Love is All Around

I believe in love...even love at first sight.

I believe in not settling down because you are getting older, or getting married because you've been with someone for a while and it's the next logical step. I understand some people might find the idea comforting....but what will happen the day they discover true love?
Love is a feeling that makes you come alive. That makes even the dullest daily routine not feel that bad because you know that at the end of the day you will come home to that special person, and everything will be alright. Love brings out the best in you and makes you want to become a better person.
Noone should ever settle down for less. Love is a truly magical feeling and nothing can ever compare to it.
Love is breathing happiness through every pore of your body.

Love finds a way to brighten up your day

Love can be found when you least expect it

One year mark

Pack, unpack, pack, unpack...

One year ago, on this day, was the beginning of my new life, aka my european study adventure. I remember sitting on the plane, feeling so perfectly calm, knowing I was doing the right thing. I cannot believe how fast the year went by, but on the other hand, when I think about it, so many things happened!

Between studying, travelling around, living on my own for the first time, having my fair share of bathroom malfunctions (floods, broken toilets, and the like- seemed to be a recurring theme throughout the year), packing, unpacking, making new friends from all over the world, promising to new friends to visit each other in our respective countries, and last but not least, what would life be without a little spice called love (even if it doesn't happen or end the way we would like it to)!

I believe the most important element of my experience, or any experience for that matter, are the people we meet along the way. It's the human contact that shapes and defines the moment, that makes or breaks a situation. Cheers to all these wonderful people, old and new friends, and family! And here's to many more adventures!

Jello shots on Halloween night, also known as the stage of the first bathroom malfunction

Smoking the shisha and bonding with classmates on Student Day

Sushi Night! My first sushi making experience...mmm sushi...

Walking around the city on a winter night, taking pictures, after the first semester ended

With frozen fingers and toes, while being wowed by some of the world's best snowboarders at the Arctic Challenge

Admiring the view- and the line-up- at the Eiffel Tower

Bathroom flood documented

Cheering at a rugby game in Leeds!

Taking a walk along the Thames in beautiful London...

Painted Soviet Army monument during Sofia Design Week

Cheers to the Moon! And to a nice and hot summer

Sunday Bazaar

 Today was not a lazy sunday spent lounging around the house, but rather a relaxing sunday spent at the Culture Beat Pazar (I consider shopping to be a productive activity). This bazaar was mainly featuring bulgarian designers, but was also selling some vintage pieces. My highlight was the origami jewelry made by Emiliya Skotnik. Yes, it might have something to do with my obsession with everything japanese... but also with the fact that her pieces were so cute and original. It was very difficult to choose! I love these gatherings, where we can discover local designers, and find unique treasures. So much creativity under one roof...very inspiring!

Origami earrings and rings

Interesting headpieces

Vintage cameras

Enjoying the sun

Comfy bed in case you need a break from shopping

I want...NEED...a summer bed like this one...!!!

Summer Report

The summer flew by, and for the first time in many, many years I was able to fully enjoy it (i.e. be a bum). This summer was filled with a few trips to the beach, street festivals, and many lazy days, lounging by the pool, or in cafés. I am not ready for the Fall yet!

Mojito on the beach= summer

Hibiscus flowers= summer as well ;)

Colorful cocktails and lazy days

I love the sea and the beach

This cat has been having a lazy summer as well

Relaxing atmosphere with a great view...can't get tired of this!

Something old, Something new

Following the last post, I came across another interesting designer who is successfully mixing tradition with modernity. This time it is a japanese brand from Tokyo, Tsukikageya, specializing in yukata (summer kimono) and all its accessories. The designer uses traditional methods for making and printing the clothing, but creates contemporary and funky patterns. The obi (kimono belts) are available in leather, snakeskin, or decorated with crystals; adding a punk twist to the classic sash.

Yukatas look so light and comfortable...perfect for hot summer days! Another thing to add to my wish list...

Some yukatas and fun patterns by Tsukikageya

All images used in the montage are taken from Tsukikageya's website


Click HERE to read an interview with the designer, Natsuki Shigeta!


:)

Shoes...enough said!

Kimonos are so pretty and elegant but since I don't live in Japan, there aren't many occasions where I can wear them. Therefore I love it when I can find a way to- at least- incorporate kimono fabrics and their colorful prints into everyday life.
The mixture of the old and the new can produce some really interesting results...For example, these lovely, lovely handmade pumps by Hetty Rose... Stilettos covered in vintage kimono fabrics....aaah...I want...!

Hetty Rose: Kimono Collection 3

Summertime...and the living's easy

It's officially summer! Yay for everything associated with the season: sun, heat, beaches, flip flops, cocktails, terrasses, cocktails on terrasses, friends, road trips, and fun music!