Sunday

Category : London, Lunch, Running

I think Sunday is underrated. It gets such a bad rep for being “The Day Before Monday” and all in all it’s just a very depressing day.

Unless you do things that you love to at least make the attempt to turn it into a great day!

 

Studying…

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Lying around in my PJs..

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Snacking..

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Laughing..

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Doing “research”..

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Lunch..

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Running…

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And for dinner I made us a fab veggie lasagne.

I’m also not too thrilled about Monday – or the entire upcoming week in fact (it’ll be so busy – I already can’t wait for it to be over) but hey that shouldn’t keep us from enjoying Sunday.

 

What did you do today?

xx K

One Day In London.

Category : Food, Friends, London

I wrote this post on Tuesday the 25th but my internet at home has been so terrible of late, it made me swear at my laptop in the most vicious way. Anyway…

 

Last weekend was amazing! (I am referring to the weekend of the 22nd.. remember.. internet problems…)

My besties flew in from Switzerland on Friday (took them long enough – I’ve been living here since March! haha) and stayed for a super quickie weekend.

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So basically we only had one whole Saturday. It was utterly hilarious.

Since Karin (the other Karin that is) has never set foot on this island before we did a tour de best of London…

Starting in Camden since I live in the north.

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We then dashed on to Covent Garden, popped by Picadilly Circus and moved on to Waterloo.

From there we walked along the Thames to London Bridge as it was such a beautiful day (very very British – the weather that is.) We had lunch at the always crowded Borough Market – so busy but I love that place.

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I spy with my little eyes…

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Afterwards we headed to Shoreditch, had coffee at one of my favourite cafés, Franzé & Evans and then we went to the Porterhouse.

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Let’s just say we stayed there for a while.

If you only have one day in London I would highly recommend that “tour”.

 

Gosh I really miss my friends! I would import them in a heartbeat!!

 

 

I have  something super exciting to share with you all but that’s for an other post. I am watching Jamie Oliver’s new “Great Britain” show and I am so ecstatic as he’s in east London in that episode and walking through the market where I usually get my fantastic Friday falafel. (Friday is falafel day).

Oh if you happen to be in East London on a weekday – go to the Whitecross market and get some fantastic street food to go! Definitely a London highlight.

 

 

Love you all.

Kx

Cut.

Category : London

 

The other day I got a haircut.

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And then this lovely lady did a blow-dry. Now… I really wanted to give it a fair chance considering it’s so en vogue what with Kate Middy (now Windsor) giving it a proper revival but heck (!!).. it took more than half an hour! Who has time for that (apart from when it’s your wedding or if you’re a royal)???

If I go to a class at Frame before work and take a shower there I just let my hair dry on my walk to the office. After all England’s windy. hehe. It works.

 

On Saturday I went out with my flatmate and her friends. We survived until 12:30am which I was quite proud of! Yay us party animals!

For the first time in my life I wore red lipstick.

That makes me proper grown up now. Thank you very much.

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(And now let’s just ignore the creepy “from underneath”-look.)

But holy guacamole did my nose grow some more? It’s astronomical!! Mount Everest decided to come and reside in my face.

Well… at least I can smell things properly. :)

 

And yes, “proper” is my new favourite word. And it almost makes me a proper Londoner.

 

PS: I love “Downton Abbey”. Who says TV shows are stupid? There are currently such smart programmes on.. And for my sanity’s sake I usually watch them online – can’t be bothered with all those commercials.

 

Love and peace to you all.

Kx

A Race And A Chin Twin

Category : Eating Out, Food, Friends, London, Lunch, Running

Hello hello!

How are things going in your neck of the woods? I am sore. Especially in my shoulders. Yes, apparently I run with my shoulders.

Anyway..

There was so much going on last weekend it’s hard to wrap my head around it all because usually exciting stuff only happens about once a month (fun Frame classes excluded).

Friday evening kicked off with dinner and drinks with Val and BF who were in town for an extended weekend. It’s so lovely to speak Bernese German once in a while. :) I had such a good time.. having people around from back home is just fab. Unfortunately I had to leave early(-ish) to catch the last tube home.. because on Saturday I had to get up super early to get a million and one chores done in the morning.

At noon I met up with my chin twin Tamzin! (She pointed the chin twin thing out but it’s kind of true, isn’t it? Everyone needs a chin twin!! :) )

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After reading her amazing blog for about a million years it was so lovely to meet her in person! We discussed that blogger-meet-ups have something so blind-date-ish about them… You DO know the person but then again it’s always different when you meet one another in real life.

But I kind of knew we’d get along well – after all we’re both massive foodies, enthusiastic about fitness (but not in a crazy obsessive way) and have a fabulous taste in music. If I dare say so. :)

She even brought me a present! She made it herself, can you believe it???

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SO pretty! Thank you chin twin!!

 

Being the foodies that we are we headed straight to Neal’s Yard Salad Bar for some much needed lunch.

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I’ve been dying to go there for ages but always saved it for a special occasion. I’m glad I did, lunch was delish!

Afterwards we continued our foodie tour de London.

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Heavens.. Whole Foods in High Street Kensington will KILL me. I am so glad I don’t live in West London otherwise I’d be constantly tempted. It’s a place where dreams come true. (Who wants to go to Disney Land when there’s Whole Foods?? :) ).

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Afterwards we had some cake and coffee and then it was already time to say goodbye. Another time my friend!!

 

I kind of rushed home because my flatmate had lost her keys (well.. she found them at work today..) and then I frantically searched Blandine’s mobile number as we had plans for dinner.

All turned out well and we went to Manna in Primrose Hill for dinner. It’s a vegan restaurant.

Now… I know, some people run away screaming when they hear the word vegan because “what do these people eat anyway?” but it’s simply unfair.. Saturday’s dinner was absolutely amazing. We shared quesadilla (but menos el queso haha) for starters and I had ravioli and Blandine had bangers and mash. Very British.

Unfortunately my photos turned out crap but that just means that I have to go back again and make some new ones :) .

We ended the evening with a cuppa and Gary Barlow and his X-Factor crew. When did Mr Take That get so hot? He’s like good wine – getting better with age!

 

Sunday started REALLY early.. I got up at an ungodly hour to get ready for race day. Blandine, who stayed over at my place, kindly came to support me.

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It was busy, it was fun and it was one of the best races I’ve ever run. There was never a moment that felt terrible.. When I felt my legs getting tired I changed my stride.
(General comment: changing strides was one of the best things I could have done. It made things so much easier!)

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Unfortunately I still had some breathing problems since I have a weird cold/sore throat.. I need to get that checked if it doesn’t get better. At times I had some chest pain but then I took it a bit easier and ran slower.

After all I love running but I love living even more so I didn’t want to push myself too much even though it meant that sub-2h got out of my reach. I didn’t care, health is more important.

I just realised that this all sounds more dramatic than it actually was.. I really felt fine otherwise I would have dropped out for sure. (Mum, no need to get worried!!)

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It was such a privilege to run with Right To Play. I am truly proud to support such an amazing charity. Thanks again to all of you.. donators and non-donators. Your support has been great.

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My official chip time was 2:00:51. It’s the first time I’ve run with my garmin but it was quite helpful and it helped me to keep my pace and not go too fast or too slow. The garmin was only there for support though.. I just ran it the way I felt was good for me. I felt like walking twice so I walked. And once or twice I felt like running 8 minute miles so I ran faster.

I suppose the reason why I felt this race was relatively “easy” was because my mind and body were completely in synch. My brain has tried to be smarter than my body for ages but nah, this girl’s not taking that anymore.

If I feel like running 10 miles I run 10 miles.

If I feel like eating a massive slice of cake I eat a massive slice of cake.

Life is too short to be miserable.

 

(On the other hand this shouldn’t be a free-pass for all things unhealthy. Balance, sweethearts! Balance!)

Knackered Happy Runner

Category : London, Running

What an AMAZING weekend.

Now I just need a cup of tea, some Gary Barlow and some family drama and then I’m a happy camper.
But I have to be honest, I am freaking knackered. (Do apologise the tired look on my face – I was ready to fall asleep right there and then).

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A massive thank you to everyone who donated. It means so much to me and together we could make a small contribution to improve other peoples lives. I am very very proud and happy. Also a big thank you to my dear friend Blandine who came to support me on the day.

If you want to support Right To Play but didn’t have the time to donate, it’s absolutely fine.. My donating page’s still up for another month! ;)

I will go and nap some more now. I can’t believe how tired I am!

Tomorrow I’ll tell you all about my fantastic Saturday and THE race. For now I just leave you with this:

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Hmmm… 13.26 is NOT  a half marathon. I want my money back! Or at least 1 min off my time (so I’d have a sub-2h half hehehee).

Love and peace and happiness.

Kx

Oh The Perks Of Living In London…

Category : London, Theatre

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I CAN NOT wait for this. Icantwaitforthis, Icantwaitforthis.. lalalaaa….

Shakespeare. AND Eddie Redmayne.

It’s like peanut butter and banana. Or chocolate and caramel. Or chocolate and chocolate
Meaning: Match made in heaven.

!!!!!!!!!

 

Give me a front row ticket stat!

Visitors & Fifteen

Category : Food, Friends, London

Look who’s here!!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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

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To. Die. For.

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We also stalked the chef.. haha

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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!

Victoria And That Sad Face

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!

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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).

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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.

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

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

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

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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

London Vs. Bern

Category : Bern, London

Whenever I tell people that my life in London is basically the same as life back home they don’t really believe me.

So here’s the proof:

AM

London: Get up, have breakfast, get to work via Tube and read Metro (highly intellectual.. I know..) – sometimes I also run, do yoga or go to a fitness class before work.

Bern: Get up, have breakfast , go to work via tram and bus and read 20 Minuten (highly intellectual, I know..) – sometimes I also run or do yoga before work.

 

During the day

London: Work, have lunch, work

Bern: Work, have lunch, work

 

PM

London: Go home and have dinner OR do yoga and then go home and have dinner OR  go running/rebounding and then go home and have dinner. Afterwards I prep lunch and sometimes breakfast for the next day. And then I read or watch an episode of some TV show (addict, I know). Occasionally I go out for drinks.

Bern: Go home and have dinner OR do yoga and then go home and have dinner OR  go home and go running and then have dinner. Afterwards I prep lunch and sometimes breakfast for the next day. And then I read or watch an episode of some TV show (addict, I know). OR I just go out for (drinks sometimes) and dinner with friends.

 

SEE?? It’s basically identical. Sure there are the obvious differences but both cities have their pros:

London: Brick Lane on Sundays, Whole Foods (!), tons of great restaurants, Shoreditch, Frame, weekend long runs along the canal to Limehouse, fantastic plays, Monmouth coffee…

Bern: The old town, Tramdepot beer, everything is in walking distance, the yoga studio I go to, Bärndütsch, CHOCOLATE (!!), … and most importantly.. my friends and family.

 

And to be honest, my friends and family outweigh everything. Even the celebrity-sights and Indian curries in Brick Lane.

Don’t get me wrong, I love living in London and plan to stay longer than originally intended. But at the same time I know that I want to move back home after a few years. I’m a bit of a globe trotter at heart (no surprise with those parents..) but living in London has made me realise that I’m the happiest at home.

BUT I’m not saying that I’m spending my days being lonely. I have tons on my plate and have met a great bunch of fantastic people. And I LOVE living here (even it’s “daily life” for me now it’s still London for heaven’s sake!)

Plus there’s the British humour that never ceases to amuse me.

Speaking of British humour.. There’s someone tweeting as Queen_UK  and it absolutely cracks me up. It seriously almost makes me pee my pants.

Here are some examples:

“Have released £950m of frozen Libyan cash and popped it on an RAF jet. It should have thawed out by the time it gets there”

“Mr Clegg on the phone. He’s got a new pencil case and lunchbox for the new term. He’s just writing his name on them.”

“Bank Holiday gin. Easy on the tonic.”

“X Factor evening at the Royal Household. Edward simply adores Gary Barlow.”

“One can confirm Windsor Castle is to be powered by hydro-electricity. This will mean MPs working shifts to peddle a machine in the Thames.”

“Mr Clegg on the phone. Wondering if the Libya revolution might spread to other star signs. Having an early sherry.”

“Text from Mr Clegg: "Any news on Libra?". Presumably he means ‘Libya’.”

“Mr Miliband has passed his swimming grade six. He’s delighted.”

“A-Level results day tomorrow. Mr Osborne is hoping to have finally passed Maths; Mr Cameron had to retake politics. Mr Clegg did pottery.”

“Ok girls, bidding for Prince Harry starts at 6pm.”

 

Ok I’ll stop here but it goes on and on and on. Absolutely hilarious. (I know I shouldn’t but I love it when people make fun of politicians)

 

In case you’re thinking of moving to some other country and are a bit sceptical after reading this post; don’t be! Moving somewhere else all by myself has been one of the best and scariest things I’ve ever done. Life isn’t meant to be easy all the time.. otherwise there would be no room for the truly fantastic stuff.

 

Ok see you laters guys! I’ll pester you with books in my next post!

Love and tea cups

Karin

Race Pack

Category : London, Running

It gets serious my friends. A bit more than 1 month before the Royal Parks Half Marathon I got my race package from Right To Play. I don’t know if we’ll wear that shirt or an other one that is also given to us (through the running club). Nevertheless it got me even more excited about this race. Even though it will probably be the only race I’ll run for charity (I just feel bad asking people for money all the time) I want to give my best for this race.

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It made me even more excited about running for Right To Play. It’s such an amazing charity that should get as much support as any other (bigger) charity.

They also sent me a bracelet that sports a really nice slogan:

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“Look After Yourself, Look After One Another”

Often we tend to look after ourselves because we don’t think we’re not that important. Well, how can you be there for other people if you don’t treat yourself well?

Treating yourself well doesn’t mean that you think you’re more important than everyone else.

So I’ll shamelessly take that as an excuse for spending all day in my PJs and eating lots of cereal (and fried brown rice with veg and tofu).

But before you head off to a spa you might want to help some others too: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KarinOnTheRun

:)