designer love: ABO and Ana Ljubinkovic

 

There are no words to describe this perfection. Shoe perfection. I am in total awe with these shoes. Some might find them too colorful or not to feminine, but I don`t care, I just love, LOVE, LOVE them. These are made by serbian based designer collaboration between ABO and Ana Ljubinkovic (she is by far my favorite designer from exYu).

These beauties can be bought in Belgrade where Ana has her studio/boutique. And a pair (at least!) needs to be mine. I don`t even know which to pick first! I need help. Should I put it to a vote? Anyhoo, I was mesmerised by the design of the whole collection and can`t wait to get my hands on one of them. And you know how much I love man inspired shoes. You remember "the ugly shoe", right? And my recent purchase was no different - pure beauty.

This is her fourth collection and it contains 12 different designs. I really can`t decide which are more perfect. I know I sound like a child in a candy store, and to be honest I feel so too!

DIY notebook

Sometimes you just want to make something on your own, and you don`t want it to be made of a plain white paper. Since I am a total notebook psycho and could own a gazillion of them I decided that I needed one more. This one will be for a special project, of which you will read soon (so stay tuned!), made by my two little hands out of recycled paper. Ok, it has strange, unnecessary holes in it, but, I think it adds to its special character. Here is one easy diy notebook tutorial for you to try this November.

The making of is very easy. Find a bunch of papers you like and would use to make your own notebook, fold it in half, punch some holes and bind it all together. Easy peasy!

 

Can`t wait to share this special project with you.

I love reusing stuff, reinventing, recycling and I really enjoyed making this notebook. I hope you liked my little tutorial.

 

How to write a successful to-do list?

And how to write a successful one? Usually to-do lists are being made so we could become more productive, so our actions become more targeted and our plans more successful. We use to-do lists for planning as well as reminders. To-do lists are useful tools to save time, to reach a goal, to avoid procrastination and to increase productivity. But do they always work? Not so much. Even the best of the list makers (Ben Franklin) have failed at this task. So, how to write a successful to-do list?

Each and every one of us is a special person, an individual with its own set of characteristics and rituals, sets of behaviours and routines. So, it is natural that different things work for different people but in the end there are few good tips that can summarize this subject to useful 4.

1. Divide big projects into smaller tasks to make the list do-able. Tasks need to be as much as specific as possible, as well as actionable and attainable.


2. Priorities Prioritize. PRIORITIZE! or you will end up with a (huge) list too long for us to keep, because our mind can`t keep track and can easily get lost in the process.


3. Plan ahead ..for the following day, week, month... or a project milestone. If you set a clear and specific view of the tasks in question and get a visual understanding of a set time-frame, having a to-do list planned ahead for each phase of the project keeps us prepared and aware, focused and intentional.


4. Be realistic in your planning If you fail at this point (maybe this one should be the first one to have in mind when planning to make a to-do list) your to-do list is doomed and becomes pretty much a moot point.

Asses your life and daily routine objectively. We all have ideas about how we would love to live our lives, execute our to-do lists and whatnot, but in the end we need to be honest and realistic about ourselves and our own abilities. And more important, our time. After initial routine assessment, if you don`t have a routine - make one (it’s one of the most powerful ways to become a great list maker) and if you do, see how you can incorporate lists and executing tasks in hand for more productivity.

BONUS - we all are different and each individual has its own way. Find out which one works best for you.

Double bonus  - How I did it, or am trying to do it?:

+ work - write important tasks in your notebook, planner, list and do ONE task at the time.

+ blogging - try to write at work when procrastination kicks in (lets be honest, it happens) - that is a great way to cultivate the routine of writing and to avoid procrastination, which in most cases leads to nowhere. Even when disguised as "research" or "inspiration browsing".

+ have a break in between - aprox. 5 to 10 minutes so your brain can reset, reboot and recharge and start fresh on a new task without feeling overwhelmed or preoccupied.

I feel that is important that you don`t lose focus of what is important, and that is that you need to listen to yourself and see how you live and work and what are the best options for you in your line of work so you would make the most of any list. No need to lose focus and energy on comparing yourself with others and their methods.

 What are your methods for staying productive and when making to-do lists? Do you make lists? Paper or app? I would love to hear from you.

Good bye my little friend

I still can`t believe he is gone. I can`t believe I am actually writing this post, about his death. Do you remember this post? It was not long ago when I wrote it and I never imagined that I would be saying my goodbye so soon.

Ben passed away on Tuesday, 28 Oct only 30 minutes after my arrival home. As if he was holding on so I could say my goodbye. Which I didn`t really, because he looked better after few hours of IV and I thought he was gonna get better. Only he did not.

Ben was 12 years old, maybe even more, and was and rescue dog. He was with us for almost 2 years, it would be 2 around Christmas. I miss him so much. Even the cats miss him. He got sick so suddenly and was gone in 3 days. I know he was old but I have to be honest, I did not think his time would be so soon. Everyone says, at least he died with us, not alone, at home and not out on the cold. Yes, that brings me some comfort, but he is still gone. Last few days went by in a bit of a blur for all of us. I have been crying my eyes out, and I can only imagine how my husband is doing. Although I "picked" him, he was his dog. Or should I say, he was Ben`s human. He picked him in the end. Listened to him and cried when hubby was on business trips, and I was the only one at home. He loved him so much.

It is so strange without him in the house. Although he was a quiet dog who loved to sleep and just chill all day long, I can feel the emptiness all around me. I don`t need to pay attention in the kitchen when I walk, there is no one to be stepped on. I can open the fridge just like that, he is not sleeping in front of it. The floors are clean and no one is waking me up at crack of dawn to let him out to pee or bark at a hedgehog. I would do anything to wander the front yard at 4 am, looking for an intruder that keeps my dog up. They would make friends and then Ben would tried to eat it. Not good. But I would trade the world for it. I miss him so much. Even the cat is depressed.

Ben, my dear little friend you gave us 2 wonderful years and you were family to us. Not a pet. Family. You taught me that old dogs, and gosh you were old, can be taught new tricks. YAY! We didn`t get to do the "roll over"s but... when we meet again, I am sure we will. By the end you were blind and deaf but you still new when to greet us at the door. You went away quickly and quiet as if you knew we couldn`t handle making the decision of putting you to sleep. I don`t think I could do it. You died in our arms, at home, loved more than I will ever be able to describe. But you knew.

And we will always love you.

Be happy my friend beyond the rainbow in dog heaven. And you will never be hungry again. Ever.

And when the time comes, I know you will give us a sign whom to rescue next.

Love you,

I.

 

Tricks of the trade

"Tricks of the trade" is a new series of posts here on NCS that will feature interesting tricks and/or tools when it comes to blogging. Precisely, how to be a savvy bloger internet or technical wise. For my first post I decided to share with you my latest discovery - Fotofuse. Fotofuse is an internet tool for making your photos better. Better how? Let me tell you a secret...

Fotofuse is a tool that can help you with your layout photos that have bad backgrounds due to bad lighting etc. Of course, it would be great to have all the means and conditions to take the perfect photo on your own but when this fails this is where Fotofuse steps in. Removing too dark backgrounds from your photos in few seconds is both very practical and time saving. No more photoshoping although, don`t get me wrong, taking crappy photos (like I often do, shame on me) is not going to change with this tool, it helps a bit but does not change the fact that you need to do your best when taking photos.

Here it is how it works. You visit the site, upload the photo, select the items on your photo which you would like to leave original and click away! Wait a few seconds and your photo is done.

Lets see how I did.





 

What do you think? Would you use it? Tell me some of your great tricks of the trade, I would like to learn something new.

Fall closet cleaning

Seasons change and now is the perfect time for fall closet cleaning. Just before it gets really cold, and you put away all your summer and transitional clothes, it is time to revise, clean and get rid of everything and anything you don`t need.

How to do a successful fall closet cleaning? What should you leave and what needs to go? Do not worry my friend, here are some easy steps to help you make that hard decision (trust me, we have all been there) and part with that shirt or pair of pants you kept in the back of your closet for past few seasons and never even showed them to the world.

Although we are used to the term "spring cleaning", any season really is good to dive into your always full closet, because, let’s face it, how many of us are blessed with THAT big closets?

First thing is really to make a decision and stick to it. No matter how hard it may seem, if any item checks a box from this list it needs to go. Being sentimental is understandable but really do you need a 10 years old sweater that collects dust at the back of your closet just because you had it at some event that is a great memory. Yes, I am all for great memories and cherishing them, but not in the back of the closet. It only means it’s not that important.

1. Will I wear it in next month/season?

The everlasting question to which, of course we always say - YES! although we know it deep down we never will. By hoarding stuff you are just working against yourself, getting more and more drowned in things you don`t really need or wear so no wonder you have nothing to wear. Maybe you do, but can you find it?

2. Stains that aren`t coming out

If you gave it all your shots, dry-cleaners and/or even tried with alien substances and the stain is still there - it needs to go. Only if you plan to wash your windows or floors with it, and we have equipment for that nowadays you know - throw it away.

3. Would you buy it right this second?

If the answer is NO, the course of your actions should be only one - get rid of it. Thinking about whether you will wear it in the next few months is tricky, because if it’s something summer-y and now is winter time I can relate to your dilemma, but ask yourself this - if I were now in the store buying super duper clothes for that particular season would I buy that particular item? No? Garbage or sell or give it to someone, just don`t put it back in the closet.

4. Does it fit?

Yes, no... maybe? Will it fit in a week? Too big or too small? Do you plan on that big of a change? Are you on a diet? It doesn’t fit. Throw it away.

N.B. There is one exception to this rule. If you have a favourite pair of jeans, that makes your ass look like better than the most beautiful but photo-shopped ass ever, and plan to wear them in the near future and are in fact on a path to make that happen - then leave it for 12 weeks. If at the end of those 12 weeks you are (or) never near the goal or worse quitted your path/plan in first 4 weeks - get rid of them. They don`t mean that much to you :) and more important, they don`t fit. Been there, done that. It is disappointing at times but in the end we need to be honest with ourselves. If we won`t work for it... we won`t have it.

5. Does it express your style?

If you bought it on a whim, or because it was trendy at the time but it doesn’t really speak you or your personal style - it needs to go. Trust me; you will never wear it no matter how much you try. If you just don`t feel it - you don`t feel it. Trends come and go but your style is your style and it is something you feel from inside out, no matter if it changes with time, but it expresses you.

For example I have a strange love/hate (I am not sure if that is even a proper name for it) relationship with floral print. I LOVE it on other people but can even imagine it on myself. And when I see an item in the store, it can totally ooze with wonderful pattern and call me softly "buy me, I`m so pretty" in the end when I try it on... it’s just... blah. And I have never ever bought anything floral. On the other hand I made that mistake and bought a peplum blouse. It’s still hanging in the closet (which reminds me, I need to put it up for sale), I`ve worn it maybe 2-3 times and felt totally strange. I don` even know why. Needs to go!

5. a) this one relates to number 5. Buying trends... well, it is kind of self-explanatory, if it`s a trend, it won`t be at one time for sure but then ask yourself one important question - no matter the current trend situations would you like to wear it in a year or two great, but if not - don`t even buy it let alone leave it in your closet.

Bonus points - if its torn, stretched beyond recognition or if it, god, smells odd (and you keep that in your closet?!) you should really clean your closet more often and definitely throw that one right away.

I hope these points helped you with your decisions for fall closet cleaning challenge. It can be hard and I too prolong the inevitable more than I would like to even admit to. But in the end we live such crazy lives and get cluttered with immense amount of things every day, so to keep our lives de-cluttered and more flow-y as much as we can, at least we can get rid of what we really don`t need. The clothes you don`t need and is still wearable donate to goodwill and those less fortunate.

And tell me, how often do you clean your closets? What method are you using to stay on track with your de-cluttering? I would like to know. I clean my closet 2-3 times a year but I feel I could do even more.

Share your great tips with me <3

 
photo credit /photo was edited by me and is submitted to same CC license as the original

Currently craving - Green and gemstones

Need I say more? These are pure perfection and no wonder I am a "shoe" person. Green and gems? Yes please. Although I should be looking for boots I am still not ready to let summer go.