"Brown paper packages...

... tied up with strings. These are a few of my favorite things." It's so exciting to find new ways for using recycled products and everyday household items to wrap a gift. Last year, I put pages from old magazines and calendars to use by repurposing them into festive gift wrap; this year, I used brown paper from cut-up grocery bags, leftover wallpaper, newspaper pages and cut-out images from confectionery boxes. The possibilities are endless. Take a look - Gift Wrapping Ideas by Martha Stewart.

The Snowman

"I remember that winter because it had brought the heaviest snow that I had ever seen. Snow had fallen steadily all night long and in the morning, I woke in a room filled with light and silence, the whole world seemed to be held in a dream-like stillness. It was a magical day and it was on that day I made the snowman."

/Raymond Briggs: The Snowman/

Preparing for Christmas Ahead of Time

It may now be too early to set up a Christmas tree, but for an alternate option, you can spray paint some branches white, then hang some ornaments, biscuits or candy canes on them to bring a touch of holiday magic into your home.

Chistmas Fair in Lunenburg

The traditional Christmas market in Lunenburg takes place in front of the Lüneburger Rathaus (Town Hall) from whose balcony Siegfried Knoop, trumpet soloist plays a Christmas song every afternoon. Stalls sell handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts, Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein (mulled wine). There are also beautiful scenes staged from the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm all over the city center.
Wherever you are, soak up the magic of Yuletide markets and indulge in the delicious traditional Christmas treats.

The Season of Advent

The season of Advent started today. It is a period of preparation before Christmas, and somehow, I enjoy it more than the holiday itself. There are so many holiday projects you can prepare by yourself to bring some festive cheer and seasonal warmth into your home décor.
I've crafted a candle holder from a recycled fence board and some scented candles lying around in our drawers. Our Chritmas center-piece is made up of evergreen branches, fresh fruits and orange pomanders that may last up to several years if made properly.
If you want more inspiration for your creative soul, take a tour on the websites of Martha Stewart and Good Housekeeping.

Flavours of the Vietnamese Table

It has become our habit to eat Viatnamese food once a week, not just because of its nutritional benefits but also because of its distinct taste that comes from the delicate balance of spices and herbs (such as fresh mint and basil leaves, coriander and lemon grass) traditionally used in Vietnamese cooking. Quite often, a Vietnamese meal consists of only a hearty soup. My absolute favourite is 'canh chua thịt bò', that is a hot soup with tomatoes and beef, eaten with steamed rice. I also like their summer rolls (gỏi cuốn) that are served fresh and not deep fried as opposed to Chinese-style spring rolls. Tôi thật sự thích nó.

The Kleine Zeitung Project 2010

I participated again in the design competition of Kleine Zeitung and put together a job ad that will hopefully get me closer to winning the grand prize than the one last year.