DEC 23th
10-14h
DEC 27-29th
WED-FRI: 10-17h
Please note that shop won't be open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and on the weekend before New Years, Dec 30-31.
Shop consciously and feel good about your purchase! Our greeting cards are nature-friendly, packed in biodegradable clear bags, and printed on top-quality paper in Slovenia.
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CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE
ADD A CENTERPIECE
INCORPORATE EASTER EGGS
USE FRESH LINENS
Fresh linens can instantly transform your table and give it a polished look. Use a tablecloth or table runner made of linen or cotton, and add some matching napkins. If you want to add some texture, consider using a burlap table runner or placemats made of natural fibers like jute or bamboo.
IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS
The little details can make a big difference! Add some votive candles in glass holders to create a cozy ambiance, and use decorative plates or chargers to add some depth to your table setting. You can also add some greenery, such as a sprig of rosemary or a small bouquet of wildflowers.
By following these simple tips, you can create a beautiful Easter table that your guests will love. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner or a casual brunch, your table decor will set the tone for a memorable and enjoyable celebration.
Want to start a new Valentine’s Day tradition this year? What about writing some sweet little notes to your Valentine using our gorgeous greeting cards with golden letters.
You can draw something nice to one another, compose short poems or just write down some sweet romantic words. We’ve gathered some examples of what you can write to make your loved ones feel special.
Time flies and since our three girls will soon start school, I started thinking about redecorating their room. Yes, again! I've came to a conclusion that a letter or two in the kid's room wouldn't be such a bad idea even before they enter the first grade. In fact it's a known fact that children whose parents encourage them to read from an early age are known to have a richer vocabulary and are an enthusiastic readers?
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When your little ones grow up, don’t throw away muslin blankets and tetra diapers. Re-use them and find a new purpose for them! Cotton muslin fabric is very absorbent and soft, therefore our muslin swaddles from organic cotton have multiple uses.
If you haven’t already, use them in the kitchen and try them out as kitchen towels. They’re well absorbent and dry quickly. Not only you can use them to clean the kitchen, but they can be used to clean glass widows or wipe off dust as well.
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FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW YOU YET, COULD YOU GIVE A LITTLE INTRODUCTION?
My name is Susana, I’m from Mexico and have lived in the UK for the past 11 years. I’m a mum of two with a third baby on the way. I started my account a year ago to share my love for interiors and baby fashion, however for a while the account has solely focused on interiors for kids.
HOW’S THE RENOVATION OF YOUR BUNGALOW GOING?
We have lived in the bungalow for a couple of years now and have completely renovated the kitchen and bathroom. The other rooms had an aesthetic update too. We are now starting the process of renovating/converting the garage into the living room and we’re hoping to get it done by the end of the year. After that, we will be looking into doing some major work in the garden.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE ITEMS IN YOUR HOME?
Definitely my children's rooms furniture and toys, such as the Oliver furniture bed, Ferm living kitchen and round shelf, as well as all the Maileg and Olli Ella toys.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGN? WHERE DO YOU GET INSPIRATION AND IDEAS?
I gravitate towards fun yet calming spaces; I love nordic furniture and I have a preference for brown shades, wood and rattan being my favourite materials. I do however like a bit of colour, mainly pink and rust.
I get all my inspiration from Instagram, I used to have a Pinterest account but found out straight away that it was easier to get the same content on Instagram.
WHICH INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS OR BLOGS DO YOU LOVE AND WOULD RECOMMEND TO US?
I love many accounts, but these were the reason I became obsessed with interiors for children’s rooms when my daughter was born over three years ago. Still to this date, I always come back to them for more inspo.
Some accounts I love: @minimemarla, @fraeullein_jasmin, @naturfaden, @misstiptop, @ella_and_tinyt, @chloeuberkid, @mein.lieblings.leben, @_mamalina_, @sarahslovelythings, @thebirthoflove, @familienpunsch, @casa.stephy, @plumandplay
WE WOULD LOVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR KNITTING …
My love for knitting started shortly before my daughter was born. Having learned the basics years back I felt it was a good idea to knit something special for my baby girl. I spent hours watching youtube tutorials and was able to complete two little sets - however, I didn’t knit again until before my baby boy was born. I enjoyed knitting every day, creating more cute little knits and learned a lot more techniques. Currently, I’m knitting for my third baby and still learning, working with finer yarns and thus creating prettier pieces. I will be sharing some of my work on my Instagram account @knittingfor.tinydarlings.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING ITEMS FOR YOUR CHILDREN?
The sustainability and durability, I like the idea that the toys will last for years to come, hence why I prefer wooden items.
Susana is on Instagram as @_susanagreen_. Go and have a look.
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OUR FOLLOWERS ALREADY KNOW YOU WELL; BUT COULD YOU SAY SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF FOR EVERYONE JUST JOINING US?
I live in Zagreb, Croatia, and am a mother of two wonderful boys. I work in IT and I started my own little studio — Studio Tomas — two years ago. I work on a ton of creative projects for digital businesses. I also create content for myself; I publish most of it on my blog, but some I just don’t manage. ☺ It’s because my kids and family come first. Work comes second and I spend a lot of time working from home. I love it — it’s fulfilling and makes me happy.
HOW DID THE STORY OF LILI HALO DECORATION BEGIN? HOW DID YOU START WITH INTERIOR DECOR AND WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO START WRITING A BLOG?
11 years ago (oh my, how time flies), I was pregnant and had to keep still, so I was very bored. ☺ I’ve always looked at beautiful interiors, bought magazines online and on trips. At some point, I decided to share some photos of my apartment — and that’s how this whole thing started. I couldn’t come up with a name and that was slowing me down. So I wrote Lili Halo, because that’s what they called me when I was little and added Decoration, as in Lili Halo decorates. Today I think it’s a bit silly but it has become some kind of a brand so there’s no point in changing it.
HOW WOULD YOU COMMENT ON YOUR JOURNEY? YOU ARE CONSTANTLY PRODUCING BEAUTIFUL AND INTERESTING THINGS THAT A GREAT NUMBER OF YOUR FOLLOWERS APPRECIATE. SPEAKING OF WHOM, WE HAVE NEVER MET SUCH A GROUP OF SWEET AND LOVING PEOPLE LIKE THIS COMMUNITY…
My hobby has become my one and only job and the response has been great. I create quality content for clients and provide so-called 360 services. That includes everything from the initial idea to styling, photography, blogs and social media posts. Sometimes I even find my self in the role of a model (laughs). One of the things I love doing is making digital catalogues.
Besides my work for clients, I create content for my blog about all the things my heart finds beautiful; such as decorating spaces and making wallpapers.
I always like involving other people in my projects — my intuition tells me that it’s good for me as well as the other person. That’s how I included Little Otja into the Canon project and the results were fantastic! I simply visualise things in my head and go to work. That’s how my first mug in the Sisi house of style collection came to be. I created it very fast and I knew exactly what I wanted to say and how it should look.
I don’t want people to get the wrong idea of me: that I make a living by being an “influencer”, as they often do about anyone who has a social media presence. My profile will always be available on different platforms, because I think it’s good for creatives. First, it was Facebook, now it’s Instagram and who knows what comes next. ☺ The digital age has enabled me to connect with soul mates all around the world.
HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT DECORATING A KIDS ROOM? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER?
First and foremost, it depends on the age and needs of the child — that’s the number one thing. Kids grow fast, so in our house their room is always changing. We’re currently on the brink of a new transformation. ☺ Whether it’s a room of mine or a client’s, I always begin with a conversation and a mood board. Once we have a mood board, everything becomes clear. After that, we have to make sure that we have all of the necessary materials. When I work for my own family, I usually work at night. I remember one time my son had a high fever and I couldn’t sleep. I was looking after him and passed the time by painting a wall.
Now we have a different problem. We own a large number of toys and they’re not all appropriate for my youngest son. So I have to organize the space and synchronize all of the interior colours. I want my kids to have everything tidy and organized because that way they’re more productive and creative. ☺ Currently it’s pure chaos and I need to work on it. I want to make it calmer, so it will be better for play and development. ☺ And every time we redecorate the room, the kids are thrilled. I’m can’t wait to show you our latest project. We’re running late because I’m still looking for an OK handyman for a particular piece.
YOUR BLOG AND INSTA PROFILE ARE FILLED WITH BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS. WHAT IS IT THAT DRAWS YOU TO PHOTOGRAPHY? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO TAKE A GOOD PHOTO?
Taking photos relaxes me. I’m really happy when I create an album of memories for my kids or an album full of great photos for a client. ☺ My advice would be: wipe the lens and, if you don’t have any good natural light, go somewhere you will.
For everyone who wants to learn about cameras, you have to be motivated enough to read the manual that comes with the camera and then proceed to learn online.
YOU ARE A REAL INSPIRATION TO MANY PEOPLE, INCLUDING OURSELVES. ☺ WHAT’S YOUR INSPIRATION? WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR MOTIVATION AND BEAUTY?
I keep a reading list in my bookmarks. I’m a big fan of certain web sites, blogs and magazines. I take some time to enjoy such content in peace and quiet. This relaxes and inspires me. In order to be creative, I need some peace and I need to be relaxed. I believe that all creatives like being alone for a while, to feed this part of ourselves. I find it funny when someone says they don’t like being by themselves, because I look forward to such moments; I find myself in them.
Once I get an idea of what I want to do, I like having my kids and family around. More often than not I include them in my projects … but now we’re moving out of the conceptual phase and into execution. ☺
WHICH SHOPS FOR KIDS DO YOU LIKE? #PROJECTKIDSROOM
There are so many, really, a lot! If I start listing them all, I’ll never stop ☺ Or I’d forget someone. I really like what Katya Sinka did for Mushie. She’s the creative director and I totally like her work and way of seeing things. I see the same thing with Little Otja, you have your own story and you’re very recognizable.
As far as local shops for kids go, I love Mali Zakladi, they’re such a sweet team and are always looking a few steps ahead. They made my dream come true when I designed a digital catalogue for them. I think their content really turned the standards up a notch. Bravo!
And naturally, Kinderfeets. I run the social media for their main page and a couple of EU countries, and I can’t even begin to describe how wonderful a story this is. From the way their products are created to how much effort they put into assuring quality.
As far as kids’ stores outside the EU go, I really love Gathre. I mean, really. Inside the EU it’s Smallable and Archive store — it was my dream to visit them both and I managed.
If you asked me a few years ago, my answer would probably be based around scandi countries, whereas today I can say that I really love Poland. It’s a fantastic place and I really want to visit some stores there.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS — BESIDES PLAYING DIXIT? ☺
Dixit is a very cool game. ☺ I spend a lot of time with my kids; I make it a priority because I want to be with them while they’re little. We go for walks, to the park, we ride bicycles. But what I love the most is just being with them, laughing, tickling, dancing and goofing off. That’s what I like most and I feel they do too. This emotion of being present for one another. It’s such a wonderful feeling that I have trouble putting it into words.
HOW DO YOU RAISE YOUR KIDS? WHAT VALUES DO YOU WANT TO PASS ONTO THEM? WHAT KIND OF GROWN-UPS WOULD YOU LIKE THEM TO BE?
Although we live in a material world and I have nothing against things — on the contrary, I really appreciate all the great things people create — I try to teach my children that these things are not really important, that we can live without them. I want to teach them about the intangible. Even though they’re kids, and they want toys and things like all the others, I can see that we’re having some success with learning. I want to teach them how to be just and diligent, as well as how to stand up for themselves, how to think with their heads and their hearts and how to listen to intuition. I’m very sure the latter is very important, if we want to live this life right and find our way. I want them to be able to recognize good opportunities for themselves and their friends. I want them to find themselves as individuals instead of fitting into someone else’s imaginary moulds. And I want them to be gentle and caring; I believe they will be because it is what they are receiving from me and my husband.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE SOME “ME TIME”?
I dance. ☺ I take time to do it a couple of times a week, for at least half an hour. I regularly do pilates too, two or three times a week, depending on the season. If my body isn’t in need of physical activity, I look at pretty interiors and blog. ☺
Like I've said before, I like being alone very much.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU THAT THE PRODUCTS YOU USE ARE NATURAL, ECOLOGICAL, ORGANIC, ETC.?
It’s very important to me, be it products or food. I take a lot of time to look into things, but honestly, it can be a real burden because we can’t control everything (at least that’s what I keep telling myself, ha-ha). I think it’s best to find people and stores that we trust and buy things from them. We are a part of nature — it’s important to be aware of it. Naturally, I have nothing against science, to the contrary, I truly appreciate it and it had saved our first child. But I think when everything is OK, in our day to day lives, we have an obligation to choose natural products. We owe it to planet Earth and to ourselves.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LITTLE OTJA?
Everything! When I first found out about Little Otja, I was sure it was a brand from northern Europe. From the products, quality, design, web and the whole story — well done! You are truly special! And thank you for a lovely collaboration during the year(s). It really means a lot to me.*
*It means a lot to us too, Lili ♡. You can learn more about Lili on her wonderful Instagram page.
All photos ©Lili Halo
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No matter what you call its many variants — cream, latte, khaki, sand, buff, mustard, tan — beige is a classic look that will never go out of style. It’s an elegant and neutral color that works great on white walls or alongside other earth tones. It's ideal for adding touches of playfulness in various combinations.
So, how to achieve a consistent interior look based on beige tones? Art, furniture and accessories can all work together to create a gorgeous room, filled with imagination. First you'll need some decorative elements for your little one's bed — we recommend you get comfy with the Raccoon Junior Cushion and add a Goose Baby Blanket within arm’s reach, thrown over the side of the bed. Then, create your own gallery wall by hanging up some delightful wall art. We have something in every size and for every budget; for this look, we recommend the Animal Tower and Icy Watermelon art prints. Finish it off with some matchy socks — they look great in a basket or, indeed, on your feet!
Foto @Colola
And there you have it — a kids’ room that looks like a modern classic and will remain stylish for years to come.
YOU’RE A PSYCHOLOGIST, STYLIST, PHOTOGRAPHER, BLOGGER, INSTAGRAMMER … TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU COMBINE THESE DIFFERENT INTERESTS OF YOURS IN YOUR WORK AND CREATIVE OUTPUT?
This sounds like a lot, but as all of these activities have been a part of my life for a pretty long time now, it feels so natural to me. I love psychology. This is the reason why I studied it again and again, it was never ever boring. To make it more challenging I changed the countries and the languages. :-) After moving to France from Switzerland (with my husband and two boys) I wanted to have more time with my family and do something creative. Petit Sourire was created on 12.12.12. and it started as a small label for pillows and handmade bags for children. At the same time, I started my blog. Petit Sourire means “little smile” and describes in two words what it’s all about.
YOU REGULARLY POST INSIGHTFUL FEATURES CALLED {DESIGN PORTRAITS} ON YOUR BLOG, DEDICATED TO SOME OUTSTANDING DESIGNERS. HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA?
Making beautiful handmade things is wonderful, but really time-consuming. This is why Petit Sourire developed from a brand to interior/product styling and photography. I wished to combine psychology and design on my blog, so I got the idea of making {Design Portraits}. This is just perfect to me – as an interior stylist and photographer I am interested in beautiful objects and design; as a psychologist, I am interested in finding out who are the makers, founders and designer behind the lovely products and the history of the company.
It is so exciting to work on a {Desing Portrait}, I love it! I have started them two years ago and they have changed so much. For example, the way how I see and perceive all the brands and known design objects. Now I see them with different eyes, as I learned a lot about the background of the owners or designers, found out details about the objects and had insight into the whole “making of” process.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGN? WHAT MAKES GOOD DESIGN, IN YOUR OPINION?
When it comes to design, I am looking for something unique. This is the most important criteria for finding a brand for a {Design Portrait}. A good design is timeless, it is something I will be never bored to look at, it is something I can combine with a number of other objects.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR UNIQUE WAY OF STYLING AND INTERIOR DESIGN?
I love to combine design classics, vintage objects, some cute wooden accessories and beautiful textiles. The Scandinavian way of living and a touch of French elegance — maybe this is the best way to describe my stylings. I prefer soft colors in the dining and living area. And more (vivid) colors in the children’s rooms.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AND IDEAS?
Nature is the best place for inspiration. I love to decorate with fresh or dried flowers, which I pick in my garden or bring them home from a nice family walk.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE ITEMS IN YOUR HOME?
I love our wooden sofa, a timeless piece designed by a talented French designer. I can easily change the look of the sofa according to the season or mood. I love my Lyngby porcelain vases, wooden objects from Architectmade, our old French cast iron bed “lit Napoléon”, handmade ceramics of young artists, “Knotenstuhl” from Thonet, and the cuddle bunny from Little Otja…
WE OFTEN LOOK AT YOUR INSTAGRAM POSTS AND WONDER HOW YOU MANAGE TO TAKE SUCH BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS. COULD YOU MAYBE GIVE US SOME TIPS? :)
You are very kind to me :-) My tip is the magical natural light! In most cases, I have a “little story” or an “image” in my mind, which I try to show through a photo. And I like to hide some cute small details in the pictures that an attentive observer can find. And hopefully, this can maybe put a smile on their lips!
I think the most important thing is to create your own style, something highly recognizable, something unique…
WE LOVE THE VIEW OF THE OCEAN FROM YOUR WINDOW. WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING IN THE COASTAL REGION OF FRANCE?
Thank you so much. The view is amazing because it changes so fast according to the light. I love to observe the changing color of the sea and sky. This view makes my eyes dance and fills my heart with thankfulness. La vie est poésie!
I love to be surrounded by nature and still live in a city with all the comforts it brings. This is such a great present to see my kids growing up in this beautiful region and having a happy childhood like this. While others, in the bigger cities, for example, go to a playground, we go to the beach. This is like a great gift to be only a couple of footsteps away from the ocean. This means a lot to me and it is a great source of inspiration.
WE KNOW THAT YOU’RE A MOTHER, BUT WE DON’T SEE YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR PHOTOS ONLINE. WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS ON SHARING INTIMATE MOMENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
I think everyone is free to decide what they want to show on social media. I am very grateful when people on social media don’t judge anyone, write negative comments or messages to someone with a different opinion.
I personally prefer to keep my private life in the background, away from Instagram and business as much as possible.
As a psychologist, I advise to keep the family, and mostly the children, away from social media. As an Instagrammer, I advise finding a balance between business and private life — and never stop reflecting on this topic.
WE CAN’T GO ON WITHOUT MENTIONING YOUR SUPER CUTE AND TALENTED RABBITS, WHO ARE THE STARS OF MANY OF YOUR PHOTOSHOOTS … WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? WHERE DID YOU MEET? PLEASE, TELL US EVERYTHING? :)
Oh, this is a love story! We have two rabbits, a grey one and a white one. My children had wanted to have a cat or a dog, ALWAYS! But, as we usually travel a lot and it is very challenging to find someone to take care of your pet, I did not really agree to have one.
One day we were in a big store looking to find some plants for the garden. We stopped, as usual, at the corner where there are some cute little animals like rabbits, guinea pigs or mice. We immediately fell in love with two little rabbits and you can imagine, what my children answered as I asked them if we should bring them home. :-)
A couple of years have passed since we got them and I have never regretted this decision. Paulina and Emilie are so cute, right?
RIGHT, ABSOLUTELY! WE ADORE THEM. <3 SPEAKING OF RABBITS: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LITTLE OTJA?
I love the story of the Pine Forest and Litlle Otja characters. This creates a space for imagination and this is what our children really need. I love the playful details and the high quality. And for sure, I really appreciate the effort Little Otja puts into small things, which makes a huge difference in the result. Thank you for putting so much love in every single detail and making our life colorful!
Thank you so much for having me.
Photo credit © Petit Sourire
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Fun fact: When posing for a photo, members of the Goose Fan Club don’t say “cheese”; they say “geese” instead.
]]>We have made her delightful kids’ room look even better with the help of CANON's self-adhesive wallpapers. We’ve chosen the earth tone color palette together with Lili and designed the playful, Scandinavian-inspired squirell pattern in our studio. To get a wallpaper like this of your own, visit the Canon Slovenija website and take a look at their selection of beautiful designs — including this one. If you’re feeling creative, you can also make your very own design!
This was a really inspiring project and we’re super-thankful to Lili for choosing us to be part of it. If you want to learn more about getting a wonderful wallpaper for your home — from choosing the right paper to the printing process — visit Canon's site; they have a begginer-friendly PDF available with thorough instructions and more info.
If you'd like us to make a similar design for your home, write an email to hello@littleotja.com and we'd be happy to discuss your ideas.
When looking at Tamara’s Instagram profile, one can’t help but fall in love with her depictions of delicious dishes and lovely locations. Besides being an avid Instagrammer, Tamara is also an aspiring blogger. She had only recently started writing her lifestyle blog and it’s already filled with great recipes, engaging interviews and interesting articles. We talked to the mommy of one about style, inspiration, shopping, motherhood ... and food for all the senses.
SOMETHING ABOUT TAMARA
I studied linguistics and have always had a passion for organizing events, making pretty things and preparing good food. All these things really expressed themselves during the planning of my wedding and led me to my current employer — Jezeršek Catering. I now work with them in sales and event management, and it’s a truly satisfying job. I became a mommy last year to a little rascal called Oto Aldo. I finally started writing my own blog during parental leave.
ON FINDING INSPIRATION
I look to interesting people for inspiration, in both my work and life in general. Warm-hearted, open, creative, dedicated — the ones that can teach me something, regardless of their area of expertise. My inspiration also comes from everyday things: a good recipe I find on a blog, a fresh bouquet of flowers, a pattern of tiles on a building and an old gate of an abandoned house, a good book. Right now, the main source of my motivation is my family.
MINIMAL AND FUNCTIONAL STYLE
I would describe my style as a mix of Scandinavian minimalism and modern functionality. I don’t like clutter, but I think a home should still have some pieces that give it some soul and a touch of homeliness. Like a nice and comfortable armchair, a soft rug or some pictures on the wall. Or a wall that has been painted dark ... or an interesting wallpaper. I like toned-down, pastel colours; I combine them with lots of white and dark grey. And wood — the warmth of wood makes a strong impression. So to sum up, I have lots of ideas for decorating; now I just need a nice new apartment. ☺
NEW DISCOVERIES
I like discovering new things the most when I travel; I can block out all distractions and just let my mind wander. That’s when I notice so many details that I otherwise wouldn’t. It currently looks like we’ll have to wait a bit before we can go exploring foreign lands, with the (COVID-19) situation being what it is. But I do find many new and beautiful things on Pinterest and Instagram, as cliché as that might sound. Both platforms are a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration, if only you know what to look for.
ON BECOMING A MOTHER
I now understand what they mean when they say “the moment a child is born, the mother is also born”. It’s actually true — you get to know yourself again, learn, stumble ... but mostly you grow with the baby. Time goes by differently now and I think it’s easier for me to say “no”. My days revolve around sleeping, eating and changing diapers; I try to squeeze in some time for myself, to rest, if I need to. Despite sleeping very little and some hard days, the time of parental leave has been the most beautiful period of my life.
FAVORITE SHOPS
I love the design of Scandinavian brands like Elodie Details, Done by Deer, Kid's Concept and Liewood. I like the Malih nog naokrog webshop, they have a whole range of natural toys. Sometimes I’ll pick up some wooden toys in Ristanc in Ljubljana. I also like to visit local lifestyle shops, where I can find nice products for kids, like GUD shop, Smile Concept Store, Babushka Boutique and Parada. Then there’s some local brands that I love following. Besides Little Otja, I have to mention two of them: Minimellows for their soft, hand-made baby swaddles and Vanja in lev, the makers of the most beautiful rainbow macramés for children’s rooms.
MOTHERHOOD INSPIRATION
First and foremost — my biggest inspiration is my mom. I can always come to her, whether it’s for advice, a recipe or consolation. I’m also inspired by a couple of #instamoms. For example @caricasveta with her incredible knack for decor, @mamakuha with her easy recipes of kids, @dearkitchen with her green way of living, @barbiinmatic with useful advice about child development and @varuskaziva with creative ideas for children. But Instagram or not … I’m really inspired by all mothers. They navigate a sea of challenges every day, some even with two, three or more kids. And single mothers, they’re the real heroes. And mothers of children with special needs, my utmost respect goes to them. I think we can all inspire and help each other out when the need arises.
ON FINDING ME TIME
Sure, I don’t have as much time for myself as I used to, but I still manage to find some. That’s when I mostly cook, go for a walk or some coffee and write my blog. I even manage to get some reading done every now and then. I love going to the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, visiting my parents and having brunch with my friends. I always enjoy a fresh bouquet of flowers and the thought of my next trip. My husband and I both love travelling and we hope to pass some of our enthusiasm onto Oto.
FOOD FOR ALL SENSES
I cook whatever inspires me. Mostly, I see some delicious looking dish and I then want to make it myself. I really love putting in an effort when it comes to food. I’m convinced that we eat with all of our senses. I have a real difficult time trying to put something together quickly and even a regular breakfast takes me at least half an hour. Lately, our kitchen has been filled with the smell of freshly-baked bread. I had never thought I would be making my own bread — and with sourdough! ☺
ON BLOGGING
The idea of starting my own blog had been lingering in my mind for the past 5 years. During this time, I was coming up with various obstacles for myself — from not having enough time to being afraid of criticism and other things. All the while, many experiences came and went. They were all worthy of writing down — not just for an audience, but for me as well, to serve as a memory. When I started my parental leave I decided this will be the year I finally start writing the blog. And I did it. First I had to realize that it wasn’t a final product, but rather something that will grow and expand with me. It’s a platform where I can create whatever I like, release my creative energy and keep beautiful experiences, recipes, and more.
It’s primarily a lifestyle blog, I write about everything that’s currently going on with me: travelling, restaurants and recipes, lifestyle, and some mommy stuff too.
ABOUT LITTLE OTJA
Little Otja is one of my favourite local children’s brands. It can easily hold its own against bigger and more established brands. There’s something special about the combination of cute animals and images of the forest, as well as the natural materials and pastel colours. The prints are so nice that I’d gladly put them up in any room of the apartment, not just the kids’ room. The living room has Otja the rabbit and Lorem the bear in it, and they perfectly complement our gallery of wall art above the couch. Besides the designs, I appreciate the extraordinary attention to detail. Everything has a common theme, every aspect of the packaging is well thought out. That’s something I really appreciate when it comes to design. Once Oto gets his own room, I’m sure he’ll be in the company of a bunch of friends from Little Otja.
Tamara is on Instagram as @tamarabuh and she writes a lovey blog Na tapeti.
]]>Maja Kač is an award-winning journalist—the fearless and enthusiastic culture editor for MMC RTV, Slovenia’s national news website. She doesn’t like standing out, but she’s certainly not run-of-the-mill either. Maja sees her work as a calling and this can truly be felt while reading her articles. She writes mostly about fine art and has a particular interest in neglected and sensitive stories from our history. These might normally get overlooked in the fast pace of journalistic work, but Maja feels they are important for our future, so she takes care of providing them with their own space. Not everyone gets to know what Maja is like in person, but with a little help from our bunny Otja—who she has been a keen supporter of ever since the start—we’ve managed to learn some of Maja’s best-kept secrets!
SOMETHING ABOUT MAJA
I studied history and art history—this is where my heart truly lies. I work as a journalist and that passion has carried over to my work. My job is never enough and I’m constantly searching for new challenges to keep me in touch with art.
I live with my partner Tadej and two spoiled cats—Maru and Mini—in a little house, full of plants and books. We have a new family member on the way, who will be in the company of Cuddle Buddies and other friends of Otja.
LIFE OF AN ART LOVER
Art and images have always been important to me and a large part of my everyday life revolves around them. I try to follow them wherever it’s possible — be it to exhibitions and films, outdoor adventures or between the pages of books. They dictate pretty much everything I do; not just my hobbies, but also the people I surround myself with. Together with art, they are what keeps me going in life.
HOME DECOR: ERAS, SHAPES, COLORS, TEXTURES AND PATTERNS
If I had to describe my style, I’d say it’s somewhat eclectic, mainly a mix of old and new. I like items with stories, antiques left over from past eras and aesthetics, as well as modern pieces, which help the old ones blend in with current times. Although I generally like minimalism, I never manage to keep at it for long; I’d sooner surround myself with more things, rather than fewer things. I like to place plants between them, as they create a unique atmosphere of warmth and life. I have a lot of them around the house and if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the pilea plant.
When it comes to color palettes I go for gentle, pastel hues, and classic whites. Someday I’d like to gather the courage to paint a wall a more daring color, like a deep blue.
As far as furniture goes, I like chairs, seats and sofas especially. I mix the old with the new and play around with different color combinations and patterns.
I’m really proud of when I reupholstered this wooden couch in purple velvet. It had once belonged to my grandmother and had been quite worn (my dad is sitting on it in the photo).
ON FINDING INSPIRATION
Probably when I don’t really think about it and it unconsciously sneaks into my mind and leaves a mark. To be more precise, it’s probably where everybody else: endless scrolling through Instagram, profiles that I like, websites, and of course several paintings, photographs, statues, films and other images that I encounter in my work or while exploring galleries.
SHARE-WORTHY INSTAGRAM PROFILES
For visual delights I would recommend to check the following Instagram accounts: Eva Mlinar, Dino Kužnik, Tadej Vaukman, Staš Kleindienst, Tanja Lazetic and Lucija Rosc. Huda lukna, Jules Villbrandt and Igor Josif for home decor inspiration, Nadja Ocepek and Somewhere Magazine for inspiration in general, and for Kolektiv Smetnjak for some memes.
FAVORITE SHOPPING SPOTS IN LJUBLJANA
I like to pick up little things in GUD Shop as well as Formadoma. I get my plants in Džungla and my clothes in Anselma.
ON FINDING ME TIME
I simply take some time for myself, because I feel it’s one of the more important investments in life. When I’m successful at it, I like spending time with my partner, family and friends. Back when it was still possible, I liked going out for good food, to a nice cafe, the movies or just outdoors. I also like being alone — sometimes it’s enough to drink coffee by myself, browse the web, read or just daydream. When I’m feeling less lazy, I like running and cycling.
FOOD — KEEPING IT SIMPLE
When it comes to food, I most often make all sorts of salads, soups and pasta. Simple food suits me and it’s not just because I’m not a particularly dedicated or talented cook. I also like going out for sushi and ramen. I don’t eat meat and I love all kinds of vegetables and seasonal fruit in the summer. After disclosing my level of culinary skill, I wouldn’t want to brag with any recipes.
CAPTURING THE MOMENT
What I like most about taking photos are the likes they get after I post them. ☺ No, but seriously, I go with a certain feeling. I don’t have the knowledge or the courage to give advice on how to take a good photo. I just follow whatever catches my gaze in a certain moment, if I think the colors and composition are interesting enough. If I’m lucky, it might also possess an element of narrative and (very rarely) even humour!
ON SUSTAINABILITY
I find it more and more important for products to be oriented towards sustainability and environmental friendliness. I try my best and I’m inspired by my sister, who’s a lot more thorough when it comes to this. I try to minimize my use of packaging and give up unnecessary purchases, although I must confess that my quest for comfort prevails all too often.
Which products can’t I live without? Nice jewellery, which I don’t have a lot of, but I do have some items that are really dear to me. And also perfume, nice sneakers and comfy jeans. Some neat tea and coffee mugs at home. And my fountain pen, which I have been using for years to write down my daily to-do lists.
ABOUT LITTLE OTJA
I like that it combines aesthetics and playfulness, a mix that I think is perfectly suited to my personality — it really livens up the more laid-back corners of our home. I think that children growing up with these kinds of products will be enriched by a valuable visual experience; one that forms their aesthetic sense and way of seeing and interacting with the world around them.
Maja is on Instagram as @majakac. You can find her work at RTVSLO MMC - Culture. Go and have a look.
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SO, TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT KATRA...
I’m an architect, wife of a DIY-master called Primož and mother of three little girls: aged one, two and three. About a year ago, just before we got our third baby, we moved from the city of Ljubljana to a small village at the foot of the mountains.
WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR BEAUTY AND INSPIRATION?
In the most ordinary things; at home, outdoors, while going for a walk…I think fresh air is great for coming up with the best ideas. I love drinking coffee and browsing Instagram, where I find a lot of inspiring, encouraging and interesting things. Of course, you have to take it with a grain of salt—it’s very far from an accurate representation of real life—but it can be a great platform for creative expression and connecting. I’ve discovered plenty of beauty in people through Instagram and it has only been confirmed in real life.
I haven’t really had time to look for beauty anywhere else in the past three years. I have a stack of books that are waiting for me, magazines and blogs to read, websites to explore…My ideas are piling up and I can’t wait to finally have more time to get some work done and fulfil my goals, like making some mood boards for the unfinished rooms around our house.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
I try to decorate in a simple, low-cost way (which doesn’t mean “cheap”), so that spaces feel authentic and emanate a kind of homeliness. I’m a very visual person, so on bad days, the sight of a neatly decorated corner can greatly improve my mood.
I mostly use calming and light colors; shades of beige and pastel tones. On certain occasions, I use something more vivid to achieve contrast and set the right mood. I like livening things up with different decorative elements made from natural materials, like woven baskets, linen tablecloths and bedding, wooden items, ceramics and wall art—as long as things don’t get too cluttered.
I love chairs, especially old discarded ones. We currently have at least five of them in Primož’s workshop, waiting to get a new lease on life.
IS IT HARD TO GET THE ARRANGEMENT OF YOUR FURNITURE TO MATCH WHAT’S IN YOUR MIND?
Actually, there’s a lot of moving things around, until I’m finally happy. :)
WHAT ABOUT DIY PROJECTS?
There’s a lot of them. Our kitchen is one, for instance, although it’s not finished yet. We kept it as true to its original form as possible and added some new elements that were either missing or really showed their age. We put new tiles up on the wall. My husband was hesitant to do so, but now he agrees that it looks great! We’ve also painted the cupboards — many times before we got the color just right. :)
HOW DO YOU SPEND TIME WITH YOUR KIDS?
Our favourite thing to do is to be outdoors, especially on the playground. We go and visit the animals around the village and admire the hills from below. Sometimes, we just hang out in front of our house. Right now, the girls really enjoy it when we give them some “important assignments” like gathering pears and tomatoes or sweeping the floor.
We find this kind of slow living in the village very fulfilling— it’s full of feelings, surprises and wonders, as the girls slowly develop into proper little ladies.
HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE YOU BECAME A MOTHER?
My life turned upside down! I feel that my husband and I don’t have that easy-going freedom anymore (which we loved very much). Even when we leave the kids with our parents and take a weekend just for ourselves, they somehow manage to sneak into our thoughts. I’m sure that every mother will understand what I mean. There is a lot of worrying involved, but having a family is great.
WHICH STORES FOR KIDS WOULD YOU RECOMEND TO OUR READERS?
My favourite is Mali Zakladi, where I find many wonderful products. On Instagram, I get inspiration from Fermivingkids, Belmam, Happy Home Shop and Little Otja too. There are really a lot of cute concept stores around and I think I haven’t even discovered all of my favourites yet.
WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL OF MOTHERHOOD?
I’m inspired by mothers both in the real world and on Instagram. I especially admire the ones who possess qualities that I occasionally lack myself. These moms have a lot of patience and have a great ability to get really immersed in playing with their children. And they are somehow always full of energy, even when they’re tired. But really, every mother that’s trying her best is an inspiration to me.
WHICH INSTA-MOMS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND WE FOLLOW?
My favourites are definitely Lili Halo Decoration, Mummy Universe and Katya.
As far as local moms go, I’m a big fan of Dear Kitchen; her photos are gorgeous and she has great ideas for games to play with kids. Also, Carica sveta with her knack for interiors and for making me laugh—a big plus! A recent ritual of mine is drinking coffee while listening to the Bazar of Words podcast by Sarah with tulips, the mom with the most beautiful voice and beautiful thoughts. I admire the creativity of The Mosquera family and their courage to go on dream vacations with two small girls. And I just have to mention Tamara Buh — her blog was one of the main inspirations to start writing myself.
DO YOU MANAGE TO FIND ANY TIME FOR YOURSELF WHILE LIVING WITH THREE LITTLE GIRLS?
I honestly admire all the moms that have learned to take some time for themselves. It’s something I’d like to learn myself...I can’t always have everything under control, right?
I get the closest when I write. And when I drink my morning coffee, which I keep making IG stories about. I really love it. Especially in front of the window, with hydrangeas blooming under it and the mountains towering over it.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR CREATING INTERESTING CONTENT FOR INSTAGRAM?
To me, the most interesting content is the one that comes from within, from everyday thoughts and feelings. It is really important to be genuine. But of course, it’s a completely subjective thing.
WHICH THINGS COULDN'T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?
I can’t live without my morning coffee! Well, technically I can, but it’s really hard. And my phone. If you asked my husband, he’d say the same thing...and roll his eyes a little bit. He’s more old-fashioned when it comes to these things. The phone has become my office. E-mails, to-do lists, photo and video editing, scheduling, ideas, notes...it’s all in there. Sometimes I wish that I couldn’t live without a pen and a notebook instead. And a camera.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU THAT PRODUCTS ARE ECO-FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE?
The sustainability aspect of products is important to me and increasingly so. For example, our family uses glass bottles instead of plastic ones. And our shopping bags are made of cotton. Little by little, we’re edging towards being free from plastic packaging.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LITTLE OTJA?
A kind of simplicity and uniqueness, a certain special eclecticism. And the color palette. I found you more than three years ago, when I got my first nephew. And I still haven’t gotten bored of my cute forest friends — quite the opposite.
Katra is on Instagram as @mondaykatra and she writes a lovely blog called My Monday Morning. Go and have a look.
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Let's bake with Chef Otja! This time he's got a recipe for a true classic — the apple tart. Easy to make and oh so yummy!
And there you have it, a perfect, mouth-watering apple tart — and it's ready to eat!
WHO IS STAŠA KLEMEN?
For the past couple of years I have mostly been a mother to two rascals and a wife to Luka. Iza just had her first birthday, and Lev will be five in a couple of months. So our life is quite diverse right now; full of adventures, challenges, phases ... Last year was especially full of new things — we were expecting Iza, went apartment viewing, moved house.
I came to Ljubljana more than 10 years ago as a student (of ethnology and cultural anthropology). I became very fond of it, so it comes as no surprise that I ended up staying.
After finishing school, I worked in retail and it had a big impact on me. I learned a great deal while working at clothing stores; the best part was when I trained as a visual merchandiser, arranging shop windows and interiors. I’m currently at a crossroads, where my career has the possibility to take different paths.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Hmm … Good question, but the answer can be very vague. I could say that I’m inspired by everything.
In a way, it’s my children, because they teach me something new every day. But also nature, objects, people … that shine with a certain energy and catch my attention. Of course, I’m also influenced by various Instagram profiles (it’s my favourite social media platform) and magazines — about lifestyle, decor, fashion.
I think it’s easy to find inspiration if you’re looking for it … there’s so much of it around! It’s up to us to notice it and incorporate it into our lifestyle in a creative way.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
Simple, minimalist, maybe not in the strict sense of the word; part of me wants to store and hoard things. I’ve learned that there’s no need to constantly buy new pieces of clothing or furniture to create a fresh new look — I think well about the choices I make and I’m not as impulsive as I used to be.
Even though my wardrobe and interior are essentially simple, I get a lot of variety with various accessories and decorative elements, which can make the simplicity seem different every time.
The same is true for my personal style, the choice of colors and also decorating our home. Simplicity, interesting shapes, aesthetics, governed by a “less is more” principle.
There comes a time when this minimalism, my black and white world, is shattered by a uncharacteristic colorful item of clothing, furniture, decor.
WHAT ABOUT CLOTHES?
When it comes to personal style I love oversized items, classic, everlasting pieces. And sneakers. White, black and grey tones prevail in my closet, and lately I’m growing to like neutral shades of beige.
WE LIKE YOUR CHOICE OF COLOUR PALETTES …
The same color palette is present in our apartment. It’s a sort of mix of modern and vintage or classical — we’ve recently moved into an older apartment and I wanted to preserve some of the original elements that give it a certain charm: a decorative ceiling rose in the living room, herringbone parquet flooring, an old wooden door … I think that wood (and its natural color) is great for softening and smoothing an apartment that might otherwise seem cold and minimalist.
ANY FAVOURITE PIECES OF FURNITURE?
My favourite pieces of furniture are the Rex chair and daybeds by Niko Kralj (the newer version in the living room and the old daybed —just like the ones we had in kindergarten— on the balcony). The finishing touch is definitely the houseplants; there’s more and more of them each month and they’re in every room!
HERE’S A BIG QUESTION: HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED AFTER YOU BECAME A MOTHER?
My life hasn’t changed much since I became a mother. But I do think that I have learned to live and feel more fully than I was able to before. I learned to appreciate the little victories and to cherish every moment — to just let go and enjoy myself.
While it is true that a lot of new things happened with the arrival of the first baby, my husband and I had decided not to change our lifestyle because of it; the only change was that there were now three of us, instead of two. It’s true that we’ve adapted to certain situations, but we haven’t stopped travelling, exploring … we enjoyed it together, the three of us! And it’s the same thing now that there’s four of us.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY?
Besides going on longer holidays (preferably by the sea) we spend our time on playgrounds and on short trips in the countryside; we discover new places or simply stay home and cuddle or play. We always find something to do!
HOW DO YOU APPROACH DECORATING YOUR HOME?
When it comes to decorating interiors, I noticed how differently I think as the mom of a girl or of a boy. Lev’s room is all about simplicity, accented by some accessories and toys. Minimalist patterns, green-greyish hues. I have recently added some things in mustard-colored things, like a pen holder, a mirror, and a wastebasket.
When I was decorating Iza’s corner, I noticed how the little girl in me came alive and I went with somewhat more romantic, floral prints and decor. Shades of pink and purple prevail, as well as the essential greys.
WHAT KIND OF TOYS DO YOU BUY?
When it comes to toys, I’d also rather have fewer things of higher quality, which can be used for a long time by both of the kids (despite their age difference). Natural materials are important (wood, recycled materials), so they’re not harmful to us or the environment.
My favourite shop is Mali zakladi, because they have a huge selection of everything children need.
CAN YOU GIVE US SOME GOOD BRANDS FOR KIDS THAT YOU LIKE?
Some Slovenian brands are very dear to me and they offer really pretty decorative items—not just for kids, but home decor as well: Little Otja, Tutajna, Vanja in Lev, Black bear and white bear (with a beautiful collection of clothes for kids!), Ooh noo. And foreign ones too, especially Mrs. Mighetto.
A few of my favourite children’s clothing brands are Turtledove London, Mini Rodini, Bobo Choses, Papu, Tinycottons, but of course, my kids also have some (mostly basic) things from Zara and H&M. For everyone that’s looking for unique, hand painted and custom-tailored pieces, I can’t go without mentioning Valentina Šumrada.
WHAT WOULD THE PERFECT KIDS ROOM LOOK LIKE?
Because I love (re)decorating so much I can’t say I have an image of the perfect room in my mind. Of course, I see great-looking rooms on social media, in magazines and so on. But even if I had something “perfectl” I know I would end up changing and rearranging things, as I do now.
HOW DO YOU FIND TIME FOR YOURSELF? WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
You just have to take some time for yourself, no matter which “role” you play in life. Luka and I communicate when someone wants some time off, whether it’s half an hour or a couple of hours. We find a balance.
When I have some time just for myself, I like to peruse a good magazine, catch some autumn sunrays on the balcony, have a drink with my girlfriends, go to the open market and buy a bouquet of flowers, or simply indulge in a hot bath. And that makes me happy.
YOU HAVE A VERY INTERESTING AND PRETTY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO THE PLATFORM?
Thank you. :) My Instagram profile was originally created out of curiosity, just to share moments with my friends. With time it became apparent that it was a great medium for forming new friendships. Gradually, a new path opened up for me and I began collaborating with various brands (mostly from abroad, at first), some of whom I still work with today.
My content definitely changed after I became a mom. I think of it as a turning point and the start of discovering a new, previously unknown world; for exploring new themes and children’s brands. My posts became more personal and family oriented; I started sharing some of my experiences. I think my followers appreciated it and they often reached out to me for advice.
ANY ADVICE FOR BUDDING INSTA PHOTOGRAPHERS?
I really admire it when I see that someone put a lot of effort into a photo; that it has aesthetic value and that it’s original, spontaneous and simply captures the moment.
My advice to everyone would be to follow their vision — to not want to be like others and to post what they think is important at the time.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LITTLE OTJA?
I first encountered Little Otja around four years ago, when I decided to put a print with a lion in Lev’s room (it’s in his new room today). So we have some prints, Lev loves the (beautiful!) notebooks and I’m obsessed with the tea towels.
I like it, because it’s different! The prints are great — really something special!
And I’m sure our home will see something new from Little Otja very soon.
Staša is on Instagram as @stasa_klemen. Go and give her a follow.
PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG POST:
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Out of all his family members, Otja loves his grandparents the most. He calls them “Grammie” and “Grampy”. They live in a nice little house in the Bunny Hills, just beyond the Pine Forest. When Otja comes to visit, Grampy is always surprised by how much he’s grown! Grammie then usually observes that he’s looking a bit thin though — has he been eating anything at all? — and immediately brings out a big pot of delicious carrot stew ... Otja’s favourite!
]]>The Announcement is something like a letter in which the animals of the Pine Forest write about a certain BIG problem. They gather inside the library, discuss all the important stuff that had happened in the past year and decide what could be improved. And whichever thing needs improving the most — that’s the one they write about in the letter!
But first, they pick someone to write everything down on a piece of paper. Then they pick a speaker, who reads the Announcement live on Pine Forest Radio (and in a live stream on their website) the next day, while a photographer takes his photo so it can be published in several respectable newspapers around the world.
This time, everyone decided that the speaker should be — Otja! It was his first time and he felt a bit nervous about going live on the radio...and the entire internet. Luckily, his friends were there to cheer him on. The topic of the Announcement was dedicated to all the animals that didn’t have a canopy over their heads or a burrow to sleep in during the night. Those with holes in their sneakers and without a knitted blanket to keep them warm. The lonely and sad ones, who just needed a friend to help them out. Maybe they were lost, roaming or running away from something… or maybe they were just young and hard-headed. We may never know their reasons for not having a place to call home, but the reasons don’t really matter.
“All that matters is that we help them,” the animals at the meeting agreed.
The Announcement spread around the entire world quickly as never before. This resulted in all knitting classes being full the next day! Everyone was knitting sweaters, blankets, hats and socks, and giving them out to those in need. The doors of libraries were wide open, as were playgrounds, cinemas and theatres...and everyone could come inside and have a rest. Owls filled the feeding stations around neighbouring forests and younglings drew colourful signs pointing to nearby shelters.
The letter concluded with the following words:
”There come days when we get in trouble. It then becomes really, really important, that someone lends us a hand and a little piece of happiness. That is why we should always keep our eyes open while walking around…and our heart even more so.”
And because this is no ordinary letter but the Evergreen Announcement, these words have a special power: once you hear them, you can never forget them.
]]>Saira & Will left their home in London and moved to the Slovenian countryside to start a boutique bed and breakfast. We spoke to them about their connection to Little Otja, their exciting project — Marnie’s House — and their new life in beautiful Slovenia.
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WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND MARNIE’S HOUSE?
We are a family of four — Will, Saira, Marnie and Rex. We moved to Slovenia from the UK almost one year ago, after visiting the country for just 3 days. Will and I sold our apartment in South London and traded it in for a 500-year-old farmhouse in Radovljica. The house hasn’t been occupied for almost 50 years so it needs a lot of work, but eventually, we plan to open its doors as a family-friendly bed and breakfast, with a strong focus on eco-tourism and sustainable living. We’ve named the house for our daughter — it will be ‘Hiša Marni’, which translates as ‘Marnie’s House’.
HOW’S THE RENOVATION GOING?
The renovation process is coming along very slowly… but surely. We had a long architectural process to go through before any building work could start, but we are just about to enter the construction phase, which is very exciting. We are retaining almost all of the original features of the house — including the layout — so in some ways, it won’t look very different to how it does now, but of course, we will update it for modern, environmental living and add a sprinkling of English Country House glamour.
WHAT PROJECTS DO YOU HAVE LINED UP IN THE MEANTIME?
For Will’s birthday, I bought him a retro 1980s Adria caravan. I wasn’t sure what we were going to do with it at the time, but then we had the idea of a mobile bar. 10 months later, we have just finished a fantastic summer in residency at Eco River Camp, Globoko and are planning to take the bar to Radovljica Old Town this Christmas. We are also working on building up a programme of events to take place in and around Marnie’s House. This summer we hosted some fascinating foraging walks in the forest, and we have plans for art classes and cinema nights in the future — we love meeting new people and creating surprising, memorable experiences so expect the unexpected from our events!
YOU’VE SWAPPED LIVING IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY RURAL ...
The short answer is that it doesn’t compare at all. Will and I both love London, but there is no way we could have justified buying a tractor if we’d stayed there... Life is much slower now but we spend more time outdoors and more time together as a family, which are the main things for us. The children adapted to life here almost instantly and they are both flourishing. Marnie speaks much better Slovene that either me or Will, and has taken many Slovenian customs to heart — she has three pairs of copati already!
JUDGING BY THE ADVENTURES DOCUMENTED IN YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS, YOU SEEM TO BE HAVING QUITE A LOT OF FUN!
We have a very energetic dog so most of our days are spent exploring in the woods or walking along the river in an attempt to tire her out, but we have also really enjoyed getting to know the history and culture of Slovenia through the many national holidays and festivals that you guys have. Whether it’s joining in with the Pust parades, visiting Kranj for Prešeren Day, celebrating St Gregory’s Day in Kamna Gorica or watching the Ski Jumping at Planica — there is always something new for us to experience here.
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE WHO’S VISITING YOUR AREA?
We chose our area because of its proximity to Lake Bled but since living here we have discovered that there is so much more to Radovljica. The Lipnica Valley has some of our favourite walks. Gostišče Draga in the hills above Begunje Na Gorenjskem is our top spot for lunch with friends, and we love visiting the Farmer’s Market at Vila Podvin on the first Saturday of every month.
HOW DID YOU FIND LITTLE OTJA?
We discovered Little Otja in GUD Shop in Ljubljana. Will and I felt really strongly that we should work with a local company on the branding and identity of Marnie’s House so one rainy Autumn day we visited lots of design and boutique shops in Ljubljana and collected posters, greetings cards, gift wrap and postcards — anything that we thought had great illustration or graphic design. We put them all up in our kitchen and after a few days, we both agreed that the Otja posters were our favourite. We love the approachability of your style, the incorporation of natural elements into so many of your designs, the colour palettes you use and of course, the playfulness.
IS IT TRUE THAT A UNICORN LIVES IN THE FOREST RIGHT NEXT TO YOUR HOUSE?
It depends on who you ask! I love making up stories for the kids and stretching their imaginations as much as possible. I told Marnie that there was a unicorn living in the forest, and off she went with a bag of ‘unicorn food’ (porridge oats and acorns) to find it. It is such a magical spot that even though I made up the story, I sometimes find myself looking for unicorn tracks.
YOU’VE TAKEN QUITE A LEAP OF FAITH. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE CONTEMPLATING DOING SOMETHING SIMILAR IN THEIR OWN LIFE?
This might sound surprising, but I would advise other people to think carefully about making a similar decision. Will and I are both quite adventurous and comfortable with risk. We also have a great partnership which offers a lot of security, wherever we find ourselves. I think those things have allowed us to embrace this adventure, rather than feel daunted by it.
If you’d like to learn more about the Aspinalls, you have plenty of choices.
See their website or follow them on social media: Youtube / Instagram
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Do you ever wonder why all the children’s beds you see on Pinterest look so good? Are you hoping to get similar results? We’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s all about the careful selection of colours, patterns and textures. This way, a bed of any size and shape can transform into a cosy, delightful dreamland. Just follow these three easy steps.
STEP 1: Choose simple, single colour bedding without any patterns or textures. At this stage, less is more.
STEP 2: Add a bedsheet in a different, contrasting colour. It can have a pattern if you’re going for a more playful look.
STEP 3: Soft cushions with our Pine Forest characters make the bed even comfier, and they also look cute. They’re great for sleeping, cuddling or just resting. And have you seen our Cuddle Cushion? It's perfect for gently lulling your little sleepy-head into dreams.
When buying bedding, it is very important to choose materials that are eco-friendly and good for the skin. Look for the OEKO-TEX® certificate: it guarantees that the material has been thoroughly tested and doesn’t contain any harmful substances. It also indicates a responsible production process.
CREATE THE PERFECT GALLERY WALL
Pretty much any wall is a good place to hang your kid’s drawings, family pictures and art prints. So, where do you start? First, gather all the wall decor you want to hang and put it into a pile. If the art isn’t framed yet, decide on the types of frames you’d like to use. You’ll achieve an effect of variety if you pick different frames together with alternating orientations of the artworks (some landscape, some portrait). Put the framed art aside for a bit. It’s now time to get the wall ready.
What do you need besides an impressive selection of art?
HAMMER: big enough to drive nails into a wall | NAILS: select a size that is appropriate for both the size and weight of the items your wish to hang | PENCIL: for drawing and making markings on the wall | PAPER: same size or bigger than the biggest frame | SCISSORS: for cutting the paper | PAINTER'S OR WASHI TAPE: for sticking the paper to the wall | TAPE MEASURE: for measuring the height and distances between frames | SPIRIT LEVEL: to make sure that everything is straight
HOW TO GO ABOUT MAKING A GALLERY WALL?
Don’t go bashing on nails with a hammer just yet. First, take a pencil and start outlining every frame on a piece of paper. Cut out the outlines to make a temporary paper basis for your arrangement. When you are done, its time to determine the starting point of your future gallery. There is an unwritten rule, which states that the best results are achieved by hanging the first art piece at eye-level height.
When you have the height figured out, measure the width of the wall and determined its centre point. Mark it with a pencil. This is where you stick the biggest paper. Follow this by arranging the smaller ones around it. Have some fun and try different variations, until you find the perfect arrangement. Make sure that the distance between each frame is 5 cm (1.97 in); an equal distance between frames enables you to add more art in the future.
Once you’re happy with the arrangement it’s time for the exciting part: hanging your first artwork! Yes, the time has finally come for you to drive the first nail into the wall and hang a picture. Don’t forget to use a spirit level to ensure that it’s hanging straight.
SET UP YOUR SHELF TO TAKE A PERFECT SHELFIE
If you don’t feel like hanging pictures on your wall—or if it’s already adorned by a cute wallpaper—a shelf can be an extremely useful thing. With a few small tricks, even the most ordinary of shelves can become the setting of your best shelfies yet. Before you get started, think about which colours would go best with the wall and the shelf. Then imagine a theme around which you’ll create your display of cuteness.
Follow the “less is more” principle here too. Of course, a lot depends on the size of the shelf, but whatever you do, don’t cram too many things on top of it. Some of the items you can consider putting onto the shelf are framed art prints, books and toys. And don’t forget about your child’s favourite plaything! The rules we used for making a Gallery Wall apply here too: put the biggest object in the middle of the shelf and the smaller ones to its left and right sides. It’s really not hard at all — just use your imagination and have fun!
FIND INSPIRATION ON INSTAGRAM
We suggest to take a look at these beautiful Instagram accounts:
www.instagram.com/agata.kmuk/
www.instagram.com/dearkitchen/
www.instagram.com/more_less_ines/
www.instagram.com/lilihalodecoration/
Have you found inspiration in our advice on how to redecorate and refresh your kids’ room? We’d love to see the results!
Post your photos on Instagram
and tag @littleotja or use the #littleotja hashtag.
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The Forest Bunch is made up of the Pine Forest’s youngest inhabitants. They’re a group of playfully wacky, clever little tykes that haven’t set foot in a school yet.
“So they go to kindergarten?” I hear you ask.
Well, no. Here’s the deal:
There is no kindergarten in the Pine Forest, at least not like we know it. There are many reasons for this, the first being that the Pine Forest is the safest place in the world. If there existed some sort of contest for the safest place in the world, the Pine Forest would surely win! So, since it is the safest place in the world, there is no need to worry about anything nasty happening to anyone at all.
The second reason is that grown-ups of the Pine Forest don’t work on every day of the week. Instead, they take turns taking care of the young ones.
For instance, Nanna the Lynx is helping them make a comprehensive herbarium: it’s getting so big that it might set a record for its sheer size! Multimedia artist Ipsum got them involved in setting up a travelling exhibition about the northern lights.
Lix the Llama is teaching them languages facing extinction and Lorem the Bear is explaining the Forest Traffic Code, especially the parts concerning the appropriate and safe operation of kick scooters. Besides that, the Forest Bunch also finds time to go camping in the canopy of trees (yes, you heard that right) and dancing in the moonlight on the shores of lake Glu Glu. And math, of course, from basic addition of apples and pears to higher mathematics involving a sky full o stars and an infinite number of pine needles. And they even know how to use special wind-catching devices to capture the wind and hear news from all over the world!
One can only imagine what adventures lie ahead for them, once they start going to Pine Forest Elementary School!
If you feel like joining them, there’s only one thing to do — visit the Pine Forest!
The Forest Bunch have their very own Art Print — check it out.
]]>“Huh, this is strange,” Lorem pondered. “Otja’s bicycle isn’t here! This means that Otja isn't home. He probably just went out to get something! I know, I’ll go see Ipsum instead!”
And so he went, but Ipsum was also not home.
“Well, isn’t this a pickle!” said Lorem. “I guess I'll go visit Lix the Llama — and then I’ll go back to Otja’s place...”
But Lix was also not home. His neighbour said that she saw him leave early in the morning; he didn’t have much to say but he was carrying an awful lot of baggage. Lorem found this very strange. He then tried his luck at Freja’s house, where he only encountered her mother Nanna. She was fast asleep in the shade of her garden and he didn’t want to disturb her, so he just left.
Lorem couldn’t find his friends and that made him sad. He drove his scooter out to the lake, sat down by a tree and looked out into the distance. In the middle of the water, he saw a boat. He observed it for a while; it seemed to be getting closer. He could now make out several figures in the boat and it looked like they were having some kind of party. “How wonderful!” Lorem said to himself. He thought how much more wonderful it would have been if he was having a party with his friends, right now. He let out a sigh.
Meanwhile, the boat got even closer… and closer… and closer. And then, Lorem’s mood suddenly improved: he could hardly believe it, but the figures in the boat were actually his friends! Otja, Ipsum, Freja and Lix!
“Happy birthday, Lorem!” they all yelled.
Lorem threw himself into the lake and began swimming as fast as he could. His friends gave him a hand and lifted him onto the boat.
“Gotcha!” Otja laughed. “You didn’t really think we would all mysteriously disappear on your birthday, did you?”
The party could now really start; Lix began taking photos of the merry bunch, Ipsum played the guitar and Freja set up a little table on the boat. She put a big chocolate cake on the table, and then put a candle on top of the cake. Lorem closed his eyes and wished for… well, we don’t know what. Only Lorem knows that.
But we do know one thing: surprises only come when you least expect them.
]]>Here it is, the first official holiday season recipe from Chef Otja! This one was originally thought up by Nadja, baking enthusiast and our Little Otja team member.
Chef Otja thinks that these festive muffins go great with your morning coffee. You can also eat them as dessert after lunch or as a little snack before bed or... well, actually, every time is a good time — for a muffin! A sweet, moist muffin, packed with cinnamon flavour. Mmm.
1 1/3 cup of flour
1/3 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 egg
1 cup of yoghurt
2 tablespoons of butter (melted)
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees centigrade.
2. Mix the dry ingredients together.
3. Add the melted butter, yoghurt and whisked egg. Stir until a nice mixture has formed.
4. Put some muffin liners into a muffin pan and pour in the mixture until each cup is 2/3 full.
5. Bake at 200 degrees centigrade for around 20 minutes. Serve with Little Otja Tea Towels for a cozy festive look. ;)
And there you have it, delicious festive muffins! We all know that the holidays are a really nice time, but with Chef Otja's muffins — they're guaranteed to be even nicer!