about going on a road trip

'We do not take a trip; a trip takes us.' // John Steinbeck

Going on a road trip gives you the chance to reconnect with the beauty of nature - and everything it has to offer. To sit on a bonfire at night, be surrounded by unknown people who have invited you to roast marshmallows and tell each other stories. To say goodnight when the only thing you can see is the sky full of stars. To wake up with the birds in the morning. To share pancakes for breakfast together. To drive slower and slower, because you're trying to avoid the destination.

An inspirational article about traveling.  

A daily journal for your adventures.

This song is the perfect soundtrack for driving in a car.

Remember the advice of our mums: never forget to wear a sun hat!

Photo above taken here, one of the most wonderful scenic road trip routes.

Mast Brothers Chocolate, NYC

It was on a rainy day in summer, when the craving of a hot cup of chocolate was the only thing I could think of while running around Brooklyn with an umbrella. When we finally stood in front of the doors of Mast Brothers Chocolate, I knew that despite my wet feed the only thing I had to think of would be whether to taste their delicious semi- or bittersweet chocolate.

Mast Brothers Chocolate
111 North 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11249

about collecting things

 

Collecting things from different places is like to have the whole world at home. When I sit down on the breakfast table in the morning and sip out of my french bol, it tells a story:

The story of a beautiful spring day with beloved friends spent in Paris. Strolling down the streets, stopping here and there for a crêpes or a macaroon, doing some window shopping, when finally there were these milkbowls - but I wanted to 'think about it'. After a few days when I couldn't get it out of my head, I realized I needed to buy these bols but then the shop wasn't to open until half an hour earlier to my depart. So I locked my luggage in one of the lockers at Gare de l'est which was too small and too expensive and then I walked the way along to the shop, so that I knew how long it will take me to get back to the train station. When I looked at my watch, I was still too early, so I sat down on a bench at the Canal St Martin, enjoying the silence until I had to hurry back to my train, when I could finally buy these bols. Moments later, I made it to the train just in time with a smile on my face, because I had a piece of Paris in my bag.

Another beautiful tableware I want to surround myself with, especially those mugs.

A nice notebook to keep track. 

This shop in Berlin has all the wonderful magazines out there in stock, so you'll never miss an issue.

What about collecting letters?  

I bought my first cookbook - the beginning of a long lasting collection.

 

reading a poem // Charles Baudelaire

 

about going to your favorite café

After going for a walk, especially in the winter months there is nothing better than to go to your local café and give yourself the treat of just to sit down. To drink your favorite tea or coffee, ask which homemade cake is on the menu and then share a piece with a good friend while talking for hours without looking for the time. Or just to watch the other people and read in a good book when you need time for your own. And to smile every now and then when you recognize a nice tune, because this is what makes a café your favorite - good coffee, good food and good music.  

Another café to feel good while eating homemade cake.

Is there anything more cozy in cafés than a candle on every table?

If you happen to be in London, you can sit down on vintage school desks.

Best brownies in DC to go with a coffee!

Photo above taken at my favorite café here.

Scones

Whenever a dear friend comes around, I try to make it as comfortable and 'to feel at home' in our appartment as possible. Besides candles, lights around the window, nice music and a pot of tea, I like to prepare a little snack - which doesn't take too much time and gives this cozy feeling, wrapping the appartment in a wonderful smell, to show my friend, that I am happy to have her around.

about writing a letter

 

The birthday present for my grandparents this year will be a 'letter subscription'. Instead of calling them many times too less, they will receive a typewritten letter from me - every month, a whole year long. To sit down with a cup of tea and reflect your thoughts before start writing, because paper is worth to be written on beautifully. Then to choose an envelope, go to the post office and imagine the face they will make when there is a letter in the box which says 'I think about you and you are worth to take the time writing to'.

For as writing down as beautiful thoughts as this.

Imagine writing a letter with these beauties.

Some inspiration.

A letter full of love.

And to just flip through a lot of notes.

   

to listen to good music 01/13

Here's to 01/13!

about drinking coffee

Every morning is better when there is coffee. Coffee brightens you up, even before your lips have touched the mug. Laying still in bed and only thinking about my daily routine puts a smile on my face. First, to cook the coffee on the stove, then to have this smell in your kitchen like the air wants to hug you, to see the little steam coming out of it, like an old locomotive. To just sit down, take your favorite bowl, put carefully the coffee into it while challenging yourself to not let the milk burn like every other morning. 

Then to finally take the first sip and it feels like drinking clouds. Coffee is like a good friend who wishes you a good morning. It makes you ready for the day - no matter what will come. Oh, in the morning, everything is good.

A cup of joe for everyone.

Sneaking into other peoples morning routine.

A delicious recipe for your brownie craving. 

Oh, sunday mornings. 

Brightens up every table.