Nighty mighty walk

Good morning,

A turbulent weeks lies behind me. As usual a lot to do, but moreover a business trip to Dusseldorf which I've just come back from and a lot of thinking. Thinking about me. Thinking about my life.

It might be the dark weather outside that turns me into that mood or the social environment but it is certain that I question a lot these times: Where do I want to go? Was this school really a good choice for me? What is my plan for the future? Who am I for real? Am I involved into too much? Is the stress driving me crazy? And so on and so on. In order to get my mind cleared, I tried two measures:
First, while temperature fell below 0°C for the first time, I headed outside and went for a walk. Only me and my thoughts. It was the first time that I really sensed the city I am living in and couldn't resist to take some snapshots. After an hour I came back, as if I had been on holidays, since this timeout was exactly what I needed.
Then, the day afterwards I met my best friend from my first two years of universities who is now studying in Spain. It was not only great to see her, but also to talk to someone who fully understands you. It eventually turned out that she is in the same situation that I am. Same questioning. No answers.

I can tell you that I haven't found the answers yet and hope that they will develop within the next weeks, months and even years. Moreover I believe that I can't find them alone but that friends, family, experiences, inspirations and defeats will shape them together with me. The only thing I know is that I should listen to myself more often and take the time for me when I need it most. Everyone who is suffering stress, uncertainties and defeats should do the same.

With this melancholic post, I wish you a great week and see you in a week! Then I will let you know why "Sunday morning" isn't possible right now :)

If I lose myself

Hi everyone,

It's far beyond morning although I've just got up after I slept the entire day. Right, after a crazy weekend at the WHU Euromasters I arrived back here this noon and then went straight to bed - until now.

Euromasters: Already two years ago I raved about this event, so there was no question that I would participate again this year. Instead of playing soccer as anticipated I ended up cheerleading which was as much fun as always. So what's it about?
2000 students from all over Europe (France, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany) come to a little village called Vallendar somewhere in Germany. The host university WHU is organizing the event which is a mixture of sports and parties. The entire day you are in the gym cheering for your teams and competing in different disciplines. We unfortunately couldn't win any of the trophies but we supported each other strongly. Highlight is the cheerleading competition by the end of the competitions on Saturday afternoon. We were extremely nervous beforehand but once you are on stage, you can only enjoy the atmosphere and rocking the house! After the long exhausting days, two parties followed on the agenda: "Cirque de Nuit" on Friday and "NEON" on Saturday. It was a blast, I can tell ya'!

Enough written, let's speak videos and pictures for themselves. Impressions can be found on www.whu-euromasters.com or on their facebook page.

Cirque de nuit

Spirit

CESEM at Opening Ceremony

Our performance

And this years Euromasters Hymn to finish - cannot wait to come next year!

Sweet Paris!

Paris at night

I might be a few hours late writing this, but it was worth it: I spent the weekend in Paris with my Mom. And how much I already miss it ! I immediately could jump back on a train in order to stroll through the streets, to sit in a lovely cafe or to go to a concert. Not only was it great to see my Mom again but we also explored one of our favourite cities: We went to Bercy Village (Cour St Emilion), a passage with cafes and shops that are located in old trading houses at Paris' East side. Then we also went to a Chopin concert in the city's oldest church: St Julien le Pauvre. Both nights we spent at friends' with a lot of wine and cheese that instantly transported my Mom back to her twenties when she was living here. And now I am in my twenties, studying only a stone throw away and maybe completing my internship in exactly the same place. Destiny?

Bercy Village

Cookies at La Cure Gourmande - J'adore!

Chocolate

Another side of Paris: La Défense

La grande Arche

Luckily, I am coming back in another two weeks. Although it is only for a day, I am so looking forward to this timeout. When I head back to Reims this afternoon, I felt sad. Even the weather expressed my feelings: Sun in Paris and rain (again!) in Reims. Since I benefited from the weekend to a full extent, I am now sitting at my desk, looking for my motivation that has been hiding for a couple of days now. Tomorrow another presentation. Tonight another cheerleading session as we have our big tournament in less than 5 days (this implicates a delayed post next Sunday as well, I am very sorry). All these dead lines and duties here paralyze me. 

So, in order to survive my daily tress, it is busy Paris that keeps me calm. A très bientôt!

Like a thunderstruck

Happy Sunday!

In average I slept 5 hours this week. Far too little for my needs but I couldn't afford to get more: once again I had cheerleading each night, attendance at classes and all was topped by a test on Friday morning. It turned out to be ridiculous but this is a different story. 

It was yesterday that it hit me like thunderstruck. I just couldn't bare it anymore and caught up my laziness while sleeping in late, watching lots of Desperate Housewives and going to bed earlier. And since the CET was changed last night, I even got one extra hour. That's how I like my start of holidays. 

Holidays? Indeed, I have a week full of them ahead. Well, I also still have to catch up some stuff for uni but holidays are holidays and nobody can steal them from me. My plans? Shopping, cooking, visiting, walking and leaving to Paris on Friday morning! I am so excited!

What better to start the holidays than having a large breakfast with your best roomie? Right now, I am sitting in front of my laptop hoping that she gets ready soon because I am literally starving. Instead of already posting the hot chocolates, bread and strawberry jam, I want to show you today's outfit. A yellow statement sweater is always a guarantee for a happy day.

All the best and have a great Halloween party!

P.S. Yes, I know iPhone pics are great but this week I will go back to my beloved Canon. Promised! Xx

Sweater (Benetton) - Blouse (Zara) - Pants (H&M) - Slippers (Vietnamese Market) - Bag (Longchamp)

Wall paper in my favourite restaurant - inspiration for a new room concept?

I'm singing in the rain... in that case I would sing all day and night! Bearable with blanket, hot chocolate and candles.

"And some people kiss their friends, it's like a high-five on the lips!"

Good morning early birds!

Hope, you had a great week!

How could I MISS IT?
10 years ago Desperate Housewives was launched and I didn't care at all. Even when my best friends cancelled dates on Wednesday night, I didn't get it. No, it was until last night that I have never watched one episode. But then - hit! - I already feel addicted after the first three ones. While my week was pretty stressful, my roomie and me decided to cuddle up in blanket, have some food and watch it. I need a lot more of these nights...

Crazy Red for main course - and Apple Pear Crumble + Rum Sunrise for dessert

Candy Shop vs. Pope of Dope!

It's been three times now that I have been telling you about a particular event (here, here and here) and this week it was time again: Running Dinner. For all amongst you who are not familiar with the term: You and your partner cook one course (either starters, main course or dessert) and are invited to have the other ones at different apartments. Therefore you meet a lot of people during the night and literally run from one place to the other.
We were to be chosen to do the dessert. We decided to make an Apple Pear Crumble (add some rubbed lemon into the crumbles), served with Vanilla Oreo Ice Cream and a Rum Sunrise with it. Beforehand we ate some Spanish Tapas and Chicken A La Provençale which was a delicious meal. Eventually, we all ended up at our favorite hangout until late that night.
Only the next day, another party was on schedule. It's motto was "Candy Shop vs. Pope of Dope" and I declared it to be my last one until the Euromasters in two weeks. As I have cheerleading nearly every night from now on, it wouldn't even be possible. Oh and not to forget mid-term exam on Friday.

Now back to work with some Finance stuff - and maybe the 4th episode tonight?!
Enjoy your day and have a great new week.
Xoxo

In love

Best Friday afternoon motivation: Galette artisanale au chocolat

Good morning everyone!

It's been now a couple of years, that iPhones have invaded our world. For years I have been calling myself an opponent, not willing to spend that much money on a (simple) technical device. But these times are over now. From now on I am an official iPhone user.

Within the last weeks I was rarely available via mobile. I gave my old Samsung to my brother in New Zealand and used a simple BlackBerry Curve instead to bridge my lack of smartphone. Then the time of waiting begun until Apple finally announced the new iPhone 5S/C the 10th of September. I waited more days in order to see iPhone 5 prices falling and then snatched it up!

What is my first impression? I. Love. It. Seriously. Never mind what tech freaks say about old-fashioned settings, I am totally happy with my purchase: The design is top and the user experience is just what I have imagined. Look out for some snapshots taken with my new friend!

In love.

Crazy colours

Rainy time is candle time.

Saturday's market

No better than fresh French cheese

This week was less stressful than the one before, so I yesterday spent half the day exploring the farmer's market and shopping in the city. Furthermore last night two good friends celebrated their birthday which was a lot of fun.
Nevertheless I keep on writing applications for my internship beginning in January. While I was always quite focused on Marketing, I this time fancy a position in Finance. Therefore all the big finance departments of Chanel, Hermes, Dior, L'Oreal and Coca-Cola are bombarded with my CV and motivation letter. Fingers crossed!
Enjoy your Sunday and the next week!

Weekend as a luxury I cannot afford

Happy Sunday!

Honestly, I can't tell you a lot today. You might be interested in the German apple purée market, local currencies in Bristol or in a high-quality low cost airline - these are the topics I dealt with this week. Exciting, aren't they?
It's been the toughest week so far and tougher ones will even follow. I had three times cheerleading, had a couple of group meetings (for the above mentioned topics) and on top of it I had classes from morning 'till late in the evening. My social life was almost down... until Friday night when I had enough from all the pressure and work so that I went out with a couple of friends. Same yesterday night. But never too late since I had in mind all the work piles on my desk that I will attack within the next few minutes.

Weekends are a luxury that students can no longer afford. 

Unfortunately, it is true. Even on weekends I force myself to get up early to get everything done. And then, from time to time, I remember those days when I was in my internship and could use the weekends for whatever I wanted to. Luckily I am going back to internship in January (don't know where yet) and this lack of freedom and fun has an end.
I am happy and positive person, so I don't want to complain too much. As all my friends are suffering the same situation we understand and support each other. And I truly appreciate it!

To not end this post without any picture, I have another simple cake recipe for you: Lemonade-Cake. Perfect if you have to get rid of eggs or any soft drink rests in your fridge.

Bon appétit!

For the pastry

• 2 cups of sugar
• 3 cups of flour
• 1 cup of oil
• 1 cup of lemonade (Fanta, Sprite etc. - I don't suggest Coke though!)
• 1 pck. of vanilla sugar
• 1 pck. of baking powder
• 4 eggs
• Pinch of salt

For the icing

• 250 g icing sugar
• Lemonade
• Decoration like colourful chocolate chips, sugar carrots etc. 

How to

• Mix all the ingredients and fill the pastry into a buttered pan. Put it into the preheated oven for about 30-45 minutes at 180°C. 
• While having the cake baked, prepare the icing: Mix icing sugar and lemonade in order to fabricate a gooey mass. Be careful that you don't add too much lemonade! 
• After having cooled the cake, spread the icing evenly on the cake and decorate it (in my case with colourful chocolate chips). 

Routine? Not bad at all!

Good morning!

After the first month in my new university, routine found its way into my daily life. I get up, go to uni, do lots of classes and group works and come back home, quite exhausted. Then, on weekends I catch up sleep and continue bureaucracy. And suddenly, I remember: Hey! I am young! I must go out! Meet friends! Do shopping! Going to Paris!

On measure against my dull routine is my cheerleading training from now on. Yes, you read the right way. I am in my uni's cheerleading squad and have training three times a week until we participate at the WHU Euromasters in 6 weeks. My goal: a split (I stretch each night for twenty minutes following this video) My inspiration: "Bring it on!" with Kirsten Dunst that I have been adoring for years now.

Bring it on!

Puff Pastry Orange Blossoms

Another measure: Inviting friends. That I did on Friday night with Spanish, German, Chinese and French friends. Since I had classes all day long I could only prepare a simple dessert: Puff Pastry Orange Blossoms (similar easy recipe here) that we had together with other sweet treats. Then yesterday I went to a birthday party with loads of international students - most of them really drunk.
And while I am writing this, I think: Well, my life might not be the most exciting one, but it is also far away from being boring. On the contrary I am happy to have some kind of routine because I therefore appreciate special moments even more!

Before finishing today's post, I want to show you a friend that made his way to my wardrobe: my new acquired leggings that I found at H&M for 19.99 Euro. Combined with a simple jeans shirt or with a glittery blouse in the night... I have loads of outfits in my mind. How do you like it?

Thank you so much for reading!

Leggings (H&M - similar here)