happy Mother's Day!

photo via British Vogue

What are you up to this weekend, my lovelies? 

I'm visiting my parents in Panevėžys and celebrating Mother's Day this Sunday. 

Do you give a present for your mother on this day? I was surprised when one of my friends said they don't give presents - only flowers. Me and my sister always get a present for our mother and for grandmother as well. So when I told my sister that my friend gives only flowers, we laughed that we have made our mother and grandma effete, haha. 

Anyway, how do you surprise your mum?

If you still haven't picked up a present, here's a lovely Gift Guide for you.

What your other plans for the weekend? 

I think I will go cycling with my parents in the forest near our home - it's a wonderful route, the air is so fresh there, I love it! I'm also meeting my old friend from school - she's now studying in Kaunas, so I haven't seen her for ages. Of course, tones of work for next week and one article (the theme is still the secret for you) coming up in our student's faculty website (unfortunately, only Lithuanians will be able to read it). So that's it.

Last weekend we had temperature +26 in Vilnius (whaaaaaaaaat??), so the summer actually already started there. But this weekend's forecast is a bit more normal, I'm glad to say we have the spring back - whew.
And here's some fun posts around the world:

• Looks very delicious.
• Love these colors!
• Beautiful appartment.
• Wonderful self-portraits from a 17-year-old.
• This website still makes me laugh. I feel exactly the same.
• Rainbow Panorama - wow.
• Transforming objects.
• Cool tattoo.
• I want husky since ever!

P. S. How cute is one of my favorite model's, Natalia Vodianova daughter Neva in the campaign for Caramel Baby and Child? More here..

P. S. P. S. Talking about Vilnius Temperature.. remember? There are some new videos out there, check it out!

Have a charming weekend!

xoxo

Ak.

traveler's gift guide.

 photo via Pinterest

I've already talked about finding a present for Christmas, now I thought about finding a traveler's gift.
When I was leaving Germany, I found it really hard to pick up the presents for everybody, so I just came up with the idea - what would be the universal gifts from the journey?
Here's what I think:

• It's always nice and easy to buy some jewelery for your girlfriends (I loved this store!) - it's very lovely to wear something from abroad and when someone says "that's a nice bracelet!", she can answer "my friend brought me from England." or whatever. And it's not because it's a chance for you to brag about it - it's more like every time someone notice it, you remember your friend and you remember that country and what they told you about it, because - obviously, it was the first time you met her/him after her/his journey:).
• Another gift could be a book - especially written by the classic author of that country (for example, a book of H. Hesse from Germany.). The only disadvantage is that perhaps you will have to find it in English and that may be a problem. I had an idea of finding a cookbook with German food specialties for one of my friend, who loves cooking. But then I realized that the names of the products, which are very specific, will be a hard work for her. So I decided that you can always end up with a nice cover notebook:). As she loves traveling, I took a traveler's journal for her - this one looks very nice as well.
•  As I searched the souvenir stores, I found a very adorable dark red scarf for men with a little Bavarian blazon on the edge - it's very practical and it looked stylish. But I was a little too late - unfortunately, it was sold out when I finally decided to buy it. Anyway, a scarf or a nice T-shirt with some national details on it (just like this one, haha!)is always practical and I find it nice as a gift as long as it looks not too souvenirish - sometimes it's just a kitch.
• Another item from a souvenir store I would suggest - a wine or a beer opener. It's very practical, you can be 100% sure that your friend is going to use it, it's simple and most important - you can always find some cool design decisions with some national attributes, just like this one. And you can always add some fine wine or beer along with it:).
• When you are stuck and can't think about anything to buy for someone - food is always an option. In every country you can find food specialties store (just like this one - Käseladen), where you can pick up some interesting and delicious things. And if you can't find anything there - chocolate and candies are always the answer (it may even be with some national attributes as well - chocolate from Russia!).

These are 5 tips for travelers, who are looking for gifts, I hope they helped somehow!
And always remember - even when you are already leaving - it's how every travel happens:).
xoxo
Ak.

finding a present.

As I mentioned, I'm posting some tips for finding the Christmas presents! My friends always say that I pick up the best presents, so listen to me carefully, haha!
Here's the three main tips, you have to remember while looking for a present:

• The first you should do, when searching for a present, is to think about that person: what does she/he really like? What she's/he's interested in? Think about simple things. Maybe she/he loves sweets - this would be a funny idea (and don't forget to write a note! It always makes more sense for the present with your comment!). Or these marble chocolate candy letters- you can made up your own sentence!
• The second important thing is to listen and remember what others told you some time ago. Maybe he was complaining, how he forgets everything - a leather notebook can be just what he needs. Or this funny notebook - slow, but steady, haha. There is also one from the keep calm serie. And here's something for someone, who told you about how she/he loves to try new recipes! Maybe you can write the first one recipe from your own experience :).
• And the third thing was already mentioned, but it's really important: think simply. If your friend loves Paris, it doesn't mean you have to buy a ticket to Paris -a brilliant & funny french umbrella or an adorable Paris calender will make her/him happy as well. And if you know someone, who loves books and wine, it doesn't mean you have to spend the whole day in a book or in a wine store - this bag would be so cool!

So that's it! And if you're completely lost, there ar always some cool and universal things you can get for everyone - just like these gloves. I would be definately happy to wear them!
Good luck and don't get cold!

xoxo,
Ak.

P. S. The first photo is of me and my lovely friends last year celebrating Christmas and in the second photo there are all the presents I gave to everyone that year - I looooove packing the presents!