motivation – Petite Teacher

“Into the wild” and what we can learn from that film

11th October 2019 3 Comments

“Happiness is Only Real When Shared.”

-Chris McCandless

As you can see on the photos in this blogpost, Switzerland, despite being so organised and clean, can look pretty wild too.

When we went for a walk in Graubünden’s National Park a few weeks back, I felt like really going “into the wild”. Look at these impressive mountains with that first touch of snow on the top. Can you imagine how I felt, walking on a trail amidst these mountains and lots of trees, crossing wild waters (OK, over bridges, but still…) and even spotting some deer and other game. The film “Into the Wild” spontaneously popped up in my head and I turned to my husband to tell him so. In that instant the famous sentence “happiness is only real when shared” got its extra dimension for me.

It’s so true. No matter how happy you are, you are happier when you can share your happiness with others, building up memories together. That is also one of the pains of losing loved ones: shared happy moments can no longer be shared.

Life Lessons

Letting go in order to grow

20th September 2019 4 Comments

“Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go.”

– Hermann Hesse

Next week autumn officially starts. It always fascinates me how nature shows us that letting go is needed in order to grow. How symbolic the falling leaves are.

Somehow, most of us find it difficult to let go, even though we know it is part of life and often a necessary part too.

This week I’d like to share a story with you about a training I had many, many years ago. During this training I was taught the importance of letting go in such a powerful way, that it has helped me ever since. Read on for the full story.

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons, Teacher's Travels

Advice from a palm tree

3rd May 2019 2 Comments

Dress: H&M (see more of the dress here and here and disguised as skirt here)

Advice from a palm tree…

~ Soak up the sun

~ Stand tall & proud

~ Remember your roots

~ Drink plenty of water

~ Be content with your natural beauty

~ Enjoy the view

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

Three thankfulness tales

15th March 2019 3 Comments

Skirt: Yes or No, Top: Tally Weijl, Ankle Boots: Stravers-Shoes, Bag: New-Yorker

“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast – you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.”

– Eddie Cantor

I am enjoying life to the fullest when you are reading this. I will either be on my way to Venice or already exploring the canals, small streets and Italian food, together with my husband. We have chosen to travel by train, because that is super relaxing and you are rewarded with stunning views of the alps and of Venice (the latter we have heard, not seen yet). On top of that: travelling by train is very sustainable.

You will probably remember that my husband surprised me with this romantic get-away on Valentine’s Day. Well, there is more to tell about how he came to that idea. He (or better said “I”) had some help from a rather unexpected source: a 12 year old pupil of mine…Read on to find out more!

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

Second-hand is trend and good for creativity and sustainability

22nd February 2019 5 Comments

Skirt (15 !!! years old): Steps, Top (3 years old): H&M, Necklace: a gift, Ankle Boots (new):Chigo

“We make the world we live in and shape our own environment.”

– Orison Swett Marden

Second-hand clothing is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to our full wardrobes and a growing awareness regarding sustainable consumption.

When you have followed my blog for a while, you will have noticed that most of my items aren’t new. I am not an overly big spender on clothes (please tell my husband this when you see him😉). That’s partly because I like what is in my wardrobe already, partly financially (I am a teacher remember) and partly for environmental reasons.

When you’re in for tips that boost both creativity and sustainability, please read on. I have found some simple steps to edit your (too) full wardrobe and have gathered some inspiring ideas to implement sustainable consumption in your life that is not about buying less clothes.

Captivating Communication, Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

A try-out using accessories and using the word “try”

1st February 2019 2 Comments

Jumper: Street One, Trousers: Tally Weijl, Boots: Unisa, Accessories: unknown (al items are pretty old…)

“Saying I’ll try really means I am not really committed.”

– Robin S. Sharma

In this blogpost I show you how I tried out 3 different accessories with the same jumper. Mind you: try out. That is something else than “try”. “Try out” means experimenting and drawing conclusions from it, whereas “try” means….yeah, what message does the word “try” actually bring across? Read on to find out…

Life Lessons

A super snow shoe walk to boost body & brain

25th January 2019 4 Comments

“Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.”

– Thomas Jefferson

The same Friday that I published my blog post about hiding the Xmas extras we went for a super snow shoe walk. Not because I wanted to bring the “walk your talk” quite literally into practice, but because there was an abundance of freshly fallen snow and you should always take your chances when they present themselves, right?!

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

How to hide those Xmas extras…

11th January 2019 9 Comments

Dress: Only, Boots: The Little Shoe Shop, Hat: H&M, Top: Tally Weijl, Necklace and Bag: ? (gifts from my mum)

“Walking Your Talk Is A Great Way To Motivate Yourself. No One Likes To Live A Lie. Be Honest With Yourself, And You Will Find The Motivation To Do What You Advise Others To Do.”

– Vince Poscente

I am a blogger who “walks her talks”. That means that I have enjoyed lots of yummy meals and cakes during the holidays and…tada…being 40+, this has had some effect on my beautiful belly! I can imagine that some of you may recognise this and that’s why I show you several stylish dresses and skirts that have this extra bonus of hiding your belly pretty well.

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

New Year: a new sweater & new year’s resolutions

4th January 2019 7 Comments

Coat: Yes or No, Skirt: Esprit: Boots: Stravers Shoes, Sweater: H&M (new)

“What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.”

– Vern McLellan

In my case it is this new sweater to start with…I use it in this week’s blogpost as a way to explain why you should stick to only one New Year’s Resolution. The one that matters to you. The one that makes a difference. The one that will determine what the New Year brings to you.

I will also show you three different ways to style it, since all good things come in threes!

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

Looking back and looking forward with a thankful heart

28th December 2018 8 Comments

Cardigan: Street One, Top: Yes or No, Jeans: H&M, Boots: Chigo, Sunnies: Cerjo, Necklace: ? (but very nice!)

My Christmas holidays are the perfect moment to relax and to reflect. This year I am in Switzerland during my holidays, enjoying the beauty this country has got to offer in winter. Lots of winter walks and skiing, followed by cosy evenings with my family or friends (see this previous blogpost).