Sorry, I really neglected my Five Tips For The Weekend during the last few weeks, but I was really busy with exams and the whole holidays thing. Anyway, here are my five tips for the upcoming weekend:

#1 craft idea: detachable collar using an old shirt collar as  pattern

I love the idea and am definitely going to try this asap!
You will find the tutorial at burdastyle – have fun!

#2 movie you should re-watch every year 

I love to watch and re-watch Lion King – it’s totally worth it! I think it’s the best Disney movie and definitely one of the best animated films ever made – also, not only for kids 😉 And the perfect choice to watch with the family on a cold winter sunday.

#3 book you won’t regret reading

Momo is an awesome fantasy novel by Michael Ende and one of my favorite books of all time. Although widely considered a childrens book, it’s not.

#4 recipe to try on the weekend

After all the holiday-overindulgence, here’s a low-calorie recipie for Honey-Soy Broiled Salmon.

Too bad I couldn’t find a better picture, because this dish looks so delicious!

#5 try a 365 project

A Beautiful Mess shared some thoughts about 365 projects for the new year. I totally love the idea and will think about it, but I’m afraid my lack of discipline will ruin any plan.
Have you ever done something alike?

#1 book you won’t regret reading

Shadow of the Wind (Spanish: La sombra del viento) is a truly timeless masterpiece by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. The novel – typical for Zafón- is actually a story within a story. A love story, a mystery and for some a thriller. The book is breathtakingly beautiful and thrilling at the same time. It’s not a small book, but a pageturner you won’t be able to put down as soon as you’re through the first chapters. So there’s a great chance to read it through over the weekend.

I strongly recommend it for every book lover and bibliophile out there. As soon as you start reading, you’ll know why.

The follow-up’s of this book are as good as this one. The second book The Angel’s Game is actually a prequel to Shadow of the Wind. At the moment I’m reading the third book of the series, The Prisoner of Heaven. Although it’s kind of a series, it doesn’t really matter with what book to start with, but if it’s your first Zafón, the Shadow of the Wind is probably the best choice.

#2 movie you shouldn’t miss 

Finding Neverland is a beautiful movie about the playwright J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp – reason #1). That name rings a bell? It’s the author of Peter Pan (reason #2)!
The movie is about his relationship to a woman called Sylvia (Kate Winslet) and her sons which inspired him to write the Peter Pan story.
The movie is beautifully directed (Marc Foster – reason #3) and would be a great fun to watch with the whole family!

#3 craft idea: recycled record coasters

my so called crafty life has the cute idea of recylcling old vinyl records to fun looking coasters. Way better than just throwing them away.There are thousands and thousands of ideas how to craft something beautiful out of old records and this one is such an easy one!

#4 recipe to try on the weekend

Yummy homemade peppermint marshmallows! Recipe found at brown eyed baker.

#5 Secret Santa with your family or friends!

Do a Secret Santa with your family or friends this weekend! The more people the more fun it is. Pick names and give the person a little gift anonymously. If there are smaller kids in your family that won’t be able to buy or craft gifts themslves, you could do each other little secret favours without letting the other know that it was you.

You will be surprised how fast the little ones will find enjoyment in secretly cleaning the kitchen or tidying up the living room!

It’s also a fun thing to do at work or with friends you see on a regular basis. Pick another name every week – perfect occasion to give away all your little crafty handmade gifts.