give me bananas » 2011

Yogic Cat

Posted by Karin | Posted on 30-09-2011

Category : Pets, Yoga

We have an other yogi in the family.

Kiki (Real name -which is rather silly- is Punky because he had a Mohawk as a baby) stole my Yantra Mat. If you don’t know what it is it’s a mat with tons of little plastic spikes which you lie on. Believe it or not but it’s SO relaxing. I always fall asleep on it. I kid you not.

It was obviously super comfy for Kiki as well. Maybe he needed to get his stiff muscles massaged as well.

Awww I miss that cat!

Pop by my place if you’re dubious about whether or not that mat’s any good (it is but you might want to test it). I brought it with me to London – I’ve missed it!

Q Is there any odd stuff that you like? (I don’t want to hear any nasty stories though!)

At Home In Bern And London

Posted by Karin | Posted on 28-09-2011

Category : Family

Folks!

Sorry for being m.i.a. but I’ve been rather swamped with work, doing yoga, running, cooking soup, eating chocolate and drinking wine lately. Oh and let’s not forget watching Downton Abbey. Very important stuff I’m telling you.

Last weekend at home was quite amazing as I got to see my whole family.. I also went to a yoga class at my dear teacher’s “new” (to me) yoga studio. It was brilliant.

I also went on a run with my dad and while I was having troubles keeping my sandwich down I felt like a moronic city tourist breathing in the country air. (It was fresh though!!)

Being a normal birthday dinner it peaked in a heated discussion about data protection and having your picture online (me? A picture online? Never!!). We came to the conclusion that as long as the person who’s on the photo is ok with it being published it’s all fine.

Naturally I go ahead and post this picture of myself and my mum.. without me asking her! (oooh dear she might disinherit me).

But oh look, here’s me eating: (flattering pic, I know)

And here’s me eating: (even more flattering)

And guess what? Here’s me eating AND laughing (multitasker!):

Is it just me or do I look enlightened in this picture? (Ha! Pun of the year!)

I ruthlessly go ahead and post a picture of Sel, my dad and I as well… only because I love them to bits. So whoever might see this online – pow! – here’s my awesome dad and my best friend aka sister Sel.

He looks a bit uncomfortable posing with two idiots. Oh well.

Now I’m on the brink of posting that HILARIOUS photo of my grandpa looking like a psycho (sorry but it’s true) paparazzi but I’m holding myself back. Don’t want to have my entire family against me.

So I’ll go and read Yoga Journal now (because I’m very yogic, you know, and take my shit seriously..). I somehow need to roll out of bed at 5:30am tomorrow.. Not quite sure how I’ll manage to do that.

Love! K

Jeeeez!

Posted by Karin | Posted on 21-09-2011

Category : Uncategorized

I did something INSANE today. Something completely CRAZY.
And you know what? It’s also very exciting.

I booked a flight ticket to Zurich. For FRIDAY! Yes sweethearts, I will go to Switzerland for the weekend and yes, I know that makes me sound like a posh twat.

But I’ve never felt this homesick in my life. And I need some time with my family. Even if that time is rather short.

Plus it’s my dad’s 50th birthday (yes, he’s ONLY 50 years old!). I can’t let him eat all the cake by himself. Though on a second thought, he’s not a cake-eater anyway so I will do all the cake-eating and he will do all the celebrating (not! He hates Birthdays. I don’t care.)

I can’t go this long without my family. Yes that makes me sound like a 24yo weakling but heck, that’s what I am! It’s silly but going for months and months without a single hug is a bit lonely. Have you ever done that? No hugs at all? You might think that’s not that major but try going without hugs for 2+ months and then we’ll talk again.

Anyway, I am rambling. But only because I’m a bit overwhelmed and excited and so terribly happy. As I mentioned in my last post – we all need to live. That sometimes means some crazy actions.

Now.. I’m justifying the flying with my otherwise green lifestyle. I’m a vegetarian and always use public transport. I always do a full load of wash. I shower weekly. Ok the last part isn’t true. I shower daily, I’m guilty for being clean!

Ok this rant just gets crazier and crazier. We’re down to body hygiene now!

Poor dad will wish I never would have decided to come back home.. I fully intend to organise a mini-party (he wanted to sneak off to Italy but my sister made him stay). My dad hates being the centre of attention. My dad hates parties.

We’re going to have such a blast!

I Say Hello, You Say Goodbye

Posted by Karin | Posted on 20-09-2011

Category : Friends, Positive Thinking, Running

I am rubbish at saying goodbye. Absolutely terrible.

Christine and Selina showed me their best “sad faces” at Heathrow yesterday. And all was well until my little sister started crying when we said goodbye. I can’t see my sister crying without following her suit (sorry Christine, I know we were being rather pathetic!).

I somehow stumbled my way back to the tube and basically spent the entire rest of the day being absolutely miserable and lonely.

But today’s a new day. I love living in London and learning new things every day and growing as a person. It’s not always easy but I’m the first to say that life shouldn’t necessarily be easy either. It makes us grow (or at least I hope so) and keeps us on our toes. I will never live a comfy life.

The bonus of not taking the easy route is that you’re absolutely ecstatic about things that are very normal.. Like spending a day in Brick Lane and making potato gratin for dinner with two of your best friends.

BBC said on Friday that there would be “thunderous rain”on Sunday. Well we didn’t see much of that.

I already miss them terribly and have been eating my weight in chocolate. But that’s fine. It’s all part of living life.

Now I’m excited for the “next” uncomfortable thing in my life – the upcoming Half Marathon! Many thanks to the people who’ve already donated – we’re well on our way to improve the lives of so many unprivileged kids!
If you haven’t donated yet you can do so here. We need all the help we can get!!

So here’s what we learned in today’s lesson: Life shouldn’t be too easy even if that might be a bit strange to understand. If you disagree with me that’s fair enough – as long as you live your life. Existing alone doesn’t count.

Kx.

Visitors & Fifteen

Posted by Karin | Posted on 17-09-2011

Category : Food, Friends, London

Look who’s here!!

After weeks and weeks of waiting it was finally the day Christine and Selina arrived!! I was incredibly impatient at work on Thursday but then it was finally 5:30 and I went and met them at Heathrow airport.

Yesterday we spent the day shopping, eating and laughing – it flew by!

I booked a table at Fifteen as soon as I knew they would arrive – I’ve always wanted to go there because I love Jamie Oliver and think his apprentice programme is absolutely brilliant.

The entire evening was even better than expected. I’ve never had such a great time at a restaurant in my life. That wasn’t only due to the company but also the waiters and the brilliant food. The waiters took their time to talk to us and of course we grilled them about the programme and meeting Jamie. It was so lovely! Apparently it was the first day of work for some apprentices!

The olives were so buttery and delish I could have eaten an entire bowl for dinner.

To. Die. For.

We also stalked the chef.. haha

I can’t wait to go back! My mum (massive Jamie fan) would love this place so much. She’s been wanting to go there for years. (An other reason for visiting, mum!!)

Today we head to Camden for a veggie fry’-up (visitors’ requests), will do some other shenanigans and then go and see “We Will Rock You”. Hooray!!

I don’t want them to leave. Ever!

TV for Inspiration

Posted by Karin | Posted on 14-09-2011

Category : Breakfast, Recipes

I wrote this post on 13.09.11 at 10pm-ish. My internet is down again (as usual when I really need it) so we’ll see when we get this published.

I’ve spent too much time crying in front of the TV lately.

-Sunday. The 10 year anniversary of 9/11. Crying like a silly baby.

-Monday. A documentary on life after the tsunami in Japan. Cried some more.

But today was different. I swear I actually don’t watch that much TV but today I had the food network on and watched Cupcake Wars. And I got inspired.

So at 9pm tonight I started making some muffins which is odd as I haven’t baked in ages. But when inspiration strikes, you shall not withhold!

They’re definitely much healthier than their TV counterparts so go and make them! They also happen to be vegan and gluten free friendly (if you use gluten free oats that is). But beware, they’re not your usual muffins. They’re not that sweet but are perfectly suitable for breakfast. If you wrap them well they will also keep superbly in the freezer. So when you’re busy you’ll instantly have a healthy snack on the go.

Where The Heck Is Summer? Muffins

Based on these muffins
Name inspired by that lovely English weather

Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients:

3 large ripe bananas (mashed)
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 chia egg (1tbsp + 3 tbsp warm water mixed)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup brown rice flour
1/2 cup Scottish oats (quick oats)
1/3 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shredded coconut (add more for a stronger coconut taste)
2 tbsp milk (I used coconut milk) – optional
Directions:
Preheat oven to 180C°
In small cup prepare chia seed (you can also use 1tbsp ground flax if you can’t find chia). Mix and set aside
Mash bananas and mix in all wet ingredients. In another bowl combine all dry ingredients and mix well.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until you’ve got a nice batter. If it’s a bit too thick, add 2 tbsp of milk.
Spoon the mixture into the cups of a well greased muffin pan (I used cooking spray).
Bake for 20 minutes
Remove from oven and don’t eat them hot unless you like having a burnt tongue (mine hurts..)

The only bad thing about baking this late is that the light is absolutely terrible. So apologies for the photos.

Now if that isn’t some major food-blogging revival…

But there’s something else that makes me even happier than muffins…

Two days left until Selina and Christine arrive! You have no idea how much I’m looking forward to their visit. I would cross off the days off my calendar but my dad once told my sister off for doing so when she was a kid because “every day is precious”. Wise words pop but I still wish I could tick the days off until Thursday.. evening that is. I have no idea how I’ll be patient enough at work. I’ll probably check my watch every five minutes. And then come 5:30pm I’ll rush out the door and head to Heathrow! I already have so many ideas for things we could do.. and they mostly evolve around food. Not so sure if they’re too thrilled about that but I’ll feed Sel with some Green & Black dark organic chocolate ice cream (her favourite) and she’ll follow me like a puppy. It’s going to be harder with Christine as she’s not that easily lured…. Haha I’m only kidding of course (kind of.. there are lots of great foodie places I want to show them) but I’m so freaking happy and giddy I could dance nonstop.

Sadness and happiness go hand in hand but that’s perfectly fine. We’re people who have emotions and feel! Why want it any other way?

Red Wine For Piggy

Posted by Karin | Posted on 09-09-2011

Category : Uncategorized

It was a busy week. One that definitely called for a glass (or two) of wine tonight.

And as I was changing the sheets (what? you don’t multitask?) I knocked down my glass which was on the bedside table.

Piggy got hit. The carpet too.

And it was quite a disturbing sight to behold – especially for a vegetarian.

One nice little wash later, Piggy was looking a bit shaken but was otherwise unharmed.

What an eventful Friday night!

Books.

Posted by Karin | Posted on 08-09-2011

Category : books

I am pretty sure that a part of me is 90 years old.

That part thinks that the prefect day contains hot chocolate and a good book. And that part thinks that e-books are rubbish.

Because it’s all about how a book feels in your hands. How it smells. How many coffee/tea stains it has. How battered it looks.

The uglier the better.

These are some of my favourite books. Read them if you can.

1. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time by Mark Haddon
A book from the point of view of an autistic boy who wants to find out who killed the neighbour’s dog with a pitchfork. It made me laugh and cry at the same time. Such a witty book and wonderfully written.

2. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Two women who bond under the most terrible circumstances. The story of friendship and war in Afghanistan made me cry like a baby. It’s incredibly disturbing and moving.

3. The Elegance Of The Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
To summarise that it’s a book about a concierge in a Parisian house wouldn’t do it justice. This book is like the most beautiful flower that slowly blossoms. Granted, it starts off slow and made me wonder why everyone loves it so much but it’s one of those books that slowly but steadily have a massive impact. I seem to have a preference for books that leave me in tears at the very end. This is no exception.

4. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Ok ok, they’re considered children books (although I disagree) but they’re hands down my favourite book series. Yep they even beat Harry Potter. They’re smart, surprising and have a good dose of love-triangle without being sickly sweet. I made my mum and my flatmate read it and once they got started they couldn’t stop. Still, it seems like no one else believes me that these books are brilliant (you know who you are!)

5. The Other Hand by Chris Cleave
An English family, a Nigerian girl. The most unusual circumstances. This book is like a slap in the face and makes you feel so angry at the unfairness of the world. Yet at the same time it’s terribly sarcastic and funny which balances it out very nicely. Literature at its best.

6. One Day by David Nicholls
Dex and Emma on one day, every day for 20 years. No book is more hyped than this one in the UK at the moment – but for a good reason. I think we all find a part of ourselves in both characters. And, quite typically, I was weeping at the end. Too bad I was in the train at that moment.

There are so many more but I reckon these are plenty for now.

What are your favourite books?

Victoria And That Sad Face

Posted by Karin | Posted on 03-09-2011

Category : Breakfast, Food, Friends, London

It’s proper warm over here can you believe it? It’s like summer decided to appear – in September.

Perfect weather for heading to the posh parts of London and meeting a friend!

Blandine left France for England (because of the ginger lads and Henry XIII of course) and had a quickie “layover” in London before heading to the countryside. I kept her company.

It was so good to see her again after many many years! We actually started off as pen pals. (Yay for pen palling! It taught me English and I’ve made lots of great friends).

We both thought we look awful on this pic but hey, I’ve got to post some evidence.

Anyway, we headed to daylesford (or better: we accidentally stumbled upon it) and did some catching up while having lunch. It was so good discussing everything from former schoolmates with babies to French politics and good music.

I wouldn’t be me if I wouldn’t write about food.

I had eggs florentine – I can’t help it, I love brunch!

The interior of the place was so typically “hip”. The rustic/modern/farm style is very very popular with restaurants/cafés these days.

That’s fine by me though because the food was delish.

We then headed to Starbucks and then it was already time to say goodbye. I can’t wait for Blandine to move to London next year! (Visit soon my friend!)

I then headed back to the Victoria station and as I was changing tubes in Euston I had an encounter that wasn’t unfamiliar.

Dude: “Why do you look so sad?”

Karin: “Sorry, that’s just my normal face!”

Well sorry, I don’t look like Angelina Jolie but you know, I’m fine with the way I look (so effff off you idiot!!!!!).

sigh… You have NO idea how often that happens to me.

I don’t want to be rude to people but I’m really annoyed whenever that happens. And you know what? It’s always random guys who ask me that.

Oh and in case this is some super strange pick-up line (which I really hope it isn’t) – what if I really was sad? I don’t think I –or anyone else for that matter- would talk to a complete stranger about the cause.

</end of frustrated rant>

Wait a second. It isn’t over yet.
When I got off at my station I saw a guy wearing a turban standing by the exit. Not unusual. People walked past him and right when I walked by him he asked:

“Have you ever thought about doing yoga?”

A bit perplexed I answered: “I already practice yoga”.

Maybe my sad face needs some positive energy.

I should consider Botox.

(KIDDING!!!!)

Love you all,

Happy sad-face Karin

Yogic Cat

At Home In Bern And London

Jeeeez!

I Say Hello, You Say Goodbye

Visitors & Fifteen

TV for Inspiration

Red Wine For Piggy

Books.

Victoria And That Sad Face

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