Diaring

I have been thinking... Is writing a diary considered what only teenagers or old-fashioned people do? How many people do you know who do it? Is it needed to be written on daily basis? Is it childish? Is it waste of time or any other doubts anyone would have about it? I often wanted to write it but honestly I was very lazy or feared parents would notice and go later read what I write about. Recently that changed. For starters I believe in my parents more that they would leave it be and secondly I found good reasons why to write it.

What are my reasons?

Doggy vest (sewing)

I'll be honest, when I see pets, especially dogs, dressed walking down the street, it makes me laugh by how silly this looks. As a fellow dog owner, I should have seen a different meaning behind that kind of behavior. It is simple love and care for the pet in cold winter days. To make clear, I don't approve it if a pet wears it at 10 degrees Celsius, its fur should be enough for that, unless it is hairless animal or so. Minus 10 degrees Celsius is big difference and all we owners want is comfort for our pets when we take them for a walk or snowy playground.

For me, I had an idea to make one vest for my furry darling for a while now, ever since I started sewing. I wasn't confident if I can make it and actually had no idea how to even start and make it the right fit. I also doubted if my darling would be ready to cooperate in this project. My doubts were actually meaningless. Some of you saw my video on Facebook and know when I say that he was more than a good boy.

Krhki flancati (food)

It is time to chase the winter away. Put your masks on, go from house to house, make a lot of noise, eat pig meat on fat Thursday and so on and on with other traditions which are surely different from country to country or even from region to region. 

One such tradition is to eat donuts. In my family we aren't much stuffing ourselves with them. Instead we really like "krhki flancati". I have really no idea how that would be translated in english so I went with the name we use here for crunchy pastry covered in icing suggar. There is still enough time to make it and it is very simple so join me in making them.

Wonder flower

To be honest I am not much of a good caretaker of my inside flowers, I often forget to water them and once I do I pick dry leaves away and water them well. Then on very good days I also brush their leaves so the dust doesn't bother them and so they get refreshed. At such moments they are my treasures and I really pay attention to them. Still, I mainly love the green touch they give to my room and ease my eyes. So I rarely have flowers that bloom, colorful leaves or pretty green leaves satisfy me. Sadly sometimes, due to me not being always good to them, some also die and I am not very proud of that.

Among many flowers I have in my room this one particularily surprised me. I have her third year now and first year I didn't notice her wonders, but this last year, I did. 

Bibimbap [korean dish]

Have you ever watched something, a movie or a series and think: "Oh this looks so delicious I want to make it one day." Not? Maybe it is just me then :) It is what happens to me quite often but I do not always make the dishes I see or look for instructions. For this one I did. The story behind bibimbap is simple because I used to watch many korean series and I saw very often people eat bibimbap and it looked so simple and delicious mix of many vegetables, meat and rice. Sure I went online to browse how to make it and eventually this is how I make it now from time to time. 

Folder makeover

Some time ago I wrote about wrapping books in foil. This posting is similar but at the same time a bit different and I expect a part two because I have some ideas for the inside. 

Today I will show you only how to change the outside look of the folder. At home I had two that were a bit old already, not in best condition and childish. I wished to remodel them a bit. The procedure below shows how I did it. The final outcome? I like it, much better than before.

Tool for continuous bias binding tape [sewing]

Once I started making more sewn clothes on my own or other smaller things I stumbled upon a small problem. a) either I was out of bias binding tape to make nice closed up edges or b) even the store was out of it. I kept having that thought in my head each time when I was in fabric store or any other similar store.

Then one day I came accross this tool that enables me to make my own continuous bias binding tape from any fabric I am using. Simple, quick and saving my own money. They had different sizes but since I mainly do clothes and other similar things I said 25 mm should do it.

Here is how you use it.

Cloning clothes [sewing]

Some of my friends already know that in 2017 I started to become interested in sewing with a sewing machine. I had no practice or experiance before. One day when browsing Pinterest I saw something I wanted to make and nudged my mother to tell me basics I needed to know about the machine and to be there when I had any problems and how to solve them. That's how it started but later on I got interested in making my own clothes. I saw many patterns around but all seemed like chinese to a beginner like me.

So I looked further and further until finally I found something perfect. I wish to share that with all because cloning your own clothes is what I consider learning. Once you realize how things function how and what to adjust, I believe I can stop relying on cloning but creating my own ideas. Bit by bit is how I learn on my own.

His treats and habits #4

-Master of cuddling-

As the picture and title say it already, there is probably, at least for me, no other dog that likes to cuddle more than our Max. I know some people don't approve dogs being on human beds but I think otherwise. He loves my bed and my heart doesn't let me go against those puppy eyes. He often warms my legs and snuggles close to me. He likes it and I like it as well, especialy during some more tensed times when his warmth and soft fur calm me down. He sleeps each night in my bed, snuggles to my stomach and practically doesn't move all night. He knows it well to give me peace or he would be chased down.

The Netherlands (25. - 28. October 2017)

I decided to bring this blog of mine to life again, I hope I can do it frequently as in the past. I had some tough time and struggling with this and that. Somehow I forgot the joy of writing. I want to get that back and just enjoy doing what I liked in the past. I believe the best reason to start again is due to my recent vacation in The Netherlands. 

To explain more, it was my first alone trip outside of my country. It was hell scary I admit it. I don't like airplanes, media, movies etc. make it sound so scary and it gave me many useless thoughts. I wondered also if I can even do it on my own but one thing was clear to me. I get on the plane and when I arrive my friend, who I have known online for quite some years, will wait for me at the airport. I can do it! Second reason was to prove it to myself that I can do it and also to make few of my dreams come true. There is nothing wrong about that right? So, here it is, let me tell how much fun I had. 

His treats and habits #3

-Snowmax-

The picture above is from out first year together, out first winter and first snow as well. We had a lot of snow that year (and few after that as well) and it was really fun to play together. It was still snowing when we were outside, clearing up the snow a bit, running behind the house and from the big pile of snow we were making igloo for him. We used leaves to write his name on the top of the entrance. Really good times and he is always really excited to jump around through the snow. 

I think it was last year when we had around 30cm of snow, he didn't leave only paw trails but made a whole path as his legs were smaller than the snow so all we saw from the whiteness was his head and tail. Cute really. 

Thank you Lauranta

💗Laura + Santa = Lauranta💗

Yes, yes and yes! I recieved Lauranta's post today. I know you were worrying of being late but late doesn't matter! I like when people come on time to the meeting place but I never pressure people when it comes to gifts. I know all don't have time and ideas or don't feel well. Actually I don't need much, a card or something similar is enough to make me happy. 

Actually Lauranta you made sure I won't stop beng creative. I got so many things!! Pretty and awesome! A template for crocheted table decoration with instructions, I have to make it! Let me find right yarn for it at home or I'll just go and buy it. A magazine with patterns as well, I should learn to knit, left and right is all I was capable of years ago. And hardcover, I can use that for new book. 

Then oh my so many beautiful fabric! I can wrap my handmade books in such pretty fabric now. I have in mind to try writing diary (my friend Esther gave me the idea) and if I make my own books for diaries, how cool is that. I love it. And I might try to learn sewing. Actually I had this thought for a while. I know how to sew more or less straight but that's it... So many possible goal for 2017. ✌

And sweetie it is so cool to get such awesome ink pens. You showed me video how to make the green one and I'm really thankful you worked on it for me. I have to buy ink as soon as possible and try it out. 

Annyanta: I hope you liked my gift as well. When you were here in 2016 you showed me your album book from your stay in Japan and when I thought what to give you for Christmas this was what appeared in my head first. Organizing pictures, making the outlook and ordering. All of it was really fun and it made me remember the few days we spent together. I hope the Slovenia album gives you similar memories. 

Thank you for many things. 💗 

Ljubljana castle

Remember Festive Ljubljana posting? I made a little teaser about Ljubljana's medieval castle up there, just a short hike away from busy streets. Romantic strolls through the forest, old downtown just to have a look over Ljubljana and mountains at the horizon.

These pictures I took few months ago, it wasn't that cold, I waited for friends and had enough time to make a small hike up the hill. Let me show you how that went on that day.

Max and his piggy

The holidays are over, did you all spend it well? 

For Max it was a really lazy time. He snuggled a lot, slept a lot. He waited for midnight on new year as well and shivered a little due to sounds outside. Little sleepyhead. Beside sunshine he likes warmth in general. Sometimes he moves and moves at his bed, looking for a way under the covers. Sometimes, when it is colder, we cover him as well. Spoiled kid really. 

He is sending his greetings and good wishes for the new year together with his good friend piggy. 

Wishing everyone are well. 

-Anny-

Gyoza (recepy)

Firstly, let me clarify. Gyoza isn't Slovene dish, it is Japanese. I am sharing this here because I'll show how I'm making these dumplings. There are many other recepies online, check them out if you wish or stay here and read mine. 

Actually I learned from somewhere as well, I didn't know how to make it before either. I helped myself with youtube account: Cooking with dog. Here is gyoza recepy. 

Now let's move on how I make it. 

His treats and habits #2

-He is in love with bones and treats-food in general-

Next section in his treats and habits is this one. This silly boy goes crazy for any food, especially treats and bones, like every dog out there. He is funniest when he challenges himself with something that is too big for him. He gnaws on it for a while, leaves it lying around the house, later finds interest again and sometimes the goods are suddenly gone.

Little tip

For this week I planned to do something different but sadly couldn't do it so I'll do it a bit more simple. This week I give one simple tip to those who like to create, who are looking for ideas. Well some already know it, but for those who don't yet: Pinterest! 

It is a website or phone app, both work really well. It brings a really easy way to look for ideas (which are never ending). You can create folders and save the ideas of others inside of them. Create your own ideas (for example in blog) and share it to Pinterest for others. Of course you can also create your own social life with people of similar interests etc. 

Once I start browsing, it is really tough to stop. My mind fills up with thoughts: I want to do this, I want to try that etc. I know my sister has this same problem and for sure many many others. Why? It isn't only about handmade things you can do. It is also good place to look for cooking ideas, gifts etc. Try it out and you'll see. It pulls you in. 

Lastly, I'm sorry for this week, I'll do better with other two postings and bring you something better next Monday on this section. Promise.

-Anny-

Festive Ljubljana

It is time. Christmas is approaching! I admit this year it doesn't feel really festive but when I walked through the old part of capital Ljubljana, I could feel it. The happy feeling, the warmth, so many people, stalls with sweets and goods, smell of caramel and cinamon in the air and all isn't perfect without the sight of Ljubljanica flowing by and lights that enlighten the night sky. 

My description and pictures can't show it unless you are there, sitting at a cafe, sipping warm tea or mulled wine, looking around and capture the images around you. I show only a few pictures I took. They might not be good enough, I'm still trying various options about night pictures. Can you please overlook this a little?

His treats and habits #1

-Sunbathing and lying on the window-

I decided to do a section in more parts. The section will introduce my Max's lovely points or habits, may they be good or a bit less good.

For today I picked sunbathing and lying on the window. As far as I know this habit is usually more known for cats. Actually this boy really enjoys the sun. I think he turns a bit moody during the winter, he might be cold and missing the warm sun rays. He sometimes sits in the middle of my room, exactly where the sun is shining. In spring he sometimes looks up at the window, knowing the sun is up there. Actually, on any given occasion, he chooses sun against the shade. 

Wrapping books

Today's topic is a bit from my professional field. Or I would say professional defect. If I buy a soft cover book, I wrap them in transparent foil to protect it. I must say the start was tough. My first wrapped books from years ago look weird but eventually I became better at it.

Below I give my instructions if someone wishes to learn.