Author: Tobia

SPRING BUCKET LIST 2020

- Tobia Leave a comment

In times like these it is especially important to have something to look forward to and plan a few fun moments. Even though we are not being able to roam outside, enjoy all the spring air and go on adventures I will not shy away from making yet another spring bucket list.

spring bucket list 2020 craftaliciousme seeking creative life

But as always we quickly check the winter list to see how things went:

  1. 𝗫 Take a walk in the snowfall. – no snowfall until March 30th 2020 this season.
  2. ✔ Go to a Christmas concert. – Did go, liked it a lot.
  3. ✔𝗫 Get into Holiday spirit. – not quite sure if I can cross this one off. Yes and No.
  4. ✔ Celebrate our 6. Wedding Anniversary – We went to Oslo for a long weekend. Who would have thought this is going to be the last trip for a long time.
  5. ✔ Visit Roncalli Christmas Circus – we did, was fun to be in a circus again.
  6. 𝗫 Plan vacations for 2020 – good thing I didn’t make much progress here…
  7. ✔ Unravel 2019 and find a word for 2020 – yep! always do.
  8. 𝗫 Go ice skating – did we even have temperatures below zero this year?!
  9. 𝗫 Try to catch a snowflake on camera. – see 1
  10. ✔ Spend some cozy days with Mr. ♡. – definitely
  11. ✔𝗫 Be kind – mhm, tough one. I guess there is always room for improvement.

Ok, who is ready for some spring vibes?

Spring Bucket List 2020

  1. 1Starting the 100 Day project.
    I am a bit torn if I want to do it. Well I know I want to but for some reason I don’t have a clear idea yet on what to do. The project starts Tuesday, April 7th. What ever I decide follow along on Instagram.
  2. Write letters or cards to every birthday person.
    Just a quick and easy way to let people know theyr birthday is still important even though know one is showing up.
  3. Buy flowers every week.
    If I can’t enjoy the spring outside, get it inside.
  4. Family Reunion first weekend of May.
    if this will not happen as it looks like maybe when can at least meet one evening for zoom call with everyone.
  5. Take a walks in the park as often as possible.
    If running errands outside take the long walk through the park to see the world and get some exercise.
  6. Cook three new dishes.
    With all those dinners to cook maybe try out a few new recipes.
  7. Sew a garland for the next big party.
    I will not tell you how long I have that planned or even cut ready to sew together…
  8. Do some SEO optimizing for the blog.
    I recently learnt that I have quite a few things to optimize. Let’s do that.
  9. Clean and pretty up the balcony.
    This will get a lot of use again this year so better get it ready. Some cleaning and then a few more plants. Some survived from last year. *happy dance right now and some shoulder padding*
  10. Read a lot.
    There is a (German) kindle unlimited offer (sign up until April 30th ) and get one month for free. Of course I snatched that up. My reading list still has quiee a few books to cross off.
  11. Have a first Easter only us two and make it good.
    All my life I have celebrated Easter with family. Even the year in the US I spent it with a Christian family (as the Morman family I was staying in did not celebrate). This year will be the first just Mr. ♡ and I.
  12. Bake a sugar free cake.
    I am still on my lent thing (no sugar/cake/candy and no phone in the bedroom) and I decided to keep the sugar thing going to cross off #74 on my “101 things in 100day list”.

So this is my spring bucket list for the pandemic season. Do you want to write your own. You should. And share here so I can add a few more things. If you need a bit of inspiration check out my previous list (spring bucket list 2019 and spring list 2016).

Happy Sunday

Tobia

Corona Diaries – Week 3

- Tobia Leave a comment

Another week has gone by with our new normal. Here are my corona diaries for a quick recap and saving all this craziness for the generations (HA!) to come.

craftaliciousme-seeking-creative-life-corona-dairies-I

Number of days at home?

22 days so far, only left the house on Tuesday for groceries shopping. Tried to go have a walk but it was to crowded for me so I cut it short and went back home. Also the cemetery – where I was going to have my walk – was closed and only open to very limited hours.

How is the political situation?

Nothing much has changed. The contact ban was extended until April 19 so another three weeks at least. But that wasn’t really surprising. Currently discussions are made if a face mask should be required if walking in public. So far it is recommended at some places.

How is the work situation?

I was able to write some invoices. But I haven’t been able to earn anything more. Also I was able to receive financial support by the government. This makes me very happy and gives a bit of breathing room. Worked pro bono a lot. If the company makes it to the other side I will be able to charge. That’s our deal. And I attended a webinar or two.

How is the mood?

Actually pretty good. Most times I am ok. No problem with being at home, no real stress being home all day together. Currently I don’t really miss much. However I would have gone for more walks on different circumstances.

Any favorite moments?

  • Snowflakes dancing in front of the window
  • Long, deep, good talks with Mr. ♡
  • Being creative one afternoon

What was the worst moment?

Sunday night I sat down and thought about my living will. This made me quite emotional.

What is stressful right now?

Organizing food and toilet paper. I was trying to find toilet paper in over 5 stores but no such luck. And it’s been like that for two weeks. Luckily my neighbor was able to grab some and brought it up.

Any makes/DIYs this week?

Wrote 10 postcards and letters. Also crafted some envelopes. Started cutting pieces for a face mask to sew together.

What’s for lunch/dinner?

  • lots of Knäckebrot (crisp bread) for lunch
  • pasta with wild garlic used this recipe
  • rice and prawns
  • grilled cheese sandwich and fruit salad
  • Tomato soup with mozzarella cheese
  • ordered pizza

And this was another week. How have you been doing? Any struggles? Anything amazing happening?

Take care and stay safe

Tobia

BOOKS I READ IN MARCH

- Tobia Leave a comment

The first quarter of this year is over. It feels like we have already lived through a decade again. When looking back at all the goals and plans for 2020 it’s almost comedic. Life can change within a couple of days. Good thing books are a constant. After struggling through a couple tough ones reading picked up again. However I didn’t find any hidden gems lately. I finished 3 books and one I missed telling you about in February.

kindle book with cherry blossom books I read in march craftaliciousme seeking creative life abalone und das tiegergesicht

Abalone und das Tigergesicht by Christine Li | ★★★⭐︎⭐︎

What’s it about: A young sorceress is supposed to be married off. She’d rather learn fire magic. Disguised as a tiger she is embarking on an adventure during the night where evil spirits are roaming free. A book about growing up and realizing your parents aren’t quiet what you thought them to be.
What I thought: A book so very different from anything I have read. It is an asian fairy tale with magic and and dragons and mystic tales, hope and shadows and all things in between. It did take me a bit to find my footing in this new adventure. And even though I only gave three stars it is a series I look forward continuing to read. I believe it will become stronger in the following books. This was only ground work.
Language: German, not translated yet
Recommend to: If you like fantasy, fairy tales and strong female characters, other cultures and a different approach.

Uncle Toms Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe | ★★★⭐︎⭐︎

What’s it about: The story of Tom a slave in Kentucky who is sold off. Having to leave his family he ends up at a very brutal place. His faiths keeps him going even forgiving his tormentors. A story of slavery and religion. The book that started the Cicil War.
What I thought: This book has been on my reading list for a while. When my mom mentioned it was one of the books that stayed with her it moved up on my list. Oh man did I struggle with this one… I started reading in English. I had to switch to German because I had no f*** clue what was going on. It got mildly better in German. However I didn’t really liked the story. The writing is just horrible to be honest. The story itself is all over the place jumping from one character to the next with no real reason or intention. This way you can hardly like any of the characters. Why did I rate it with three stars you might wonder. Mainly due to the epilogue. This was gold. Placing the story in historic context, giving reason behind by the author herself and seeing the goal she pursued. And this is really something you have to bow to. Considering the time, the place and that the author was female. I am glad I’ve read it. However it was no pleasure.
Language: English and German
Recommend to: Everyone who can manage to get through this writing. It puts things in perspective and I believe knowledge is key to become better humans.

Wir sind Eure Töchter, Nicht eure Ehre by Serap Cilli | ★★★⭐︎⭐︎

What’s it about: The autobiography of Turkish suffragette and her long way to happiness. Forced to marry at the age of 15 after avoiding a previous engagement only through a suicid attempt. After seven years of living in rural Turkey she finally had her parents agree to divorce only to have the next husband lined up in Germany. By breaking with her family and fleeing to a women shelter with her kids she finally managed to start her life.
What I thought: It was very interesting for me to read and get a peek into a totally different culture and lifestyle. Some scenes were really horrible and hard to believe. I always feel like it is not fair to judge an autobiography. The writing wasn’t really good and you could tell that it was often tainted by hurt feelings and wrath. Which is understandable. However it left a sour taste in my mouth specially towards the end when complaining was added.
Language: German, currently no translation
Recommend to: Everyone interested in learning about the struggles of Turkish women and the reality of forced marriage.

She belongs to me by Carmen de Sousa | ★★⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎

What’s it about: Charlotte police officer Jordan Monroe is used to being in control. On a business trip, however, he meets the one person who throws his life into a whirlwind–Jaynee. Five years later, Jordan finds Jaynee on their back porch with a gunshot wound to the head. While Jaynee lies in a coma, Jordan has to go back to their beginning and figure out what went wrong. Did he push his wife to the edge, or has her past come back to haunt them?
What I thought: A very cliché and rather mediocre story. A bit of a waste of time as I was hoping it is more of a suspense novel with a pinch of romance (instead the other way around). Fortunately it got me back into a reading routine.
Language: English
Recommend to: If you like mindless chick-flicks go for it.

It was an ok reading month I guess. Often I was not able to concentrate on the story, my mind wandered and so I had to re-read passages. It’s ok. It will be different.

Now let me know about a good book you can recommend. I have finished up my no-spent-months and I could purchase books again. HA.

Happy reading

Tobia

Corona Diaries – Week 1 & 2

- Tobia Leave a comment

The pandemic is holding this world in suspense. Is there a country not yet affected by the corona virus? I doubt it. I didn’t want to make this a huge topic on my blog. But I feel like when this is all over we will sit by the fire and tell our “war stories” and laugh about it, pad us on the shoulders that we are some tough fellas and celebrate with a beer (or Moscow Mule). And for those moments I will capture the days in my corona diaries.

Number of days at home?

We started the with an official quarantine on March 12 after Mr. ♡ went to the doctors to get tested. Until the result came back we were in quarantine (until Saturday 14th when the test came back negative). Mr. ♡ started home office on Wednesday 18th and hasn’t left the house since then as he is still sick. I went outside to a dentist appointment on Monday 16th and to run some errands like getting birthday presents. Since then I only went outside to get some groceries.

How is the political situation?

Schools and universities have closed on Monday 16th and many offices have shut down and have their employees working from home. Since Friday 20th we have official contact ban meaning no meeting/talking with people on the streets or meeting outside. Only two people are allowed to walk together on the street unless living together. Personal sport and movement outside is allowed but no sitting outside.

How is the work situation?

March 12th was my Black Friday when three of my four clients canceled all engagements. The only one still running is only putting out 2 days a months and I assume will get reduced too. Of course that doesn’t pay bills. March will be ok so far. Since payments come in in April that will keep me going but from May on out it will be a tough stretch. Honestly I don’t expect business to pick up before the end of the year…

How is the mood?

I had to get used to having Mr. ♡ hop around during the day. This took a couple days to getting used to and finding a new routine. But since he used to work from home as a freelancer before and I am working from home since 2017 we were both not having many issues. But still it’s a bit stressful at times. Specially when it comes around the questions of “what’s for lunch/dinner”.

Any favorite moments?

  • First lunch on the balcony in the sunshine.
  • Facetime coffee break with my sister.
  • Facetime call by my nephew
  • A battle of Song Pop Party with Mr. ♡

What was the worst moment?

Hearing about family members who don’t really take this as seriously as we do and run around even though being in the risk group. Angry, sad, helpless… all the feelings.

What is stressful right now?

In the beginning it was watching all the news and reading stuff with the first coffee. This got a bit better. Also some moments/situations of anxiety that bubble up.

What was fun?

Laughing with the husband. Seeing the neighbors across the street dance. Looking at Spanish song lyrics one evening.

Any makes/DIYs this week?

Shoot a couple photos with the phone. Decorated an envelope. Wrote blog posts. Blew out eggs. Fixing some holes in the wall and making new ones.

What’s for lunch/dinner?

Suddenly cooking more and trying to find meals we both enjoy. Hard thing. But we had

  • Fish (fingers), mashed potatoes and cucumber salad
  • Pasta with pesto, mozzarella and tomatoes
  • Lasagne
  • Pizza & chicken fricassee
  • Käsespätzle
  • Meatballs with veggies and potatoes
  • Königsberger Klopse (German meatballs in caper sauce) with potatoes

If you feel like you need to adapt the corona diaries to keep sane feel free to join me. I was inspired by tastesheriff and made my own version.

Happy quarantine to you and stay healthy

Tobia

25 Ideas when Staying Home is inevitable

- Tobia 4 Comments
craftaliciousme seeking creative life 20 ideas when staying home

The whole world is going crazy because of the virus and the restrictions being put out to keep the pandemic as small as possible. Honestly not much is changing for me. I work from home, I might need to reduce my lunch walks but usually they are made at the cemetery (not many people there). My weekends are spent at home most times. So I think I can adjust much easier than other people. If you are one of those who need to get out, meet people and have activities lined up I got you covered. Here are 25 ideas when staying home.

  1. Reading a book – self explanatory. Have a look at my recommendations if you haven’t picked one up in a while.
  2. Crafting for Easter – we probably need to stay home until the holidays. Time to craft something you never find time for. I will definitely make some more Sorbian Easter eggs.
  3. Writing letters – when was the last time friends and family got a handwritten letter? Now is the time to pick up that habit again. While running errands today I picked up some stamps. Let me know if we should start a pen-pal-friendship offline.
  4. Learning a language – now is the time to freshen up your language skills so next time we are able to visit countries again we are all ready to go. I will work on my Spanish skills.
  5. Baking & Cooking – how many recipe books do you own? And how many recipe have you actually done? Could be a fun way to work through books and discover new favorite meals. Or maybe you find a recipe on this blog and give it a try.
  6. Making a photo book – are you taking images and never really look at them once saved on your phone? Or do you still have printed copies in a shoe box. Make a photo album.
  7. Dreaming up a bucket list – don’t have a bucket list? Time to start dreaming about all the things you’d like to do.
  8. Learning photography – when confined to one space, learning photography poses new challenges and option. Looking at the same things over and over again sparks creativity.
  9. Watching a tutorial – watch a tutorial on something you always wanted to learn.
  10. Growing an herb garden – watch something grow when not being able to spend time in nature. Maybe you want to cultivate an herb garden, or maybe you’d like flowers on your balcony this summer? Start now.
  11. Repairing your clothes – favorite pant has a hole? The blouse misses a button? Small fixes passes time.
  12. Meditating – too hectic around you? Try meditation.
  13. Sorting your purse – it’s never a bad idea to look through the purse. Hidden gems can be found.
  14. Commenting – now is the time to finally leave a comment at your favorite blogs and instagram accounts you always read.
  15. Cleaning the windows – it’s amazing how uplifting clean windows can be.
  16. Reducing your watch list – of course now is the time to watch all those movies and shows on your watchlist.
  17. Playing a board game – if you are not stuck at home alone consider playing a board game. But even through FaceTime some games can be played.
  18. Making a scrub – how about taking some time and do a body scrub. Check out my coffee cinnamon scrub or maybe you prefer an avocado sugar scrub.
  19. Painting – the walls or just a piece of paper
  20. Dancing – by yourself. Or maybe learning those salsa steps finally.
  21. Selling things – are there some items you always wanted to get rid of? Lets put them up on craigslist or Ebay and get them out the house.
  22. Painting – no matter if some small doodles or the big canvas. Art is always a good idea.
  23. Challenging someone – now that we don’t get much radius for activity it would be fun to start some challenges to increase steps and activities.
  24. Thanking – people who keep this countries going, who work to their bones, who have lots of responsibility and don’t think about them selves.
  25. Journaling – maybe a practice to pick up know to let people in a couple of years know what this crazy time was like.

These are my 25 ideas when staying home. Let me know which ones you’d like to add. And what are your plans for the next days/weeks/months?

Happy social distancing

Tobia