The Great Gatsby

I recently watched the Great Gatsby and want to share with you my ideas and thoughts about this movie. It was so different from what I expected it to be. I thought it would be a trivial movie about the filthy rich Gatsby, spending his money and throwing wild parties all the time. But this story is far more profound than its seems to be. In fact, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) wants to win back the love of his life, the girl he's still madly in love with and whose love he lost 5 years ago: the fascinating and charming Daisy Buchanan. With Nick Carraway's (Tobey Maguire) help, Gatsby's biggest wish seems to be fulfilled: meeting the love of his life once again cause maybe, just maybe she still loves him as much as he does.

The movie is kind of romantic, but still different from usual romantic movies. If you watch it, you'll see what I mean. Right at the start, I wanted to turn it off again: the beginning is somewhat confusing and the way of filming is kind of distracting but the story was so catching once Gatsby appeared. The songs seem somehow inappropriate to me because they are so modern but hey, each his own. Usually I don't actually like DiCaprio's acting (I can't help it) but in this movie he totally surprised me. The end was so unexpecting and sad I was so confused I couldn't believe what had just happened. I guarantee you, you won't regret watching it and if you're like me, you'll curse Daisy at the end. 

An indian affair...

Hey guys,
here is one of the best Indian restaurants of Luxembourg (in fact, the best I ever was), the Gairolaz in Bettembourg.
They have authentic Indian food and it is so, so good. The staff is really friendly and the atmosphere is cosy. They propose a large choice of meals for all tastes and liver at home. They have also a large variety of vegetarian meals. So if you want to eat really good, home made Indian food I recommend you to try the Gairolaz restaurant, especially their curry meals! 

Black & White

Hey food lovers =)
Here is my suggestion if you want a delicious and quick lunch: the Black&White in the Belle Étoile.
They have the best Focaccias I've ever eaten ! They have also a large selection of delicious desserts such as macaroons, tarts and ice cream. So if you have the opportunity go ahead and have a look =) 

Beautiful lashes!

Hello ladies, here are my 2 favourite mascaras I recommend you to test:

Doll Lashes from Lancôme and Lash Queen from HR (Helena Rubinstein). 

Both mascaras are so, so easy to apply, they don’t stick the lashes together and are long lasting. The Doll Lashes from Lancôme has, in addition, a wonderful rose scent. I know that they are a bit expensive but hey, beauty has no price ;)

Ultimate beauty tip!

Ladies, here is my ultimate beauty secret. The product without I never ever leave home: dream matt mousse foundation from Maybelline. I LOVE IT! I tested a lot of foundations but was never really satisfied until I found this mousse foundation. It is perfect for mix skins and it covers every imperfection perfectly. It smells really good, doesn’t make the skin greasy or dry and it lasts the whole day. So, if you need a new foundation buy this one, trust me you won’t regret it! 

Ps. I love you

Hey guys,

I’m so happy to present you my absolutely favourite movie: “Ps. I love you” with the two brilliant actors: Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler.

This movie is in my opinion the most emotional and beautiful love movie ever. I watched it so often but still cry at each time.

The story is in fact really sad and touching but at the same time inspiring and funny.

Ps. I love you is the story of Holly and Gerry, two soul mattes who think that they will stay together forever. Unfortunately, life is sometimes cruel and we have no influence over our destiny. Gerry dies because of a braintumor and all of a sudden Holly’s world seems do break down. She isolates herself from the rest of the world and thinks her life has end now. At her 30^th birthday things change. Gerry knew it would be a hard time for Holly so he left some letters for her, gently guiding her into her new life without him. It is as if he was still there right by her side. Through his letters Gerry tries to show Holly that she has to change her life, be happy and accept a new love. Helped by her loving friends and her mother, Holy begins to live again, day after day. The last letter at the end of the movie is the most touching one and although I know every single word by heart I can’t keep myself from crying ^.^’
This movie is such a wonderful life and love lesson every one should watch at least once!

Fresh and clean!

Hey guys,

Today I’m sure I will help a lot of women out there with my beauty tip. Do you have greasy hair but don’t have time or simply don’t want to wash it every day? Well then try a dry shampoo. At the beginning I was very sceptical but once I’ve tried it I loved it. It is really practical and let’s be honest, washing every day your hair isn’t healthy. Here are 2 dry shampoos I’ve tested. The first one is from Schwarzkopf and it is in my opinion the best one. The second is from Garnier and it is a good alternative if you can’t find the first one. Dry shampoo is very easy to use, it lasts long and smells lemon fresh. Don’t worry, the price is very available. 

A second chance for love..

Hello my blogger friends,

Shana & I decided to add a new segment to our blog, about our favourite movies. 

Here is our first suggestion: “letters to Juliet”

This romantic movie is definitely a women's movie but still it isn’t, in my opinion, kitschy.

Letters to Juliet tells the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a young, pretty and talented young woman living in New York. She has everything to be happy but she isn’t really satisfied with her life and her relationship. When she travels with her fiancé Victor (Gael Garcia) to the beautiful city of Florence she hopes to find out what is missing in her life. One day, she finds a 50-year-old letter written from a woman called Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) to Juliette. In fact and I didn’t even know that, it exists in Florence a wall where heartbroken women can leave letters to Juliet and ask her for help. Afterwards, a group of dedicated women, “Juliet’s secretaries”, answer the letters and try to comfort these women. Sophie is immediately fascinated by the sad letter and decides to answer it. A few days later, Claire suddenly appears in “Juliet’s office” accompanied by her grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan) who isn’t exited at all with the situation. Claire wants to say thank you to Sophie because all the years she has been waiting for an answer and couldn’t simply forget what happened. After a long conversation, both women decide to look after Claire’s first and big love Lorenzo, the reason of Claire’s letter.

A funny and emotional journey begins for the 3 and at the end Sophie finally accepts that she has to change her life and face the truth..

This movie shows us that it is never too late to fight for love and that sometimes you need to travel and meet new people to understand what you really need in life. I Love “letters to Juliet” and I have to confess that I cried at the end of the movie when Claire finally read her letter out loud. You want to know if she found her Lorenzo? Well then go ahead, watch the movie and set the handkerchiefs ready ;) 

a light magnolia scent

Hello ladies,

Here is another amazing product form the brand Aldo Vandini which I love so much.
This Body fluid is perfect for sensitive skins and will make you feel fantastic. It absorbs quickly, hydrates and refreshes deeply. The fluid adapts to the needs of your skin and smells flory without being too strong. It has in fact, a light but long lasting magnolia scent. I really love it and I'm sure you'll like it too!

Sexy skin?!

The Soap & Glory "Clean on me" shower gel promises "soft, smooth, sexy skin". It contains natural mandarin peel extract and is shower gel and body lotion at once. I don't really know if it smells like mandarins, but the scent is really pleasant and fresh flowery and I really like it.  I don't know if my skin looks sexier now ... but it's clean and celestial smelling! This shower gel lasts so long it's unbelievable! I have this know for almost 10 months and it is still half full (and I use it a lot)! The price is quite high for a simple shower gel but since it lasts so long it is definitely worth it. I like that it has a pump which is super convenient in the shower. I bought this one at Douglas. Makes me happy everytime I smell it!

sensitive minds better keep away!

Dear readers,

Today I present you a best selling thriller « the monster of Florence » which captivated me and (I have to admit) made me scare a bit. It is based on the true story of a serial killer, which murdered 8 couples in the beautiful city of Florence between 1968 and 1985. 

The 2 authors, one of my favourite thriller writers Preston Douglas and the Italian journalist Mario Spezi tell this story in a really particular way, different from all the other crime stories I have read before. The specificity of this book is in fact that the authors have been deeply involved in the case and have investigated at the moment of the crimes. The readers get, in this way, an authentic view of the case.
At the beginning of the story, the readers are faced to the horrible and bloody murders, told by Mario Spezi. The second part tells the point of view of Preston Douglas who moved with his family to Florence and met Spezi. The two men, fascinated by the case, decide to work together to find the murderer. They get so close to the murderer that the police suspect them to be involved in the crimes.

In fact, what shocked me the most was not the brutality and perversity of the murders BUT the incompetence and corruption of the Italian police. The further I read the more outraged I got .The police wasn’t interested in finding the REAL criminal but only on protecting their image. A lot of detectives also took profit of the situation to get higher on their career without any scruples. 

In my opinion this thriller is a fantastic example of how the authorities really work in such cases and of how fast paranoia can spread across a whole country making innocent people become enemies of the state. At the end of the book Preston and Spezi think they have found the real murder and it is very  frustrating for the reader to see that the police do absolutely nothing.
It isn’t a pleasant book you read before going to bed but it is definitely worth reading. 

Medaillons de veau au vin rouge

Hello food lovers =)
Here's a delicious recipe I made for Valentine's day but it is perfect for every occasion.
=> Veal medallions with red vine sauce accompanied by potatoes, sweet potatoes and caramelized carrots and green beans. For me the highlight of this meal is the amazingly good sauce and the tender sweet potatoes.

Here's the recipe:

First of all preheat your oven. Then,  wash and peel the vegetables and potatoes. Cut the potatoes into the size you want, put them into a backing recipient and season them with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. If you want to, you can add other spices, it's up to you.
Now comes the crucial point, the meat. Season it with salt and pepper and fry it from the both sides in a hot pan with butter and olive oil. After that, put it with the potatoes in the oven for a couple of minutes until it becomes crusty from the outside and still tender from the inside.
While the meat and the potatoes are in the oven, start with the sauce. It is very simple. Take the pan in which you fried the veal, add a bit of butter and onions and let them melt. Then, deglaze it with the red wine, put some tomato paste and sauce thickener and let the mixture cook slowly.
The last stage is the vegetables. Fry them in a pan with olive oil, salt, pepper and a bit of sugar until they are caramelized on the outside.
Now, you can arrange all ingredients on a plate, pour the sauce over the meat and enjoy this yummy meal!

Chocolicious heart

This recipe is made for all chocolate lovers out there and I am one of them ;)

This cake is so, so easy to bake and still DELICIOUS!

Here's the recipe:

Preheat your owen, butter a heart formed recipient and coat the inside with flour.

Mix some butter with sugar (take not too much sugar because the chocolate will add sweetness). Add two eggs to the mixture twist and afterwards add flour and backing powder. 

Melt chocolate (I took a dark chocolate of 70% cocoa) with a bit of milk. I used the microwave because I hadn't a lot of time and it worked perfectly. Add the melted chocolate into the previous mixture twist it and pour the mass into the prepared recipient. Let it bake for 15-20 minutes and when it is ready, put it aside, so that the cake has time to cool down. 

At the same time, you can start the chocolate cream which will cover the cake.

It exists a lot of toppings for cakes but I decide to make a light chocolate cream version. 

It is very simple, you only have to twist fresh cream (it is very important that the cream is cold), melt chocolate (I took the same for the cake and the cream ) and mixture the two very carefully. If it isn't creamy enough, you can add some gelatine.

Now, cover the cake with the cream, garnish the way you like and enjoy it with your family or friends 

=) 

Cupid's candys

Hey guys, we wish you a lovely valentine's day and lots of love! We wanted to share some love with these yummy peanutbutter cups and peppermint hearts. They are so easy to make and so yummy! For +/- 22 peanutbutter cups you'll need:

dark chocolate bars (1-2)

3 tbs peanut butter 

1 tbs honey or agave 

½ tsp vanilla paste or extract

Melt your chocolate on a double boiler or in a microwave. Very important: do not stir the chocolate! just puch the pieces down to the bowl until melted. Mix the desired amount of peanutbutter, some agave (depending on your taste, I like it really sweet) and some vanilla paste (you really don't need much) together. Pour a small amount of chocolate into a silicone form (heartshape if you want to) and refrigerate it for some minutes or until the chocolate has set. Take 'em out, add your peanut butter mixture (a tiny bit is plenty) and pour some chocolate on top to cover your chocolate candy. Refrigerate until set.

The peppermint version works exactly the same way except for the ingredients. You'll need:

dark chocolate bars

3 tbs coconut oil (room temperature)

½  peppermint extract (depends on your taste)

1 tbs agave or honey

Follow the steps listed right above. Enjoy ... alone or with your loved ones.

She’s more than a vampire storywriter

Hello book lovers out there!

Today I want to bring you the prove that best selling author Stephanie Meyer can write far more than just vampire love stories (don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of the Twilight books). This book called Host is in fact one of my favourites. It has everything a good book in my opinion needs: it is existing, romantic, mysterious and totally different from every book I’ve read before. Usually I’m not I fan of science fiction but this one is just amazing. I read the +- 600 pages in less then 4 days so you see it really captivated me.

The story is about the future world which has been invaded by a widely developed alien species, « the souls ».  They have taken the human bodies as hosts and since then the world is a peaceful place. Everybody lives happily together in perfect harmony, at least that’s what it looks like. The truth is that the last « survivors », humans which want their world back, hide from the souls. In the middle of this war appears Melanie a young and brave woman who fights who the survival of her little and brother and herself. When she’s captured and a soul named Wanderer is implanted in her body she discovers that both souls can live in the same body. The visions Wanderer gets from Melanie about Jarred the man she loves passionately and the life they once had, Wanderer decide to help her. She understands suddenly what human emotions are and what love means. From that moment on the two women become friends and try together to find the other humans. This is just the beginning of the long and complicate story, which makes of this book one of the most unforgettable love novels ever. I can only recommend you to read it and to set the handkerchiefs ready. 

A girl with a morbid ability..

Hello world,

here’s another book series I want to present you. The body finder and Desires of the dead from Kimberly Derting. Actually there are 4 books but I have only read the 2 yet. However, the third one is already waiting for me in my bookshelf ;) 

These books are easy to read but captivating until the last page.

Violet Ambrose has a morbid ability, she can sense dead people. Sounds too creepy for you? Well it gets better. In fact, since Violet was a little girl she can see, hear or simply feel echos from dead persons who have died in a tragic way. At the beginning she only senses killed animals but one day she discovers a girl buried in a forest. Violet knows she should keep away from these bodies because it’s dangerous but she can’t. She feels that she has to help those souls to find peace and that often means to discover who killed them. Don’t worry, the books aren’t only about murders and dead corps, they also tell the love story between Violet and her “best friend” Jay with all those teenager problems everyone has experienced.

The second book goes further and shows how Violet uses her ability to resolve the murder of a little boy and how complicated it gets to combine her “job” and her private life. 

That’s enough information’s for you I think, so if you’re curious now go ahead and read the books. Trust me, it is worth reading. 

I love ...

I love ... juicy watermelon, yummy strawberry milkshakes and juicy peaches with whipped cream! If you like that too I've got some great products for you. The I love ... Juicy Watermelon revitalizing shower gel  has Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and natural extract of watermelon fruit in it and smells really fruity. It says: "feel revitalized with a burst of super juicy watermelon goodness". Actually it doesn't smell like watermelon to me, but the smell is really lovely though, especially in a refreshing shower after a hot summer day.The strawberries & milkshake moisturising body lotion sounds yummy and fruity and smells exactly like that!  This one says: "Fall in love again; there's something about the super smoothness of my thick creamy aroma, united with a burst of fresh strawberries, that leaves your senses elated and your tastebuds-a-tingling!" The coconut oil and shea butter in it, leave your skin smooth and yummy smelling.Last but definitely not least the peaches & cream shimmer and shine lip gloss smells and tastes just how it sounds: like creamy, peachy ice cream. Yumm!
You get these products at Douglas.

This english brand does not support animal testing (thank you for that!)

A different kind of detective story

Hey guys, here are my absolutely favorite thrillers I want to share with you: the Prendergast novels form the two genius writers Preston Douglas & Lincoln Child. This saga counts at the moment 13 books :

Relic

Reliquary

The Cabinet of Curiosities

Still life with crows, brimstone

dance of death

the book of the dead

the wheel of darkness

Cemetery dance

Fever dream

Cold vengeance

To Graves and White fire

(and I hope that there will be lots more )

As I was looking for a good book to read during the summer holidays I found the first novel (Relic) and I was fascinated. When I then discovered that it exists a whole series I felt like it was Christmas and my birthday at the same day ^.^ I read the 11 and can’t wait to read the two last ones. Each time I was kept by the suspense until the very last page. I have to confess that I’m a real bookworm so I read lots and lots of different books and know what I’m talking about when I say that these ones are the best ones!

Each novel tells the history of special agent Aloysius Prendergast and how he resolves the strangest and most terrifying murder cases in an incredibly brilliant way. In fact, Prendergast is great FBI agent (although he tends to ignore the rules and follow his own); he possesses a huge intellect, an irresistible charm and an enigmatic sense of danger. He’s personal life is also an important part of the novels because it is really special and not normal at all. As far you get with the reading as more information’s you get of Prendergast’s past.
My friends, I would love to tell you something about each story but I leave it to you to discover them and be as fascinated as I am. Have fun ;)

Talk dirty to me ... (Spoiler)

"E.L. James' best-selling novel "50 Shades of Grey" is not for prudish minds" ... at least that's what they say. Well I tell you that it is a fascinating book for couples ... and singles! From the first page on I was drawn into it's spell and within 3 days I had finished the 514 pages of this book. I'll tell you what I think of the novel and some of my favorite places in the book.

Anastasia Steele is a young student who has just finished her exams. She's shy, inexperienced and gentle. 27 year old Christian Grey is just the opposite: he's a successful and wealthy businessman. He's often cold and repellant.  What she doesn't know: he has a fondness for BDSM (erotic lifestyle including dominance and submission). She get's involved with him, although from the very beginning it is clear that there will only be a sexual realtionship, not a romantic one. Ana isn't allowed to touch him and he shuts off every kind of tenderness. Soon she realises that she cannot handle the conditions anymore. When Christian beats her with a belt to punish her, she leaves him. At that moment a reunification seems to be inconceivable ...

Honestly, the last scene is heartbreaking! Of course he's guilty and a horrible man for beating a woman but still, it broke my heart when she grabed her stuff and left him so abruptly. 

I loved when Ana and Christian's mother Grace met each other. Although it wasn't planned, Christian wants Ana to meet his mother. Grace had never seen him with a woman before. Anastasia is the first "girlfriend" she meets. I think that this is Christian's way to show Ana his love (or maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic).
I love the chemistry between Christian and Ana. You can literally feel the air crackling everytime they meet.

Altough some passages are quite rough and harsh, I would definitely recommend this book.

I couldn't wait for the second band to read because who doesn't want to know ... WHAT'S NEXT?! Coming soon.

Let's talk hair!

Hey to all the lushies out there! These are my favourite hair care products of all time. I looove BIG shampoo. It has chunks of sea salt in it and makes your hair voluminous and really shiny. I just love the fresh fragrance and it is definitely worth the price! Jasmine and Henna Fluff-Ease is an amazing vegan hair treatment, especially for really damaged hair. It has an oriental scent to it and moisturises your hair deeply. My advice: apply a generous amount through wet hair, put a towel on your pillow and sleep with it. Wash your hair the next day and you will have the most incredibly smelling and shiny hair.

A good start in the weekend!

What a fabulous way to start the weekend. 

Delicious fair trade coffee from Exki & an amazing best friend =) 

The chocolate house

hey guys =) if you live in Luxembourg or simply come over to have a look I recommend you to visit the chocolate house. It is a charming coffee house in the city where you can drink hot cocoa or coffee and eat delicious cake creations. It is the perfect place for cozy afternoons with friends, especially in winter.

Nutella sufflé

This recipe is absolutely delicious and at the same time so easy and fast to cook.

Here's my recipe:

Preheat your owen, butter some ramekins and coat the insides of them with cocoa powder. The secret  is to entirely cover the ramekins with the cocoa powder because it helps the soufflé to rise.
After this preparation steps, take 2-3 eggs, separate the egg white from the yolk and twist the egg white until it becomes stiff.
Then, put some spoons ( as much as you want to ) of nutella in a micro wave resistant bowl and let it melt a bit. Know, add some sugar to the egg yolk and twist it until it's pale, add some vanilla extract and the nutella. The crucial point is when you add the egg white to the rest, you have to do it very carefully. Finally, fill the mass in the ramekins and put them in the owen for 10 to 15 minutes.
When the soufflé is crunchy from the outside and a bit liquid in the inside it is ready.

Bon appetit!

H'suan Wen Hua hair mask

Here is my favourite Lush product. You have to put it on your complete hair, wait 15 to 20 min and after washing it of your hair will look, smell and feel great!

For those who don't know Lush I recommend you to visit their website (www.Lush.com) this cosmetic company is amazing, they produce high quality products which are 100% organic AND they don't test on animals!!!

Aldo Vandini body lotion & body peeling

These products are amazing. The aroma body peeling cleans the skin deeply and leaves it with a sensual smell, while the spirit of india body lotion nurishes the skin and makes it feel so soft. 

I can only recommend them =)