Optimist is a blog about modern designs, cool stuff, beautiful items and handy gadgets for babies and young kids. I like products that are modern, simple, practical, colorful and from all over the world. I hope my blog will surprise and inspire you. It is not just for moms & dads but anyone looking for unique gifts. I invite you to sail this blog and enjoy it!
Why a blog?
Ever since I have found out about (professional) blogging, I am fascinated by it. It is amazing what is happening “in the world of blogging” and for that matter, anywhere else on the Internet. By having my own blog, surfing the Internet is far more interesting and rewarding. In my search for items for this blog, I am overwhelmed by the amount of new brands out there, all by people who had an idea and the guts to start up their own business. I feel truly inspired by it.
Why this blog?
When we moved from the Netherlands to Canada in 2004, we found out that I was one month pregnant! Not only did my husband and I have to adjust to our new life, but we also were about to become parents…A lot of changes and yet, we faced one more challenge: Where would we find modern and original stuff for our baby? Now I know that it exists, you just have to know where to go.
I want to show you things that I like from around the world. This can be anything from fashionable clothes, beautiful blankets, modern furniture to handy cups. You can use this blog as an online catalog to get ideas for your own little ones or for gifts that you want to buy for friends.
Why Optimist?
Optimist is a dinghy in which young people learn to sail. It is a symbol of my childhood memories. I have spent many hours in my Optimist called “Wuppie”. I love sailing; it is relaxing, soothing and fun. As soon as I see sailing boats, I feel optimistic, as if there are no problems to deal with.
Of course Optimist also stands for the positive and innocent spirit of young children, which I like to reflect on this blog.
Who is Petra Graatsma?
Obviously Dutch by the sounds of it...I am married to Bart and we have 2 sons. Jort is 3 years old and his baby brother Wout is born Dec. 8th 2007. We have been live in Toronto, Canada since 2004. In June 2007 we moved to Germany where we are currently living in a small town close to Frankfurt. I have been working for Philips Electronics for 9 years in product management and marketing. After my maternity leave, I have decided that it is time for new things: some courses, volunteering work and this blog adventure...Since August 2008 I started working in the world of banking...
Contact me
If you have questions, feedback or an interesting product suggestion for my blog, I would love to get an email at: optimistblog[at]mac.com
About the designer
I have created the design of the blog itself and I have to say that I am quite proud that I have figured out some of the secrets of Typepad. The most important part of the design is of course the banner, which has been designed by Irene Hoofs. She is very talented (graphic design, illustrations, webdesign and more); you will find more of her work on her website. Besides, she has a very inspiring blog called Bloesem.
