The Girl in the Laundromat

The Hive - Behind the scenes

2012-02-15T13:00:00.000Z

When Peggy and I met with Radostina in Prague, we already had worked on our blog conference The Hive for some time and via the internet only.

This time in Prague was our first time that we met and could discuss details about speakers and how we want the conference to go.

That's right, we ate delicious food at a place with free wifi and discussed the conference on the iPad for like 3 hours. Welcome to the digital age.

We wanted to take some photos for our webpage and so Radostina acted as make up artist and photographer.

Dog Sam was very unimpressed and still wanted to be around.

Fine result, don't you think?

Prague or how I lost a tooth

2012-02-15T12:16:00.001Z

Because I'm the princess of procrasting you get to read about my trip to Prague, during which my two blogging friends and I planed The Hive - the first European blog conference, more than 6 weeks later.

But now I'm on track.

I went to Prague in January. I had hoped to have somebody sitting next to me on the short plane ride. Because I have a problem with the take off. I really, really need somebody holding my hand. There was nobody. Not next to me. Not in the row before or behind me.
I survived alright. But barely!

Prague is indeed gorgeous. Cold but really gorgeous. Take a look.

I spend my weekend with these two lovely ladies. Peggy in front, Radostina behind her. Thanks to Radostina, we didn't have to look for a hotel, but could stay with her, her husband and dog Sam.

And this is said dog. This is Sam. He is awefully cute. And he snores a lot. That's cute, too.

On our first night together we went out to dinner and ordered glorious food. I had the traditional Svíčková (for you not fluent in czech: rast sirloin in creamy sauce).

And we had cocktails.

And we had bread. That's when it happened. You see those little mason jars? Wonderful stuff was in there to put onto bread and enjoy. We also enjoyed the fries with cheese you see in the background.
I took a bite of my piece of bread, not even hard bread, and I chewed. Chewed some more until I realized I had something hard in my mouth. I thought there was something in the spread.
I had broken off my corner tooth. Right there on a Friday night in Prague. No dentist sitting at the next table.

Peggy and I shortly after I broke off the tooth. No wonder I keep my mouth closed.

The next night we went to a bar that played all the good 90ies music and served big cocktails. Our kind of place.

The bar is called Black Door and the special eyecatcher is BD the iguana. (Get it? Black Door - BD). She is very observant and pays close attention what happens right outside her glass cage. Everybody passes her on the way to the bathroom.

Prague, I hope I see you again. It was nice catching a glimpse of you.

Valentine's Day 2012

2012-02-14T10:52:00.000Z

On Valentine's Day its time to acknowledge all the wonderful people and creatures in your life. I'm surrounded by wonderful people. I have amazing friends. I work in a great team and I live with this guy here

He is holding my complete heart in his small, smelly, hairy and dirty paws.

I might not have a man, but I'm surely surrounded by love.

I hope you are too.

Happy Valentine's Day from Superdog and me!

The Hive - The first European blog conference

2012-01-28T18:54:00.002Z

For the longest time I have wanted to go to a blog conference. One where I could get to know other bloggers, share and hear experiences and learn how to get better at blogging.

There are many like these in the USA. Here in Europe or even in Germany, there is no such luck.

So what is a girl to do? That's right: I just founded my own.

One day Peggy of Paul & Paula and I had a "conversation" via What's App and came up with the idea of founding a conference using American conferences as an example. Radostina of 79ideas was quickly on board and that logo, that we so love, is designed by her.

Without further ado, please allow me to proudly present you to

We are so happy and proud. The Hive will take place in Berlin, May 19th-20th, 2012. It is open for everybody and we will have great speakers and visitors from all over Europe, who share their insights and experiences.
We have already announced some speakers and many more are to come.

How do I produce a great diy tutorial? How do I come up with new content? What's the etiquette in blogging? Legal concerns? What's the business of blogging? What about ads and sponsors?

All these questions and many more are being answered in Berlin in May.

Come on over to our website, Facebook page and Twitter channel. I would be thrilled if you could come and join us.

Dear 2011,

2011-12-31T15:36:00.001Z

I anticipated your arrival with many hopes at this very day last year. You came and now you're already over. You were fast! Why the hurry? Time just didn't slow down.

Thankfully there were no catastrophies, after 2010, I'm not sure I could have handled them.
There were no ups and downs. Although that is a bit unfair. You were like a date with a nice man, after you have finally crawled out of a hole after a break up. Nice, but you never stood a chance.

But you were important to me 2011. You and I pathed the way for some great things happening soon. With your little brother 2012, who will be here in a few hours, I finally get to travel again. I haven't been anywhere in 7 long weeks. There was always something up, that prevented that. Right next week, I'll take a trip.

Do you remember when I applied with my dream company? I still haven't heard from them. That was a painful process. But I will try again. This time with a differend though in mind. If this part of my life moves in my desired dirction, I will have you to thank, 2011. Yes, you! During our time together I started to work for a great company here. I do work in social media, which I really have my heart set on. If you follow me on twitter you get to read about this.

No big changes in my personal life. After the awful story with the female stalker I really needed things to calm down. The Mister is not living here anymore. That's not your doing, 2011, but it makes you sweeter. But you do leave me with a small thorn in my side. There are some questions I have I will never get an answer to, there are lies, shady stories and let's not forget the female stalker. All thanks to the Mister. For that I will never forgive him.

Like every year I look forward to the next year. I expect great things, I have plans and I see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Link

I need to say thank you, 2011. Thank you for giving me he opportunities to path some ways, thank you for keeping Superdog and me healthy and thank you for saving me from any catastrophies.
I will not miss you, but I will think of you from time to time.

Looking back, I think you were a good companion. I raise my glass to you!

Fare well,

Yours Yvonne

Life, according to my phone

2011-12-27T21:39:00.001Z

1. I added up all the money I spend on coffee to go. I stopped when I reached about 90$. Shame on me!

2. Went to see a play at the playback theater.

3. Superdog likes snow. And water. Perfect combo in the park for him.

4. I'm so tired of the wet weather here, I have to stuff my shoes with newspaper so they dry.

5. Superdog went to the dog kindergarten. I packed him lunch. That is Superdogs name by the way.

6. I caught myself playing with his leash in the subway. I was missing my dog.

7. Hamburg's evening sky. No filter used.

8. Went to a tv studio to see a show being recorded.

9. Well what can I say about this concert? Contemplating buying tickets. Oh, boy!

10. My "gifts" at the trash secret santa party.

11. Hamburg's shopping street all festive, This city can do no wrong in my eyes.

12. If a street musician makes you stop, you owe him money!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:48:00.000Z

In the past couple of years Halloween has become more popular here in Germany.
Since we have what we call Carnival at the beginning of the year it took some time. Carnival is very important in Germany and some even consider it the fifth season of the year.
At Carnival people dress up in fun costumes, the main aspect is not spooky or goulish decoration, but Halloween decorations pick up here.

Now you can buy much more Halloween candy, costumes and decor. You also see more children dressed up.
Unfortunantelly no children knock on my door. I would love to see them all dress up.

Halloween is my second favorite holiday, right after Easter. But this year I didn't have it on my radar. It totally past me by. Like pretty much the whole year. Time sure is flying.

Let me wish you a very happy Halloween with one of my favorite photos of me.
This is me in 1997. Yes, in 1997. I was an au-pair for an amercian family with the kids. You can see the kids in the photo too. The other people are also au pairs from all over Europe.

I'm the slice of pizza bottom right. Some costumes never go out of style, right?

Happy Halloween everybody.

What was the weirdest costume you ever dressed up in?
What are your plans this year? If you have a blog post about Halloween let me know in the comments.

Waiting

2011-10-02T21:46:00.004+01:00

Waiting is pretty much one of the most useless and painful things in life. As well as such a waste of time.

September 14th, 2011 is when I sent my application to my dream company. And I haven't heard anything. I sent the application to somebody in the press department not human ressources, because I wasn't applying or a specific position.
I decided to get in contact with the company one more time: Telling them I understand they are very busy in the coming 10 weeks, but I would like to know if my application is attractive for them. Because relocation from Germany to the US would have to be planed carefully and takes time.

And you know what? Still no answer. Nothing. No we-have-received-your-application-and-will-get-back-to-soon or sorry-we-don't-want-you. NOTHING. Like waiting at home next to the phone and waiting for a text from that guy.
Isn't this what a company wants from an employee? Having the right kind of training, knowledge and dedication and be a fan of this company? Isn't a short e-mail with 2-3 lines the least I can expect?
Call it kindness, courtesy, good manners or simply the right thing to do.

I'm not doing too well with this.
I'm sad. Heartbroken really. I know it's still early. But time is running through my fingers. It is October already. I had plans for February. Saying good bye to these plans or postponing them is hurtful. You are somebody elses game ball and you have to wait for the other one to make a move. Action and reaction.

Action was my part, reaction theirs.

link

If I don't get an answer I will have to make new plans. I will pick myself up, dust off, get very angry, when the anger is gone, I will be sad and I will find new plans.
Life goes on and yet I don't want to let go.

But still, this means so very much to me. I will keep you posted.

Sent!

2011-09-14T21:47:00.003+01:00

You see this screen shot? It says that my e-mail has been sent.

By clicking the "sent"button my application landed in the inbox of two people at my dream company. I'm sick to my stomach and I want my application back.
Not that I don't have confidence in my application. I really do. But I can't take being rejected.

Let me tell you something personal. When I was 16 years old I lived in Louisiana and after returning to Germany I had to finish school. After school I lived in Massachusetts as an au-pair. When I returned everthing looked so promising. I went to college to study law. And somehow between the age of 22-28 I lost my way. And somehow lost myself, too.
I realized law is not what I wanted to do with my life, to pay for college I worked in pr agencies and wrote for a men magazine. I dropped out of school and moved all over the country to work here and there. Not knowing wha I would do after 6 months. Most of the contracts were for 6 months only.

I regretted very quickly not having a degree, personally and professionally. But I thought I could do it anyway. Whatever "it" meant. Well I couldn't do it.

Three years ago I started my German Blog (Pistazien und Zuckerwatte). I worked at a lawyers office. Making copies and writing texts. It hardly covered my bills.
No degree, no idea what to do. Almost getting married, because I thought I couldn't do any better (don't ask!). Don't get me started on my financial situation. And it didn't look like it would change anytime soon. I gained a lot of weight.
I enjoyed blogging so much, that I kept telling people I want to be a professional blogger. I became so very interested in social media and everything around it. I trained myself in social media. I enjoy a good campaign. I love to see how fans communicate with a company or a brand. By coincidence I got a job in this field. And I decided to get my degree. With 30 years I got my life back on track. I created a promising future for myself. Now with 33 years I'm very close in harvesting my fruits.

This is the very first time in my life that I am in reach for my dream job with my dream company. Remember when you dreamed of wanting to work at Vogue or make an award winning movie or be a journalist for National Geographic or another dream job? And you realized you had to get that training and learn these skills?
Same thing here. I made sure, I got the skills, I got the training. So I went for it and send the letter today.

I know I shouldn't get worked up about this, so I won't be too disappointed. Well, I'm not like that. I also understand, that if I should be rejected the world will still turn. But I will be crushed.

Dream big or go home, right?

If you have a second, please keep you fingers crossed for me.

I will keep you posted.

Do you have a dream you went after or still going after? Tell me about it. How did it work out?

There is always room for ice cream

2011-09-12T17:02:00.000+01:00

That was the theme of my birthday party. And let me tell you right away: that is not always true!

Having a birthday in the summertime, in August, is not always so great. Because this is also the time when friends and family are going on vacation. Since I can remember I had to celebrate my birthday weeks later.
I finally got around and celebrated my 33rd birthday.

My friends and I wanted to find the best ice cream. Therefore I planned to go to various ice cream places. I had planned to go to six, but we made it to four.

Oh, there was ice cream people!

More ice cream

And even more ice cream. Everybody got to choose as many flavors as you could handle and then we all tasted them.

For each stop we all had stickers with our initial on it and then we gave points (we used the grade system 1 is the best, 5 the worst) to the ice cream place. Unfortunantelly we had to taste some bad ice cream. Cheap ingredients and sometimes no flavor at all were reason to give a 5.

We were not the only ice cream tasters around.

Starting left the black Retriever is my dog, Superdog. In the middle is Louis and to the right is Sky. A male dog. Don't let the hair fool you. Otherwise he won't see anything.

You see, my Superdog was responsible for the vanilla ice cream.

His friend Louis tasted the whipped cream.

And his other friend Sky ate all the waffles and cookies.

We tried to go to all six stops, but there was no way we could to that. After four stops we craved some burgers.

Next up, we want to try to find the best pizza in town!

33

2011-08-11T15:16:00.004+01:00

33 is the country code for France

It is said, that Jesus was 33 when he died, in the year 33 and there are 33 recorded miracles.

33 is a song by band Smashing Pumpkins.

33 is the atomic number for arsenic.

Patients in Italy, France, Portugal and Spain say 33 (in their languages) when a doctor listens to their lungs with a stethoscope.

33 is a beer in Vietnam.

Alexander the Great died with 33.

33 miners were saved in Chile in 2010.

Amethyst is given on the 33. wedding anniversary (in Germany it is tin, because you need to polish the marriage).

On the Newton Scale 33 is the temperature where water starts to boil.

Today is my 33rd birthday. I will celebrate it with friends in about two weeks. The weather is aweful here in Hamburg. But birthdays are fun days.

Make the best of the day. It's on me!

Social Network Overload

2011-07-02T13:17:00.017+01:00

I really like social media. No, scratch that I love it. I mean really luuuvvvvv it!
Not only do I enjoy it for myself, but I also work in social media. I work on various plattforms and read dozens of blogs to find out what we can expect in the future.

There are many social networks, let me show you some.
In some networks you will find me.
No reason to go into detail about Facebook, Twitter or the professional network LinkedIn. I have an account for both Facebook and Twitter and I would love for you to follow me (Facebook & Twitter).

Then there is Pinterest. A place where you can pin all your photo of thing you see on the internet that you like. Almost every page can be pinned.
It can only be entered via invitation. You can sign up and it takes 2-3 days until you're in.

Here are my pins for you to check out. If you want to be a part of pinterest, send me an e-mail via the contact form on top and I invite you.

Here we have Path.

A social network that is more for people on the go. Mostly, but not only, used with a smartphone. the difference is, that you an only have 50 friends. That's it. No more. So you will be very selective who you connect with. I like this idea, But don't have any use just yet. It started out on the iphone and since this week it is also available for android.

The new kid in town is Google+. The internet is going crazy and buzzing, it's online now since last week. Soon it will be open to everybody. Until then you need an invitation.

One feature I really like, is that you devide your friends into circles. Google gives you the oportunity not to call everybody friends. Each contact can be in as many circles you like. When you write a post, you can decide what circle will be able to see your post.
Now when you write about my job, I need to make sure not to mark the "work" circle.
If you don't have access yet, write me an e-mail and I send you one. Please note, that even with an invitation you might have to wait if the limit of Google is used up.

If you love book, Shelfluv could be your playground.

You create your own virtual book shelf, join book clubs or chat about your favorite books.
Sounds like a good place to me. Goodreads is very similar to Shelfluv.

Are you a diy kind of person? Craftgawker would be a great hangout.

It's very much like Pinterest, here you pin diy projects only.
There are three subpages: weddinggawker, dwellingawker and foodgawker.

I love to watch sport, but I don't do any myself. I'm way to lazy. But if you want to connect with other athletes, get motivated and compare training results athlinks offers you exactly that.

More than 500.000 christians worldwide are connecting via cross.tv. Over this network you can see videos, join prayer groups and share your beliefs.

There are networks for music lovers, for russians, for film buffs, for moms, for people with disablities, for rich people, for travel folks, for people who love photography......

Come join me on Twitter and/or Facebook. Google+

In what networks are you active?

I'm a woman on a mission

2011-06-02T17:20:00.005+01:00

The theater has always been very dear to me. I lived as an exchange student in Louisiana when I was 16 and in high school I played a part in "12 angry men". I was the foreigner in this play and had a few lines.
I have never wanted to be an actress, but I love to go to the theater. Really love it.

I go about twice a month. If I could afford it, I would go five times a week and twice on Sunday. I go with a group of older ladies I have met a couple of years ago (all in their 60ies and older). I'm part of this group now since 2007 and have seen about 40 plays. They do this for close to 20 years. We go to one theater in particular, a very classical theater. No experiments. My kind of thing. Great American and European classics.

(Theater here in Hamburg called Schauspielhaus)

This month I started on a mission. I call it my Pulitzer Price Mission. I want to see every single play, that has ever received or has been nominated for a Pulitzer Price for Drama.

This past Sundays I could scratch of my first play of that list. The beautiful play by A.R. Gurney called Love Letters with two famous German actors. I admit I love every play these people play, but this was just amazingly good.
On top of this blog you see that I have set up a page with my mission. Take a look.

Have you seen any of those plays? Do you like the theater? Or do you have a mission of your own?

Superdogs 5th birthday

2011-05-23T19:53:00.005+01:00

He is a party animal, alright!

May 11th was Superdogs 5th birthday.
He is with me since he is 9 weeks old. It was not so easy to get him. A couple of breeders didn't want their dog to live in the city or with a single woman and no kids. Yes, I heard it all.

Finally I found somebody who were willing to give me a dog.
He is my trusted friend. I try to take him with me as often as possible.

We celebrate his birthday the same way every year. He gets to wear a party hat, which he doesn't like but I think it is so cute. Here he is on his 4th birthay.

And then Superdog gets a"cake" made out of raw hamburger meat.
He loves that. He loves it so much, that he runs me over and I have trouble taking photos.

Just like every year.
Please excuse the poor quality of the photos. I'm glad I got two done.

Happy birthday my Superdog. You are indeed super! I'm happy you walk beside me.

Oh, what to do?

2011-05-10T13:51:00.000+01:00

I'm hoping that some Americans can help me out with this post today. Because this might be a cultural difference.
You see, I have talked about wanting to move to Charlotte, North Carolina next February to work there. This company, lets call it company No. 1, is located there. It is known all over the US.
No. 1 has been looking for a person who should take over the social media activities. Even though I have been working with social media almost 3 years now, I know that I'm not yet the person they are looking for. Just yet. I'm getting there.

Anyway. I hoped they would find a social media person, so I can apply to be an assistent and learn more. The social media activities for No. 1. is being overseen by the regular press department. A journalist on Twitter gave me the name of the pr person and even said I can use him as a reference. As soon as the job was gone, I did contact the pr person told him who I am and what I want.
He was very nice. Informing me that no person has been appointed yet. And so I waited. Not very patiently. The job was put back online.

And I kept waiting. Last week it happend. Job gone again and I contacted the pr person one more time. Introduced myself again and told him what I wanted.
Answer: no person appointed yet. Job is back online.

Are you still with me in this story?

What should I do? I'm a little bit under pressure, if I really want to make it in February. But I also don't want to get on the pr persons nerve since he has been very kind to me.

Should I wait till the job is gone again (this goes on since past November)? Or should I contact him anyway again in a couple of weeks? Or should I contact a person in charge of hiring?
When is contacting a person to much? And is there a difference between Americans and Europeans?

Help me out please.

Step by Step

2011-05-02T19:02:00.002+01:00

Come on, let's take a walk down memory lane, shall we?

New Kids On The Block - Step By Step

Oh, I was so in love with Jordan.
I was a foreign exchange student in the USA when I was 16 years old. I wanted to live in Boston so bad. But I ended up in Minden, Louisiana.
I decided to return to the USA with 19 and be a nanny for a year. I wanted to live in Louisiana again, but where did I live? That's right. Boston, Massachusetts.
This post has nothing to do with NKotB. But when I call a post Step by Step I have no other choice.

Let's get to the main topic of this post: Living in Charlotte, North Carolina.
About 10 months to go and I haven't organized anything.
Everything depends on the company I want to work for. I will announce that company, when I have something in writing. As soon as I get a written "okay", I can get a visa. Then I can look for a place to live, book a flight and make sure my dog has all the neccessary papers.

I don't like this situation right now. There is nothing I can do. I rather go ahead and plan then to wait for other people to make a decision.

So tell me, did you have a crush on NKotB, too? Or were you a Backstreet Boys fan?

A new path

2011-04-10T13:13:00.004+01:00

Guys, please excuse me being MIA for some time.

One thing you will learn, oh so quickly when you start blogging, is to find your voice. Find the topic you are most comfortable with and blog about that.
I have struggled with my voice. I have so many great blogs in my reader who have a special topic and who do so well. I'm not good in following in their footsteps. I haven't felt comfortable about what I blog about. Something was missing.

I have been thinking long and hard about my blog. I think I found the path I want to travel on. I hope you enjoy travelling with me.
You see, I live here right now

I love living in Hamburg. It's one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Water and parks everywhere. I work very close to the wonderful harbour. Truly a great place to live.
But in February 2012 I want to live here

Do you recognize that skyline?
This is Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
I haven't chosen this city out of the blue. The company I really want to work for is located there. Therefore I want to live in Charlotte for at least six months. I will give you more details about the company as we get closer.

I have lived for two years in the US. With 16 I was an exchange student in Louisiana and with 19 I was an au-pair in Massachusetts. So neither English, nor the American Way of Life is new to me.

Follow Superdog and me as plans take shape. There is a long list of to-dos:
job, visa, place to live, regulations so that I can Superdog with me.
Exciting ten months are ahead of me. Are you up for it?

Fish Pedicure

2011-03-14T10:00:00.000Z

Germany doesn't have different climate zones. When it's winter, it's winter all over the country. It might be a little colder here and there, but it's winter.
So you can understand my excitement, that it's starting to be Spring here in Hamburg, Germany. The sun was shining this past weekend, temperature was great too. Superdog and I had the first ice cream cone of the year. Yes, the dog had a cone of his own. Vanilla, in case you're wondering.

Anyway, with sunny weather coming up, I sure have to get my feet presentable.

My friend and I tried out a fish pedicure and we really liked it.
The fish that are being used are called doctor fish or here in Germany more often kangal fish.
This is how the salon looks like

How can you not feel comfortable here, right?
Here is the special seat with the fish.

And here is us on those seats.

The fish are not very big. It's more a massage. It does tickle a little. But you get used to it very quickly. It feels like a feather is stroking your feet softly.

Feet are feeling smoother. But don't expect all of your rough skin to be gone. That's what a regular pedicure is for.
OPI nail polish in all colors to chose from.

Personally I just love classic red nail polish.

Have you ever been to a fish pedicure?

Here are two addresses to get you started, if you want to go.
Germany: Adam & Eve.

USA: Doctor fish massage.

Road Trip

2011-02-25T08:23:00.009Z

I haven't been on vacation in more than 8 years. No kidding! Since I have my dog, I haven't even taken a short trip somewhere. But things will change in 2011. It's on my list. So I shall do it.

One trip that I will/have to take, might just be a road trip. Roadtripping is one of those adventures I would even take on by myself. A car, a girl and maybe a map. Go!

Dreaming about a road trip and to take my mind of the freezing weather here in Germany I put together some inspirational photos.

Row 1: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Row 2: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Row 3: 1, 2, 3, 4.

This is a photo from my own (first and last) roadtrip 1998, I was 19. Yes, we met Smokey. Please don't envy me.

I was an Au-Pair in Massachusetts. My family with the kids are in one car. My friend Line and I are in another car driving behind them from Massachusetts to New Hampshire.

Have you road triped? I would love to hear about your trips and dream some more.

VIB-very important blog No. 5

2011-02-23T21:23:00.007Z

Social media in general and blogging in peticular are about sharing, connecting, helping, supporting and reaching out. So I will share a blog every Thursday that I love to read. Some are popular with a lot of readers, you may know it already, some just started, some are for a special audience, but all of them are great! So go and check it out.

Let me introduce you to

Here is the link

What's it about?

A blog filled with beautiful photos and some tipps to take good photos yourself.

No, really. What's it about?

A gorgeous blog filled with encouragement! And beautiful photos.

Who is blogging?

This divas name is Christina, she is from Denmark. Not only is she a great photographer, but also a life coach.

Why do I love it and hope you will too?

Oh, where do I begin? This blog was a tip from a friend. And I'm thrilled I found this blog. Christina is mother to three kids who all hold cameras in their hands. She specifically encourages women to get involved. I so love that!!! I also believe in women sticking together and encouraging one another. It doesn't happen often enough!

She also has an online workshop, which you should check out as well as some tipps (ex. How to take photos of a still life etc). Make sure you are part of the Shutter Divas (isn't that a fantastic name?). Every sunday she give you a photo assignment, which should be uploaded to a flickr page. A week after that she will highlight ten entries. If you love photos, please take a moment and look through it.

Where can I find the blog?

Go right here to Divas and Dreams

Sun in my eyes

2011-02-22T19:29:00.006Z

You see this face of mine?

It has pale skin, many liver spots and two green eyes. And it is round. Pancake-round.
The past couple of days were very cold but also sunny. So I'm on the hunt for a pair of sunglasses.
Question is, which one fits my pancake face?

1. H&M, 2. Ray Ban, 3. Victoria Beckham

I love, love, love the classic aviator look of a Ray Ban in green with a gold frame.

4. + 5. House of Harlow, 6. Tom Ford

Smart Dog Toys

2011-02-21T11:17:00.010Z

Next week a couple of things will change in my personal life. I will start to work for a new company, which I'm very happy about.
But here is a special someone who will not be so happy about that, because the working hours will be a lot.

Superdog and I live by ourselves. There were days I had to leave him at home. Sometimes even for a couple of hours. This was no problem, because it wasn't every day. This will change next week for about 6 months.

He is a smart dog, I tell you! You dog owners out there know how hard it can be to keep your fur baby busy.
Therefore I want to stock up on some toys, we can play with in the evening.

We already play with the dog pyramid by Nina Ottosson. Her toys are pricey, but great.
Our pyramid is much loved in our home. And much used.

The pyramid has a heavy bottom, so it always stands back up. There is a small hole in which you put the treats. By rolling it over the floor the treats fall out.
Here is dog and pyramid in action

We own some more toys: the dog brick and the dog fighter, both by Nina Ottosson.

(Link)

Superdog figures out the toys pretty quickly. So I have to come up with games of my own.

How do you keep your animals busy?

Abandoned amusement park

2011-02-16T16:58:00.005Z

I love amusement parks. There was a time, when the rides couldn't be fast enough, scary enough or wild enough. Not anymore! With 32 I'm starting to get sick in a car if someone changes lanes to quickly.
Some time ago, I came across the photos of an abandoned amusement park in Japan.
These amusement parks would be a great location to take some photos. While looking for one here in Germany, I found an interesting list on wikipedia that list defunct amusement parks.

(Link)

Scary and beautiful at the same time, isn't it?
And this looks like an abandoned restaurant or a bar

Not only are the chairs still there, but there are also some plates and silver ware left on the tables.

(Link)

Here is a website (in an asian language) but still very manageable, with photos of prisons, buildings amusement parks that are all abandoned.

Love, Kärlek, Armour & Liebe

2011-02-14T10:08:00.005Z

Today is Valentins Day. Even though I don't really celebrate this day and here in Germany it's not as big as in the US, I love to use this day to tell my loved ones how much they mean to me.
First and foremost I tell this fellow how much he means to me. My trusted companion "Superdog"

How can you not be in love with this face?

For my friends (on two legs) I baked some brownies. I made some arrows out of felt, cut out some hearts and send it out to them.

How do you celebrate Valentines Day? Do you celebrate at all?

VIB - very important blog No. 4

2011-02-03T17:12:00.003Z

Here is the link

What's it about?
Great advice that every little girl raised to be a lady should know about.

No, really. What's it about?
This blog gives great advice, not only for girls. For anybody really, regardless of age, sex or religion. Some of the advice can be adjusted so it feels more personal.
For example: #277 Visit Washington D. C.
The advice behind it is: learn how your government works, go see where all the power is, fell how it works and look at all the history that surrounds your government. My government would be in Berlin. And this advice is so true.

Who is blogging?
Her name is Jaime Morrison Curtis. She is the mother of a two year old little girl and she welcomes unsolicited advice, which you can send to her.

Why do I love it and hope you will too?
I don't have any children just yet. But I love the fact of having a collection of advice for my kids and use it myself to change some things or learn more, so I can lead by example one day. You can send in advice too.
Some advice is told in a little story (# 263 Accept chivalry - which I'm personally not good at!), some are so cute (#231 Come home) and some are really advice I should take on myself (# 226 leave a decent tip, # 235 There is a moment in an argument when you realize you're wrong and #256 a nickname should be a term of endearment, not an insult).

Where can I find the blog?
Follow the link to 500 pieces of prudent advice for my baby daughter.

Finally or already?!

2011-02-02T18:45:00.002Z

Look what I bought today!

I couldn't resist!

I love Easter. It's my favorite holiday of them all. Here in Germany Valentines Day is not such a big thing. We celebrate that with a loved one, but kids don't give anything to their class mates. So the next big holiday is Easter.
Since last year I celebrate that by going on a easter egg hunt with flashlights. Oh, what fun.

What is your favourite holiday?

Court Sketches

2011-01-27T18:31:00.009Z

I had to go to court today. I was there to watch the court proceeding, I wasn't involved.
Most court proceedings are open to the public here in Germany. Court dokuments are not new to me, I have worked for lawyers for a couple of years and I have studied law myself many years ago (but never finished).

I have a soft spot for court sketches. If I would be working as a lawyer I would make sure I get sketches from my cases. How great would they look in a law office, don't you think?

Do you recognize this couple? That's right Jennifer Aniston and her then husband Brad Pitt were in court, because a photographer took photos of Aniston in 2002

in German via Der Spiegel

Here is one from Lindsay Lohans proceedings. I love how her Louboutins are included in the sketch.

via Huffington Post

This one is from Austria. A wife of a banker is giving her Testimony.

in German via Der Standard

via New York Daily News

again via New York Daily News

Flipping through magazines

2011-01-24T21:26:00.006Z

One of my favorite things to do was and still is to sit on my sofa, making myself comfortable and flipping through magazines. I rip out pages and put them into a box. I have tried in vain to remember all the beautiful things I see, but I usually forget them and then flip through magazines trying to find that special article.

I used to go to the main station here in Hamburg, Germany, because there I could buy all the international magazines. Of course they are quite expensive.

Enter Issuu.com. Oh, how many hours I have spend on this side already.

It's a heaven filled with online publications. Thousands of magazines. Many issues.
Publications can be searched and are devided into many categories like creative, hobby, auto, travel and even bizzare.

I love this magazine: Canada's style at home

You can flip through the pages. And when you have a account at Issuu, you can bookmark the whole magazine or just pages that you love.
I have a small screen, but this is how it looks, when you open the pages.

You can find magazines that are hard to get because there a locally.
Here is EAT. A magazine that celebrates food of the Vancouver Island.

How about Vegas player? And yes, I looked at this magazine because of the great photo of Mark Wahlberg.

Check out the St. Louis Homes

There are also many look books and catalogues to look at.
Here is River Island

You can also upload a magazine of your own. One gorgeous example is 2 by fryd created by Jeanette Lunde (Check out her blog Fryd + Design)

Enjoy! And please don't curse me when you spend hours on this web site. When you find a good magazine there, let me know.

VIB - very important blog No. 3

2011-01-20T07:30:00.001Z

Let me introduce you to

Here is the link

What's it about?

A mum who can't sew, sing or master a rubic's cube ( I hear you on all three things!)

No, really. What's it about?

A mum blogging about a great mix of food (love the rustic hamburgers!), pretty things, social media and photography. She also writes about and for her cute little daughter.

Who is blogging?

Her name is Chantelle and she lives in Australia.

Why do I love it and hope you will too?

Chantelle really involves her readers: she askes great questions known as BLOGversation. Questions have been first ever post and bloggers block. Great example of social media!!! Which you know I love so much.

Please check out her tab "e book". There you will find the book "Let's give them something to blog about". You can buy it and print it out yourself. 10 percent are going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. I love a woman that is honest about her weight. Be it baby weight or, in my case, weight from eating. A lot of eating. Did I mention her rustic hamburgers?

Where can I find the blog?

Please follow me to Fat Mum Slim

The colors of the Golden Globes '11

2011-01-18T08:00:00.001Z

As always on the red carpet there are the good, the bad and the ugly. Ugly is a harsh word. Let's say the ladies who didn't get it quite right.
All shades of pink, beige, creme or nude are winners for me. Just not ON me!

Ever since the wonderful Michelle Williams wore a yellow dress to the Academy Awards I'm sold on yellow. Especially the dark mustard tone that Kyra Sedgwick is wearing.

Midnight blue is awesome

Ladies in red. Bold color.

I loved Anne Hatherways dress.

I wasn't a fan of Sandra Bullocks. Neither of the dress nor of the hair.

I expect Helena Bonham Carter to be dressed on the wild side. And she sure didn't dissapoint me. Somehow it suits her. I just can't imagine her any other way.

Love this dress! Eva Longoria did it right.

What can I say? Gorgeous couple! I haven't made up my mind if I like Angelina Jolies dress. It reminds me of the 80ies, doesn't it?
My mother married my step father in a dress with that exact color (city hall wedding with yellow flowers).

Speaking of couple. Not a fan of the outfits.

All images courtesy of Getty images

Which dress did you and didn't you like?

Pilgrim

2011-01-17T08:00:00.000Z

This past weekend I bought some vintage tea cups I want to use as jewelry holder, like Martha did

Martha Stewart

Now I need some nice jewelry to put in the cups.
The Danish company Pilgrim would be a great choice, don't you think? The store locater on the website shows you where to shop in Europe and in the US.

Blogger Conferences

2011-01-14T07:00:00.001Z

I cannot say it often enough: social media is all about sharing and encouraging. I met some wonderful ladies online, who I hope to meet offline too (yes, that would be you girls in the secret group, who I shared my darkest reunion secret with!).

There will be some awesome blogger conferences in the upcoming months. I wish I could take part in one, which won't happen in 2011. But I have it on my to do list in 2012. Here is a list of some.

What: Alt Design Summit 2011
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
When: January 19-22, 2011
This conference is on blogs everywhere right now. When you can make it there, you will be able to hear some great speakers and take part in workshops. This conference is on top of my list.

What: BlogHer - Life well said
Where: BlogHer'11 in San Diego, California, BlogHer Food in Atlanta, Georgia and BlogHer bet in Silicon Valley, California
When: BlogHer '11 August 5-6, BlogHer Food May 20-21 and BlogHer bet March 24-25
BlogHer is devided into different interests. With BlogHer being the main conference and bet covers the business side of blogging. Check out the webpage to find special groups that you can get involved without being at the conference, find new blogs or just talk with others.

What: SocialLuxe Lounge
Where: No place set just yet. 2010 was in New York City
When: No date set
The blogluxe awards are given away on the conference. Check out the winners from last year. Great categories.

What: lavish!
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
When: took place in December 2010, no date for 2011 set
Here you can learn about the pretty things in life: Fashion, food, design and creative arts. The name says it all. Also on my top list for the next time.

What: Design Blogger Conference
Where: Los Angeles, California
When: February 28- March 1, 2011
This conference will talk specifically about bloggers in interior design. Big names will be speakers here. Learn about making your brand a business and meet others. Sounds great!

What: Blissdom
Where: Nashville, Tennesee
When: January 26-28, 2011
A smaller conference but full of inspiration nonetheless. There is also a Blissdom in Canada.

What: ltd 365
Where: Pasadana, California
When: January, 13, 2011
This conference takes a closer look at the busines side of blogging and it takes place today. But check out the videos on the webpage.

Are there some more conferences to check out? Maybe some in Europe? Are you going to be at one of the conferences?

VIB - very important blog No. 2

2011-01-12T08:01:00.000Z

I'd like you to meet

Here is the link

What's it about?

Her journey through adulthood, some pretty stuff and some pop culture thrown in there.

No, really. What's it about?

A young woman who designs beautiful invitations, blogs about pretty stuff (great style!) and don't miss the Monday music she posts. I loved every song so far.

Who is blogging?

Her name is Brooke. Go over there and say "Hi". I'm sure she loves it.

Why do I love it and hope you will too?

Brooke had an amazing wedding (no seriously! Her invitations were, I just said it, amazing!). I loved reading about it. So it was clear I would follow her new blog. I really love all the paper she designs for various events, like her birthday. She also has a list of 101 things she wants to do in 1001 days. I'm not successful with my list. I like blogs that are personal and not only filled with links. She talked about her husband being unemployed (he is not anymore!) and how they deal with it. Her blog is a great mix of nice things, good music suggestions and some diy.

Where can I find the blog?

Right this way: Claremont Road

Drama in my fridge

2011-01-06T15:42:00.000Z

You see, there has been some tension in my fridge for some time now. The carrots had some issues with the onions, especially with the red ones. I had to remove the onions. And the fridge door was a war zone too. The whole milk made fun of the soy milk. Milk descrimination at its finest. It wasn't pretty.

But all of that is nothing compared what happened in the egg crate.
This is egg boy and egg girl. Happily in love. It could be so perfect.

Not too long ago I let egg man move into the crate. He works as a bouncer. He is really arrogant and thinks he gets all the chicks.
The other eggs stayed away from him. They were scared of him and his friends, I think. Egg man has become very friendly with the eggplants. The eggs didn't have a chance against those big French guys. Rumor has it they come out of the Foreign Legion.

Of course it didn't take long until egg man made his move on egg girl. She wasn't interested. But egg boy thought she might change her mind. Egg boy has a very soft heart made out of gold, but he is a little insecure.

Then it happened! Egg man landed in hot water. Murder in my kitchen! Please excuse the brutality. Viewers discretion is advised and rated R!

The police got involved. An egg policeman was send over and they also questioned egg boy. It seems like he has an alibi.

The investigation didn't go well. There were no witnesses and as you could see for yourself, there is no hint who could have commited that murder.

On a brighter note, everything is fine again between egg boy and egg girl.

But still, I don't want a serial killer loose in my fridge. Some pieces of cheese were saying, that the little man who turns the light on and off in the fridge might have something to do with this crime.
He is also a bouncer. I mean he works when I open the door. Maybe scared to lose his job?
Strange things happen, I tell y'all, strange things.

What do you think happened?

VIB - very important blog No. 1

2011-01-05T21:35:00.000Z

Here is the link

What's it about?
Weddings, fashion, photography, style and shopping.

No, really. What's it about?
A young woman with a great heart facing the world with her dissabilites, on her way to find Mister Right, showing a lot of great inspirations along the way.

Who is blogging?
Her name is Melissa. Go over and tap her on her shoulder to say hello.

Why do I love it and hope you will too?
Even though this blog has many followers it is very new to me. I found it right before the new year. I read through every. single. post! I love her letters to her future husband. They give a look how she faces problems, how she dreams and what she is all about. Her posts are so well written. I love the way she writes. I love the way she uses language. Some of her posts are funny, some of them are so true it hurts.
I bookmarked quite a lot of links for my imaginary shopping list, too.

Where can I find the blog?
Go right here to So about what I said...

Do you know Melissas blog already?
Which blog is your VIB (very important blog)? Tell me about it.

Cigarette Cases

2011-01-04T14:38:00.000Z

I don't smoke. Never have. In old movies you see smoking quite often. And I can't deny it fits perfectly into the time. Once you imagine the smell and the health issues the attraction will quickly dissapear.
Right now I'm on the hunt of that perfect cigarette case to keep business cards and small scraps of paper that I collect neatly in one place in my bag. I'm looking for a vintage one, preferably with a clip instead of a rubber band.

Here are some beautiful cases I found so far:

1, 2, 3, 4 which is my favorite

What do you use for business cards?

Dear 2010,

2010-12-31T21:51:00.000Z

well this is it. In a couple of hours you and I will be through. Once and for all!

And to be honest I couldn't be happier about it. You see, it never quite worked out between us. I'm sure you felt the same way about me.

via

I had to cancel trips I was looking forward to, couldn't visit dear friends and other plans fell through. Not to mention that I had a very unpleasant experience with a stalker. Dear 2010, you were alreay over for me in May.
Therefore please don't be sad if I cannot await the arrival of your younger brother 2011 in a couple of hours. I'm so looking forward what 2011 will bring me and my loved ones.

I have new plans: travel plans and career plans. I hope to be healthy and happy. I hope to meet lots of new people, make new friends and broaden my horizon.

You see, I really need the new year. Even though we don't part on good terms. Rest asure I will think of you every once in a while.

Farewell 2010. Make room for 2011.

Love,

the Girl in the Laundromat

Smell like an earthworm or a tomato

2010-12-17T12:25:00.000Z

There are some things I really love to smell! I have to admit I like the small of gas stations. And markers. Raise your hand if you like weird smells.

But now there is help for people like us. Enter the Library of Fragrance.
I discovered these fragrances in the bathroom of my friend. This Swiss company turned everyday objects into smells.
There are over 250 fragrances. Delicious ones like Pure Soap, Creme Brulee, Cotton Candy and Honey. But also unusual ones like Tomato, Thunderstorm, Snow, Condensed Milk or Leather. And then there are the very weird ones like: Earthworm, Dirt, Salat, Lobster and Tootsie Rolls.

Some of those fragrances can and should be worn together. I'm a huge fan of honey and condensed milk. The owner of the Library of Fragrance wears Dirt and Cotton Candy together.

My friend had ordered some samples:

laundry room, ginger, ocean, licorice and snow storm

sugar cookies, condensed milk, summer rain, dirt, holy water

If you want to check out those smells for yourself. Here is where.

In the US and Europe:
Company there is called Demeter Fragrance Library.

In Germany, Switzerland and Austria:
Check out the Library of Fragrance in English and German. German speaking folks can order via the webpage.

What smell would you love to have in bottles?

The Banff Springs Hotel

2010-12-16T22:22:00.000Z

There are places in this world that I love to visit in a special season. Like New York in the summer or fall and Venice in the winter.

The Banff Springs Hotel is a place I want to visit in the winter. Spending some wonderful winter days there with a special someone must be amazing.
See for yourself

I saw a documentary about this hotel not to long ago and since then this hotel is on top of my list. The beautiful hotel is located in the Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada with view of the Rocky Mountains. It used to be a railway hotel and was first opend in 1888 and again after a redesign in 1914.

There are over 300 rooms and numerous restaurants inside the hotel. I remember they have a German speaking chef there.

And weddings can take place there too.

(All photos via)

Has anybody of you guys ever been there?

This hotel has no idea that I'm alive. So trust me that this is not a paid post!

Laundromats

2010-12-15T20:33:00.000Z

I have a very soft spot for laundromats. You should know that about me. I believe in honesty right from the start.

I love that you can spend time there, read, talk or watch other people or the world go by.
In college a couple of years ago, I spend a lot of time in one. Mainly because someone kept stealing underwear out of the dorm washer. I spare you the details.

My friend I. and I celebrated my birthday last August in a laundromat. A spontanous photo shooting with curlers in my hair and some great champagner. Usually the laundromat closes at 11 p.m. We were there long past that. There were surveillance cameras and I bet some people were laughing. Here is how it looked:

The American Coin Op is a monthly magazine for coin laundry owners. They even crown the most beautiful laundromat.
There are not a lot of laundromats where I live. Most people have a washer at home, so laundromat owners got creative and turned them into bars, cafes or added some pool tables so the time goes by faster while you wainting for the spin cycle.

In the US, they are hard to find. Do you guys know some?

- Howell Street Cafe Laundrymat & Bar in Seattle, Washington (I couln't find a webpage or a photo)
- Dirty Dungarees, Columbus Ohio

In Europe:

The Laundromat Cafe, Denmark

Mangelwirtschaft, Berlin, Germany (Webpage in english, too)

If you have photos of a laundromat, please click the tab "add a laundromat" on top of the page. I would love to see them.