Celebrating life choices and culture

Hello, friends!

Today, February 17th, my husband and I would like to share a double celebration with you: six years ago we moved to the city of Timișoara (English pronunciation: tee-mee-shoo-a-ruh), and also today is the official date when Timișoara takes the crown and becomes this year’s European Capital of Culture.

This prestigious title is awarded to a different European city every year, and it serves as a celebration of the cultural diversity and richness of Europe. The title is awarded to a city that demonstrates excellence in culture and creativity, and Timișoara has certainly earned its place as Europe’s cultural capital for 2023.

Timișoara is a city with a rich and varied history. It is located in the western part of Romania, close to the borders of Serbia and Hungary. The city has been inhabited for thousands of years, and it has been part of the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Communist Romania. This diverse history has left an indelible mark on the city, and it has resulted in a fascinating and unique culture that is ripe for exploration.

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The European Capital of Culture program was established in 1985, and since then, it has become one of the most important cultural events in Europe. The program is designed to showcase the cultural richness of Europe and to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. Each year, two cities are chosen to be the European Capitals of Culture, and they are given the opportunity to showcase their unique cultural heritage to the rest of Europe.

The Timișoara program for 2023 is both exciting and varied. The city organizes a series of events that will showcase its rich cultural history, including exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and workshops. Some of the highlights of the program include:

An exhibition on the history and culture of the Banat region, where Timișoara is located. The Banat region is a unique cultural and linguistic area that straddles the borders of Romania, Serbia, and Hungary.

A series of concerts featuring traditional and modern music from Romania and the surrounding countries. Timișoara has a thriving music scene, and the city is home to many talented musicians and composers.

A theater festival that will showcase the work of local and international theater companies. Timișoara has a rich theater tradition, and the festival promises to be a highlight of the program.

A series of workshops and conferences on topics such as architecture, art, and literature. These events will bring together experts from around Europe to discuss the latest trends and developments in their fields.

There were thousands of people today at the grand opening of the festivities, and the mild weather turned this into a perfect evening.

Photo credit: Dominic Fritz Facebook page

Photo credit: Dominic Fritz Facebook page

I love living in Timișoara, and it’s one of the best cities to experience Romania. In fact, two of my books take place in my homeland, more precisely in Transilvania, the place Romania is most known for. Transilvania is the central part of Romania, the land roughly surrounded by the Carpathian mountains. If you’d like a good romance, a dash of suspense, and a rich multicultural experience, I hope you will try my books, The Diary and International Affairs: London, which are free to read in Kindle Unlimited.

 

Fondly,
Melinda

Passion for fashion 👠

Fashion is a dynamic and ever-changing industry, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends. However, staying on top of the latest fashion trends is essential for those who want to look their best and make a statement. This season, there are several key trends that are expected to dominate the fashion scene.

One of the biggest trends for the upcoming season is the use of bold, bright colors. This trend is perfect for adding a pop of color to your wardrobe and making a statement. Whether it’s a bright red dress, a bold yellow top, or a vibrant blue skirt, this trend is all about embracing color and making a statement. This trend is perfect for those who want to add a touch of fun and playfulness to their look.

Another trend that is gaining popularity is the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. With the growing awareness of the impact of fast fashion on the environment, more and more brands are turning to sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. This not only helps the environment but also promotes a more ethical and conscious approach to fashion. Brands are also using sustainable practices such as reducing water usage, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste. This trend is perfect for those who want to make a difference and feel good about their clothing choices.

Another trend that is expected to be big this season is the use of oversized and relaxed clothing. This trend is all about comfort and ease, and is perfect for those who want to make a statement without sacrificing their comfort. From oversized sweaters to flowy dresses, this trend is perfect for creating a relaxed and effortless look. Loose-fitting clothing also has the added benefit of being able to hide any imperfections, making it a great option for those who want to feel confident in their clothing.

Finally, the trend of vintage fashion is also back in style. Vintage clothing has always been popular, but it’s now more relevant than ever. With the current trend of sustainable fashion, vintage clothing is a great option because it is not only stylish, but also a sustainable choice. Vintage clothing is also unique, and it’s a great way to stand out from the crowd. This trend is perfect for those who want to add a touch of nostalgia and individuality to their look.

Luckily for fashion aficionados, the upcoming season has a lot to offer in terms of fashion trends. From bold colors to sustainable materials, oversized clothing to vintage fashion, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to make a statement or simply want to stay comfortable and on-trend, these trends will help you look and feel your best.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of oversized clothing, but I do love bold colors and you’ll notice most of my book heroines have a passion for fashion. 😊

I think fashion today has a pretty timeless vibe, which is why I love following 55-year-old influencer Dominique Sachse, as she is one of the classiest and most stylish public figures I’ve seen.

What are your fashion preferences? I’d love it if you shared them with me in the comments!

 

Fondly,

Melinda

Who’s ready for a Christmas giveaway?

As some of you know, this has been a very tough year for me, so I haven’t had an opportunity to say THANK YOU to my readers too often. Well, I just want you guys to know I’m grateful for your support, and I finally got around to organizing a giveaway on my Facebook page.
Unlike Santa, I don’t care if you’ve been nice or naughty! 🎅 😉
The gifts I put together for you include an e-book copy of my romance Lovestruck box set, an audiobook copy of my rom-com, Unabridged, and a $25 Amazon gift card!
The giveaway is only for Facebook users this time, and it’s very easy to enter. You will find it as a pinned post on my Facebook page, Melinda De Ross (click on the image below)
Winners will be announced on Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24th, on this page and in my newsletter. If you’re not subscribed to my monthly newsletter, I would love to have you there and you will receive a guaranteed surprise in your inbox if you subscribe: https://melindadeross.com/
Good luck everyone, and thank you again for being here. ❤️
Wishing you all blessed holidays! 🎄
Fondly,
Melinda

Changes, deals and easy meals

Happy National Homemade Bread Day!

Yep, that’s a thing, and I didn’t know it until today. This reminds me of the days back in high school, when my dad fell in love with homemade bread. For about a year I made bread every single day, a recipe that I had learned from my grandmother, and by the next day without fail there was not a single crumb left.

I haven’t made bread in years, but a few days ago I made a delicious batch of cheesy snacks, which in Romania are called “sărățele”. These are made with cheese, butter, eggs and flour. You can sprinkle all sorts of things on top of them, like poppy seeds, grated cheese, sesame seeds, or whatever you like. Find the recipe here.

And because nothing goes better with a snack than a good book, I would like to present to you my new covers. The trend for rom-com covers leans heavily on illustrations right now, so I decided to give my covers a facelift. What do you think?

Today and tomorrow, Celebrity is at 99 cents, so if you haven’t given it a try already, now is the time!

And for all the binge-readers out there who love to read rom-com after rom-com, laugh, dream, and forget about the news for a while, I put together a box set with my entire Lovestruck series.

I hope you have a great rest of the week, and I wish you an early Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Melinda