it's my party!

(english below)

Terça-feira dia 13 de Junho é o meu aniversário! Eu sou daquelas (acho que raras) pessoas que adooooram fazer anos! Gosto da atenção, das prendas e dos bolos! Gosto de fazer uma festa e reunir amigos e gosto de passar algum tempo só comigo a fazer algo especial!

Quando vivia em Lisboa, o aniversário ainda é mais especial porque é o dia de Santo António, o padroeiro da cidade e é feriado! Ou seja nunca trabalhei no meu dia de anos (desde que me mudei para Londres tiro sempre esse dia de férias para não quebrar a tradição). E o que é melhor ainda, na noite anterior é A grande festa da cidade nos bairros populares e a cidade enlouquece com bailaricos e sardinhadas.

Aqui por Londres não há santos populares mas ainda assim é Junho, há sol e parques e não interessa, faço anos! Costumo dizer que não quero prendas e é verdade, não preciso de nada só saúdinha e amor (já começam a perceber que sou quase uma octogenária). Mas decidi fazer uma lista de coisas que gostava de receber, caso algum de vocês esteja a sentir-se ultra generoso eheheheheh!

E tu, gostas de fazer anos? O que gostavas de receber?

-------------

Tuesday 13th June is my birthday! I'm one of those (I think rare) people who loooove her birthday! I like the attention, the gifts and the cakes! I like to organise a party and gather friends and I also like to spend some time alone and do something special (may or may not include coffee, stationery or spa indulgences)!

When I lived in Lisbon, my birthday is even more special because it's St. Anthony's Day, the patron saint of the city and it's a holiday! Meaning: I have never worked on my birthday (since I moved to London I always book an annual leave day to keep the tradition). And what's even better, the night before is THE big city party in the old town and the city goes crazy with dancing and grilled sardines. 

Here in London there is no city party but still it is June, it's mostly sunny and it doesn't matter, it's my birthday! I often say that I do not want gifts and it's true, I don't need anything but health and love (I'm beginning to realize that I'm almost an octogenarian). But I decided to make a list of things I would like to receive, if any of you are feeling ultra generous ehehehehe!

What about you do you like celebrating your birthday? What would you like to receive?

1. Uma bicicleta! Esta vou tratar em breve, quero mesmo uma bicicleta para andar aqui em Londres, o tempo anda bom e faria-me bem ao corpo, cabeça e ainda pouparia uma fortuna em transportes! esta da imagem é uma Bobbin, são linda e caríssimas por isso vou pesquisar um modelo alternativo...

2. Workshop de encadernação! Na verdade conseguia fazer isto sozinha mas apetecia-me voltar ao London Centre for Book Arts e passar umas boas horas mergulhada em papel

3. Uma viagem até à Isle of Wight. Já sonho com este passeio há algum tempo, uns dias no meio de paisagens bonitas, praia e relaxar! E gostava de conhecer um pouco mais deste país.

4.  Este livro... para continuar a sonhar com viagens e com comboios...

5. Assinatura da Uppercase. Já ando a pensar nisto há anos!

6. iPad Pro! Outro sonho para este ano. Quero experimentar fazer lettering com o Apple pencil e essas modernices todas. Já juntei algum dinheiro e estou a vender as minhas fotografias para conseguir mais (não querem uma?).

-------------

1. A bicycle! This will be sorted soon, I really want a bike to ride here in London, the weather is good and would do my body and mind well, and I would also save a fortune in transport! This picture is a Bobbin, they are beautiful and very expensive so I will research an alternative model ..

2. Bookbinding Workshop! I could actually do this on my own, but I would like to go back to the London Centre for Book Arts and spend some time immersed in paper

3. A trip to the Isle of Wight. I've been dreaming of this trip for some time, to spend a few days in the midst of beautiful scenery, beach and relax! And I would like to know a little more about this country.

4. This book ... to keep dreaming bout travel and trains ...

5. Signature of Uppercase. I've been thinking about it for years!

6. iPad Pro! Another dream for this year. I want to try doing lettering with Apple pencil and these modernizes all of them. I've already saved some money and I'm selling my photographs to get more (do not want one?).

SaveSave

what is the #100dayproject ?

Image by Elle Luna, www.the100dayproject.org

(English below)

No meu último post falei sobre como no ano passado completei 2 #the100dayproject e como tinha ficado satisfeita com o resultado.
Como a data de começo "oficial" deste project está quase aí pensei em falar-vos um pouco mais deste projecto e porque é que vou participar de novo e tu devias também!

Primeiro, mas que raio é o #the100dayproject?
É um projecto público, aberto a qualquer pessoas, lançado há uns anos pela artista Elle Luna. O conceito é escolher uma ideia, normalmente um projecto criativo, e comprometer-se a uma acção TODOS OS DIAS durante 100 dias. A ideia é concentrar na práctica diária, em progredir e não em fazer algo perfeito. Podem ler tudo na página oficial do projecto mas vou resumir os passos essenciais:

1. Escolhe uma acção
Pensa em algo que tenhas vontade de experimentar, aprender ou melhorar. O meu conselho é escolheres algo que te entusiasme E possa ser feito todos os dias. Não sejas demasiado ambicioso! Lembra-te que este projecto dura até Julho e sem dúvida vais perder alguma motivação ao longo do caminho. Mas se quiseres ser ambicioso, força mas reserva o tempo necessário.

Algumas ideas:
- 5mn de rabiscos?
- um desenho por dia? Sempre uma boa desculpa para comprar um caderno novo ;)
- desenho de plantas, pessoas, casas, objectos encontrados pela casa?
- algo com comida ou cozinhar?
- meditação ou yoga diário?
- 100 passeios?
- gratidão diária?
- 100 dias de blogging (a Constanca já está a fazê-lo)

2. Escolhe uma hashtag
Este projecto vive no Instagram e a melhor maneira de partilhar e organizar o teu porjecto é escolher uma hasthtag única. Algo como #100daysof...... As minhas tags o ano passado foram:
#100daysofhandletteringbykanpai and #gratefulkanpai
Lembra-te de escolher algo único para o teu trabalho não se confundir com outros (pode incluir o teu nome por exemplo)

3. Começa

Anuncia o teu projecto e começa na terça-feira 4 de Abril. Deixa um comentário neste post ou taga-me @kanpaikanpai para eu seguir!

4. Continua

Prometo já que vão haver momentos baixos, dias tão cheios sem tempo para fazer nada, dias em que vais sentir que o teu trabalho é uma porcaria, e que não vale a pena continuar. Deixa-me já dizer-te três coisas:

- se falhares um dia, deixa e recomeça no dia seguinte.

- mas recomeça no dia seguinte, e no seguinte, e no seguinte. Não desistas porque ao fim de 100 dias vais ter aprendido tanto e vais ficar orgulhoso do que conseguiste!

- toda a gente está a aprender por isso foca-te no TEU trabalho e esquece o resto (nota-se muito que estou  afalar comigo própria?)

Nota: mas, se desistires, não sejas duro contigo, podes tentar mais tarde, podes tentar para o ano, podes só fazer 30 dias, podes fazer o que quiseres e ninguém tem nada a ver com isso!

Então porque é que vou participar de novo e acho que tu também devias?

A minha maior lição deste projecto é crescimento. Fez-me aprender tanto sobre mim, a minha prática, sobre o que eu gosto e quero. Também me fez crescer artisticamente, praticar novas competências, sair da minha zona de comforto e criar mais confiança.

E se és como eu e falta-te auto-motivação, fazer este projecto publicamente com dezenas de outras pessoas dá outra motivação!

Espero que te tenha motivado a experimentar este projecto este ano!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENGLISH

On my last post I mentioned that last year I completed two #the100dayproject and was very happy with the results.
As the "official" starting date is just around the corner I thought I would talk a bit more about and why I am joining again this year and you should too!

First, what the hell is the #the100dayproject?
It's a public project, open to anyone, launched a couple years ago by an artist Elle Luna. The basic concept is to pick an idea, usually a creative project, and commit to an action on it  EVERY DAY for 100 days. The idea is to focus on progress, on the daily practice and not on perfection, on doing beautiful final pieces. You can read everything on the official project page but I'll sum it up, the essential steps:

1. Pick an action
Think of something you've been thinking of trying, you've wanted to learn or you wanted to master. 
My top tip is to pick something you're excited about AND is realistically doable everyday. Don't be too ambitious! Remember that this project will last until July and life happens and you will loose your motivation at some point. Or if want to be ambitious make the time for it.

Some ideas: 
- 5mn of doodling?
- one sketch/ day? Always a good excuse to pick a new notebook ;)
- drawing plants, people, houses, random home items?
- something with food, cooking?
- daily meditation or yoga?
- 100 walks?
- daily gratitude? 
- 100 days of blogging (Constanca is doing it!)

2. Pick a hashtag
This project lives on Instagram and the best way to organise your work is to have your own  unique tag. Something like #100daysof...... My tags last year were:
#100daysofhandletteringbykanpai and #gratefulkanpai

Make sure to pick something unique by including your name or making it really specific

3. Begin

Announce your project and start on Tuesday April 4th! leave a comment or tag me @kanpaikanpai and I'll follow along!

4. Continue

I will promise you now that there will be low points, days too busy to sit down and do something, days where you'll be "I suck so much" and "what's the point anyway". So let me tell you three things: 

- if you skip a day, let it go, just pick up on the next day.

- but pick up on the next day, and the next, and the next. Don't give up because by the end of 100 days you will have learnt so much, you will be proud of yourself and the best, you will have developed or improved on a skill you like!

- everybody sucks, everybody is learning so focus on YOUR practice and ignore the rest (you can tell I'm talking to myself, right ;)?)

Note: but, if you give up don't beat yourself, you can try other time, you can try next year, you can limit to 30 days, you can just do whatever you want and that's no ones business ;)

So why am I doing it again and you should too?

My major take away from this project is growth. I learnt so much about myself, about my practice, about what I want. I was also quite pleased with my artistic development, I practised new skills, got out of my comfort zone, exposed my work and grew confident with it.

If you are like me and lack a bit of self motivation, doing it publicly along hundreds of other people does keep you accountable and makes you go to the desk everyday!

I hope I have encouraged you to try it this year! 

Image by Elle Luna, www.the100dayproject.org

SaveSave

16 creative projects for 2016

Continuando este post (devagarinho chegamos lá! ;)) decidi partilhar convosco a lista de projectos criativos que quero concretizar este ano. Foi bom ler os comentários e saber que não estou sozinha nesta luta por mais espaço para criar. A ideia de partilhar estas intenções de projectos não é nova nem minha mas uma técnica de motivação porque cria um sentido de responsabilidade. Vamos ver se funciona? E sem mais demora aqui estão 16 projectos para 2106!

1. Postal de ano novo
2. Livro Um Ano Filipe
3. Drawing a day
4. Calendário 2016
5. Video One Second Um Ano Filipe
6. Filme Avó
7. Talking Walls
8. Rolo Analógico Japão - Londres
9. Family Book of Everyday
10. Prenda R
11. Filme Barriga
12. Um caderno de viagem
13. Livro família Filipe
14. Postais
15. Projecto P
16. Care Package R+C
Extra. Documentar 16 sítios de Londres
Extra. Photobooth

Os riscados são os já completos. Já lá vão 4. E vocês, querem partilhar comigo quais os vossos projectos criativos para este ano?

Following this post (slowly we'll get there;)) I decided to share with you the list of creative projects that I want to achieve this year. It was good to read your comments and learn that I am not alone in this fight for more space to create. The idea of sharing these intentions is neither new nor mine, but a motivation technique because it creates accountability. Let's see if it works? And without further ado here are 16 projects for 2106:

1. New Year's Card
2. Book One Year Filipe
3. Drawing a day
4. 2016 Calendar
5. Video One Second One Year Filipe
6. Film Grandmother
7. Talking Walls
8. Analog film Japan - London
9. Family Book of Everyday
10. Gift R
11. Growing belly film
12. A travel notebook
13. Book Family Filipe
14. Postcards
15. Project P
16. Care Package R + C
Extra. Documenting 16 places in London
Extra. Photobooth

The strikethrough ones are the already completed. Four so far! What about you, do you want to share with me your creative plans for this year?

my word(s) for 2016

English below

(Eu sei que estou sempre atrasada por aqui... mas estou a aprender a estar bem com isso e não usar a lista de posts acumulados como uma desculpa para procrastinar. Este blog é importante para mim, vocês que ainda têm paciência para me ler são importantes e quero continuar por aqui.)

(I know I'm always late here ... but I'm learning to be okay with it and not take the list of drafted posts as an excuse to procrastinate. This blog is important to me, you who still have the patience to read me are important and I'll just stay here.)

Há já alguns anos que escolho uma palavra para guiar o ano.

E há já alguns anos que invariavelmente essa palavra está ligada a criatividade. É sempre o que eu quero para o centro da minha vida, tirar tantas ideias que tenho na cabeça e executá-las, fazer coisas com as mão, continuar a ser criativa. Eu gosto do meu emprego e tem alguma criatividade mas a minha cabeça não pára e quer sempre mais. Tenho feito algumas coisas mas nunca a um grau que me deixe mesmo feliz. E também não partilho tudo o que faço que é outra coisas que quero mudar. Este ano não é diferente e quero trazer mais trabalhos criativos para os meus dias. Para além disso há outras áreas da vida que quero desenvolver e melhorar, para me sentir melhor, mais equilibrada.

Eu sei que talvez devesse ser menos ambiciosa e certamente mais paciente comigo. Afinal tenho um namorado, um filho pequeno e um trabalho a tempo inteiro. Os dias são cheios e cansativos e o tempo não é elástico. Mas a vida será sempre cheia e desculpas são tão fáceis de arranjar. Este ano escolhi a palavra FOCO/FOCUS exactamente para me lembrar de fazer o máximo do pouco tempo livre que me resta. Focar-me no essencial, organizar prioridades, reduzir o tempo perdido em actividades que não acrescentam valor à minha vida (como facebook, instagram ou a ler a minha lista infinita de blogs) e perder o medo.

Em cada mês quero focar-me num hábito que gostava de mudar e esta é a lista que criei para 2016:

JANEIRO: Exercícios criativos
FEVEREIRO: Alimentação saudável
MARÇO: Exercício
ABRIL: Finanças
MAIO: Escrever cartas e postais
JUNHO: Declutter
JULHO: Meditação
AGOSTO: Desligar
SETEMBRO: Exercícios criativos
OUTUBRO: ?
NOVEMBRO: Um post todos os dias (juntar-me de novo ao NaBloPoMo)
DEZEMBRO: Generosidade

A ideia é ir introduzindo uma pequena mudança por mês e no final do ano ser uma mulher nova! Em termos criativos criei também uma lista de 16 projectos (16 simplesmente porque estamos em 2016) que partilharei num outro post para executar ao longo do ano.

Mas já se está a ver que não vai ser fácil...

Janeiro não foi mau, comecei o ano entusiasmada e juntei-me a um desafio para desenhar todos os dias. Eram só 10 minutos por dia e consegui quase todos os dias! Não pensava muito e foi fácil terminar. A ideia era dar-me uma rotina que depois utilizaria para outros projectos. Não funcionou.
Mas depois em Fevereiro sem o empurrão diário foi mais complicado mas fiz algumas mudanças na minha alimentação e comecei a introduzir mais vegetais por exemplo. Baby steps!
Estamos em Março e tem sido a desgraça total em termos de exercício! Fui duas vezes ao pilates e fiz duas caminhadas de 1 hora. Nem uma corrida!

E projectos criativos... completei 3 o que não parece mal. Mas tenho alguns ambiciosos que estão a custar a mexer.

Como eu disse as desculpas são fáceis, o meu filho esteve doente e as noites ficaram uma desgraça ainda maior que o habitual (nunca dormiu muito bem raça do miúdo!). Mas são demasiadas as noites em que depois do jantar acabo no sofá agarrada ao iphone. Não é muito tempo antes de me deitar e há tanta preguiça de começar algo quando já estou tão cansada...

Parece que a experiência está a ser um falhanço total mas não acho. Já sabia que não ia ser fácil e a verdade é que houve progresso em todas as áreas em que iniciei uma mudança. E o facto de aqui estar a escrever sobre isto e sobre as minhas lutas dá-me uma nova energia para continuar a trabalhar e não me deixar ir. Hoje de manhã li um artigo interessante sobre os efeitos  negativos de passar a vida a imaginar projectos e nunca os concretizar (ai ai tocou tão na minha ferida) que decidi acrescentar uma nova palavra do ano. Quero continuar FOCADA mas agora criar ACÇÃO. Fazer coisas. Concretizá-las!

Estão comigo?

English!

For some years now I've been choosing a word to guide me through the year

And for some years now invariably the word is linked to creativity. It's always what I want for my life, take the ideas from my head and just do them, create things with the hands, continue to be creative. I like my job and it has some creativity but my head does not stop and always wants more. I have done some things but not to a degree that let me really happy. Nor do I share everything I do which is other thing I want to change. This year is no different and I want to put forward more creative works. Furthermore there are other areas of life that want to develop and improve, in order to feel better, more balanced.

I know that maybe I should be less ambitious and certainly more patient with me. After all I have a boyfriend, a young son and a full-time job. The days are full and tiring and time is not elastic. But life will always be full and excuses are so easy to arrange. This year I chose the word FOCUS exactly to remember me to make the most of the little time I have left. Focus on my essentials, organize my priorities, reduce the time wasted on activities that add no value to my life (like facebook, instagram or read my endless list of blogs) and lose the fear.

Each month I want to focus myself on a habit that liked to change and this is the list I created for 2016:

JANUARY: creative exercises
FEBRUARY: Healthy Food
MARCH: Exercise
APRIL: Finance
MAY: Write letters and postcards
JUNE: Declutter
JULY: Meditation
AUGUST: Off
SEPTEMBER: creative exercises
OCTOBER: ?
NOVEMBER: A post every day (joining again NaBloPoMo)
DECEMBER: Generosity

The idea is to introduce a small change each month and then by the end of the year I'll be a new woman! Ahah In creative terms I also made a list of 16 projects (16 simply because we are in 2016) that will share in another post to run through the year.

But I'm already sensing it will not be easy ...

January was not bad, I started the year excited and I joined a challenge to draw every day. It was only 10 minutes a day and did it almost every day! I did not think too much and was easy to finish. The idea was to give me a routine that would fuel me into other projects. It didn't work.
In February without the daily reminder it was more complicated but I did make some changes in my diet and started to introduce more vegetables for example. Baby steps!
We are in March and has been the utter disgrace in terms of exercise! I went twice to pilates and made two 1-hour walks. Didn't go running not even once!

And creative projects... I completed 3 which is not too bad. But I have some ambitious ones that are being difficult to move with.

As I said excuses are easy, my son was sick and the nights became even worse than usual (he was never a great sleeper). But for too many evenings I've just been lazy in the sofa with my phone. It's not a lot of time before I go to bed and I just get lazy....

It seems that the experience is being a total failure but I don't think so. I knew it would not be easy and the truth is that there has been progress in all areas in which started a change. And the fact of being here to write about this and about my struggles gives me new motivation to continue working and not let myself go. This morning I read an interesting article about the negative effects of spending too much time thinking about projects instead of actually doing them (ouch, my soft spot!) I decided to add a new word of the year. I want to continue FOCUSED but now create ACTION. Do things. Make them happen!

Are you with me?

spreading some internet love

I've been very inspired by Crystal's "Year of Creative Habits" which I discovered last year. She has now created a course to support your year of creative habits!
In 2016, I'll be beginning again and I'd love for you to join me for a new year of creative habits. This time let's do it together. In December of this year, we'll make a commitment to be creative every day in 2016. We'll make a plan and set ourselves up for success. In January, we'll start. We'll create a trigger and a starting ritual. We'll have a back up plan and emergency kit for when life gets in the way of our creative habits. We'll support each other through the ups and downs and celebrate the small wins along the way.

A nice list: 26 Things Every Person Should Do For Themselves At Least Once A Year. Like this one: Write down a list of things you’re proud of. Things you’re really, sincerely proud of. Things you never thought you could accomplish and have. The kind of gratitude that comes with appreciating what you’ve done for yourself is unmatched. Let yourself keep surprising yourself. Make your own case for why you should trust yourself – then listen. And keep going.

This workshop in a box is so pretty.

What if you could talk to your past self? Two charming videos about it: 1 and 2.

This is a good new year resolution! How to get started.

Loved this text: How to find your voice.
What I don’t like about the expression ‘finding your voice’ is that it’s very mystifying in the minds of young people. It makes you feel — made me feel when I first heard it — that your voice is tied up with your authenticity, that your voice lies deep within you, at some root bottom of your soul, and that to find your voice you need to fall into deep introspection…

I love December as a good looking back and planning ahead time and this is a great tool to prepare the new year! I've been using it for four or five years now and love it!

-------

These weeks before Christmas are filled with social events, work deadlines and gift shopping so we are taking it easy on the weekend to rest and stay at home. It's now dark before 16h inviting to stay home, playing hide and seek and lighting some candles in the evening listening to Christmas songs.

spreading some internet love

Loved this collaborative project of a couple living in two different cities. It reminds me so much of ou mirrorcities project

I loev listening to TED talks. These are 5 other sites that may be just as good (haven't tried them all!)

I am an ENFP. What are you?

Change your story to change your life

archidirectors. stunning (via madalena)

Good tips for keeping memories while traveling.

How to enjoy work (even when you're busy). Directed at freelancers but useful tips for everyone!

December reflections!

-------

Have a lovely Sunday folks! We're taking it easy this weekend after a week from hell, went for a yoga class yesterday and today Sunday roast with a good friend we haven't seen for far too long!

#instamemorylane

Há algum tempo vi este post no we blog you e adorei a ideia: "Uma viagem fotográfica e sentimental às nossas contas de Instagram" Estive agora a ver o meu passado no Instagram (1163 fotos!) e emocionei-me! Tantas memórias, tantas histórias guardadas! A ideia era comparar as 3 primeiras fotos no Instagram com as 3 mais recentes. Preparados? Aqui vamos nós!

Some time ago I saw this post on we blog you and loved the idea: "A photographic and sentimental journey to our Instagram accounts". So I dove into my Instagram past (1163 pictures!) and found so many memories, so many saved stories! the idea was to compare the first 3 Instagram posts with the latest 3. Ready? Here we go!

Aqui ficam as minhas primeiras 3 fotos (a minha primeira postada no dia 15 de Dezembro de 2011). Estávamos fresquinhos em Londres e o iphone foi uma prenda do meu namorado. O instagram ainda não era a sensação que é hoje e o meu estilo deixava muito a desejar (que cores tão amarelas!).
A Muji é a de Tottenham Court Road, a loja que ia sempre que visitava Londres, antes de me mudar. A foto do meio também não é grande coisa e é tirada da parte de cima de um double decker (autocarro de dois pisos) sentada nos lugares da frente (os melhores!). E a última do lado direito é um sticky toffee pudding, provavelmente a sobremesa mais doce de sempre.
Engraçado que 4 anos depois a Muji ainda é das minhas lojas favoritas, continuo a gostar de me sentar nos lugares da frente do topo do double decker (agora mais raro porque passeamos com um carrinho e temos que ficar no andar de baixo) e continuo a adorar sticky toffee pudding!

Below my first 3 photos (my first image was posted on December 15, 2011). We had been in London for a couple of months only and the iphone was a gift from my boyfriend. Instagram was not yet the sensation it is today and my style had much room for improvement (such yellow colours!). 
That Muji shop is the Tottenham Court Road branch, the store I always went when visiting London, before moving here. The middle photo is not much better and is taken from the top of a double decker sitting in the front seats (the best!). And the last one on the right is a sticky toffee pudding, possibly the sweetest dessert ever.
Funny that four years later, Muji is still one of my favourite stores, I still like to sit in the front seats of the top of the double decker (now rarer because with the buggy we have to stay downstairs) and still love sticky toffee pudding!

E a três mais recentes. Do lado esquerdo um edifício que visitei em trabalho tinha este corredor de saída de emergência com uma luz incrível. No meio o London Eye, o Parlamento e o Big Ben numa das minhas vistas favoritas de Londres, um passeio com amigos do Japão. E a última do lado direito os meus dois amores, a contraluz num restaurante onde só fomos usar a photobooth. As cores melhoraram e houve um pequenote que veio revolucionar a minha vida. Mas ainda é Londres, ainda o mesmo iphone (velhinho 4!), ainda o mesmo namorado ;-P e ainda a vontade de registar pequenos instantes neste formato quadrado. Agora vejo como cada quadradinho conta tanta história!

And the three most recent. On the left a building that I visited for work had this emergency exit corridor with an amazing light. In the middle, the London Eye, Parliament Houses and Big Ben in one of my favorite views of London, during a walk with some friends from Japan. And the last on the right side of my two loves, backlight at a restaurant where we went to use the photobooth. Colours have improved and there is a certain little man who has turned my life upside down. But it is still London, still the same iPhone (oldie but goldie 4!), still the same boyfriend ;-P and still the will to capture small moments in this square format. I know see how each small square has so much history!

Que tal, gostaram deste #instamemorylane? Se mostrarem o vosso deixem-me o link num comentário para eu ver!

So, did you like this #instamemorylane? If you share yours leave me the link in a comment and I'll have a look!

spreading some internet love

artichokes in israel

I've been curious about the green juice movement for a while... this seems a good challenge!

What a FUN house!

Feel like you're not good enough?

Always fun to check other's love for notebooks!

Just heard about Futah, made in Portugal beach towels, and they seem amazing! I'll be checking them for summer.

Daydreaming of these huts Muji just launched... *sigh*

--------

Hope you're having a lovely weekend. It's raining in London, pear and apple crumble in the oven, friends coming over. Everything just perfect for some cozy time at home (ignore energetic 13month old running around)

spreading some internet love (and I'm joining #naphopomo)

Autumn in London is so pretty!

Some things that caught my attention recently:

What cute stickers! Want. Want. Want.

Nobody cares how hard you work. True.

How many planets do you need to sustain your lifestyle? I need 2.6 gulp! Need to do something about this!

Loved these personal journals by Moleskine.

Ha ha ha, hilarious! Plastic Bags of New York

Loved this interview and his project: Scott Patt. Bigger. Smaller. Funnier. #inspiration

-------

And on another news: This is a probably ridiculous attempt but would be amazing: I'm joining Xanthe and others on #nablopomo in a photography version #naphopomo! It's basically committing to post daily during November... Argh, it will be difficult but let's give it a try. I'll start by updating my Project 52 which has been lingering since July...

spreading some internet love

From my archives 2011 - A handmade broom in the siberian railway.

I'm slowly leaving the fog of the recent months... Before sharing an update here's some links I've loved from the internet:

Really enjoyed this conversation between Elizabeth Gilbert and Marie Forleo. Absolutely loved when she said "what will make you finish it is not discipline, but self-forgiveness". As someone who struggles with creative perfectionism these are words to repeat every morning and night.

Share your work! I have bought the book but this is a nice summary.

Related: Focus on the process instead of the final product.

I'm not really into camping but would love to try it more. These seem great tips!

Beautiful way to fund a one year travel adventure.

Love this oversized tiled photo art project!

spreading some internet love

The Mad Hatter Tea Garden at Margate (an institution closed on the Friday we visited!)

Some interesting things that have come my way from the internet that I would like to share:

One of my favourite things is butter on toast! But cold butter sucks (file that on first world problems!). This knife would make my life so much better (slight exaggeration...)

And what should be a first world benefit: the case for the 32-hour week (yes, please, can someone explain me why we need to work so hard?)

Gmail hacks!

This is so beautiful! And in my own country! Thanks Ana!

What an exciting adventure! Maybe one day we'll do the same... (#daydreaming)

Long post but worth reading: The year I embraced minimalism and completed a yearlong shopping ban

And probably not the best articles to read while flat hunting in London but the hard reality hitting us: one and two.

And this project starts tomorrow. I think I'll give it a go!

spreading some internet love

Loved this birth announcements ideas.

I suffered with acne through my teenage and early adult years and it can be devastating to your self confidence. This video is very brave. You are beautiful.

Apparently the UK "ranked 13th out of 15 countries for children’s life satisfaction, 13th for agreement with the statement “I like going to school”, 14th for children’s satisfaction with their bodies and 15th for self-confidence". Interesting reflection on aspirational parents.

I don't dream of getting married but if so this casual wedding style would suit us well :)

Speaking of weddings, I was so happy with the US Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage last week. But this post from Will reminded me that despite these great achievements we are still very far from equality, even in the west world. Also this one from Lisa Congdon.

No time to be nice at work.

One hundred words of now.

spreading some internet love

How stunning is this house? I could live here no doubts...

Fictitious dishes, a delicious and funny project

Agree with them all: After losing his father, here are the 10 life insights this dad wants his daughters to know

And another helpful list of advice: 15 ways to stay married 15 years

The parent I aspire to be

And one from me, a guest post I wrote about the things I love about London (in portuguese only I'm afraid...)

spreading some internet love

Loved listening to Maria Popova - Cartographer of Meaning in a Digital Age. Do you read her amazing blog Brain Pickings? You should!

10 books for the creative mind

I love this video about Oliver Jeffers!

What is your productivity style?

What to do when you have too many ideas? Oh my, that's me and my racing mind! Some good advice to help you clear your mind on which idea to follow first.

It's my birthday next weekend and of course a picnic is already scheduled with my London friends. This blanket would be perfect.

And finally... it's not easy to think of death or deal with it, but two relevant texts this week might help, one from Joanna Goddard whose family has been strike with death this winter and a facebook post from Sheryl Sandberg following her husband sudden death. Both a good reminder of what really matters!

Let's enjoy life shall we? Have a lovely Sunday folks! It's sunny in London! Yay!

spreading some internet love

Arsenal won the FA Cup again this year and it's parade day! Streets are closed to traffic and the players drive through the streets to the fans cheers and applause! This photo is from last year, because this year we are all sick and tired at home...

I kept seeing this vintage style posters in a few places in our recent trip to the USA and I really like them.

This book seems interesting...

Beautiful photographic project from brian w. ferry (love love all his work)

"The oddly obvious thing I need to be reminded of"

My dad was in town and brought this lovely book (as a gift to a friend's daughter) and I think it's brilliant. I should do a sole post dedicated to Planeta Tangerina.

And that's it! Have a lovely Sunday beautiful people!

spreading some internet love

Today is 17th May, Norwegian Constitution Day. It's a really festive day, norwegians dress up and there are parties, music and parades!

What a clever idea! I'm wish-listing this clutch/wrap/purse. Ideal for travelling and actually everyday!

I love Marie TV from Marie Forleo. This recent video on Conscious Parenting was filled with wisdom and definitely not only for parents.

Hello Sandwich is releasing an updated version of her famous Tokyo Guide. Tempted to buy although Japan is not on my future travel plans... (*sigh*)

Excited to see Alexander McQueen's exhibition at the V&A next weekend. I bought the tickets months ago (it's selling out pretty quickly) and had almost forgotten about it!

Not many links today, it's sunshine here in London so let's go and have a picnic! Enjoy your Sunday and the rest of the week.

analogue wednesday #12 special guest fred from we blog you

A semana passada mostrei-vos fotos de Londres da Astrid. Esta semana mostro Londres de novo desta vez pelos os olhos de outro convidado especial: O Fred Gomes do blog We Blog You. É que Londres fica mesmo bonita fotografada analogicamente. Espero que gostem tantos das fotos do Fred como eu. Muito obrigada Fred!

Last week I showed you Astrid's pictures of London. This week I'm sharing more London photos but this time captured by the lens of another special guest: Fred Gomes of We Blog You. It's that London is just beautiful in film photography. I hope you enjoy Fred's pictures as I do. Thank you Fred!

Camera: Pentax K1000 Lens: 50mm 2.0 Film: 200 Fujicolor CN-16 C-41 expired

All photos copyright Fred Gomes. Click for the original post and more London photos.

spreading some internet love

I love Emily McDowell's work. Now even more that she launched the Empathy Cards - brilliant and helpful idea. (via Silvia)
Being sick can be really lonely. One major reason is because most people don't know what to say, so they disappear, or say the wrong thing entirely. And as a friend, it IS hard to know what to say. I created Empathy Cards because I believe we need some better, more authentic ways to communicate about illness and suffering. My goal for this collection is to help people connect with each other through truth, and to help people with illness feel seen and understood. I think these are the most important things I’ve designed so far, and they’re some of my favorites.

A beautiful text.

The Worrier's Guide to Life (hilarious! and so me...)

I live in a one-bedroom flat with my partner and baby son. So yes, to keep sanity, we embrace minimalism and here's 18 five-minute decluttering tips to get you started.

I loved the inspiration from Austin Kleon's book "Steal Like an Artist" so I'm curious about the Journal...

I knew it! This is going to be printed and hanged in the kitchen! (via a cup of jo)

My favourite way of travelling is no doubt by train. So my friend Elinor hit my soft spot when she sent me this amazing list of this 10 espectacular train journeys... #daydreaming

Have a lovely Sunday!

analogue wednesday #11 special guest astrid from hei astrid

Gosto muito de ver como outras pessoas vêem e fotografam a cidade onde vivo. E Londres é uma cidade fantástica para ser retratada com rolo... O céu carregado, a luz suave, os tons de terra,  essa atmosfera tão londrina consegue ser tão bem traduzida pelo rolo. E esta semana em vez de vos mostrar fotos minhas trago uma convidada especial: a Astrid Hagen do blog Hei Astrid. Assim que vi as suas fotos tiradas em Londres fiquei encantada e deixei-me apaixonar por Londres de novo! Espero que também gostem! And tusen takk Astrid!

I always love to see how others capture the city I live in and I think London is a great city to capture with film! The overcast sky, the soft light, the earth tones, that London atmosphere... they are beautifully portrayed on film. This week, instead of showing you my pictures, I'm sharing some photos I instantly fell in love with taken by Astrid Hagen from the lovely blog Hei Astrid. I look at her pictures and can't help to fall in love yet again with London. Hope you enjoy them as well! And tusen takk Astrid!

 

Camera: Canon EOS 500N Film: Kodak Portra 400

All photos copyright Astrid Hagen. Click to see all her London photos.

spreading some internet love

ACE Hotel, Palm Springs 2015

I've been following Famapa from the blog My Funny Eye for years and she is one of my favourite photographers. So happy to see that she now has a website and is available for editorials and commissions!

Didn't know ice cream could be that easy (and I love how my friend Filipa writes). And if you live in London and think you have no time for cooking, Filipa can change your life!

I loved to peek into Gert's journals! Beautiful calligraphy. Check the other interviews as well.

Beautiful maps collected by @dennyshess (via swissmiss)

This series on Raising a Travelling Tribe by Tina Fussell (aka Travelling Mama) strikes a chord with me. Tina, her husband and three kids, originally from USA, have been living abroad for the last 10 years and she always shares great reflections on how this decision affects their lives, the good and the bad!

A good reminder: So don't give up on The Thing.

I'm not one to think of marriage but love love this idea: wedding table number cards that convert to anniversary cards. It's giving me some ideas for Filipe's first birthday party...

Have a lovely Sunday! Happy Mother's Day in Portugal!