Tram-touring

Woke up with an inspiration to go. 

The city is full of snow like never before. Such beauty, almost fairy-tale kind of feeling. So it needs to be explored, admired and appreciated. And what better way to do it if not to use the gracious gift of the city councel of giving us free rides on all transportation on the first day of the year.

Tram-touring is the word. 

You take any tram, whichever direction pleases you best and you go. 

As far as you have to. Untill the end. Then you walk. And then you do it again. Preferably - routes that you would not normally go on your everyday life. And you see your city as if you had just arrived. 

And you feel the wings and promises of life.

Now read it again singing along this song loudly

Story about when dreams meet reality

Since now I will be writing two blogs, because the moment has come when I can finaly say that one of my big dreams is coming to meet reality.
A dream about my own coffee shop.
Please, do read more about it here www.dadcaferiga.blogspot.com
and I would be very happy if you show my new blog some support by comenting and following.
You will be able to follow the process all through.
Happy dreaming and I wish that for each one of you the best dreams become reality!

Photography is Power.

Photography is power.

Inspired photography. 

It has always been one of my dreams. And now I am submitting few of my pictures for a contest. 

For the first time in my life.

I would be happy if you have a look at my portfolio here  and let me know your oppinions, judgement and feelings about it.

  

Paris peek

Another little peek in our Moms in Paris trip today, before I am heading off to Estonia. The road is always calling me :)

After our breakfast in the cosy cafe in Latin Quartal, we headed - of course, towards Tour Eifel. But, there is a little bit different and charming location to approach it - starting from the house where Balsac used to live - Maison de Balsac. These pictures taken in the garden of the house, where peace abounds.

After enjoying some peacful moments there, we headed closer...

And that's already quite classic, postcard view :)  - 

Sweet times

 

Sometimes the desire to create is combined with desire for something delicious and then it is time to head towards kitchen. I like to see cooking as form of art as well, I like to do it when I have inspiration, I like to improvise, and I enjoy the process.

Here is my “double chocolate chip muffin” time, the process and the instructions, if you want to try it yourself.

Ingredients for 10 delicious muffins:     

·          100 gr plain flour

·          70 gr sugar

·          ½ cup chocolate chips

·          2 and ½ tsp baking powder

·          1/3 tsp salt

·          1 tsp vanilla esence

·          2 eggs, lightly beaten

·          130 ml milk

·          80 gr butter, melted

  The process:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C . Prepare 10 standard muffin tins by brushing the bases with oil.

2. Sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa and salt into a bowl and stir in the sugar and chocolate chips.

3. Mix the egg, vanilla, butter and milk in another bowl. 

4. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mix and fold in with a fork. Do not over mix. It has to be JUST mixed. 

5. Spoon the mixture into the tins. 

Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. They are ready when a skewer comes out clean.

6. Place muffins on a wire rack to cool.

7. Share and enjoy!!!

  

Creativity, freckles and dreams of sunshine

Here is a little peek in my creative process today. 
As I was thinking about all the new projects that are coming up for me, I was thinking about summer and sunshine and those days when you feel so alive and free – wind in your hair, warmth in your heart, smiles all around. 
As I was playing around with the different fabrics I have, I came up with this beautiful combination of beige, pale yellow and beige polka dot that reminded me of freckles and ease. So here are some pictures I took while creating the newest flowers. 

And, a cup of hot drink is a must, of course. This time it is gorgeous spiced tea with milk and honey. Try it. Absolutely fantastic. 

 

Trip to Paris - day 1

In the morning after our arrival and settling in the nice and cozy apartment, we set off on our adventure. 

The breakfast had to be in a local cafe of course. Croissant and a cup of coffee will do. 

We found a nice cafe with artistic atmosphere and beautiful paintings in the local area - Latin Quarter. 

The price of course is a bit of a shock in the beginning (in this one coffee was 3,70 euro and croissant was 1,60), but you just have to accept - you're in Paris. That's why you pay more.

It was truly worth it. It was beautiful. The day had started.

A trip "Moms in Paris" - Introduction

The idea was born one nice summer day. I saw a very cheap flight option from Riga to Brussels, and I knew that Brussels is just a quick train journey away from Paris. I have been in Paris couple of times before, but my mom hasn't. And somehow I thought - wouldn't it be nice to take her on a trip. I shared the idea with my friend and she happily joined me in the idea, so I bought four tickets - two daughters and two moms. 

It was perfect. We stayed in an amazing flat owned by Mr Jerome, who is a true Parisian, loves life, art, cooking and many other things. His apartment was charming, peaceful and beautiful - a perfect start and basis for our trip. 

And it was located in the beautiful Latin district - just a 15 min walk away from Notre Dame de Paris, and just around the corner from the famous Rue Muffetard - a street and a district that is one of the oldest and most famous street markets in Paris. Ernest Hemingway used to live in that area for a while. 

Tutorial - how to make pages on your blog

Wow I just found this tutorial on Shabby Blogs about how to make pages on your blog. I was wondering about it and here it is. Amazing, I am loving and playing with it now.
Here is the link for tutorial
http://shabbyblogsblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-to-add-pages-to-your-blog.html

Have fun and enjoy!!!

Work of Art

"You have to either be a work of art, or wear a work of art." Oscar Wilde

Paris. A Moveable Feast

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." Hemingway.

But on my way to Paris, I happen to find myself in a cafe full of the life of Morocco. How amazing and unexpectad is that!

That's a bit of introduction about my wonderful trip "Mom in Paris".

 

Flower Garden

Lazo has made an awesome flower treasury... have a look, smell and feel the spring! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=91620

Getting into Paris mood

Time to pack the bags and listening to some of the all time Paris classic songs.  Click on the picture and listen with mehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAMuNfs89yE

Flying out tomorrow, I hope that the snow will not follow me there ...
Any Parisians reading this would like to advise me what clothing I should take? After being in winter wonderland for so long this year, it is hard to believe that it can be spring somewhere even if I see temperature above 10 C in the forecast...

Report from the vintage fest in Riga today

The vintage market today was meant more like a social party not just selling your old treasures. So, as every decent party, this one had a theme, and the theme was "Alice in Wonderland".
You could see it, feel it and  be in it. Here are some photos I took while wandering around and doing some great purchases as well. Of course. :)

about dreams

Look to the horizon

I'm still here

inviting you to spread your wings

and dream on higher.

Don't be afraid. Dare and trust. Just believe.

Step over your smallness and see how great am I.

another beautiful treasury that I'm featured in

Here is one of the latest treasuries made by babytogo.

Thank you for including my Hair Comb with light dusty blue Flower in your selection!

Thank you all who took part in my giveaway!

Thank you all so much! I was very pleased about your response and your feedback is very valuable to me. After receiving your comments about LEAST attractive item in my shop, I now have the assurance that I should stick with the original flower items, not the feather fascinators. Thank you for your input!


And now - the winner this time is person under initials  IK! I will get in touch with you by e-mail to arrange everything.

Once again - thank you all who participated, have a nice day and be sure to follow updates, try again in the next giveaway, or make a purchase now if you reeeeeaaaalllllly want one of those lovely flowers for yourself or as a gift for somebody. :)

 

 

New month, new ideas, new creativity and the spring is near - celebrating with a giveaway!

As the snow is melting, birds are starting to sing and the spring is finally in the air, I decided that it is a perfect time for another giveaway.
This time I am giving away this beautiful mild yellow brooch - headband. You choose how to wear it. This spring one of the top things in fashion is pastel colors, so this light, mild yellow would be a perfect accessory to brighten up your spring wardrobe. 

Soooo, in order to participate you must:
1. Heart me at my etsy shop www.dacedesign.etsy.com
2. Comment to this post and tell me which is the LEAST attractive item for you in my shop and why (I want to improve therefore want to hear some critique not just sweet words)
3. Follow my blog
Optional:
4. Tweeting about my giveaway with a link to this post will give you 2 extra entries (come back and comment with a link)
5. Writing in your blog about my giveaway with a link to this post will give you 3 extra entries (come back and comment with a link)
6. If you make a purchase from my shop, that will give you 10 extra entries.


I will announce the winner on March the 8th. Have fun and wait for the sun!