10 Things

10 things you don’t know about me :: part v

- Tobia 2 Comments

Today marks the start of yet another attempt in doing a whole months of blogging. Also known as NaBloPoMo. It will be my third time doing it (read about 2017 and 2018). It’s always fun to come across new blogs, engage more and spent more time writing. So if you want to join let me know. And as tradition has it I kick of my NaBloPo month with a fun post about 10 things you don’t know about me. Here we go:

1. I am voice conscious

Meaning if I can’t listen to a voice I can not bear to be in it’s vicinity – if I can help it. It makes me aggressive and unpleasant to be a round. This is one reason why I never watched Sex in the City. For the life of me I can not listen to Sarah Jessica Parker. Same thing with Meredith from Grey’s Anatomy. Also a couple podcast are just not for me even though the content would be so interesting.

2. I fell off a chair lift

Unfortunately this is no joke. It was my second or third year skiing and the first time using a chairlift. Before that I’ve only used platter lifts. I was nervous how to get on or even off. So was my mom who was riding with me. I ended up only sitting on the edge and once the ascent started I was lifted of the ground , well I dropped. It was already high like two or three meters. Lucky for me there was a snow pile so it was a soft landing. But it took me a couple years to give it another try. Later on I managed to take chairlifts with a snowboard. So I guess no matter how deep you fall always get a back up.

3. I always open my mail right away

Most likely you’ll find me ripping open envelopes while walking up to my apartment. Unless it’s some very important mail. Like a letter from a person and I really want to have time reading. The other thing I don’t open is invoice mail that arrives monthly. Other then that I need to know what it says right away. Curious much… Might be!

4. I can’t wear beanies, hats or such things

While I often love the look unfortunately I always look like I am just coming from chemotherapy. However I do look pretty good with glasses – don’t need any though.

5. I find everything with zombies rather annoying

Once I realize a movie has zombies in I am bored. It’s just stupid. I find aliens much more believable. Or any sort of super hero, wizard or magical creature. Or vampires – well you could argue they are some sort of zombies … but at least they usually look good.

6. I snuggle my hot water bottle most nights

Yep, true thing. I actually have scars from hugging it too tight and burning myself during the night. But it’s so cozy and warm…

7. I  have never stayed in a hospital.

Lucky me I’ve never needed to stay in a hospital over night. Not saying I haven’t spent a night in a hospital but it was sitting beside a bed. I honestly hope I didn’t jinx it by writing it down.

8. I only eat salted popcorn

There used to be a time when I had no idea salty popcorn excists. That was pre-1999. Then I took a trip to the U.S. to spent an exchange year. First time having popcorn I was utterly confused as it was salty. After the initial shock of not eating what you expect I never went back to sugared popcorn. Unfortunately it still isn’t much common in Germany.

9. I recognize people by their hair

I guess everyone has some sort of key features to differentiate people when meeting them for the first time. For me it’s hair. I usually know how it looks and what style it was. So when we would meet a second time and in between a color change happened or just ponytail to open style … uhhh I might not recognize you again. Sorry…

10. I don’t peel potatoes

I remember a lunch with my grandparents and my grandma didn’t take of the peel from her potatoes. When I asked her why she explained you could eat it and during the time of war they always did. So for me it was a challenge to give it a try. I was pre-school back then I think. I believed I did something cool by not peeling them anymore. Ever since then I resist peeling potatoes. It’s just boring and such a waste of time. And it really doesn’t taste that different.

Well, that’s it for this year. If you liked this kind of post you might be interested to read part I, part II, part III and part IV version of this post. I’d also love to hear one fun fact about you in the comments. Looking forward meeting you.

Cheers

Tobia

Winter Bucket List 2018

- Tobia 2 Comments

I have said it before and I do so again: For me winter starts with Advent. Screw the metrological calendar and the date December 21. Lets start right now and compile a Winter Bucket List. They are fun. But be before we dive head on in lets have a quick look on my fall list and how I did there.

  1. ✔ Making apple sauce. with my friend and it was fun
  2. ✔Sewing a maxi skirt. A picture of me wearing it ended up on this blogpost.
  3. ✔Make a tassel necklace. Do you want to see a picture?
  4. Try a new pumpkin recipe.
  5. ✔Drink lots of tea.
  6. ✔ Read even more books. Read about my favorite books 2018 here & here.
  7. ✔Taking walks in the park and cemetery and observe the leaves changing. See here.
  8. Go mushroom picking.
  9. ✔Celebrate my mothers 60th birthday.
  10. ✔ Participating in a charity. Here is my blogpost about the experience.
  11. ✔Going to BLOGST a blogging conference. Read about my experience and what I learnt about networking here.
  12. ✔ Work on my craft lab. Well, this is semi done I’d say. Not as far as I would like but you can see progress. However I won’t manage my yearly goal I am afraid.
  13. ✔ Making a floral arrangement for Sunday of the Dead. I made two arrangements however only for my grandparents grave.
  14. Sitting on the balcony listening to the rain.
  15. ✔ Reading more blogs and commenting. Definitely did that and commented almost daily.
  16. ✔ Enjoying a spa day with myself.

Wow I did not expect to have this much crossed of my list. craftaliciousme seeking creative life winter list 2018

Now lets get on with the most happiest season of the years WINTER

  1. Read a Christmas Book
    suggestions welcome, could be a classic too. If I can’t find a new one I might just re-read a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
  2. Spread Random Acts of Kindness
    It’s been on my list last year but it doesn’t hurt to re-activate: smiling to the cashier, meeting the postman half way, let an old lady in front of the line in the post office, etc. something like that.
  3. Ice Skating
    another one that keeps re-appearing on my list but it just hasn’t been cold enough to go on the lake. And no I don’t do ice rinks. This girl doesn’t like going in circles…
  4. Christmas Movies
    I’ve got 5 weeks to watch them all. Already put some on the watchlist. Suggestions welcome.
  5. Cancel all appointments in December
    Last year I read on someones blog that she never schedules doctors appointments or any “friends” meet-up in December. Because why, if you haven’t got time to do so all year why squeeze it in last minute. So I won’t do it. Instead have already planned it in January. If people ask to meet who are not too close – next year. Only things I do is stuff I like – spa days, hair cut, etc.
  6. Planning next years Christmas
    Mr. 🖤 and I want to spend a snowy Christmas in Lapland and trying to convince my family to join for two years now. Cabins are booked early so if we want to make it happen we need to book like right now.
  7. Taking a photo walk
    I love being out and seeing things when I have camera in hand. Somehow the view is different and I start hunting pretty scenes. The focus shifts.
  8. Crafting
    I want to sew, make jewellery and paint. But I set a goal to only use materials I have already at hand and not buy new stuff. It’s kind of cleaning up and making something pretty.
  9. Christmas Concert
    I would love to go to a concert maybe even the Christmas Oratorio. Maybe I can get my Mom to join.
  10. Celebrate Dads 60th
    It’s going to be a big celebration with it’s annual tradition.
  11. Find a word 2019
    I love to Unravel my Year and then set goals for the new one. For many years now I do so by setting a Word of the Year. Who else is doing that?

I am excited for the last month of 2018 however also a bit sad as it means I have only 4 more weeks to get everything done I set out to achieve in 2018. Now let me know if you compiled a winter list so I can steal a few items.

Happy December,

Tobia

10 Things you don’t know about me Part IV

- Tobia 3 Comments

Hello you, hello November,

last year has been my first time participating in NaBloMo and it was such a fun experience. I was quite exhausted in the end but as they say “creativity breeds creativity” and so I ended up with a head full of more ideas and articles to share. I’d like to tap into that creative energy again, join in the fun of the community and maybe get to know more awesome blogs to read on the way. Maybe you are new here then this first post is perfect for (check out part 1, part 2, part 3). If you stop by often – thank you it’s much appreciated.

But let’s spill a few random facts about me:

1. I’ve tattooed someone.

Actually it was a permanent make up which is the same procedure as tattooing just with slightly different equipment. So yes I did eyebrows, eyeliner and lips. It was one of the most fascinating and funniest things I ever did and I actually am quite talented. It was part of on-boarding at work. In my next life I might choose a different career.

2. I don’t like Pizza.

So if people suggest lets go to an Italian place assuming it’s a safe choice it’s usually the bottom of my list. Because rarely they can do a good risotto and I can do pasta on my own. Pizza is just not my preferred choice. I have it maybe once a year.

3. I don’t like making presents.

Picking up something specially when running on a deadline just overwhelms me. I hate it and makes me annoyed. I always feel I will get the wrong this but I am also not chill enough to tell people to return it if they don’t like it. So do the best thing possible – for me – and whine long enough and Mr. ♥ is taking care of it.

4. I take of my wedding band every time I get home.

Yep true. I only wear it when leaving the house. Hubby does it too. Why? Well we are at home and we know who we belong to here, right? Also I don’t want to ruin it when cooking, cleaning and crafting.

5. My first kiss was a bet by some teenage boys.

Obviously I wasn’t aware until I saw a crowd cheering us on. And as for stereotypes he was Italian, his name was Paulo, I was on summer camp and we were on the beach.

craftaliciousme seeking creative loving photography

6. Always had the same mobile phone number.

For the last 18 years since 2000. Also never had a contract always prepaid. True story. And yes I started very late with the mobile business.

7. I always break the egg yolk in my sunny side up eggs.

There is nothing worse than “living eggs”. If there are in anyway still slimy I will puke. So I will break the yolk to be sure it will be done.

8. My super power of choice would be time travel.

Imagine all the history you could experience. All the things to learn. People to meet. All the events to witness. What would yours be?

9. You almost always find me with cozy socks in bed.

It’s cozy. I like it. End of story.

10. I have dedicated pens for dedicated notebooks.

If I don’t have the right pen I might not write it down or rather use a separate piece of paper and copy it in later. Or just don’t write at all. And yes I do have too many pens and too many notebooks.

Alright, now let me know one thing about you!

Cheers,

Tobia

10 THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME :: PART III

- Tobia 2 Comments

This little series is kinda fun and so i figured after part I in 2014, part II in 2016 its time for another one. So let me re-introduce myself:

1. I have read Anne Franks Diary six time during my teens.

It was just very captivating for me. And I really want to visit the house they lived in Amsterdam. However I have not managed to go there. My first job ever was actually being a tour guide in the Anne Frank house in Berlin. And I had the chance to meet some of the people who survived and were mentioned in the books.

2. I am really annoyed when people talk about Christmas when it’s actually only Advent.

I mean come on! Its not that tough. Same thing goes for Easter. It is not called Easter Saturday but Holy Saturday (Karsamstag). We not yet celebrating.

3. I have never finished a bottle of nail polish.

Does anyone ever?!

4. I’m the biggest looser in gift wrapping.

I’d say I am pretty good when it come to DIY and handy work BUT I really can’t wrap presents. I need a whole roll of tape and people always laugh when they have to open them… Anyhow I like looking at pretty packages so check out my Pinterest board.

5. New Year’s Eve is the worst day of the year.

I hide, I don’t go outside, I am scared. While New Years is the best day, all is calm so much promise, everything is possible!

me

6. I don’t comb my hair.

My hair is so straight there really is no point in doing so. Maybe I do it twice a year but thats about it. If it is a bit tangled I just wash it and it comes out fine. However I do need conditioner. Oh and I hate blow drying my hair. I really don’t see the point in it. Makes it look messy or even straighter.

7. When I was young I wanted to become an archeologist and an astronaut.

But than people told me the needed skills weren’t my strong suits.

8. I am a color person.

I think in color and shapes but I don’t think I have synesthesia. However I really don’t feel any connection to yellow. And while I love greens in nature I would never really buy any green interior or clothing stuff.

9. I’ve always had a severe respect for dogs leaning towards fear.

I purposely tried to loose it during my stay in the U.S where almost everyone had hunting dogs and my host family had a German shepherd. Unfortunately when I felt comfortable around dogs and started to like them I got bitten by dog on a leash going for my neck. Now it’s actually worse then before specially when there is rash movement.

10. I make my own advent wreath.

For the last 15 years or so I have been doing at least one advent wreath. It is my own personal tradition. And I challenge myself to come up with new ideas and use materials that are not too common. I have my inspiration board. And since I write my blog I try to document all my creations.

Well, that is it for now. Will you share a tidbit of you with me?

Happy Friday,

Tobia

10 Things You Don’t Know About Me :: Part II

- Tobia 6 Comments

Two years ago I shared 10 Things You Don’t Know About Me. Are you in for round two? I figured it’s a fun way to introduce myself to my new readers and maybe surprise anyone, you, who is coming over on a regular basis.

1. I am a winter girl.

There used to be a time when I said I like either summer or winter but not really the in-between seasons – even though they have their beauty. Well that changed. Mainly because I developed a mean migraine it comes out most during summer. Now it is mainly winter. Well it would probably be winter, spring, summer, fall. But as I said I love the seasons and wouldn’t want to live anywhere where they don’t exist. Take a guess when I got married.

me at winter

2. I am fascinated by tortoises.

Since I have been 5 years old I dream of having one as a pet. But somehow I don’t believe I could provide a lovely home.

3. I am a non-smoker.

I have never smoked in my life. Not once. I just never had the urge. I am glad I don’t think I missed anything and I saved a ton of money.

4. I don’t like riding backwards.

When riding a train I don’t like sitting backwards. I might get sick but more importantly I don’t want to look into the past. I wanna see the future! Weird? Maybe.

5. I was very athletic and competitive.

I used to play semi professional volleyball for about eight years. I also was a referee for 5 years or so. I stopped when starting to work. I just needed my weekends to recharge and 8-12 hour game days were just tough. I miss it though.

6.  I love apples.

But ever since I had a Pink Lady apple I don’t like the other sorts. It really gets tough when I can not buy them due to the season. Like right now. The closest I would eat is Braeburn.

7. I have a thing for cemeteries.

I love the atmosphere there. It’s so tranquil and full of love.

georgen parochial friedhof berlin

8. I once fell asleep on the lawn in the president’s backyard at Schloss Bellevue.

Fortunately I was not woken up by the security but by a colleague.

9. I am a big dessert fan.

Usually a meal isn’t quite done with a tiny bit of sweet stuff to top it off. Its just not fulfilling. However I don’t ever touch crème brûlée, panna cotta or Bavarian creme. I just hate the consistency. Then I go without dessert.

10. I love to travel.

I have been to 25 countries on 3 continents. I really wish to go to Iceland, New Zealand, Australia, Norway. Well there are more but those are on my travel list the longest.

Well here it was 10 new things you didn’t know about me. Please feel free to share a few things about yourself in the comments or link your post.

Happy day to you,

Tobia