I know that many of you, same as me. . .are freaking out a little as soon as X-mas is approaching. . .too many delicious goodies are tempting us more than usually those days. . .
During the rest of the year it's already hard to stay strong and not eat the whole bar of chocolate. . .but exactly that's the point!! My opinion is that denying all the "carb bombs" doesn't make sense. . .it only makes you unhappy and frustrated!! Moreover I think it takes much more strength of will to only eat a little portion and then stop instead of leaving it out completely!!
Beside that, we only live once; always saying "NO" just to stay skinny?! All I say about that is "NO WAY"!! When it comes to a healthy diet it is like with most things in life. . .just don't exagerate!!
Of course you can also opt for healthier alternatives. . .a hand full of nuts instead of chocolate, use honey instead sugar to prepare the dish, choose cereal bars instead of muffins, use olive oil instead colza oil etc. . .not that those products have necessarily less calories, the ingredients are simply better for our whole body!
You can train yourself to stop before stuffing too much into your stomach! "All" you need is the motivation to be healthy, look good and be proud of yourself!
So don't become an outsider during X-mas dinner. . .simply listen to your body, if you do this carefully it will tell you when it's enough! ;-)
Here are some interesting links with healthy receipts:
Cooking Light
Healthy Cooking
Have a great pre-Xmas time!!
XO
T.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Cappuccino is out! Hello Chai Tea!!
You might wonder what chai tea has to do with this blog? Well, fabulousness (yes, I love to add -ness to all sorts of words. . .even if it turns them into tongue twisters *grin*) does also come from inside. . .even mostly if I’m honest. . .so, do not only take care of the surface my sweethearts!!
Of course I still enjoy my occasional cappuccino but its nr 1 spot on my list of fav hot drinks has been taken over by chai tea latte! Especially now that it’s getting colder and darker. . .
Whether chai tea is healthy or not may be discussed but in India many people drink it on daily base and are convinced about its positive influence on body/health . . .fact is that if you consume the high quality version (take care when ordering chai tea latte as some coffee shops sell you steamed milk with spice syrup instead of real tea) the following aspects should be considered:
The World Famous Antioxidants:
- Chai tea has several antioxidants, who fight back free radicals. Some scientists say that tea in general has 10 times more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help our body to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Help For Our Digestion:
- Ginger, one of the main spices of chai tea, helps digesting. It also helps in case of stomach ache and morning sickness. (Ginger is also said to help in case you have a cold. . .well actually I can confirm that this is true. . .)
Less Caffeine:
- 1 cup of chai tea has less caffeine than one cup of average coffee. One can also choose decaffeinated chai tea same as one can choose soy milk instead of cow milk in case of chai tea latte).
Easy Peasy Baby:
- Take a break from your stressful life by enjoying a cup of hot chai tea. The spices in a chai tea, especially the warming cinnamon, help to relax the body and spirit.
Unfortunately I had to consider, after coming back to Luxembourg, that in my area you don’t get decent chai tea. . .what a misery. . .so again it’s time for some „do it yourself“!
And here’s the receipt:
To make this tea using a traditional recipe, gather fresh spices from an Asian or Indian market. Take cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole black or white pepper corns, a cardamom pod, and grind them together into a powder. With chopped ginger root, add this mixture to a liquid of two parts half-and-half to three parts water. Use a strong, black tea from Asia such as Darjeeling, Ceylon, or Assam blends, instead of a green tea. Black tea has been oxidized, and has more tannins and a higher pungency. This mixture brews over a low, simmering heat for up to an hour, unlike steeped tea that takes more minutes. Strain out the spices and stir in a teaspoon of sugar/honey to bring out the spiciness without overly sweetening. Your cup of chai is ready to ease your nerves and warm your soul.
Source: www.wisegeek.com/ehow.com
My hints:
-Many indian markets/stores sell the spice mixture in powder form ready to use)
-In case you prefer chai tea latte; well it’s the same tea mixed with steamed milk. . .one actually gets little steamers for domestic use. . .you don’t have to buy one of those sophisticated coffee machines. . .in case the delicious milk foam is not so important to you just mix some warm milk shortly before serving. . .
Enjoy!!
XO Tanja
Of course I still enjoy my occasional cappuccino but its nr 1 spot on my list of fav hot drinks has been taken over by chai tea latte! Especially now that it’s getting colder and darker. . .
Whether chai tea is healthy or not may be discussed but in India many people drink it on daily base and are convinced about its positive influence on body/health . . .fact is that if you consume the high quality version (take care when ordering chai tea latte as some coffee shops sell you steamed milk with spice syrup instead of real tea) the following aspects should be considered:
The World Famous Antioxidants:
- Chai tea has several antioxidants, who fight back free radicals. Some scientists say that tea in general has 10 times more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help our body to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Help For Our Digestion:
- Ginger, one of the main spices of chai tea, helps digesting. It also helps in case of stomach ache and morning sickness. (Ginger is also said to help in case you have a cold. . .well actually I can confirm that this is true. . .)
Less Caffeine:
- 1 cup of chai tea has less caffeine than one cup of average coffee. One can also choose decaffeinated chai tea same as one can choose soy milk instead of cow milk in case of chai tea latte).
Easy Peasy Baby:
- Take a break from your stressful life by enjoying a cup of hot chai tea. The spices in a chai tea, especially the warming cinnamon, help to relax the body and spirit.
Unfortunately I had to consider, after coming back to Luxembourg, that in my area you don’t get decent chai tea. . .what a misery. . .so again it’s time for some „do it yourself“!
And here’s the receipt:
To make this tea using a traditional recipe, gather fresh spices from an Asian or Indian market. Take cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole black or white pepper corns, a cardamom pod, and grind them together into a powder. With chopped ginger root, add this mixture to a liquid of two parts half-and-half to three parts water. Use a strong, black tea from Asia such as Darjeeling, Ceylon, or Assam blends, instead of a green tea. Black tea has been oxidized, and has more tannins and a higher pungency. This mixture brews over a low, simmering heat for up to an hour, unlike steeped tea that takes more minutes. Strain out the spices and stir in a teaspoon of sugar/honey to bring out the spiciness without overly sweetening. Your cup of chai is ready to ease your nerves and warm your soul.
Source: www.wisegeek.com/ehow.com
My hints:
-Many indian markets/stores sell the spice mixture in powder form ready to use)
-In case you prefer chai tea latte; well it’s the same tea mixed with steamed milk. . .one actually gets little steamers for domestic use. . .you don’t have to buy one of those sophisticated coffee machines. . .in case the delicious milk foam is not so important to you just mix some warm milk shortly before serving. . .
Enjoy!!
XO Tanja
Sunday, October 2, 2011
It's all in your eyes babies!
Your eyes can say more than thousands words, which is why they should be nicely "framed"!!
No, I’m not suggesting some extravagant and complicated eye make up involving 10 different shades, 3 different pencils, 7 different brushes plus hours and hours of practice until you manage it!
It’s really not that hard to look fabulous. . . actually you only need a liquid eyeliner (I use for ex. "Luminelle" by Yves Rocher) and mascara (some technics also require an eye pencil but it also works without)! So what am I talking about?! Well well. . .the famous „cat eye“ or „winged eye“!! It makes such a difference compared to other ways of applying eyeliner and it can be worn with or without shades.
This eye make up has become my fav and I use it almost everyday, just adore the effect is has on my look! Drama Baby!!
As I use it so often and don’t want my look to become boring I combine it with different shades according to the occasion or I simply use it without any other colour.
On youtube you find so many great tutorials how to create this style and so, instead of adding another one to this endless list, I add a link which is quite good:
Tutorial
When it comes to mascara I prefer to use two different ones. . .a volumizing one (ex. „Intense Volumizing Mascara“ by Lavera) and a waterproof one (ex. „Lash Plumping Mascara Waterproof“ by Yves Rocher). Why am I doing so?? Well, so far I didn’t really make many good experiences with those „all in one“ products, I prefer to use several products I made good experiences with and I’m happy with the results I get! I also think that waterproof mascara is essential as you never know what might happen during the day/night and I for myself don’t want to end up looking like a panda bear due to rain, tears or whatever. . .(panda bears are cute yes. . .but still. . .)
And now sth for the notorious day after!!
I so hate to have puffy eyes in the morning due to a lack of sleep. . .makes you look like a zombie and no make up can really cover it up!! In the September issue of the US „Glamour“ magazine I read a „do it yourself“ mask that I was tempted to try. . .and it acutally works:
- put 2 to 3 bags of green tea in a glass of hot water, wait until the water has cooled down and remove the bags. Add a tea-spoon of honey and a tablespoon of apple juice. Dunk 2 cotton pads in the glass, wring them out and place them right under your eye. You can lay some plastic wrap over it all but it’s not necessary (tried with and without but didn’t remark any difference). Leave the pads on for about 15 min., rinse, pat dry and there you go!! Depuffed eyes!! Hooray!!
Little hint by myself: in case your skin is very sensitive replace one green tea bag by a camomile tea bag and reduce the amount of apple juice to a teaspoon!
I hope you liked this post and find it helpful!!
Read you soon again!!
xo T.
No, I’m not suggesting some extravagant and complicated eye make up involving 10 different shades, 3 different pencils, 7 different brushes plus hours and hours of practice until you manage it!
It’s really not that hard to look fabulous. . . actually you only need a liquid eyeliner (I use for ex. "Luminelle" by Yves Rocher) and mascara (some technics also require an eye pencil but it also works without)! So what am I talking about?! Well well. . .the famous „cat eye“ or „winged eye“!! It makes such a difference compared to other ways of applying eyeliner and it can be worn with or without shades.
This eye make up has become my fav and I use it almost everyday, just adore the effect is has on my look! Drama Baby!!
As I use it so often and don’t want my look to become boring I combine it with different shades according to the occasion or I simply use it without any other colour.
On youtube you find so many great tutorials how to create this style and so, instead of adding another one to this endless list, I add a link which is quite good:
Tutorial
When it comes to mascara I prefer to use two different ones. . .a volumizing one (ex. „Intense Volumizing Mascara“ by Lavera) and a waterproof one (ex. „Lash Plumping Mascara Waterproof“ by Yves Rocher). Why am I doing so?? Well, so far I didn’t really make many good experiences with those „all in one“ products, I prefer to use several products I made good experiences with and I’m happy with the results I get! I also think that waterproof mascara is essential as you never know what might happen during the day/night and I for myself don’t want to end up looking like a panda bear due to rain, tears or whatever. . .(panda bears are cute yes. . .but still. . .)
And now sth for the notorious day after!!
I so hate to have puffy eyes in the morning due to a lack of sleep. . .makes you look like a zombie and no make up can really cover it up!! In the September issue of the US „Glamour“ magazine I read a „do it yourself“ mask that I was tempted to try. . .and it acutally works:
- put 2 to 3 bags of green tea in a glass of hot water, wait until the water has cooled down and remove the bags. Add a tea-spoon of honey and a tablespoon of apple juice. Dunk 2 cotton pads in the glass, wring them out and place them right under your eye. You can lay some plastic wrap over it all but it’s not necessary (tried with and without but didn’t remark any difference). Leave the pads on for about 15 min., rinse, pat dry and there you go!! Depuffed eyes!! Hooray!!
Little hint by myself: in case your skin is very sensitive replace one green tea bag by a camomile tea bag and reduce the amount of apple juice to a teaspoon!
I hope you liked this post and find it helpful!!
Read you soon again!!
xo T.
*meow*
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Hair Emergency!
We can’t deny that we keep torturing our hair on and on. . .it gets dyed, straightened, curled, „sculptered“ and fixed with spray, gel, wax and whatever else!! Acutally we can be happy not to end up bald one day!!
And that’s why I grant my hair some „wellness time“ and apply „Hair Doctor“ by Lush once a month! It’s perfect for scalp and hair, it activates the blood circulation of your scalp and gives your hair back what you take from it!
It’s a pre-wash mask that you leave on your scalp/hair for about 20 minutes and it leaves a fresh sensation on your scalp after rinsing! The best is, that’s it’s not even that expensive. . .between 10 and 15€ for 100 ml (depending on the length of your hair it's enough for 2 applications). . .sounds ok to me regarding its richness! Some of the ingredients are -> jojoba oil, mint and rosmary.
A little trick especially for people who keep dying their hair: I use „Hair Doctor“ before the last washing preceding the dying and at the first time I wash it after the dying prodecure. (so not during the dying procedure itself!)
Of course you can also mix a cure yourself: take a mellow avocado, a little bit of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil/olive oil. Use a fork or spoon to process all the ingredients into a paste and apply on humid hair. Let it do its job for +- 20 min. and proceed to normal washing of your hair.
All those cures/masks shouldn’t be used too often and rinse them abundantly as you don’t want your hair to look greasy! Like I already mentioned, once or twice a month regarding the condition of your hair is fine!
Another important aspect: don't dry your hair too hot!! If you can switch to a colder level/grade on your hairdryer do so (not completely cold of course but half the usual heat would already be great)!! That alone makes a huge difference!
So when thinking of spa or wellness, give your hair some credit too! It will thank you by looking awesome and healthy!!
xo T.
And that’s why I grant my hair some „wellness time“ and apply „Hair Doctor“ by Lush once a month! It’s perfect for scalp and hair, it activates the blood circulation of your scalp and gives your hair back what you take from it!
It’s a pre-wash mask that you leave on your scalp/hair for about 20 minutes and it leaves a fresh sensation on your scalp after rinsing! The best is, that’s it’s not even that expensive. . .between 10 and 15€ for 100 ml (depending on the length of your hair it's enough for 2 applications). . .sounds ok to me regarding its richness! Some of the ingredients are -> jojoba oil, mint and rosmary.
A little trick especially for people who keep dying their hair: I use „Hair Doctor“ before the last washing preceding the dying and at the first time I wash it after the dying prodecure. (so not during the dying procedure itself!)
Of course you can also mix a cure yourself: take a mellow avocado, a little bit of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil/olive oil. Use a fork or spoon to process all the ingredients into a paste and apply on humid hair. Let it do its job for +- 20 min. and proceed to normal washing of your hair.
All those cures/masks shouldn’t be used too often and rinse them abundantly as you don’t want your hair to look greasy! Like I already mentioned, once or twice a month regarding the condition of your hair is fine!
Another important aspect: don't dry your hair too hot!! If you can switch to a colder level/grade on your hairdryer do so (not completely cold of course but half the usual heat would already be great)!! That alone makes a huge difference!
So when thinking of spa or wellness, give your hair some credit too! It will thank you by looking awesome and healthy!!
xo T.
Friday, September 23, 2011
To Glitter Or Not To Glitter!!
During my stay in Finland I kind of became a fan of glitter hairspray. . .in Luxembourg it’s not such a common thing, you mostly only get it/wear it for carnival or so. . .
Of course you can’t wear it on every occasion (oh well actually you can but I’m not sure if it’s always „appropriated“ *grin*) but for special events, why not pimping your whole look with some sparkle in your hair? So far I applied it for (important) concerts, opera or when partying with „MY GIRLS“.
BUT be careful. . .it’s a bit of a tricky thing as you don’t want your whole face, cleavage/neckline, outfit and/or boyfriend, who accidentally stands next to you, to be full of glitter too!
If you use it for the first time it’s best to try it before on a sheet of paper or old newspaper to see how much glitter actually comes out and which is the best distance between the hair and spray as the consistency is a bit different than the one of usual hairspray. I usually cover my upper body with a bath towel and make up must also wait until „operation glitter“ is over!
In case the spray valve is blocked DON’T force anything or you might end up looking like a species from outer space. . .clean the valve (carefully!! with a thin needle or smooth tissue) and try again on some paper first. . .
You will find a bit of glitter everywhere anyway but whether you leave it as decoration (that’s the solution for the lazy ones among us) or your vacuum cleaner can glamour up its interior! (Just take care that your possible pets don’t swallow it. . .might not be the best nutrition!)
So my sweethearts, just dare to glitter!!
XO T.
An example of how it might look.
Of course you can’t wear it on every occasion (oh well actually you can but I’m not sure if it’s always „appropriated“ *grin*) but for special events, why not pimping your whole look with some sparkle in your hair? So far I applied it for (important) concerts, opera or when partying with „MY GIRLS“.
BUT be careful. . .it’s a bit of a tricky thing as you don’t want your whole face, cleavage/neckline, outfit and/or boyfriend, who accidentally stands next to you, to be full of glitter too!
If you use it for the first time it’s best to try it before on a sheet of paper or old newspaper to see how much glitter actually comes out and which is the best distance between the hair and spray as the consistency is a bit different than the one of usual hairspray. I usually cover my upper body with a bath towel and make up must also wait until „operation glitter“ is over!
In case the spray valve is blocked DON’T force anything or you might end up looking like a species from outer space. . .clean the valve (carefully!! with a thin needle or smooth tissue) and try again on some paper first. . .
You will find a bit of glitter everywhere anyway but whether you leave it as decoration (that’s the solution for the lazy ones among us) or your vacuum cleaner can glamour up its interior! (Just take care that your possible pets don’t swallow it. . .might not be the best nutrition!)
So my sweethearts, just dare to glitter!!
XO T.
Concertino Styling @Seppälä
An example of how it might look.
Monday, September 19, 2011
A lot of great stuff out there only waits to be discovered!
I dedicate this first post to my cousin Nadine! During the time she stayed at our house I finally had someone with me who shared my craziness for make up and getting dressed up! *grin*
Well I'm not the kind of girl who spends hours and hours in front of her mirror every day and I also dare to go outside without wearing make up but that doesn't mean that there isn't a little glamourous diva in me too!
First I wanna point out that when buying make up and clothes not only quality is important to me, also the respect towards nature, animals and fair trade are huge concerns!
It's not always possible to buy 100% safe out of several reasons such as the place you live (plus not everyone has the possibility to order via internet), how much money you have and so on. . .but I make my best!
So here are some make up brands I made good experiences with:
- Lavera (ex. bodylotion, face cream, soap, shampoo)
- Alva (ex. cleanser)
- Lush (ex. hair masks, face cream, parfume)
- Bodyshop (ex. bodybutter, make up, creams)
- Yves Rocher (ex. make up)
- Nonique (ex. eyecare!!)
All those brands offer products that everyone can afford. It's definitely not the price that makes a product valuable and good! It's so worth to go and discover them!!
That's it for now! Enjoy and read you soon!
xo T.
Well I'm not the kind of girl who spends hours and hours in front of her mirror every day and I also dare to go outside without wearing make up but that doesn't mean that there isn't a little glamourous diva in me too!
First I wanna point out that when buying make up and clothes not only quality is important to me, also the respect towards nature, animals and fair trade are huge concerns!
It's not always possible to buy 100% safe out of several reasons such as the place you live (plus not everyone has the possibility to order via internet), how much money you have and so on. . .but I make my best!
So here are some make up brands I made good experiences with:
- Lavera (ex. bodylotion, face cream, soap, shampoo)
- Alva (ex. cleanser)
- Lush (ex. hair masks, face cream, parfume)
- Bodyshop (ex. bodybutter, make up, creams)
- Yves Rocher (ex. make up)
- Nonique (ex. eyecare!!)
All those brands offer products that everyone can afford. It's definitely not the price that makes a product valuable and good! It's so worth to go and discover them!!
That's it for now! Enjoy and read you soon!
xo T.
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