Berlin Wonderland!

Hello All!  Yesterday Zach and I went to Berlin! It was awesome.  We started our trip around 10am, and got to the heart of the city around 1.  The drive wasn't too bad, but we have had some snow the past few days, so it was just a little slushy on the Autobahn.  When we arrived to Berlin, we went straight to the East Side Gallery.  The canvas for the murals at the East Side Gallery is the actual Berlin Wall! So, that's a check by "Visit the Berlin Wall" on my "bucket list" :)
We parked and got out of the car...it was freezing cold and windy, btw.  There were so many interesting murals, and a wide range of different styles.  Below I have included some of the pictures I took while we were there.

 After we visited the wall, we went to Alexanderplatz and checked out some of the Christmas Markets in the area.

 After wandering around Alexanderplatz we took a cab to the Brandenburg Gate.  We went at night, and the gate was light up beautifully.  There was also a huge Christmas tree at the gate.  Around that area were all of the International Embassies.  I have to say when I saw the American Flag on the American Embassy it made me proud to be from America :)

 

So far Berlin is my favorite city in Germany.  It is full of culture and the city itself is so neat to see.  Thanks for reading, and I hope you all enjoyed!

-Erin

Happy Turkey Day!!!

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I woke up today and there was snow on the ground! Since I am from South Carolina...it is just unheard of having snow on Thanksgiving (or even Christmas for that matter).  It is starting to get below freezing here, and colder and colder everyday.
To my family and friends:  I really miss you guys today, and I am just so thankful to have all of you in my life.  I definitely take having y'all in my life for granted. 

 On a happier note...it is Turkey Day!!! To my family and I am sure many others, this means that the holiday season has officially begun.  Christmas trees will be popping up in windows, and lights will be hung.  Harbison Blvd will be even more of a headache, and Columbiana Mall...well, let me just say, be careful (hopefully you make it out of the parking lot)...there are some ruthless shoppers out there that will take you out over even the smallest of sales. ( I know this from experience!)

They don't celebrate Thanksgiving over here in Germany, but they definitely know what they are doing when it comes to Christmas.  Already I have seen many interesting decorations and markets.  I will get some pictures uploaded as soon as I remember to take my camera downtown.  It really is unbelievable how they have transformed the city. 

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Happy Turkey Day!!!

-Erin

Lovely Celle

Yesterday Zach and I went on a drive to a town named Celle.  It is only about 40 minutes from Hannover, so we went and checked it out.  We were pleasantly surprised by this quaint town.  The downtown area was totally pedestrian friendly, and not too many cars were around.  Most of the streets are for pedestrians only and were made out of cobble stone.  This reminded me of some parts of the French Quarter downtown Charleston, South Carolina.  The town was also being decorated in holiday lights.  I have heard that Germany is a beautiful place to be for Christmas, and so far I have seen some proof :)   Celle to me looks like a little Christmas village.

Downtown Celle with Christmas Lights

Zach and I in Celle

We peeked into an antiques store and found some neat things, including books, beer steins, and tons of spoons.  There was also some hand painted china and tea sets.  Being an artist, I enjoy such crafts as those we found.  For the rest of our time in Celle, we just window shopped and took a lovely walk around the Celle Castle, also known as the Schloss Castle.  This castle was built as a water castle, that guarded a ford over the River Aller.  The Aller river is the main river that runs through Celle.  The castle today is now a park for the public.  The moat that surrounds the castle is still in tact and is home to a number of different types of wildlife.  The most common moat creatures we saw were the mallard and goose.  Overall, our little trip to Celle was short and sweet. 

Moat Critters :)

Bibbed Mallard...I haven't seen many of these

Celle Castle with Snow :)

If you get a chance, you should definitely check out Celle!
-Erin

Out of the Box!

{Makeup day!}

I recently came across a makeup store here in Germany called KIKO.  I myself am a MAC girl, but this store really impressed me.  Unfortunately I am going to have to get my fix while I am over here and stock up on all the goodies, because they only have stores in Italy, Spain, and Germany. 

The KIKO cosmetic store was originally founded in Italy, and they take pride in their "made in Italy" makeup.  They offer a wide variety of makeup, nail, sun, body and skin care.  They also sell brushes and makeup accessories!  The best part of it all is that the prices of their products is low!  I bought a lipstick, blush, and nail polish for only 13 euros!  This sure does beat the MAC prices!!! I was quite skeptical of the prices being low, but after trying out their products, I am pleased to report that they are of excellent quality!  The mission of KIKO cosmetics is to appeal to every type of woman.  They really do have something for everyone!  If you are ever in Italy, Spain, or Germany, then you need to check out one of their stores.  You can visit their official website here. 

KIKO cosmetic store

KIKO products

 

 

 

 

KIKO products

I have also been doing some research on makeup artistry...I found Alex Box!  This lady has talent!!!  I have had some crazy makeup for runway shows, but this work is AMAZING!!! 
Alex Box was originally an installation artist before she went on to train to become a makeup artist.  Her work mainly focuses on the relationship between the human body and nature.  She has created her "out of the box" looks for designers such as Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen, Biba and Chanel!  Below are some exciting makeovers done by Alex :)

Alex Box and model

Her work definitely takes ordinary and turns it into extraordinary!

Hope you enjoyed!
-Erin

Beauty Through Simplicity

So I am trying this new thing where everyday I share something that interests me.  Art, Yoga, Fashion, Quotes, Books, and Music are just a few of my favorite things to learn and share my knowledge about.

{Today is all about simplicity} 

I came across an artist (Diem Chau) who has inspired me to be true and visualize the beauty in the little things. Chau discovers very recognizable mediums to work with and showcases her talent of taking something everyday and turning it into something memorable. Her work touches on the value of Storytelling, Myths and its ability to connect us to each other through cultural and humanistic similarities. Chau’s current work drifts into new territory by exploring the periphery of the narrative, moments forgotten and faded, or too brief to retain.  You can access her official website here.
Below are some of her works that particularly interested me.

Zodiac Figures

Porcelain and string

Next, I have a simple Yoga stretch that anyone can do.  This stretch helps to make the body taller.
 

Stand Up Taller

If you feel like you start to get shorter and more slumped as your day goes on, try this exercise to stretch the side of your body and give you a sense of increased height:

Stand with a wall to your right. Start about 12 inches away from the wall, but increase this distance as appropriate. Place your right hand on the wall above your head with your elbow straight and your palm pressing into the wall. Then lift your left arm and stretch it up and over your head toward the wall. If the stretch is too much, move closer to the wall. If it's too little, move farther away. Remain for five to 10 breaths, and then try the other side.

When you've practiced on both sides, stand up straight for a moment. Do you feel taller? Has some of the discomfort melted away? If so, practicing this exercise regularly may be good for you.

Last, I leave you with a quote:

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated" ~Confucius

Take time today to meditate and try to find the beauty in the simple things :)

-Erin 

November Bliss

Hello Everyone!
It is November, and things are going great here in Hannover :) Zach and I just got back from a much needed vacation.  We went to Antalya-Belek, Turkey.  Turkey is considered to be Eurasia...because it is situated between Europe and Asia.  The resort we stayed at was located right on the Mediterranean Sea.  The sea was calm and the water was clear.  The weather was gorgeous in the upper seventies or mid twenties Celsius.  The name of the resort is the Susesi de Luxe, and it was awesome.  It was an all inclusive vacation, and for about 850 euros our flight, train, food, alcohol, and room were all accommodated for.  You can check out the resorts website here.  Also, if you are cat lovers like us, then you will love the little kitties that roamed around the resort :) This was an interesting addition to the resort.  While walking around the resort the first night we got in, Zach almost tripped over what we thought was a rodent, but then realized it was a kitten.  We were a little shocked, because we didn't expect it, but after we called it over to us and saw that it was tame, we assumed that it was meant to be there.  The little guy even started to follow us back up to the hotel and came inside!!!  We brought the cat to one of the workers and asked if it lived here and they just smiled and said yes.  We proceeded to the 24/7 bar and lounge area, had a few cocktails and called it a night.
The next day we explored around the resort going to the beach was the highlight, since we haven't been able to go outside without a jacket for the past two months.  The weather was perfect!  I pretty much ran around in my bikini all day :) We also found some hammocks, ping pong tables, and the spa!  In the spa area there were a few different relaxation places.  The main one was the Turkish Bath...I am still not sure what this is.  When you enter, the room is completely made out of marble and there is a circular marble slab in the middle of the room and I guess you are supposed to lay on it while someone bathes you.  The room is kept very warm, and is sort of like a sauna.  We were not too interested, so we just moved on and took a swim in the heated indoor pool. 
The food at the resort was very different from what us Americans are used to.  Everything for the most part looked good, but we just didn't know what it was...Overall, we got used to the differences, but we are happy to have our normal food back :)
Now we are home, and the weather is going crazy! Today it was cloudy, sunny, rainy, windy, and hailing all at the same time...blah!  The temperature here is starting to get lower and lower everyday, but it is mid November and that is just to be expected.  Zach is having a good break from hockey, and doesn't have a game until next weekend.  You can visit his teams' website here.  You can also see a live ticker for his games here.  Just click on the date of the game, and the time will and opponent will be listed.
Here are a few pictures from our trip :) Hope you enjoy!

One of the friendly little kitties at the resort

Hanging out on our balcony

Sunset over the Turkish Riviera

Zach and I in the Mediterranean

 Thanks for reading!
-Erin