|holidays| :: ADVENT CALENDAR IDEAS ::

As I said I`m planning to make a bunch of posts connected to december & holidays. Let`s start with the ideas about advent calendar. What`s ur tradition? If I`m honest I never did it before, so this year is a first for me. So, if you have any cool ideas, please share it with me. 

Have a great Friday, I hope I`ll have an awesome one.....and it supose to snow today! 

via pinterest

Miss Universe 2012 Pre-Arrivals Hotpicks

Kosovo's Aferdita Dreshaj is last year's Pre-Arrival Winner

In just a matter of short days, Miss Universe 2012 will kick off at Las Vegas. All the candidates from each country are now on their journey to Vegas to compete for the crown. Prior to this and as a tradition, we present to you our Miss Universe 2012 Pre Arrivals Hotpicks!

1. Philippines - Janine Tugonon

2. Georgia - Tamar Shedania

3. USA - Olivia Culpo

4. Venezuela - Irene Esser

5. South Africa - Melinda Bam

6. Kosovo - Diana Avdiu

7. Croatia - Elizabeta Burg

8. Mexico - Karina Gonzalez

9. Czech Republic - Tereza Chlebovska

10. Puerto Rico - Bodine Koehler

11. Ecuador - Carolina Aguirre

12. Australia - Renae Ayris

13. Jamaica - Chantal Zaky

14. Ireland - Adrienne Murphy

15. France - Marie Payet

16. Lebanon - Rina Chibany

17. Spain - Andrea Huisgen

18. Thailand - Nuptimon Farida Waller

19. Chile - Ana Luisa Konig

20. Germany - Andrea Endemann

21. Nicaragua - Farah Eslaquit

22. Guatemala - Laura Godoy

23. Netherlands - Natalie den Dekker

24. Canada - Adwoa Yamoah

25.  Albania - Adrola Dushi

Sahar Biniaz substituted!

Reigning Miss Universe Canada 2012 Sahar Biniaz will be substituted be her first runnner up Adwoa Yamoah (26, 5'9) to the Miss Universe 2012 pageant which will kick off in 2 days. Sprain Calcaneus strucked Biniaz. Yamoah, on the other hand, accepted the responsibility of representing Canada in just a matter of short time.

Sahar Biniaz is still the reigning Miss Universe Canada 2012. Beauties of Canada wishes her full recovery soon. (Also UBC)

| cuisine | :: BUCKWHEAT SOUFFLE ::

On of the labels on the right is called "cuisine" and that`s where I should post more of the recipes, cuz lately I`ve been slacking on that one (just a bit). It`s not that I didn`t cook, I was just way to lazy to capture the moments. I`m blaming it on this winter depression/whatever period, which sucks the energy out of me. 

But I decided I have enough and I`ll be stronger that that (I wish). 

So, today I made this Buckwheat Souffle with veggies (I hope this is the right expression, cuz I asked mr.google to help me out) & it was damn good! 

Na desni strani je ena od oznak poimenovana "cuisine" in tam bi morala skrbeti za osveževanje objav z novimi recepti, namreč zadnje čase sem jo malce zapostavila. Ni, da ne bi kuhala, samo preveč sem bila lena, da bi vse slikala in objavljala (se zgodi). Krivdo pripisujem vremenu/depresiji, ki me trenutno daje in jemlje vso energijo (počasna sem kot polž). No, danes pa je končno dan, ko sem se odločila, da je temu potrebno narediti konec, kar je kot zanalašč za novo objavo.

Nastal je narastek iz ajdove kaše, skute in zelenjave. Za prste polizat! :) 

Ingredients:

• 250g buckwheat
• 250g curd 
• 4 eggs
• 1 sour cream
• 1 leek (if it`s a big one, than just half of it)
• 1 carrot (I used three)
• 1 zucchini
• 2 tomatoes
• Olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Spices (pepper + salt + whatever you like)
• Parsley

Basically you can use any vegetable that you already have at home + as many as you like it. :) 

First you have to cook the Buckwheat, than leave it a bit, so it`s not that hot anymore. Meanwhile cut all the vegetable on small pieces & grate the carrots. Than put a little bit of oil into a pan, add garlic + onion & wait that it starts to smell heavenly and only than it`s time to add all the other veggies. 

The next step is to mix eggs + sour cream + curd. Mix it till it`s smooth. 

Than the last step is to add Buckwheat into the pan with veggies, mix it a bit + add mixture with eggs, than put everything into an oven for about 1 hour. You can add some cheese towards the end + maybe some walnuts. I added just the walnuts and the taste was perfect.

Yeez I`m sorry for my english, I`m not used to write recipes and my vocabulary is quite shitty (I admit), so I had quite some problems with writing the whole preparation process, but I managed somehow. 

Bom apetit! x 

Recept sem si sposodila iz kulinarike, zato vam ga ne bom pisala, ampak vam kar podarjam link: Narastek iz ajdove kaše, skute in zelenajve.

Če se kdo odloči, da si zadevo skuha bom vesela, če dobim kakšen feedback. Bi pa svetovala, da malce pretiravate z začimbami, drugače zna biti prazen okus. :) 

Pa dober tek! ;) 

xo, Maja

:: BREAKING THE RULES ::

I`m too lazy to write a lot, so I`ll just give you a short explanation. This post is a bit different from what I usually do, cuz it`s quite personal (with all the photos from my friends and Jaka), but sometimes we need to "break" the rules. On Friday we had a small gathering/party to celebrate our new place and this photos are just a small part of it. 

I really enjoyed the night, so thank you my friends! ;) 

p.s. I`m so tired and so uninspired right now, that I was thinking about the name for this post for more than 5min, which has never happened before. I ended up with "Breaking the rules".
Why? Who knows. 

xo, M. & J.

The table

:: Snacks ::

:: Urška :: 

:: Vesna ::

:: Jaka - the sauce master  - annoyed while being photographed :: 

Miss Earth 2012 is Tereza Fajksova (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Miss Earth 2012 was held at Versailles Palace, Manila, Philippines. Tereza Fajskova, 23-year old Czech model, crowned Miss Earth 2012 by Olga Alava! Miss Air is Stephany Stefanowitz of the Philippines, Miss Water is Venezuela's Osmariel Villalobos and Miss Fire is Camila Brant representing Brazil.

Completing the Top 8 are: Nepal - Nagma Shrestha, Russia - Natalia Pereverzeva, South Africa - Tamerin Jardine and USA - Siria Bojorquez. Completing the Top 16 are: Costa Rica - Fabiana Granados, Germany - Nel Linda Zublewitz, Italy - Giulia Capuani, Japan - Megumi Noda, Korea - Sara Kim, Mexico - Paula Aguilar Concha, Poland - Justyna Rajczyk, and Scotland - Sara Pender.

The pageant started with Parade of Nations as the Opening Number, then the Announcement of the Top 16, Swimsuit Competition, Announcement of Top 8, Evening Gown Competition, Top 4 Announcement and the Q and A. 

Miss Air 2009 Sandra Seifert, March Nelson and TV host- Ginger Conejero hosted the pageant. 

Miss Intercontinental 2012 is Venezuela!

Photo: Missosology

Venezuela's Daniela Chalbaud is the new Miss Intercontinental! She was crowned at Aachen, Germany by last year's winner Jessica Hartman. Chalbaud competed at Miss Venezuela 2012 few months ago but unplaced.

1st Runner Up is Puerto Rico - Genesis Davila, 2nd Runner Up is England - Laura Ashfield, 3rd Runner Up is South Africa - Roxanne Amy Zeller and the 4th Runner Up is Thailand - Natthida Pekkhad. Completing the Top 15: Turkey, Latvia, Belgium, Spain, India, China, Colombia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

Miss Earth 2012 Final Hotpicks/Prediction

Final Results	Contestant
Miss Earth 2012	South Africa – Tamerin Jardine
Miss Air	Venezuela – Osmariel Villalobos
Miss Water	Czech Republic – Tereza Fajksova
Miss Fire	Turkey – Ilknur Durasi
Finalists	USA – Siria Bojorquez  Thailand – Waratthaya Wongchayaporn  Puerto Rico – Darli Pacheco   Norway – Nina Fjalestad
Semi-finalists	Brazil – Camila Brant  Philippines – Stephany Stefanowitz  Russia – Natalia Pereverzeva  Sweden – Camilla Hansson  Netherlands – Shauny Bult  US Virgin Islands – Carolyn Whitney Heller  Mongolia – Battsetseg Turbat  Northern Ireland – Ciara Walker

Pageant Vixen Talks: Melody Mir

Last week in our "Pageant Vixen Talks," we had Miss South Dakota - USA 2012, Taylor Neisen. She gave us a lot of information about her. Through her interview, we learn about her advocacy and her life as an ordinary person but at the same time, a beauty queen. This week, let's get to know more on Melody Mir, she represented Dominican Republic in the 2012 Miss International in Okinawa. Among the 69 ladies who competed, she won the title as 3rd Runner-Up.

UBC: Who is Melody on a normal day?
Melody: I'm a student, model and life lover.

UBC: Describe your childhood years.
Melody: My Childhood was very rich in knowledge and experience I had the opportunity of growing up in different countries as Dominican Republic, Spain and Germany.
That made me value different cultures and countries in very early years. That's why traveling around the world is one of passions.

UBC: What made you to join Miss Dominican Republic - International?
Melody: It was a dream that I was chasing of being the ambassador of goodwill and beauty of my country to the world. Also being a Miss you have the opportunity of becoming a role model and you have the chance to share and get to know more cultures and at the same time you share yours.

UBC: How did winning the title changed your life?
Melody: Winning the tittle gave me a big responsibility and the compromise of putting higher possible the name of my country. Also the goal of getting positive attention for my beautiful island.

UBC: How is it to represent "Dominican Republic" on an international pageant?
Melody: Its an honor and a dream come true.

UBC: How did you preparing for Miss International?
Melody: I didn't have much time as I was elected on July 4th but I had a good team that help me out as my national director Diany Mota that is also the designer of my gown dresses, Oscar Grullon gave me some "Miss Catwalk" tips, Aridio Garcia gave me my final look for the contest.I also made some exercise and had a balance diet of food.

UBC: How did you balance time for family and time for pageantry?
Melody: I'm used as a model of having a life on planes traveling and with a busy schedule
For me is important to be focus, to have goals, and of being organized. I think I manage very well to enjoy my family and friends but as everything in life you need to work hard and have some discipline.

UBC: How did the activities in Japan created friendship among you and the girls?
Melody: The activities where amazing very dynamic and we have the opportunity to share with local people and to get the essence of the people and the Japanese culture.
I connected very well with the other girls, it was difficult because we were divided in groups and as usual you get along more with the ones closest to you. But I can say I made some good friendships relations specially with mt beautiful friend Miss Colombia, Melissa Varon.

UBC: What was going through your mind when you became part of the "Top 15"?
Melody: I was very happy and excited. Also started to get very nervous as I knew we had to make and speech.

UBC: When you won 3rd-Runner Up, did you ever expected that?
Melody: You always have the faith for arriving as far as possible so I was very happy, satisfied and pleased that all the work had a good result.

UBC: What advice can you give to those girls who loves pageants?
Melody: I can say to all those girls that is an amazing opportunity represent your country, to get to know new countries and cultures and also to get know more of yourself. Is an unique opportunity on life and that is not only about beauty so they can also grow in another levels and have after it a bigger view and expectation of life. Also that winning is not everything, since the begging we are all winners wearing proudly the Sachs of our country in my case I wasn't anymore Melody and I started to be " Miss Dominican Republic".

UBC: Beauty tip to all.
Melody: Having a Healthy life is important for health and Beauty a swell, lots of water, some exercise and having a positive attitude and smiling makes you look even more beautiful ;).

If people wants to know about me you can put my facebook fan page and website.

Fan page: www.facebook.com/melodymir
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MelodyMir
Website: www.melodymir.com

She definitely inspires many people through her words and actions. Here in UBC, we wish Melody all the best in all her endeavors. We will fully support you Melody in your dreams and goals in life.

Krassa Rossi 2013 (Beauty of Russia 2013)

Krassa Rossi 2013 is Elina Kireeva (25, 5'8). She will represent Russia at Miss Earth 2013. The pageant happen while it's outgoing queen is competing at Miss Earth 2012 in Manila Philippines. 

:: COLLECTING IDEAS ::

Hey there! How you been? I`m trying to ignore this grey/rainy/depressing weather and I`m doing quite ok `till now. :) Today I feel very december like & that`s why I made this collage, but also to announce that I will start with `xmassy`  posts on my blog. You will find some wraping ideas, x-mass diy ideas, gift ideas (that was actually an idea of a friend, cuz he said guys always have problems picking out a gift for girls, which I believe it`s true), maybe some travel ideas.....Do you have any ideas/wishes what should I write about? You know, feedback is important for any kind of business, even if it`s just for a blog like mine. So, I`m waiting for you guys, be brave and talk to me! Make me happy! ;) 

xo, Maja <3

:: MIKSTEJP PICKS : 6 INSPIRATIONAL/CREATIVE BLOGS ::

This article was actually meant for the Wannabe Magazine, but since they have some problems with translators, I got a green light to post it first on my blog. ;) I chose 6 blogs that I really enjoy "reading" and I hope you`ll enjoy them too. It`s a bit long post, but anyway....here it is.

POPPYTALK

For all of those who are interested in creative blogs I`m sure you already know or you`ve at least heard about Poppytalk once before reading this article.

»Poppytalk is a Canadian (Vancouver-based) design blog collecting inspiration and dedicted to promoting emerging design talent.  Founders, husband and wife duo (Jan and Earl) both worked in the design field: Jan in Communication Design and Earl in New Media as a designer and instructor.

You can also visit Poppytalk Handmade, an online "curated" and monthly-themed marketplace exhibition site which showcases handmade and vintage goods from around the world. 

On the page you can find lots of DIY projects + tutorials, great Decor, interesting recipes and weekend projects, which are really a big inspiration to me!

1.  DIY - colour blockedcoasters
2.  DIY - bendable fabriccake flags
3.  Recipe: Nectarine andblack bean crunch salad
4.  Weekend project –Outdoor Terrarium

CREATURE COMFORTS

CreatureComforts is run by lovely Ez (pronounced Ee-zee) and her blog is her little inspirational heaven.
Blog is all about celebrating the tiny details that make life so amazing and looking to find beauty in the unexpected. Ez loves sharing her creative space with you and she`s constantly inspired by all of her readers and the amazing community she has.Creature Comforts features handcrafted and manufacutured product with a focus on high-quaity design. Regularly featured products include home and personal accessories, art and photography, small business profiles, diy projects and freebies, creative inspiration, fashion and more.

*This is one long post that I really enjoyed reading and I suggest you read it too. I think this is a topic that all bloggers are thinking about. You can find the post here. (things im afraid to tell you.)

1.  A special DIY 
2. DIY braided hex nut bracelet
3. Strawberrycheesecake pie
4. DIY paper candy gift toppers

BRINJA KOBENHAVN

Brinja`s blog is one of the first blogs i discovered and I instantly felt in love with it. I remember that I spend like an hour or two browsing over it & just couldn`t get off the page.

Brinja`s blog is about her inspiration, crafts, family, shop and daily life.

I recommend that you check out her shop. + FB page, cuz there you can find more photos of the shop. ;) 

  

A MAD TEA PARTY WITH ALIS

I chosed A mad tea party with Alisbecause of  diversity, I dont want you guys to get bored. I really enjoy good interior inspiration and this blog is giving me so much of it! I really love browsing through its pages with my morning coffee and make plans of my dream home in my head.

Alis recently graduated from college as an industrial designer, and have just finished her master`s degree. She decided to share her love for beautiful objects and everything creative on her blog & we all really appreciate that desicion! 

HOW ABOUT ORANGE

How about orange is a home of Jessica Jones, a graphic and textile designer. When she is not blogging, she`s designing. You can check her portfolio site if you are interested to know more about her work.

Her blog is great for finding some DIY inspiration + tutorials & lots of great freebies ( love it! ) !  

1. Christmasprintables
2. Freeprintable gift tags
3.  Halloweenprintable labels
4.  Freevintage style bookplates

 

UNGT BLOD

Ungt Blod (Young blood) is the website and blog of Mette Kaerlig Hilsen, a coffe making, pizza baking, many-things-building blogger and web designer of Copenhagen, Denmark.

I˙m telling you, this blog is addictive. I love the layout and the story she is telling us with the photos.  It truly is a good blog, worth of your timeto take a quick peak.