December 31, 2014

2014 // It was a pleasure ♥

6 months of No Shopping OVER!

One of my biggest New Year's Resolutions for 2014 was my 6-Month-No-Shopping-Challenge, at which I did a fair job: I ended up buying only a few items from a flea market, and one blouse. Now, thinking 'bout this, it's crazy, isn't it (considering myself as the shopaholic I was before)? Wow, maybe I should do it again! It made my mind clearer and let me focus on the important things in life. Also, what went along way were my many visits to flea markets to sell my beloved items and give them new owners. Read a full review here. My consumption on clothing has definitely changed and I still try my best to only buy things I love and can imagine myself wearing everyday!

 Rebekka Ruétz A/W'14

 Green Juice from Rohvolution // Berlin

 That Vegan Quiche


Also, I took the risk and went from mid-length-hair to #shorthairdontcare and loved it! During Berlin Fashion Week A/W'14 in January, it was nice to catch up with friends and visit a couple of shows and fairs, my very first time for only my blog! Hurray! Throughout the year, I spent a good amount of time in Berlin, being close to my boyfriend and friends, but also to the creative input of the city. We did lots of cooking, baking and experimenting with new recipes. The Raw x Vegan Food Fair was a highlight where we experienced different dishes, brands and superfoods. Highly recommended to anyone who's into it! I reconnected with Nature by learning and studying a bit about Edible Wild Herbs and their Powers. Hug a Tree! My meals became lighter, greener and healthier, from Green Juices to Salads with Superfoods and to THAT favorite Vegan Quiche. By the end of this year, I became more and more vegan with small exceptions here and there. I met the Swede Malin Elmlid in person and traded in Spices from the Sudan with one of her Sourdough Breads -- the Bread Exchange Book is out, too! Yumm! 

Summer suddenly arrived and Berlin Fashion Week S/S'15 was another huge event series with fairs and people. But we didn't only focus on food and fashion, during the summer I got to hang out a lot at Funky Summer Longboard Shop and learned some longboard screwing skills - yes! Ride into Summer with the Loaded Teamriders happened to be with our shop in Berlin, too! Adam Colton's Bite the Bag Game became a classic! Uh, I also went Skydiving in Berlin for the first time - who's coming with me next?
 After the Rainstorm 

 So much fun with these guys // Ride into Summer w/ Loaded

August, the month where I took off for new Adventures, new Heights and explored a new country: Canada - Vancouver to be precise - Rocky Mountains - Tofino, Vancouver Island. Backpacking - Hiking - Surfing. #eatsleephikerepeat #wildlife to the fullest #girlsroadtrip. I loved every minute! It was breath-taking, unbelievable, so so beautiful, so much fun, so much quality of life and untouched nature, please can you take me back?! 3 weeks were not enough! This trip was followed by one week of San Francisco Sunshine. More food, more hiking. Just good people and positive vibes overall.
 
 Vancouver-bound 

 On top of Mount Fairview // Rocky Mountains, Canada

 Vancouver Island
  San Francisco Sunshine
Another reason why I decided to go on a Shopping Fast earlier this year was my Study Abroad semester. I applied in late 2013 and crazily, got into the few spots for New York City! At the end, I was glad that I did not know how hard it actually was to get into THAT city. Just be yourself! Yes, even in your applications and motivation letters! I remember exactly one year ago when I had to make the decision: do it and spend tons of money or leave it and save it. I doubted a lot, why? Maybe because I do not have that kind of savings account and maybe, I didn't get a scholarship until one week before I headed out to Vancouver. Anyways! September! NEW YORK! 


I was excited, I still am. 4 months being a full-time student and experiencing New York anew. Wow, the city, I first fell in love with.. how was it? Besides school, papers and final exams, it was amazing. Very different from my first time: I spotted some favorite Bloggers during New York Fashion Week, my first Broadway Bomb with the East Coast people were crazy fast and crazy good, I fell truly and deeply in love with Running again, I met very interesting people. Some of them I learned to love and care about. I am grateful for every moment this year. Reflecting on 2014 makes me realize: I love my life, even in your toughest and roughest times, just do what you love and keep doing it. Better times will always come!

 Being a Tomboy during NYFW 

 Broadway Bomb


 Best of Fleas in Williamsburg
During my Running High

A huge THANK YOU to every single one who was part of 2014! I can't wait for new adventures and share with you more positive light and love! ♥

December 28, 2014



And I need you like the moon needs the sun to shine. 
Have you ever seen the world with loving eyes? 
Well, it's beautiful and nice and every moment's a surprise.
Have you ever heard of the things them sound with loving ears?
Well, it will make you feel so fine and make you wanna dance and smile. 

Do you know what words can do where there is love in them?
It can crown girls to queens and beggars to kings.

Love is the reason for everything, and that is why I sing. 

-- Love by Patrice

December 7, 2014

NYC #15 // Stretch out with UNDO

  
Yoga. It makes everyone a more loving, compassionate being on earth. After any session, I am always in Slow-Motion. I move, touch, eat, drink more mindfully. If you haven't read my small THANK YOU note to Yoga yet, here it is again:

Every single session is such a healing gift for my body and mind. I've learned how to combine breathing, physical exercise and meditation. This is real quality time. Always, always love yourself first before you go out and spread it. Also, you start recognizing how breathing is so important while doing yoga. You become more mindful and grateful for everyday little things. When you incorporate yoga and meditation in your hectic, crazy schedule, you will see small changes. Small changes with big impact. And the more I do it, the more I love life and feel happier, more grounded, more myself and confident. 

These pictures were taken at the Undo x WithoutWalls Yoga Event held for the launch of their 2nd Issue. After a small meditation intro session with Ben Turshen, Shae led us through a nice yoga flow. Thanks to UndoMagazine who made this happen!

December 2, 2014

NYC #14 // The Runner's High

 Rookie Run // Madison Square Park

Ever felt like being on a Running High?! 

These pictures were captured two weeks ago when I first signed myself up for the free Nike+ Runs.  

Sunday Morning: Rookie Run, a one miler to shake off some dust, get some basics and then build up your way to maybe-your fastest mile ever. This fun-run is for anyone who wants to start running - get back to it - or just any runner who needs a bit of change. It's great for taking friends, to introduce them to running and to move your body! The result of the Rookie Run? So, so much fun! We turned some non-joggers into run-lovers! Although it ended up being more than one mile, maybe two, my friends enjoyed it. For me, this was an easy one. I loved the sprinting part and was excited to start running again!

Tuesday Night: Home Run. Central Park. You can choose between 3, 5 and 7 miles. It's supposed to be your home run, so choose wisely. Nike Pacers will be there to help you with your paces and distances. Start slow, build up, go faster. Wow, that was a more challenging one for me because I wasn't used to the pace and the up and downs inside the park. The Pacer did a wonderful job by pushing us through, we motivated each other by brainstorming hashtags such as #makeitcount #noexcuses #nevernotrunning #sweatismagic Loved this group run!

  Home Run // Central Park

Thursday Night: Local Run. 4-5 miler through places and spaces you've never been. Explore the city with a local and learn something new about the New York City neighbourhoods! The Local is one of the best sessions: new seeings, good people and always a nice party afterwards. Although it was kind of raining and snowing that night, this was my best run so far, I kept a steady pace, breathing was excellent and hey, we made it through!


 Local Run // Roosevelt Island

Long Run // Uptown

Saturday Morning: Challenge yourself. Go further. Choose between 4, 8 and 12 miles. Wow, crazy huh? For everyone who is training for a race, the Long Run is good practice! This was by far the most challenging run for me. Why? I was running out of fuel, and I was damn! tired. The Pacer sticked to me, made me finish the whole thing although we stopped a few times to check breathing. She didn't give up on me and at the last metres, she kept yelling: Finish strong!!! The body was not used to it, still, I fell in love with every metre!

Sunday Morning: Another Rookie Run! Brought another friend. It was cold, but it was so much fun. We laughed lots! Connect with friends through movement and endorphins again. Motivate each other to come out and run in a group. These moments are priceless! 

As you can see, I was on a total running high and I didn't want to stop! You make new friends, get your butt moving, it's an appointment, so therefore #noexcuses!, and the feeling afterwards? Just A-M-A-ZING! Thanks to everyone, who make this running experience such an incredible one! Ever happen to be in New York? Go explore the running groups and never run by yourself again ;)

 Rookie Run // Nike Running Flatiron