21Mai 2017

Tate Modern, London

0 General, Travel Permalink 5

Oh London, you always do surprise me a little bit more with every time I visit you. As a few of you might have seen on Snapchat and Instagram, I am currently back in the city of (what I like to name it) business. That is, I usually only come here for meetings; fly in early and back out late. This time, however, due to meetings on Friday and tomorrow, Monday, I was able to stay over the weekend and explore London just a little bit more than usually. I loved it thus far. I’ve been walking around for kilometers every day, from the St Paul’s Cathedral (opposite my hotel) to the famous Palace, across several bridges – and of course, to the Tate Modern.

I don’t go often to museums. In fact, I barely go at all. Another fact: I don’t go often enough. Having visited the Tate Modern today for a couple of hours really reminded me how much I love looking at art. It is inspiring, intimidating and really makes you think twice. Then there is art I simply don’t understand – but that is another topic to discuss. Seriously though, I don’t understand some of this stuff. But hey, it’s art, and who am I to judge, right?

I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces with you. Generally, I love art that is a little provocative to the mind. Be it discussing or demonstrating certain historic events or political happenings, or simply making us re-think certain daily routines or objects we use. I also love photography that is .. a little edgy? Perhaps that is not the best word to use, but I wouldn’t know how to better describe it. I love photography that displays the not-so-perfect scenes. I love photography that makes you think, that gives the viewer new perspectives, that shows the un-perfect of the world, the truths we often close our eyes towards, and contrasts we often overlook.

Also, I went to the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) Open-Air today. It. was. brilliant. I love classical music in general – and this experience, seeing it live on the streets, was breath-taking. It likewise reminded me I don’t go to concerts enough (especially orchestra ones. And actually, I have never been). So hey, another to-do that I want to add to my list. One more to remind me to enjoy life and simply „let go“ from time to time. Life is so short. We should enjoy it to the fullest and damn it yes, do what we want to do and what makes us happy.

Barthélémy Toguo, 1967, „Purification 2012“

One of my favorites; btw.
Andrea Bowers, 1965, „The Worker’s Maypole, An Offering for May Day 1894“

Loved the idea behind these pieces and the thought-provoking part of it. Seriously, why are we in the 21st century and women are still not seen as equal to men in so, so (!) many places of the world. This must change.

Also, I know I’ve been MIA these past view weeks. I will change it – just give me a little more time (I am almost done with my Masters! yay.) xo

29Mrz 2017

Guilt-free desserts

0 Food Permalink 8

There is something so sweet about it. Something that warms up your soul and satisfies every cell of your body. Yes, I am talking about chocolate. Recently, I have become obsessed with the taste of chocolate and the feeling of satisfaction it leaves you with. Of course, next to snacking on the unhealthier version from time to time (normal chocolate, or worse, M&Ms), I try reaching for the rather guilt-free and healthy version whenever possible. On Saturday I had a friend over for dinner (salad) and made him this tasty guilt-free chocolate mousse for dessert. He wouldn’t believe me when I told him it was mainly avocado and bananas he was eating right then and there. I’ve shared the recipe before, so I will link it again here for you. The salad was absolutely amazing as well – I paired it with some avocado, egg, chicken, and mango; which really gave it that last fresh kick it needed. Especially now that summer is coming (slowly but surely I hope!) I love mixing in fresh fruit and especially berries into my meals. It’s just so satisfying and refreshing. Tomorrow I will have another friend over for dinner before we head out for some drinks and then come back in (a sleep-over; yay!). I will most likely make that chocolate mousse again because 1) I love it and 2) she is the biggest chocolate lover I have ever met in my life (typical Swiss hehe). So it will be interesting to see whether she enjoys the healthy version or whether she needs the real chocolate one to satisfy her cravings. I am still unsure what to make for dinner as such – and am thinking of going for a salad again – but do you have any ideas? I’ve become quite boring with my food choices lately. :)

21Mrz 2017

Salads & a Sat Outfit

0 Allgemein Permalink 11

I am not sure what it is with me and salads at the moment – but I can’t get enough of them right now. I’m having at least one a day and usually make them myself at home. My mom showed me a dressing she always does and I absolutely love the taste! I’ll try to get a few nicer pictures sometime soon and then share it with you -it is super easy and makes any salad just taste so much better!

Also, I was wearing these sick looking jeans on Saturday and received a few compliments that night as well as quite a few PMs on my instagram and snapchat asking where I got these. So here it goes: Topshop! Lucky me I found them on one of my travels to London two weeks ago and I was so eager to finally wearing them. They are already such an eye-catcher that everything else can be kept rather simple I think. I paired it with an old blouse from Zara and shoes from Alto. Voila, easy, quick and eye-catching!

My weekend generally was amazing – I worked a bit on my uni stuff, went out (until 5am – rare for me!), barely slept Saturday night, went to the gym both on Saturday and Sunday (and can still feel it!), met a few new, lovely people and then went for a nice 2.5h walk Sunday afternoon with of my closer friends here in Zurich to enjoy the sun. I love the fact that Spring is coming – and it officially started as per yesterday – and cannot wait for the days to become longer and finally, finally warmer again! This week ahead is rather busy as well. Not just work, but also on the private side – I will be seeing quite a few people to catch up over coffees, lunches and dinners. I absolutely love it! What are your plans for the week ahead – anything good happening on the weekend ahead? xo

14Mrz 2017

Spring Inspo

0 Living in Style Permalink 9

There is nothing greater than waking up to the birds singing their songs outside the window – and likewise; sitting on the balcony in the evening and listening to them sing their songs. It’s that in combination with the sun coming out more days a week than it rains that makes me smile more and more every single day. It’s the little things you finally appreciate again when the grey and cold winter is slowly stepping aside. With it, I always get into the mood of buying more flowers – plants in general – and want to bring some color highlights back into my life and interior. I don’t know what it is with winter and having everything mono-tone, but I am really a seasons person. Now that spring is finally, finally slowly approaching us here in Zurich, I cannot wait to re-decorate my home a little bit. I’ve already been buying flowers on a weekly basis the past couple of months (and got some as presents other times) as you may have noticed on my Snapchat or Instagram. It really brings so much life into a room and brightens up the mood just a bit more. Seeping through Pinterest really made me crave spring and decorating everything at home just that much more. Here are some of the pictures that I find inspiring – clean, a bit colourful, and: fresh! I’ve also been looking at some more inspiration for easter and cute little decorations. I already love the egg & flower combination in the first picture so I am thinking of doing something along the lines of that. Perhaps I’ll share some easter inspiration with you guys soon. Also, my cravings for cakes, little cupcakes and brunches just sky-rocketed when I saw some of these cute easter-recipes. I will surely try out some of these and amend as needed for me to allergy-friendly enjoy those too!

*all pictures are taken from Pinterest and can be found on my account

10Mrz 2017

Getting a puppy – decisions, decisions

0 General Permalink 10

Those who know me or follow me on snapchat or instagram know that I am a huge dog lover. And most of all, I love my little monkey. Of course her name is not monkey and she is far from it, yet, her humorous character reminds me of one and yes – I have endless love for her. Unfortunately, I only see her every couple of weeks due to her staying in Malta with the rest of my family. She was just here in Zurich with my mother for a full 4 weeks – damn, did I enjoy her company and squeaky little noises in the morning after waking up. Suddenly, when she’s gone from one day to another I feel that „empty“ feeling again. Ok, those that don’t own a dog (or pet) and never have will probably think I’m crazy – no worries, I agree I probably am to some extent. Those that have a dog know that it becomes a family member, a baby to the family and one that cannot be left alone for too long hours.

I’ve told you previously that the past weeks were quite a bit rough on the emotional side for me and in general, my job and all other things I’m always trying to place under one umbrella are a bit overwhelming at times. But no matter how long my day was or how stressful it might have seemed in that moment, all stress fell off of me as soon as I saw my dog and went for a walk with her. A simple 30 minutes walking back from the office to the apartment gave me so much strength; its incredible. Especially in these times, more than any other time, I noticed I am a dog-person for sure – for life. So it’s no surprise I’ve been talking to breeders over and over again in the past year and finally found one in Switzerland that I believe I can trust and that seemed overly kind. I had the chance to getting a puppy of my own (same breed; italian greyhound) and fell in love as soon as I saw the 3 week old pup on photos. Whilst everyone thought I would go for it finally and whilst I was even telling myself I would; I sadly declined the offer in the end. This has nothing to do with the breeder or the dog whatsoever – and I am so grateful for the fact that the breeder wants to contact me again next year. Yet, I want to see how this year continues a bit first before making such a big decision in my life.

Dogs, as any pet, require a lot of attention, care, time, and love. Perhaps a goldfish isn’t as hard, and even a cat may be easier given the fact that it can stay at home whilst at work for hours in a row. Whilst a dog may be able to stay at home too, and surely has to learn to stay alone for a few hours a day just in case, I believe it’s not the healthiest option of all. The dog needs a lot of training, especially in the first 18 months of its life – one must put a lot of care and love into the training and continue giving this attention to the dog for the rest of it’s life (easily 12-15 years for some). That is why, I declined the offer for this year. I am aware of the duties a dog brings with it, I am aware that traveling on a spontaneous note is less easy and that going out after work and leaving the dog at home for hours after hours cannot be done anymore. I am aware of the consequences – yet, I am a dog lover. The reason for this decline was simply the fact that I want to finish my studies first, see how the business is moving over the next couple of months, and get a few of my personal projects moving and finishing up a few others. I will also use the time and try to travel more on a personal note this year and see, whether I actually do and whether a dog is still ok to have or whether it’s a decision to rather push back for another while.

Why I wrote this post? Well, simply because I like sharing my thoughts – because I love and miss my little monkey. But also, because so many girls (or so the instagram trend seems to show it) are currently getting a dog. Small little hand-bag dogs, travel dogs, pugs and other small breeds are all over the social media networks right now. And as much as I love the idea and as much as I am for getting a dog and giving one a new home with lots of love – one must remember the fact that it is an animal with great needs and attention. I sometimes wonder how some of these people make it all work – with a job, constant (it seems) traveling, going out to clubs, parties, events, dinners, brunches, meetings with friends, and whatnot. If the dog can travel with you and join almost everywhere – that is fantastic. If you have family and friends around you that will surely keep an eye on the beloved little family-member when you are away and can’t take the dog with you – great, be so thankful! But often times I see stories (on snapchat or instagram) that show certain people with dogs, getting all ready, and then leaving the dog alone once more when they go out for whatever reason. It makes me sad when thinking that is surely isn’t the first time, the last time and potentially is the most routine task for the dog: waiting for the owner to finally come back home. So this is also a post to remind everyone that is thinking of getting a dog: it’s a wonderful idea – but make sure you have back-up plans when you don’t have the necessary time. If your love for dogs is that great, remember to put the dog first and don’t get one until you are 200% sure that you will be able to give the love, affection and attention it needs.