Friday 22 February 2013

Freitags-Füller 41

Schon wieder Geburtstag. Schon wieder werde ich mich ärgern über alle die es vergessen. Und darüber das ich erfahrungsgemäß so wenige schöne und liebe Karten per Post bekommen. Richtige Karten die man in der Hand hält und die ne Briefmarke haben sind doch das Beste.

Ich wäre sehr überrascht wenn ich mal im Lotto gewinne. Habe nämlich noch nie gespielt und es auch nicht vor.

Es ist doch egal ( oh man, mir fällt nix ein...Brett vorm Kopf...bin ich etwa so unentspannt, dass mir nix egal ist ??)

Ich frage mich wo sich der nächste Dr Martens Schuhhändler in meiner Nähe befindet.

Wo ist der Frühling (keine kreative Antwort aber mit jeder weiteren Schneeflocke sinkt meine Laune)?

Da steht ein Pferd auf´m Flur...

Was das Wochenende angeht, heute Abend freue ich mich auf zusammen mit meinem Mann faul sein, Rouladen essen, Kuchen backen und Downton gucken nachdem wir heute ins Thermalbad gehen, morgen habe ich meine Mainz Runde und  ein Geburtstagsessen beim Thailänder geplant und Sonntag möchte ich einen Indoor Flohmarkt auf seinen Unterhaltungswert hin begutachten, essen, trinken und mich ein Jahr älter fühlen!

Thursday 21 February 2013

Dansons la capucine

for everyone who hasn´t seen it yet...hilarious.


PS: About 100 times a day my husband and I surprise each other now with the words "poom" or "flea attack" and can´t stop laughing...infantile us :-)

Friday 15 February 2013

Schaumschläger

Oft enttäuschen einen großartig gehypte Produkte, manchmal jedoch ist es auch anders rum und ein Mauerblümchen entpuppt sich als Star.
Ein unauffälliges Produkt das einmal den Weg durch eine der vielen monatlichen Überraschungsboxen zu mir ins Badezimmer fand. Gestern nun habe ich mich seiner erbarmt...und bin verliebt.


Die Duschschaum Creme von der Firma Spitzner.

Selten ein so toll und langanhaltend duftendes Duscherlebnis gehabt. Es ist ergiebig, riecht toll seifig (vielleicht leicht omahaft und wie Speick Seife aber ich steh drauf) und trocknet die Haut nicht aus.
Weg mit den Vorverurteilungen - hinter dieser nichtssagenden Sprühdose verbirgt sich ein echter Schatz.
Bin nun neugierig, werde meine bis 2045 reichenden Duschgel Vorräte ignorieren und mir weitere Sorten bestellen. Daumen hoch, ich bin begeistert!
Zu haben ist der Schaum z.B. bei der Internetapotheke medpex für 3,99 (150ml)

Little Miss Planner

Two facts influence my social life in Germany (in England I simply don´t have one)
a) I have a lot of time but b) the time that I have wants to be well used as I´m always in the country for a few weeks only and try to fit everyone I´d like to see in for a coffee, drink and chat.
I try to have one "date" to look forward to each day - may it be cinema, theatre or meeting a friend.
I plan it all in advance so I have time for everything and everyone. Finicky, pedantic. Without my calendar I would never leave the house.
During the next step my mind starts working.
What to wear when? My real-life version of polyvore keeps rotating in my head.
Call me stupid, shallow, freakish or just an under-worked desperate housewife but I plan my outfit for each occasion very carefully.
Perfume x not y for Monday as person 1 doesn´t like it. Not the red jumper for Tuesday as I was wearing it last time I met person 2. Silly shoes Wednesday as it shouldn´t snow. Bigger handbag Thursday so I can go to the library on the way home and as it works well with the green coat. New nail varnish friday as I have a bank appointment and can´t sign anything with chipped nails. Not the nice cardigan on Saturday as I will go to that restaurant were the clothes smell of food afterwards and then I can´t wear it again Sunday for person 3 who will probably like it´s style...etc etc.
It is definitely some from of OCD but it keeps me happy. Everything planned to perfection.
And then life happens...and people get ill or busy and cancel appointments. A natural thing that happens and isn´t anyones fault.
And I get thrown out of my routine. Completely. Suddenly sitting there with free time wearing dramatic eyeliner and Chanel No5 as I was scheduled to meet a more flamboyant friend and not knowing what to do now. Would be a waste to stay at home...but would be a waste to walk though the forest like this too. And no one else is that free to step in spontaneously.
I hate it ...my own inflexibility.

Please please tell me that I´m not the only one :-)!?

Glossybox 02/2013

  • Aussie 3Minute Miracle Reconstructor (hmm, not overwhelmed by this. Yes, it´s a miracle product and yes it´s a full-size, but: as I spend a lot of time in the UK I´m used to the brand and it´s launch onto the German market is not making me excited in the slightest. Don´t mind the products but don´t love them either. I like the smell but it is definitely a funny one - a bit like some cheap plastic flipflops or crocs smell )
  • Biodroga Institut Anti Age Cell Mask (not exciting but I guess I´m soon old enough for it :-/ )
  • Dr. Bronner´s Magic Soap Castille Liquid Soap (had one before which still hasn´t been used...at least it is my beloved lavender scent this time)
  • Ducray Icytane Handcreme (another handcreme*yawn)
  • ModelCo Lip Duo (stupid design, never heard of the brand but lovely soft brownish colour so this will be used a lot)
+ the Glossymag, a postcard and a Valentina by Valentino perfume tester


Well...it´s alright. But I´m really really gutted that my box didn´t include the Thierry Mugler "Womanity" 10ml bottle! My favourite new perfume and I only just bought one of those mini vaporisers for myself.

Highlight: the lipstick has the mirror in the middle so you can never actually look into it while applying the lipstick or the gloss. Brilliant. What fool did design that? Don´t believe that this work of genius is really worth 30€ but checking on their website it really seems to be true. Amazing...



Freitags-Füller 40


Es schneit gerade wieder, scheisse.
Nichts zu sagen waere manchmal die bessere Alternative. Faellt aber oft schwer...
Ein Grund, warum ich mit dem Valentinstag absolut nichts anfangen kann, sind die vielen geschmacklosen Blumenarrangements und alle "romantische" Geschenke die man so sieht.
Im Internet surfen funktioniert (leider) immer als perfekte Ablenkung.
Der Papst eroeffnet nun wohl bald seine Herrenboutique in Wuppertal.
Ein Leben ohne Katze kann ich mir nicht (mehr) vorstellen.
Was das Wochenende angeht, heute Abend freue ich mich auf zu Hause bleiben, Spaghetti all' Arrabbiata kochen, lesen und noch ein bisserl Waende streichen, morgen habe ich eine alte Freundin endlich in ihrer neuen Wohnung in Darmstadt besuchen geplant und Sonntag möchte ich mein Standart Programm durchziehen: Wald, Friedhof, Currywurst, Kuchen, streichen, baden, Lindenstrasse!

Wednesday 13 February 2013

hoarding









I have been so good recently...getting rid of two pairs of boots as they had more holes than swiss cheese. Then I went shopping again...and added those four pairs to the collection.
My excuse? They were cheap.
And who can resist minty chucks? Or studded flat peeptoes? Or soft brown ballerinas for only 3pounds that will go with anything? Or the real leather flat hybrids between a brogue and a ballerina?
See, you probably would have done the same :-)

(1-2-3. Primark, 4. Clarks)

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Rosie & Java

Rosie & Java


12 Paved Court
Richmond
Surrey 
TW9 1LZ 

It´s not always easy in England to find some more extravagant and high quality loose teas.
In the old part of Richmond I came across this charming little shop which stocks a wide range (for English conditions) of flavoured and non-flavoured teas, coffees and accessoires that are connected and needed for the perfect tea/coffee time.
Definitely will go there again...as soon as I have used up all of my approx. 50 different sorts of tea ... or at least half of them :-)

Sunday 10 February 2013

Saturday 9 February 2013

Biba and Beyond: Barbara Hulanicki


Yesterday we spent the lovely sunny day in Brighton.
Apart from our usual round (gambling on the pier, shopping, eating something nice, taking photos) I had planned to finally visit the Biba exhibition at Brighton Museum.

In case you have never heard of the fashion label Biba and have a look here and read what the museum´s website says:

"The Biba store, the clothes, the lifestyle and the far reaching influence of this iconic brand. The exhibition also looks at the life and times of the charismatic and talented woman behind the label, Barbara Hulanicki.  It also includes her successful earlier career in fashion illustration and her later achievements in interior design and architecture.

After walking out of Biba in the mid-1970s following the brand’s corporate takeover, Barbara Hulanicki went on to work successfully in fashion in South America, Europe and Japan. In 2012 she is now an award winning and high profile interior designer working on major projects in the US and Caribbean. In the past few years Barbara’s career has come full circle with hugely successful affordable fashion projects in the UK for TopShop and George at Asda.

With its cutting edge yet affordable fashion, Barbara Hulanicki’s iconic Biba store and label transformed the High Street shopping experience in the 1960s and 70s. Young working women shopped alongside models and celebrities, including Twiggy, Cher and the Rolling Stones. Art Deco, Victorian and Hollywood glamour all combined in striking, romantic and sensual designs."

If you like finding out about the career of a designer, this one is for you.
If you like 60´s and 70´s design as well. And if you just love to look at some beautiful clothes and fashion illustrations you are right here too of course.
I enjoyed it a lot, found it inspiring and left feeling sorry that I didn´t own (and wouldn´t fit) any of the original dresses...

The exhibition is on until the 14th April 2013 and costs 6£.


Les Misérables

director: Tom Hooper
year: 2012
with: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, etc.

story: "In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever"



To make two things clear before I start: I love musicals and I like "Les Miserables" although it is not one of my favourite musicals.

My experience watching the film is very mixed and I'm still trying to figure out if I liked it or not.
I'm sure all people who love the musical will adore the film and it is just super critical me again who couldn't be won over.
It is as simple as that: For me the transformation from stage to film hasn't worked.
In theatre your eyes can browse, there is an intermission. On film the 2:37hrs get lengthy.
In theatre you generously ignore the fact that whatever happens in history and wherever geographically, always the same people cross each others path again. On film that suddenly appears unrealistic on the edge to being unbearable. On stage you hear about filth, agony, wounds and death - on film you see it...and maybe more than you wish for. On stage proper trained singers sing loudly and strong to reach anyone in the house, thats how the music is powerful. On film they sing to themselves, in close-up...more realistic, intimate and emotional but like that the music lost quite a lot of it's impact.
This last point is probably the crucial one for me: the technique of letting the actors sing live and within the scene is what makes the film special in certain ways. But I was disappointed of what it did to the singers voices and how it diminished those goosebumb moments the score normally brings...On the other hand: sung "stage style" meek singer Russell Crowe wouldn't have stood a chance at all.

What I did like was casting Colm Wilkinson, THE original Valjean as the Bishop of Digne.
And I enjoyed Eddie Redmayne as Marius a lot. "Empty chairs and empty tables"  always has been my favourite song of the musical and remains it because this scene is stunning and pretty much the only touching and tear-jerking one.

Smaller things that irritaed me (but which are similarly problematic in the stage show) are e.g. the Cockney slang of some characters - it still is a French story set in France and not some Dickens story set in London!

So I'm sure it's a good film and most people will adore it but for me it was too dark, to realistic, too long and let down by intimate instead of powerful singing.
I will keep liking "Les Mis"...without the artifical looking city scapes, the dirt, blood and sewage and certainly without kitschy butterflies accompanying love duets! 

PS: One sentence came to my mind last night which, as cheap as it is, I have to write: Russell Crowe does what he does best - fighting...;-)

Friday 8 February 2013

Dr. No

director: Terence Young

year: 1962

with: Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman, Bernard Lee, etc.



story: "James Bond's investigation of a missing colleague in Jamaica leads him to the island of the mysterious Dr. No and a scheme to end the US space program"

what I liked: Watching it in 2013 is of course a whole different experience so what I liked most was the retro feel, set, costumes and the unintentional fun a 50 years old film bears. Constantly said  "Oh, I love this skirt" or "Lovely wallpaper". Enjoyed that it was so tame and bloodless compared to the modern films.

what I disliked: Of course I didn't fully get the plot again but that is just me and didn't diminish the experience.

verdict: My first ever classic Bond film! And it didn't hurt. Still don't fancy Sean Connery and probably never will but I now should watch them all.

Freitags-Füller 39

Am Rosenmontag bin ich geboohooren...naja, nicht ganz - es war ein Fastnachtsdienstag.

Der Wiener Opernball ist und bleibt einer meiner Highlights im (Fernseh-)Jahr, es gibt so wenige davon.
Einer meiner Träume gestern Nacht war, dass ich eine Bombe im Gepaeck durch den Flughafen schmuggeln sollte und falls ich zur Polizei ginge sofort erschossen wuerde...die Nachwehen vom abendlichen James Bond gucken.

Draussen ist noch alles sonnig, gefroren, ruhig und friedlich.

Schnarchen ist die Zustaendigkeit meines Mannes aber es macht mir erstaunlicherweise nichts aus.

Woher kommt eigentlich der Ausdruck Butter bei die Fische? Wuerde ich selbst nie sagen.

Was das Wochenende angeht, heute Abend freue ich mich auf einen schoenen Abend nach einem hoffentlich noch viel schoenerem Tag (fahren nach Brighton und wollen einkaufen, am Meer spazieren, in eine Ausstellung, auf der Pier Twopence Stuecke verzocken und bei Wagamama lecker essen), morgen habe ich am Flughafen sitzen, Leute beobachten, den MAC "On Hold" Lippenstift kaufen und nach Frankfurt fliegen geplant und Sonntag möchte ich auspacken, dem Fastnachtszug aus dem Weg gehen und baden!

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Glossybox 01/2013


  • BM Beauty Make-UpBrush (is missing! Have mailed the Glossybox Team about it)
  • Eucerin Sun Protection Sun Fluid SPF 50+ ( SPF 50+? wtf! For someone who doesn't really sunbathe, is not prone to sunburn and definitley not living in Australia this is quite useless)
  • Institut Karite Extra Gentle Hair Conditioner Liner (a conditioner for travelling. Nothing more, nothing less)
  • Model Co Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner (don't usually use lip liners but will give this one a try. Can't believe it's worth 17,00Euros as it looks rather cheap)
  • Prija Hair- and Body Shampoo (again, will use it but doesn't wow me)
+ the boring Glossymag, two Luvos facemasks (which are good)

Let's wait and see when the brush will turn up for me. I think with their motto "Beauty Compass" there would have been the opportunity for much more exciting products.
Hmm...it will improve with the next one, won't it?!?

Tuesday 5 February 2013

tasteless tin

I have a confession to make. I'm using tins in my kitchen.

Not everything and not always but apart from the absolut essential tinned tomatoes without which I couldn't cook anyhting anymore and would have to starve, I'm using tinned peas, kidney beans and mushrooms.
In Germany I have a ritual, whenever I open one of those tins I stick a spoon in and try a bit. Only for quality inspection of course ;-)
It tastes nice, I like the peas, mushrooms or beans.



Not in the UK!
Here for no obvious reasons the above named tinned goods are not salted! Means: they taste bland. Or as the German would say: wie Arsch und Friedrich.
What is it with that English aversion to taste?!
Within a meal they are usable but not otherwise. Boo.

The Royal Tenenbaums

director: Wes Anderson
year: 2001
with: Gene Hackmann, Anjelica Huston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, etc.



story: "An estranged family of former child prodigies reunites when the father announces he has a terminal illness"

what I liked: it was nice to look at. I liked the quirky set, the retro colours and some beautiful images that were created. And the film music was atmospheric and fitting.

what I disliked: Hard to point something out as I found the whole film so damn annoying. The characters are somehow unseizable, they are arty, unrealistic and abstract but without any charme, wit or heart.
Yes, it seems to be dealing with family problems and structures but to me it felt like it was much ado about nothing.

verdict: One of those films which I thought I might like as, coming from my theatre experience, I normally like arty and exaggerated characters and stories (e.g. Amelie, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Turns out I was wrong. Several times I was veeery close to turn it off. Boring, too strange, pretentious.

Monday 4 February 2013

Kringle Candles

For all the scented candle lovers out there. In case you haven't heard it yet, a new star is born:

Situated in Massachusetts (as most candle businesses seem to be) and founded by the son of Yankee Candle founder James Kittredge, this brand is just starting to spread to Europe.


Haven't had a chance to try/ sniff them yet but just placed my (enormous) order. Let's wait and see, will keep you posted! Scents like "Citrus and Sage", "Fresh Cut Grass" or "Pancake Breakfast" just sound delicious.

PS: All candles are neutral white and elegant looking...good for all the people who find their favourite Yankee Candle is clashing with their interior design ( see Alice, there might be a solution to your problem coming :-))

Bridesmaids

director: Paul Feig
year: 2011
with: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd, etc.

story: "Annie is a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian, and a group of colorful bridesmaids on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor"



what I liked: Although it is branded as a comedy I found it profound and moving at times. The tradition of Bridesmaids hasn't caught on in Germany (yet!) but I could easily relate to those "Why is she now the best friend?!" or those "She stole my ideas!" thoughts. Chris O' Dowd is so loveable and sexy*melts.
what I didn't like: I hated all obvious comedy parts, naturally. When I saw the first hints of food poisoning arise I fastforwarded through that scene, I'm thin-skinned with that.
One thing that I'm not sure about is highly praised Megan (Melissa McCarthy)...For once the statutory fat girl is not just the good-hearted, cake loving, shy stereotypical angel but a truly weird tomboyish (but wearing a pearl necklace!) sexmaniac and nutter. Waiting for a film where "the fat one" can just be plain normal...

verdict: A surprisingly good film! Not too funny, not too sweet. Convinced me even more that big weddings, hen nights etc,  imho, are bullshit. Look away from the comedy and it is quite a thoughtprovoking film for all brides and brides-to-be.

Sunday 3 February 2013

Little Fockers

director: Paul Weitz
year: 2010
with: Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller, Barbra Streisand, etc.


story: Male nurse Greg Focker and his wife Pam have twins now and struggle with everyday life. After a heart attack overbearing father-in-law Jack decides to make Greg the new head of the "Focker gang and has an even closer eye on him...

what I liked: nothing. It was as bad as expected...don't really know why I watched it ;-)
what I didn't like: the waste of good and likeable actors, the non-existence of a gripping story line, the jokes and gags...

verdict: I know why I avoid "funny" films and especially if they are part 2 or 3 or 4...well, I have seen 1 and 3 and can let it rest now.

Taylor Wessing Photographic Prize 2012

Same procedure as every year!
The Taylor Wessing Photographic Prize exhibition in the National Portrait Gallery in London. As always a truly inspiring display...makes you wanna go out and find suitable "victims" for trying out some portrait photography yourself.



Loved this one...not because it is a bay but because it was taken as a first passport picture, funny and in incredible expression.





If that got you interested: it is still on until the 17th February and costs 2£ admission.

Friday 1 February 2013

oh dear

I just came across the probably most cringeworthy advert...
Tampon versus Mooncup - watch it and decide if you find it as embarrassing as me (and NOT because it deals with feminine hygiene...only because of it tries to be so hip and cool)


Don't think I wanna see more "Love your vagina" productions...;-)

Freitags-Füller 38

Ich verstehe nicht warum ich gestern ganz brav und eifrig ein 30Min Kettlebell Workout gemacht habe und mir nun der Hintern aber nicht die Arme total weh tu.

Meine beiden neuen Radiosender Lieblinge sind neu fuer mich. Haben ein Internet Radio und nun wechsel ich zwischen finnischem Rockradio und LesEnfoires aus Frankreich - perfekt.

Das Problem kalte Füße vor der Hochzeit kann ich absolut nicht nachvollziehen, ich war mir meiner Sache sowas von sicher, sicherer geht's gar nicht. Und wenn dies nicht so ist, dann sollte man es vielleicht doch lieber sein lassen.

Den Regen heute finde ich o.k. Die Woche war ansonsten ziemlich sonnig.


Die Debatte um einen evtl. EU-Austritt von Grossbritannien regt mich dermassen auf...ich weiss schon warum ich immer weniger Nachrichten konsumiere...um mir meinen Seelenfrieden zu bewahren.

Wenn es um das ordentliche Streichen von Waenden geht (z.B. Nasen, unsaubere Kanten) kann ich ungewoehnlich verbohrt sein.

Was das Wochenende angeht, heute Abend freue ich mich auf meinen Mann nach seinem langen Arbeitstag, morgen habe ich ganz frueh nach London fahren und mich treiben lassen geplant (wird wahrscheinlich eh auf Primark, eine Fotografie Ausstellung in der National Portrait Gallery und evtl. ein Musical hinauslaufen) und Sonntag möchte ich spazieren, Kaffee trinken gehen, Fotos sortieren!
(wie auch in Deutschland, mein Wochenende ist eher lahm...das meiste mache ich unter der Woche, gerade wenn der Schichtplan meines Mannes es hergibt)