My personal Starbucks challenge

Hey everyone, nice to be out here again. It’s been a while, I know. Lots of things going on in my life and somehow I just couldn’t find the time and right mood to write a new post for a while and before I knew it several months had passed. But I’m back now, and we’ll see where my life and the blog will take me in times to come. I think I’ll tend to do some more lifestyle posts as you see right here…

I’ve been into a more ecological lifestyle lately. Not that I haven’t cared at all in the past (if you consider things like waste separation and reusable bags for grocery shopping for example) but that’s been on a relatively low level. Some months ago I started to act a bit more towards this direction using even less plastic bags by actively refusing them when shopping for stuff like clothes and bits'n'pieces and I always keep a textile bag in my handbag. Plus I take the train to work more often now. I know it’s not much but it’s at least something.

Now, when it comes to coffee or tea in the mornings I have several thermo mugs at home and usually use them to bring my own tea or coffee on the train (or in the car). However I quite like to get coffee somewhere else too because I like to get a different taste or I’m just out and about in the afternoons or weekends. So I find myself stopping by at Starbucks quite often as it is a great treat at all times of the day (plus it's fairtrade coffee). But getting my coffee in throw-away paper cups has been bugging me lately. Thinking towards acting more ecologically I don’t want this anymore.

So, looking at my small collection of thermo mugs at home I realized that they’re all too small for a size tall coffee at Starbucks which is 12 oz (355 ml). So I had to get a new mug – and which place would be better than where I usually get my coffee? So I went to my local Starbucks and they luckily had quite a selection there. I chose a nice tumbler from their German christmas collection. The red color is totally my thing and I wanted it to be stainless steel because I think it’s prettier and more durable than the acrylic ones.

Picture Source

It wasn’t until then that I knew that you even get a discount at Starbucks if you buy your coffee in a reusable mug. Did you know? I was pleasantly surprised because that’s even more reason to buy one. So I get 0,30 € off every time I buy coffee. Winner. Putting this against the price of my tumbler (17,95 €) it makes 60 coffees to drink for becoming a rewardable investment.

And this is where the CHALLENGE starts. I’ve decided to take a photo of my Starbucks coffee every time I get one in my mug because using it just makes me feel good. And sharing this challenge may cause other people to opt for a reusable mug too.  

I’m going to post my photos on my Instagram account and post a recap here on the blog from time to time. So feel free to follow me or even join in.

First use on the train

So, I already tested my mug and I’m thrilled. It keeps my drink hot for a long time (some hours), fits well into common car cup holders and into my messenger bag and it looks stylish. It would also make a great gift for anyone who likes coffee and Starbucks. Love it.

Do you use thermo mugs? Do you think we should take small steps towards living more ecologically?

Love, Kerstine.

*This post is not sponsored or supported by Starbucks in any way and the opinion given here is completely my own.

10 Things to see and do in Oslo - A quick guide

Oslo… I’m in love with this city. It’s maybe not that classical beauty like many of the Central and South European cities (think e. g. of  Paris, Vienna or Prague) but it has its charm.

There are nice old buildings too, there are great shopping areas and restaurants and a great nightlife (I probably wouldn’t believe that if I hadn’t experienced it). There are awesome parks and a great waterfront to walk along the fjord. Nature is not as far away as in other cities (you can use the subway to go skiing!) as Oslo is surrounded by mountains and forests and the fjord.

Oslo has a certain Skandinavian chic, it seems quite young and hip to me, with a good mix of energetic and relaxed vibes depending on where you’re heading.

When to go

Having been to Oslo quite a few times now, I think all seasons are equally great to go. I mostly visited in winter for a short city trip. There’s snow and ice flows then on the fjord and this creates a nice winter atmosphere. The advantage of winter is that there aren't that many tourists (I don't know about christmas time though) and there are still many things to do. However, in summer, you can sit outside by the sea and enjoy the green parks and forests. So if you fancy dining on the pavement and going swimming on the nearby islands you should rather visit in the warm season.

How to get there and around

There are many direct flight connections from Europe (e. g. Berlin, London, Prague) to several airports around Oslo whereas Gardermoen is the main airport and nearest to the city. There are train and bus connections to the city centre from all airports. By car or train it's a very long journey (via Denkmark and Sweden) so I wouldn't recommend that. However in my opinion, the best way to get to Oslo is by ship. There are several ferry lines from Denmark, Sweden and Germany and you can take your car with you if you need it. I particularly love taking the cruise ferry Colorline from Kiel because it's a very relaxed and a bit luxurious journey of 20 hours in which you can enjoy yourself like on a real cruise ship.
Getting around is easy in Oslo as many sights are in downtown or close enough to walk from there. For transport I would recommend using public transport (especially the tram) as the system is easy to understand and it's relatively cheap (buy tickets e. g. in front of the main station).

Colorline Ferry

Where to stay

Oslo can be really pricey so I would recommend looking for accomodation via Airbnb or choosing a budget hotel (like the Thon hotels). If you're travelling by ferry, the ferry lines (especially Colorline) are offering very good hotel deals. There are several hostels in the city too that seem nice but I haven't tried those.

10 Things to see and do

1) Karl Johans Gate 

Karl Johans Gate

This is the big main street that goes through the city centre and connects the main station with the Royal Palace. Walking along this street you're right in the heart of the action. You see some of the most important buildings like the paliament, the national theatre and the cathedral. There's a little park (where you can go ice skating in winter), lots of restaurants and shops and you should just wander and dive into the feel of the city.

Domkirke Cathedral

2) Shopping

...is one of the main things you can do at Karl Johanns Gate, e. g. here...

Moods of Norway Shop

Besides the known brands there are some good stores of Scandinavian brands that are my favourite for shopping (be sure to check out Lindex and Moods of Norway). Despite the generally pricey city most of the stores are moderately priced and they've got great stuff. The cool thing is that they're a bit more up to date with fashion than shops in Germany. So whenever I go shopping there, I now what's coming into fashion a few months later back home.

3) The Opera House

Opera house

The Opera House lies near the city centre and main station in the fjord. Yes, you got that right -in the fjord! It's a piece of art made from Carrara marble and it's supposed to look like ice flow swimming in the fjord. I've actually never been in the opera house (that's still on my bucket list) but several times on it. Yes, this is the next great fact - you can actually take a walk on the opera house (some Norwegians even go for a run there) or sit on it and have a picnic. The view over the fjord is really nice.

View from the Opera house

4) Akershus Fortress

This medieval fortress is not far from the opera, so you can take a short walk through the old town to get there. Although I'm not that fond of history, I find it interesting to take a look around the old stone walls, the royal stables and the ancient cannons. I would also say that you have one of the best views over the fjord and towards Akerbrygge from there. 

View from Akershus Fortress

5) The waterfront

Speaking of Akerbrygge, you can take a short walk there from Akershus Fortress and you'll pass the charming little harbour, the town hall (which is open to visitors) and the Nobel Peace Center. 

Waterfront view

Oslo Town Hall

Akerbrygge itself is a seafront neighbourhood which is great for shopping and dining but very pricey and touristy. You can walk along the water, take in the modern architecture and have an ice cream - you must have Norwegian soft ice cream - it's yum! - but I wouldn't recommend dining there. Dining is rather great in...

6) Grünerløkka

Grunerlokka is probably not a secret tip anymore but the restaurants here are still much more affordable and often better than in downtown Oslo or at the waterfront. This charming little neighbourhood seems to be where students hang around and has a very relaxed atmosphere that is great for strolling along the small streets, shopping in small boutiques and having coffee in a nice little café.

Shopping in Grünerløkka

French food in Grünerløkka

Grünerløkka by night in winter

7) Walk along the Akerselva

Walking to Grunerlokka from Downtown you can take the route along the Akerselva which is a small river through the city. This was a very industrial part of the city with the river delivering water and power for industrial companies. Nowadays, it's a green escape in the city, surrounded by parks and nature trails. Walking along, you pass some old industrial buildings that are now used as museums, apartment buildings and much more.

8) All the Museums

Speaking of museums, if you're into history you'll find a great bunch of museums in Oslo. Some of the best are probably the ones at Bygdøy peninsula, where you can find 5 museums about the history of seafaring (e. g. in the Viking Ship Museum or the Fram Museum which I really liked) and about the Norwegian culture and history. I haven't visited many of Oslo's museums so far (I'm definitely planning to though) but some of the best art museums that are on my list are the Munch Museum (the famous painter) and the Vigeland Museum near Vigelandsparken.

9) Vigelandsparken

Entrance alley of Vigelandsparken

Vigelandsparken is a sculpture park that is a part of the big Frognerparken (Frogner Park). The famous artist Gustav Vigeland especially made quite true to original stone and brazen sculptures of humans in different ages and different states of mind. Vigeland tried to capture the cycle of life with these sculptures and it's really fascinating to walk along the alleys that are lined with his sculptures.

Sculpture fountain in Vigelandsparken

10) The Nightlife

Well, I haven't got many pictures of this one because I don't usually take pictures while dancing and drinking (haha). And there is definitely a lot of drinking and dancing in Oslo. Especially at the weekends, many restaurants turn into a party location at night. Besides, there are numerous pubs, bars and dance clubs around and Scandinavian people really know how to dress up and party. You can't be overdressed when going out in Norway. So, when visiting Oslo, you should't miss going out  and experiencing the bubbling nightlife.

So, these are some of the best things I have experienced in Oslo so far. I hope, this gives you a good impression of what Oslo is like. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or anything to add. Love, Kerstine

4 days in South Tyrol

My husband and I spent a few days over New Year's in beautiful South Tyrol with my family and some friends. We stayed at a nice little hotel in the mountains near the town of Bruneck. The hotel is really secluded because you have to leave your car at the carpark and walk up the valley for about 15 minutes to get there. But with the snow the little walk was rather enjoyable. The hotel was very cosy (including a spa) and they served great food. The fun part however was to get back down to the carpark as you could take a sleigh ride from the hotel back down.

We visited the nice little town of Bruneck one day. The christmas market was still going with cute little huts, crafts, mulled wine and food specialities. We also climbed up the hill to the castle where you have a wonderful view over the valley.

We had also planned to do some winter activities on this trip. There wasn't much snow in the valleys so we were a bit disappointed at first but on the mountains and near our hotel, there was enough snow to do some sleighing and cross country skiing. This is a ski trail near one of our favourite mountains in South Tyrol.

On New Year's Day we went hiking for a few hours - a great way to forget all the wine and champagne from New Year's Eve (haha). Wonderful winter sun, a stunning scenery and an awesome nature were a very relaxed way to greet the new year...

Have you been on a trip anywhere for christmas or New Year's? Hope you can feel the sun on your skin when you see these photos. Love, Kerstine

Hello 2015!

Happy New Year! Here comes the "what happend last year and what am I planning for this year" finally from me too. I think it's not too late yet though most of the blogs I regularly read have posted this already. 

I've been on holidays a bit over christmas and New Year's and last week work has quite absorbed me. I also needed a bit of time to think about the last year which was my first year of blogging. I've just had my first blog anniversary (can't believe it's already this time!).

... and before you think you're at the wrong blog - yes, I changed the name again - I know - again! I just wasn't happy with the old one any more. In contrast to the last two names, I didn't think about it a lot this time. Within the last two days it suddenly struck me. As most of my projects on the blog are green and the blog is green and I love this color, it just seemed natural. However this name also stands for my general love of bright colors. 

Crochet Slippers

Infinity Scarf

Bunny Egg Cosy

But back to this post's topic:

What happened last year? Here are my publishing statistics:

• 25 posts (this makes about 2 posts a month)
• 16 creative projects, including
• 5 knitting projects
• 8 crocheting projects
• 2 paper projects
• 1 other project (the knotted bracelet)
• 1 tutorial (the Easter Bunny Egg Cosy)
• and 2 travel reports.

I believe this is not too bad for a blog's (and blogger's) first year. Plus I even reached my goal of more crocheting (as I've been a knitter initially).

Certainly, I have plans for the blog in 2015:

• Publish more blog posts: As I often thought "this should go on the blog" last year but then didn't get round to post it, I'd like to blog at least once a week this year. However this makes a lot of more posts so I can't promise ;-)
• Show more finished projects: Throughout last year I made quite a few things that I didn't show on the blog yet. Some of them were presents (you don't want people to see it before you give it to them) and there are some, I just made without thinking of posting them. So I'm planning to show you some of those things throughout the year because they turned out really great (e. g. my very first sweater!!!).
• Blog more about travels: I have itchy feet and my husband and I normally go on several (short or longer) trips during the year. I found that I really liked blogging about Brussels and London, so I want to show you where we're off to more often. 

Grand Place, Brussels

 Besides, I've made some plans concerning my crafting - which naturally goes hand in hand with the blog: 

As my yarn stash is really overflowing at the moment, I'm planning to straighten it up and use yarn from my stash for new projects as often as possible. I love buying new yarn but there's no point when I'm not using it, so I'm gonna try to keep yarn buys down and only go yarn shopping when it's REALLY necessary. I'm excited what I'll find in my stash and which ideas I'll come up with.

Another point is that there are some UFOs lying around or hiding in my stash (you probably know what I mean). I want to finish some of them or unravel them and use the wool for something else if I don't want to finish them. Whenever I start a project this year, my focus clearly lies on finishing it.

Yarn stash

So that's about it. I'll do all I can to stick to these plans but you know what it's like, so maybe to reach 80% of them are a good goal for this year.

Now it's your turn: What are your (crafting) goals this year? What would you like to read and see on my blog? Love, Kerstine

Project #16: Coin Bracelet

A few weeks ago I put an idea into action that I've been having in my head for months. This is what I'm showing you today. You may already know about my love of Norway and as I happen to be there several times a year, I've always got some Norwegian crowns lying around waiting to be spent during my next visit. 

I like their design a lot, especially the ones with holes in the middle have always been pretty for me.

So I came up with the idea to use a one-crown-coin for a bracelet. This way I can always carry a memory of the country and our great holidays there with me. It's a special souvenir.

The method I used for the bracelet is nothing special but I have never tried it before, so it was new to me. I used a blue cotton thread from my local craft store and the (very good) instructions from the blog Tippy & Tassel. I tied a clasp to the ends and fixed the ends with clear nail polish to prevent them from opening up.

You could surely use different coins, e. g. the five-crowns-coin which is bigger (see the photos), or even a small key and any robust thread. However, I like my new bracelet a lot and I think this would also make a great gift. Which coin or object would you use for a bracelet? Love, Kerstine.

72 hours in London

I've been to London before but I had totally forgotton how fabulous this city is! I enjoyed last weekend so much! Can't wait to come back!!! I'm totally in love... (that's why there are more photos than words this time). We enjoyed...

...great Italian food and coffee...

...nice old buildings and architecture 

...cosy pubs with great local beer and food...

...the must sees...

 

...the mix of contemporary and historical buildings in the city...

...Shopping in Harrods (a littlte bit)

...English breakfast - yum!!!(we don't have it like this in Germany)...

 Hope you like my photos, they're just snapshots of what I particularly loved.
Which European City do you love and why? Where shoud I go next with my husband?

Love, Kerstine