Just Life

READING GOALS FOR 2020

- Tobia Leave a comment

I recently learnt that a person reads about 2.000 books in a lifetime. My first initial thought was that’s not much. Than I thought I’d like to think I read more. I told my husband and he started immediately calculating. Well… you need to read 50 books for 40 years straight to manage 2.000 book. This might be tough. No, screw that it makes me anxious. Now I start second guessing if it’s really smart to pick up the cheesy romance and third class crime novels if I can only manage so many books in a lifetime.

To make the most of it here are my reading goals for 2020:

Catching up on classics and world literature

There are so many books that won prizes, from renowned authors everyone talks about, classics of world literature I never looked at. Time to cross a few more off of that list and see what it is all about.

  • Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wild – this will be my first book of this author.
  • Uncle Toms Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe – time to close a gap in literary blindness.
  • Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann – I tried Mann many many years ago and always fell asleep after a couple pages. Last chance dear friend.
  • Amerika by Franz Kafka – I guess it can not hurt to have read one Kafka.
  • Deutschstunde by Siegfried Lenz – I’ve stumble across this one since I can read. Time to pick it up.

Tackling my physical TBR list

I currently own close to 50 unread books. I am sure I forgot to count a couple. Time to read a few of them in 2020.

  • The Rabbi by Noah Gordon – I have read a few of his books and was never disappointed. So I look forward to this one.
  • Small Great Things by Jody Picoult – lets’s see what all the fuzz is about. The story does sound interesting too.
  • Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger – a book I received through a book swap and it seems a bit out of my usual reading genre but I feel like it’s time to read a story like that. ✔️ January 2020
  • Wir sind eure Töchter nicht eure Ehre by Seraph Çilili – I have no idea how this book came to be on my shelf or if I actually already read it. However it sounds interesting so I want to know more.
  • In Zeiten des abnehmenden Lichts by Eugen Ruge – this was my book for Christmas and it’s won many book prizes. And it’s been hyped as the modern Buddenbrook so it would be good to read them both in one year.

Pleasure reads, fantasy, favorites

  • Smoke and Bone trilogy by Laini Taylor – After last years good experience with this author I really look forward to reading those books. ✔️ Book I – January 2020
  • A Darker Shade of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab – I’ve come across this trilogy quite a bit recently and I am rather curious to read it now.
  • The Solitaire Mystery by Jostein Gardner – a re-read of one of my most favorite books by one of my favorite authors ever. Do you know it?
  • A book by Madeline Miller – I hear great things and I would like to read either Circe or The Song of Achilles.
  • Die ferne Hoffnung by Ellin Carsta – I love a good historic novel and this one sounds like a good journey. ✔️ January 2020
  • A Christmas Book – not sure which one, recommendations welcome

Challenging books, non-fiction & guidance

Besides lovely stories, epic fantasy worlds and romance novels I like to keep my mind fresh by throwing in a few books that are a bit harder and challenging to read for me. Those usually take a lot of time, I can not read them in a short span of time and I often really have to work through them. Those books are also the ones I prefer to hold in my hand, to leave through, go back and maybe even scribble in the margin.

  • The Creative Habit: Learn stand use it for Life, Twyla Tharp – I have not been able to finish as planned in 2019. I will tackle this longtime reading project in 2020.
  • A Brief History of Time, Stephan Hawkins – I am interested in this topic but at the same time a bit scared it might be too intellectual for me. But I will only know if I read it. That is why it is on the reading list for the second year in the row.
  • Big Dreams, Daily Joy by Elise Blaha Cripe – I love her vibe and her everything so I bought the book just to support. I am curious how much I can still pick up after following for so long.
  • Quran – after reading the Bible in 2019 I move on and will be diving into Islam and it’s culture.
  • The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama – you can never not learn about happiness.

Overall I am aiming to read 53 books throughout the year. This is my highest goal I’ve set yet. However I have read 62 in 2019 so I know it’s possible. This reading list only includes 25 books. That leaves room to wiggle and be spontaneous. However my plan is to read lots of books I already own and swap many of those I won’t want to read again.

If you also like to keep track of your reading and love a good recommendation come join me on Goodreads. But be warned as you might find more books than you will ever be able to look at in a lifetime.

Happy reading friends

Tobia

2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge
Tobia has read 7 books toward her goal of 53 books.
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MOXIE 2020 – Time for those resolutions

- Tobia Leave a comment

This post is one of my most cherished New Years Traditions. It all starts with finding a word for the New Year. Once that is done the goals, intentions and dreams are manifesting. Or is it the other way around? Do dreams lurk in the shadows of unconciousness and give hints so the right word emerges? Whichever way it is, it is working.

Looking back to the six+ years I have been doing the practice the words all have had value – some more some less:
💭 2013 – CRAFTALICIOUSME
💭 2014 – unfortunately I can’t remember a motto or word
💭 2015 – APPRECIATION
💭 2016 – LOSE
💭 2017 – BECOME Venturous & Lightsome
💭 2018 – BEAUTIFY
💭 2019 – TRUST

This years word will be MOXIE. I have not the slightest idea how that one sneaked up on me. I’ve heard of it but I couldn’t have told you what it meant. Maybe I still can’t quite grasp it but it feels right. The word is of Yiddish origin and the urban dictionary says: “It means a person full of energy, pep, courage or determination.” And that is exactly what I try to find, live and celebrate in 2020. Any additional layers this word offers will have to be discovered.

I am having one overall goal or intention this year and that is to wrap up projects. To no longer just talk about all the thing I’d like to do, to day dream about the the things that I start one day, when time is finally right. No this year I want to do. I want to find the ENERGY to start a project and finish it. To have enough focus and determination to see it through. On the other hand I need the courage to finally decide if certain things deserve to reappear on my to-do list over and over again. If I can’t find time and energy to start maybe it never was a project to follow through. And don’t forget the task that are a necessity to life that need to be taken care of, that spark no joy, that just belong to adulthood. I need to takle those as well. Don’t procrastinate, don’t find excuses – start, do, finish!

Then there are the hidden dreams, the nuggets of an unspoken ideas. The ones I lack the CONDFIDENCE to talk about, take the first step, just give it a chance to see if it is something worth persuing. The things that just need to be started and figured out while you are already on your way and wondering what took you so long to take that first step. I need to find my MOXIE. My spark that I have lost somewhere in the beginning of the last decade. I want to go out into the world and grab opportunities, leave my comfort zone, test out new things, speak my mind when necessary but also learn to find my inner core.

I will probably start by reading a couple books because you can never not be prepared. For one Elise’s book “Big Dreams, Daily Joys” I specially saved for January, And the other one “Step into your moxie” fitting my word perfectly. Maybe I’ll be recreating this sweater.

Did you choose a little word to guide you through 2020? Feel free to share in the comments, I’d love to hear it.

Happy New Year to you and may it be a perfect one to start off a new decade

Tobia

MY 2019: SEVEN YEARS OF BLOGGING

- Tobia Leave a comment

Who would have thought in 2013 that seven years later I am still here. I am still typing away on this space in the internet and there are (still) a few people finding it’s way to my site. So I will not break the chain and once again reminisce about what has happened in the blogging world in 2019 and in seven years of blogging. (Feel free to hop on to previous years year six, year five, year four, year three, year two, year one).

Blogging

Compared to last year I have been showing up more consistently and I can proudly say there hasn’t been a months I didn’t blog. Yeah me! Overall there were 38 posts published. My personal favorite was the recap of me moving to the U.S. 20 years ago but I also had a lot of fun writing the reading list for 2019. It comes as no surprise that the most time consuming post to wrote was my 101 goals in 1000 days though.
But let’s have a look about your favorites this year:

  • sorbian easter eggs tutorial
  • handmade vegan bath bombs
  • Schmorgurken – German Summer Dish – craftaliciousme seeking creative life
1. Sorbian Easter Egg Tutorial, 2. Homemade Vegan Bath Bombs, 3. Schmorgurken – Favorite Summer Dish

Your most visited post from this year though was my round-up of my current favorite Instagram accounts and the (almost) monthly coffee dates are also well liked.

Social Media

I spent a lot of time on Instagram this year. And even though my following has not increased I deleted all the spam accounts and lonely soldiers It was great way for me to connect to people and have some lovely conversations. I even got to meet people in real life. I have tried to re-connect with Twitter but somehow have not really been able to. Do you still use twitter? Also I have not been neglecting Pinterest a little and might need to spent more time there next year.

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I can not not participate in the #bestofnine shenanigans and because we are ending a decade and I am on Instagram for half swipe to see previous years. Happy with what the computer says my best nine moments are: crafts, morning ritual, vacations, working on my photography skills, serendipitous finds and stepping out of my comfort zone. Let’s continue like that. But now have some wonderful last hours in 2019 enjoy them to the fullest and the embrace 2020 with all its opportunities. Thanks for making me part of your day by stopping by, liking and commenting. See next year ✨ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #yearinreview #byebye2019 #hello2020 #diyblogger bloggerlife #100dayproject #creativelifestyleblog #creativelifestyleblogger #kleinerfeinerfeed #berlin #growcreativively #creativeideas #explorecreativity

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Over all I have found more joy and love in blogging in 2019 than in previous years. I had many more posts to write and drafted but since I had my arm injury I need to slow things down. I am hoping for 2020 I will be able to continue or maybe post a little bit more. If you have something your would like to read about let me know in the comments. If you want to follow along for my journey in year eight add me on Feedly or Bloglovin. Also lots of talk happening over at Instagram of course.

Happy New Year

Tobia

COLLECTION OF WALL CALENDAR FOR 2020 {FREEBIES}

- Tobia Leave a comment

Slowly very very slowly I try to settle into this new year. Into this new decade. My desk is still a mess. My plan to at least have that desk cleared by end of 2019 didn’t quite work out and here I am trying to create a blank slate to start fresh and new. With minimal success. Instead I have searched the web for free printable calendars to make my office space look all ready to go – once it is cleaned. Well, now that I have spent all that time why don’t I share what I have come across.

Boho Calendar by botanical paperworks

I like the natural vibe this one gives off and it is a contender for the one ending up in my room as the colors are so fitting too.

Selflove calendar by mirrorworld

Last year I used Viktorias calendar and again this year I love the floral embellishments and the little quote. Another hot contender for my office.

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Dadaaaa, er ist wieder da: Mein Kalender 2020 zum Ausdrucken. Inzwischen schon eine kleine Tradition gibt es ihn für 2020 wieder in zwei Designs (👉🏻 www.mymirrorworld.com). Und als kleines Plus habe ich mir dieses Jahr auch was Spezielles für dich überlegt: Eine monatliche Selflove Inspiration und Motivation, um dir jeden Monat aufs Neue ins Gedächtnis zu rufen, wie toll du bist. Selflove und Selfcare ist übrigens nichts, was du einmal im Monat machst und dann ist die Sache erledigt. Vielmehr ist es ein Prozess, du musst laufend daran arbeiten und dich immer wieder selbst daran erinnern, wie wichtig Achtsamkeit im Alltag für dein Wohlbefinden ist. Kleine Routinen können dir dabei helfen. Wie zum Beispiel die Woche mit deinem Kalender zu planen und dir den jeweiligen Selflove-Satz bewusst durchzulesen. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #mymirrorworld #selflove #sinnfluencer #mindfulliving #adventkalender #adventskalender #selfloveadventkalender #selfloveadventskalender #diy #diyblogger_de #selfcare

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Typography calendar by vorstadtleben

Another clean and simple calendar with a bit of embellishing font. It also has some space to add information or notes.

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Besser spät als gar nicht 😉 Nachdem mich so viele Nachrichten erreicht haben ob und wann es den Freebie Kalender für 2020 geben wird, ist er jetzt endlich fertig und zum Download bereit 😀 Ich habe mir mal die Download-Statistik von letztem Jahr angeguckt und musste tatsächlich drei Mal hingucken 😳 Über 10.000 Mal wurde der Kalender für 2019 runtergeladen – das ist wirklich überwältigend und ich freue mich riesig, dass ich Euch mit diesem Freebie eine Freude machen kann 🥰 Ihr findet den brandneuen Kalender 2020 zum kostenlosen Download im aktuellen Blogbeitrag 👉🏻 http://www.vorstadtleben.de/2019/12/18/das-wird-mein-jahr-freebie-kalender-2020-download-kostenlos/ #freebie #kalender #kalender2020 #printable #download #vonmirfüreuch #kostenlos

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Minimalistic calendar by paulsvera

If you like a simple clean calendar this minimalistic design might be right up your alley. Every year I save it but in the end I guess I am a bit more playful.

Floral calendar by papertraildesign

A colorful calendar with floral watercolor images to spruce up the office space and make you smile.

Fun Pattern calendar by gatheringbeauty

This calendar instantly spreads happiness and cheer with its colorful patterns. For some it might be a bit too childlike but I could think of a few you’d like this.

Blush calendar by colorfuldisaster

This is such a cute calendar and I love everything about it. The graphics, the quotes – however I wished they were on the calendar pages to read them throughout the months.

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• | NOW #OnTheBlog | • Como ustedes ya saben, a lo ‪largo de estos 6‬ años con el blog he diseñando y creado varios planners imprimibles para ustedes que se que les gustan mucho. Cada fin de año ya es parte de mi rutina diseñarles un calendario completo para el próximo año que esté por comenzar, y claro este año no podía ser la excepción. 🙌🏼 Desde YA podrán obtener el nuevo Monthly Printable Calendar 2020 GRATIS, solo tienen que hacer clic en el enlace en nuestro perfil, visitar la publicación y descargarlo. Espero que les guste mucho, me dejan saber su opinión y qué otros diseños/planners quieren que les haga. 💛 ¡Un abrazo! #MyColorfulPlanner #ColorfulFreebies 📱@missfrannn 💕 ➡️ Enlace directo en nuestro perfil.

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As always you can find a few more on my Pinterest Board. Enjoy picking out your little calendar for next year. And let me know which one you decided to print.
Happy day to you

Tobia

All shown calendars are hand selected by me. When you click the headline you will directly go to the website of the creator. This is not a sponsored post I just like to share my finds and if that is advertising other creatives work so be it.

Hello winter – bucket list for my favorite season

- Tobia 2 Comments

Winter is here. At least for me. As you may know winter starts December 1 or with the first snow fall. It least in my house. The snowfall usually comes later. This year however I am somewhat caught off guard. I just haven’t gotten all the things done I felt I needed to do. I have still too much work stuff to cross off the list to enjoy the season. I can’t craft as much as I’d like to due to my arm injury and in general life just flies by. To make the most of my favorite season I wrote yet another bucket list. But let’s do a quick check-in of the fall list first:

1. ✔𝗫 Finishing #the100daysofcraftaliciousimages project. Crossed off a few days.
2. ✔𝗫 Participating in #inktober – painted twice… better than nothing
3. ✔𝗫 Participating in #NaBloPoMO again – I made it on half the days.
4. 𝗫 Sew a pencil skirt
5. ✔ Baking pumpkin muffins – so yummy
6. ✔ Take walks and enjoy the changing season. 
7. ✔ Sell stuff on eBay 
8. ✔ Read Dracula 
9. ✔ Spending a weekend in Venice
10. ✔ Getting cozy
11. ✔ Getting started on xmas presents

craftaliciousme seeking creative life meadow with dew

Here is my winter bucket list to celebrate my favorite season.

1. Take a walk in the snowfall.
Nothing better than watch the dancing snowflakes and feeling the cold air on your cheeks.

2. ✔ Go to a Christmas concert.
As every year I am invited to a classical concert my godfathers wife is organizing. It will be my own personal Christmas party since I don’t work in an office anymore.

3. Get into Holiday spirit.
As I said I was caught by surprise this year. So I will try to find the spirit in all the odd places.

4. Celebrate our 6. Wedding Anniversary
I can not believe it’s been that long but it’s true. I feel like treating ourselves to a little anniversary trip. Maybe after seeing Helsinki for the 4th we go see Oslo now…

5. Visit Roncalli Christmas Circus
My littlest sister asked to spend an afternoon together eating cookies and visiting the circus since she won’t be home for Christmas this time around.

6. Plan vacations for 2020
It’s never too early thinking about a vacation. Usually we are always too late, everything is booked and we end up doing compromises. Maybe if you start spitballing ideas now, we might go on a bigger trip coming year.

7. Unravel 2019 and find a word for 2020
I am so looking forward to Susannah Conways workbook. I think it will be year 5 I am doing it. It’s the best during the years to reflect and get focus.

8. Go ice skating
I know this one makes the list every year. Hopefully it will be cold enough so the lakes are frozen and this will happen.

9. Try to catch a snowflake on camera.
I always wanted to do that but never did. Hope to find the the time.

10. Spend some cozy days with Mr. ♡.
He plans on a three week vacation over the holidays so I foresee lots of relaxing and movies.

11. Be kind
In times where everyone runs around hectic and stressed I want to make a conscious effort to be nice. This pdf should be a good reminder.

Did you make a list for the season? I’d love to have a peek. If you need inspiration you might find it here, here and here.

Happy December

Tobia