40

Gosh I really can't believe I turned 40!

So as I grow older, I solemnly swear I will continue being up to no good, fling myself heartily into wondrous adventures and play with my inner child even more!

Thank you to all who remembered and the wonderful gifts I got. The highlights: my sweetheart took me to a fabulous jazz bar called New Orleans out in Bourbon Street to an incredible gig {splendid time!}.

{Thank you Ira for the sweet wishes!}

Oleander necklace /collar

Oleander trees always remind me of summer. Here, almost every garden is jeweled by oleanders either in white or pink.

Inspired by these I crocheted this necklace / collar with little oleander flowers scattered around.

Bits and pieces of a day in Larissa

Today, looking at the looming clouds, we decided it is the day when one skips the beach and goes shopping, so we went on a little trip to Larissa.

We took a walk around the city center.

Saw the Ancient theatre

Wandered through narrow side streets admiring the little shops and cafes
then went shopping...

attr@ttivo

A brand we were not familiar with. They have amazing clothes for young people.
Their embroidered blouses and shirts were to die for.
The street that is filled with all well known clothing {and other} brands.

Trying outs at H&M's

I bought myself this gorgeous dress with openwork embroidery details on the sleeves.
Will show more of it.

Eva's newest top with a crocheted front.

Whom is Oliver Hardy referring to as the Large Man?

Photo shoot at the beach and my newest lariat

Today Eva helped me make some pictures for my newest lariat.
She was extremely cooperative, although the little one was pretty unruly. He jumped in front of Eva and kept on waving with sticks in front of the camera.

The lariat consists of the prettiest puffy flowers I've ever made. First I crocheted a necklace with the same flowers (this is for another post) and I fell in love with their looks so I threw myself on making some more and that is the story of the lariat. I like the way they stand at the neck; they really make a rich appearance.

As you can see Eva likes it more as a bracelet.


That's it for today. Talk to you tomorrow.

Hakuna Matata

Every day we see young people selling Hakuna Matata bracelets on the beach. They usually carry a bunch of colorful thread for the customer to choose the colors him/herself.
Today while getting back from the beach Jacob asked me if I could make him one. To tell the truth, in the past I braided some but this was more intricate like weaving and since I've never weaved one I googled for them and found some very interesting links i will have to check back later.

Nevertheless, I didn't have time to study and try any of the methods, so I just braided his first. He chose the colors himself and patiently held the end of the bracelet while I braided, which shows that he honestly wanted it .

Now his sister wants a bracelet, so off we are to make another.

★Starfish crochet tutorial★

The summer is getting into a full swing. It's mercilessly leashing its hotness down on us. I thought a cute crochet starfish photo-tutorial might bring a little coolness and refreshment.

{★Starfish crochet tutorial★}

What you need:
- left over yarn
- hook (size depending on your yarn size)

Time of completion: in a matter of minutes ;)

Let's begin:

Guest blogging

via

Hello everyone!

Just to let you know that I am over at Susan's with a crochet starfish tutorial.

Do come and visit!

Jump, splash/dive, whohoo(ing)

We are on holiday and we are having the time of our lives!
The weather has been HOT yet the sea is divinely beautiful and we've been soaking a lot. I mean the water is so warm and fine, one doesn't want to get out.
The first day was spectacular. We brought a ton of sand digging equipment and other beach entertaining items, but the children had no interest in anything but jumping from the swimming mattress, making ridiculous splashes, dive-ins and whohooing on the way in/out!
And the same with the second day ... and so on...

{Jacob - the builder, on his break}

{And when it gets unbearably hot ... well... you know what to do }

Will come soon with more beach adventures!