A dreamy world: Mondays

We've heard pretty crazy rumors about Mondays, almost everyone says they're bad news after the weekend. We're wondering how can they be trouble when in fact they're just like any other day of the week only they're the first to start the fun. For instance, today you can:

Be in love with spring

Get close to someone you love

Share a smile + kiss (You already smiled today?)

Wear your favorite hat!

Have a fun week!

A dreamy world: at the beach

Cats in the sun I

Cats in the sun II

I'm here

The photographers

Tennis player

In line for ice-cream

The day we just existed

We went outside today after lunch without a plan, without much preparations, just here to the park outside our house. We sat on the grass, it was sunny, really sunny and hot. Marco had a coffee, I had camomile tea and Sean had boobie :-) He fell asleep soon on the blanket next to us. We felt he had a peaceful sleep, that kind they say is to sleep like a baby (I'm continuously wondering how could we make something so wonderful or better yet where did this miraculous person come from).

We didn't talk about the future, we didn't talk about the past, in fact we didn't talk much, we just stayed present and enjoyed the moment like a favorite series they would always film or a never ending macaroons box.

We witnessed nature, small plants, thorns plants, leaves, flowers, trees, us and seeing how we are all connected, organized and with a purpose we felt life is not accidental.

We got back home smiling and confident we hold all that beauty in ourselves, hoping to open more often the door to just being.

A dreamy world: vintage blue

Come in

Wipe the dust off your shoes

Let's start over new

A dreamy world

.... every Monday, a trip without moving, a breath of inspiration for a creative week.

Lemons + Quince (Marmelo in Portuguese, hence the Marmalade)

Lovely coffe + hand crafted furniture shop

In bloom, Visconte da Luz Park

Antique Post (Correio) box

Reading on Baia Beach

Love from Cascais, Portugal.
Cristina

The three challenges of March

The first days of my first 30 days towards change didn't go by extremely different. Very enthusiastic about getting fit I've started to exercise hard from day one so my muscles are terribly sore, I can barely sit down and when I do I seem to brighten every one's day cause they're all laughing at my numb robot moves.

It is worth it though, after warming up I take up Tiffany Rothe's Get your sexy back workout followed by suggestively named Bikini Abs workout... It's fun, well, at least for Marco to watch. I'm joking, actually I felt great all throughout the day and had the energy to cook + take a walk. I'm looking forward to feeling even better + the thought of wearing my old favorite jeans gives me hope.

When it comes to telling the truth the first day was a challenge as I threw some cards on the table, fact that resulted in a fiery argument, but it got OK eventually, it always does. Oh and I almost told a fable yesterday (this time to Catherine who previously invited us to a barbecue). We procrastinated all day so we couldn't organize better and attend, but there I was instead of telling it how it was, I was ready to invent a cold or something, but I told the truth in the end and it felt very good, even though she hasn't texted me back until now :-)

I discovered the most difficult thing to do these days is spend one hour focusing on a goal, even though I used to paint T-shirts for example for hours and hours I'm finding it hard to focus on one single project. I've set my mind on creating an entire fashion collection from sketching to working with patterns to sewing, but I'm just making the mood board right now. Tons of ideas are running through my mind + butterflies flying around my heart, but being constant is a bit of a bug (I'm possibly afraid to take myself seriously).

We'll see... I feel animated and more determined in just three days and I hope my friends Ina + Anca who took on 30 days of changes are feeling awesome, too.

What are your projects for March or following month?

The year of change

Thing-a-day is coming to an end this year. For the last day I finished ducky T-shirts, prepared parcels for Post and sent them to our wonderful friends. Instead of taking stock of the new things I created this month or having remorse about what they should have looked like, how could I make them better, etc (nothing should have been, things just are what they are) I am just happy I took part and played.

Workspace coming to life

Along with posting about our crafting this month I was inspired to do stuff that was always postponed be it as simple as walking to the nearest store and buying that lipstick or getting rid of some old clothes + other objects that cluttered.

As every end is just a beginning, an open door to something else, things seem to always connect and I believe nothing is by chance, I found another challenge (for another 30 days) yesterday. Cool, huh? Here you can read more about it.

So I'm going to do something for 30 days in order to create a habit. The purpose is to create a positive change in myself and inherently in the world.

I look within me and I can't tell exactly who I am or what determined me to choose this path. Instead, I look at my son and I feel I want to be a better person (for him, for the world, for the future).

For next month I choose to speak from the heart + speak the truth (13. Don't tell a single lie for 30 days), to work on a dream everyday and make it reality (17. Define one long term goal and work on it for an hour every day) and exercise (22. Exercise for 30 minutes every day for 30 days).

Before leaving, here's a short story about what happened today at the post office. When we were going away I wished the lady at the counter a happy spring and she corrected me by showing on the calendar the first day is March, 20 (Spring equinox). I replied that spring is here (and I put my hand on my heart) whenever we want to . She became emotional and smiled a lot, accepting the change.

So I'm wishing you a delightful spring too, with lots of positive changes. And hugs!

Leonor + Rodrigo, guests of honor in our workspace

Thing-a-day: insights

February started with Thing-a-day, an awesome project I wanted to attend to for several years. It's ironic that I'm in just now when work time is very short, but maybe nothing is coincidental and the universe is trying to whisper something...

First discovery: the blunt truth is I'm still running against time, I'm still separating want from must.

There are moments during the day when I wish my son would be older and I could work or we could create something together. Then, in the evening when he falls asleep at my breast and I stroke his hand, when he's smiling in his sleep and breathing easily, I wish he stayed a baby forever and we could sing some more and dance some more and talk our sweet talk. It's then when I realize my struggle to make one thing or another is in vain, as we're already creating together the most beautiful stories and wonders day by day. And I feel I'm doing a good job!

This daily challenge also tells me I should create more and show less. Perhaps I'm proud to reveal just one of a hundred sketches, it may be just one drawing I would hang on the wall.

Thing-a-day reminded me I don't have a proper work space at home, but I wish for one with all my heart. That corner where among significant dear items, glimpses, colors and air thick with inspiration you sit, you inhale and feel you reached a star and caught it in the palm of your hand.
(No more waiting another day: I am happy to let you know that Marco is buying a desk and shelves as we speak, so the work space should come alive the next days.)

We made 10 thingies in 12 days so far, but we have an agenda filled with ideas and projects. No worries, if they're meant to materialize they will some day.

I'm proud to participate alongside enthusiasts who help making the world a better place by putting positive energy in their daily inventions. Also posting on Thing-a-day blog gets me feeling I've nothing to complain about working alone. I'm not alone, I've got wonderful colleagues I work with everyday!

Paper lamp shade + butterflies

Hi, cats.

I'm in love with the 6th thingy. We used plain paper, a paper lamp shade, scissors and glue. It took about 20 minutes to make everything and about two days to post it, yikes. I guess color paper, maybe red tones + black, would have been cool too. I tried painting a few butterflies but the paper lost its shape so we went back to simple.

So what do you think, hot or not?
(It kinda screams Valentine's Day, doesn't it)

Shoe box for photographs

I'm posting a little late about the fifth thing, I'm a bit tired cause I've been meowing + mooing + singing all day + all the other thrills when you have a ten week old at home (including starring into each others eyes for hours, like lovers).

I started working on it yesterday but I finished today: it's a cardboard (shoe) box turned into a pretty box to store memories like photos, notes, etc. How it's made? We torn apart a few fashion magazines in search of the perfect (as if) images, then we crumpled (for a vintage look) and glued it onto the box. Then... um, no, there's nothing more, that's it.

I hope this has been inspiring and I wish you plan + enjoy a very creative week... but see you a bit later!

Saturday evening with Hugh Grant

Well, he's one of my favorite actors or better said I love the characters he interprets and his movies are absolutely charming. I watch them every now and then and always get lifted believing that there is beauty and love in the world. And at the end of the movie, that easy mood that makes you say it's such a wonderful life after all.

Today I saw Two weeks notice, Love actually (great, great movie) and Four weddings and a funeral. The last got me tripping dreaming about one future day we'll be moving to London, about English roses, romantic rain and gathering with friends for tea, all in the rush of a big city + casual looks that simply say I'm OK you're OK...

LDN by kittenwear featuring flower jewelry

If you haven't seen it yet, I promise it's a delightful way to spend the evening (you could have your favorite beverage plus cookies with it). I wish you a great Sunday and leave you with the last scene of the movie - one of the best declarations ever:

Charles: Let me ask you one thing. Do you think - after we've dried off, after we've spent lots more time together - you might agree *not* to marry me? And do you think not being married to me might maybe be something you could consider doing for the rest of your life?
Carrie: I do.

What was in fashion in 1986

Today's drawing is the first of a series I want to create illustrating fashion over the years. I would love it if someone would get me such a present: a T-shirt, a tote bag or a huggable pillow showing what was in style the year I was born. What do you think?

Let's start with 1986. I looked up the historical events, but they were mostly scary so we won't go there (terrible things happen anyway, so let's focus on the positive, like fashion for instance).

 

The ladies wore anything with huge shoulder pads (yes, even T-shirts), chunky jewelry, ribbons and big headbands. Tight belts would highlight the waist and purses would match the shoes (preferably flat ones). Leather jackets over corset dresses, knee length trousers, men shirts and hats rocked all in pastels, color block, as well coordinating black and white.

Singles we still love, like Europe's The final countdown, Berlin's Take my breath away, Chris's Lady in Red and Madonna's Papa don't preach, were number ones all across the world.

And to add magic to it, my awesome friend Denisa was born that year. Put your hands up for 1986!

TAD 2012

Hi guys.

I's the 6th year Thing-a-day's been around and I finally made it, we're in (thanks to dear Anca who reminded me).

kittns and I don't have a thorough plan of what to create every day (although we have lots of ideas)  + we spend most of our time with nine week old Sean so I'm guessing we'll probably sketch stuff. The whole experience should be even more interesting, having little time to... well, anything.

I will post the artsy thingy a bit later, meanwhile you can join us and get inspired.

Let it roll, I can do it, I can do it!

So here they are, two upcycled funny pins, yep the bears used to be part of Sean's first shoes which are too small now. Cool, huh? By wearing them we'll hold on to a lovely memory.

We made two, so if you want one just write us an e-mail or a comment. We'll send it right over.
Hope you liked our first thingy, see you later with the second!

The time is now

Here's a simple + true idea I stumbled upon the other day when I watched the movie Midnight in Paris.

We tend to be unsatisfied with the present and always imagine the past was better, so we escape or seek refuge going back in time. But the thing is it's normal that the present is a bit challenging as life itself is rarely colored pink. What we fail to notice is that once we go back to live in that desired past time, it becomes present so we would try to escape that too eventually. Therefore living in the past makes no sense, it would be Sisyphus's work to catch that perfect moment.

I say this is also true for running to the future. We spend our lives projecting, planning, waiting, anticipating a perfect time that never comes. If for seconds we might feel we reached that time, it becomes present and we find ourselves in search of new wishes and ideals again. So living for the future is illusory too.

It's natural to go back sometimes, remember or search for causes. It would be tough living without a memory.

Looking ahead, hoping and building are natural too. We would be miserable without our dreams.

But what's better than this moment? After all, it's just living an eternal present that we sometimes like to call past or future.

Head in the clouds, custom order for a special woman pilot.

How to make a baby blanket

Before revealing the surprise project I've been working on, I want to say a few words about the last hectic days.

So we finally found a home and we already moved some stuff especially my mobile kittn corporation, that's why I was there yesterday working but actually breathing, listening to the silence, enjoying time alone... have I already said breathing?

Needless to say yesterday passed in a second.

I felt very calm, comfortable, all in all having again those feelings of something being just right. Not mentioning I was very inspired and motivated to work!

The apartment is a small studio with a big kitchen that I can somehow separate in two, arranging a work space. It's not completely furnished yet so it will tke a while until everything is into place, but you know what I loved?

The sun shines there all day, the windows are as big as the walls + the light plays all day letting me enjoy a wonderful sunset at the end of each day, just like the little prince wished.

And speaking of a little prince, here's the latest invention: a bright colored (I told you I felt happy in the new home) baby blanket that can serve as a cover or as a play mat.



I calculated that being about 80 x 90 cm it will have 12 (20 x 30 cm) pieces of fabric accordingly so I cut + sewed them together.

I created the felt animals + hearts separately, then I stitched them onto the fabric. For the other (warm) side of the blanket I chose a very thick fleece piece in bright turquoise.

I sewed the parts together, then brought them on the right side and finally stitched a line along each side creating a firm margin.



So this is it, a very cute easy to make baby blanket. If you have any questions or wish to use the same patterns, drop us a line anytime and we'll e-mail you the instructions.

Kisses + hooray for freedom, joy and new homes!

The most complete pregnancy guide

You are a miracle. Each second we live is a new unique moment that's not going to happen again... And what do we teach our children? We say two plus two equals four and Paris is the capital of France. When are we going to teach them what they are? We should have said to each one of them: you know what you are? You are a miracle. You are unique. There has never been a child like you, with the same legs, with your arms, your agile fingers or the way you move. You are able to become all that you want to be. Yes, you are a miracle. And when you grow up, would you really hurt another one like you, another miracle?
I found this introduction in an Anne Geddes book I bought on a huge sale on Saturday. I was so happy to finally own a glimpse of her work that I carried the book with the excitement as of discovering a precious treasure chest.
There is not much to say when it comes to miracles. You feel a miracle, you praise it, you dream about it and wonder. You just can't put much into words and that is why each time I wanted to write here about carrying a baby - moods, fun facts and even pregnancy eating habits - everything faded away making room just for life to go on and grow.
If you are already a mom you know, if you will be one you will know everything is a personal experience, an intimate journey. To all, I have one suggestion to make: listen to your bodies + inner voices + intuitions, they are the best manual you've got. Eat what you need to eat, wear what you want to wear, cry when you need to cry.
One of my best friends had her baby last week. It seems just yesterday we were in school. Now I look at her looking at him and I can see the miracle is there in her eyes too.
And it's only the beginning...

Teaser/ handmade goodies for being a superstar without taking it too seriously

Our latest work is entirely made by hand: dyed, sewn, painted one of a kind items for unique you. We faithfully added a lot of love not only in the making, but also in the message.

Be close (and we don't mind very close, like stuck) to see the new collection in a couple of days.

Soon, my precious. :-)

A few ideas on journeys + dreams

Hello kid.

Today I want to take you on a journey back to fantastic adventures, in a time when magic and possible existed as a daily reality, not only in fairy tales.

I want you to take a second and remember when we were kids we never feared that snow brick wall we built was going to fall down, we never worried the dolls we played house with were eventually going to break up. We just played, we just lived.

The only novel written for children

I read a brilliant book when I was about 13 (that's almost two decades ago). It's called In Desert and Wilderness and it tells us an ever true story of not giving up, of trusting one's will and strength. On the short, two kids are making a journey through mighty Africa, facing kidnapping, wild animals like gorillas, lions, leopards, diseases like malaria + many other sorts of dangers and obstacles which they surpass holding on to each other, believing they will make it.

Africa United movie

A few days ago I watched a rather similar (on the same conceptual level) movie which depicts the journey of five children from Rwanda all the way down to South Africa to take part in the opening show of the football world cup. In order to get there, they go through amazing adventures. Whether there are wild animals to escape from, people with shotguns or fatal diseases, nothing stops the group from succeeding. They all have dreams and they all know the only way is straight forward.

When you'll read + watch, you'll find out both book and movie also tell you what friendship really is.



Remember the time?

It's true, back when we were kids we just did everything with courage, enthusiasm and determination in a much serious manner than we do now when we call ourselves adults.

We couldn't tell what was good or bad, or even perceive the concept of impossible until grown-ups and society educated us. We just imagined things and then transformed them into reality. We cooked a rose petal jam + mud and were happy about it, without getting angry we couldn't eat it. We rocked a gymnastics championship on the block without thinking of the prize we would win. We built doll houses and played or hours both focused and relaxed, without needing cigarettes to feel so. We jumped and ran around all day, after each other, in teams, one leg up, sideways, backwards without owning a monthly subscription or expensive gear.

Please recall it without being nostalgic or sad, but with the belief we still have those drives and we can pass them on. First of all it's never too late to get back to dreaming and making it come true. Secondly, we have the chance to make it easier on our kids by putting aside the use of don't.

Understand the world we live in is just a series of convention and concepts. Everything is as real as we think/picture it is.

Can't you see?

We become adults just to wish we were kids again.

How to make a baby girl t-shirt

Today's post is about creativity.

Transform, innovate + actually do the whole process, not just have an idea. I hope we lose the fear of making mistakes, let ourselves free and create. Oh, and it's OK if we don't start from scratch (we won't invent the wheel again - darn it - but we will certainly build it better, give it other use or make it nicer, which is equally important).

So grab a t-shirt (new or older, for you or loved ones), pieces of fabric, scissors, needle, thread + other accessories like pom-poms, buttons, bows, anything will do.



Cut a heart shape both from the original t-shirt and fabric. Sew the new heart on the t-shirt.



Draw on another piece of fabric using textile acrylics or markers. It can be anything and the only skills you need are joy + love. Sew over the heart.

Tadaaa! One of my best friends is expecting the loveliest baby girl so I made this t-shirt for her (there is a whole meaning behind the use of a panda bear). I hope she'll like it...

... and I hope you too have an awesome session of creating, I promise you will feel great!

Boxing "anger management" t-shirt

Sh#t happens? Of course. People just don't give a f#ck? Yeah.

But don't let them get you down.

Just be on your way, you are stronger than you think you are.

Fight for your rights!