Insta – Natasja Sadi

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Jan 10

Happy sunday from my home to yours. As I’m typing these words I have to confess that Sunday doesn’t feel like the Sunday’s we used to have. We are now one week into homeschooling because of lockdown. It was strange guiding our children from Christmas break at home, to school at home. Hearing the teachers voices still feels surreal. So grateful to have them. Although I can hear their voices in our living room and they are serving our children I can not serve them tea or cakes in return. This moment in time isn’t forever but I did need time to adjust hearing lockdown will be extended for another three weeks. For all our safety I wouldn’t want it any other way. This too shall pass.
World events this past week left me restless and paralyzed simultaneously. I wish I could offer more this week than just these flowers. I know at some point normal life will resume and I will have time and the concentration again to create plenty. That is the beauty of creativity, the ideas boiling are never wasted. One thing I learned from lockdown is to be kind to yourself. If some days feel like survival but at the end of the day you survived than that is something to celebrate. Sometimes just doing our best is more than good.
We had taken down all the Christmas trees and decorations yesterday. Flowers from Saturday’s market filling and brightening our home instead. Poppies one of my favorites, I’m so happy these flowers are never wasted. Thank you for joining me here especially in these times. Have a lovely Sunday and bright new week everyone.
#flowersalways #colorlove #kindness #currentmood

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Jan 3

Happy sunday and happy new year from my home to yours. Home. If 2020 taught me anything, it is the meaning of the word home. I’m wondering which word 2021 will give me. A dear friend once told me that if there is anything I want, anything I dream about, I should always say those wishes and words out loud. Because it is important she said that the Universe knows what it is you want. Don’t just dream it, say it out loud. I asked my children on New Year’s Day if they had any dreams or wishes. No thought too big for dreaming. There were some things I knew I couldn’t help them with (... ‘sorry sweetie you are 9. Too young for a Tiktok account..’) but I was happy to hear some dreams and wishes that I was able to add to our family list of things, hoping to make true someday. We not only said the words out loud but wrote a list and hung it in a place for us to see when needed.
Today is the last day of our Christmas break at home. Tomorrow is a new day of homeschooling. Wish me luck everyone. I’ll be looking at the list and I will keep on working and dreaming, knowing better days are always ahead. Thank you everyone for joining me in the meantime.
Have a wonderful Sunday and beautiful new year. Sending you all my best wishes. Don’t forget to say out loud what you wish for.
#happynewyear2021 #roselove
#colorlove #currentmood

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Jan 3

There is this golden hour sometimes at the end of the day. That moment before dusk sets in that always feels a bit like a fairytale to me. As if walking on a theater stage made of cardboard, you can see the houses lit inside and enjoy the scenery outside. The decor of a few Christmas trees displayed in the windows only adds to the magical moment of the day. The clear yellow sign that says, ‘keep a six feet distance’ reminding us all of reality.
I was reminded how 2020 sounded like a tie from a match but how the year felt anything but a fair game. 2021 sounds like we are going to be on top again. Amsterdam feels different with everything closed because of lockdown but one thing I know for sure is that someday soon it will be buzzing again. I can’t wait for coffee and apple pie in my favorite cafe, a lunch in a restaurant, an encounter greeted with a hug. There were times I was annoyed, ringing my bell loudly, for anyone walking in the middle street, standing in the way when I was passing by with high speed on my bike. I know I will feel gratitude when that moment comes again. I made a promise to myself to breath, slow down and give them a smile instead. I can’t wait for normal again. Welcoming guests, giving classes, new sweet adventures, I’m excited for this new year. Happy new year everyone. Wishing you a beautiful, happy, healthy time. A fair game where everything feels like play.
#amsterdam #happynewyear2021 #winterlove #currentmood

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Dec 27

Happy sunday from my home to yours. How I wish I could sent you some new fresh flowers. Because of Christmas we didn’t have a saturday’s market yesterday. In the Netherlands we celebrate on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the second Christmas Day. (Yes we literally call it Second Christmas Day!) I missed my flower vendor friends but other than that, not much has changed. In alternating shifts, we are still eating turkey (leftovers) cookies and chocolate and playing games by the fire. I never knew we would find comfort in “travelling” between the kitchen, livingroom, bedroom and back.
This time between Christmas and New Year, I have totally lost the track of days. A throwback to one of my favorite flowers from another spring because I didn’t want to miss out on Sunday. Colour and spring, there is brightness waiting for us on the horizon.
Have a wonderful sunday and a beautiful new week everyone.
#roselove #ranunculus #tb #colorlove #beautifulandbright #currentmood

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Dec 27

Sugar tulips
There is a well known Dutch song with the following lyrics:

“When the spring comes I will sent you
Tulips from Amsterdam
When spring comes I will pick for you
Tulips from Amsterdam
When we’ll meet again I will bring you
Tulips from Amsterdam
A thousand yellow ones, a thousand red ones
Wishing you only the best
What words can’t convey these tulips will say”

Sending you some sugar tulips from Amsterdam. We are now in the middle of winter. A cold and dark time for some. But I feel we are turning a corner. A fresh new year on the horizon, days are getting longer and lighter, spring will be here just like the warmth from hugs again.
Wishing you the very best everyone. Sending a virtual hug to each and every one of you.
#tulpenuitamsterdam #sugarflowers #tulips #winterishere #springisintheair #hope #currentmood

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Dec 20

Happy sunday from my home to yours. We had made the decision earlier to go shopping for a Christmas tree last Monday morning. While sitting in the car for the 30min drive, news broke that our Prime Minister would give a speech in the evening. I said to my husband, this is serious. Press conference yes but it is very rare for a Dutch Prime minister to address the country live on tv. In the hours that followed details of new measurements were leaked. But it was simple, a full and total lockdown enforced the next day. Aware of the implications, with a little pain in my belly, we arrived at the store. Normally I go there end of November for plenty of choice in the biggest and most beautiful trees. The choice wasn’t as abundant but we did find one gorgeous tree. I placed it on the cart and drove it to the men that would wrap it for carry. ‘If you get one more you will get one for free they said.’ So excited to hear this I said to my husband let’s have TWO trees this time! Buckling up, I knew I was in for a fight seeing the look on his face. (Our house already filled, he has a point always..) ‘But where...? And how sweetie?’ I don’t know I said, but we will figure something out! Imagine what the kids will say. TWO...??! Yay!! We are married long enough for my husband to know when to give up and more importantly give in. With hardly a place to sit we drove home with two trees.
This week has been one with many adjustments. We have nowhere to go. Schools, shops and restaurants are closed and Christmas will be like never before. If I would have posted earlier this week there problaby would have been more gloomy words. But now for the first time, there is a Christmas tree in our kitchen and one in our living room. We see lights and festive ornaments from every corner. Baking cookies, watching movies, playing games and drinking hot chocolate by the fire never felt so good. It is comforting to know that it is the simple, and if we are lucky free things in life, that get us through in these extraordinary times. Have a wonderful time everyone.
#christmaslove #roses #chrysanthemum #saturdaysmarket #colourlove #currentmood

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Dec 20

Empty streets because of lockdown. These alleys more quiet then ever but that didn’t stop the people living here from adding lights and colour everywhere. With no one around, cycling through, feeling every twinkle. Sending you a postcard from Amsterdam signing it with love, have a week filled with light and sparkle everyone. Up next my Sunday flowers.
#amsterdam #decemberlove #lettherebelight #decembertoremember #currentmood

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Dec 13

GIVEAWAY CLOSED*
So happy to have teamed up with my friends @anthropologieeu for a wonderful giveaway a € 200 e-giftcard. These are extraordinaire times and December isn’t always easy. I thought something extra could make a difference for yourself or maybe someone you know.

How to enter:
Follow @anthropologieeu like this post and leave a comment or tag someone below.
Each comment is an entry. Enter as many times as you like.

This giveaway is open to European residents only.
The winner will be announced in the coming week.

**Congratulations @satqa from Germany on winning this Giveaway***

Happy sunday from my home to yours, wishing you a beautiful new week everyone.
#giveaway #anthropologie #anthrohome #decembertoremember #flowerlove #currentmood

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Dec 12

Some sweet sugarflowers flowers for Saturday sending your way. I can’t remember the last time I had exciting plans for Saturday evening. But one thing I know for sure is that some day (soon) we will socialize without any distance and party the night away. Dreaming of that day. There are these small things I do each day to keep happy and smiling. I try to be less hard on myself when it comes to chocolate or cookies or any delicious food for that matter. Less fuss for amounts of screentime taken, and candles... lighting extra candles really make a difference in these (darker) days for Christmas.
Hope everyone is ok and safe and making the most of December.
Have a lovely weekend everyone.
#staysafe #newnormal #littlestoriesofmylife #sugarflowers #saturday #selfcare #currentmood

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Dec 6

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Santa’s counterpart our Dutch ‘Sinterklaas’ arrived this week. His birthday today marks the end of days with anticipation. December celebrations have started in our home. Writing humorous poems, hiding presents, crafting mystery gifts for school, such a festive, incredibly busy week this has been. Because of social distancing rules everything is different but I noticed with much relief that my children were just as happy like every other year. There were no extra guests, but the gifts received from us and others were welcomed with the same excitement. A video sent afterwards capturing these special moments a small consolation. A price we are willing to pay just to stay safe. I asked my daughter last night what her favorite Sinterklaas moment was. I expected it to be something big but instead she said: ‘....the fireplace. I loved that we were all together, sitting and lying on the rug by the fireplace with the fire burning.’ Very much surprised, her answer left me wondering. It wasn’t about big presents or large gatherings.
A couple of days ago I changed some things in our living room, taking out a large table among other things for a little bit more space. I never thought this change would create an intimate situation enough for her to cherish most. It isn’t often we are lighting the fireplace (going to bed in the middle of the night, too scared to sleep because the logs were still burning, I remembered why..!) My daughter reminded me again that life isn’t about the big things. December will be different for sure but beautiful warm moments can always be created. Sometimes all it takes is the removal of... a table and a small fire.
Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone. Keep safe and warm.
#decembertoremember #chrysantemums #roses #saturdaysmarket #colourlove #currentmood

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Nov 22

Happy sunday from my home to yours. All the fall feels in a vase. Chrysanthemums with roses and hanging amaranthus. No flower speaks fall to me more than chrysanthemums. I adore these flowers. With so many new varieties and different colours it is difficult to choose a favorite. Because of lack of daylight with endless rain, sometimes feeling dark about the news, work on projects I hope to share soon, family affairs that needed my attention and an addiction to the ‘Queen’s Gambit’ (must watch) I’m sorry for having to miss a week on Instagram. I was even more sorry to see the new changes on IG when I returned. I wish I could say this new variety is a favorite. Just like every thing else in life, I’m sure I’ll get used to it. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone. Wishing you continued health and a week filled with love.
#fallfeels #chrysantemums #roses #saturdaysmarket #colourlove #fall #currentmood

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Nov 22

There is a cookie store in the old city center of Amsterdam that sells only one (!) type of chocolate cookie. Normally you have to stand in the long waiting line to purchase. I cycled through town the other day and noticed there wasn’t a queue. Because of the waiting time it had been years since the last time I enjoyed this world famous chocolate cookie. Being the only customer I was in and out in seconds. With hardly any tourists the city is ours again. But without any restaurants or bars open the atmosphere feels different, strange even. I know this is temporary but after so many months, I miss the old times sometimes. My children were jumping up and down when they saw the unexpected chocolate suprise when I came home. At the risk of bragging, I know how to bake a cookie or two. But sometimes you have to support your local business in any way you can.
A row of Amsterdam Canalhouses that are anything but cookie cutter houses with the last fall leaves dancing in the water like confetti. There is a cord in this photograph right in the middle. The electrical foundations are laid this week for our annual Lightfestival. Different artists will showcase there work throughout the city using light as a medium. I’m relieved some things don’t change. Light over darkness always
Sending you a postcard from Amsterdam signing it with love, have a week filled with light and chocolate everyone.
#amsterdam #fallishere #currentmood

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Nov 8

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Roses as big as my hand, dahlia’s, carnations, monkshood and phlox.
Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.
It is a new day filled with hope again.
#roses #saturdaysmarket #dahlias #colourlove #fall #currentmood

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Nov 6

Sugar flowers for Friday flowerday.
My son came down this week one morning, looked suprised and said, is the television STILL on??? We don’t watch that much tv so the fact that it was still on after so many hours (and now days) didn’t go unnoticed. The map of the US clear to see. My children 9 and 10 have received a crash course in the meaning of the colours blue and red, geography of states and places, functioning of electoral college, percentages and counting of votes and English language. They have seen my emotions and cheers going down and up in the past couple of days. While I’m writing this the scene described above has not changed.
But the most important lesson they have learned in these past days is that every vote matters. People matter. Living in a democracy comes with responsibility. You always have to vote, it is our duty.
With every vote counted and new number broadcasted they become more and more aware that no matter how small, you can make a difference. It is always inspiring to see when democracy is at work.
Until the final outcome is announced I don’t think I will be able to do much. But that is ok. Friday is here, the weekend is around the corner. For everyone who might need this. Hang in there. Sending all my love from Amsterdam.
#happyfriday #hope #fridayflowers #littlestoriesofmylife #currentmood

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Nov 1

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Some tulips from early spring from @passionfortulips No better way to say hello from Holland than with a bunch of tulips. Just wanted to let you know that in case you feel anxious or worried at the moment, you are not the only one. With lockdowns close to home and world events elsewhere, there is a lot to process. Sometimes working with flowers feels decadent or frivolous. But the truth is, when I’m in those moments, I do forget about the world for one brief moment making room for peace and happiness.
If only life could be one floral dream.
Did you know that when when you arrive in the Netherlands, Schiphol AirPort is 4 meters below sea level? Actively fighting climate change isn’t a choice for us in the Netherlands, it is imperative. We can have all the economic prosperity we want but if we are not taking care of the land we live on, there will be no place to live. Every ally joining our fights and causes deeply needed.
I’m planting these promising tulips bulbs in pots on my terrace at the moment. With each bulb pressing it in the soil, my mind produces hope. Hope for beauty in the spring and perhaps also an even better world than yesterday always. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful peaceful new week everyone.
#tulips #beauty @passionfortulips #onetofollow #fromhollandwithlove #currentmood

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Oct 31

Happy saturday and happy Halloween. Spooky white sugar roses in the dark. I know for some, even without Halloween, the year 2020 has been scary enough already. But even after the darkest, scariest, most frightning night, the sun will always come out and light will shine bright. Another month gone, a new one giving us new chances. There will always be light after darkness.
Enjoy the weekend everyone.
#halloween #sugarflowers #saturday #happyweekend #currentmood

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Oct 25

Happy sunday from my home to yours. If only I could find the words to describe how happy it makes me that I get to share my flowers at home. Every Saturday morning when I take my bike and cycle to Saturday’s market along the Amsterdam canals, I’m always anxious to see the flower offerings from several market vendors. “Have you seen my beautiful roses...” one vendor asked when I was already assisted by one of his staff. No... which ones do you mean I said, my heart now filled with excitement. He proudly showed me the small soft pink, elegantly ruffled roses. He couldn’t have made me more happy. So much inspiration always from these blooms and the real icing on the cake... that I get to share them with you, from all over the world. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone. Thank you.
#roses #saturdaysmarket #dahlias #colourlove #fall #currentmood

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Oct 25

Fall in my city. Like a fairytale the leaves are falling like glitter dust. Golden tones every where I look. You will find me on this bridge, every day when I pick up my children from school. Sometimes I’ll leave home a little earlier just so that I can enjoy the beauty of this spot. We may feel our world is rocking but nature always gives us gold right before our eyes.
Sending you a postcard from Amsterdam, signing it with love, have a lovely Sunday and week filled with gold everyone.
#amsterdam #fallishere #indiansummer #reflections #currentmood

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Oct 24

Sugarflowers for saturday to wish you a sweet weekend. There was a very funny meme I received in one of my WhatsApp groups. It was a picture of cute Kermit the Frog lying on his back, arms wide with despair where he is saying ‘I’m not turning my clock back this sunday. The last thing we need is an extra hour of 2020!’ It made me chuckle and feel like Kermit. Another Saturday without exciting plans because of rising cases but the sweet messages and funny memes make all the difference. We can do this together. Sometimes all it takes to make a difference, is just one kind message sent to someone in these times with drastic measures. Sometimes we don’t have a choice. I will stay safely on my sofa and I will ofcourse turn back the clock tonight. But always with the hope in mind that there will come a day (soon) where we will meet friends in restaurants to eat and drink the night away, dance at concerts and hug our loved ones like never before.
Have a lovely Saturday and beautiful weekend everyone.
#staysafe #newnormal #littlestoriesofmylife #sugarflowers #saturday #currentmood

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Oct 18

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Roses and dahlias from Saturday’s market. I took some time off in the past couple of days because my children had a week of fall holiday. With restaurants and bars closed because of lockdown Amsterdam feels different again. We stayed home, baked savory quiches and sweet brownies. Took a stroll in the forest to get some fresh air and to appreciate the beauty of fall (all in instastories). We are trying to make the most and just enjoy. Adapting each and every day to a new normal I noticed I had let go of colour coördination when choosing flowers. Purple dahlia’s (one of my favorite flowers) the only ones available, red/ orange roses stealing my heart the moment I laid eyes on them. A little chaos seeking balance in a vase. Exactly what life feels like at the moment.
Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful happy, healthy new week everyone.
#colorburst #saturdaysmarket #dahlias #roses #fall #currentmood

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Oct 11

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Roses and dahlias with the first big golden chrysanthemums. I have officially welcomed fall. Because of time management I usually go alone to Saturday’s market for flowers and our many groceries, but yesterday I took my daughter with me. I let her choose some of this weeks flowers. My children have a week of holiday so a few flowers in her bedroom are blooms well spent. She chose completely different varieties than I normally do. It was lovely to see her getting excited about her choices in particular the roses with the name ‘Miss Piggy’. She also enjoyed meeting all the vendors just as much as I did. We finished our rounds eating a double size portion of ‘poffertjes’ (Dutch dollar sized pancakes) with melted butter and icing sugar. We couldn’t have asked for a more festive start of the week. Finding happiness close to home. Stay safe, have a lovely Sunday and happy new week everyone.
#colorburst #saturdaysmarket #dahlias #roses #chrysanthemums #fall #currentmood

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Oct 11

They are always together, these two swans, swimming our canals. My neighborhood wouldn’t be the same without them. One of our oldest café’s dated (1642) on the corner. Open tents opposite, a new measure to socially distancing safely outside. A new way to make sure our café’s and restaurants can continue welcoming guests. This corner is one of my favorites in my neighborhood. A ray of light in between clouds and rainy spells. There is always sunshine after rain. Sending you a postcard from Amsterdam, signing it with love. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.
#takeaseat #amsterdam #fallishere #currentmood

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Oct 10

Sugar roses to wish you a sweet weekend. My children are having a fall holiday break this week. Lots of rain so far with the prospect of stricter measures or maybe even another lockdown in Amsterdam. Movies, popcorn, books and baking at home. Things could be worse. Appreciating the good (simple) things in life from our sofa. Flowers always close as a reminder that life is always beautiful.
#simplicityisbeauty #staysafe #newnormal #littlestoriesofmylife #sugarflowers #saturday #currentmood

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Oct 4

Happy sunday from my home to yours. That single red rose that was gifted from last week at Saturday’s market still going strong this week. Together with dahlias, zinnias, heliopsis burning heart, helenium, celosia, hydrangeas and a purple clematis freshly cut from my rooftop terrace. I have seen the first chrysanthemums but decided to come home with zinnias and dahlias (again). Fall is here in full force with strong winds and some rain. At the risk of becoming boring, I’m holding on to colour instead of fall tones for as long as I can.
Have a lovely Sunday and bright colourful new week everyone.
#redlove #saturdaysmarket #dahlias #zinnias #fall #currentmood

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