Well Being Essentials

Here are some of my favourite things which will make you happy(ier). 

1. Make yourself a Home Sweet Home

Nothing is more important than feeling well at home, and some tiny essentials can already change how comfortable you feel at home. For example...treat yourself with a scented candle of high quality. At Selfridges or Liberty they have a large selection of some nice candles. My favourite one is the Amber-scented candle from Diptyque. But also Jo Malone and Cire Trudon do some very lovely candles.

2. Treat yourself

My collage includes products by Aesop, Cowshed, Bee Yummy, Kiehl's, Bumble&Bumble, L'Occitane, Elemental Herbology

High quality cosmetics, make-up and care products are the essential thing to make you feel better. Your skin will thank you, when you always check the list of ingredients of your products. Sometimes good products can be a bit of an investment (not always though), but it's so worth it! I am a big fan of natural skin care like Anne Marie Börlind. Paraben- and fragrance-free. And what really improves my mood, is a nice smelling soap, hand or body cream. I love the ones from L'Occitane, Aesop or Cowshed. 

3. Get a Good Night's (Beauty) Sleep

Sleep well essentials: Sleep Wear: Wildfoxcouture; Cat Sleep-mask: Charlotte Olympia; Wake me for coffee sleep mask by Mary Green; Lavender Spray: Bumble&bumble; Candle: Diptyque; Mug: Kate Spade

Everybody should sleep at least six to seven hours per night. Otherwise our body cannot function the way it should. We are less concentrated, more hungry and tired throughout the whole day. Furthermore the immune system and also the skin suffers from a sleeping deficiency. But not only the hours of sleep you get are important, also the quality of your sleep is essential. On the photo above are some small things, which will improve your good night's sleep

4. Eat Well and Work Out

Last but not least, eat well and work out. Eating well does not mean you need to stick to a strict diet, only low-carb or whatsoever. It basically just means to have a balanced diet. Eat enough veggies and fruits, some carbs and proteins. Do not stress your body by not giving it the energy it needs. And don't forget to treat yourself every now and then. Life is so boring without delicious sweets, frozen margaritas, pancakes, indulgent breakfast in bed or a yummy burger with french fries every now and then (80% healthy - 20 % indulgent). Get your balanced diet from superfoods like avocado, chia seeds or coconut. (here are some healthy snack recipes)

Speaking of indulgence....check out some new delicious photos of Roka, 202 and Granger & Co. 

Sport equipment: Running Shoes and Sports Bra: Nike; Bottle: Victoria's Secret; Thermal Spray: Avene; Sport tights: Reebook; Sport tank top: Juicy Couture; Pastel Hair Ties: H&M; Pro Performance Earphones: Puma

Sport should be included in your daily routine, even if it's just 20 minutes a day. Rather work out four times a week for a just a short time period instead of just once a week for hours. Combine cardio and strength training to improve your fitness level. For those who love running: run with motivating music, and download a Running App on your smartphone like Runtastic or the Nike-App to see results. (A nice sport outfit and good shoes are a must-have)

Collages are created by me, photos are taken from the Internet

Insta Life

London Eye, Selfridges ,Vogue

Insta-Life London

The weeks before Christmas are always so busy...besides final projects, essays and exams there is the biggest challenge: finding the perfect Christmas present for everyone. It's though..every year again. I got some inspirations from my favourite online shops net-a-porter and mytheresa, but also yoox has some good gift. And last but not least: Selfridges, Christmas gifts heaven. For fashionistas, foodies, voyagers and everyone else you want to give a unique present. 

So while I was rushing around London - finding presents - and working on University projects, I tried to enjoy a bit of the fabulous London life. I am so in love with this city and every minute I cannot spend outside feels a little bit wasted. Especially because there are those lovely vanilla skies at the moment, which make London look like a pink fairy floss. (...not forgetting the pretty Christmas lights and markets)

Howsoever, here are some snapshots and Instagram pictures of the fabulous London life. For me that means quality time with friends and family. Dinner together, walking around London and all the lovely things you can do in London.

From the left to the right

First line: my healthy snack, goji berries and pistachios, full of vitamins and antioxidants; the beautiful Trafalgar Sqaure at sunset; delicious dessert at Roka, which is one of my favourite Japanese restaurants; Isabel Marant pour H&M bracelet

Second line: Lunch at 202 London; Trying on the Zara skort (skirts meets short); lovely candle-light ambience and tasty cocktails in the Dean Street Townhouse bar; another favourite restaurant: Bocca di Lupo, we had lovely dolci with a very special DIY cannelloni dessert

Third line: Being arty at the British Museum; Sashimi at Roka, oh boy...so delicious; Ambre scent and good music at Sketch bar; and there is finally a KIKO branch in Regent Street

Fourth line: Girls dinner at Sticks n Sushi, a very nice Danish Sushi chain. The dessert combo was very delicious! Can only recommend it; my new Orelia feather bracelet; Bocca di Lupo again, a tasty starter: Burrata and tartar; and last but not least: Kate Spade at Selfridges

Healthy Snacks

Craving sweets? Here are some sweet and delicious but still healthy snack ideas

Chia and Granola Berry Trifle

Healthy Summer Rolls

It's time for a healthy summer snack...and you don't even have to know how to cook for this easy summer rolls recipe. Actually I wouldn't call it a recipe, it's more a summer snack inspiration to make something healthy, quick and easy. Basically you can decide whatever you want to have in your rolls. I used spinach leaves/salad, cucumber, carrots, coriander, mint leaves, prawns and glas noodles. I tried one with avocado as well, which was very delicious!

Rice paper rolls can be found in every good Asia shop, I bought mine in China town at Loon Fung. 

Just cut all your ingredients in small sticks, I couldn't be bothered to slice them any thiner. Then cook the glass noodles for 5 minutes, I seasoned them with some chili, sesame oil and soya sauce. Now soak the rice papers into warm water for about 5 seconds, so that they get softer. Just place your ingredients on the paper and start folding it. I think mine don't look too bad for my first time....and they are super delicious! My perfect summer snack...

Gitane - London

You know those unforgettable girls city trips? Those you keep talking about over and over...? For me one of those city trip is definitely New York City. There was one small café we did really like and had amazing breakfast, called Café Gitane (NoLita). So to take a trip down memory lane I met my friend for coffee at Gitane today, this time in London instead of NYC. 

Gitane is a lovely Persian and Middle Eastern café with delicious food and lovely staff. I love those small cafés with a wooden counter, fresh and delicious food, good coffee, where you can sit and chit chat with friends in a cosy atmosphere. 

If you need a relaxed break, Gitane is the place to go! Close to Oxford Street, right next to busy and famous Kaffeine. I'm already looking forward to spring time...sitting on Gitane's cute purple chairs outside in the sun.

Gitane 

60 Great Titchfield Street

London W1W 7QF

smiley-cake

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

scooped zucchini shells, chopped mushroom and fresh ingredients

Couscous stuffed zucchini boats - this is a really delicious, healthy and easy dish. I love the taste of the grilled feta cheese in combination with fresh vegetables and one can be creative about the ingredients. Stuff a pepper instead of a zucchini, or use parmesan instead of  feta cheese...al gusto. I used the vegetables I had at home, but it works perfectly with other vegetables as well.

Winter Salad

Quince, chicken and chestnut salad- something different. Sounds exotic, tastes delicious and is easy to make. 

All you need is (for two people)
200 g fresh chestnuts
300 g chicken breast
1 quince
1 pack fresh salad of your choice
Dash of orange juice
Olive oil, balsamico, salt and pepper

First of all preheat the oven to 180°C, then cut a large X with a sharp knife in the chestnuts. Place the 'x'-ed chestnuts on a backing pan in the oven and let them roast for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile peel, quarter and core the quince, like an apple. Cut the quince into thin slices and put them with some butter in a saucepan to roast gently. Check if the chestnuts are ready! If yes, start peeling them. Be careful: they are really hot.

Chicken: Heat a frying pan with either oil or butter. Add the cut slices of chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Turn the chicken over and cook until it's slightly brown and crunchy. While the chicken is cooking, wash the salad.

Now put the peeled chestnuts, quince and chicken into one pan and cook for another minute, add some orange juice for more flavour.

To assemble the salad, put the washed salad on a big plate, place the chicken, quince and chestnuts on top and drizzle with oil, balsamico and cracked pepper.

Perfect combination, the roasted chestnuts are slightly sweet, the chicken is perfectly soft, tender and juicy. The crunchy quince adds a sweet and unique touch. Enjoy!

quince...for no reason rarely used in kitchens 

Add caption

x the chestnuts

quince are easy to peel...

looks like an apple-pear 

Are they ready???

Healthy salad

Salads are always an easy, healthy and quick meal, but sometimes you run out of ideas what ingredients to use. Here is a delicious salad recipe

Things you need for 1-2 people:

1 package of lettuce ( I chose a mixed leaves salad)

2 beetroots

1 pomegranate ( if you don't want a big mess in your kitchen, buy the ready to eat pomegranate cores)

200 g goats cheese

1 ripe Avocado

2 carrots

100 g cocktail tomatoes

honey

oil and vinegar

salt and pepper

fresh rosemary

As I love bread (especially with olive oil) I would recommend to buy some ciabatta or baguette for the salad. Traditional Italian bread is sold at Princi, Wardour Street, Soho (love that place)

1. First of all wash the salad, tomatoes and carrots

2. Peel the carrots and the avocado

3. Stir-fry the rosemary with some olive oil and honey in a pan, then add the goats cheese, you can either put the whole cheese in the pan or cut into thick pieces. Roast gently until the goats cheese is gold brown

4. Meanwhile cut the avocado, the beetroot and the tomatos into bit size pieces and grate the carrots and put them with the pomegranate in a salad bowl

5. Take the golden roasted cheese out of the pan and add it together with the lettuce in the bowl

6. The just add salt pepper and oil and vinegar to taste FINISHED

fresh pomegranate

goat's cheese beetroot salad

Italian bread