THU THU Sample Sale

The Berlin fashion week just went by super fast and I have to say I am suuuper exhausted! Do you know how it is to be tired all week because you're lacking of sleep? It's like you haven't slept for one whole night and then you're just permanently tired all day and night. You won't be able to catch up on some sleep later on.

Anyways, this saturday, I still wanted to spend some time outside with my dear girls. We wanted to check out THU THU's sample sale since she is a London-based designer and she was only here for the fashion week. There's a funny background story to it: On thursday night we went out to the LesMads party at Cookies which was a lot of fun! When we were sitting in that cinema room, the designer of ThuThu and her friends came in, joined us and we've had a really nice chat.

Berlin Fashion Week S/S '14: Opening Show of Hien Le

Today was the first day of the Berlin Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014 and through work I had the chance to be there for the opening show of Hien Le. So, I was really excited to sit close to the runway to take some nice shots! It was the second time that he received the honor to open the fashion week. I have to admit I have to be some kind of patriotic here, he is also Vietnamese and I encourage Asians a lot! Don't get me wrong, but I do love Asians doing fashion! I mean: Vera Wang, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Perret Schaad and Hien Le, just to name a few :-P 

Le is a Berlin based designer and his collections are dominated by his accurate workmanship and his minimalistic cuts. This season he found inspiration in nature by using a dragonfly-print for his signature pieces. Hien Le transformed the print and created an abstract appearance.

Whole-grain-bread-Quiche

This weekend I really felt like making a quiche, so this sunday was the day. The first time I've ever made a quiche was this year's mother day, so today was the second time. When I got up this morning I realized that I forgot to buy whole-grain flour. Shoot! So, what do you do then? 
Like the quote 'Necessity is the mother of invention' I've used whole-grain bread and oats instead. As you can see in the first picture it worked out pretty well. I've used up four slices of bread (cut them up into breadcrumbs) and maybe one small bowl of oats, mixed that up with one egg and some butter and put it on the tin. 

The recipe is actually from the German cooking site: Chefkoch but I didn't follow it and totally transformed it. I mean, this is the way I cook. I cook by instict and always see how it works.
And you'll realize that this is definitely not a tomatoe-quiche =D

So, the recipe to THIS quiche:

Green Tea at Mamecha's

What do you guys do on a saturday when it's rainy outside? Right, you meet friends for coffee and have some cake. Although I always meet friends for 'coffee', I'd always get tea. This morning we've decided to go to a tea place instead of a coffee place. Google helped us and we've found MAMECHA!

Food Friday: Green Juice

Yummy! =D No?! Oh right, it is green and does not look very delicious, but I can assure you that this small drink is loaded with vitamins and nutrients your body needs! What did I do in the U.S.? My boys and me, we would watch documentaries about food! Haha, yes food! There are many interesting ones, if you're in the states, check out Netflix! If not I'm your ambassador! 

One day we watched Fat, sick and nearly dead and I was inspired by Joe Cross who started the revolution of juicing in the U.S. He was indeed fat, sick and nearly dead and his conditions were pretty bad. Cross then promised to heal himself by eating fruits and vegetables for 60 days instead of taking in tons of pills. Traveling through the U.S. with a juicer and walking a lot he came across some people, talked with them about health, food and actually spread out the word. It is a nice documentary about people who try to save themselves from their diseases because the only one who can is YOU! Check out the trailer and get inspired as well!

Being inspired I've wanted to try out juicing but didn't start until this spring. I felt like I needed a cleanse after this very long winter...

I drank them for two days, three juices a day replacing whole meals. In the mornings mostly fruits, for lunch a mixed one and for dinner vegetables only. I quit. It was not enough for me, not chewing and being done with 'eating' so quickly. And yes I know it was my mind telling me that I cannot resist but chewing on things, but I don't take it too seriously. That was my first experience with a 'juice cleanse' ever. Instead I did a vegan week and ate a lot of raw foods, which worked well for me.

Nevertheless, I like the taste of green juices a lot, mixing and trying out different ingredients is fun! Yeah, I know they really do not look good, but honestly I'm talking about self-made green juices and not some packed up carrot or tomato juice from your super market ;-) Once in a while I make myself green juices in the morning or in the afternoon. It definitely revs up my metabolism and although it does not look as good, it nurtures my body to the fullest. Check out those great charts to mix up your own green juice at home. No expensive juicer needed, a food processor will do its job, too! 

I always include spinach or kale, frozen spinach works if you don't have fresh one. Additionally I try to mix up sweet fruits with vegetables so I won't need added sugar.

Here are more refreshing recipes: 

Green smoothies from Refinery29 and Green Juices from Mind Body Green.

And why should you add greens to your everyday life? Read on: 10 Reasons.

Have fun mixing! :) 

M 

edit: read more about the health benefits of juicing vegetables and fruits,

such as taking in a wider variety of vegetables and cleansing your body: easy green juice.

Oh finally! Germany has noticed the benefits of green juices! For German readers: even Miranda Kerr is juicing, click here! 

My longboard story: Gold x green

Look at this perfection of a longboard. Yes, this is it! Gold to green to the fullest!

Long story: I was sick, became a bit depressed, life was monotonous and I was longing for something which sparks my eye. Do you know what I mean by saying: the glowing in your eyes? I've missed that!

Until the next day, it was like someone heard my call: I met a girl on a longboard. I was like: WHAT IS THAT? CAN YOU TEACH ME?!!! That was a month ago and since then it became one of my passions. The moment I was standing on my friend's board I felt: Freedom. My second thought was: Dedication. I felt free, energized, motivated, so childish, yet very very happy.

I had and still have fear, but I know I have to overcome it. Doubts came up and my mind was telling me things like: 'You need time for it. Do you really want it? Aren't you too old for this? Maybe it's just a phase.' Furthermore it wasn't only my mind, it was also people who surrounded me. They were like: 'Honey, we've all had our skater-girl phase, get over it.' I wasn't sure. I borrowed one for a month and have to say: I used it often. 

Time passed and I've made a decision: The fun and the kick is worth more than anything else as long as you're happy! Hell yeah! I don't give a f***! I want to prove myself that you're never too old to start or learn something new. Listen to your gut more and just do what you love and love what you do! Decisions are no decisions without execution. Today was the day: A Loaded Dervish Sama board, golden Bear trucks and green ABEC 11 wheels. An investment for the next couple of years, hopefully for a lifetime. 

Longboards are bigger than skateboards and are used for many disciplines: downhill, dancing, cruising, slalom riding and transport. Surfers tried to invent something for times when there weren't good waves to surf on. So, why not surfing the streets? The result: Longboards and skateboards. It has been always a dream for me to learn how to surf. I am fascinated of being in the middle of nature and flowing in between waves. Since it is a bit difficult to try it out in Germany, I thought: Well, longboarding just popped up. Give it a try and you'll gain some experience in actually standing on a board.

The moment I stood on mine I was one of the luckiest girl on earth or at least Berlin! The feeling of freedom is still intense and this new hobby widenend my perspective once more. I love changes and I love life! Yes, sometimes I want to be a kid again! :)

Many thanks to Funky Summer Berlin. These guys really know what they're doing and selling! Since 1999 they are trying to establish the longboard sport in Germany and spread out the word. They were super friendly, open-hearted and they really took their time to give me advise. I ended up being there for two hours and testing some boards. I'll definitely return and try out their dance class! I might join them on a longboard tour which they offer every Tuesday night (Cruiser Day). The owner Franky (above) said something beautiful: Longboarding is somekind of meditation for me, of being calm with your mind, body and totally focused on the streets.

Oh and girls can surf and skate, too ;-) 

Mind Body Green has an exercise to get rid of fear and trusting the universe

and TinyBuddha gives some advice for overcoming the fear of taking risks.

STAY FEARLESS AND JUST DO IT

NOW!

M

Weekend Food Shopping

It is my first weekend all by myself in Berlin, so what did I get? First of all I have to say that it can be pricey living by yourself and feeding yourself. Haha, no mommy and daddy, no full refridgerator! Anyways, as you can see I try to stay healthy and I cannot live without vegetables, fruits and a bit of protein. I also make sure to have oat flakes, almonds, eggs and whole grain bread in stock.

Carrots: my go-to snack to munch on, full of Vitamin A and good for your eyes.

Zucchini: very good for stir-fries, have you tried it raw?? :)

Peppers: red vegetables and fruits like red grapes are full of iron, you don't need meat! ;-)

Turnip cabbage: vietnamese influence>> steam it and dip it in traditional fish sauce.

Radishes: like the spicy taste a lot, raw! I also use up the greens for soup or broth.

Pickles: who does not love pickles? Try some from McClure's in Brooklyn, super funny, it is a family recipe and these guys make some spicy and garlic ones! Everything hand picked and hand sliced. Want to make a pickle pizza? Check out their website, just love this creativity in cooking!

Bananas: full in potassium, my go-to pre-workout snack when you want to head for a jog in half an hour, very versatile for smoothies, banana bread???! Mix them in oatmeals and it is a great substitute for eggs in baking dishes!

Strawberries: antioxidants go! Dark berries are the best, full of Vitamin C, perfect summer fruit for smoothies, salads, desserts, yummy!

Nectarines: just available here in the summer, more exotic frui.

Whole grain bread: good carbs, whole grains?! says it all, cannot get it, don't like the ones in supermarkets? Bake your own: Whole grain bread variaton #1

Almonds: super healthy fats!!! Your body do need those! Snack on them, make your own almond milk, add to anything from breakfast to salads.

Eggs and cottage cheese: egg-omelet, boiled eggs=6g of protein, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese does not have as much fat but I don't consume as much lactose.

Here are some tips to up your fruit and vegetable intake: Just have it at home! Get out and enjoy the sun!

Happy weekend guys ♥

Food Friday: Quinoa

The first time I had quinoa was in the U.S. at a BBQ, someone brought a salad and I just loved it! The second time I had it was in California at an Israeli restaurant called Oren's Hummus Shop. So, again I was really excited about it when I've found it here. It's really versatile, especially when you like it lighter in the summer; you can substitute it for rice, millet or pasta. Just perfect for vegans or people who are allergic to gluten. I bought mine from the organic brand Rapunzel. They make great nut butters, too!

Some facts about quinoa from Mind Body Green:

+ one serving fills 48% of our daily magnesium needs

+ low in cholesterol and sodium

+ it can be white, red or black

+ is a relative to leafy green veggies like spinach

+ very high in protein

Take a look at the recipes:

Morning meditation - stretch

Summer finally arrived!!! 

These days I woke up early in the morning because it's just so hot outside: ~ 25°C/ 77°

It's not as hot as in the U.S. but summer came too sudden.

What to do best when you get up really early?

Ride your bike to the lake, do some meditation and yoga! I was there around 6.30a.m. and it was very nice and still chilly. I just love being up this early, why? There is nobody around who'd disturb you!!!

I've started meditation like four to five months ago and I still try to do it every single morning. I don't do it for 30min or so, but 5min every day keeps my mind calm and focused. Sometimes you're just stressed out or have too much in your mind going on, so that you cannot focus anymore. You're always running, ruhsing and try to be on time with anything. Additionally I did some yoga poses, it is so good for me and I think every athlete should incorporate yoga exercises to really stretch out and loosen tight muscles!

Then, I'd like to just slow down and breathe. Being still and mindful helps me to live in the present, not to think too much about the past and not to plan so much for the future.  

Anyone can meditate, you don't have to become a monch. Just breathe and try to calm your mind. When a thought comes up, just catch it and follow how it flows away. 

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.”- Thich Nhat Hanh

Additionally I did some yoga poses, it is so good for me and I think every athlete should incorporate yoga exercises to really stretch out and loosen tight muscles!

Let's embrace this very moment and say:

WELCOME BACK SUN :) we've missed you!

P.S.: Do you want to know what 20min. of yoga does to your brain? Read on here.

Superfood: Chia-Seeds

Living in the U.S., having a lot of time for myself, I've spent most of it doing sports and reading about nutrition. Surfing on the internet and reading many blogs, I came along chia- seeds. 
I've already added flax seeds to my meals, but chia seeds? I thought that they are pretty expensive. They actually are not. I was completely surprised when I've found them here in GER, yes, at my organic health store :)

Now I'm trying them out, but I'm not sure how much I should take in to fully get the benefits. 
It's supposed to help you with digestion, boost your energy and it has the Omega 3+6 fatty acids which would aid in cognitive and learning performance. 

I've made pudding out of it (just stir it up in water and let it sit for at least one hour) and try to add it into oatmeal, juices and salads. Just found out that it might be a food trend, but I like the neutral flavor and the consistency because hey: it expands and after an hour you have pudding?! 

Read on:
10 Health Benefits from Healthyeating.sfgate.com

Ancient Super Seed from Dr. Oz 

I'm curious if I'll notice something soon, will keep you updated ;-)

Dr. Hauschka cosmetics ♥

Yep! Working at an organic food and health store has its pros =) 
Last week I had my last days there and couldn't resist but splurge on some (a bit expensive when you're a student) natural cosmetics! One day I've attended a Dr. Hauschka workshop due to work and got the 'Quince Day Cream', the 'Toned day Cream' and the 'Lipbalm'. After that workshop I just fell in love with the company and their products! 

Dr. Hauschka does not use any chemicals or conventional ingredients, moreover they try not to use alcohol and create creams which don't irritate your skin, they rather strengthen and revitalise it. They also offer visits in which you can look into their garden and participate in a cosmetic presentation.

I haven't used the Cream and Lipbalm yet because I don't like lipbalms, they just dry out your lips even more. Maybe I'll try it in the winter months. The Toned day Cream is just perfect when you don't feel like wearing make- up but still want to have some colour in your face =)

Additionally I've bought the 'Volume Mascara' and the 'Lemon, Lemongrass Body Oil' which I'll use in the summer instead of my coconut oil. The Lemongrass scent will freshen you up and get you ready for the day ;-)

Oh, and did you notice the golden design of their products? :)

Coco, coco, coconut oil!

Several months ago, working at an organic food/health store, my co- worker told me to try out coconut oil since the ends of my hair were really dry. I've tried it, did some research on it and now I'm using it for everything: as a body lotion, face moisturizer, make- up removal and I cook with it as well!

My skin just feels so much better without chemistry and I feel better as well =)

Coconut oil is my go- to- everything now and I just ♥ it! 

It's also a great gift for my girls and they are totally enthusiastic about it.

Of course I did recommend it to some customers and now I look at empty shelves, no coconut oils anymore? =D No worries, I've got some in stock =)

More information about coconut oil and how you can use it:

More bread woohoo!

I baked some more bread :-) but this time I used a different recipe and whole- wheat instead of spelt flour. It's so easy making your own bread!!! On the left I've tried to make a ciabatta- kind of bread with oregano. Both are whole grain. I'm telling you I have so much fun baking and trying out new recipes! And you know what? My hostfamily just bought a bread machine!!! I am so excited :-D Although I prefer baking in the oven because of the look of the bread (I don't like the square- shape of the bread machines) I'll give it a shot and see if it's really convenient!

Green- tip: Forget the white wonder bread! It's processed and unhealthy, instead bake your own! At least you'll know what's inside and adding different grains and spices will make it tastier! Mix different types of flours, spelt flour or rye flour. Flax seeds will add lots of protein, try adding rolled oats, quinoa, barley and whatever you like :-)

Here is the recipe for this one:

Swimming: all day, everyday!

97°F outside, it is humid and hot!

What did I do? I got up early in the morning and went for a workout- swim! :)

It feels so great, I love swimming and I always feel relieved!

In the afternoon I took the boys to the lake, so I went a second time.

This week I already went swimming when it was around 60°F and I have to say: The water was freaking cold.. but I've did it! I was in the water for about 40minutes and after that I really needed a hot shower and hot tea!!! I felt perfectly fine afterwards!

Right now, I'm enjoying life so much and I've never felt as energetic as I do now! I hope it stays :)) I hope you guys are enjoying your warm days, too! 

Much love and don't forget the sunscreen ;)

M

My green-tip: Never forget your reusable water bottle and your cloth bag! 

Bag it!

The other day I was watching this documentary about plastic. It is really good and well done! Not too boring or too formal but it provides you with worth known facts about how much the Americans consume plastic, how much it causes harm to mother nature and where it actually ends, no not in your recycle bin!

An average guy, like you and me, is talking about something which we use every single day. It surrounds us everywhere if we notice. It can make us and especially our children sick, it damages the oceans and actually it is not recyclable.

My life is definitely too plastic! Is yours, too? 

Spread the word out, use less plastic, reuse bottles and refuse single- use plastic.

"Think about it, why would you make something that you're going to use for a few minutes out of a material that's basically going to last forever, and you're just going to throw it away. What's up with that?"

- Jeb Berrier  

more here

I care.

My last article for the college's student newspaper came out today. I wrote about the Earth Week at my college, its activities and if the college is really 'green'.

At the green festival in NY, we've got a lot of information about going green and how small steps can make a difference. I think that people would like to do something in order to go green but they are just too busy to really think about it. 

Right now I am trying to find a balance between my shopping habits, consumption itself and being green because after I had time to do some research and watching documentaries now I think twice what and where I buy.

Would you like to join me?

Earth Day

The weather is getting better, I am spending every weekend in NYC, at least one day and I am doing fun stuff, either on my own or some of my friends are joining me.

A week ago, it was Earth Day and after hitting the green festival in the city my friend Franzi and I, we've been to a fashion show of students from Parsons, the New School. They showed some recycled fashion and reused old fabrics.

It's amazing what you can do with old clothes, just redesign it ;-)

I like the black dress with the golden bracelets a lot, it could be a little bit too loose. 

http://www.greenfestivals.org/

http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/