Mindful Monday: I want less. Here and Now.

I want less, here and now started with my decision of becoming more and more aware of what I buy, use and really need. I've wanted to clear my clutter, to get rid of things which weigh me down and I'm still in this life-long process. You're very welcome to join me, to give me tips or we could help each other. I'm just trying to practice and test myself in consuming less.

Step #1:

Two weeks ago I've managed to look through a bunch of clothes, sorting them out and actually selling them. It wasn't me selling my clothes; I was at school when a friend of mine took my clothes and sold them at a big flea market in town. Again, thank you very much for that!!! She herself was moving and also wanted to get rid of a bunch of stuff she doesn't need anymore. This year I've already sold some stuff at different fleas and I'm always glad about the fact that my stuff will find a new and good owner. 

Yes, it's strenuous to stand there from 5 or 6am until 2pm to see people strolling by, stopping by, not buying and just looking. However, it's super funny when there are actually people wanting your stuff and immediately loving it. Be it scarves, bags, clothes, accessories, pick them all together and go look for the next flea market to sell them! 

If you haven't worn anything in one or two years: Say Goodbye and leave it for someone who will wear it and appreciate it! I'm also thinking of opening up a FB-Page to swap my stuff, be creative, call a friend who'll join you for a flea and you'll have a lot of fun, I'm sure! :)

Watch this now: When you're from France or Germany, you definitely have to watch this documentary: Less is more from ARTE. Super interesting how a few of us live alternatively, completely without the need of others and happily together.

Less meat, more vegetables, less plastic, more paper or reusable glasses, less driving, more biking and so on. I'm looking up to those; I think this video is up for seven days, so don't wait!

Food Friday: Easy-Peasy Pumpkin Soup

Autumn-Time is Pumpkin-Time!!! 

I'm pretty glad about the fact that the pumpkin is back =D Hell yeah, I was super excited to get my first one this year. I have to say that I haven't found out about pumpkins as a super vegetable since last autumn when a dad of a very good friend made some soup out of it. I became totally addicted and since then I'd do anything with it. Some people do not like pumpkins, I'm asking why??? but I'm sure I can change your tastebuds ;-)

For this recipe you'll need:

A hokkaido pumpkin,

some carrots, onions, tomatoes, ginger, 

vegetable broth and coconut oil (any other oil works as well). 

For a small pot serving 2 it'd be:

Half a hokkaido pumpkin, one and a half carrots, two onions, one tomatoe, a bit of ginger.

Start cutting up everything into small cubes and do three teaspoons of coconut oil in a pot, add onions, carrots and pumpkin. Heat up your pot and add two cups of hot water mixed with two tablespoons vegetable broth. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the carrots and pumpkin are soft. Take your blender and mash up the vegetables, do it as you prefer, for example I like my soup more chunky and leave some vegetable pieces. If you like it more smotth, add water or coconut/soy milk. Add the tomatoe and ginger pieces, add salt, pepper, herbs and taste it. Blend more if you prefer. Mix and heat it up again.

Et voilá, that's it :) Have some rice or bread with it. I've also added some boiled shrimps for a more Asian soup :)

My Food-Tip: Why Coconut Oil? Coconut works wonder with pumpkin and you'll taste the difference using coconut oil. 

Throwback Thursday: Skateboard Museum Berlin

This was just a preview exhibition of the Skateboard Museum, it's still moving from Stuttgart to Berlin. Just amazing and astonishing what the collector has found in the past and presented to us. He told us about the history of the actual skateboard and how longboards emerged, as well. 

Skateboarding and its whole scene from music to graffiti art to fashion is super interesting and I cannot wait for the real Opening of the Museum in 2014. You should definitely check it out then!

Work in Progress

Hey guys, 

I haven't posted anything in two days, so I've just wanted to let you know, that work is in progress ;-)

If the sun is shining, get out and go for a walk or even a run, meet up some friends and enjoy the holiday here in Germany. These days I had friends over, so that's why life was a bit more chaotic than usual. Oh, by the way, there's a big Longboard Open today close to my home, see you there ;-)

Stay tuned and treat yourself with a big and long breakfast :)

Changing Seasons: Autumn is here.

Well, have you noticed that the season has changed? I didn't yet, here in the south the weather is pretty nice and I don't feel like wearing huge sweaters and scarves yet. So, the other day I finished working out and had the lust of wearing my leather shorts from Topshop to school. My friends were like: Oh no, you definitely need to wear some tights with it, it will be freezing outside. I've checked the weather forecast, it said sunny and up to 22°C (70°F), furthermore I was like: No, just go with the shorts, you will regret wearing long pants later that day.

There you go, me, the only one wearing shorts, was happy without tight, long pants and the sun was shining bright on my bare skin. Loved it! Whenever your guts tell you something, just do it and don't care what others will say or think. We should show more skin when it's still warm out, especially when we're lacking so much sun and Vitamin D. In addition I think that, when the 'big people' wear short skirts and dresses to the Fashion Weeks right now, we could also be more brave with our everyday styling :)

I've loved my season's changing outfit: I've paired the Topshop leather pants with a grey sweater from Zara, black sneakers from Deichmann and a light blazer from H&M. The tote is from the Funky Summer Longboard Shop, the two-tone necklace with the black ring on my thumb are from & Other Stories, the small rings are from Snash Jewelry, on the right hand there's the golden COS ring, a natural one from Brazil and the bracelet from my dad. What do you guys wear when the season is changing?

Food Friday: Chocolate Chia Pudding

For today's recipe I've got inspired, once again, by one of my favorite American Health Sources Mind Body Green and they showed a chocolate chia pudding recipe and a strawberry version. Of course I didn't really follow the instructions and just made mine up :)

Ingredients:

Chia seeds,

soy milk or other milk,

almonds or nuts,

cocoa powder,

some cinnamon and honey.

Mix two cups of soy milk with two to three tablespoons chia seeds, do one tablespoon of cocoa and stir until the colour of the milk is even. 

Shred one cup of almonds and stir into the chia-soy-cocoa mixture, let the bowl sit in the refridgerator for at least one hour. The mixture will thicken and the longer you will let it sit, the thicker it will be. Have some honey, cinnamon and fruits with it :) 

Enjoy it as a super healthy desert after dinner or let it sit until the next day and have it as a morning breakfast with frozen or fresh fruits :) Opening up your refridgerator you will find a super duper puddingy bowl of chia and chocolate!

Oh and do the double or triple amount of it if you want to share it with others :) 

My Food-Tip: Try to use it up as fast as possible, the combination with chocolate don't last long.

Fall Essentials 2013 #3: Black Boots

I bought these boots last fall from Zara and haven't worn them very often. I felt like the boots were too chunky and heavy on my outfits, but this season I'm totally in! The Grunge-and-Punk trend this fall gives us the chance to be more edgy, black and rough. Usually I'm super picky with clothes because I really want golden zippers, buttons, studs and so on, since the embellishment is not that big, I can overlook it: Whatever right? =D I'm just all into everything golden, although punk and grunge work better with silver.

My shopping-tip: I bought them in the kids section and they were way cheaper than in the normal women's section. How come? My friend found out, that the kids sizes goes up to 38 EU or 8 US :) Save some money!

Want to find some similar ones?

 1-Leather Boots from H&M.

2-Flat Ankle Boots from Asos.

3-Boots from H&M.

4-Leather Boots from Zara.

What I listen to...

Last night the artist Bonobo was around this area but I couldn't make it to his show. Nevertheless, I've just wanted to give you some music input and show you what I was listening to this summer besides Patrice, Seeed and Clueso. Enjoy :)

Beloved all-seasons boots by Blowfish

Like these? Well, these shoes were my first shopping spree after arriving in the U.S. in 2011 and I have to tell you, I instantly fell in love, got them and wore them so many times. I don't know how many miles I've walked in these boots out of fabric, but I can tell you: MANY! Up and down the city like a bazillion times, they were with me travelling through the U.S: Florida, Puerto Rico, the Westcoast and then back in Germany, as well.

Two years, many walks, a bike accident which scratched them badly and special weather conditions later.. they are almost saying goodbye to me. Should I cry? Don't know, but I'm close to.. of course, Century 21 do not have them anymore and the brand Blowfish doesn't sell them on their online page. What to do? Super desperate, super frustrated, how am I going to find boots that nice again?

I wore them to skinny jeans, always!, to skirts to get a more street-used-look and almost to every occasion, yes, also to work. People have asked me where I've got them from and I was always lucky to say: Well, from the states :)

Now they are having huge wholes in the sole, so whenever it's raining, it's getting wet in there and a few stones got stuck already, too =D The fabric is not sticking to the sole anymore and now I'm thinking of duct-taping the inside but I'm not sure if it really makes sense to keep them. So, guys, what do you think? What do you do with those kind of clothes, the ones you love so badly, like really bad and then, actually YOU have to say goodbye. Do you really do it? Getting rid of them, do you try to get a new pair (similar though) or repair it?

Recap: How would you style to a Longboard Contest?

Melanie Golz from Cologne,  1st in the Women's category of the Eurodance. Washed Jeans, T-Shirt, skated-off sneakers: 

Perfect way!

Guleed Yussuf from the Netherlands, awesome style in skating and fashion! How to describe in one word?

Unique.

 Lotfi Lamaali from France and Esther Suave from Berlin, being serious and childish! What's that? 

Authentic and skaters by heart.

 Are you ready for Peter Markgraf from Berlin, 

the skate-pirate? Arrrr :)

Just don't give a fuck and have fun =D OR go all into it and create your own style, be it sporty or extraordinary. Found these shots from the Eurpean Longboard Dance Contest 2013 back in August, maybe I can do some more style shots at future contests, would interest me how 'longboarders' style themselves ;-)

Recap: Black Summerdress

Back in summer, back in Berlin. Actually the outfit to the interview with Susie from Stylebubble. Oh yes, black works in summer ;-)

Leather jacket from H&M-years ago.

Sheer dress from Forever 21-somewhen last year.

Shoes from Deichmann.

Vintage Handbag from Coach.

Necklace from a friend.

Bracelets from a street vendor in NYC.

Ring from Brazil.

Food Friday: Raw Salad x Apples x Flaxseed Oil

Getting my new superfood Flaxseed Oil I've just wanted to try it out by myself and add it with anything, starting with oatmeal and now raw salads. Well, this is more of a leftover recipe, but I totally like it :) Do you eat broccoli raw? No? Try it, I obviously did try it out and since then like it a lot!

Ingredients:

any leftover vegetable like

broccoli, carrots, red peppers, cucumbers, a tomatoe and an apple or any other fruit :)

Cut up the vegetables into small pieces and mix everything! Adding some fruit, like an apple will bring a different taste into your normal salads and sometimes I like to have a twist for my taste buds. I also like to mix up 'dry' or 'crunchy' vegetables with ones which are more juicy, for example mixing carrots, broccoli with avocado and mango, you won't need a special dressing then. Oh, check out the Mango-Salad!

Have some carbs with it, I've added some leftover spelt. How come spelt? Found it in the supermarket, usually use it to make bread, but wanted to try it out and see, if one can actually substitute it with regular rice or pasta. Yes, you can! Just do one cup spelt with three cups 'uncooked' water and let it sit for a day, it will become soft and eatable.

Add your superfoods like chia seeds and flaxseed oil :) Season with some salt and herbs and you will have a fresh and delicious salad with a good dose of vitamins.

Food-Tip: Always, always add some avocado if you like it :)

Watch out: Superfood Flaxseed Oil

When I was at my friend's house whose mum is a health advisor, she gave me some flaxseed oil to try. Of course I knew about flax seeds and I'd always add it into my oatmeal, but the oil of it? Made me curisous! She told me to have a spoon. Yes, pure oil =D At first, I was like.. okay, well, why not. I mean, I'd sometimes do it with coconut oil but not with like.. vegetable oil? Anyways, I've then added it to my oatmeal and it didn't really taste differently, but eaten pure I'd say that it has a special taste, not bad, just rich and significant.

Reading more and doing some research about this special oil, which contains 50% of omega-3-fatty acids, convinced me to buy it and add it into my everyday foods. So, before posting tomorrow's food friday recipe I've just wanted to tell you some good-to-know-facts about this superfood. 

Omega-3-Flaxseed oil comes from the Flaxseed plant and is one of the healthiest oils in the world. The flaxseed plant is growing in my area for many, many years and people would trade with it. Nowadays people make oil out of the plants through decating and studies found out that it has a lot of health benefits:

- contains about 50% unsaturated fats 

- antioxidant effects

- improves concentration

- may help with blood pressure, diabetes, eye and heart diseases

- helps fighting cancer

- anti-inflammatory and so on...

If you want to read more about flaxseed oil, follow this link to the Medical Center of the University of Maryland or read this post about the health benefits by the Global Healing Center. 

I am taking flaxseed oil for more than a week now and I don't know if it's the oil, but I do feel healthier, also because me adding more of chia seeds into my everyday foods and trying to get back on track ;-) So, where did I get this? Mine is from Agriluna, here you will find it and will get your own dose of plant-based goody-fats :) 

Oh and be aware that you have to keep it in your refridgerator, add it to freshly made salads, your muesli, oatmeal or just have a spoon ;-) No heating up or cooking! Sooner or later I'll post another food-statement of myself because for now, I'm heading more into 'vegetarian' and 'raw' food :)

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