What about some vietnamese?

Although I like to cook and trying out new dishes, I can't particularly say that I'm someone that eats or tries everything. Unfortunately I like to know what I'm going to eat and be on the safe side. You will never find me picking out something from a menu that I don't know or haven't tried out before. Nope.

And what's worse is, that I can't tolerate anything spicy. Even the "mild" versions of the dishes are too spicy for me. Yes, sometimes it's a real bummer. Especially on this part of the world, where you have real Indian, Lebanese, Pakistani, Filipino, Vietnamese, etc. restaurants. When I say real, it's because nowadays you can find this food everywhere. In every major city you'll find small restaurants offering "exotic" dishes. But in a country like the UAE, where the majority of the population are immigrants/expats, especially from those countries, you can find the greatest small eateries where you can try their best dishes for reasonable prices (I mean VERY accessible prices).

One of these places where we like to go from time to time is a Vietnamese restaurant called Hanoi. I remember my first experience there wasn't very successful because of what I mentioned before. Since I had absolutely no idea what to order, of course I ended up getting something that was too spicy. The second time though, I nailed it with my choice and since then I always get the same dish.
I know, it sounds so boring. But it's delicious and at least I know it's something I can enjoy!!!

 This picture actually makes me want to jump into a taxi and go over there for lunch!!
xox, K

An extra pinch of Vietnamese food: I don't know if I would try them myself, but I would buy it solely for the beautiful pictures and any kind of variations of this dish is what I always order!

Weekly RoundUp - My Body is in Pain

Guys...omg...I'm experiencing a whole new level of pain in my body at this very moment while I'm writing this post. Well, if you've every started working out again after a long long time of not doing anything, then you might understand what I'm going through.

The funny thing is though, that it's not like I've not been doing anything, since I practice yoga and do cardio from time to time. But yesterday, I went back to pilates after three years. The class wasn't intense at all and I felt pretty good when I left. But the morning after...god!! I can't breathe normally, because my shoulders and back muscles are sore. Dear pain: please go away!!

Picture via Vintage Wonderlust

This is something a dear friend of mine should read. Are you not a morning person?

The most popular (erotic) search terms per state.

Ever seen chickens dancing?

I know that voice. Will watch for sure.

East meets West.

Kissed by strangers.

Crazy and adorable cartoony street art.

Why do we eat popcorn at the movies?


An extra pinch of pain: made me laugh

A Thought: the 6 Months Anniversary

Two weeks ago we had our 6th month wedding anniversary. If it hadn't been for the small note I had made on my office calendar, I would have forgotten it. My husband? Well...of course he wasn't going to remember. He's not into the whole celebrating every little anniversary.

Did we do anything in the end? Romantic dinner? Flowers? Chocolates? Hm...nope. Should I feel bad about it? I hope not!
At first I was kinda disappointed, but on the other hand, if I knew that nothing was going to come from the other side, I could've organized something myself and I didn't. So after coming home from the office, we just did the usual things we do on a week night: I prepared dinner and we watched The Sopranos (I can´t get enough of this show).

I think there are people/couples that celebrate everything, others that somehow find a balance between what to celebrate and what not, and others that are just not into it at all. I'm not sure yet where we would fit in. I do like celebrating things, but I don't get ll crazy about it. From him, firstly I know that he will probably forget it and secondly, he doesn't like it. Just like he's not a fan of Valentine's Day.
I guess I will figure this out after a few anniversaries.

Do you usually celebrate anniversaries or special occasions? Always or only for the big occasions (i.e. 10 years anniversary)?

I truly admire the women (or sometimes the couples) that plan every occasion thoroughly and celebrate it in unique ways.

 Have a wonderful day!! xox

Happy October!!!

I hope you had a great September and wish you an even better October!! Personally I will be very busy at work, but that's not only for October but until end of the year. Yayyy...(insert sarcastic tone here)

What better than good music to help us go through those busy moments?
Moby is finally back after a two-year album hiatus with this song. I can't stop listening to it, I'm loving it.

xoxo, K

Currently Craving: Ballerinas & Slippers Edition

If we would have met a few years ago, you would have seen this girl that would wear stilettos almost for every occasion. I would wear them for work, walk fifteen blocks in them without complaining. I was almost a Carrie Bradshaw running around in them. I would dance five hours straight on weddings or clubs and make it home without my feet in pain. I could've actually jogged in heels. 

I'm actually not kidding if I say I was a pro.

But since I moved to the UAE, where almost every woman wears heels that are actually closer to being stilts, I changed groups and ditched the heels (completely). I used to wear them when we went out, but in the past few months we've been enjoying our new place and haven't gone out that much. So what happened? Don't laugh...

On my first day at work, I went in my heels to show confidence and you know...look professional. Ten minutes later, I was already regretting it. The thing is, our office's floor (it's similar to parquet) is extremely loud when walking on it, especially with heels. That day, everybody in the office could hear my every move. It was almost embarrassing. And I'm not the only one...a few weeks ago, this new colleague started and I observed her walking in her heels through the office. You could see her trying to avoid the "clak clak clak" of her steps. But unfortunately there's nothing we can do against that floor except for switching to flats.

That's the real story behind my ever growing love for ballerinas, slippers, loafers, etc. And these are the ones that I would love to wear to work everyday. Well, maybe all except no. 4...I'd leave those for the weekends. I was about to try them on during my last Europe trip, but I walked away of them because after that Saint Laurent tote I had to take a break. 

1. Kitty embroidered velvet slippers, Charlotte Olympia / 2. Varina show leather and suede ballerinas, Salvatore Ferragamo / 3. 10MM Varina suede flats, Salvatore Ferragamo / 4. Crest embellished velvet smoking slippers, Miu Miu / 5. Bow patent leather ballerina flats, Red Valentino

An extra pinch of heels: remember the armadillo?

Weekly RoundUp - #weekendreads

Although I'm no Anna Wintour or Anna Dello Russo, during the past weeks I've been following the latest presentations or shows of the big fashion houses. Starting in New York, then London and later in Milan, Fashion Week has finally made it to its last destination and personally, the most important of them all: Paris.
The picture below is part of the history of fashion week and even if you're not that into fashion, you might find it interesting to read this piece about how it used to be back then, when it all started.

This weekend we will probably run a few errands, but not much more. Although, you never know what the days bring and maybe something else might come up :)

Have a great weekend!! xoxo


When it comes to fashion and street style blogs, I know them all and I almost follow them all. Now the ones with kids I don't understand, but this one is wonderful!

Freedom's ring.

I bet you had at least one of these! I had the StarTAC but wanted a Nokia so bad!!!

Attach your memory to a place. Not bad.

Hermes, this vs. mass production.

Who doesn't like Google's doodles? I think you always learn something with them or at least refresh your memory.

The type fight - for designers.

Generation Y Yuppies

I have to start memorising these to fill the silence.

Monday-Yumday: Empanadas

A typical argentinian dish are the empanadas.
If you've been to any South-American or Latin-American country, you might have come across one of these. I know them from my home country, but I've already tried empanadas made by a Peruvian and also found them on my first trip to Spain. Though all of them taste different and each country has its own twist to it, the empanada reminds me of home.

In Argentina, you will find them in every "pizzería" and in a lot of restaurants. Otherwise, you can also buy the ready-made dough and only prepare the filling. The most typical filling is the one with minced beef, egg and olives. The one I like the most is the "empanada de jamón y queso" (with ham and cheese). But you will find a huge variety: from cheese and onion, chicken, caprese or even corn. They're delicious in every "flavour" and form (...mouthwatering)!!

There are very few dishes I miss from Argentina. Empanadas are definitely one of them!
So after moving to the UAE, I had to do something about it because I was really starting to crave empanadas. The only thing that was blocking me was the dough. The most important of it all. So after investigating and doing my research, I finally tried to to them. And the result was heavenly.
I remember I had put little salt, but everything else was perfect!!!

Since then, I've tried to improve my technique and get it right with the dough, but lately it seems to me that I haven't made any progress. How disappointing! Even last time when I asked my hubby if he wanted me to make them again, he suggested (he was actually trying to hide the fact that he didn't like them the last time) to do something else.

Nonetheless, I wanted to share with you this recipe. Of course, there are a lot of different recipes online and I'm not telling you that this one is the best there is. I'm only sharing a similar recipe to the one I used. And what I would also suggest is to try different fillings and decide which one you like the most.

Empanadas
(by Martha Stewart)

#chefK comments:

+ they're great when having a casual dinner party with friends. You don't necessarily  have to set up the table, since they can be eaten with the hands and a napkin.
+ kids usually love them!
+ if you make them smaller, you can use them as starter, snack or finger-food.

(-) don't let the having to prepare a dough situation scare you off. You'll feel great at the end!!
(-) when using cheese for the filling, make sure to close it properly, since otherwise you'll find the cheese outside the empanada.

One of my ham & cheese empanadas, pre-oven

Dinner is ready!!!

Have you done empanadas before? Will you try them?

Have a great week!! (for me it already started yesterday)


An extra pinch of empanadas: I didn't want to brag, but this guy knows what he's talking about when stating which city is the empanada capital of the world. This is their recipe.

PS: an ode to the empanada

No Weekly RoundUp this week - #sorry

On my last Weekly RoundUp post I had mentioned I was going on a business trip to Europe.
I arrived a few days ago, but I didn't have any time to relax because I had to go back to the office. I must say, the week wasn't as stressful as it could have been, but I'm physically exhausted. Don't you have those weeks where you can sleep as much as you like but still feel tired?
I'm so glad that the weekend already started for us. Although now that I think about it, I've been cleaning, cleaning and cleaning...
Before leaving I made sure to leave everything like new, so that my little baby (aka my husband) wouldn't have to touch or do anything (which he wouldn't have done anyway). Even though according to him he did do some cleaning last weekend, you can imagine how everything looks after two weeks of nothing. I will need a weekend after this weekend to recover.

The only moment I will have to relax will be in front of our TV, while watching The Sopranos. I know...you're probably thinking "Whaaat? Did she say Sopranos?". Yes, my husband had already watched this great show, but I didn't. I was very surprised when he agreed without any hesitation to watch it all over again with me. And now we're hooked up...it's the only thing we watch, there's no time to lose.

Have you watched it? Do you like movies, series or novels that revolve around the criminal organization or Italian mafia?

Here I leave you with the amazing opening song of the show: "Woke up this morning" by Alabama 3.

I'm sorry for completely changing the subject. But I feel like I haven't landed yet and need a few more days to put everything in order. Then I'll be back with the usual posts...

Another pinch of mafia: this is the other show we are watching and that just started its fourth season. So excited!!!

Monday-Yumday: Tomato and Avocado overdose

I think I already mentioned in a previous food post how much I liked avocado, didn't I? Because if I didn't then let me tell you now: I'm an avocado freak!

I can actually remember the first time I found avocado on my plate. This was at my best friend's place and we were having dinner. As a starter they served us plain avocado slices with a lemon and pepper mayonnaise. Believe it or not, that night I didn't even touch the plate because I was convinced I wouldn't like it. I gave the entire plate to my friend who devoured it (now I know why). If I could only take it back...I still regret that decision.

So now, after discovering that I actually like it (a LOT) I'm always adding a few slices here and there or make a delicious guacamole to snack while watching a movie.

A few weeks ago, I thought I would add something else and decided to make tomato bruschetta. I'm not going to copy the guacamole recipe, because the one I do is extremely simple and plain and you probably have your own version. But for the bruschetta I used the following version:

Tomato Bruschetta
(by Williams-Sonoma)

#chefK comments:

+ extremely easy to prepare
+ ideal when you're having guests

(-) make sure that the crust of the bread you use isn't very hard already, because after putting it in the oven it will get too hard (not good for the teeth!)
(-) I will definitely do this one again, but next time I will use large tomatoes and cut them into small pieces. The cherry tomatoes ended up being to big for the bruschetta.

Perfect snacks for a movie night

An extra pinch of avocado for aficionados: did you say avocado beer??

Weekly RoundUp - #workworkwork

Via Explore Fashion from NatGeo

Tonight I will be leaving again but this time for work. It's been hectic and I probably won't be able to post during next week, but I will do my best. You know...work is work.

And no, I'm not flying to NYC for FW. My destination is Europe, again!

Have a great weekend!! See you soon :)


There's something about macro photography that I admire.

Truffle hunting has gone to the dogs.

We have grumpy car, lil bub and now apparently we also have the disappointed cat.

Best booth idea I've seen so far.

Mustache facts.

Tiny hats for cats.

Top 10 dishes in Seoul (via VSL).

Still smiling.

Men do Makeup: hilarious.

How to be a New Yorker tips.

What do flowers symbolise.


An extra pinch of nasty food: beware of the top 30 worst foods in the US.

Lost in thought: Analog Photography

So this is what happened:
Two days ago as I was making my daily blog rounds, when I suddenly came across this one post with pictures that had been taken with an analog camera. It then hit me for the first time in years. We are so immersed in this world that's becoming more digital by the hour, that we forget that old things also have their beauty.
I was amazed by the quality of these film pictures. Both the digital and analog where extraordinary, but after so many years of only seeing digital (mostly on a screen, because let's face it...how many pictures have you printed out and put in albums in the last few years? yes, I thought so too) I was blown away by the quality, the retro-flair and the fact of having a hard copy on my hand.

Since then (that means, these past two days and probably today as well) I've been reading and reading about the pros and cons, the costs, the best cameras, etc. You know, the thorough investigation you make when you want to buy electronic devices.

My mother is an amateur gone semi-pro photographer that has been shooting B&W with her analog camera and developing her own pictures. As almost everyone nowadays, she also owns a digital camera (DSLR) and goes crazy while traveling or on holidays. Like the rest of us, she then comes home with thousands of pictures that have to be filtered, deleted or slightly improved. Of course it's very easy to share them with the world and you have a big list of other benefits that have come with digital cameras.
But then you always have to make sure to have a back-up, because we've all already experienced that moment where our computer all of a sudden decides it's a good moment to stop working. Wonderful times!!

I have a digital camera, that at first accompanied me everywhere. But now, my iPhone has become my best friend when it comes to taking pictures. The other one is too heavy to carry around every time (and it's not even a DSLR).
What to do...I'm really tempted. I would have to take out all of my notes from the photography seminar I took a while ago, because analog means manual. But this means taking photography more as an art and in another pace, instead of shooting 300 pictures a day. And I would only use it for special occasions that I consider worth of having on paper and with that quality (so that I won't end up broke after a few months).

What do you think? Do you have one? Do you know someone who shoots analog?

(via devianART)

Thoughts swirling around in my head...

Monday-Yumday: Pecorino-crusted chicken + Mushroom salad

From my first couple of recipes I tried out here you can tell that I went crazy on Bon Appetit's website.

I remember when downloading this particular recipe and deciding that I wanted to try it out, I wasn't too convinced about it. Not because it was too complicated (because it's completely the opposite), but the chicken with mayonnaise and cheese? I had my doubts. 

The pictures are from the 2nd time I made this dish, because my husband loved it so much that I came back to it the last time I wasn't feeling very creative in the kitchen. This time I made some changes though and adapted it to use some ingredients I had at home.

I hope you enjoy it!!

Pecorino-crusted Chicken and Mushroom Salad
(by Bon Appetit)

#chefK comments:

+ another easy and quick dish
+ the first time I strictly followed all the ingredients, but this time I decided I would replace the parsley for coriander. For someone that isn't a parsley fan, great alternative!
+ if you're not sure about eating raw mushrooms, let me tell you that after 30'+ marinating you wouldn't believe that they're raw
+ despite of doubting the mayo+chicken+cheese mix, when ready there's no trace of the mayonnaise

(-) the first time I prepared the chicken, I had sliced it too thin so that the more I waited for the cheese to get brown, the drier the chicken got
(-) if you have hungry men at home, make more mushrooms. Dry mushroom portions look enough, but once they're humid (=after marinating in liquids) you'll see only half of the portion

Result: Pecorino-crusted chicken with mushroom salad

Enjoy!!

Happy September!

I'm already sitting in the office and I know you are still enjoying your lovely weekend (ugh...so not fair)!!

Today a new month starts. Can you believe we're already in September? SEPTEMBER?? The 9th month of the year??
The older I get, the faster the days, months, years pass by. We better enjoy every second we get, right?

Enjoy this funny remake of "Blurred Lines" with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots with classroom instruments. And it sounds amazing!!

Currently Craving: Jewellery Edition

When I said I had a soft spot for designer goods, this also included jewellery...

But at the same time, when I admit having an expensive taste, that doesn't mean that I actually buy these things. I have my small "jar of savings" so that from time to time (maybe once or twice a year) I can treat myself by purchasing something that I've been coveting for a long time (like this).

Of course, this means a lot of planning in order to analyse where to invest best my money in. My final choice then is usually between bags, shoes or accessories. You might think that the prices are absurd and yes, you may have a point. But in my opinion I rather spend that money in something made out of leather or metals that I know will accompany me during a long time, instead of clothing items that I know will: go out of fashion or get ruined with every cleaning process.

I'm not going to lie, I try to buy high quality clothes every time I can, but high quality doesn't necessarily equal haute couture or designers.

If you open my wardrobe, you will mostly find Zara, Mango, H&M and a lot of Argentinian brands like Rapsodia, Akiabara and Clara Ibarguren.

What better than having the ability to combine an H&M blazer with a Chanel 2.55?

1. Juste un Clou Bracelet, Cartier / 2. Olivia Rose Ring, LeiVanKash /

3. Feather Pinky-Mid Ring, LeiVanKash / 4. Mini Titan Crystal Bracelet, Vita Fede

An extra pinch of couture: even Karl Lagerfeld eats at McDonald's, just like us!

Weekly RoundUp - #thiswasfast

Via Creatures great and small from The Big Picture

You might wonder why I picked up these adorable mini pigs for my front picture. Not because I like them that much, but because this is the perfect example of a picture where my husband would look at me and start laughing while pointing both at the picture and at me.
He always does that. And I usually laugh. Because it's kind of funny.
Of course he always makes sure to pick out the most funny, weirder, older, etc. looking creature or person that's being displayed.
I know that some women would not be amused by these kind of jokes. But as long as they don't hurt your feelings and get personal, it's always better (and healthier) to just laugh along.

Have a wonderful weekend!!


Who doesn't like a broo-sket-tuh?

These kindergarteners are adorable!

These are some strange beaches.

Still laughing.

I love doing sobremesa.

This might come in handy one day: erasing yourself from the Internet.

Jeez.

I never tried recipes coming from an app, but this one does actually sound good (via VSL)

How cute and extremely annoying are these deers?

Middle Eastern photographers.

Loading a cat and buffering a song.

The naked truth.

Baby ostriches dancing around.

Applies for US only (via VSL)

How come I didn't think of this before?


An extra pinch of airport: this is great.

A Thought: Macarons

I can't remember the first time I came across this pâtisserie. Even though I was always in the search for the top places to go, things to eat, must have clothes, etc., I was too young and apparently focusing on other things.

Was it a movie? My last visit to Paris? A friend? I can't remember...but one day the term "macaron" came into my life and has been present ever since.

I actually remember on one of my first visits to the UAE, we drove to Dubai to visit the Dubai Mall and there, for the first time ever, I spent a lot of money (at that moment in my life) for a box of macarons from Ladurée. I was so excited that if I think about it now it's actually ridiculous. I think it was the whole concept of Ladurée as a status symbol and not the actual macarons that made me go all crazy about it.

Ladurée pour Unger Hamburg >  buy a tote, get macarons!

But leaving the brand aside, what is it about these round little confections that make them so special? Wherever they are served (and let me clarify that you don't find them everywhere, but mostly in "nicer" places), they always stand out and somehow distinguish themselves from everything else.
Is it the colors? The mixture of textures with the meringue biscuit and the buttercream/ganache filling? Do they make us feel better? Is all of this just my imagination (I hope not...at least I don't think so)?

Can it be that this little pastry has become a symbol of status, sophistication and luxury? That would be a logical explanation to my reaction when I first bought them. It's not as expensive as a watch, a car or a bag, yet it carries the same message. If you ever enter a Ladurée shop, you will see it with you own eyes and understand exactly what I mean.
Note to the reader: this isn't a negative opinion by any means. I love everything about this bakery and continue getting a treat every time I get the chance.

(via SHE Canada)

What I'm actually asking myself is: in an era where more people have access to better and more variety of food, could it be that the macaron is one of the few food items that go hand in hand with status (together with i.e. caviar and foie gras)? Or could it be the fact that one bakery has intensified and upgraded a normal pastry so that we now associate it with status?

What do you think?


An extra pinch of macarons in motion: cute & MAGNIFICENT

Monday-Yumday: Hearts of palm and avocado salad

When I came across this recipe, I knew it was going to taste like heaven.
But you know...I was wrong. This salad was so much more than heaven!!! Take your favourite ingredients and put them together...that's what this salad was for me.

When my husband saw the hearts of palm, he looked at me with skepticism because according to him, even though he had never tried them, he was 100% sure he wouldn't like them.
Who doesn't like hearts of palm. I know, a lot of people...but still, who doesn't like them?! Even though they're not considered as one, for me they're a delicacy.

As in most of my cooking, I tend to adapt the recipes with the ingredients I have in the kitchen or the ones I could get at the grocery store. Or just leave out the ones I don't like (yes, it's that easy).

Hearts of Palm and Avocado Salad
(by Food and Wine)

#chefK comments:

+ well, being a huge fan of all ingredients makes it very easy to speak positively about this dish. But as objective as I can be, let me tell you, this is an amazing and fresh salad
+ regardless of the vegetables, the lime in the dressing makes all the difference in the flavour. If you would change it, it wouldn't be the same
+ instead of parsley, try coriander. Best decision ever!! (although I have to admit I mixed up the parsley with the coriander and that's how I made this discovery)
+ easy and fast
+ it tastes like South America, double-like!!!

(-) even though it's a salad, it's a heavy dish. This is great for +4 servings

An extra pinch of palms: these palm smacks and now that I found this recipe, I can't wait to try it out.

Weekly RoundUp - #finally!

Via Welcome to the Fair from The Big Picture (check it out)

Why are there working weeks that seem endless and others that are completely the opposite? I suppose it's the adjustment of going from 6 to 9 working hours, because this week felt like it would never end.
During the last month, 1pm meant only two more hours. Now, 1pm means...four long hours. We people get used to the good things too quickly...

I hope you have a great weekend!!


It's nap time!

Everyday objects transformed into unlikely ones.

Don't we all feel safer than average.

If Disney princesses had Instagram. So true.

Hot-Dog legs.

The kindly Brontosaurus: I have to try this out!

Made me laugh.

Since when is it cool to always be busy?

Gorgeous pumps.

I have to admit, I'm no. 13.

...merrrrica.

Such a cute and strange video at the same time. Please love him (or his dad).

McDonald's of Piazza di Spagna. An interesting point of view!

Make art, not memes.

Waiters grinding the pepper for you (make sure to watch the SNL video at the end - if you can't watch Hulu from your location, you may watch it here).


An extra pinch: me during school. Can you relate?

Mine: Sac de Jour, Saint Laurent

During the past months I had been dreaming about getting the Saint Laurent Cabas Chyc Tote, which I had already tried a couple of times in Dubai. I loved it and the fact that even my husband liked it made me love it and wanting it even more. The only downside in my eyes: the big Y.
Of course I didn't question this when I got the belt with the big H, but I have to admit that I sometimes want to cover it. I don't regret my purchase, but when it comes to brands and the display of their logos on the goods, I prefer the motto: the smaller, the better.

But there was something else during this whole craving process. While I was trying on this bag, I had already set my eye on a new tote: the Sac de Jour. I was actually considering going bankrupt and buying one and then the other. Nonsense.

During this last trip to Germany, while we were window-shopping (sometimes without the "window") we had to make a mandatory stop at this department store that had both totes on display. We checked everything out, I wasn't sure about it (should I? shouldn't I wait a few months?...). So what happened? Again my husband jumped in and said "get it now". And he was right. How many times did it happen that I left an item for the next time and when I came back, it was sold out, didn't have my size or color I wanted. I know, I wasn't in Zara or Mango, these purses don't just disappear, but still...maybe next time I didn't have the time (or money).

So I got it...and I couldn't be happier. I find the model extremely classic and suitable for the office, which is the main reason I bought it.

My precious

What do you think: yay or nay?


PS: What YSL? It's Saint Laurent Paris.

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Thoughts: Getting active after office > Yoga Edition

I still remember my school years when everything I would do during and after classes was related to sports. Man, I was so active I can't even believe that I changed so much.
I must admit that sounds worse than it actually is, but there is a slight difference. Then, sports felt like something natural, something that was in me and would always be like that, no matter what.
Wrong, I was so wrong. With 15 you have absolutely no idea how your body, daily schedule and responsibilities change.

First came university, where I still had enough time on my hands to go almost everyday to the gym or running. Then I started with internships after my classes, but somehow I still made it to go and exercise almost every day.
I finally graduated and started working from 7.30 to 17-18 every day. I had to commute back for almost one hour, what meant getting home at around 18.30-19. Sports? What sports? That word had been erased from my vocabulary. There was absolutely no way that I was going to make my days any longer than they already were. No way.

After I think one year of not doing anything (by this I mean jogging once a month), I came to my senses and realized that I couldn't keep up like this. Story made short: I started exercising again, not as much as I once used to, but something.

Then moving to Abu Dhabi came. A city (or country, let's not leave Dubai out) created to do nothing. I mean, you don't walk unless it's in the Mall/supermarket, you drive everywhere - I didn't even know there could be such a sedentary lifestyle. I went almost a year without doing anything.  But let's face it, after the age of 25/26 don't expect everything to just stay there where it is...nope.

So I decided to do something about it and started with yoga. For a former athlete, tennis player and gymnast, I always thought yoga would be too serene and static for my taste and that in order to get hooked it would have to involve some running, jumping...you know, full cardio. Again, I was so wrong.

May I say that yoga might be the reason behind my inner-balance. I'm suddenly not that stressed and worried all the time, I feel more calm and understanding, I definitely feel like something has changed in me. Do I see things from another perspective? Maybe. I think the more negative-me became a bit more positive and optimistic.

Now, every time I speak to people that tell me how their exercise regime is not working for them, I suggest them to at least try yoga. It definitely took me by surprise and the same might happen to you.

Namaste!

via Conscious Connection Magazine

An extra pinch to think about yoga: for gym junkies and this hilarious video about the shortage of yoga pants.

PS: you have no idea how excited I am because yesterday I did my 1st headstand!!