Good day everybody! Happy new year to you all! May this year bring you lots of love, happiness, and laughter.
It’s been a while since we chatted. If you happen to follow me on Instagram you may have noticed that I spent the better part of the Fall in Australia on a trip of a lifetime with my sister. That trip was absolutely wonderful and you can expect some more detailed reports later.
Coming back from Spring/Summery Down-Under into the most dreary, dull, and dark Fall/Winter in 100 years (really, I am not exaggerating it was/is that bad) proved quite difficult though. I just couldn’t convince my internal clock thingie that it was indeed daytime and time for action in spite of the lack of sunlight. You could say I suffered from a terrible jet lag with a vengeance. But all is better now.
The Christmas holiday was wonderful. We spent lots of time with family and friends, cocooned and cozied up on the sofa with lots of warm fires in my stove, took advantage of the rare sun rays by going for walks, I baked traditional new-years-eve-waffles, got some chores done, worked in the garden and finished up 5 ! photo albums about my adventures last year. It was lovely and it restored my energy. About those photo albums: wow that year sure was a top-notch year. So many wonderful memories were made and so many adventures were lived. Makes me want to make sure that the next yearbook will be just as interesting and full.
Related Reading: How I decorate my home in January. 30 tips for creating a warm, cozy winter home.
I treated myself to a bouquet of tulips this morning. Added a bit of eucalyptus for interest. The tulips hold the promise that Spring will be here, (hopefully) soon and the eucalyptus reminds me of Australia’s bushes. Christmas decor is still up. We keep our trees up until after New Year, and some folks over here even still keep them up until January 6 (Epiphany). Mine won’t last that long. I’ve got some other plans first but I might just tackle taking everything down later today.
I’ve loved decorating my house this Christmas, but I can’t wait to get everything out of here too. Funny how that works…
It’s still grey and dreary outside. So cuddling up under a blanket and lighting some candles is on the agenda too. I still have this week off from work so I plan to do some work on my house switched up with serious nothing-time. I expect a heavy year at the day job, so I’d better stock up on rest, relaxation, and energy before the office days are here.
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday time!
CU soon
Marianne Songbird is the founder of Songbird, where she hopes to inspire everyone to create a home they love, one DIY project at a time. She shares anything from craft ideas to home decor inspiration and from DIY projects to decorating hacks. Originally from the Netherlands Marianne and her husband Lex are currently renovating a 250-year-old farmhouse in Germany.
Sabine Brotherton says
Please tell us more about the traditional NYE waffles!
Marianne@Songbird says
Hmm, you might just have give me the best excuse to bake some more and post the recipe. Yum Yum
Emilou Ely says
Good morning Marianne, good to hear from you! Glad all is well and that your Australia trip was so enjoyable. This winter here has been a lot milder than last year. Did have a white Christmas and currently 24°F, cold. I too love sitting next to a fire and relaxing with a wonderful cup of coffee or tea. I took Christmas decorations down yesterday and know exactly how you feel about loving them all, but love the space after they are all put away. Looking forward to seeing all your creative and inspiring ideas and travels this year. Blessings and smiles for a successful new year, Emilou ?
Marianne@Songbird says
Hi Emilou,
Nice to hear from you too! Brr, sounds like a cold winter over there. Here it isn’t very cold, just very very wet and stormy.
Kathleen says
OMGosh! What an opportunity for you ~ you’ve created lovely, lasting memories with your trip! I’m putting off taking down our decorations because I love the lights! Maybe I’ll solve that by just using some lights in the “strictly winter” decor!?! It’s been verrry cold even here in North Texas!
But now an aside, please: may I ask about the source for that awesome Pom Pom pillow? Thanks!
Marianne@Songbird says
I sure did! The trip was wonderful.
And yes, definitely use twinkly lights in winter. In fact I use them year round. Just love them, just like candles.
That pompom pillow is from a Dutch discount store.
Shelley says
Christmas Eve waffles sounds wonderful!
Shelley says
Make that New Year’s Eve…and I can’t even blame jet lag for that one! 😛
Marianne@Songbird says
LOL maybe it was the leftover eggnog (wink wink)
Gwen says
As always what a beautiful cozy corner. Happy new year?
Marianne@Songbird says
Thank you sweet Gwen