Travel: Tips for a short trip to Bavaria's Capital - Munich

During my business trips it's hard to get to know the place you are going to, so I always try to make best out of the both, combining work and private life squeezing in some picture,note or reference about the country and people, mixing together with my personal impressions, feelings and discoveries.

This time was Munich. The mother of beer gardens, beer fests and class.

This is my impression of capital of Bavaria.

So here are some pictures caught on running from one meeting to another and from hotel to dinner without a map.

I stayed in this small but fashionable boutique hotel Falkentrum . It is right behind the main shopping street - Maximilianstrasse, where you will find all the big brands : Guchi, Dior, Chanel, Rolex, etc.etc.

Hotel has a lovely touch in each room combining houndstood pattern and having some small accents here a and there like orchid tied together hand and fingertip towels in bathroom and a small candy on a table.

Hotel Falkentrum doubble room design

Recipe/Experiment: Infused water - lemon, cucumber and mint

This week I have started a new challenge which should help me to get ready for the beach in 3 weeks.
I have heard and tried several infused water recipes and teas already (check my previous blog post about Water benefits here) , but this week I want to try 10 day detox water cure to be pure inside and out.

Yesterday started Infused Water experiment and gulping down 2l of Lemon, Cucumber and Mint water per day. (For those who are not used to drink so much water it might sound a lot, but actually it isn't that hard at all as long as you divide it as following: 1 l till 14:00 and other half till bedtime, plus if you drink it from a glass it becomes a lot easier as seems a lot of smaller amounts)!

Travel: Things you must try, see and do in your first trip to Paris

Paris mon amour... I fell in love with Paris long before I went there for my first time many,many years ago and I never get tired coming back there as every time is something new to discover, see, try and feel.

It's enchanting by night and full of surprises by day and definitely it is not only the city only for lovers, romance and haute cuture with an expensive shopping but also city with art, culture and adventures and you will never get bored there - trust me! 

couple of weeks ago I organized a Paris getaway for my bf birthday. as he had never been there than tried to make as compact list of "must do, see and try things" list for him to make to make best out of this trip.

and as I already had done all this than decided that maybe someone else could take an advantage and spare some hours googling things to see and do while there.

as for me Montrematre is the "real Paris" where you can have not only typical croissant or pain au chocolat  and coffee for breakfast in a small street- side caffee but also have some pretty fun nightlife this is why i strategically chose staying near the Central Station (Gare du Est) so can stroll for breakfast there and have a real Parisian start of the day.

Travel: Heading South - Naples review PART II

Second part of my trip leads us to the famous Naples - the capital in South of Italy.

Something you must live yourself to catch the feeling because they are so different depending on the people, expectations and experience and what pictures cannot describe is how the city makes you feel.

if you like busy life, nonstop movement, voices, sounds and unorganized things - you will feel like fish in the water. for me it was a chaos which was hard to adopt to at the first place as i was not imagining the city to be like not even close.

See for yourself some things that caught my and Wall-Egi eye :)

Neapolitan traditional mask

Tips of using Herbs in your dishes

Yesterday was "Green Thursday" as per Latvian tradition so here is some "green tips" for your daily dishes that you might find really useful.

The ones who are following me on Instagram already saw a nice dinner surprise I had with a healthy food and a little bit of imagination, but here it is again - red pepper and egg flowers. easy to make and looks lovely :) 

red and yellow pepper - egg flowers

Cleaning your closet - tips for getting ready to a Swap Party

My Swap Party is around the corner (this Sunday) so here are some tips that might help you to get ready for it! :)
We all get attached to our own things and no one wants to give away them, neither do I, but than I started wondering - do I really need all that stuff?
I started to go through my closet: shoes, dresses, accessories, hats, scarves, belts and I was impressed HOW many wonderful things I have, but the question remains - do I really need all of them? will I ever wear this again? or I just keep it because I looked adorable in it? because what we want to kid - we will not going to wear all that things anyway, so why not give them away or even better - swap them for something you will love and wear often?! and the best plus is - you won't spend a dime! so girls, c'mon! don't think too much, just be brutal and pack away all the things and free some space for the new ones.

so here is some tips that I use to depart from my stuff:

Some of my Stockholm reccomendations

At least 4 times I year I go for work to Stockholm and during my trips I have observed and learned some tricks and tips that must be obeyed once you are there! so why not share them with you?

usually i do not have time for long strolls from one island to other ( however must say it is wonderful, especially in July), but I do have picked up some nice things from Swedes, like afternoon tea time - coffee brake - FIKA (pronounced fee-ka) usually it has been accompanied with a cinnamon sweet. my preferred is always cinnamon roll or bun. (it's pretty easy to make and will post a recipe  ASAP). Cinnamon is my winter's BFF. Sweds like to pop in a nice Cupcake and Bakeries to enjoy it properly. so did I. :)

here are some Cinnamon rolls on a special edition Swedish designer trays ( Åry Trays )

Ary Trays for Hello Kitty

Ary Trays for Hello Kitty

Recommendation number 2: If you like to see famous Nordic design and designer products, just even to get an inspiration: Must visit this fashion department store called PUB   They have some amazing in store exhibitions as well as product placement which usually is themed and changed often. 

here are some preview. Enjoy a small preview of some Swedish design.

young artist works

Designer's guild - love their colors and patterns

Ary Trays

                                                                       Superliving

Designer's guild room corner

typical room concept in regular Swedish house

 Recommendation nr.3
Swedes are really practical and they love home parties, dinner gatherings etc. as general in Nordics it is unwritten rule to bring a gift to the host - a.k.a not to go with empty hands to somebody's house, even if it is just a dinner. as practical people they prefer some decoration element or kitchen utensil that can be used in practice rather than some weird ornament without practical use. so once invited to somebody's place - think about something practical like some nice Candle holder (which is really popular in Nordics ) or some nice vase, cushion or stay with the regular - a bottle of a good vine.

To Sum up - Stockholm is a place you should visit if want to live some real Nordic experience, soak up some creative inspiration and enjoy some good Fika time with your pals.

ReWELCOME TORe

WELCOME TOÅRY

Water vs. Coke

I saw this article on my friends FB page and decided that this asks for sharing and will be a nice addition to my previous entry about "water" what water actually does to you!
However this time will be about Coke (yes, that's right! ) and Water. turns out Coke is really useful as well..but NOT in the diet and nutrition kind a way..
check it out! i already bought my bottle and can't wait to start trying out these tips! :)

here we go!

(check out this homepage for more water facts:)

 WATER
1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as much as 30%.

4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.

5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

 And now for the properties of COKE


 1. In many states (in the USA) the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of coke and it will be gone in two days.

3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the “real thing” sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.

4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.

5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.

6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

7. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.

IMPORTANT INFO

1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.

2. To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the Hazardous material place cards reserved for Highly corrosive materials.

3. The distributors of coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!

At the animal shelter,it is used coke to remove calcium deposits from the water pans about ever 6 months.

Now the question is, would you like a glass of water or coke?

 

Water! Drink it up!

Water! we all need it as an air we breath to stay alive, to stay toned, stay fit and even get slimmer!
so here are some educational pictures what water does to you! so drink your daily water, stay active and have fun :)

water is what makes me happy

Actually all forms of water makes me happy- shower, lake, beach, rain, ocean or even swimming pool!

Drink your water! at least 2l per day

Yes to water! stay hydrated! giving enough water increases your imune system, makes your skin look better, cleans your organism, gives you energy and fills you up when start having a food-craving-attacks right before lunch (Always happens to me! ) so good idea is than to drink a warm water with a lemon to understand weather you are really hungry or just thirsty (or bored. mostly we eat when we are bored).

 

some insparational water ideas

 why not spice up and color your water with some fruits and Leaves? I Always do that! especially in summer! tastes soo nice! and it will kill your craving for some bubbly, sugary drink that would give you those extra calories you really don't want nor need!

this is what i made this other day - blueberry-mango-strawberry water

this was my water of the day : lime and strawberries
 

and this lime and red currant water

DID YOU KNOW about Water weight?

 READ this about water and putting on weight! this made me think twice!
so did you drink your 2l already today? :)

 



Tips and tricks to stay in shape and stick to your diet

Hello in August everyone :)  - the month of vacations, beach,sun, fun and parties. however, we shouldn't forget also about eating right and having a physical activities.. I know, I know, gyms are closed and heat is sucking the last will out of us to do any sporty activities, but still! let's try to focus here and try to stay in shape, so when September arrives we do not have to kill ourselves in hard work-out routines in gym or starve.

Here are some useful tips and tricks I learned from my fitness trainer, nutritionist and mother Google. Maybe it will help you too. (Not going to describe you diet plans, just want to share with you some of advice I learnt lately and felt the need to pass them as they helped me as well.)

•  calculate your daily calories maintenance level(don't trust the generic ones which asks for your height and weight), try this one for more accurate results;
• calculate your protein intake - click here;

Ideal Daily Protein Intake: 0.8-1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight.
1 gram of protein contains 4 calories

remember that Protein deficit slows down your methabolism, make you lose muscles and person starts to gain weight and get's fat.

• calculate your daily fat (yes, you heard read me) is necessary for a normal body function, as long as yo uare not taking it too much and is the "right fat" - click here;

Ideal Daily Fat Intake: 20-30% of your total calorie intake.
1 gram of fat contains 9 calories

• calculate your daily carbs inatke: clik here or just

Total Calorie Intake – Calories From Protein & Fat = Calories From Carbs

 1 gram of carbs contains 4 calories

To lose weight, the most healthiest way (not supporting crazy diets, starving, or something that is not getting along with my lifestyle. As a wise person once wrote - the diet and work out should be arranged in your daily life not your life sould be arranged according to it), is to lose -20% of your daily calories.

The Ideal Daily Caloric Deficit: 20% below maintenance level per day.

to sum up you should make a list, or 2 if you prefer, with your ideal daily calories, protein, carbs and fat intake, if just want to stay in shape and follow up what you eat and/or the list in order to lose some weight.
also reccomending to read carefully the page, there is some great explanations what is what, why it is helpful,useful in really understandable way.

and than you just have to try to stick on your terms. if you want to be more accurate and write down all the stuff you are putting in your mouth (and trust me, it will shock you, once you will, becasue we tend to eat a lot more than we think, telling you from my experience), than the best way, i have found so far is to keep on track of it.
a good solution is this one - it is an online page as well as an application in your phone where you can record everything you eat, make your goals, write down your exercises etc.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/
(however, I personally found out that my reccomended daily calorie intake was too low and I would probably ending up eating a table, by the end of the day, so I prefered to calculate it my way (see above). but still a good way to keep on track with stuff you eat so try it yourself if it is suiting you. (I am currently using it, but knowing my laziness, I believe that unfortuantely this will end in 2 weeks)..

..for this reason I have also made myself 4 different food menus which I am sticking to and that can  be combined, varied and changed so you don't get bored with your meals and still enjoy them and still stick to your goals whatever it is  - maintaing you weight, loosing it, or gaining some.

• of course, snacks and some cheat meals are OK  as long as you are not going wild and not making them too often. (we all have birthdays, gatherings, parties and well, some weak moments, lets be honest, when you jsut want something sugary).
• I have some real nice, sweet, low calorie recipes to share with you as well from my trainer which I am going to share with you some other post as I need to translate them from Latvian :) however, Latvians or who understand Latvian :) click here. I personally tried the Health Muesli with oranges and I must say it tasted great as well as perfect snack after gym. next week is coming up my bf's bday so planing to make a Strawberry - yogurt cake (just 102 kcal per 100g). so will try to document this moment as well! :) should look like this.. :

GYM - Workout - getting active

This is really important part, as we all know that being active is not just fashionable but it is a necesity to stay in a good shape, look good, feel good and have a good health.so the best thing to do is to try to be active, moving, takign part of some lessons, make it part of your free time activities, etc. like:

• taking stairs instead of escalor, elevator (it is a great calorie burner as well!! so every minute you burn a calory. so imagine if in a day you take together 5minutes of stairs burning 5kcal per minute it is already 5min x 5kcal = 25 kcal burned.  :) )
• doing homeworks (cleaning, cooking, organizing, hoovering,washing,etc.) you burn 160 kcal per hour
• going for a walk burns 280kcal/h, so just go for a walk with your friends instead of staying in on couch
• dancing - 400kcal/h (personal my favorite - great way to to get your spirits back is to dance the night away, have fun and to socialize and make your new shoes more comfy - so everyone is a winner)
• riding a bicycle - well that's an awesome workout 600kcal/h in fast speed
• swimming - 600kcal/h (so let's go to a beachhhhhhhhhhh! ) ^ ^

doesn't Kate Moss look amazing? a motivational poster :P

these are just few, but as you see everything you are doing,yes,even sleeping and thinking, burns kcal, so you just have to get up and start moving and summer is the best time to do that. call up your friends and hop in a train to the closest beach, lake, organize a bike ride, go for a walk, take the stairs, go dancing - there are endless possibilities to stay fit and even lose some weight even if you a hate gym and doing exercises.


than there are some really good advice I learned about what to do and eat before training and after it - so called Pre and Post  workout Nutrition. (see more here), but below you will find some of my trainers suggestions:
Nutrition Before training

1. EAT -  Protein - Carbohydrates (at least 2-1 h before)
2. Drink cup of black coffee 30min. before workout (will give you energy and tonification for 2h and help to burn calories)
3. Drink a glass of water right before the training
4. Avoid - Fat (or not more than 3gr)

During the training do not forget to drink plenty of water - 1 l per hour, drinking by small sips.

Nutrition After training:

1. you should eat right right after training first 20-30minutes. if you will not eat anything next 2 h, your workout will use the sense.
2. you have to take again protein and Carbohydrates not fat. (anything sweet you eat right after, even sugar, will not go right to your belly fat, so this is the time when to eat something really sugary and get a benefit out of it.

For the protein would be the best solution of Protein shake for those who cannot eat anything right after workout (but for choosing Protein you should better consultate with your nutritionist or do some good research on whey protein.)

the best thing would be to drink some sweet juices: grape 38g (155kcal) or cranberry 31g(115kcal) juice (better organic).
I could not find non of both near my gym, but I found this nice solution - Fruit Sticks 40g pack contains 28g (121kcal), so i substituted. and let me just say you - it also tastes good. check it out here:


Na-nature addicts - fruit sticks

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I think these tips are enough for a beginning building a healthier eating plan or just improving the one you already have.

Will keep you posted and hope it will be useful a bit ;)
Stay inspired and stay active! It's all about moving and striving for better results!

C'est Tea Time!

TEA! one of my favorite drinks ever! relaxing, refreshing, tasty! green and healthy!
Important addition to every diet and must-have item in every first-aid-winter-kit! :)
what can be better than a (ice) tea time with your ladies and a sunny Sunday afternoon?

here are a nice chart chart to determine how long and at what temperature you should steep your tea:   

This useful tips were found in Tevnana homepage. click here. BTW, love their tea jars :) so cute :)

 Here are also some facts about tea time - really visual!

 

And here are some suggestions for picking out your tea.



BUT THIS..mmm this is how should look like my dream apartments living room.. the big windows and a breathtaking view. (this is from Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong).

Ok. let's stop drinking and organize some real brunch on the roof top with my adorable ladies :)
C'est tea time! ^_^

Amsterdam and Warsaw in Pictures

The ones who are following me on Instagram already have seen that I escaped Milan for a week to go for work to Amsterdam and Warsaw.
However tried to capture some nice moments of the city and places so I can share with you guys and if you have some questions or need tips - let me know! :)

Flower market

Vondel park - an amazing place where I went running every day

Check the pictures of the place here! so lovely, right?

restaurants there had really nice Windows

 

YES! that's chocolate! not only Belgians are famous with their chocolate and arty creatiosn but also Dutch! and this evilness was right next doors of my hotel! luckily so was the park!

the typical scene! :) of bicycles, city canal and the typical buildings.the architecture was really nice. No skyscrapers and everything semed so natural and just fitting in the scene perfectly.

Santa Claus? :D well that is something I didn't expected to see in end of May!

Such a cheesy picture, but couldn't help myself! i think it was a must in Holland! :D

 

 

this was something strange! even for me

 

the view to RAI exhibition center where we went for a fair

a family scene. everyone is going aroudn there with bicycles.even when it is raining!

kind a strange to see this kind of museum in the heart of the city. well but when you realise you are at Red Light district and are surrounded by (mostly) men and coffee shops, it starts making sense.

City by night looks even more mysterious and charming than in a day light. so definitely MUST visit! I hope I will as well. this time I had no time to see anything, as were there for a work. but definitely want to come back there!

p.s this is something really typical to dutch. the "blue works"! looks Amazing on the tableware! ^_^

 

 

WAWA for Warsaw! :) part II

 

That's me at Loius Vuitton Warsaw store! which from outside looks like a big, monogram LV travel case.

 

the weather was splendid, hot and sunny so people were getting in Summer mood.

29th of May is an national Holiday in Poland, so everything was close. as religious, orthodox related festivity than tehre were a lot of religious activities around the city in all churches.

while strolling down the main Street to go to the old town I saw 2 weeddings. where both, the newley weds, were waiting outside an vintage cars after the ceremony.

 it was almost like a MoonWalking bear from the awarness test. the ones who hasn't seen it. check the video here! :) this time it was a Polish panda! so waiting a new youtube video.

a medievale aura 

old town

some typical figurines made of wood

one of the main parks in the city center

a really lovely, treasure Island type of place-bar at the main city square. called Bondi (from the famous Bondi beach in Australia. one of my top destinations in my To-Travel-List and home of loads of surfers!). this place speciality is an watermelon cocktails! MUST try it!

 

 

so this was my trip in few pictures!