mandag den 31. december 2012

December | Presents #2

So, we moved out the Christmas tree. 
It was a bit dry.
As in, it practically dropped all its pine needles when we took 
off the decorations.




I've received quite a few presents, 
but I have a few favorites from 2 days ago when I had my family over.









Now, it's time to get ready.
Put on the dress, the makeup, the everything.

I can't wait to pop the bottle tonight and taste this
 golden glittery madness.

Happy New Year!

- Lea Binta

søndag den 30. december 2012

December | Presents

I was going to write a post about my thoughts on this Christmas,
but I can't find the words. 
This year's Christmas was different somehow,
but I can't figure out how to explain it.
Maybe I'll do a post on it later.

This year our presents weren't all that big,
since we mostly wished for money so we could buy new furniture
for our livingroom. 

I searched high and low for pictures of how our livingroom looked before,
but I couldn't find any.
I know I have some somewhere, 
but they're hiding from me somewhere clever.

Of course we were too eager to take a 'before' picture
when putting up the new furniture, 
so now you have to settle for the 'after' pictures.

We love how our livingroom looks now.




Normally our table isn't that fancy, 
but I had my brother, parents, in-laws, uncle+wife, and grandparents
over for coffee yesterday, since it's my birthday tomorrow.
I made lots of little cakes, and they turned out great,
although I was really worried about my gingerbread house.
It was a bit too soft, so it was slowly caving in when we put it together,
but it held!






Today is all about cleaning up and taking down the Christmas decorations,
and getting ready to celebrate New Year's Eve with good friends.

/Lea Binta

torsdag den 13. december 2012

Christmas | Advent calendar


Alright, one thing everyone loves at Christmas is receiving presents,
am I right?
No? You lie!

As much as I love receiving presents I also really like getting presents
for other people. 
If I was a millionaire I'd be buying presents for others all the time!
Don't believe me?
Give me a million bucks and I'll prove you wrong!

This December I made hubs an advent calendar 
- one present for each day, from December 1st to December 24th.



We're about halfway done, so I wont reveal all the presents,
but I thought I'd share some of the items.
Maybe you can use it as inspiration for an advent calendar next year,
or use some of the ideas as stocking stuffers. 


Presents included:
nutella
boxers
chili nuts
chapstick
chocolate
handwarmers
beer
car wipes
gum

Check back in another couple of weeks when I reveal the rest of the list.

- Lea Binta

onsdag den 12. december 2012

DIY Christmas | Hearts

The stores are booming with all sorts of pretty Christmas decorations, 
but with a minimum of effort you can make your own decorations.

No Christmas without hearts, right?
And nothing is easier than to make than a few hearts.





Obelix likes hearts too. 



- Lea Binta

fredag den 7. december 2012

Handmade Gift Exchange | Christmas 2012

 About half a year ago I heard about this thing called
Handmade Gift Exchange,
where you sign up, are assigned to someone somewhere in the world,
and then you make a handmade gift for that person and they make you one.
This is brilliant!
I love making things and I love gifts!
Naturally I had to sign up for the Christmas edition this year.

Here is what I made Carol:
- a crocheted basked
- traditional Danish Christmas stars
- a watercolor of one of my favorite sayings







And here is what Carol made me:
- a handsewn notebook cover
- a Christmas ornament



The best part about this gift exchange is that you get to know each other,
by email, pinterest, blogs, you name it.
It's not just a handmade gift,
it's a handmade gift with special thought behind it.

Carol knows that I love traveling and Christmas, 
and I'm so in love with the ornament she made me.
I don't think I told her of my love for notebooks,
but she nailed that one right on the head.

Isn't it neat? 
And don't you want to be a part of it? 
Read more about the Handmade Gift Exchange here,
and sign up for the next one in 6 months!

- Lea Binta



onsdag den 5. december 2012

Christmas | Baking so far..


Time for a Christmas-y post after yesterday's depressing rainbow-bruise post.

Although, I do want to give you an update on the rainbow-bruise. 
It's now not nearly as rainbow-y, just very black and blue.
And it's spread,
which sort of creeps me out.
The thought of the blood continuing to seep through my arm's tissue.
Maybe tomorrow I'll wake up and my entire arm has gone black,
and then it might just suddenly give up and fall off.
Scary thought.
I'll let you know if it happens.

Now,
lovely, cheery pictures of cake! 
Yay, cake.

Maple syrup cookies:


Chocolate cupcakes with lemon frosting:



I haven't baked nearly as much as I'd like yet, 
but this week has just been crazy and it's not letting up.
Hopefully next week will have more opportunities for making Christmas goodies.

- Lea Binta

tirsdag den 4. december 2012

This is my life | Rainbow


WARNING: This post is NOT about Christmas, snow or cake.
If you're squeamish, look away.

I took an introductory archery class last night.
It was a lot of fun, and I really want to go again.
Just one small problem.
Well, it's kinda big actually. 
This.

What is that rainbow colored madness going on on my arm, you ask?
That would be a bruise.
The largest and most painful bruise I have ever had.
How did I get it you ask?
Archery class.
Apparently, when I stretch my left arm, my elbow goes down flat,
thereby sticking out a bit, and gets hit with the bowstring
every time I release. 
I tried altering my arm, but it didn't work.
All my good shots were immensely painful. 
I didn't whine at the class, though, it was too much fun.
I was just a little surprised when I got home and half my arm
was blue and red.
I mean, I knew it hurt, but still.. 


2 things about this bruise that bums me out:

1.
I wont be going back to the archery class. 
Not sure it's worth that much pain.

2. 
It's a badass bruise, but it wont leave a scar.
In a week you wont even know it ever happened!
I like scars. Is that weird?
Maybe I'll do a post on scars sometime.


I suppose this means I'll have to find another way to get that
Olympic gold medal I've been eyeing.
Any suggestions?

- Lea Binta

lørdag den 1. december 2012

Christmas | 1/24

It's december 1st!
If I could I would be jumping with joy!
But I can't.
I'm sick.
Been on the couch all day.
If I could I would be getting ready to dance the night away
with a friend that came into town.
But I can't.
Just sitting here on my couch,
feeling sorry for myself.
Oh well.

Also, for all of you who are friends with me on facebook
I apologize in advance.
My status will be all about christmas and cake and snow
from now on until january.
Although that's not really too different from the rest of the year. 

And now, an abundance of Christmas decoration pictures!











But the most important decoration?
Can't wait to light the first candle tomorrow!




- Lea Binta