22Jun 2017

from up above

0 General, Travel Permalink 5

Finally back in Switzerland, Zurich, and finally back home. As much as I love traveling, there is no feeling that can beat coming home. Yet, I love traveling, exploring, seeking adventures and discovering what nature has to offer for us. It doesn’t matter how often I jump on a plane, I still cannot get enough of the breathtaking views one gets when flying over the alps leaving Switzerland, flying over the ocean or desert when flying into other exotic places. I just finished my business travels to Las Vegas (with a pit stop in San Francisco) last week, and then jumped on another plane the next day to fly out to Alicante. There, I met my grandmother, relaxed a little bit over the weekend and enjoyed the beach.

With so many bloggers nowadays using special drones to take bird-view photos, I obviously needed one, too. It’s a toy, I admit it – but I love it. I really don’t need it, given that this does not finance my life, but it is so much fun to not only explore nature whilst walking around or diving in the sea, but suddenly being able to see what usually only birds see daily. This perspective opens a whole other layer of creativity one can work with and, personally, makes me respect the nature around us just so much more.

The DJI Mavic Pro not only allows you take photos of the views you see on your iPhone, but likewise let’s you shoot videos. I personally love it, though do admit that it needs some practice on my side. I almost completely crashed and destroyed it on my first flight – jup, only happens to me – but managed to fix it and thankfully did not destroy the camera. I’m slowly getting better, though hope to improve my skills further in the upcoming weeks. What are your thoughts, experiences with drones (if any) and favorites? Also, can anyone recommend a good program or app to work on the video – one that is not overly-technical and complicated? xo

ps. I have had some great news come at me the past days, which I am hoping to reconfirm and then share with you guys in the upcoming 2-3 months. Can’t wait to tell you more!

05Jun 2017

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

0 Beauty Permalink 10

There is nothing more I love than good hygiene. Be it for the man or woman, hygiene is super important to me. Especially when it comes to women though, I believe there is a whole lot of things one can do to optimize the overall beauty. That is not to say one needs to have botox, wear make-up, do your nails or anything else that would look or is fake. No, I mean one should look to always look their best. That means making sure the nails are all the same length and clean – whether one wants to have them long or short, colored or natural; is fully up to the individual.

The sexiest thing a woman (and man, while we’re at it) can have, is confidence. Being confident in itself is the non-plus ultra. It is what turns a girl into a woman – in my opinion. Personally, I love to get ready and make myself pretty. By no means does that mean I take hours in the bathroom. No, I myself am a huge fan of going for a quickie – so to speak – when it comes to getting ready. I usually take around 15-20 minutes (though of course can take up to an hour if I start the music and dance around in between getting dressed).

Another indicator of perfected hygiene, for me, is the hair. All my friends, family and those closest to me know that I could never the leave the house with somewhat greasy hair. Who does that you think? Well, all too many people. And never would I judge (kind of) regarding what others do, but surely it is something I can by no means do. I like my hair looking freshly washed, shiny and healthy. Due to me doing sports quite a few times a week though, I usually wash my hair almost daily. I never understood how some people only wash it once or twice a week. Sometimes I wish I could – it would save me quite a bit of time. Yet, I can’t go longer than 1-2 days and I need to wash it. Not just for it to look its best again, but also because I seem to feel more comfortable and cleaner once I washed it.

One blogger I have always looked up to when it comes to hair, is Negin Mirsalehi. Seriously, how can one have SUCH perfect hair? I am beyond jealous every time I see her hair. Certainly, I am not the only one that has noticed her hair and smart as she is, she marketed the product her mother initially founded. The Gisou honey infused hair oil comes in the most beautiful packaging – you know; those ones that you just can’t throw away because they are so pretty. Once you open the book-looking box, a small delicate book is the first thing that flashes your eyes. In it, Negin opens up about her childhood, about what bee-keeping means to her father and herself, and how her mother is the only one that is allowed to touch her hair. The whole package really shows how much love Negin has for this product (and the other ones she has) – and my deepest hope, right now, is that once I have used this for a while I will have the same (or semi-same) hair as her. Crossing all fingers! And of course, I will let you guys know how and if it worked the wonders I am hoping for. Does anyone else have experience with it, yet? xo

29Mai 2017

Taco Night & my week ahead

0 Food, General Permalink 9

Finally, it was time for taco night! You guys have no clue how much I’ve been craving to eat some these past weeks. With all the traveling, being busy, going out for dinners and lunches almost daily, though – I’ve just not had the time to make these little pieces of deliciousness until this past weekend. Let me tell you, I fully indulged in these and do not regret a single thing. If you’re interested, I am happy to share the recipe with you – just drop me a line or PM.

My weekend in general was one I cannot complain about at all. I’ve taken time off completely – no studying, no writing, no nothing (except for some obvious house cleaning). The weather has been great – almost too hot (always need to complain, I know:). I’ve been at the lake, even in the lake (rare one for me), went for some longer rides with my bike, had friends nights, date nights, went for dinners, saw my closest friends, tanned (or at least tried to), and enjoyed my favorite wines (yep, can’t do without a glass here and there).

Now that the Monday has found it’s way into our lives again, or at least mine, it’s time to start planning again for the week. I’m off to London tomorrow – staying until Wednesday evening. It’s a packed trip with meetings all day long. I might have some free time tomorrow; and am hoping to spend that with my parents (landed in London this morning from Miami). Wednesday we fly back to Zurich together, get to spend a little time together on Thursday, and Friday I am off to Liechtenstein for the day (meetings). Basically, my week is rather crowded again. Yet, it’s just the way I like it: busy, not too stressful though, surely not boring. The upcoming weeks will mean a lot of traveling, again. Especially June, I will be off to Las Vegas (for a few days; business), followed by a short trip to Spain (seeing my granny). And after that I’ve got some personal stuff going on. Then, June is already over. Time flies. It really does. Let’s see how I can keep up with everything – I’ll try to take you with me! xo

21Mai 2017

Tate Modern, London

0 General, Travel Permalink 11

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 12

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. :)