Saturday Shopping: Love of Dogs

For the love of dogs

I want a dog. I visited animal shelters, visit the national animal shelter website regular and I am reading about adopting a dog from Spain. We'll say where the road leads and what I come home with. It might even be a cat *g These are a few of my favourite 'doggie' treats. What are your favourites? Enjoy!

-click on the image to enlarge-

1. Crochet Bone Toy by littlerottenbeast
2. Copper Pet Tags by jmanigrossi
3. Old English Sheepdog Magnet by KaysK9sPaperBoutique
4. Dog Collar by greenbelts
5. Swarovski Heart Pet Collar Charm by deezyne
6. Desperado Bandana by WhataDogBakeryDesign
7. Catnip Heart Toy by pandawithcookie

In six days -please sit down for what I have to say- I will be a quarter of a century *faints*. I still don't believe it. I'm looking forward to my birthday present as I will get a new camera! Yay! Mine doesn't work anymore and can't be fixed and it so frustrating when you see something pretty you want to photograph - like perhaps soon my new pet..! Six nights to go..... :P

Love, Liesel

Show & Tell Friday

Walking through nan Elizabeth's house I was looking for something that reminds me of her. I have things that remind me of my other grandparents, nothing really from her :/ Now that she no longer along us, I felt like a thief searching through her house. I know she would want me to have something, but still.. it just doesn't seem right. It was different with nan Adriana as she herself told me what I would inherit, a beautiful embroidery painting made by her. I'll have to show you another time =) I seem to rambling a lot today, sorry about that. I'll try to get to the point! When I saw this little vase (see below) I knew this was it, what I was looking for. I love the colours and pretty design immediatly reminds me of nan. When I came home and put it on my side table I began looking around and noticing a theme going on. This show & tell friday is about that theme, one that I've started very unselfconsiously. Curious yet what it is? See for yourself :P

Enjoy your weekend! Liesel

Nan's vase =)


This is where it all started with: a visit to Laura Ashley wher I fell straight in love with this wallpaper. It has been a turning point (to the worse I hear some whisper :P) as I am now becoming quite obsessed with wallpapers*g* To be quite honest I don't know why I love it so much. I love the colours and the garden, but the print itself is not something I would normally love - yet I do.

I love my little red angel. When I saw her in the shop I couldn't resist myself and had to buy her :o) The golden angel is a present from mum.


The perfect cushion to lounge on, reading a good book =)


The first two mugs where Christmas presents from dad. The last one I bought myself in the National Trust shop made by the talented Emma Ball. I love these mugs too bits, but the terrible thing is that I never use them! I love the look of them together and find it a pity to use one as it will leave an empty space. How silly is that?


My warm rug with Penny on top (named by my little cousins)

Ah now first of let me introduce you to Miss Mousie. She loves nothing better then to lounge around and play with her felt doll *g* Her favourite place is in this vase which she pretty much uses as a hammock. Secondly if you ever do visit Wales I insist that you visit Hay-On-Wye! It's a small old town in the beautiful setting of the Brecan Beacons along the river -you guess it- Wye. Hay-On-Wye is also known as book town as you won't find many a place where they have more bookshops. Pure heaven! Here in there between the bookshops you will find crafts shops selling the prettiest things like this vase :o)

Have you guessed the theme?

Thank you for looking *Ü*

Paper Crafting Thursday: Moon Dogs Card

It's in a bit of a shabby stage I'm afraid, but I still quite like this card I made. Ollie (dog) stood on the card (silly thing) so I had to repaint it and was a bit careless as I was in hurry. Let that be a lesson never to do that again as you can see in the second photo where I spilled a bit of paint. I have never taken part in Paper Crafting Thursday before but have been wanting to for a while now so I hope I don't dissapoint you to terribly!

Liesel

The card is made of the bottom of the pizza box which meant that the oily base made the 'moony' paint effects when I used my watercolours. It was meant to be a pop-up card untill I made a mistake, but never mind that! :P

This dog is just like Jackie! (dad's dog)

To join the fun visit Kelli's House *Ü*

Watery Wednesday: Greece

Πάργα, Greece
August 2007

I'd like to tell you a pretty story around this picture but I don't know what to say! I took this photo while standing on the castle wall. It looks more like a postcard, doesn't it? It almost too pretty! Do you see the church on the tiny island? It's called Panagia Lihada and it's the home to the miraculous icon of Panagia, the mother of Jesus Christ. Panagia means Most Holy. Every year on August the 15th they celebrate the Dormination (Assumption) of our Virgin Mary. Many a couple gets married here and who can blame them in this little piece Greece of heaven? :o)

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Blue Monday

Sunday evening I heard mum talking with a friend when she said something that made me very sad. As I knew before my sister's boyfriend will come at the end of the week to Holland to work in Amsterdam. During the week he will live there, but in the weekend he will come to this site of the country and spend the weekend with my sister in dad's old apartment. What I didn't realise is that my sister will be moving permantly to the apartment and will take Ollie (the dog) with her :( That just tears me up! People who have never had a dog won't understand this but I can not live without a dog. When lil sis went away for the week with Ollie I was depressed the whole week. My food didn't taste nice, I felt lonely, I didn't care about anything expect getting that dog back! It's just so hard to be home without a dog and -as if I don't miss her enough already- I miss my dog so so much more

My sister looking for an apprenticeship place a while ago showed me the website of a Spanish animal shelter where I saw this dog I just tore up. She is so immensely sad at if I had the money I would be on the first plane to Spain to take her home - to try and give her a good home wher she'll be happy.

I just went to their website to post a photo of her when I saw she wasn't there anymore

I scrolled down in the hope that she was somewhere else and they just misplaced her when I found her, but I think she is adopted by someone else. Silvia you'd me angel if you could translate this. Does Adoptado mean adopted in Spanish?

Liesel, with very mixed feelings

Scenic Sunday & Today's Flowers: Portugal

The Algarve, Portugal
May 2007

This was my first time in Portugal and a very nice surprise. We didn't plan to go on holiday - that is, I didn't! Laura had other plans almost as soon as I sat foot in England she practically dragged me to a travel agency! I'm glad she did as else I wouldn't have seen this part of the world. I've promised Silvia that next time I will go to Lisbon. Something to look to forward to. What I've seen on television and in travel guides it looks like a beautiful city full of hidden treasures + my friend Silvia is there so you can't beat that! =)

Enjoy the scenery!

Liesel

On a walk


I've always wondered wether it is a fly in the middle of the flower. I should know seeing as I took the photo, but I simply cannot remember. What do you think?


Enhancing the colours

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Saturday Shopping: Namesakes

Saturday Shopping!
Gifts I love with which I share my name :=)

1 Elena the Doll by munieca
2 Isabella Handspun Merino by SewKnitNBeads2
3 The Book of Isabella Pocket Mirror by HidenSeek
4 Womens Isabella Apron by knittybitties
5 Elena Headband by bungalow
6 Elena The Elephant by meganfeingold
7 Isabella Baby Barrette by MiaJoie

Also don't forget to visit my friend Lauren's Shop: Aurelia's Corner Ü

Liesel

Liesel's Ambitions: Update

Irma wrote me to say I have been quiet lately and she's right. I have been posting on my blogs, but nothing personal. So what am I doing right now? Well with the start of February I will only be working one day a week at the job I do now and I hope to fill the rest of the time with homecare (taking care of eldery in their own homes). The salary is double so it seems to make sense. In November I worked in homecare as well (one night a week) and earned more then the 5 days I worked at my present work! As you could have read a few posts ago I want to straight out my life. I have so much on(?) my head, I need to clear everything. I started tyding up my bedroom and I can't tell you how much better I feel now that I, first of all hoovered under my bed! And secondly that, apart from two boxes, I don't store anything underneath it anymore so you can actually see the floor! Yay!


Short Term
T cleare my head: tidy up my room
- I have one box with "charity shop", one box with "paper recycle" and one box with "to organize" box written on it.

Step two: Sort out my "to organize" box

As you probably know I have travelled for two months this year. We traveled until my money was gone (and then a bit more). When I came home last August I had no money and no job. What I should have done before I left is asked work for unpaid leave. To have no money at all of your own is one of the worst experiences of my life. To be reliant on the charity of other was awful. I know they didn't mind -they are the kind of people that would go through fire for me- but I felt horrendous. Sometimes I will go to the supermarket with dad. I put things I want in the basket (chocolate, kitchen paper etc) and dad does the same. I don't mind getting as many things as I like as I know I can pay for them, but I also know that when we reach the cash till and I offer dad that I pay he always refuses and dugs away when I try and put a ten euro note in his breast pocket. Now those two months where I didn't have money I could not make myself to put things I needed (desperatly) in basket because I knew I wouldn't be able to pay for them. Dad wouldn't mind, but I would. Now that I think back, perhaps I am too proud? Is that it?

So what is she rambling about, you probably ask yourself. Well, those two months made me realise what I want to be in life: independent. I want to be reliant solemnly on myself. That means money wise, but also being to put a nail in the wall, grow my own vegetables, make my own clothes and when my car breaks down I can repair it myself. That's my goal. It doesn't have to happen overnight, but bit by bit I know I will get there.


Long term
First stop is paying all my outstanding bills.

It's a burden on my shoulders and once I paid all of them I will feel so relieved!

Second stop: Savings.

I saw Suze Orman the other day on Oprah and she is quite an inspiration! Thanks to her my second step is to have savings enough to be able to live eight months without income. To know that you have 'an apple for the thirst' as we like to say over here =)

Have you fallen asleep? I wouldn't blame you, you know :0)

With the turmoil of the last 18 months I'm feeling as if things are gently beginning to settle down (touching wood). I'm also reading "The Purpose Driven Life" which gives me hope for the future and hopefully by the end of the book I will 'know'.

To my BNA friends you mean the world to me, I wouldn't be the same person without you.

To everyone else, thank you for visiting my blog. You brighten my day with every comment you make.

Thank you!


With lots of love, Isabella (Liesel)

Watery Wednesday: Wales

I am so pleased with this photo! I took it three years ago when my friend Laura invited me to go on holiday with them to Wales. She didn't have to ask twice! Our house was almost on top of a hill which meant the views where stunning. Anyway, I'm rambling! This photo I took on our first long walk. We had just visited the bird watching shelter, but unfortunely we didn't see that many birds. A swan and some coots, but we enjoyed the peace of the scenery before us. From our position we could just make out this boat so we had to go out and explore it. I hope I haven't bored you to awfully *g*

Have a lovely day, Liesel

~*~

August 6, 2006

The Brecan Beacons, Wales, Great Britain

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Best Job In The World

Australia offers 'best job in the world' on paradise island

SYDNEY (AFP) – An Australian state is offering internationally what it calls "the best job in the world" -- earning a top salary for lazing around a beautiful tropical island for six months.

The job pays 150,000 Australian dollars (105,000 US dollars) and includes free airfares from the winner's home country to Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland's state government announced on Tuesday.

In return, the "island caretaker" will be expected to stroll the white sands, snorkel the reef, take care of "a few minor tasks" -- and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.

The successful applicant, who will stay rent-free in a three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy, must be a good swimmer, excellent communicator and be able to speak and write English.

"They'll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they're doing so they can't be too shy and they'll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors," said acting state Premier Paul Lucas.

"The fact that they will be paid to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel and generally live the Queensland lifestyle makes this undoubtedly the best job in the world."

Source: Yahoo! News

Scenic Sunday: Egypt

Perhaps not the pretiest scene, but one that speaks a thousand words about Cairo. It was strange as one minute there was an enormous rush of cars coming along this narrow path and the next nothing! Not a car in side! I truelly wish I could have put the smell of Cairo in a bottle so you could smell. It's best discribed as a warm mix herbs <3>

April, 2004
Cairo, Egypt

(click on the photo to enlarge)

Thank you for visiting! Liesel

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Have some tea with me

One of my greatest pleasures is holding a hot cup of tea between my hands, inhaling the sweet smell and the warmth that spreads along my hands. You'll have to admit that there is not much better then that. I love my teas. I have quite a big collection of teas and tea mugs, one for every mood and occasion. Sitting next to me is a mug with a little sparrow painted on it. Inside the cup is one of my favourite teas of this moment: star mix. The smell is just delicious and makes my tongue tingle when I take a sip <3

My tea mug (although technically owned by mum)

While preparing my tea a while ago, something puzzled me. It was late in the evening and I fancied a cup of tea. I put the (electric) kettle on filled to the brim with water. I got distracted -I can't remember what with, probably something to do with that naughty dog Ü- and when came back to the kitchen I poured water in my tea cup. And nothing happened! I thought I'd done everything right, I mean how difficult can it be to make tea? You boil the water, grap a mug and put a teabag in it, wait untill te water is boiled and then pour in your cup which will transform the water into the colour of honey. I did all that. Or did I? Now that I took a closer look at my teacup I noticed that the water seemed rather still, no damp spiraling up. Aha! I put my pinkie in the water and it was stone cold! I must have forgotten to press the button of the kettle. Throwing the water in my tea cup away I made sure that the next cup I made was boiling hot with steam and all and yes - as soon as I poured the hot water in my cup over the tea bag the water changed from transparent into 'pure gold' so to say :0) Now what really puzzled me since - and there is probably a very straight answer- why does the tea 'come lose' with hot water and not with cold water? I'm genuily don't know, so please help me out!

""Surely everyone is aware of the divine pleasures which attend a wintry fireside: candles at four o'clock, warm hearth rugs, tea, a fair tea-maker, shutters closed, curtains flowing in ample draperies to the floor, whilst the wind and rain are raging audibly without."
~Thomas De Quincey

Saturday Shopping: Tea Time!

Unfortunely the gorgeous cat is not for sale :(

1 Bee Happy Sterling Silver Necklace by corrieberrypie
2 I love tea - Tissue Holder by LAMdesigns
3 Tea Cup Ring by myladida
4 Your My Cup Of Tea Pillow by Olive
5 Organic Catnip Bakery Grab Bag by CatzillaCrafts
6 Myrna Tea Cup Pincushion by onlyu
7 Have A Heart Brooch by Odannysgirl
8 Poppy Tea Towels by flyingrhymes

Pour yourself a lovely cup of tea and enjoy the day!

With love, Liesel

A quest for you!

There not many greater pleasures then a gentle journey over the river. In particular when the scenery is as great as in Aswan, Egypt. We started in Aswan where the boat took us to the tropical gardens, towards the mosque, and on our way back passed the famous Cataract Hotel.

That's me in the tropical gardens


Once we reached the desert we where taken up by camels to the mosque. The mosque had been deserted for a while apart from a group of bats! What I found fascinating is that in a little - quite dark - room, which was the prayer room I believe, a hook in the ceiling. I know, but do you know what that hook was used for?

Irma, please help me with my punctuations!

My contest entry! :D

When I came across the beautiful website of Gisele Jaquenod my heart skipt a beat. I absolutely adore her illustrations and designs. When I saw she started a contest where I can win a mug with her illustrations I didn't hesitate! Here are my entries :o)

1. Birdie says: Eggcelent choice, Duckson (as an anecdote to Sherlock Holmes & Doctor Watson)
2. Birdie says: Hot Chocolate Days! (I thought it appropiate for on a mug)
3. Birdie says: Bad Hare Day? (with his friend Mister Hare all ruffled up. Cute for Easter?)

You'll have to forgive my drawing skills on paint, their not very pretty. This is a bit what I had in mind when I first came up with the quotes =)

1. (Birdie as Sherlock Holmes)

3. Mister Hare

If you want to join, here are the guidelines
1. You have to think of a little script for a Birdie Says mug. In it, Birdie must appear alone or with some friend that you will describe, saying something of course (That’s why it’s called Birdie Says). Remember that there’s a limited space in a mug, so the idea has to be cute and fun, and yet simple.
2. You have to post your script idea in your blog, explaining about this contest and linking to this post. Sketches are not necessary, just a little written idea.
3. Afterwards, as usual, drop a comment in here with the link to your post with the entry for the contest

http://www.giselejaquenod.com.ar/blog/2009/01/02/new-birdie-scripted-contest/

100 Things

The list of '100 things' is going around in Blogland where you highlight the things you've done. Here's my list:

1. Started your own blog (voila! If this isn't proof *g*)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Held a praying mantis
9. Climbed a mountain
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (4 times!)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (love to)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (on my to-do list)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (I'm too prude)
27. Run a marathon (on my to-do list)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (Almost! We wanted to, but it was so expensive!)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community (I'd like to)
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48.Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (the waiting line was at least 2 hours!)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (almost!)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (the later)
52. Walked in the rain (one of my favourite things)
53. Played in the mud (love it!)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China (on my to-see list)
57. Started a business (as mini as it is)
58. Taken a martial arts class (they used to call me Karate Kid Ü)
59. Visited Russia (not yet..)
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching (do dolphins count as well?)
63. Got flowers for no reason (all the time)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (what I'd like to do for my comming birthday)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (I'm vegetarian ;))
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published in a book
81. Visited the Vatican (stunning!)
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem (something I'd love to do one day)
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (still reading Ü)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (I'm against all kinds of cruelty, so an definite no!)
88. Had chickenpox (I think.., mum can't quite remember)
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one (several :( )
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day (The Boy in Striped Pajamas! A must read)

Sort out my life

I am a dissapointment. I need to sort out my life. I thought I didn't have any new year resolutions but I guess I do. These I will have to accomplish this year:

* find myself a full time job OR a proper study at a college
* move out. Find an apartement for my own.
* change my passport
* be up-to-date with my insurence fees
* adopt a dog in need

These are goals.

Liesel

Scenic Sunday & Flowers Today: Greece

June 2008
Chora Town, Kythira, Greece.
(click on the photo to enlarge)
I think this photo pretty much sums up how you imagine Greece to be like. The sunkissed blue and white houses, the pink flowers, the cloudless blue sky.. isn't it just beautiful? I remember how we wandered through town in our flipflops - we even considered walking the Samaria Gorge in our flipflops!- but I had chosen the wrong pair. I'm quite colour conscience. If I wear let's say jeans and a red sweater I will wear red socks and avoid my green ones. In this case I wore blue so thus my blue flipflops. Bad choice as they practically drove me up the wall! One of the thongs kept coming lose and time to time I found myself walking with one flipflopped and one bare foot. Apart from that it was an absolute perfect day in a perfect town enjoying the Greek scenery, old castle and sunshine =)

Have a perfect sunday, Liesel

BTW I wasn't too bright last week and posted my Today's Flowers only to realise that we would skip a week =) Visit <Corsica> to view last week's entry :0)

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Saturday Shopping: Loving Bees

I always liked bees, probably also because I have never been stung by one when I was little. The soothing buzz, the way they wave flying from flower to flower endorsing it.. there is something very romantic about this little creature. One day my friends suggested I should read a book written by Sue Monk Kidd called 'The Secret Life of Bees'. I was in love! What a beautifully written book and there are bees in it! Something that had always taken my interest -but now growing deeper and deeper- I went in search and found myself a beekeeping beginners course and applied! I enjoyed it very much and to quote from 'The Secret Life of Bees': Women make the best beekeepers, 'cause they have a special ability built into them to love creatures that sting. It comes from years of loving children and husbands. *Ü*. I didn't avoid getting stung though but that's just part of it and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. If I can find my sister's camera I will post a photo of me as beekeeper :0)

"Bee yard etiquette: ... the world is really one big bee yard, and the same rules work fine in both places: Don't be afraid, as no life-loving bee wants to sting you. Still, don't be an idiot; wear long sleeves and long pants. Don't swat. Don't even think about swatting. If you feel angry, whistle. Anger agitates, while whistling melts a bee's temper. Act like you know what you're doing, even if you don't. Above all, send the bees love. Every little thing wants to be loved."

But I'm rambling away! Here are my favourite Etsy bees =)
1 Bee Happy Sterling Silver Necklace by KathrynRiechert
2 Bee Mine Heart Charm by prolifique
3 Valentine's coasters - Honey Bee by lifestylewithlove
4 Custom Name Banner - Bee Design by Gingerwinks
5 Precious Bumble Bee PDF ePattern by preciouspatterns
6 Honey by Lindsay Brackeen by lindsayart
7 Bees and flowers felt booties by julesinsearch
8 Bee Good To Your Body Butter by flipflopmamma

I especially love the name banner and did you notice it? It says -very appropiate- Bella! Is that a clue I should buy it? What do you think and what are your favourites?

Have a beeautiful day, Liesel

Serena & Lily

Browsing the world wide web I came across this enchanting girls bedroom. I would have loved this when I was little. Actually, I would still love it! *g*

Oooh even better! The name of the duvet set is.. Isabel! Seeing as I am an Isabella it almost seems it's meant to be *g*

Everything is from Serena & Lily