Lately

Oh, hello ! :)

It's been over a month since I've last posted here, but I am ok with that. I check my blog and my e-mail several times a day, I visit my favourite blogs everytime a new post goes up and I feel like this is pretty good. 

I am still working on having a balanced life style (or maybe that's what we all do?). School keeps me busy (and tired) all the time, so it feels really nice to be able to do something else too - like reading, watching Grey's Anatomy, painting, dreaming and sleeping. Yes, these days I'm really enjoying sleeping. Sometimes it's great to just unplug yourself from the real world and recharge, don't you think?

On the other hand, I think that Fall has finally settled in! The air is very crisp, leaves are changing their color and we even had a couple of rainy days over here. This season I am loving apples, cinnamon and pumpkin. This summer I've started to cook and bake all by myself and I'm very delighted to say that I keep doing this. Three week ago I've made pumpkin bread for the first time (because it's not an usual recipe here, in Romania) and it was delicious ! I've never thought pumpkin would make such a neat ingredient! Also, I have to say that cooking/baking gives me peace and makes me feel calm. It's like a therapy. Besides, I like to surprise my mom every now and then with a new dish. 

The photo above was taken this past weekend, when my city, Craiova, was celebrating it's days (every year, at the end of October, the city is getting festive - there are lots of events, theatre plays, handmade fairs, concerts). At the airport was taking place some kind of air performance - there were lots of planes which were doing all those loops in the air. It was a pleasure for the eye! Since the school started I've managed to go out in the weekends and even during the week. It's been fantastic to recharge myself and just breath the fresh air. Also, I want to make more time for drawing/painting. I've been inspired by the idea of taking 30 minutes every day for doing something you love - draw, paint, write, read. It's very important to make time for what you love, in my opinion!

In case you've read everything I've written above, you have to know that I really appreciate! I know I'm not posting very often, but I have big plans and mighty goals, so I'm always thinking about the amazing blogosphere. I hope to see you soon. Have an excellent week and, in case you're in doubt, go write down that idea that's been wandering in your head or make that thing that you've been meaning to do for so long! 

Much love,

Larisa 

P.S. Did I tell you? I've decided: Fall is my favourite season! Happy Halloween ( in case you are celebrating)! :)

Hello, beautiful !

Hey, there!

How are you, guys? It feels so weird to pop up here ( I know, it's my blog) after such a long period of time. Honestly, I am really bad at long term goals . I mean, it all started with the New Year's wishes and goals. I wanted really bad to blog at least five days a week and for a short period of time (like a month or so) it worked for me - sometimes better while other times with more struggle, but I managed to blog pretty often. Anyway, what I haven't thought about was the fact that I may not be able to write everyday something interesting (other than the fact that I had school, I did some homework etc) for a long period of time, so, after some time, I thought it would be wiser to take a break and breathe some fresh air. BUT I am still trying to educate myself to have more patience and find more time for the things I love :)

Here are some things that I'll start doing more often, in order to keep a balanced lifestyle :

• Write my goals/plans/wishes on paper. I am a visual person and I think this will help me a lot. Oh, two days ago I made a visual board (using a Feng Shui method). My gosh, does it make a difference!
• Stress less. I know, pretty common, but really. P!nk's song (which is really popular right now) really spoke to me. You should listen it, if you haven't already!
• Go to bed earlier. Do you know why kids are so happy? If not, then let me tell you: they get all the sleep they need. I've found out (genius) that going to bed earlier really changes my mood - I'm more positive, more enthusiastic, I have more energy and, obviously, makes me get up earlier (and this way, I have more time to do what needs to be done). Try it! :)
• Eat at least one fruit a day. I've started doing this at the beginning of July and I've been amazed by the results! I'm not making up this - I feel the difference. Not only my skin and my hair feel healthier, but I am also feeling good on the inside. 

Ok, I've finally did this! I am so happy to have posted on the blog today - I am visiting it every single day and today I've finally had the time and the courage to say something important (to me). Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and I'll see you guys soon! Have a good night (or morning/noon/evening, if you live somewhere else)! :)

This weekend...

Hello, there!

First of all, I want to apologize for my general mood (I am really tired). Nobody wants to read about such things, but I really had a full week. Now that it is over, I can't wait to:

• read
  
• blog
• clean my room
• redecorate a little bit
• illustrate
  

Also, a few days ago I got a new haircut. I just love it. You can see a little peek above :) I really needed a change.

What are you planning to do this weekend?

Blog planner

Hey!

A week ago I started writing in a "blog planner". It was basicaly a notebook with random covers. Today, as I was feeling crafty, I changed the notebook into a real blog planner. This is how it turned out!

What do you think? Do you keep a blog planner? :)

P.S. I made some kind of makeover to my blog. What do you think?

5 resolutions for my blog

[source]

I think this quote is not only true, but also sweet. I mean, it's a more beautiful way to say 'Do your best'. I chose this quote because today I want to share 5 resolutions for this blog and my upcoming (I hope) shop.

• dream big about this blog
• make the dreams come true
• open a shop (I have one on Breslo.ro , but it's only for those who speak Romanian) on Etsy or BigCartel
• continue to write my ideas regarding the blog and shop on paper
• take my own pictures
  

Do you have a blog? If so, do you have any plans for it? I would love to read them!

Blogging thoughts

source

Hi, there!

These days I worked like crazy on some projects (a DIY, a new print and, of course, making this blog work). I've recently discovered a great blog, called My girl Thursday, which has a page with blogging advice. I've seen all the videos there and begun thinking. What should I do in order to have a regular audience? I know I AM myself. I really am now, after a period of doubts. I would love to have a pretty, pretty blog, read by pretty, pretty people. Those past days I received some great comments and I am very thankful for that. Do you think this is the way a beginning should be? I would love to know the stories behind your blog! Here are 3 things I learnt since 2009 about blogging:

1. Be yourself. I know this is a very common one, but it is very important. I mean, if you are yourself, then you will stand out in the crowd. I am very emotive person and being myself wasn't that easy in the beginning. Let the people who read your blog know you. You can always write about:

• what you like
• your greatest achievements
• a trip
• anything that it's not too personal and is worth sharing

2. Be constant. Nobody follows a blog which writes posts at months distance. I know this is my case and I am really sorry for that, but now I made it my goal to be constant on this little piece of universe.

3. Be positive. People often read your blog in their coffe break and nobody wants to read your problems. It's okay to post from time to time some posts, if you feel like doing this, but don't make those problems the subject of your blog.

Thank you so much for reading this! If you have any piece of advice, I would be glad to read them :)

I am wishing you...

[photo by me]

A new year has just started. We all have goals, dreams and maybe hopes. At least, I do! I've made my goals for 2012 at the end of December 2011 and pinned them to a board in my room. This way, I can read them whenever I feel like doing this!

I think 2012 will be the year of achievements. I think it will be a big year! Really.

One of my goals for 2012 is to blog at least five times a week. I didn't started this goal from the first week of the year, because I had to make some plans. Think about it. Start a notebook full of ideas. In the end, I know it will be worth it!

I am wishing you a great year, full of enthusiasm and joy!

What are your plans for 2012? I would love to read them!