To the courage!

And here we are not far away till the end of the year ... It's been a hectic, fun and the most exciting for sure!

As every year, I immensely look forward to put all the difficulties, tears and stress to the side, but with stretched arms to greet joy, beautiful moments and the success.

Year after year the time is running faster and faster- time becomes much more valuable. Of course, it just goes by the the well known rule- the less you have, the more valuable it becomes. 

To each of you I only wish courage, because with it comes everything- success, love and happiness. Even time is achievable with a bit of courage to prioritise. 

Only the risk taking, perhaps walking into the unknown is the way to achieve something. Sometimes we tend to think that the risk or courage is to invest in business, which perhaps will not bring profit; move to another country; completely change everything. The BIG THINGS. Yes, these are also the risks that we will have to battle and win over time. However, sometimes it is enough to take the first steps by remaining ourselves, believing in yourself and what you do or what you would like to do and not fear the failure or make fool of yourself if front of strangers. Sometimes the biggest step is overcome yourself, change the habits and a daily routine.

So for a first day of New Year, go for a walk in a fresh air, think a bit of what would eventually make you happy? What would be your vision of happiness or life goals? And what is the first small steps towards it?

I hope everyone will find a dream in yourselves which is worth risk taking!

Inspiration/ Trip to Venice in pictures

The day being very gloomy today (and having to work in the afternoon), made me thinking about the holidays and the good times spent abroad which did not involve neither rain or work. 

I'll share couple of moments spent in the beautiful Venice. I bought the tickets as a gift for my boyfriend's birthday, and it was the best choice! 

We went in a late June and it was extremely hot! I don't think the word extereme is even apropriate anymore to describe it. Even though that was also a part of the overall amazing experience, I would choose to go a bit earlier in a year, if I would go back again, which I am sure I will some day.

We've spent couple of days in town and rented a room in a hostel- the place was needed for sleep only, as we would spend the most of the day sight seeing. I would recommend not to worry too much where you will end up renting- city is so beautiful you will end up spending most of the time outdoors. 

Another advice- Venice is tiny and easily can be walked around in a couple of days. Don't be afraid booking a place a bit further out, as it will be a little more authentic and still within reach of the main buzz. 

I would highly recommend booking a trip if you are in need of inspiration!

xx

Christmas Eve dinner

There is nothing better than a Christmas time spent together with a family.

As every year, we celebrated the festive season in our parents house back in Kent. I love the fact that even though we are all super tired after the busiest times at work, Christmas time still appears to be the magical celebration. It feels like that one or two days of pure eating, drinking and not doing much is the best rehabilitation to be back on track and to keep you running until the next year. 

On Christmas eve we all met in the evening to have a dinner together, being a tradition, this involved having a twelve dishes on the table and going to the church after dinner, which usually makes celebrations a bit more special.

Caneles de Bordeaux recipe for the perfect Christmas!

I am getting into the Christmas spirit (and just about time!), and as every year, making something sweet to bring to the table. We usually hold a lovely Lithuanian celebration with the family, lots of food and wine (of course).

For a sweet treat am I am making French Caneles de Bordeaux. Similar to custard muffins, this dessert won me over.

Here is the recipe:

500ml milk
100g flour
1 egg
2 egg yolks
200g sugar
2 tsp rum
1 vanilla stick
60g butter
1 tbsp honey

First, boil the milk with butter (50g) and sugar in a pan. Place vanilla seeds. Once liquid is boiled, take it away from the heat and let it cool a little.
Beat the eggs, once beaten, mix the flour in. Slowly and whilst stirring, pour in the milk mixture. Mix it well to get rid of any lumps and pour in the rum. Cover the mixture with the cling film and leave it in the fridge for 24 hours.
Whenever your mixture is chilled and ready, heat up 10g of butter with honey. Glaze the canele silicone moulds with the butter and honey mix and pour in the batter into the moulds.
Bake for an approx. 1 hour and 10 mins in 180C.
And voila!- if you can resist, ideally they should stay in a fridge for another day and only then should be eaten... Only if you can resist... :)

Favourite planners for 2016

New year is coming up and I am ready to greet it with the positive thinking, lots of new ideas and plans. My new year resolution is to make the next year my the most successful year so far!
I know, this sounds like bit over exaggerated, but it is very refreshing to start a new year confidently and full on energy.
If you are just the same as me- sick and tired of the same dull everyday routine, sure these diaries will be a good positive push to do something you love!

I've picked my nine favourite finds for the 2016 agendas, as I am in need of diary for the new year myself, though I will share my picks and where to get them. My pick was No.5- what's yours?

1. Minimalistic Stormy Gray Planner
2. Plan Bright Customised Planner 
3. Baseline Pocket Planner
4. Paper Source Paint Stripe Booklet Planner
5. Ban.do Ringleader Classic Agenda
6. Paper Source Brushstroke Gold Foil Hidden Spiral Planner
7. Innas Corner Daily Planner
8. Kraft Calendar Booklet 
9. Kraft Gold Stripe Planner

To the new year!

As the year goes towards the end, I am still hopeful to finish off the wish of the year- start blogging. It is a great tool to put your thoughts onto paper (well, screen) whist sitting bored on the tube (time spent wisely!) and a great way to get into the habit of researching, discovering and assessing things you find inspiring on a daily basis.