Merry Christmas!

Wish you all a Merry Christmas!
I have two days off - Time for some extra decorating!

...See you soon!

xxx

Keep Calm & Carry on!

 Hello everybody!! How are you?

Long time, no see!! But then... I do believe that to form a proper "relationship" it takes time and effort! I missed you all terribly, but that was one hell of a month (or two)!

I bought this skirt on discount (10 out of 45 euro) and made myself happy on October!

 And no... you're not seeing weird things - it's winter here in Greece. But since this is a post that basically sums up what I've being doing, I thought I'd add some old pics that never made it to the top! So.... my news:

• Remember when I quit my job? It was pretty urgent that I should find another one. Bad news - that's not easy lately around here. I got really lucky when I bumped into someone I knew 5 years ago. We used to work together for another employer. The employer was not a good person (trust me). The guy quit and I made the employer fire me (that was a big victory - trust me again)! We appreciated each other because of that. As it turns out, the guy (his name is Panayiotis and I know you're getting confused by now), now runs a company of his own and he hired me!!! YAYAY (I've-got-a-great-job dance).

• Here comes the hard part: I have to learn this new job (which is completely new to me). I'm a personal assistant to the boss and a security consultant for a big security company that we work with. We install security systems, cameras e.t.c. but our company is also involved with telecommunications and sound systems (I know... too many things to learn)!

Check out my modest bag (gift from my friend Elina)!

• I had to go through mental tests (thank you friends, family and new boss for believing I'm gonna fail them....) and police check to get my license as a "security consultant".

Good thing I carried another bag at the doctor's office!!

• I work with the boss and 8 more people. Four of them are girls. Everybody is nice with a good sense of humour and the ladies of the company love my jewellery!! 

• I've made tons of jewellery that I either gave away or sold and never got any pictures.... (typical me)! Thank you Emma, Maria, Helen and Fofi for giving me your old, boring jewellery and the permission to be creative! 

Through the bathroom mirror: Getting ready for a bachelorette party!

• I don't have enough time to be creative or blog anymore. I work six days a week and my days are unpredictable... I could work for 6 or 12 hours and I travel quite often! I'm TIRED!

• I have a flu now (G. has it too) which is a perfect time for BLOGGING! (although I'm feverish and coughing a lot)!

• I miss your blogs guys.... I'm so sorry I can't leave you a happy comment each and every day... Here is a looooong list of links of the blogs I adore but cannot follow often and you can send the love to each other, right?? 

• Please give my regards to:

 -http://shybiker.blogspot.com
 -http://2eyesinthemirror.blogspot.com
 -http://thesuburbexperiment.blogspot.com
 -http://www.leiasdelights.com
 -http://anzouyaspool.blogspot.com
 -http://mybigfatgreekmove.blogspot.com
 -www.dhee-ghee.com
 -http://11thmonkey.blogspot.com
 -http://happythingsforhappypeople.blogspot.com
 -http://iamapear.blogspot.com
 -http://fashionkotes.blogspot.com
 -http://demieblogg.blogspot.com
 -http://theclosetshopper.blogspot.com
 -http://sheilaephemera.blogspot.com
 -http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com
 -http://thekimmiechronicles.blogspot.com
 -http://www.tanvii.com
 -http://chrisoscreations.blogspot.com
 -http://theonewithallthetastes.blogspot.com
 -http://ineraiditsastonkosmotonthaumaton.blogspot.com

Φιλάκια!

It's a boy! (...and other happy news)

Good morning all!! 

 Back in August our friend Elias and Rita, became parents for the first time! The baby is a beautiful little boy! His name is Aris! We had to pay a visit to meet newborn Aris and we had  to bring him a gift, to welcome him in life! 

 I thought long and hard about what to get him. I didn't want to buy clothes or toys, because babies get a ton of them anyway. You know... from aunts, grandparents, uncles and other relatives! (or at least they do so in Greece!). So I decided to make him a little something! 

 All babies love dangling things, so I used some sea-wood I found on the beach and some twine to hang beads, blue felt hearts and ribbons to make him something to hang in his room! 

 It's also a custom to give good luck charms to babies, so I made him a wreath using similar materials and colors and a small "red eye", which is supposed to protect him from all evil!! 

 

  Then I thought that mommies should also get a little something in this occasion, so I made a brooch for Rita!

 I wrapped them all up with blue rice paper and used the brooch as a decoration to make the little parcel you saw on the first picture!! Rita was very happy when she got it, so my art now decorates the little baby's room! I hope he likes it!!

The happy news I promised: I QUIT THE FREAKIN' JOB!!

 Yes, damn right I did! It was an awful job anyway and after a month of feeling exhausted and irritated, I'm back to being my old self! 

 But before I quit something great happened! A family friend whom I haven't seen in years came as a customer with three of her friends. We started talking and one of them, Vanessa, said that she thinks we have met before. 

 Trying to remember why I look familiar she asked me the question I never thought I'd hear: "Do you have a blog"?? And readers, you all know I'm not a vain person... but it felt so great!! I got recognized through my BLOG!! 

 Vanessa is also a blogger and she makes jewellery! So... Vanessa, if you're reading this please leave a comment, because stupid me... I lost your blog address!

 May the "red eye" force be with you!! Kisses and hugs!

I suck at blogging (and other stories)

 Hello boys and girls and imaginary blog readers out there!! How are you all doing?? 

 If you have been reading my blog for a while you already know I suck at updating it! During August, I was busy having fun and this time I was busy being stressed out! Whatever the reason, I'll always be back and share with you though...!  So be patient and email me in between!! That's always welcome!

 Now... I'm gonna nag about the new job - to make it a pleasant ride, I'll post a couple of outfits I wore during happy times in August. Ready?

  Summer outfit I wore in a coffee meeting with my neighbor Aggeliki and her friend, Natasha. I had to take pics of us gorgeous girls of course! The lovely rose ring is a gift from my talented blog-friend Irini! She is a sweetheart and she makes some pretty awesome jewellery! Check her blog here and share the blog-love please!

Back to the coffee meeting: Aggeliki pretending to own somebody else's BMW.....

....the very stylish Natasha....

...and yours truly!

Earrings made by me - glasses made by Dior!

 The new job is exhausting in every possible way. I changed my mind... I have two days off, so I'm gonna spare you good people with my nagging! On to the second outfit...

  

  My lovely mom, gave me some vintage scarves a while ago. One of them inspired this "Mad Men meets the navy" outfit, which I thought is kind of acceptable and wore for a day of shopping downtown! 

More earrings made by me and a beautiful scarf back from the 70's!

 While I was absent from the blogging world, some great things happened! 

1. I got an award from another good blog friend, Ermioni! 

 Ermioni is a new mommy who tries out and shares with us some pretty delicious recipes! Greek cuisine with a twist at "The one with all the tastes"!! Thanks for the lovely award dear! I'm supposed to write down "7 things about me", but this is a loooong post already, so check the previous "7 things about" me here if you're new around here!

2. Tracy made a vlog!! She is just amazing! Most of you probably know Tracy already, but if you don't (and you're inexcusable), go check her blog. Now. Go... What are you waiting for?? 

 Many more great things must have happened, but my bloglovin' shows 493 unread posts. I must have missed something. I'll try my best to catch up! Kisses til next time! Φιλιά σε όλους!

Bye bye summer

  Summer is officially gone. Hello cold weather! It was good while it lasted, but fall is here! Fresh and new! 

 We even had a couple of rainstorms with lots of thunders and lightnings. One thunderbolt fell really close to our apartment (scary) and as a result we have a dead modem... We know it's from that rainstorm, cause the same thing happened to our neighbors and they also have to buy a new modem, as well as a new computer. We still don't have a connection after a week (apparently this happened to many people around Greece)... I borrowed an old modem from our friend Georgia (thank you Georgia) just to check how you guys are doing!

 

 So let me share a summer day with you, just to keep the memories fresh! I've never mentioned that my dad is a boat captain (that's his job) and he owns a small fishing boat! So me and G. went for a ride! 

Daddy and me

 When I was young we used to do that very often! We also used it for fishing! Almost every weekend! Yes, I know how to fish with many different ways. (useless talent no. 83)!

Leaving Nafplio port

A closer view of Bourtzi castle, by the port entrance

The lighthouse, famous first date place!

 The day was windy and the trip was sooo bumpy, but fun!! My hat fell in the water, but we saved it! It is a hat from France after all, I couldn't leave it to drown. A special gift from my mother's best friend Anna! (snatched immediately).

Hat rescue

 We then found a safe-from-the-wind beach and took a dive! I lost a contact lense! Oh.. the joys of nature!

See the castle wall around the cliff?

See the people on top of the wall?

 We swam right below Akronafplia castle. It was so amazing! Thanks for the ride dad! 

Love thy cellulite!!

 Back to present day: I found a job! I now work in a small tavern/bar (or tsipouradiko in greek). I cook and serve (it's not a big place) which means that I'm running around like a crazy person most of the times... I must have lost a couple of kilos in a week and the girl who worked there before me, lost 18 kg in 4 months. Working in Greece is getting kind of ridiculously hard, you know. On a happy note, maybe my next career is in modelling, haha! But more on that... later!

 Let's just focus on the lovely summer memories, shall we? 

Kisses, Dimitra

The fancy dress

Hi everybody! I hope you had a lovely weekend!

 Since we're on the hair topic and everybody responded so well, I decided to give you another good hair day. In fact this is probably the best hair day ever, because it's the only time you're gonna see me in a hairdo! I called my friend Fani, who is also my personal hairdresser, showed her my dress and she acted accordingly! This is the result:

 The day was special: our next-door neighbors got married! Isn't that sweet? We couldn't miss it, so we dressed up and joined the party! They got married in the same church I was baptized (in Orthodox church, this is the day you get your name, which by the way in greek is Δήμητρα).

St. Nikolas church in the background

 I really love the pattern of that dress and the fact that it cost me 15 euro and nobody can guess that... but it is the most unflattering dress I own, at least for my body-type!

 I knew that when I bought it and I've changed the neck-line a bit (it was v shaped, but it didn't work), but still... girls who are pear-shaped and curvy like me, should avoid that type of dresses! If you really insist, pick a wild pattern like this one: it's eye-catching and people focus on the dress instead of the little flaws. It's a nice visual trick and it works! I only got compliments on this outfit!

  I've made a bronze earring for this dress, which I forgot to wear at the church, but I wore later in the reception. I'm pretty sure I should have a pic of it in my hard drive, but can't locate it!! I'll incorporate it in the next jewellery post for you to see though!

 I liked these shoes so much, that I've bought them in purple as well! I do that often. It was years ago, but I think they were 20 euro! The big beige clutch is now a vintage Crest that I snatched from mommy! That brand was very famous in Greece 30 years ago, but I can't find any information about them. I remember they also had luggage in their collection. Anybody remembers anything?

 

 That's the plate of the newlywed's car with their names on! Antonis and Aggeliki, I wish the very best for your joined life ahead of you!!! Love and kisses to all! 

A good hair day and a black bohemian skirt

 Thank you all for your wonderful and warm welcome! It's good to be back and I'm ready for some serious blogging! This new haircut is so old that it now needs a new haircut, but back when I had it - all new and fresh - it felt so great I had to tell you!! 

 My relationship with my hair is a love-hate one, described in many posts before: I used to have short hair. I looked great! Then I grew older and I got comments like: "you look like a 5-year-old" or "it's just not classy" e.t.c. (the comments may appear harsh, but we're Greek! We can handle the truth and we prefer it that way. They were coming from friends or colleagues). I grew them long - people like it better. They take you more seriously. I kept them long. I prefer them short. End of story.

 So... I'm not your normal blogger that would give out advice for hair! But then a good hair cut like that comes and I'm instantly an expert!! I realized that my long curly hair look... pretty damn cool! And I didn't even have to style them or anything!

 Combined with a black bohemian skirt, a studded skinny belt and a graphic tee you're ready to go! Here's what you do if you have hair like mine! 

 Tips for dry and curly hair:

1. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair, preferably when they are dry (like before the shower). You minimize the risk of split ends and breakage.

2. Once a week give them a mask treatment with olive oil or almond oil. Simply massage it around your hair, wrap a towel and leave it from 15-30 min. (depending on the dryness). Rinse and shampoo twice. It does wonders!!

3. To refresh the curls the next morning, simply give them a few sprays of a leave-in conditioner. If you're too lazy or too unemployed like me to buy that, you can make your own! Use a teaspoon of your favorite conditioner, a few drops of oil (olive, almond, coconut, jojoba or any other natural oil) and a cup of water. Put in an empty bottle and shake!! Enjoy!

4. Careful on the towel- drying! You don't want to damage your hair! Just wrap a towel turban-style and leave it for 10 min. to absorb the water. Do not rub your hair with the towel! Ever.

See? Nice and soft curls!

 

 I hope I helped you a little bit with your bad hair days! Maybe you know the tips already, but I had to learn them pretty recently!! See you around! 

Back to the future... (blogging!)

 Good morning and have a lovely new week everybody!! I missed you all out there, a lot! We have a lot of catching up to do, you know? But first things first...! The most important thing to do is thank each and every one of you friends for your lovely messages, emails, comments and even phone-calls while I was vacationing! You're so sweet! 

That's me, in case you forgot about me already!

 

 

 

 To answer the big pressing question of what was I doing for a month, I guess the answer is: NOTHING! And let me tell you... it was awesome! Well... when I say nothing, I mean I was either doing this....

 

...or this....

...taking a swim here...

 

.... or here...

....or even here....

....going for road trips...

....and enjoying breathtaking views!

 In the meantime, I realized my little blog has a life of it's own now: more than 2.000 views, 10 new followers and numerous comments kept me fascinated during last month! As promised here, this is great news and we have to celebrate with a thank you giveaway! Stay tuned please, cause I'll make something with lots of love and positive energy and I'll send it to one of you!

 And as some of you may have guessed (from the improvement of the pics quality) I've bought a new camera!! Too complicated for my taste - I like to keep things as simple as possible - but I'll manage!

 I'm still not ready to say bye-bye to good old summer, so I'll be posting summer outfits and places and of course the jewellery I've made during August! Φιλάκια!

One World One Revolution

We do not forget.... And we are not alone.

Howard Beale: "I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It's a depression. Everybody's out of work or scared of losing their job. The dollar buys a nickel's worth; banks are going bust; shopkeepers keep a gun under the counter; punks are running wild in the street, and there's nobody anywhere who seems to know what to do, and there's no end to it.

We know the air is unfit to breathe and our food is unfit to eat. And we sit watching our TVs while some local newscaster tells us that today we had fifteen homicides and sixty-three violent crimes, as if that's the way it's supposed to be!

We all know things are bad -- worse than bad -- they're crazy.

It's like everything everywhere is going crazy, so we don't go out any more. We sit in the house, and slowly the world we're living in is getting smaller, and all we say is, "Please, at least leave us alone in our living rooms. Let me have my toaster and my TV and my steel-belted radials, and I won't say anything. Just leave us alone."

Well, I'm not going to leave you alone.

I want you to get mad!

I don't want you to protest. I don't want you to riot. I don't want you to write to your Congressman, because I wouldn't know what to tell you to write. I don't know what to do about the depression and the inflation and the Russians and the crime in the street.

All I know is that first, you've got to get mad.

You've gotta say, "I'm a human being, goddammit! My life has value!"

So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out and yell,

I'm as mad as hell,

and I'm not going to take this anymore!!"

Quote from the movie "Network" (1976)

News of the week

Hi lovelies!!
  I missed you after being absent for a whole week but Greek summer is not to be taken lightly! Today is a kind of cooler day and the temp finally dropped a bit to 100F! I've been too hot, too lazy and totally uninspired... I need a new camera too! It's too time consuming to try to use my broken one so I just don't bother! But I'm saving to buy a new one and this is when I'll start posting like a normal person again! 

 My outfits lately are limited to easy wearing, cool summer dresses when going out and switching to a swim-suit and 5 showers a day when staying in! But still... I'm in heaven! Not only I love the summer and heat, but I spend all my days with my man. This is the first summer we spend together because he was working during the winter and I was working during the summer!! So we cherish each day that we get since the previous arrangement wasn't very convenient! And this is how I spent my last summer, to give you a clue!

 So... a little relaxing, swimming and cuddling is absolutely necessary this year if you see my point!! Back to normal life...on the ground! 

 Oh... my weird news I mentioned a couple of posts back! You all know I've been unemployed for a while. So when I found this new job I got really excited! I heard about this famous local painter who owns a small gallery and was asking for a girl to work there. Working in a gallery was always a fantasy of mine so I gave it a go! I was supposed to work there 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon! The payment was awful, but I live in a small town, with no real job opportunities... 

 First day was ok and the painter was kind and he was even interested in my work. So I brought him some drawings I've done when I started painting (I was 13 years old at the time) and some of my jewellery! When he saw my paintings he said: "It took me 15 years to get to that level of painting. You have a good hand". In all, a very satisfying comment if you're a low self-esteem artist like me!!

That's me - with an eeeewww face!

Second day though - not so ok - it became pretty clear that the 70-year-old painter was hitting on me!! Eeeewwwww! I freaked out - end of story.

 

Back to normal things: We also attended a concert of an amazing Greek Blues band this week! Yes, Greeks have the blues and we're proud of it!

 

 "Blues Wire" is a very talented and dedicated Blues Band, performing for more than 20 years, writing their own music and lyrics! We purchased their latest cd titled "Take my hand to the sky" and I recommend it to everyone who appreciates good music! Check out their work here.  Here's a song for you all! 

 I also want to send a hug and a special thank you to my newer blog friend Hermione (yes, that's a greek name!) for giving me my second blog award! 

 

 She has an awesome cooking blog with a lot of interesting experimental recipes that she comes up with for her baby daughter!! She writes in greek, but you can use google translate I guess - good food is a universal thing! Check her out here and send her your blog-love!! Thanks Hermione dear!!! You've made my week!

our naughty kitty

 Enjoy every day, drink a lot of water and bear with me during August - I'm gonna be a bad blogger!!