Insta – Natasja Sadi

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Jun 28

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Happy sunday from my home to yours. What a difference a daylight makes. First foto taken at the spot from which I always sent my Sunday florals bought at Saturday’s market. Second photo taken on the other side with the light coming from the right instead of left. Because most of us read from left to right it always feels more natural to choose for this option. But I am curious. Same flowers, completely different sight, it was impossible for me to choose. Which one do you prefer 1 or 2?
Again a variety of peonies. With temperatures of 30C/86F we were sweltering under the heat last week. This will problaby be the last time I’m sending peonies your way. Would you be ok with more peonies if I won’t be able to keep this promise?
Thank you for staying with me. The heatwave, my daughter’s birthday and so many other things I needed to take care of prevented me from joining you here on Instagram. Thank you always for appreciating sharing my real weekly flowers at home. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday and a week filled with light everyone.
#chooselight #chooselove #lovewins #peonies #peonylove #peonyseason #currentmood

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Jun 28

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Summer in the city. Because of social distancing rules exceptional measures taken at this and many other bridges in Amsterdam. Normally you would see these bridges packed with plenty of bicycles locked. Decorating our city in a familiar way. But now every inch is precious and seats and tables are placed instead to give room to bars restaurant to cater and serve. I’m more than happy to give up this space so these business can continue. A milestone last week. Last Tuesday was the first day that 0 deaths were recorded in the Netherlands. Such welcome news. We worked hard and sacrificed a lot to keep the numbers down. With summer holidays starting everywhere I know these numbers can change. We are all connected. What happens miles from our homes will have an effect on all of us. Corona proof of this fact.
No filter needed here. Just glorious sunshine and I’m taking it all in. Sending all my love from Amsterdam. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week. Stay safe everyone.
#takeaseat #amsterdam #inbloom #summerinthecity #currentmood

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Jun 21

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Arrangement of flowers in 17th century delftware vase and flower vase. A once in a lifetime scene, a dream come true. It is no secret I’m a passionate collector of (mostly 20th century) Dutch Delftware. There is however a category that remains a dream forever. Antique 17th century rare, priceless pieces. We are lucky in the Netherlands to have world-renowned blue and white experts. Robert Aronson @aronsondelftware the best in this field. He asked me if I would be interested to work with some of his pieces. Hesitant and scared at first to work with such priceless objects, it was after many months I finally agreed. Luckily my blue and white passion will always be greater than my anxiety and fear. “...There is this piece I really think you should see....” he said. A very rare flower vase C. 1690 marked A. Kocx owner of ‘the Greek A’ Delftware factory.
Adrianus Kocx was commissioned for these special flower vases by Queen Mary Stuart who was married to Dutch King Willem III. Remains of a similar vase were found in the grounds of the Palace ‘Het Loo’. This broken piece currently on display at Kunstmuseum in The Hague. There are only a few of these flower vases with spouts in the world, you can imagine the miracle (and price) of this flawless extraordinary object shown here. Please swipe for a close up. Passionate about flowers Queen Mary Stuart was one of the first to introduce and decorate fresh flowers in the home (although in her case home meant palace) Did you know that it was only in the mid 19th century these flowervases were called tulipieres?
You should see the look in Roberts eyes when he talks about this particular object. There is a twinkle that you also see with parents of a new born baby. Although my heart rate was truly out of control, thank you so much Robert for this beautiful blue and white moment and letting me play. So much more I wish I could say about both these vases but Instagram allows only a limit amount of caption space. If you are a blue and white admirer, please follow Robert for more on these pieces, the most exclusive Delftware, amazing history lessons and background stories.
Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.

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Jun 18

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What was meant to be a large wedding cake with a variety of many sugar peonies was brought to only two. Peony Tini Keeman named after his late mother and Peony Gosia a new variety named after his now lovely wife.
I know this day was different than planned because of Covid-19 measurements nevertheless wishing you a lifetime of love, joy and luck. Congratulations Joshua and Gosia @peony_shop_holland
#weddingcake #peonies #peonyseason #currentmood

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Jun 14

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Happy Sunday from my home to yours. Peonies from Saturday’s market. Is there such a thing as too many flowers? So many peony varieties, it was impossible for me to choose. I don’t consider myself a greedy person except when it comes to flowers. Peony A. Fleming, Coral Sunset, command performance, Bartzella, I can go on. The first Dahlia’s already available, this is always a sign the end of peony season is close. Enjoying peonies for as long as I can. This bowl because of the warm summer weather changing every minute. Sharing it with you at a moment of petal explosion.
Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone, may your days be an explosion of happiness.
#peonies #peonylove #peonyseason #currentmood

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Jun 12

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Sugarflowers
The stories shared this passed week have been truly inspiring. Maybe I’m too positive but I have the feeling that Black Lives Matter is more than a movement. Mindsets are changing, old structures are crumbling. I read about experiences in the workforce that were unacceptable followed by apologies. So many moving, honest, much needed stories of black AND white people taking the courage to speak up. I heard from some who were generous to #amplifymelanatedvoices and supporting #blacklivesmatter that they have lost many followers. Although not suprised this does saddens me to hear. I wish I could give hugs and sent flowers to each and every one of you making a difference in this time. All these stories are paving the way for those taking steps in the right direction.
Life feels a bit like a rollercoaster at the moment. My children have started school full time and all of us in the Netherlands are getting back to a new normal. My son after weeks of isolation resumed with his school gardening project again. The entire class walking 3km to a large garden outside of the city. The walk itself with all these youngsters the most endearing sight. They plant seeds for flowers and vegetables gaining lots of knowledge about nature from the kindest gardeners. In a few weeks time they will be able to harvest and bring home their own produce. I was reminded today that if we keep sowing our children will benefit. Maybe not just for us but every seed of kindness and justice planted will have its ripple effect on the next generation. The quote by Lady Bird Johnson “where flowers bloom, so does hope” resonated more than ever with me this week.
Sugarflowers for Friday flowerday. Have a lovely Friday, wishing you a beautiful weekend everyone.
#sugarflowers #happyfriday #currentmood

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Jun 7

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Happy sunday from my home to yours. Real flowers from yesterday’s Saturday’s market. So much hope I have felt this week. I want to thank each and everyone of you for all your hearts, kindest messages, shares, listening and speaking up. I don’t think I have felt a shift ever before like I have this past week. Although there is still work to be done, with so many of you raising awareness, I’m keeping the faith. They say hope is not a plan. Not ever have I seen so many of you taking action leaving me filled with hope. For all my new followers it is only on Sunday I post my real flowers at home I’m so happy to share. Living in Holland we are very fortune to have the best choice when it comes to flowers. These blooms are the base of everything I do. Aint nothing like the real thing when it comes to working with these perfect prototypes. Please swipe to see my sugarversion of Peony Coral Charm.
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday and a week filled with colour everyone.
#thankyou #hopeful #blacklivesmatter #notoracism #alwaysandforever

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Jun 4

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It is not often I have introduced and presented myself. Feeling more comfortable (and safe) behind the camera, I believe my flowers should tell the story. At this moment where we are at crossroad in history it is also time for me to choose what feels right over discomfort. I’m not an English native speaker, but I have noticed reading some posts that I feel the language should shift. Words matter. The use of the word BUT, should be used with consideration.
Talking about the murder of George Floyd and using the word ‘but’ in the same sentence can do more harm than good. His name and the names of many others who have been killed because of the colour of their skin should not be followed by... but. Same goes for racism. “I condemn racism but....” “Black lives matter... but (all lives matter)” should not belong in the same sentence either. I can’t tell you what this moment in time means to me. Many times I have been crying these days because of the wounds manifested over the years.
As much as I loved seeing the black squares last Tuesday, I hope they will be followed by action. I hope they will not be just another meme. I have seen the black squares posted by prestigious institution like museums. Those squares will just be another meme if those institutions won’t follow up with the actions they are hopefully going to take. Informing the public about their plans to share with diversity and inclusiveness. How they will commit to keeping the public more informed about history. ALL parts of it. The oppression and slavery. What will they do to create opportunities for people of colour, without privilege.
People with prejudice be it unconscious or concious they deny themselves of an incredible amount of good, of opportunity, of inspiration, of rich incredible stories. Hearing, engaging with people of colour who are where they are, not because of privilege but DESPITE privilege need to be heard.
I have been judged and denied because of the colour of my skin.
When we see racism we need call it out for what it is, we are all responsible when it happens.
Thank you for listening. 📷 @hotel_rebel @mathildekarrer

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May 31

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These peonies all I have. Lost for words.
#blacklivesmatter

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May 31

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Amsterdam in bloom. These roses for as long as I can remember. No matter what happens in the world, I can always count on these blooms to make our city more beautiful. Wishing you a peaceful Sunday and safe new week everyone.
#postcardfromamsterdam #withlove #currentmood

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May 30

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Sugar peonies
My beautiful 10 year old son has a Dutch name. Before he was born, when I was pregnant, my husband and I had decided about how we wanted to call him. He was my first born and the first son for my husband. In my husbands family the name Jan a (typical) old Dutch name for centuries our first choice. Even though married I always kept my maiden name. My children by law carrying my husbands Dutch last name. What’s in the name you might think?
Born in Surinam a former Dutch Colony, I have always been aware of the colour of my (black)skin. I was taught from a young age to not just do my best, but to work harder than anyone else. To speak the Dutch language well. To adapt. To get a higher education. To be well dressed (as a black person standing out in a mostly white crowd make sure “to look pretty”. To be trustworthy etc. You might think these are a normal set of values, if only everyone would do this. But it always felt different because I understood this had to do because of the colour of my skin. All these set of rules to make sure that the prejudice is limited and hopefully erased. I have experienced painful moments of racism in my life I won’t discuss here but I really do believe that racism has many layers. I heard people say they were not racist. And almost as proof of this statement they would say to me:”..I never thought or see you as being black.” If we want to do something about racism we need to have (uncomfortable) conversations on all levels. I think it is only then we will truly be able to change the future (for our children).
I had an extra round of interviews once when applying for a job. The person handeling the application process later told me that the sound of my name and place of birth requested a special extra round of interview requested by the owner of the store. My children problaby won’t be judged based on their names. I can only hope they won’t be judged based on the colour of their skin.
Sugar peonies with many petal layers. Wishing you a beautiful weekend. #sugarflowers #peonies #blacklivesmatter #currentmood

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May 27

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Sugar peony
I came back from the hairdresser yesterday. I love the colour grey, just not on my head (yet). In normal times this might be completely irrelevant, superficial information but these aren’t normal times. What always seemed like something I never gave much thought, getting my hair done, is now something I truly cherished. For me personally, it can help to have a good hairday. Don’t get me started on having a bad hairday. The outside matters. I realized when sitting in that salonchair that it was the first time in months someone not close to me, was standing close. In the Netherlands we are navigating our way to a new normal. The opening of hairsalons last week a big deal. Next month our children will be at school 5 days a week again instead of two. Small, big steps taken with caution each and every time. All this easing of lockdown measures with the proviso that we keep our numbers low. So it isn’t just hair. It is someone else being able to be back in business doing what they love. For me it is comfort and confidence in ones own skin. It is also building new trust in safety. As we are sailing our way back to the life we once knew, I thought about the positives of isolation. (Trust me the list of negatives is longer but I don’t want to dwell)
A new found sense of happiness from simple things.
Finding safety at home.
Being free to let go of “must” because we were allowed to stay on our sofa. Savoring food like never before.
My children experiencing lockdown and appreciating the world in a different way. Missing school so much it is now a privilege.
Having the city all to myself (no visitors equally on the list of negatives)
Spending time with and redefining family
Getting closer to some despite or perhaps because of distancing rules.
Eating garlic (my favorite) as much as I want kept unnoticed at 1.5m distance.
Sugar peony inspired by peony Etched Salmon. Emphasis on inspired. Because of the warmth of the weather the real peony as prototype unfolded, kept changing while at work. Sugar a different medium, I will never beat nature. Some things will luckily never change.
Halfway through the week, have a lovely Wednesday everyone.
#glasshalffull

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May 24

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Happy Sunday from my home to yours. Etched Salmon, the most beautiful, perfect peonies from my friends @peony_shop_holland cultivating over 500 peony varieties, it is always a gift to spent time with the flower Master creators but Joshua and Jeremy’s dedication to cultivate beauty is truly like no other. Feeling incredibly rich this week for this flowergold, their friendship and inspiration.
Have a lovely Sunday and wishing you a beautiful, inspirational new week.
#peonies #peonyshopholland #onetofollow #etchedsalmon #peonylove #flowerfarmer #flowerfriends #currentmood

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May 22

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Spring sugarflowers for a weddingcake for last years @ariellachezardesign workshop. Missing everyone this year, already looking forward to next year. Happy Friday everyone. Hope you had a wonderful week wishing you a beautiful sweet weekend.
#flowercake #flowerfriday #flowerlove #weddingcake #currentmood

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May 17

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Happy sunday from my home to yours. All my favorites. Peonies, roses, tulips and ranunculus with the last tulip in our home still standing. Pink and orange another favorite combo. Brightness for better days. Wishing you a beautiful new week everyone.
#roses #peonies #ranunculus #springlove
#currentmood

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May 17

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Just something sweet and gentle. A beautiful swam family we were lucky to see while out for a walk. These beautiful birds are always so regal and protective. Did you know swans mate for life? No other swan will ever take another swans place. They can actually die of heartbreak when their partner dies. Cuteness from their babies. What is not to love about spring. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.
#springlove #natureiskind #currentmood

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May 16

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Sugar Peony
All fluffed up and nowhere to go. On a cake soon but for now this peony represents my weekend mood. These weekends won’t be like this forever. One day we will celebrate and hug one another again. Thank you everyone for all your kind words in my instastories about this peony. You made my weekend so much sweeter.
#sugarflowers #botanicalart #peony #springmood #currentmood

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May 13

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Sugar flowers
My children have started with school again. Not enough words to describe their excitement. The protocol to follow incredibly detailed. Only half of the class so the 1.5m/6ft is guaranteed. It was the first time ever that we brought them to the corner of school and let them walk the rest by themselves because parents are not allowed to group together. Always keeping an eye till they set foot at the school entrance in the distance. They felt so grown up having to walk for the first time to school by themselves. After being together every single moment for more than two months it felt strange to have the house all to myself. I couldn’t wait for them to come home and tell me how their first day of school was. So many stories when they came home but when I asked if they washed their hands at school they gave me a bit of an “... are you kidding me look” Yes, mom... If only you knew how many times... When entering the classroom, leaving the classroom, with every lunch or snack, I could go on. No exchange of pencils or any goods. I’m so impressed of how quickly they adjust to the new “normal” and above all, I can not thank their teachers enough for returning and following protocol so diligently.
Sugar daffodil, peonies and butterfly ranunculus in sugar. It feels good to be back to work again. Hope all is well on your side. Hang in there, together we will get there.
#staysafe #newnormal #littlestoriesofmylife #sugarflowers #currentmood

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May 10

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Happy sunday and happy Mother’s Day for those celebrating from my home to yours. Tulip season coming to an end, last of the (double) tulips picked from the fields @passionfortulips Special tulips for a special day. Some tulips have grown elegantly as big as my hand. Thank you Michel for always sharing beauty so generously. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.
#mothersday #tulips #holland #tulipheaven #passionfortulips #tulipmania #currentmood

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May 10

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A little time off this past week. My children are having a holiday and there was every reason for us to pause and spent time together. We took a boat ride the other day, no friends allowed just the four of us. Life on the Amsterdam canals, you can sail along in instastories. I have shared this view before, how different it feels in the warmth of spring. Tomorrow our children will go back to school after 8 weeks of lockdown. We are slowly starting up again in the Netherlands. A reminder...there is always, always light at the end of the tunnel. Sending you a postcard from Amsterdam, signing it with love. Have a lovely Sunday and happy, healthy new week everyone.
#lightattheendofthetunnel #sailingoutofisolation #springisamazing #amsterdam #myneighborhood #currentmood

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May 3

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Voor Adriana
We received a call from my mother in laws nursing home one morning that she had some fever and shortage of breath. A Covid-19 test was taken and staff with protective garments assisting my mother in law from now on. At night a dreaded call. Our dear Adriana had passed away.
A long life lived, she would have been 90 in June. What I feared earlier that day how she could end up in a hospital with tubes and monitors thankfully prevented. She died peacefully in her sleep, in the comfort of her own bed. My husband had to make an effort to see her since lockdown. Waving from the balcony with our children, flowers and sweets. Except from warmth of the staff there were no hugs or hands to hold family. We wondered about the effects of isolation on elderly, hoping they wouldn’t die of loneliness. Adriana had a good but also a very tough life. Growing up in the war with her dear Jewish classmates disappearing one by one left deep scars. My husband shared she told the (same) stories over and over again after dinner growing up. Everyone always listened. Repeating her stories she unraveled her trauma and able to examine it. Coping with trauma in a way that is an example for all of us. In the early fifties Adriana and my father in law travelled to far corners of Europe. In the simplest way in an old car with hay stacked on top because they couldn’t afford any hotels. There was a sense of we must live and celebrate in those years.
Death is always loss. But loss in the time of Corona I can only describe as cruel. The strict measures for her final goodby are beyond anyone’s imagination. Discussing who can join feels like a ‘who’s important’ list. Funeral attendance with Zoom... who would have thought.
Heartbreaking stories since lockdown. Trauma for the ones left behind and those on the front line caring for our loved ones. The physical warmth not allowed leaves many in the cold. There is a new side to mourning we should to be sensitive to.
Adriana had a dry sense of humor, crazy about chocolate, a lady you would have loved sharing a glass of wine with. The Covid-19 test came back negative. We are celebrating her life. Because above all, life is to be celebrated.

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May 3

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For someone like me it is hard to keep your eyes on the road when driving through all this beauty. Had to stop and smell the tulips. So good to hear the birds sing. Have a lovely Sunday and beautiful new week everyone.
#tulips #tulip #holland #currentmood

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May 1

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Sugar Lily of the valley
Happy first of May. Starting the month with our home featured @thecut thank you so much @dhwendygoodman for having me. I have put the link up in my bio.
Why sugarflowers some wonder... ? Each individual petal is created out of sugarpaste (it’s main ingredient confectioners sugar) Real flowers are my inspiration but no...real flowers are not used in any way for coating or dipping in sugar. All leaves and petals are rolled by hand. They come alive when finished with (edible) colour paint and dusts. How long each flower takes? Depending on the type of flower. More petals more time. A single flower can take half a day, or up to a day. Sugar flowers are sustainable. No harm done to the environment when created and although fragile they last forever. Easily mixed with real flowers, the perfect decoration for cakes or table scapes. And last but not least. They give me incredible joy. I don’t think there is such a thing as too much joy.
Flashback to Lily of the valley symbol of good health, luck and love. What we need most this time. Have a beautiful new month everyone.
#sugarflowers #lilyofthevalley #staysafe #spaceofthemonth #thecut #nymag #flowerfriday #currentmood @nymag @designhunting

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Apr 30

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Sugar tulip
Recreating La Belle Époque tulips. On one hand I consider myself fortunate that I get to work with the real flowers as perfect prototypes. On the other hand... fear sets in because having met the growers who spent years creating this very special tulip, I also feel a little bit of a responsibility staying close to their botanical appearance. But in the end my sugar flowers will always be my version of the botanical reality and with each petal hand made, no flower will ever be the same. It will always be a work in progress. (see more in instastories)
More sugar flowers to come, hope your week is going well.
#staysafe #flowerart #labelleepoquetulips #sugarflowers #currentmood

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