

I had a very lovely day yesterday. I got to spend it with my friend Rosalyn, I finally met the lovely Lisa at her store Elle Aime ánd I learned the basics of crochet!

Rosalyn gave me the crochet workshop as a present because I took pictures at her wedding and designed her wedding announcement, so sweet! The workshop took place in the Rotabs Stylecenter, where Lisa has her store Elle Aime.

Upon arrival we walked in on this lovely set up, cute yarn, all sorts of sweets and pretty craft books.

Once all the other participants had arrived we started crocheting. I was a little nervous, because in my opinion crocheting was very difficult. Luckily we had good teachers! I learned that once you get the hang of it a little, it isn't so hard at all :)!

I didn't make something in particular yet, but I did learn the basics and I'm now working on crocheting a bow for my hair. I still need a lot of practice but I've already discovered the addiction in it so that'll be alright I guess ;)!

Afterwards we browsed Elle Aime, and it's so great! I felt like a kid in a candy store, wanted to touch everything and of course take some goodies home with me.

I really admire Lisa for her cute style, and she turned out to be a very nice person as well ;)! I forgot to take a picture of her though :(.

Lisa recently collaborated with Made By White, you should really take a look at they're joined work because it's fabulous! View it here and here.

And of course I couldn't help myself... Here's yesterdays score!

♡ Nikki

Lomo Saturday

2011-10-29T13:00:00.043+02:00

Here it is! The peachy perfect picture I took with my new Polaroid 340 (see post below). I adore it! Probably because it took me a while to get the perfect light settings and for a second I thought I wasn't going to make it with one package of film. The first two shots were pretty much black and the third one over exposed. In the fourth picture I could finally recognize my kitties, though it's a little shaky:

What I love about this camera apart from it's pretty exterior, is that you have to pull out the photo yourself. And let me tell you, it feels very cool to do so :).

Camera: Polaroid 340 automatic land camera

Film: Fujifilm instant black&white FP-100b

More Lomo Saturday fun:

Initiator Anki | Casper | Iris | Mireille | Marrit | Aukje | Judith 

Marcia | Daan | Sacha and Nine

♡ Nikki

New Toy

2011-10-28T16:29:00.000+02:00

Happy Happy Joy Joy! I'm SO thrilled to present my new old camera, the Polariod 340 land camera! I'm even more exited to show you the peachy perfect picture I took with it today, but I'll keep it a surprise till Lomo Saturday tomorrow ;).

Isn't she super pretty? Gotta run now, very much behind on my chores, see you tomorrow :)!

♡ Nikki

Etsy Alphabet

2011-10-27T17:58:00.000+02:00

W = for Wood

Typewriter Wood Bro... craftyfolk $15.00	snug.monkey breadb... snugstudio $27.00	Vintage Wall Plaque... ismoyo $15.00	Me & You Pencils - ... knotandbow $12.00
The Woodlands Clutc... littleoddfores... $73.00	Candy Stripe Buntin... lucie0ellen $7.00	wood carving skirt ... madewithloveby... $62.00	Vintage Wooden Flow... NaughtySecreta... $18.00
hand painted Swedis... macphek $42.00	UNFRAMED 11x14 Red ... petitcollage $25.00	Framed Pair of Hare... PrettyZoo $40.00	Wooden Storybook Bl... humbleBea $28.00
Zakka Wood Heart Co... RetroNaNa $3.00	Tape-Packing Tape-M... sugarbsupplies $7.50	Carved Wooden HEDGE... jupiterschild $7.00	That Vintage Big Fr... thatvintage $19.00

♡ Nikki

Thrift Finds

2011-10-25T15:53:00.003+02:00

Some wonderful thrifts I found lately, starting with my favorite find. A somewhat kitsch mail holder with a dog. Can't wait to hang it somewhere pretty :).

A lot of 'forsaken souls' have found their way in to my home ever since Dottie Angel introduced me to them.

Always on the hunt for cute card games, fairy tale themed ones are my favorite!

Have you found something wonderful lately?

♡ Nikki