*sweet preparations

It's not the taste, it is the smell – the feeling it creates when baking happens in the right mood, without time pressure or expectations. It's never the same in the other seasons, it's only at Christmas!

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*in between

In between the snow days, we had some misty, wet days where everything was bathed in the most wonderful green tones. The lichens on the branches seemed to glow, and nature soaked up the rain gratefully after that exceptionally dry year.

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*winter birds

Winter birds.

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*the snow

I can’t imagine a world without ice and snow. Although it’s so inhospitable for humans, it is at the same time incredibly refreshing for all the senses.

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*more frosty tones

It just started to snow in this very moment. Huge snowflakes are hovering slowly to the ground. I made gingerbread which left the sweetest smell in the home and today I want to make one of my favorite sort of chocolate cookies. Have you started baking Christmas cookies yet? Which are your favorites?

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*frosty tones

 Colorwise this is my favorite time of the year, especially when the first morning frosts have set in. All is glittery and still. What a magical time! Have a nice second Advent weekend!

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*bonnet

Dear Sasja, whom I got to know via Instagram, made me this lovely dusty pink bonnet. I truly love it! It's so soft and comfortable to wear! Go, check out her instagram site here + here! She makes beautiful stuff and is such a kind person!

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*of winter fruits and nests full of rose hips

Do you know medlars? They ripen after the first frosts and have a very unique taste. People trying them for the first time might need a little time to get used to it, but I really like them and am thinking of having my own medlar tree in the garden someday.

On one of my walks, I spotted a bird’s nest filled to the top with rose hips. It was tricky to get a decent picture, because the nest was surrounded by thorny branches, but I just had to take one. The thought of the bird stuffing its nest with all those rose hips amused me somehow.

Have a lovely first Advent weekend!

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*the last leaves and a soft mouth

Arms of strong trees invite for a rest,

when the last leaf is squinting in the sun,

holding on to the year

that is fading away.

A soft mouth, 

tender as it can be,

speaks of trust

in a world full of pain.

{Claudia Voglhuber}

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*big trees and a blue cage

Every now and then we visit the wild park area (about a half-hour drive from our home, so not very far). I love that place because there are still very big, old trees, each so unique and soulful. In the middle of the meadow, there’s this sky-blue cage-like structure that somehow looks so surreal. I want to see this place when everything is covered in snow – maybe we’ll manage it this winter!

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*dark clouds, fall winds and braided hair

Dark clouds, fall winds and braided hair.

We’re having our first snow! I was quite surprised when it started yesterday evening. I packed my camera and went for a walk while it was still dark this morning to enjoy it before it disappears – but it’s still here! I’ve also started crocheting again after a long break. It feels good to do some needlework, especially during these long evenings. Wishing you a good start to the new week, and stay warm!

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*cozy home

The golden October has been replaced with a misty and dark November. A drastic change, but it is still quite mild. No first snow yet! My longing for a simple way of living has never been stronger,  and I've never felt more fulfilled.

Wishing you a good start to the new week. Feel free to share how you create coziness for yourself during these dark days.

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*Fall moments

Fall moments.

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