So it probably comes as no surprise that I love spending time in the kitchen, too. I’m not a big fan of strict recipes — I usually cook by feel — but I do love drawing inspiration from social media, cookbooks, and magazines. Over time, I’ve developed a system that gives me structure, reduces stress, and helps our family eat balanced and budget-friendly meals.

Here’s a look at how my system works — in ten simple but powerful steps.

1. Turn grocery shopping into an experience

I genuinely enjoy wandering through supermarkets, discovering new foods, and getting inspired for future meals. When shopping isn’t just a chore but something you enjoy, it becomes much easier to stay organized and creative. Try slowing down instead of rushing through — you’ll be amazed at how many ideas come to you.

2. Plan with both structure and flexibility

I like having a plan — but not a rigid one. A meal plan gives me structure and saves money since I buy only what I need. Yet there’s still room for spontaneity. Cooking should be fun, not forced. Think of your plan as a guide, not a rulebook.

3. Choose a realistic planning horizon

I usually plan two weeks ahead, focusing mainly on dinners. That might sound excessive, but it allows me to do fewer big grocery runs and stay prepared. If that feels too far ahead for you, start with one week. The key is to find a rhythm that fits your lifestyle.

4. Build your plan around your life

I always adapt meals to our weekly routine. On Mondays and Thursdays, when I work late, I make sure dinner is quick or already prepped. On weekends, I like to cook something a bit more elaborate. Planning around your real life — not an idealized version of it — makes everything easier.

5. Keep it balanced and varied

I aim for a good mix of vegetarian, meat, and fish dishes, with seasonal ingredients wherever possible. I also plan for leftovers — they make weekday lunches effortless. The result: variety without chaos, and balance without overthinking.

6. Write smarter grocery lists

My shopping list is divided by category — produce, pantry staples, frozen foods, etc. Before I head out, I always check what we already have. I also shop at different places: the butcher for meat, a health store for gluten-free items, and a discount supermarket for basics. It takes a bit more coordination, but it pays off.

7. Save money through planning and overlap

Planning helps me use ingredients efficiently. If I cook rice one day, I’ll make fried rice the next. I reuse vegetables in different recipes, plan around store discounts, and pay attention to expiration dates. Less waste, more savings — it’s a win-win.

8. Use your freezer strategically

I freeze meat in portions and defrost it as needed. Frozen vegetables are a lifesaver when something runs out or plans change. Having a stocked freezer means flexibility — and far less food waste. It’s like having a backup plan in your kitchen.

9. Routine beats perfection

I used to think good cooking had to be complicated. Now I know simple is often better. Oven potatoes with homemade tzatziki and salad? Perfect. Our system works because it’s repeatable and realistic. Routine isn’t boring — it’s freeing.

10. Don’t forget the fun

Even with all the planning, cooking should never feel like an obligation. When I don’t feel like cooking what’s planned, I just move things around. My system can handle that. After all, food is joy — and that’s what it should always remain.

Meal planning, to me, isn’t a strict routine — it’s a framework that keeps our lives running smoothly. It gives me peace of mind, saves time, and still leaves room for creativity. Maybe it’ll inspire you to build your own version — one that fits your life, your rhythm, and your kitchen.

This system can be adapted easily to everyones specific needs, but the structure stays the same. I hope that with my 10 steps I have shown the advantages of meal planning. In one of my next articles I want to show you how you can simplify the actual meal planning.

Then two quotes come to mind:

“Anticipation is the greatest joy.”
“The journey is the destination.”

These lines make me a bit melancholic because I wonder if life might be too short to only live for the special occasions — instead of treasuring each ordinary day. It reminds me of those Latin phrases:

tempus fugit, carpe diem, memento mori.

Life is short and can change in an instant. Yet it seems like we’re always rushing from A to B, phone in hand, ranting about work colleagues, or wishing the day with the kids would just end so we can finally rest — only to wake up and do it all again.

But how much effort would it really take to enjoy an ordinary Tuesday a little more — without turning it into another task on our list? Because that’s exactly what we don’t need more of, right?

So what can we do to make everyday life feel special again?
Maybe the first step is to accept that not every day has to be perfect or unique. Joy often hides in the small, habitual things that we easily overlook:

☕ a warm coffee before everyone else wakes up
🍂 a walk through the neighborhood with fallen leaves under your feet
🥗 a good talk with your partner over dinner

It all comes down to gratitude and mindfulness — two buzzwords I couldn’t really connect with for a long time. But I’ve realized that only through gratitude can we truly appreciate the little things. Most of us actually live pretty good lives, even if we sometimes forget it.

Are these thoughts typical for a Millennial? Maybe. Our parents’ generation probably didn’t even have the luxury to think about these questions. But that doesn’t make them less relevant — if anything, they fit perfectly into today’s world. We’re surrounded by constant noise, so it’s no surprise that we’re turning inward, trying to figure out this thing called life.

When I worry about my tendency to plan everything, I remind myself that it’s not a flaw — it’s simply part of who I am. Planning trips and imagining possibilities brings me joy. In a way, I get to experience my vacations twice — once in anticipation and once in reality.

Still, I want to be more mindful in my day-to-day life. To notice the small pleasures that might seem ordinary but bring me quiet joy. Maybe that’s what living in the moment really means.

At the end of last year, when we decided to take our first long-haul flight with our baby to Hong Kong — a city close to my heart since part of my family lives there — we had about ten extra days to fill. We wanted somewhere warm, and my dad had been raving about Japan’s Okinawa, so the decision was made. We ended up staying only on the main Okinawa Island, which felt more manageable with a 15-month-old in tow.

When I realized there was another Halekulani on Okinawa, booking a few nights there felt like destiny — and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.

Welcome to Paradise

Although this article isn’t meant to be about Okinawa itself, I have to say: the island and its people are truly wonderful. We were a bit sad not to explore the surrounding islands, but with mixed weather and a toddler, we didn’t want to rush things. It’s easy to see why Okinawa is often called the “Hawai’i of Japan.”

We arrived at the Halekulani on a gloomy midday that soon brightened up — just like our moods. From that point on, we were blessed with mostly sunny days. Check-in was smooth; we were welcomed with iced tea and sweets before being escorted to our beautiful sea-view room.

The room was airy and full of natural light, with warm details that made it feel instantly homey — which, to me, is the best feeling a hotel room can give. The bathroom amenities were top-notch: not only the usual toothbrushes and shaving kits, but also bath salts, hairbands, a brush, and other quality items. There were soft bathrobes, spa robes (even one for our little one!), and flip-flops for us to keep.

Food & Beverage

With celiac disease, I always pay extra attention to hotel breakfast buffets — they often reveal how well the hotel handles gluten-free options. The Halekulani’s breakfast selection was outstanding. Naturally, there was a focus on Asian cuisine, which I loved since many dishes were naturally gluten-free. Each morning, the staff offered to prepare something special for our toddler, such as freshly made porridge or other healthy options.

They even brought out freshly baked gluten-free bread, and the coffee was a highlight every morning. In addition to the buffet, you could order à la carte dishes like pancakes or eggs Benedict.

We also visited the Spectra Bar twice, located in a separate wing where the Club rooms are. Since we were traveling with a baby, booking a Club room didn’t make much sense — many of the perks are hard to enjoy with a little one!

Facilities

I loved the indoor pool area, which included one large pool and two hot whirlpool-style baths. The Japanese are quite particular about swimwear, and they even provided our daughter with shorts because her swimsuit was “too short.” It felt a bit funny, but at least we didn’t have to go back to our room! The area was well-equipped with water toys for children, showing once again how family-friendly the hotel is.

The gym was also great — modern, well-equipped, and never crowded.

Since we visited in the off-season, a few amenities were closed: only the main pool was open, the pool bar wasn’t fully stocked, and the beach area didn’t have its usual daybeds. But honestly, the quiet atmosphere was a bonus.

Price

Halekulani Okinawa is definitely on the pricier side. Along with the Hoshinoya, it’s likely one of the most luxurious hotels on the island. We stayed in November, during the off-season, and managed to get a good rate — around USD 350–400 per night, including breakfast. Yes, prices in the hotel were higher than elsewhere on Okinawa, but every dollar felt worth it when you consider the quality, location, and service.

Last Thoughts

So why did this trip feel like a second honeymoon? It was the sense of warmth and being genuinely welcomed — the same feeling we experienced at the Halekulani in Honolulu. I realized that this is probably the philosophy behind the brand: to make guests feel at home.

The style, the food, the facilities, and especially the staff made our stay unforgettable. I would return to Okinawa just to stay at this incredible hotel again.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes for Almost a Quarter of a Century

I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes for almost a quarter of a century — something I only realized recently when I did the math.
When people ask what it’s like to live with diabetes (and even though I’m very intentional about clarifying that it’s type 1), I often compare it to brushing your teeth. It’s just something you do without really thinking about it.

But honestly, that’s such an oversimplification — it doesn’t do justice to the constant effort and mental load that come with it. From the moment I wake up until I go to bed (and often even during the night), my blood sugar and its impact are always on my mind.

Luckily, I now use a continuous glucose monitor (Abbott Freestyle Libre 3+), which makes life much easier than back when I had to prick my fingers multiple times a day. Still, I inject insulin before every meal, constantly think about what and how much I’m eating, adjust my dosage regularly, and sometimes wonder what the long-term effects will be 10, 20, or 30 years from now.

But for now, let’s go back in time for a moment.

My story

I was diagnosed with diabetes at age nine — pretty dramatically. For weeks I had been losing weight, drinking three to four liters of water a day, and had even started wetting the bed again. My parents were confused and worried, and after a few blood tests, the cause became clear: my pancreas.

I still remember those first weeks when our world (yes not just mine) was turned upside down. Looking back, I think it must have been even harder for my parents than for me — I didn’t really understand what this illness would mean for the rest of my life.

My mom had to weigh every single thing I ate, and we had to calculate the exact amount of insulin for each meal based on both carbohydrates and my blood sugar before eating. Back then, most foods didn’t come with nutritional labels, so we used a thick booklet that listed the carbs per 100 grams of common foods.

Interestingly, I don’t have many strong emotions tied to that time. Nowadays, I often say that I don’t really remember life without diabetes. It’s just second nature to check my blood sugar regularly and inject insulin for every meal — maybe that’s where the “brushing your teeth” comparison really fits.

The everyday logistics

So many things have changed since I was a child. I don’t weigh my food anymore; I just intuitively know how much insulin I need. Of course, that doesn’t always work perfectly — sometimes my blood sugar dips because I injected too much, or it spikes because I underestimated.

Over the years, I’ve learned which foods affect me most. Rice, for example, tends to raise my blood sugar much faster than pasta or potatoes. And if I enjoy a gluten-free pizza, I know the spike will only come hours later — which has led to many middle-of-the-night corrections.

I’ve also changed my insulin types several times. During the last months of my pregnancy, I even had to switch my long-acting insulin due to hormonal changes. My bolus insulin has long been NovoRapid (by Novo Nordisk), and my long-acting insulin is Tresiba — except for those last few months of pregnancy, when I switched to Levemir.

What people often don’t realize is how much this illness consumes you subconsciously. It’s not that I consciously think about every carb or debate every dip and rise. It’s the other things — waking up at night to fix a high, remembering to carry glucose tablets everywhere, feeling drained after a low, or doing mental math before every workout. These small, constant checks are what every diabetic knows all too well.

What I’ve learned

Diabetes is an illness that will be with me for life. I go to the ophthalmologist every year to check my eyes, see my endocrinologist every three months for my HbA1c, and even visit a foot care specialist regularly (though whether my rough feet are diabetes-related is still up for debate).

I haven’t been to a nutritionist in years, but I feel like I’ve accidentally become one myself. I know a lot about food and health in general, and diabetes has given me a deep awareness of my body. I can tell quickly when something feels off. Sometimes I even joke that I’ve mastered the saying “my body is my temple,” because I truly try to take good care of it.

At age twelve, I was also diagnosed with celiac disease, which made me even more careful about what I eat. Honestly, this sometimes feels like a bigger burden than diabetes, especially since I’m a true foodie and get frustrated when there are no gluten-free options around. But that’s a topic for another post.

Overall, I’m truly okay with my diabetes and manage it well. I often feel like a bit of a lab rat, constantly testing small tweaks to see what helps me keep my levels more stable — whether that’s skipping breakfast, adding a snack after dinner, or something else entirely.

And in recent months, watching the wellness world suddenly become obsessed with glucose monitors has been oddly entertaining. I often wanted to grab a bag of popcorn and watch the show. But again — my thoughts on that trend deserve a post of their own!

Living with diabetes has taught me patience, self-awareness, and a surprising amount of flexibility. Some days, I do everything right, and my blood sugar still goes wild — and that’s okay. It’s a reminder that control is never total, and maybe that’s something we all have to learn, diabetic or not. Managing diabetes has become part of who I am — challenging, yes, but also empowering. And as I keep learning, I’ll keep sharing — because I know I’m not the only one figuring this out one injection (and one gluten-free pizza) at a time.

Subscribe now

Leave a comment

I am a planner. I enjoy writing things down and get a sort of high from to-do lists. Fun fact: for me, it’s not even about ticking off the boxes (most of the time I forget to do that anyway) — it’s the act of writing my tasks down that makes me feel grounded. Physically putting words on paper gives me peace of mind. That’s why I always carry a notebook and my planner with me. If you’d open it, you’d probably see some lists twice — slightly adjusted versions — or a meal plan rewritten in my notebook that originally started in my planner. This just shows very well how much I thrive when I can write things down.

I stopped curating my planner or notebook a long time ago. These are tools that need to work for me, not impress anyone. Sure, I sometimes hate rewriting things or canceling appointments that were already neatly written down, but I remind myself: this isn’t about winning a design prize for “the prettiest planner.” There was a time when I cared about how aesthetic it looked — now it’s all about functionality.

From Moleskine to Muji

In my early twenties, I was loyal to Moleskine planners. I loved their sleek look and practical setup. A few years ago, though, I switched to Muji planners — their layout simply fits my needs better. I don’t need a detailed day-by-day overview; I prefer having the week on one side and a notes section on the other. That gives me enough space for appointments on the left and lists or ideas on the right.

The monthly overview at the front is also perfect for noting holidays or other bigger plans. I mostly use my planner for personal things — doctor’s appointments, birthdays, workouts, and vacation planning — rather than for work.

How I Complement My Planner with a Notebook

You might wonder why I use both a planner and a notebook, especially since my Muji planner already includes space for notes. The notebook is where I let my thoughts and ideas spill out freely. I need that outlet — otherwise my mind would probably crash (or explode). I also romanticize the act of writing things down. It gives me a kind of calm that typing in the Notes app just doesn’t.

My notebook is filled with meal plans. I love planning our weekly meals and shopping accordingly — it saves money and brings structure to the week. Since I work Monday, Thursday, and Friday, I try to prep dinners for those days in advance. Throughout the week, I jot down recipe ideas, and when I make my grocery list for the upcoming week, I organize the meals and shop for everything I need.

I’ll share a separate post soon about how I plan our groceries and meals — I think I’ve finally found a system that works for us.

Besides meal plans, you’ll find travel ideas, goals, budget lists, and random thoughts scattered throughout my notebook.

Digital Planning Is Not for Me (Even Though I Use It)

There was a time when I tried to go fully digital with my iPad, but I always come back to pen and paper — it just hits differently. I still use the “Reminders” app on my iPhone for things I absolutely must not forget and the “Calendar” app for quick scheduling. It might seem redundant since I also write everything down, but sometimes it’s faster to check a date on my phone than to pull out my planner.

Still, no matter how many apps I try, I could never give up my physical planner. It’s where I find clarity, creativity, and a sense of control — one handwritten list at a time.

Planning, for me, is more than organization — it’s a form of self-care. Writing things down helps me make sense of the chaos and keeps me connected to what matters. I don’t plan to be perfect; I plan to stay grounded.

Subscribe now

Leave a comment

Since the release of Midnights, I’ve started to get more invested in her music. I really admire her storytelling — almost every album has a clear overarching theme, and I rarely find a song I want to skip. Of course, I like some songs more than others, but isn’t that normal?

What is the “Showgirl” aesthetic, anyway?

When Life of a Showgirl dropped, I was curious to see the public’s reaction. Naturally, there were countless opinions — some positive, some disappointed. One of the biggest reasons for that disappointment, I think, is how the album was marketed and the assumptions about what it would contain. I can’t help but wonder: would people have reacted differently if we hadn’t seen the cover and title beforehand? And what exactly was expected from the music?

What do we even associate with the “Showgirl” aesthetic? Would it have been more appreciated if the songs were more cabaret-style or theatrical? I immediately think of Christina Aguilera’s Burlesque album and wonder what the media reaction would have been if Taylor had radically shifted her persona and songwriting the way Aguilera did in 2010.

Subscribe now

From my perspective, the songs on Life of a Showgirl are easy to digest and have the potential to become radio hits. They’re arguably more “mainstream” than much of The Tortured Poets Department, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the lighter, catchy style fits the “showgirl” vibe better than a TTPD II or a Folklore/Evermore II would have. Maybe we just love overanalyzing and complicating music instead of enjoying it for what it is: a way to share feelings and bring listeners along for the ride.

Taylor’s musical adaptation

One of the most fascinating aspects of this album is how Taylor seems to adapt her music to her current partner. It almost feels like she’s crafting songs with him in mind — not just in lyrics but in melody. Some tracks evoke the nostalgic charm of ’90s movie soundtracks, giving the album a personal, intimate feel. And hearing her say in an interview that she still feels exactly what she felt when writing these songs is a lovely reminder of the authenticity behind the music.

Life of a Showgirl might not be the album some expected, but it shows Taylor Swift’s versatility and her willingness to experiment with mood, melody, and personal context. It’s fun, catchy, and accessible, and that doesn’t make it any less genuine. Maybe we need to remember that music’s core purpose is to connect and convey feelings — not to fit into a pre-set narrative. In that sense, this album succeeds beautifully.

What is your view on the new album and do you support the critics?

Leave a comment

Subscribe now

But of course, things have changed a little since our daughter was born a bit more than two years ago. While we knew from the beginning that we wouldn’t completely reinvent the way we travel, it was also clear that certain things just wouldn’t make sense anymore — or would be downright irresponsible — with a toddler in tow.

Since then, we’ve done quite a bit: a road trip through Northern Europe, a classic beach escape to Greece, some wellness weekends, a long-haul flight to Hong Kong, a Portugal road trip, a city break in Marrakech, and a few smaller getaways here and there. We’ve rented cars, stayed in hotels and Airbnbs, taken trains, planes, and even boats to get from A to B.

After two years of traveling as a family, I’ve learned a few things that have made our trips smoother and more enjoyable. I’ve summed them up in five points — not as strict rules, but as little lessons that might come in handy for anyone planning a trip with a baby or toddler.

1. Use filters wisely when booking accommodation

Before becoming a parent, I barely used filters when booking hotels or Airbnbs. Maybe I’d check the rating or choose a certain hotel category, but that was about it.

Now, all those tiny details suddenly matter: the size of the bed and room, the layout of the space, and even how much storage there is. If you’re adding a baby bed, you’ll still want to move around freely. And if the main bed is only a queen (especially in Airbnbs), what happens when your toddler decides to crawl in at 3 a.m.?

I also pay more attention to stairs, bathroom setups, and whether an Airbnb has a washing machine inside the apartment (not just somewhere in the building). And one thing I’ve learned the hard way: before confirming any booking, always double-check that all your filters have actually been applied — because sometimes, they magically disappear.

2. Think about location — really think about it

Location has become about so much more than just a good view and safety. I now look for nearby grocery stores, playgrounds, or parks, and try to get a sense of how family-friendly the area feels. Are there lots of restaurants or bars nearby (great for convenience, but maybe not for noise)? Are there steep hills, endless stairs, or cobblestone streets that make pushing a stroller feel like an upper-body workout?

And beyond that, I’ve learned to ask myself whether the type of vacation we’re planning fits our daughter’s current stage. A beautiful beach holiday sounds relaxing in theory — but if your child is too young to entertain themselves, that dream of lying by the pool for eight hours a day will probably stay a dream.

3. Don’t overpack

When you’re already traveling with a stroller, toys, and baby gear, packing light becomes a necessity. I used to bring way too much — until I realized you can buy most things wherever you go.

Now I only pack a few diapers for the first days, knowing we’ll stop by a grocery or drugstore anyway. The same goes for clothes: practicality beats variety. I make sure we have access to a washing machine and skip the fancy shoes (even if I imagine myself wearing them for “that one nice dinner” — I never do).

4. Be strategic with your luggage

We usually travel with two large suitcases and a few carry-ons. Adding another suitcase just for our daughter would be impossible to manage, especially with the stroller.

Over time, I’ve also become a bit old-school: I actually prefer two-wheel suitcases now. They may not glide as smoothly through the airport, but they’re easier to handle in hotel rooms. When we stay somewhere for just a couple of nights, we rarely unpack, which means our luggage stays open — and four-wheel suitcases take up so much space when they’re open. Most hotel luggage racks are still made for the classic two-wheel design, and suddenly it all makes sense again.

5. Don’t change locations too often

Relocating every two nights might sound adventurous — but with a toddler, it’s mostly exhausting. Staying at least three nights in one place gives everyone time to settle in and makes traveling feel like a joy again, not a logistical challenge.

In the end, traveling definitely changes once you have a child, but it doesn’t have to lose its magic. With a few small adjustments, it can still feel just as exciting, spontaneous, and rewarding as before — maybe even more so.

Because now, it’s not just about seeing new places. It’s about seeing them through her eyes — and that, to me, has become the best part of all.

What about you? What have you learned from traveling with your child? Do you try to keep your old travel style, or have you completely reinvented it?

Let’s chat down in the comments!

Leave a comment

I wonder if it’s always just a euphemism for to lose weight/get healthier or if we just need these kind of goals to feel satisfied. In a way it also sums up our need for self optimization that has taken a whole new extent these past years.

Are millennials the reason or more the impetus for these phenomens?

I tried to sum up all these trends in the last years and this is what I came up with:

• Glow up diaries: This trend started around 2018 via YouTuber Alivia D’Andrea. The “Glow Up Diaries” series (docuseries style) showing her personal transformation, mental health, body image etc. In my opinion it was kind of the start for all these newly formed trends in the wellness/health and fitness space that also highly depended on the new social media channels like Youtube, Instagram and TikTok.

• 5AM club: This “challenge” or routine style came after the equally named book which was released in 2018. Could it have been the reason for all the upcoming morning and evening routines that followed the years after?

• Hot girl summer: In 2019 everybody talked about their hot girl summer. This term was of course related to the song by Megan Thee Stallion and on the surface level seemed more “fun”, but on Social Media it was still about looks and aesthetics.

• 75 hard: Also in 2019 the new challenge 75 hard became popular. After the hot girl summer which was a bit more about confidence and feeling good in your own body, 75 hard was about discipline and a driven mindset.

• That Girl Era: In 2021 we all saw the that girl-trend which left many of us frustrated because on social media it was portrayed as a highly aesthetic (and maybe unrealistic) way of living.

• Becoming her: That Girl was followed by the term Becoming her in 2022. This might be the closest example of two trends following after each other that more or less mean the same thing. Becoming her could also mean becoming your best self. It might have been a bit more discipline orientated than the that girl-trend, but both trends focused highly on a idealised version of the female (body).

• Hormone balancing: This started in 2023 but I feel like I hear or read about it still now occasionally. It’s more of a broader health/wellness evolution and less about strict routines or discipline.

• Winter arc: This term first came up in the wellness space last winter so in 2024. I wonder if it will come back this year or if it was replaced by the most recent buzz word, which is:

• The great lock in: This of course has a totally different meaning to what the winter arc represented (which was more about the seasonal slow down in the colder and darker months). But the similarity might be the timing and the utilization of the last few months of the year.

This was just a try to sort and name popular wellness trends and I am sure that I missed a lot. But to me in their essential core meaning, they all seem to be the same thing. It is about self-discipline, transformation and/or aesthetics that are just put into new wrappers that fit the cultural moment. And why are millennials so prevelant in all these trends? Maybe because we grew up with a hustle culture and entered adulthood during instability. Maybe that’s why we keep packaging self-control as empowerment..

But why do we always want to become a better version of ourselves? Are we that unhappy with our lives or do we just compare ourselves to the wrong people? I am sure that the rise of different social media platforms is a huge reason for these trends and the often used hashtags make it even more easy for us to search for sources of those specifically. Platforms in a way also “need” these new trends to stay engaging so even when the common denominator stays the same within every trend, it’s important for the platform to make them feel new.

We might also try to get back some control in times where everything in the world seems out of control. Another reason might be the community that can be built through challenges and then shared about on social media platforms. Both community and control are basic human needs that we try to allocate through routines/challenges and trends.

These trends might change names every year, but their purpose stays the same: to turn uncertainty into structure, and structure into meaning. Whether it’s waking up at 5 a.m. or locking in for the last months of the year, we keep reinventing discipline as lifestyle — and selling the idea that we can always become a better version of ourselves. Maybe that’s the truest trend of all.

What is your perception of all these so called “wellness and health”-trends? Did I miss something? Please leave a comment and let me know.

Leave a comment

A few weeks ago I tried a super yummy apple crumble and I realized how good warm and soft apples with lots of cinnamon are! The trick to soften them up is to add a bit of apple juice and… HONEY! That will transform almost to a syrupy consistency!

Tonight I wanted to try something new. I had mascarpone, heavy cream, white chocolate and four apples. This is what you need to recreate this dessert.

• four apples, cut into pieces

• 30-50 ml apple juice, cinnamon and 1 Tbsp honey

• 50g white chocolate, melted in a bowl

• 100g heavy cream

• 100g mascarpone

• optional: greek yoghurt to “lighten” or “bulk” it up, 1-2 Tbsp sugar

Please keep in mind that I am not the biggest measurer so you might want to adjust the quantities to your personal taste.

Easy method: Leave the melted chocolate to cool down a bit and use a wisk to cream the mascarpone and melted chocolate together. In a different bowl wisk the heavy cream until it forms peaks (you can add 1-2 Tbsp of sugar if you want). Add the heavy cream to the mascarpone-chocolate mixture and you can here as well add the greek yoghurt if you want. This will bulk up the whole cream.

In a pot, heat the apple cubes together with the apple juice and some cinnamon and leave it there for 10 min. Add 1 Tbsp honey and leave it on the stove for another 5-10 min. Leave to cool.

Take either a large glass form or smaller glasses and first fill in the apples and then layer the cream on top.

If you have some granola, you could even put some of it on top for some extra crunch. I added a miture of spices and sugar and left it in the fridge until we left for our dinner invitation :)

Let me know if you tried it or what your favorite fall dessert recipe is!

Leave a comment

Meanwhile, I’m 32, have a two-year-old toddler, a husband, an apartment, and deal with being celiac and having type 1 diabetes. I love to travel, love to cook, organize everything (and then reorganize it again). The fact that I’m interested in so many things, like to write, and don’t really have an appropriate outlet led me to believe that maybe Substack could be a good choice.

This could be the place where everything I like and enjoy comes together – a kind of symbiosis between travel tips, recipes, real-life struggles, and the general feeling of being overwhelmed in this world. Nothing special, as I already mentioned, but maybe entertaining enough for the handful of people who read it.

So that’s it for now. One thing you can always expect at the end of my posts is one random question for you to answer.

Subscribe now

Jetzt abonnieren