Insta – Natasja Sadi

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Nov 21

Happy Sunday from my home to yours. It has been a while since last time I was here. There is a covid surge in the Netherlands at the moment. For almost two years our lives have evolved around the virus. With young children in school it is difficult to take precautions. I know I would have lost in any popularity parent contests for the times I said no because I wanted our family to be safe. But despite all our best efforts we became a statistic. It was my daughter who first said she felt she had a slight headache. Although feeling a little worried I didn’t make the connection. The next day at the end of Sunday I was the one feeling tired. Nothing an early night wouldn’t fix I thought. Waking up the next morning I knew something was not ok. I took a home test and it came out positive. I’ve lost count the times I did such tests but to actually see it turn positive was a moment I will never forget. My husband drove us all to the nearest facility and a few hours later it was confirmed that both my daughter and I were positive with Covid. My husband and son tested negative although this changed later in the week. I have been sick. Truly sick and I consider myself fortunate to be fully vaccinated because I don’t know how I would have been otherwise. I know IG is about feel good and happiness. So please take my story as a happy ending. I know colder months are ahead and there are memorable holidays in store. Please be careful everyone. Take precautions, ventilate etc. This virus is no joke.
I’m not there yet but my fears have gone. What I didn’t want to happen, happened anyway. I’m so grateful for slowly getting our health back.
Simple chrysanthemums and luxury David Austin Roses. Two extremes just like life, we have to love and appreciate both.
Stay safe everyone❤️

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Oct 24

Happy Sunday from my home to yours. Still at home. My daughters quarantine the previous week was followed by autumn break this past week. A staycation where we had to be resourceful to come up with a good time. I’m working on something that needs all my attention and the rain this past week didn’t make it any easier for all of us. “Why can’t we go away like everyone else?” Lots of thoughts and guilt went through my mind but the only way to get through moments like these is to talk, share and explain things while listening with an open heart in return. I understood their feelings of friends having a better time than they were having. There will always be someone better, greater than you. It is so natural to look at those who seem to be more fortunate. I tried to remind my children of the abundance in our lives and at the end of the conversation they understood and apologized. There is no need I said. This conversation was as much a reminder for you as it was for me. Funny how children sometimes function as a mirror.
I noticed that when kids long for trips from the past, you have to not only ask them why but ask for specifics because sometimes it is about something small that can be done at home. My children mentioned that one hotel in Phuket had the best waffles for breakfast and how they wishes they could go back. I went on line and bought a waffle pan. Trying out different recipes, these past couple of days we have been baking waffles for breakfast every morning. The waffle pan for 29 euro’s saved me. It was the best money spent.
A few flowers from Saturday market to wish you a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week. The grass is always greener on the other side. We just have to bake a few waffles.
#falllove #dahlias #anemones #currentmood

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Oct 17

Happy sunday from my home to yours. We were homebound for days. Just when I thought (and announced here) our lives had returned to normal, news broke and we were back to homeschooling our daughter because her class had to quarantine. All tests in our household came back negative (huge relief) but life again was back to improvising, changing schedules and making the most. Not… Again…was most certainly on my mind, but in the end all you really want is negative tests and everyone to be healthy. Fall is here with chrysanthemums and roses. Life is what happens while you are making other plans. Lots of work behind the scenes, I hope this offering from Saturday’s market is welcomed. Have a lovely Sunday and happy, healthy new week everyone.
#falllove #chrysanthemums #roses #dahlias #currentmood

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Oct 17

Pumpkin in the city. Fall is here and I’m enjoying every moment. The leaves turned golden and there is beauty on every corner. The blue money box for those passing by who would like to chip in and contribute to the magic. Every time I pass I’m so happy (and relieved) it is still there. Everyone understands we should always honor beauty and magic. Sending love from Amsterdam.
#amsterdam #fallishere #pumpkinlove #currentmood

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Oct 3

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Dahlias from my friends @famflowerfarm I’m always so grateful for these dedicated, passionate growers. Working with the most beautiful dahlias always a dream come true. These last few weeks have been incredibly intens. There were days where I needed more than 24hrs each day. Life has returned to normal. Teaching, visits, client proposals, and managing familylife just like the old days. It has been over 18 months since the world came to a stop and now it already sometimes feels like those days are a distant memory. My apologies for the little radio silence. So many times where I longed for normal. I never would have thought I might have changed in the process and that I needed some adjusting to this new normal.
Dahlias to nurture, calm in inspire my mind. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone. We are entering a new bright fase. Take all the time you need.
#famflowerfarm #dahlialove #dahlias #currentmood

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Oct 3

There is a beautiful house if you look closely. Visiting friends in high places last week. Heavenly dahlias @famflowerfarm Imagine this to be your home and garden. Field of dahlias or field of dreams if you ask me. More in stories. Thank you Marlies and Linda for having me. From farm to table, up next my Sunday flowers.
#famflowerfarm #onetofollow #fieldofdreams #dahlialove
#currentmood

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Sep 19

Dahlia’s and hydrangeas from Saturday’s market. In the Netherlands we are always surrounded by flowers. Even from an early age. I was so happy to volunteer for my daughter’s School Gardens ‘Schooltuinen’ class in Dutch. (More in instastories)
Each week they go to this large piece of land a short walk from the city center to have gardening lessons. I can still vividly remember mine when I was her age. The excitement days before. During these indoor and outdoor classes they learn all about vegetables and flowers. It not only changes their perspective of food in general but it also gives them more appreciating of nature. How wonderful it is to have your hands in the soil and care for ground to be rewarded with harvesting flowers and vegetables. It was so heartwarming for me to see these kids having such a good time. I was amazed at their flower arranging skills. Girls and boys creating the most fabulous combinations and structure. Flowers truly make all of us happier
Lots of work for me behind the scenes, leaving you with cosmos and white love in a mist. Have a lovely Sunday and blooming new week everyone.
#schooltuinen #flowerlove #hydrangeas #cosmos #dahlias #currentmood

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Sep 12

Happy sunday from my home to yours. My husband picked up our children earlier from school while I made myself ready to watch the @adamlippes fashion show in NYC. Because of the travel ban it was impossible for me to travel to the US and attend but luckily for live streaming it was possible for me to view. Has it started mom? They asked when entering. Almost I said without knowing into detail what we were about to see. The plus of children growing up with screens is that they are tech savvy. My son connected my phone to the big screen so we could all watch together with much anticipation. The music started and models in the most gorgeous garments flashed before our eyes. So many emotions started to wash over me that it was hard for me to speak. But my daughter said with a high voice “mom…. Those are your flowers…!” Yes I said. Yes..while trying to hold back tears.
My children know that I create sugarflowers. Our home is always filled with blooms. Being surrounded by plenty of flowers is not a big deal to them. Seeing dresses with Delftware and flowers even some printed with sugar flowers was a big deal. After we met and Adam explained his ideas for his S/S’22 Runway I understood the importance of his work and more importantly the significance of this moment. This stage had meaning. Me a black woman living in Amsterdam but born in Surinam a former Dutch colony was asked for her flowers for a NY fashion show. We all want to be seen but to be recognized in such a way was more than my heart and mind imagined. I never know when I post my flowers what might happen. We can only dream. This week a dream came true for me. Thank you Adam for believing in me and for offering your stage so generously. Thank you everyone for joining me on this floral journey.
Have lovely Sunday and wonderful new week everyone. Never stop dreaming.

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Sep 10

Adam Lippes Spring Summer ‘22 collection. I tried to come up with the words explaining how I feel right now but every word and every sentence feels insufficient. Just start at the beginning, my mind always tells me. How wonderful it was when I received that message so many months ago from Adam. It was him. No assistant, no staff, just him reaching out asking me if I would be open to a collab. I later found out how he himself received a call once from Oprah. He never forgotten how it made him feel to actually have her on the phone. If ever I had any reservations, those were out the window the moment we met. Not often do you meet someone so genuinely kind and generous. My flowers are a little bit like my children but I never had any doubt they were in the best hands with the best team. This Adam Lippes S/S’22 collection is nothing but a dream. A true fairytale come to life for me, I have been on a cloud ever since yesterday. A certain travel ban unfortunately kept me from flying to NYC for the Runway Show at the NY Fashion Week but my heart is bursting with joy in Amsterdam. Swipe to see a few designs of this amazing collection. Meeting in the middle of the pandemic we spoke about how this time was challenging for so many and how we could give back. Please read Adam’s words about his collection. I have put the link in my bio.
Thank you @adamlippes ❤️#adamlippesss22 #nyfw #manoloblahnik
#flowerlove #sugarflowers

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Sep 5

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Peonies in September, would you turn them away if you saw them offered at saturday’s market? I was lucky to find these gorgeous flowers this weekend. Flower prices have reached an all time high on the Dutch flower auction. More international demand than offerings. I wondered if this is because weddings and festive gatherings are finally happening again. This week is also fashion week. Stay tuned for some exciting news I can’t wait to share. Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone.
#flowers #fashion #peonies #roses #cosmos #scabiosa #currentmood

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Sep 5

Sugar flowers student work after a two day private class. These are the moments when I love my work the most. Sharing my love for flowers with others. From the stem to the stamen and every petal in between, every part is passionately discussed. These moments are about so much more than ‘just sugar flowers’ often they are dreams turned to reality. Life stories are shared and although I’m the one teaching I learn so much in return. For the first time in months I feel life is getting back to how I once knew. So happy for this past week and excited about the week ahead. Have a lovely Sunday everyone.
@dcepny
#flowerlove #sugarflowerclass #sugarart #teaching #currentmood

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Aug 29

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Summer flowers in a new ginger jar from Phuket. Almost every trip there is a piece of blue and white I brought home with me. That is the beauty of collecting these pieces. They always match. There was another ginger jar I loved, significantly lower in price. Difficulty deciding which piece to bring home the lady suggested I take this one. She explained why. This piece was not only older she said but it was also painted by a wonderful craftsman. This piece more unique because the men doing this paintwork become rare. Young people don’t want to learn this craft and the older generation creating these pieces are becoming less. The less expensive printed new piece will always be there she smiled. We also took home with us a beautiful silk bedspread. Same story. The sales man explained that some day this special embroidered fabric will become valuable because the people specialized in these techniques become more rare. Education is a good thing. It brings prosperity and health. I can imagine the younger generation wanting to have a better life than their parents. My son is one year away from high school. This is the time where school results begin to matter. Someone asked me if we knew which high school level my son was advised. I nodded and said yes with a smile but without answering the specifics of the question. We emphasize so much on academic results but don’t value enough true craftsmanship. Both my husband and I are creatives. Maybe it is easy for us to say. But I do hope that everyone can flourish in a way that suits them. Without the pressure of society. There will come a time where specialized workers become so rare, they will be the fortunate ones.
This week I will be welcoming the first students for sugar flower classes. Teaching, nurturing creativity brings such incredible joy. After 18 months of hardly any teaching I’m so happy life is getting back to normal more each day. Perhaps a few minutes, scale it up to a few hours, I hope creativity and creating with your hands will be part of your week.
Have a lovely Sunday and brilliant new week everyone.
#creativity #flowersalways #colorlove #summer #currentmood

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Aug 22

I have seen sunsets in Phuket that colored the sky in pink and blue. It reminded me that nature doesn’t care about color coordination, it just gives generously. Happy to be reunited with the flowers at home but the inspiration absorbed almost four weeks away from home, has left me recharged for a long time. Seeing flowers I have never seen before, food and fruits I never tasted before, feeling the waters of the Andaman Sea that were warmer than the outside, all of this leaves me floating for weeks to come. I underestimated how much I missed the warmth of the tropics.
Roses and dahlias the perfect flowers to feel home again.
Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.
#dahlialove #flowersalways #colorlove #roses #currentmood

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Aug 22

Ma Doo Bua, Come to see the lotus in Thai language.
Lotus leaves and flowers I have never seen so big. Our trip to Phuket has been nothing but a dream. Every experience we were lucky to have has been out of this world. So many beautiful moments, sunsets, flowers, extraordinary food, I can go on. My heart and mind is filled with inspiration like never before. I never thought lightly of this trip but the paperwork it took to get here was worth every minute. The most difficult thing to capture in a photograph is the kindness of people. The Thai people turn hospitality into an art. They made us feel so incredibly welcome, it makes it difficult for us to leave. Home it is but with my heart in Phuket. Thank you to all who are joining me on my stories. Hope you don’t mind, there are still some moments I can’t wait to share. These lotus a highlight. They say that lotus even when in the dirtiest water can still produce the most stunning beautiful flower. A reminder to all of us that we don’t need perfect conditions to bloom and strive.
Have a beautiful Sunday and lovely new week everyone. Up next my Sunday flowers.
#phuket #lotusflower #happysunday #flowerlove #home #currentmood

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Aug 1

One of the last peonies and a first dahlia at home before I left. Clouds of petals bursting before my eyes. No Amsterdam favorite flower market for me in the next few weeks but touching down in Phuket, Thailand has calmed my mind. When searching for a destination for us to spent our summer holiday I always had my children in mind. I want them to have fun and relax but also see new, unfamiliar places, get to know new beautiful kind faces, taste different foods, hear the sound of another language, taste the fragrance of another country. So many things that hopefully will expand their minds but more importantly open their hearts. It is true what they say, travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.
It was a busy time for me before we left, stuff that needed my attention. I heard of the withdrawal of Simone Biles at the Olympics. After working so hard, it must have been such a difficult and disappointing decision for her to make. She knew in her heart this was the best thing for her. I also read the comments from some men (whose name I won’t mention here) who said she shouldn’t use her mental health as an excuse. Shocked to read this I know that rarely people use their mental health as an excuse because most if not all the time, people hide their struggles with mental health. I followed Simones explanation with great interest. She said that there was a disconnect between her mind and her body. This disconnect could put her in danger of hurting even paralyzing her body. She bravely reminded us all that we always need to take care of ourselves first. Sometimes the stakes are high but they should never be more important than the risk we take hurting ourselves. Happy sunday and happy new month of August everyone. Don’t forget to take good care of you.
#peonylove #flowersalways #selfcaresunday #pinklove #coralcharm #currentmood

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Jul 30

Friday sugarflower flashback. We were suppose to go to Surinam this summer. I miss my country of birth and I was so looking forward showing it to our children for the first time. We had no plan B. With sadness I literally looked at the world map and studied its colors, where else could we go? Some green, yellow with lots of orange, red and burgundy. Warm colored countries a no go because of safety and others who surely wouldn’t let us in. There was one country yellow in a sea of red that caught my attention. Thailand was going to open up Phuket safely as of July. When suggesting this option to my husband, he thought I’d lost my mind. The paperwork to get a certificate of entry was massive. And not just that, countless testing was going to be involved. But when the rules are strict for everyone that means a relatively safe environment. I’m working on a difficult project that takes a lot of time, organizing the documents needed for our holiday adding pressure to a busy schedule. But we managed. Or so… we thought. Arriving at Schiphol A’dam airport we were told our ‘international PCR certificate’ wasn’t as international as we thought. Access to fly denied. My. Heart. Sank. Confusion, sadness and tons of guilt, after hibernating for a week, how was I suppose to explain this to my children? Long story short, a call by the best airline was made to authorities an hour before the flight, PCRtest accepted afterall. Boarding an almost empty plane, we just arrived safely in Phuket, Thailand. I never thought we would actually make it to paradise. Happy to be back after a difficult time. More in stories. Happy Friday and a great weekend everyone.
#happyfriday #flowerfriday #littlestoriesofmylife #currentmood

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Jul 11

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Still peonies, feeling like a broken record. A long cold spring and a moderately warm summer so far, brings us peonies in the middle of July. This is so rare. What would you do if the perfect peony buds keep being offered at Saturday’s market? Peony coral charm brightening up our home again. Like most in Europe we are watching the European soccer championship. England versus Italy with a Dutch referee. The Netherlands made it to the finals after all. Peonies and soccer, two of my favorites.
Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone. May the best man win.
#peonylove #flowersalways #colorlove #coralcharm #currentmood

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Jul 9

Sugar peony
A happy Friday and summer holiday officially started for us. There is still some work to do so I won’t be going anywhere soon, but the fact that we can enjoy ourselves without official schooldays is something we have all been waiting for. Showing signs of fatigue, I could tell my children are in need of some free days. The other day I heard somebody say that parenting in the time of a pandemic is hard sometimes. I couldn’t agree more. For some it might not be different but I definitely found it challenging at times. Saying no for safety reasons is never easy. This summer is different than last year. I remember how the world came to a stand still for all of us last year and we collectively had to isolate at the same time. We were all in the same boat. Now with borders opening up again and shots under way we are leaving this pandemic space individually and differently. Some still in isolation, others ready to enjoy the world again. What I’m saying is, be kind to yourself. If you still find things hard, that is ok. The weekend is here, hope you get to do whatever makes you happy. Do what makes your mind and your heart feel lifted and lighter.
Sugar peony inspired by peony ‘old faithful’ in its final stage. The repetition of each petal rolled always calming my mind. More in Instastories.
Have a lovely weekend weekend everyone.
#sugarflowers #botanicalart #peony #flowerfriday #littlestoriesofmylife #currentmood

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Jul 4

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Back home in Amsterdam after a few days in Lisbon. First trip without family ever since the world shut down during that unforgettable month of March of last year. Travel truly is one of the best things in life. Going new places, meeting new people, admiring art and architecture and best of all…eating your way through a place away from home. In Lisbon there is this list of food I try to finish. It always starts with Pastel de Nata (custard tarts) for breakfast followed by samosas and croquete de bacalhau (fried fish rolls) at brunch. Portugese bread and tostada with cheese and fish are not be rejected. The most delicious rice or potato dishes and spicy chicken piri piri are a must. Everything is baked in generous and best olive oil. The fragrance of food and the sound of fado music in the streets will make you stop and close your eyes every single moment. With a lot of testing and documents for travel, this was a trip I didn’t take for granted. Home now feeling a little bit of saudade. These peonies the best consolation. Lisbon in Instastories.
Have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone. When you close your eyes…to where do your thoughts travel?
#peonies #peonylove #flowersalways #pinklove #currentmood

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Jun 27

Happy sunday from my home to yours. So many beautiful peonies offered at saturday market, it was impossible to choose. I love this time of year where there are peonies in every room. Clouds of pink and petals to admire. Peony time one of my favorite times.
Sending love, have a lovely Sunday and great new week everyone.
#peonylove #flowersalways #pinklove #currentmood

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Jun 27

Heavenly doorway. I have posted this entrance years ago but each and every year it gets more beautiful. This year no exception. I sometimes take a detour just to admire this house and its dreamy roses. A’dam is so beautiful at the moment. There are roses in bloom everywhere. Beauty is sometimes only a few steps away.
Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.
#roselove #amsterdam #inbloom #summerlove #currentmood

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Jun 20

Happy sunday and happy Father’s Day for those celebrating.
Peonies and cornflowers. Pink and blue, one of my favorite color combinations. Because of an unusual cold spring we are still enjoying peonies for more weeks to come. So much joy to have these peonies in our home. Rearranging, moving in different spots, capturing them for sugar purposes, I can’t stop playing with them. Tomorrow will be the longest day on our side. Peonies, summer and lots of light, what is not to love.
Have a lovely Sunday and wonderful new week filled with light everyone.
#peonylove #flowersalways #colorlove #currentmood

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Jun 19

Sugar peonies inspired by peony Tini Keeman, peony Gosia and Etched Salmon with a touch of leucocoryne flowers. Peonies are one of the best flowers to recreate in sugar.
News broke last night that restrictions will be lifted in the Netherlands as of June 26. So much joy we are finally getting back to (a new) normal. After hitting that wall a couple of times in this past year, I feel so relieved we made it and that we are getting to the other side of that wall. For the first time in months this Saturday night feels different. Someday soon I hope I will be able to write a post where I will say I’m heading to a party, all dressed up and ready to sing and dance. Who’s with me?
Have a lovely Saturday and great weekend everyone.
#sugarflowers #botanicalart #peony #springmood #currentmood

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Jun 13

Happy sunday from my home to yours. Peonies with one of the very last tulips. I always feel peonies are the most generous consolation from nature after having to say goodby to tulips. It is impossible for me to name a favorite flower. Feeling as if it is some form of betrayal if I would say out loud the name of a favorite one.
One of my favorites for sure, I hope you are ok with lots of peonies from now on.
Have a beautiful Sunday and a lovely new week everyone. Would love to hear about your favorite flower(s).
#flowersalways #pinklove #peonylove #currentmood

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