Meine kleine Welt

I owe you...

2012-06-21T17:30:00.000+02:00

... the solution to my healthy eating dilemma!

Well, after asking tons of people on FB, Twitter, here and in the "real world" (shocking, I know!) I decided on some Involtini.

I made them without any directions, any recipe and did not take any pictures during the process, sorry! But I did not really think they would turn out THAT fantastic! I am salivating just thinking about them.

So, if you want to follow my footsteps, here is what you should do.

1) Buy an eggplant (silly photos with eggplant are totally optional)

2) Additionally you'll need cherry tomatoes, eggs, mozzarella

3) Slice the eggplant lengthwise in long strips. Salt strips and put them on paper towels for 10-15mins. Rinse afterwards.

4) In a bowl, whisk an egg with some spices (fresh ground pepper and whatever tickles your fancy). Another egg might be needed depending on the sice of your eggplant.

5) Cover the eggplant strips with the egg mixture and cook them in batches. I used a non-stick pan and did not need any oil, which was nice.

6) Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves and slice the mozzarella.

7) Put tomato and mozzarella on the end of an eggplant strip and roll it up. Use a toothpick if necessary to hold everything in place. Serve with additional tomatoes and mozzarella, decorate with basil leaves if available.

If you cook a big batch, you might want to store the cooked strips in the warm oven before stuffing them to keep them hot.

The Involtini taste great hot or cold btw.

Healthy eating - or: OMG what IS that thing?

2012-05-17T18:23:00.000+02:00

In my quest to live a healthier life, I encounter some unexpected difficulties.

Take yesterday.

I bought an eggplant (which we call way fancier by its french name Aubergine in Germany).

As you can see, I was quite excited to have a shiny beautiful colored vegetable in my life:

"ooohhh, pretty!"

But then it began to dawn on me...

What have I gotten myself into???

Hmmmmmmmm....

"I have EATEN it before..."

It sure looks nice!

But I have no idea what to do with it!

"I can't see you anymore!"

Pleeeeeeaaaaaaze!

Help me out here! Send me your favourite eggplant recipes!

Latest Videos!

2012-05-02T17:43:00.000+02:00

I haven't posted my latest videos here, so if you are not subscribe to me on Youtube
(you really should be! Why? Cause you won't have to rely on me for putting them up eventually here and more importantly, it would make my day! KLICK)
you might not have seen them yet.

First, we have an exciting announcement

(Video 1)

And then a short video which tells the story of a typical Lizzy situation, LOL!

(Video 1)

I found a ton of video footage on my computer from the time where I didn't have internet, some of it over a year old! I intend to put most of it up eventually... so be warned, my appearance might chance, especially the length of my hair!

One Year Ago...

2012-04-29T22:56:00.001+02:00

London, UK. The Royal Wedding of William and Kate. We had so much fun!
Mr Busylizzy preferred to work (killjoy!) and had the office all to himself (it was an official holiday) while the girls and I went to Hyde Park to watch the ceremony on the big screen.

AAAAAAnd the kiss (oh so short...)

Lizzy's been reading: Darkside park

2012-04-27T19:14:00.001+02:00

Hello everyone!
I have just detected the option to insert my Goodreads reviews to this blog, so I was eager to try it out. I kinda like the option to have everything in one place. Would you be interested in seeing more of those reviews?

Ankunft in Porterville by Ivar Leon Menger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I got this book for free from Amazon and I did not really know what to expect. The first chapter left me with my mouth open, eager to know more - and then the perspective changed! Each chapter is told by a different person, they all live in Portersville but are not necessarily connected (yet?). And there seems to be a big secret....

I have never seen LOST, but from what I know, this book might be right up the alley of LOST fans. Unfortunately it is only available in German right now!

The first book has an open ending, there are two more books who will hopefully slowly unravel the secret of Darkside Park.

View all my reviews

I hope you are all doing well? I am terribly busy, but I missed you! Mucho love from my part of the world to yours,

Lizzy

Caine's Arcade

2012-04-12T17:29:00.000+02:00

I came across this post by Kim. I love it!
I was away without internet, so I did not come across the video. If you have seen it already, sorry to beat a dead horse, but if you haven't, go and watch this short film.

(YT Video)

Caine is great. I love him. I love the fact that he did not get discouraged when noone showed up before, I love his genuine surprise and happy smile when he saw the people, I love the fact that he is not a whiney, video playing, lazy ass. I admire his creativity (claw maschine? Genius!). I am also a huge fan of his dad's parenting (e.g. not discouraging him or crushing his dreams, instead giving him the tools and space needed to create his arcade within his means).

If you want to know more, go to http://cainesarcade.com/. The site also gives you the possibility to donate to Caine's college fund via Paypal.

Go Caine!

Karl says très chic - oh oui, I agree!

2012-03-21T18:00:00.000+01:00

I have a lovely new nail polish from Catrice's Ultimate Nudes collection:

N° 090 - Karl says très chic

(Embedded Video)

As I mention in the video, I would not necessarily call this color "nude". It is a rose-pink with a mauve undertone, very wearable und classic. Hence the name, I guess!

Here are some pictures for you:

In the sunlight (taken with IPhone)

The application is due to the new brush design really easy (the brush is nice and thick) and the first coat is already quite opaque. I applied two coats and am very satisfied with the outcome.

Catrice's nail polishes are inexpensive and deliver great results. Me likey!

On an unrelated note, it looks like spring finally arrived (and not just according to the calendar). Woohoo! Are you also so happy to welcome the sun back into your life? Or do you life in a year-round sunny place? If that's the case, I envy you!

Sick Lizzy

2012-03-15T18:48:00.003+01:00

Hello world!
Yeah, the title is spot on - I haven't been feeling well for quite some time but always skipped going to the doc. This monday, it was finally bad enough for me to cave in and the result was a nice sinusitis, antibiotics and a week at home. Blegh.

Image via Wikipedia

I shot two short videos with the Iphone for you:

Tuesday

Wednesday

Mainly, I wanted to test the direct upload function but if you like these kind of short glimpses into my life, I could do them more often. Tell me what you think!

Plus, I want to extend the invitation from the first video: I'd be happy to connect with you on twitter, formspring, draw something, pinterest.... my username is busylizzy111, come and find me!

Neutrogena Multi Defense Daily Moisturiser

2012-03-08T23:26:00.001+01:00

Have you seen my latest video already?
(BTW, you should subscribe to my youtube channel - that way you'll get the new content automatically plus it would totally make my day :-) )

Anyway, this is my favourite moisturiser at the moment:

I have to admit that it was not enough for the cold spell we had in January (I needed something heavier then) but now I am back to using it as my daycream and I could not love it more. I absorbs easily and quickly, has no strong perfume scent and, as you can see in the video, the packaging is really clever. Me likey!

Freitags-Füller #153 (German)

2012-03-02T17:49:00.000+01:00

(My dear non-german speaking readers, I have a post lined up for you, but friday is friday... If you can point me to an equally fun english tag, I'd be happy to oblige)
-----
Wer mitmachen möchte findet hier den aktuellen Freitags-Füller

1. Ab und zu ist Ruhe schön, ab und zu nicht. Balance lautet das Zauberwort. (hach wie poetisch)

2. Jetzt könnte ich gut ein Stück Torte verputzen. hmmmm, lecker!

3. Meine Frühlingsdeko existiert noch nicht.

4. Fisselregen und Nebel, mir reicht's.

5. Vorhin dachte ich dank MINA über eine Auswanderung nach.

6. Hier sieht's ja aus wie bei Hempels unter dem Sofa.

7. Was das Wochenende angeht, heute Abend freue ich mich auf hoffentlich abklingende Kopfschmerzen, morgen habe ich den Besuch in einem neuen Fitnessstudio geplant und Sonntag möchte ich ausruhen, werde aber vielleicht streichen müssen!

Ein wunderbares WE wünsche ich euch!

Happy weekend!

2012-02-17T18:04:00.000+01:00

It is carneval!
Are you celebrating carneval? Here, being quite close to cologne, on of the carneval capitals of Germany, things tend to be quite wild.
Basically, noone works for 5 to 6 days straight, no matter what they tell you. Many companies here have at least Monday off, some even Tuesday and/or Thursday (yesterday).

There are parades and parties, the shops in the city center are closed and outside they tend to have weird opening times (think supermarket etc). Me, I plan on not to play too wild this year. Yesterday, the offical festivities started at 11:11 am and we had some sparkling at work. Terrible, champagne on an empty stomach? Hello tipsiness!

I am looking forward to our tiny quarter parade on Sunday. It is very cute with all the schools, kindergardens and clubs taking part. The big parades usually take place on Monday (think Cologne, Mainz..) and are broadcasted on TV, so if you don't want to face the crowds or freeze to death this is a great option. Alas, you will get no sweets that way!

Cold.

2012-02-09T18:00:00.000+01:00

It is cold and I am freezing.

I can't remember a time when it was that long that cold WITHOUT any snow. Really weird. All the cities around me have snow, even if it is just a thin layer. Here? Nada. Not that I necessarily want snow though!

(edit: I shouldn't have written these sentences. A few hours later: now we have snow. Gr-eat.)

I can't wait for spring to come! *sigh*

(Yes, I know, that was kinda pointless, but just wanted to get it out to the universe.... what about milder temperatures? Please? Above zero (degree Celsius) would be appreciated.)

(tehehehe ;))

Freitags-Füller #147 (German)

2012-01-20T13:12:00.000+01:00

Bei Mina (wieder-)entdeckt und direkt ausgefüllt (always feel bad to blog in German, but I love me some Freitags-Füller!)

Meine Antworten wie immer in bold

1. In der vorigen Woche habe ich meine neue Stelle angetreten (hurra!)

2. Leute, seid nett zueinander oder ist das zuviel verlangt?

3. Mein letzter Spontankauf war ein Backheft aus dem Supermarkt für 1,99€ inklusive Muffinförmchen.

4. Ich bin sehr für Urheberrecht, aber SOPA macht in meinen Augen keinen Sinn.

5. Kann bitte mal jemand die Sonne wieder anknipsen?

6. Ich möchte wieder mehr hier und auf Youtube mitmischen und ich hoffe, dass es klappt.

7. Was das Wochenende angeht, heute Abend freue ich mich auf Mr. Busylizzy, morgen habe ich den Besuch der Mieterversammlung geplant und Sonntag möchte ich mich ausruhen!

#WEverb11 - Prompt #7

2011-12-16T13:02:00.000+01:00

What is #WEverb11?

From the Website:

#WEverb11 is a set of 31 prompts meant to encourage reflection on the past year (2011) and look forward to the coming year (2012).

----------------------------------------------------------

Travel.
Where did you travel this year? What was your favorite part? If you didn’t get to travel, where do you want to go next year?
Contributed by Allison

Well, when I was not at my parents or working, I spend a lot of time in England! My favourite trip was the one to see the Royal Wedding with my close friends.

Seriously so much fun!

#WEverb11 - Prompt #4

2011-12-14T12:35:00.000+01:00

What is #WEverb11?

From the Website:

#WEverb11 is a set of 31 prompts meant to encourage reflection on the past year (2011) and look forward to the coming year (2012).

----------------------------------------------

Write a haiku.
Sum up your year, via haiku.

(instructions on how to write a haiku can be found here and elsewhere on the web)

Image via Wikipedia

dreadful beginning
fear and sorrow for loved ones
but happy at last

#WEverb11 - Prompt #1

2011-12-02T15:41:00.000+01:00

What is #WEverb11?

From the Website:

#WEverb11 is a set of 31 prompts meant to encourage reflection on the past year (2011) and look forward to the coming year (2012).

The first prompt is

Choose one word.
Encapsulate the year 2011 in one word. Explain why. Imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2012 for you?

Looking back, 2011 was just so damn EXHAUSTING!

I was stretching myself thin and have worn myself out far too many times... but it was necessary.
My parents got sick at the end of 2010, both of them, within 3 months of each other. And both with the same diagnosis: Cancer. Well, crap! My father had to undergo surgery, emergency surgery, chemo and radiation - which made him really sick and is responsible for a lot of health problems he will have for the rest of his life (I was not aware of the really bad side effects cancer treatments can have). My mother had surgery and chemo. Combined with the ongoing fear for my dad's life, it really took a toll on her. Both of them have been in hospital quite some time in 2011, and, obviously, I was there for them. Looking back, I feel like I spend the majority of my time on the highway. I had a job, an apartment, parents in 2 different hospitals 200km away, my parent's house to look after, and a long-distance relationship. Phew, can you say TIME MANAGEMENT?

Luckily, my parents are doing better now. I was able to move to be with my partner this August (even though it is only temporary) and I cherish every moment with him. I learned that life is short, often shorter than you think. I learned that I can produce a strength I did not know I have. I learned that people can rely on me. I learned that I have awesome friends. I learned that I am a survivor.

2012, I hope my word is LIGHTHEARTED.

As I had quite a lot of unexpected, terrible calls this year, I have a problem not to expect a catastrophe everytime the phone rings. I am working hard at regaining my childlike trust in the world and at enjoying the moment. At some point, I feared I had lost my smile.... but it is back.

Image by blentley via Flickr

Advent calendar

2011-12-01T17:30:00.000+01:00

Germans really love advent calendars. Wikipedia cites us as the inventors of this lovely tradition...

Here is one for you!

Lizzy's calendar just for you

Free Graphics - MySpace/Xanga/Friendster

August Primark Haul

2011-11-26T13:58:00.000+01:00

I used my time at Starbucks wisely and uploaded one of my August videos for you *patts herself on head* Good girl!

Sorry about the mess in the background, we were living in this room with 2 people and not enough storage...
I seem a bit quiet but I guess I was just afraid that our landlord would come home unexpectedly (I don't like being watched while I film a video!).

Where the heck are you?

2011-11-25T13:07:00.000+01:00

I know, I know.....

I started with high hopes for the October Photography Challenge. I took a lot of pictures. But then? Life happened. We had to move (including a transition weekend where we had literally no home.... and only figured our 1 day before what to do and where to go). Now we are in the new place, which is very central, great area and public transport, very posh.... but no internet. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

My local starbucks knows me pretty well already. And the library. And the university. But still, I miss having internet at home (we have an internet dongle, but that's not the same - and expensive).

(View from our window. Yes, we live really close to Starbucks! I have no idea where the horses go, but they pass by nearly every day and I am always glued to the window.)

October Photo Challenge Day 2: What I wore

2011-10-03T23:16:00.000+02:00

Several people commented on the "top" I was wearing on day 1 (thanks a lot for the lovely comments, it made my day and I will most definitely look into jewel colors for my fall wardrobe).

Two observations:

Oh look, it's a dress!

and

Oh look, she is wearing the same stuff as the day before!

To which I can only say yup, guilty as charged. I moved to the UK mid-august and I didn't bring any "summery" clothes with me - after all, it's the UK, right? Umbrellas, fog, no sunshine.... (which was really true for my first weeks here, it was dreadful!).

Remind me to put up some pics from that firsts weeks in comparison to the pics from the last few days, cause it was *singsongvoice* gor-geous!

It was hotter than in Greece (which lead to the clever tweet:

"Dear Greece, if you pay your bills, you can have your weather back. Love, the UK" *ROTFL).

Anyway, I picked up the dress as a "going out" dress (with tights or leggings) and I was so happy to have it (+ another one) during this untypical fantastic weather.

And, as I like making videos (obviously, just check my last entries...) here is one especially for you:

October Photo Challenge: Day 1: Self-Portrait

2011-10-02T12:07:00.002+02:00

I am taking part in the October Photography Challenge with a lot of other lovely ladies (are we only ladies? Or do we have menfolk among us?). If you want to know more, check out the link!

Thanks to Our wired lives for the organization and That Wife for bringing it to my attention.

So, the topic for Oct 1 was "Self-Portrait".

That's me:

Of course, I started to fool around...

Nice meeting you!

Technology...

2011-09-17T19:03:00.000+02:00

Oh, this is so cute! Perfect video for the weekend. Have fun!

via SilverPencils

What's in my Travel Makeup Bag

2011-09-12T17:00:00.000+02:00

This video costs me my last nerves. I was happy when I found it on my harddrive, as it was already edited an stuff, simply not uploaded (it's from spring, go figure!), so I thought that this would be smooth sailing.
Wrong. Honestly, I tried uploading it for a whole week! Youtube was acting up and it would always abort (after uploading for 3-4 hours *facepalm*).

Well, I hope you like it!

Sleek blush: Suede (from the new nude collection)

2011-08-26T13:06:00.000+02:00

A short video about the above mentioned blush. It is new and it is a-do-ra-ble.
If you are looking for something subtle, elegant and easy, this is the one.

Did you miss me?

2011-08-22T15:19:00.000+02:00

I sure missed you!
Here is a short "unboxing" video - a Helly Kitty surprise :)

So, if you have forgotten how I look like, feel free to have a nosey ;)