Lookbook: Atea Spring x Summer '14

Minimalistic, pure, elegant and sporty at once. When I found out about this brand based in London, I immediately fell in love with the timeless, effortless pieces and clear cuts. Atea gives me inspiration of what my Wardrobe Essentials have to be like. They have to be chic, but also relaxed and comfy, so that I feel put-together, but not too lady-like. Mixing up feminine pieces like dresses with sneakers just does it.

These are my favorite outfits from the Spring x Summer Collection 2014 and I'm totally into the Suit underneath with the light Blazer and the Tailored Shorts. That outfit paired with white sneakers would be my go-to Spring outfit. Now, I might be really looking for a suit with shorts :) The designer Laura Myers just knows how to create clothes which can be easily worn and paired when travelling between different continents. 

What do you think?

 

Find more about the New Zealand designer 

in this interview by thefashionspot.

Mindful Monday: Let's go for a run!

Long time no post, huh? Well, a week I guess :) But that's not too bad because you know what? I've started working out and eating healthier again!!! This year we had barely no winter here in Germany, except from a week full of snow in Berlin, but this amazing weather and the early signs of spring just made me go out and put on my running gear again :) So, the last week was packed with my studies, but also 5 times of exercise. I have to say it has been really tough for me to get back on track since that crazy year in the U.S. in 2011-2012, why? Because then, I had sooo much time to care for myself, like really. I would workout every single day, being outside, having loads of activites and read about food, health and trying out new stuff, experiencing the super-healthy-American-way of life :) Actually experiencing the best and healthiest ME I could ever be and reaching limits, but more of my transformation in this post.

What did I do last week? I went for a run, did some weight training and yoga :) I think now it's really time to get back on track. Remember, being healthy, eating mindfully and being active is not just a trend, which comes and goes, it is a lifestyle decision. As soon as I've started running outside last week, I felt more alive, more energized and motivated to keep all this -yes life- going! Therefore this week's motto is simply:

You're only one run, stretch, skate, swim, play.. 

away from being happy. 

That's just how it is. Move your butt! For example yesterday when I didn't feel well because I was a bit stressed out with Uni and several other projects, I've turned away from my desk, put on my running shoes and went for a run. How did it feel? It's like meditating, I am by myself, fully focused, clearing my mind and the only thing I am doing is: breathing.

Inhaling 

I breathe in all positivity and light which nature gives me. 

Exhaling

 I breathe out all negativity and worthless thoughts.  

And also during the run, I was grateful for having the ability to actually walk, run, and breathe in this fresh air. Friends and other people tell me that they don't like working out because they feel tired afterwards, but what it does for me is, it actually relives me and gives me more strength for the upcoming tasks and challenges life has for me. A dear friend once said: Energy creates energy. Give it a try, I promise you will feel better afterwards when you get the hang of it! Or better yet, wanna meet up for a run? :) 

Here are tips on how to get back on track and 
here's one on how to deal with your muscle ache the day afterwards ;-) 
Enjoy reading them! 
Keep up the light guys and stay positive ♥

Food Friday: Homemade x Whole-grain Pasta ♥

Everyone who is following me on my instagram or twitter account already saw that I have been into eating and cooking a lot lately. I went out to eat, met up with friends for brunch or baked bread to calm down after a long day of school :) But it wasn't until two weeks ago, my boyfriend had the idea of making our own pasta as well. So, today I am actually sharing his recipe :) Both of us always wanted to do this one day, but we do not own a pasta machine, so we thought: hmm.. might be too strenuous, but hey! if you put some effort and time in it, it's actually NOT! 

Make this an event with friends and family, get together, make your own pasta and cook different sauces to eat with :) I promise, this is so much fun!!! 

Ingredients:

300g whole spelt flour,

200g semolina (dt. Hartweizengrieß),

6 egg yolks,

1 egg,

2 teaspoons olive oil,

water,

1 pinch of salt.

Serves 4 hungry people :) 

1. Mix all ingredients together and knead until you have a nice dough. Add so much of water that the dough does not crumble. It should not be liquid either. 

2. Shape a ball and put it in a bowl. Let it sit in your refridgerator for 30minutes.

3. Pour some flour on your table and take out your rolling pin. Tear off parts of the dough and roll out until it is super thin. Since we had no pasta machine, we used a pizza knife to cut out thin pasta slices :) At this step you can be creative and cut out whatever you like or even use cookie cutters ;-)

4. Now it's up to you, are you hungry and wanna have some pasta immediately? Then cook some in hot water, but be aware: they only need 3 to 4 minutes to be al dente ;-) If not: you can hang them on a cord and let them dry, so you can enjoy them the next days.

That was it! Cook your different sauces and invite some friends over to share them :) I also have to say that these are super filling! because they are whole-grain, so have an empty stomach ;-) That night, I had my pasta with some sautéed zucchini, onion and green pesto :) The pasta definitely tastes different, but really really good and I think, it makes a difference whether you actually know what's inside your food instead of guessing what these chemicals at the back of the package mean.

Happy cooking your homemade pasta without a pasta machine! ♥ 

Featured in NYC Issue by OFF COLOR

                

Last night, my dear friends from the online magazine Off Color dropped their 4th issue about one of the most amazing cities on this planet!!! Katrin, one of the two sisters, just came home from her short trip to New York and wanted to share with you what she has experienced. Not only do I share my love for the city with them, but I was happy to be featured in this issue again :) This time, I was asked to answer a few questions about what? Yes, of course, the city!!!

Inside you will find a NYC guide, some cool stores to visit and hot shots from people she met there, but I don't want to talk too much. Dive into it and let the pictures, texts, mood inspire you from the city that never sleeps and where Off Color was born.

Thank you for featuring me in this issue again :) I think you guys did an amazing job ♥ Please, keep up your work, do what you love and stay strong. Embrace the difference and stay true to yourself. Words from the NYC Ghost story:

You've got the resources, two hands and a brain.

You can make it anywhere.

Mindful Monday: Stress as my Friend?

             

As everyone of us, I am still dealing with stress and I guess, this will not pass away that easy and fast, but I am definitely feeling better now because I listen more and more to my body's needs. Today, I've just found this super interesting Ted Talk in how to turn stress to your best friend as the Health Psychologist explains. Please take 15 minutes of your time to learn about how to deal with stress. It might save your life and the only thing you have to do is: believe. 

Chasing meaning is better for your health than trying to avoid discomfort.