Insta – Natasja Sadi

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Mar 26

Today is daylight saving time and to me this is always the official start of spring. I’ve been longing for spring for so long. It’s the season I look forward to the most but this year especially. Less than a month, my book ‘A Sweet Floral Life’ will be released. A year ago I handed in my manuscript. When agreeing on a date to submit all material, it felt like I had oceans of time. At the time (before I even found a publisher) I had already been working on the book years prior, so it all felt doable. Little did I know.
I underestimated how deep I had to reach to make it to the finish line. Even with the best team and having support from @sarah_c_owens with my writing, there were times I didn’t know how to make. I knew I would make it, I just didn’t know how.
Having a publisher @tenspeedpress on the US West Coast meant being ahead 9 hrs and I always felt I was given extra working hours relief. Every sentence, every word (46.000) in this manuscript carefully crafted and composed. More than 300 images meticulously taken over the years before uploaded. Writing a book, completing a book is hard. It was close, all hands on deck like the finale in a baking competition, but I made it that night. Shortly before closing office hours Pacific time, 2am Amsterdam time, I submitted my manuscript. My husband’s suggestion to “go to sleep and send files in the morning…” (missing deadline) wasn’t an option.
Relief, joy, pride, excitement, triumph, never will I forget that moment. Although this wasn’t the end, those who ever wrote a book will probably agree this is often just the beginning, this moment in the middle of the night was a victory. We’ve all hit send with emails that read “please find..“ after working hard but now I found myself staring at my screen for hours. I needed time to absorb what happened and with everyone asleep I used the silence to pull myself together without noise. My husband joined our kids the next morning, I slept the entire day and the one after.
A few more weeks and the book will be in your hands. Every pre-order matters, thank you for all your pre-orders. Have a bright new week. The road may not be easy and bumpy, but we can do hard things.

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Mar 25

Sustainable floristry and still life with roses. Sugar flowers with fresh greens seen up close for the one day exhibition Women in Art @dehallenstudios Art created by women generates 42 percent less at auctions than male colleagues. In Dutch museums 80-90 percent of art collections has been created by male artists. These numbers after research done by Oxford university and Erasmus university in corporation with Women INC. My trusted and award winning art photo lab @fotolabkiekie thought it was about time to organize a women exhibition only. 15 percent of sales from this exhibition (now featured on line) will go to UN Women, a United Nations task force dedicated to fighting for equal rights of women legally, financially, politically and socially. Curated by a prestigious group of international women’s journalists, it was an honor to have been selected among so many talented photographers.
More in my instastories
#womensart #womensupportingwomen #floralart #sugarflowers #photography #floralstilllife #sustainablefloristry #currentmood #littlestoriesofmylife #still_life_gallery #homedecor #inspiredbypetals #flowerarranging #classicstyle #inspiration #flowerlove #flowersofinstagram #dsfloral #dutch #stilllife #flowerphotography

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Mar 5

A week of spring break, back to work tomorrow, Monday. A 5 hr drive, we decided last minute to travel to Paris. They screamed when we told them we were going to the city of lights. No 5 star hotels or fancy dinners on top of the Eiffel Tower. This time, just being there for strolls through the park and museum visits, while soaking up first warm rays of sunshine. The best boulangeries offering delicious breakfast or lunch and Chartier for dinner. Not haute cuisine but good cuisine with funny and kind French waiters and an atmosphere our children adore. Last time we were there we visited the Louvre and Versailles but this time we went exploring modern art at the Centre Pompidou and marble statues with impressionist paintings at the Musee D’Orsay. Our children danced at the Centre Pompidou at sunset when we arrived because they were just so happy to be there. The city skyline in pink and gold arising with each staircase step right before our eyes, with the Eiffel Tower on the left and the Sacré Coeur in the right distant corner. Entrance family package deals, Paris I found is a city you can travel on a budget. There is so much to see and so much to do. Croissants, pain au chocolat and fresh baguette are a luxury to me. Just these bakes alone are worth traveling for and I didn’t even mention the cheese. I can get all these goodies right here in Amsterdam but for some mysterious reason, they taste better in Paris. (No one will convince me other wise!) Home now after 4 days of bliss and fun, I feel energized for days. Nothing makes me happier than travel. It is also, in my humble opinion, one of the best gifts you can give to children. One thing I learned about travel with our kids is that they don’t necessarily care about the fancy stuff, it’s the adventure that counts.
Pompons and feathers, a bush of snowball (viburnum) and lilacs (syringa). Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone. Please share, would love to hear your dream destination.
#paris #springlove #lilacs #flowersalways #currentmood

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Feb 26

The tulip, with a strong will of their own, they are impossible to orchestrate and control. I find them one of the hardest flowers to arrange but when I do manage, they are also the most rewarding. They are our Dutch national symbol and unmistakable part of our culture. Often times when I read about them in books words like Tulipmania are mentioned but many times I felt this was only part of their (his)story. I devoted a few chapters of this flower in my upcoming book A Sweet Floral Life because not only are tulips worth diving deeper into, their place in history, all parts of history, the good and the bad, is worth knowing. I can’t tell you how much it means to me, to have found a worldwide publisher @tenspeedpress @penguinrandomhouse allowing me to share all aspects. And although they are our Dutch national symbol, you will discover this flower actually connects us all.
I also explain into detail how to create the tulip in sugar and arranging them with real flowers especially when in need of working more sustainable and defying the seasons. There are very few flowers that instantly convey that Dutch still life feel in the same way as tulips.
If you haven’t pre-ordered my book yet the link is in my bio. Pre-orders are major and important for a book’s succes so I truly want to thank everyone who pre-ordered these past couple of weeks.
There was the hope of a few years, then the faith of a few months and now the reality of just 8 weeks for the book to arrive in your hands.
It has been so heartwarming to hear your responses on yesterday’s post and reel of my visit to the Vermeer exhibition. I have posted the 28 works, 350 years of history, in my instastories for those who would like to tour them again on their own time. Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone.
#tuliplove #flowerlove #winterlove #mynewbook #thankyou #currentmood

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Feb 25

SPOILER ALERT
Went to the Vermeer exhibition @rijksmuseum yesterday. Still dreaming from our visit. There are only 36 painting by Vermeer that we know of, 28 of his paintings now briefly “home” in Amsterdam. Some of these have traveled from far corners of the world, it truly is a once in a lifetime experience. It made me emotional seeing them altogether. My children had no idea why I was so thrilled. Little do they know, how unlikely they will ever see them together this way again.
There are hardly any to no flowers in his paintings but he is THE Master of light and composition, cropping, framing a moment and drawing the viewer in. The way he uses color is electrifying. Almost as if he invented his own filter making every color stand out.
The details so astute they are simply breathtaking. Every fold, every pattern, sometimes even paintings within a painting. With one painting there was a glass so real my daughter asked, how do you paint glass?? It was impossible for me to have an answer for such perfection before our eyes. For those not able to make it to this exhibition, thought you might enjoy this reel. And for others who are still planning to come, it was hard for me to leave, they are even more beautiful up close.
#vermeer #vermeerexhibition #rijksmuseum #dutchmaster #currentmood

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Feb 19

Spring is around the corner. There is this light and freshness that I haven’t sensed in a long time. In the morning I’m woken up by the joyful sounds of the birds again. Maybe it is just me, but winter feels severely long this year. If I would say I long for spring it would be an understatement.
Because of high energy prices (soon to be lowered) and because we are living in an old historic home with not much insulation, there are these same warm clothes I have been wearing for the longest time. To be honest, I can’t wait to get rid of all these layers.
Don’t get me wrong, I love winter and it’s dormant time. We all need stillness and rest to bloom again just like nature, but maybe because I was born in tropical Surinam, I’m just not a fan of the cold.
Yellow roses with the first daffodils, bringing sunshine to our table. Yellow for me, this time of year is the promise of spring.
Roses in winter with white lilacs and tulips. Hope you tuned in, I chatted with @theflowerpodcast among other things about roses in winter, discussing right from wrong and all grey areas. How flowers in Holland because of our greenhouses and worldwide flower distribution system is a different ballgame compared to the rest of the world. Holland is at the forefront of the flower industry. Also in its use of more and more renewable energy. I also explained how 1/3 of the Netherlands is below sealevel with its lowest point 6.5 meters/ 72 sq feet below and how we as a nation, are very much aware of the affects of climate change. In my instastories our new bike garage at Amsterdam Central Station. A good example of how the Dutch government facilitates in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. You might think I’m silly to be this excited about a garage but I am. It is the thought behind it that matters.
Flowers for warmth. In case you need it, hang in there, spring is around the corner. Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone. Sending lots of love from Amsterdam.
#springlove #winterroses #flowersalways #theflowerpodcast #dutchflowers #littlestoriesofmylife #currentmood

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Feb 18

Bringing tulips back to life with blooms as big as my hand. The best companions cut short at the dinner table. Had the loveliest conversation @theflowerpodcast where we discussed Holland and it’s relationship with flowers, my new book and lots more. Hope you check it out. Flowers are part of our culture in The Netherlands. Especially at Saturday’s market, when we buy food, we buy flowers. It’s pasta night for us with a tulip decorated table. Have a lovely weekend everyone. Food and flowers, it’s the small things that make me happy.
#flowerreels #persuepretty #familylife #tuliplove #blueandwhiteforever #decor #flowerdesign #nofloralfoam #classicstyle #itsthesimplethings #currentmood

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Feb 12

They called me miss Natasja. Two students from Istanbul, Turkey who we volunteered to host for an exchange program at my son’s secondary school. They were shy at first but excited to have made it to Amsterdam. My heart sank when I saw the news on Monday. They heard what happened and what should have been a careless day at a Dutch school with Amsterdam activities, was now slightly overshadowed. They were part of our family for a week. Being the caretaker of someone else’s child, determined to keep them safe, my most frequently asked question: what time are you coming home? But dinner was the time to discuss the day. How was the Van Gogh museum? Did you enjoy the boat ride? They noticed the many lgbtq flags and how it was unfamiliar to them. I explained that the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same sex marriage. That (partially because of history) tolerance is the cornerstone of Dutch society. I could tell this made them stop and think. It’s what travel does. It opens your mind but most of all your heart.
As the week progressed so did the number with casualties of the earthquake. First 900 then a couple of thousand and now well over 30.000. On Friday a FaceTime with one of the moms, a schoolteacher sharing so many thanks for us. I could tell this was hard for her. The first time her only son away and abroad, all with the heartbreak in her country. It was impossible to keep a dry eye. One friend lost 6 cousins. These are the people lost. The numbers in the news a way to process the catastrophic enormity of it all.
Yesterday after breakfast Turkish news on one of the boys phones. Happiness. A baby was found alive after more than 80 hours in the ruble.
It will take years for Turkey and Syria to rebuild. Donate if you can.
@wckitchen, Red Cross, @savethechildren Every dollar every euro desperately needed.
Have a lovely Sunday and good new week everyone. If we are healthy with a roof over our head and food on the table, we are the lucky ones.
#donate #earthquake #familylife #littlestoriesofmylife #currentmood

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Feb 5

This week a spectacular showdown after an incredibly tense month for my daughter (11). Januari at final year of Dutch elementary school always involves weeks of exams. The result of these tests will determine your level recommendation for secondary school. Before summer she had received her interim recommendation. It was good but not what she hoped. Despite saying how proud we were of her, she wanted to do better. After I sensed sadness during our holiday, I said if this is what you really want let’s think of a plan. We discussed with her teachers that she wanted to reach higher and if we could help her reach her goals. A private tutor for 45 minutes helped her prepare exams each week but it was her grit and determination that made her practice her homework constantly. The best thing was, she enjoyed learning so much. January was vicious. This was now or never and I often wondered how unfair this is for any child to go through. The Dutch school system in this final year is brutal.
Last week the final meeting that would put an end to uncertainty. She nearly fainted walking the steps to her class room. We were greeted by her wonderful teachers who knew what was at stake. No chitchat, let’s put you out of your misery they said when we sat down, holding our breath with hearts racing. They pushed the paper so we could see it clearly. Three bold capital letters she desperately wanted. All I could do was cry. 4 straight A’s out of the 5 subjects. Lots of letters from the alphabet in years before but now 4 A’s making her dream come true. She. Did it.
I was so happy for her but the best was yet to come when her brother came home. She shared the news modestly because she knew this is what HE wanted last year. When he heard the three letters he responded with so much joy, difficult to capture in words. He was so proud of his little sister. Hugging her, screaming yes, and jumping up and down with joy was one of the most beautiful moments I ever saw between them. Good grades are great but this was character. Character matters. A good heart, cheering for others matters.
Have a lovely Sunday and best new week everyone. Let’s keep cheering for others.

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Jan 29

What a week this has been. Butterflies in my belly and my mind blown away. Your response to my book news has been overwhelming and heartwarming. Never could I have imagined so much support and kindness. In the coming days, I promise to let each and every one of you know how much I appreciated your messages and pre-orders these past couple days. This was the project that kept me busy, going, away and awake at times. They say it takes a village to raise a child but I could say the same thing about a book. I want to share with you the people who made my dream come true.
My agent @theosheaagency and editor @lisatenspeedpress who believed in A Sweet Floral Life. Award winning author and baker extraordinaire @sarah_c_owens for helping me write my story. My English grammar never better and I’m so happy she kept me from rambling! For long stretches of time I have been on the US East and West Coast time zones but emails from @emmaboyscampion in the middle of the night about the design of the book, I wanted to stay up late for. I’m just so thankful for all @tenspeedpress @penguinrandomhouse the dream team. A Dutch girl living in Amsterdam, born in Surinam, totally passionate about blooms. When you read the book, you will understand the significance of all of this.
Some of you asked if the book is available in the US or in the Uk or Asia or Australia. Yes! A Sweet Floral Life is available anywhere where books are sold.
Your pre-orders (link in bio) help me so much. I can’t thank you enough. Think of pre-orders as the likes of social media. Like algorithms, they can make the bells ringing in the system, alerting bookshops and increasing chances for stock and availability in (local) bookshops. So many times, something in my eye this week. Happy tears.
Anemones one of my favorite flowers, make a special appearance in the book. Have a lovely Sunday and great new week. From the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone.
#anemones #winterlove #thankyousomuch #currentmood

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Jan 25

Unboxing video. Seeing my book, A Sweet Floral life for the first time. 3 years of work boiled down to 3 minutes.
I can’t thank you all enough for your amazing, warm response to my book news.
I don’t show myself a lot around here but my message to you is, never give up on your dreams. Never, ever.
Please find the link in my bio for pre-order.

#asweetflorallife #dreamscometrue #tenspeedpress #penguinrandomhouse #wednesdaywisdom #newbook #bookcover #booksarelove #floralstories #underthefloralspell #flowerportrait #inspiredbypetals
#littlestoriesofmylife #homedecor #nofloralfoam #flowerarranging #classicstyle #inspiration #flowerlove #flowersofinstagram #dsfloral #delftware #blueandwhite #blueandwhiteforever #dutch #stilllife #flowerphotography

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Jan 22

Yay! The secret is out, I wrote a book! A Sweet Floral Life is here and available for pre-order where books are sold. My heart is bursting, there has never been a post I dreamed, hoped, wished (no longed!) to write more than this one. Someone pinch me because even after all the work, I can’t believe the day is finally here, actually sharing the news and cover with you.
A lifelong dream turned into reality, A Sweet Floral Life, romantic arrangements for fresh and sugar flowers, will be published April 25 by @tenspeedpress imprint of @penguinrandomhouse the best team.
I always find it difficult to ask for things but you would do me a huge honor and great favor to follow the link in my bio, and pre-order this book. You may wonder why pre-order when the book comes out in April? Your pre-orders would help me tremendously as an author. They increase the chance of A Sweet Floral Life to be picked op and stocked in (local) bookstores. This book is about flowers but at the same time about so much more than just flowers. Filled with personal and historical essays, my love and soul is in A Sweet Floral Life. I care so deeply about this book and although the stories are mine, I know in my heart you will care for them too.
Just a few numbers:
3 years in the making
257 pages
46.000 words
300 (new) full color photographs
12 flower projects
6 sugar flower and cake tutorials
100‘s visits to the flower market and fields
1000 ‘s stems of blooms
10.000 cups of coffee
In the coming weeks I’ll share more about this book and my journey. It kept me from being here with you at times but I hope that when it’s in your hands, you will be pleased. Thank you everyone, this amazing community, for supporting my work and flowers. It is because of you I live my dream. Please find more at the link in my bio, I’m forever thankful.
Happy, happy sunday❤️
#asweetflorallife #newbook #bookcover #booksarelove #thankyou #currentmood

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Jan 21

Sugar roses and blossom flowers. Although they are very much a big part of my life, it has been a while since I shared some sugar flowers here. These flowers is how it all began for me so many years ago. Over the years I tried to improve my work and let’s just say the very first roses I created out of sugar were….different… than the ones I’m holding here. I can honestly say though the joy creating them wasn’t any less. Isn’t that the purpose of creativity. No matter the result, it is the joy of the process that matters. I was wondering if you would be interested in hearing more about these sugar flowers? It’s sofa Saturday after sundown for me. Just saying hi and hope you have a great weekend. Tomorrow I will share some news and I hope you will stay tuned. Happy Saturday everyone, I’m back with you real soon.
#sugarflowers #saturday #staytuned #currentmood

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Jan 15

Muted colors. Not my regular repertoire but every now and then it is good to value the quieter sights and moments. I just came home from one of my neighbors, a special home concert right next door. It is an annual celebration always organized at the start of the year. It had been two years since we could enjoy the magnificent music of a string trio playing Mozart. Chats afterwards and although there have been friendly hello’s on a daily basis passing by, it was lovely to reconnect and have real conversations again. Not just pleasantries of “how are you..”, but room for honest answers. I have been at work mostly I said, a project close to my heart but now catching a bit of a break and how strange that feels. One of my neighbors responded and said: “…Rest is productive.” Absorbing his words, I thanked him for this very wise message. It is true, when we rest and recharge, we regain productivity. These past years have been like no other for me and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been up to.
Have a lovely Sunday, have a lovely week and remember, rest is productive. Please stay tuned, I’m back with you real soon!

#roses #amaryllis #winterlove #currentmood

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Jan 1

Happy Sunday and happy new year. The first day of another chapter in our lives. I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, just trying to enjoy myself while reminding myself of the word joy in enjoy. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Even it makes you feel shy, don’t hesitate to say your wildest dreams out loud. Nurture that dialogue with yourself and the Universe. And always remember not just each year but each day we are offered a fresh new start.
Taking the opportunity to say thank you. Thank you for being here with me. Your messages, words and wisdom you generously share means so much to me. Please know each and every message is read, I’m so thankful for your connection.
Sending joyous, warmest wishes and good health to you and yours. All the best for 2023, Happy new year everyone.
#happynewyear2023 #flowersalways
#currentmood

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Dec 25

Happy Sunday, Happy holidays and merry Christmas everyone. On Friday we drove to my old small town, where I lived for over a decade, to buy our Christmas groceries. Even though I can get everything in Amsterdam there are some shops there that have the best delicacies like cheese and Christmas bread. Taken only once a year, it is a 30 minute drive and absolutely worth it. There is an old cake bakery that sells cakes and cookies that is always on the list. The decor is still from the ‘50 and a loud bell ringing when opening the door, announces your entry. Like stepping back in time, the atmosphere, scent and sounds remain the same each time when I visit. Every year I’m relieved the brown shades haven’t been replaced by some cold modern décor. They sell a mocha and walnut cake that is my absolute favorite. Sold in portions I used to buy two portions every single week when I lived there alone. Not because I expected a visitor but because looking back I felt slightly embarrassed at the time to buy just one. This cake was my comfort food and the first portion to be enjoyed the same day on Saturday and the second one on Sunday. Two cakes always felt excessive but given the choice it felt easier to buy two cakes instead of just one and pretend I wasn’t alone or not expecting a visitor.
There are people in my life who I would have loved to join us at our Christmas table but unfortunately circumstances sometimes decide differently. Although I would have loved to have bought plenty of portions of the mocha and walnut cake there are 5 portions and I will savor them with my family 4. Just like the old days, the extra piece of cake as a consolation just incase.
We are moving towards the light with warm brighter days ahead. Roses and amaryllis to wish you a wonderful time. Celebrate, spend as you feel comfortable. Kindness goes a long way to others but especially for ourselves. Even if that means having an extra piece of cake.
#roses #amaryllis #christmasishere #holidaydecor #winterlove #currentmood

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Dec 11

Less than two weeks until Christmas. The days are cold on my side and daylight is limited. For someone like me, born in South America, this isn’t the easiest of time. I miss the warmth of the sun and I have my ups and downs but Winter has its beauty. The optimist in me always tries to look on the bright side. Being kind to yourself is the best gift you can give yourself. There is this list that I have that helps me get through. For me, it isn’t the extravagant but the ordinary that creates moments of extraordinary. Flowers, favorite food, a warm sweater, lighting the fire place or plenty of candles, baking something (anything!), creative time, time spent on my sofa (without guilt), my electrical blanket, texting or receiving that one message from a friend. Some things may vary depending on the season, but I know this list by heart. I know the things that give me warmth.
What are your favorites? What brings you joy?
Roses with delphinium for a touch of blue and the first tulips from the greenhouses. Ammi exploding like fire works for a festive feel. Flowers for hopefully a bit of joy.
Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone. Make your list, learn it by heart and fill your days with joy.
#roses #winterlove #creatingjoy #currentmood

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Nov 27

Part II Back story.
Dutch grown roses, chrysanthemums and lilacs. The Netherlands almost twice the size of New Jersey has 10.000 acres about 17.000 soccer fields of greenhouses. I try to go with nature and the seasons as much as I can but when for instance lilacs shown here, are offered at Saturday’s market, I can’t help myself. These roses and lilacs from our greenhouses. There are some who don’t consider this nature but what is nature? I know that the tomatoes I devour come from the same greenhouses. So I ask myself, are those not nature? Gas and electricity (inc renewable energy) used to warm the greenhouses to make these flowers grow. The Dutch are the second largest supplier of food and largest supplier of flowers in the world. I know most of these breeders and farmers have love and commitment for their land and the people who work them. Universities take part in agriculture for all research and development. The latest joined innovation is the produce of food in an environment without water like the dessert. Pesticides are kept to a minimum often using bees or other bugs welcoming unwanted guests.
When you find Dutch grown roses on your side, they’ve arrived by truck or plane. When I ship my goods I always choose the fastest carrier so it is difficult for me to point my finger when I understand this necessary step after all love and care for these blooms. The plastics used, the worst when I see them.
Some may find it all bad and might even consider my story greenwashing but one thing I know for sure. These flowers make me happy and are the best remedy when feeling blue. They truly lift my spirit. We never know the choices people make in their lives. I’m not a vegetarian but try to limit my meat intake to once a week. I also take my bike almost everywhere I go. Creating sugarflowers a sustainable way to arrange blooms is my art, especially those out of season. One thing I will never do is use floral foam as there are many great alternatives (previous post and reel!). I hope my story contributes to my Sunday flower shares. There’s always room for improvement but being conscious is the first step. Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone.

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Nov 27

Part I of back story of my flowers ❤️
#reel #littlestoriesofmylife #sundaybliss #homedecor #nofloralfoam #inspiredbypetals #flowerarranging #classicstyle #inspiration #flowerlove #flowersofinstagram #dsfloral #delftware #blueandwhite #blueandwhiteforever #dutch #stilllife #flowerphotography #happysunday

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Nov 13

An interesting question I was asked this week. Do elections overseas affect me personally? Economically or otherwise? My first reaction was yes, of course. When countries do well it has its ripple affect on us. When prices increase else where, I will notice it at some point in my wallet. Elections can have consequences. But sometimes clarity comes afterwards and I thought about this question some more. Did you know that the Netherlands (after the US) is the second largest exporter of food and largest exporter of flowers in the world. Holland is small, twice the size of New Jersey and I always find these numbers mind boggling. But economics aside, I care for the environment. Two third of the Netherlands is below sea level. Our dikes are world renown and it is essential for us to take precautions. So in that sense any country that makes climate change a priority has my vote. They say don’t mix flowers with politics but I disagree. One can’t do without the other. Flowers and their beauty have meaning, they are often used as a way to express love and affection and care. I care what happens on your side. When we care for one another, really care, everyone wins. We are all connected.
I was wondering, and I’m hoping you will give me feedback. Would you like to hear more about the back story of these blooms? Looking forward to hearing from you in the replies.
Roses, gloriosa and scabiosa to wish you a happy Sunday and great new week everyone.
#falllove #roses #sharingiscaring #flowerlove #currentmood

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Nov 13

Late afternoon stroll, watching the sunset in Amsterdam. As you can see, keeping it real, I wasn’t the only one! I don’t blame anyone though. So lovely to see people (in love) enjoying it as much as I do.

#amsterdamlove #instagramvsreality#myneighborhood ##postcardfromamsterdam #withlove #littlestoriesofmylife #verilymoment #livethelittlethings #passionpasport #amsterdamlife #canalsofamsterdam
#archilovers #mycity #theprettycities #mytinyatlas #hello_worldpics #persuepretty #veryTandC #beautifuldestinations #happysunday
#currentmood

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Nov 6

There was rain all day with strong winds in Amsterdam today. The trees blowing heavily from side to side. The sun undoubtedly with us but shielded by a thick grey, dull blanket. Fall is here in all its glory. The last leaves barely holding on until it is time to let go. This is natures glitter and confetti sprinkling from the sky. The weather and sights of my city a reflection of my mind.
I can find these days challenging at times but I also know they are only temporary. Life is all about transitions and when I feel anxious or lost, I remind myself that this too shall pass. No rain no flowers and even after the most stormy day, there is always sunshine after rain. It was hard for me to photograph on such a dark day but I hope the beauty of these roses brings a bit of light. I know some of you have an election this week and I hope everyone eligible to vote, will vote. With democracy comes responsibility. Every vote matters. Flowers sometimes feel futile and extravagant with so many countries where democracy is under threat. But flowers also stand for hope and even on the darkest day, they remind me of all the beauty and kindness in this world.
Have a lovely Sunday and warm, bright new week everyone.
#falllove #roses #vote #everyvotecounts #currentmood

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Oct 23

Slide.
First image: Sunday flowers from my home to yours.
Second image: the sugar flowers used in this weeks Sunday flowers.
Third pic: sugar marigold part of this weeks flower study.
My Sunday flowers are often composed of fresh flowers from Saturday’s market and a few sugar flowers. The sugar flowers faithful supporting actors to complete the arrangement. There is always a bit of fear you will get bored with these arrangements because of certain flowers reappearing. I also try to honor of what is available. Dahlias are in season, so dahlias it is, no matter how many times I’ve used them before. This is my way of working as sustainable as I can. I don’t have a garden but my endless of choice of sugar flowers, are the closest I can get, picking them for each arrangement that I compose over and over again. Like a favorite dress, do we have to buy a new one, just because it has been worn before? Working with flowers, recreating flowers, changes your relationship with them. I absolutely love studying flowers and observing their potential. I will never beat nature and it is always a race against time before they wilt, but his process gives me so much joy. Dissecting each center, petal or leave, always trying to come as close as I can.
Which ones are real flowers, which ones are sugar flowers? Often asked. Do you like what you see? My best answer. A peek behind the curtain sharing bits of my creative process.
Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone. Follow your heart and never limit yourself.
#falllove #dahlias #roses #sugarflowers #currentmood

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Oct 16

This week was mental health day on Monday. A new week ahead but wanted to sprinkle some reminders. I just wanted to say you are enough. You are doing good and you are great. And for anyone who might need this, try not to beat yourself up because you are doing the best you can.
A fall break this week from school. The city is changing its colors and the days are getting colder. After traveling this summer for so many weeks, I’m looking forward to staying home with my family. We baked apple pie with more to come and there is a soup brewing on the stove.
Delicious pears and fresh walnuts gifted by my dear friend Nathalie from her garden. Fruits and flowers, family and friends, it is time to cherish the beauty close to us. We are enough. Have a lovely Sunday and wonderful new week everyone.
#notetoself #falllove #roses #dahlias #currentmood

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