Last Minute Chaos

I’m racing against time lately and it’s not because I don’t have enough time, it’s because I’m managing it in a bad way due to the fact that I have so much to do and I have no list on paper -just in my head- causing it to short-circuit every now and then. I have exactly four weeks from today before I’ll be moving countries so once again I’m packing. I’m so tired of crap, I’m throwing out even more; most went to charity already and half of my books went to a friend here in London, I kept the ones in English (which is still too many *hehe).

I already started a while ago but every time I move I realise I should cut down dramatically. I’ve moved about 12 times since I was eighteen but the problem is that whenever one moves to a bigger place the more crap one collects and my last apartment in Amsterdam was twice the size of a regular one there. So these days I only buy things that I’ll actually use and give away what I don’t need. No useless nick-nacks collecting dust and no more books either unless they’re related to design. If it’s not functional and if I don’t use it it will be binned…

I don’t want clutter to rule my life, it’s causing chaos, is utterly distracting and will only take up space in my home, my studio and my mind. So while I’m packing I’m making a conscious decision to let go and throw out things especially the things that I feel I ‘might need’ one day. Because to be honest, that day never really came so far. In the meantime I’ve been meeting up with friends in the city to say goodbye for now. One friend -a programmer- has some projects coming up and he needs my help design-wise.

Like I mentioned in my previous post, I’m showered with requests lately: all of a sudden people want me to do their design projects. This Wednesday I’ll have to meet up with the accountancy firm, they want a brochure with the same design as the website I did a while ago where people can book online courses. There’s more last-minute things that clients need all of a sudden but I was able to put them off until after the move and when I’ll be back online again. I’m lucky that my line of work could be done from anywhere!

I’m sweeping the rooms of my life and it feels good to get rid of all the dirt, cobwebs and the skeletons that I wasn’t allowed to take out of their cupboard before. It’s May and I’m doing a total spring-clean. Aah, what bliss to embrace the changes and watch them evolve gradually in such a positive way. What a great season to start again…

Farmer Market

I’ve been to Broadway Market with M. and W. a cute buzzing little farmer market in Hackney with a range of organic products and produce from soap to cheese to vegetables to cakes and crafts, fish, pasta and fresh baked wholegrain bread chock-full of seeds. It was busy when we got there but in a good way. I bought some really nice award winning mature Cheshire cheese some smoked cheese, coriander/garlic olives and a fresh chorizo sausage.

It was a beautiful day, the weather was amazing so we had lunch at the park. M. and W. gave me a gorgeous Royal Albert tea set, ‘Elfin’ from the 1950’s. Pastel green inside, a floral pattern on the outside and of course guilded rims, much nicer than the Noritake set. It’s original English which is what I initially wanted, it’s a really special gift! When I got home I baked a rosemary and garlic focaccia and had a delicious dinner with two different cheeses, chorizo and olives.

It was such a nice relaxing day!

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Broadway Market is a thriving and growing hub of community life, featuring fabulous restaurants, arts and crafts and local business. Traders and residents for over 15 years have fought to build this community and revive its market, and promote cafĂ© culture, specialist shopping and local business growth. The new market will be opening from 8am till 6pm with 40 stalls offering a varied selection of goods including [read more –>]:

* Organic rare breed pork/veal/venison

* Sea food and fresh fish

* Handmade cheese butter and butter milk

* Organic breads/cakes and pastries

* Health products

* USA street clothes

* Vintage clothing 50/60/70

* Along with a number of snack foods and health drinks

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1950’s ‘Elfin’, such a sweet and generous gift!

Fresh organic [apple] juices

Yummie cakes, bread and pastries

Healthy snacks on the right