Top of the Pile : Books as souvenirs

I wanted to show these treasures for a long time now, meanwhile they are already an established part of my shelves but I brought them back from some summer trips I did and I think books probably are the best souvenirs! For instance they give you a good memory of the city or shop you bought it, you can read/enjoy it during your holiday or when you are required to wait  and then the memory of carrying too much books with you (in my case, this happens) can give some good stories afterwards. There are tons of reasons I could think off..they last longer than clothes (yep, said it :)), they fill your home with some extra wisdom and the best reason of all what's more lovely than spending time, discovering and picking your favourite in a (second hand) book shops?

Here are my discoveries
Papillon d'Europe et du Monde : I found this one in Agen (FR), just passing by a magazine shop, (more like a newsagent plus upgrade) and they had this gorgeous butterflybook with copper sides and  drawings from the 19th century on sale. The vendor sold it with a bit of sadness but I think he was happy to have such an enthousiastic buyer.

The other 2 books I bought in a second hand book shop in Maastricht (NL), which is very close to my hometown and a perfect city to visit in one day. They really have nice shops and  this books 'De Bovenste Plank' (it means top shelf) was really overwhelming, top to bottom, it was literally covered in books..we spent some time there during one of the rare showers this past Summer.

My finds: this succulents book (from 1932!) and a book about Cactii and the care of it (very handy).

Oh my record : Arcade Fire

A few weeks ago I treated myself with pre-ordering Arcade Fire's newest: Reflektor. Normally I'm a CD person, but some friends of mine are over the top enthousiastic about buying vinyl, they almost converted me and eventually I gave it a try. I must say I like the fact that the artwork is larger and more beautiful to present, but I still don't have a vinyl player, so in the end I ordered both (CD + vinyl).
I think this record will be the best, (yes my expectations are high, very high) and my inbox just gave me the great news that my items are shipped YAY!

Try it out : The Kinfolk Table Antwerp

Already in less than two weeks some Kinfolk moods will be happen in Belgium and we chose again for Antwerp. Annemarie of Joy of little things and I will host this event together, we met thanks to the Kinfolk gatherings, so the purpose of the events is already proven, learning something new, get to know likeminded people and experience it together with them in a cosy atmosphere.

It's getting colder, so October is the perfect month for having long conversations at the table. To make this diner perfect we invited Loes & Krikke of Colonia to cook for us. At Joy of little things, Annemarie told us what we can expect of the evening, so take a look over here if you want to start mouth watering.
I'm looking very much forward to the 26th of October and I'm hoping to meet some new faces their.
If you would like to join us, you can buy your ticket here.

Eye See : Masha Reva pt. 2

!!!!!!!! do I need to say more? I still feel sad that I doubted too long to buy a sweater from the collaboration with Syndicat and with fall coming up the pity returns.. but this time I'll be ready!

part 1 : Masha Reva x SNDCT / part 2 : Masha Reva SS14

Report : Preserving the Season

Last Sunday the Kinfolk-gathering in Antwerp took place.  I organised it together with a dear friend and I really had the best time. Honestly, the week before the event was quite hectic and a little bit stressful, but the day itself made it completely worth it. So a thank you to all the nice people who participated!
And yes, there were two little kitties involved :).

Also thanks Melissa Milis, who made this beautiful, and very well captured, report.

The next Kinfolk-gathering is coming up as well and this will be for Belgium on 26th of October in Antwerp, more information about it: here.

all photos © Melissa Milis