MY HOMETOWN

 

Time to talk about my hometown. I originally come from a little market town in Salzburg, Austria. After finishing school in June 2014, I moved to Graz in order to study Transcultural Communication at the University.

Tamsweg is the largest town of the Salzburg Lungau region and located near the border with Styria. As all Austrians know (or should know), the state Salzburg is devided into five different regions. These regions are called Flachgau, Tennengau, Pinzgau, Pongau and last but not least, Lungau. Tamsweg is situated on the southern slope of the Schladminger Tauern, a mountain range within the Central Eastern Alps. Around my hometown, there are many ski resorts that attract tourists from the Netherlands and other countries near Austria. Not only tourists come there in winter to spend some time in the mountains, also the inhabitants enjoy the fresh mountain air and do some winter sports.

Like most of the kids who are brought up on the countryside, I learned how to ski when I was about three years. Over the years I improved my technique and got better and better. I enjoyed going skiing with my family and later on with friends, but it was never kind of a passion. The reason why I learned how to ski was because it´s like a tradition on the countryside. Nearly everybody does it and most people spend the whole winter with skiing. About two years ago I stopped practising it. I don´t know if I go on the piste once again, but if, I hope that I am still able to ski! ;)

I lived in Tamsweg since I was born there. My father was also born there, went to school and now works there (for some time, he lived in Graz but then went back.). My mother is Dutch and moved to Tamsweg about 20 years ago. She grew up in Vienna. Since she was very little, she always spent her holidays in the Netherlands where she originally comes from. Her relatives are from Groningen, a province in the north of the Netherlands. My family and I often spend our holidays there as my mother did it when she was young.

Now, something about special places and sights worthwhile visiting in my hometown. One reason, apart from the ski resorts, tourists come to Tamsweg in order to see the Wallfahrtskirche St. Leonhard, a Roman Catholic church. This historic building is located on the foot of a mountain, called ”Schwarzenberg”. When you are standing in front of or near the church, you can enjoy a fantastic view over Tamsweg.

 

Another attraction is the “Prebersee”, a beautiful lake on the foot of the mountain “Preber”, which is the highest mountain in the region. The water is extremely cold, about 17 degrees Celsius in summer. It´s that cold because of its location in 1500 meter height. My friends and I though love spending hot summer days there and taking a dip in the icy water. We also use to swim from one side of the lake to the other, since it is not very large (about 350 meters long). Large parts of the area around the lake are under nature protection. Specific types of plants and animals are living there.

Ever heard about the “Vereinigten zu Tamsweg”? That’s a World Heritage Site and nowhere existing apart from Tamsweg. The “Vereinigten zu Tamsweg” are a brotherhood that brings together all members in order to strengthen the community and honour God. Every three years a huge procession takes place with many people taking part. Within this procession a new leader of the brotherhood gets elected. All members wear special costumes and then celebrate the new leader. People from everywhere are coming (not only the inhabitants of Tamsweg) in order to watch this spectacle. There is also a television broadcast. The next procession takes place in 2017. Watch it if you like! ;)

Of course there are countless other things you can do and visit in my hometown. I picked out the most specific ones to give you an insight. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog entry!

LONDON, HERE WE COME!

Last week I decided to book a flight to London. I´ve already been there about a year ago and I really enjoyed my time there. I instantly gravitated towards the charm of the city. I am fond of the small houses and they reminded me on the architecture of buildings in the Netherlands. Two friends of mine joined me and travelling together is always much more fun! On Tuesday in the early morning we started our four-day trip. After spending hours in the plane and several busses, we finally arrived in London. Well, the weather could have been better since it was rainy and cold…

In the afternoon of our first day we visited Greenwich, a district of South East London. We visited the Maritime Museum among other things. My friends are fond of museums... To my mind, the majority of them are rather boring. The only good thing is that you learn something new and a wide range of knowledge definitely broadens your mind. Afterwards we went to Covent Garden. A Dr. Martens store is located there besides many many other shops and stores. Dr. Martens is a footwear store which offers boots, sandals and other shoes. I personally love this British footwear brand and I have already three pairs of this brand. After spending some time and looking around I finally found another nice pair.

In the morning of our third day we went to Oxford by bus. Oxford is very famous for its colleges and universities. We also visited the building where parts of the Harry Potter movies were filmed. Afterwards, we went to Blenheim Palace. I was so tired and thought this would be nothing special, because I had never heard about this place before. Surprisingly, I was completely fascinated by this lovely place with its stunning garden. Its construction was originally intended to be a gift to John Churchill, who was the 1st Duke of Marlborough. Blenheim Palace was also the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Although I´m not that interested in history, this building and its story are quite impressive. It sits in the centre of a large park, which is typical for the English landscape garden. I was really fascinated!

One of my favourite places in London is definitely Camden Town. So, on our last day we decided to go there. When you come out of the Camden tube station, the first part of the Camden experience you´ll have is the wild looking shops along Camden High Street with giant shoes and spiders adorning the tops of the multicoloured buildings. Then the Camden Market which is mostly clothes and accessories and Camden Lock Village with little food booths, for example. Back at the hotel again, it was time to pack our suitcases and get to the airport.

Our trip to London was appealing and definitely worthwhile, but too short. Can´t wait to go there again!

 

MY FIRST SEMESTER AT UNIVERSITY

As my first semester of university has finally come to an end, I have now some time to reflect.

After the last really stressful weeks I can finally enjoy a big break and relax a little bit. Of course, towards the end of the break I do have to study and get prepared for next semester. There are two exams in March which I didn´t took in my first semester, because otherwise it would have been far too stressful. And that´s maybe the most important thing I learned at university: it can get extremely difficult and stressful at times! I would say that I am an ambitious person, but sometimes I am snowed under with work (Yes, everybody knows that feeling :D). Then I do not know what to do next and get really really nervous…

I experienced a big difference between school and university. At school, everything was well organised and prepared. There was homework and I knew exactly how and what to study for my next test. Except for Maths which was never one of my favourite subjects… Unfortunately our teacher wasn´t able explain in a clearful way which made it quite challenging to understand what he was talking about. Not to mention to prepare oneself for the tests… Maybe that´s one of the reasons why I decided not to study something technical at university. My choice was to study Transcultural Communication which I do not regret since I love languages (especially my mother tongue German).

 

Towards the start of the semester, I didn´t know what to expect. But I was curious to learn something new and to broaden my mind. Except for English, German and Italian classes I also had lectures like "Einführung in die Transkulturelle Kommunikation" or "Linguistische Aspekte der Transkulturellen Kommunikation". In these lectures everything was about communication, culture and transculturation which was definitely worthwhile. I really did enjoy all of my language classes, because I learned so much I didn´t know about, such as the country, people and the way people live and life in general.

Another big thing is to be organised. As I have already mentioned, going to school was a lot easier because of the organisation and preparation already done by the teachers. At university you no longer have teachers who write the dates of assignments on the blackboard and remind you all the time. I experienced that I have to be aware of my assignments and other important dates. There are cut off dates for changing the subject for example…

The two final weeks of the first semester were definitely the most stressful ones because of the many exams and the preparation for them. During the whole semester there wasn´t a day I didn´t study anything or did some homework for my classes. Nevertheless, it was nothing compared to the last few weeks. At some days I couldn´t go outside to do some sports because there wasn´t any time left because I had to study that much. But I knew that it would be well worth it in the end though.

This semester I have also met all kinds of different people. At school I nearly knew all of the students, whereas at university there isn´t a day I don´t see new faces. People here are at all ages and at all different points of success in their life, which makes the conversations more interesting I have with them. I like talking to them and hear other points of view about a specific topic. To my mind, there is always something you can learn from other people.

So, my first semester of university is done now! It was probably nothing I´ve ever experienced, but worthwhile. To wrap up, I can definitely say that I have learned a lot these past few months. I´m looking forward to next semester and the new challenges and adventures it will bring!

 

VEGGIE CREATIONS

While skimming through the pages of a website dealing with food one page caught my eye: "20 genius ways to use veggies you never would have thought of". Sounds interesting? I picked out the five best to show you ;)

 

Here we go:

 

1.       Cauliflower cake

  Have you ever thought of roasting a whole cauliflower? And cutting
  into pieces like it´s a cake!? I have seen this for the first time
  of my life :D It looks really funny!

 

 

 

2.  The next creation is called “Dish 'Em Up”. I love preparing

various dips. For example for dinner, to eat them with some bread

and vegetables. Sometimes the dip tastes incredibly good so that

I want to lick the bowl :D Do you know that feeling?

Well, now you can eat the the bowl, too.

 

 

 

 

3.   Bean sprouts. Similar to spaghetti? I don´t think so… Anyway, they have fewer carbs and calories – one positive aspect ;D

 

 

4.       Low-Carb Pizza

  Can you make out the pizza crust? Normal pizza dough!?
  This pizza recipe is unlike any you’ve had before: The crust is
  made from grated cauliflower. Yummy!

 

 

 

 

5.  How cute looks that!? A mini-vegetable burger. It´s

made with slices of zucchini, tomatoes, pepper and probably mini

chicken. I think, I´m gonna try this out ;)

 

GOING TO THE GYM

It´s now time to talk about sport. It definitely helps to forget my problems for a while and get away from it all. When I have to study a lot for university, sport is a good opportunity to take a break and to think of something else. Afterwards, I can return to studying with a lot more concentration and energy.

We all know that sport is good for body and soul. So, I don´t have to tell you something new! ;) But there is one question: which sport should I choose? Which one is suitable for me?

I personally prefer going to the gym. There are always other people when I go there and exercise. I love being around people who want to improve their health and get fit. We share one common interest. That´s somehow great!

While exercising I listen to music. It´s a fantastic motivator! Try it out! ;) I listen to my favourite songs and move to the beat. I also include new ones, otherwise I would get bored after some time…

Another reason why I have decided to visit the gym: I can exercise there in every weather condition. It´s kind of a year-round exercise. I just make the decision to do some sports, no matter if it is raining outside or not. Earlier, I only used to walk outside when the weather was good. It shouldn´t depend on the weather!

Another positive aspect the advice of the personal trainers. Whenever I have a question I can ask them. They are right there to help when I am trying to use a specific piece of equipment for the first time. It´s always great to hear some expert advice! :D

 

What do you think about going to the gym?

 

 

 

2 RECIPES WITH ONLY 2 INGREDIENTS

A recipe with only two ingredients? Impossible!? Maybe that sounds strange in your ears, but it´s definitely possible! ;)

There are days I am really busy and don´t have time to pick some food in the grocery store at all. While looking for something to eat at home, I realise that there is rarely something left. There are just a few vegetables and bananas… You immediately think that nobody can get full of this.

Oh yes, you definitely can get full of a meal made out of just two ingredients! ;)

 

Let´s go on:

 

Banana oatmeal cookies:

Admittedly, the first recipe is not really a meal. It´s rather something sweet to eat during the day. These delicious cookies are really healthy because there is no sugar added at all.

 

You need approximately 2 bananas and one cup porridge oats. That should serve about 16 cookies. Simply mash the bananas in a bowl and mix it with the oats.

 

 

Then using a spoon, scoop out small portions. Put these portions onto a baking sheet. Preparation done!

Now bake the cookies for 15 minutes in the oven (180°C). When they are light brown on the bottom you can take them out. Yummy!

 

 

 

Sun-dried tomato potato wedges:

Next recipe consists of potatoes and tomato pesto. But you can easily use any other pesto. I always buy sun-dried tomato pesto because it´s my favourite one ;)

 

So, you need a few potatoes (it depends on how much you want to eat :D) and one package store-bought pesto.

Next step: divide the potatoes into wedges so that they can be eaten easily afterwards. Now you can either mix the wedges with the pesto or use the pesto as a dip later on. 

 

Then place on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes (230°C). When taking them out, they should be crisp. Enjoy your meal!

PEELING AN ORANGE WRONG

Admittedly, I am allergic to oranges and all other kinds of citrus fruits. I have told you about that in my second blog entry. So, maybe you remember.. Otherwise you know it now ;)

Yesterday I was preparing some fruit salad for my family. I added apple, banana, mango, pear, pineapple, berries and of course orange as my sisters love eating that. I always leave them. Better said: I have to leave them!

I was somehow not able to peel an orange. What a shame.. :D

That´s how it looked:

(I found that in the web)

 

The result of my attempt to peel an orange: an orange caterpillar! I think it´s the best way to describe it.. ;D What do you think? 

Simply lop off the ends, then make a small incision in the side. At least, carefully open to reveal the orange segments. Here it is – the orange caterpillar! Ready to be eaten! (but definitely not by me)

NEW YEAR´S EVE

 

 

How was your New Year´s Eve? How did you celebrate the end of the year? It´s kind of a nostalgic feeling to welcome the New Year and reflect what happened in 2014. There were so many events taking place in the past 12 months. Positive things as well as negative ones ;) While my friends and I counted down for the closing seconds of the old year, I thought about those things. 2014 was definitely an eventful year. I passed the school leaving examination in June and took the driving licence. Afterwards I made a trip to the Netherlands for three weeks and finally went on beach holiday in Croatia with my family. In the end of September I moved to Graz in order to study Transcultural Communication. So, there were a lot of significant events taking place…

I love counting down to New Year’s Day in the last minute before the last night of the year ends and the New Year begins. I am excited to see what´s going to happen in 2015! ;)

 

NO MORE NEW YEAR´S RESOLUTIONS

 

 

New Year’s Eve. It´s the time when we reflect on the previous year. As we do so, we resolve to do better this next year. Unfortunately, most resolutions are repetitive, year after year. We’re going to lose those extra pounds, exercise more, drink less, be more patient, spend more time with family and friends. What do you think of these types of resolutions? Are they similar to yours? I would say, that they could probably be the same :D … Every year people make those resolutions in order to start kind of a “new life”. It´s always the same in the end: They do not stick to their rules and they live the life they had before. But why?

 

I have thought about this question…

New Year is a new beginning. Many of us want to start as a slimmer and healthier new person. We want to have a better life and make goals to achieve. Mostly, just after a few weeks later we realize that this has no happy ending. Soon, we return to our old comfortable lives. Are we just too lazy? Or are these goals unrealistic and impossible to achieve? How can we solve this problem!!???

 

My answer: No more resolutions!
Why making resolutions when we don´t stick to them? There is no point in doing so… If you want to start the year 2015 as a slimmer and healthier person, you should learn how to eat mindfully first. Do not go on another diet. Do not plan to never smoke again. Smoke one or two cigarettes less, then three or four and so on. Our mind needs preparation or practice of the new eating skills and habits. It´s nearly impossible to change everything from one day to another.

 

I personally let it be different this year. I close the notepad of snap resolutions. There are no start dates and no promises at all! ;) The year 2015 should bring a focus on the process, not on the result!

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

 

 

It´s Christmas time! I really love this time. There is always something I can´t even explain but it warms my soul. There is something in the air, something magic… the warmth of Christmas. Don´t you think? ;) Maybe the excitement in the eyes of many people, watching it snow or listening to Christmas songs all month makes it kind of a special time of the year. People even seem to be nicer and friendlier…

Now, I am going to write about how I celebrate Christmas. Since I can remember I celebrate this day with my family – including my parents and my two sisters. There are only just us 5. It´s always kind of a homelike and special atmosphere. I love sitting around the tree and talking with them. In this moments everything is right with the world.

Before doing so, we prepare Christmas dinner. When we cook the whole family plays a part. My younger sister and I help to grate cheese or to cut vegetables. My older sister lays the table and my father mixes the dressing for the salad. Mum gets up early to prepare part of the main course so that we don´t need so much time afterwards – we are all hungry then! And want to eat as soon as possible! :D Even for the things I didn´t mention, we work as a team. It´s always so much fun! I´m smiling right now just remembering the laughter…

When I was younger, all the kids in my age were sure that the "Christkind" is the one that decorates the tree and brings presents. On Christmas Eve it comes and leaves them under the tree. How hilarious… :D I never believed in the "Christkind". My parents never told me that and I think I will do the same with my children. Why telling a "lie"?! Getting presents is always exciting, no matter if a golden-haired baby with wings or parents bring them ;)

I really love Christmas! This is such a great time of the year when we come together as a family and celebrate the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

3 HEALTHY CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES

We all know that Christmas is just around the corner and there are only a couple of days left till Christmas Eve! In order to be perfectly prepared in terms of food I have come up with my favourite Christmas cookies. Here are three healthy cookie recipes for you try out – it´s definitely worth it! ;)

 

 

Almond & Honey-Butter Cookies

Healthy, because:
This cookie uses honey as the only sweetener. Honey is just as sweet and much healthier than sugar, because it provides some nutrients such as B vitamins. Also, ground almonds replace much of the butter as they are high in heart-healthy fats.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup ground almonds

2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup honey
1/3 cup canola oil
4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 large egg

 

Directions:

Step 1: Use a large bowl and add whole wheat flour, baking powder and salt - stir until just combined.

Step 2: Beat 2/3 cup honey, oil and butter in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer. Add egg and beat until blended.

Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.

Step 4: Preheat oven to 170 degrees C.

Step 5: Place spoonfuls of the cookie mixture on a baking tray and press down to flatten a little. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Wishing everyone bon appétit! :)

 

 

Linzer Cookies

Healthy, because:

Whole-wheat flour is used instead of white flour (like in my other Christmas cookie recipes as well! ;) ). Whole grains contain higher amounts of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup ground almonds (or hazelnuts)

1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 teaspoon water
1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup jam
2 tablespoon water
powdered sugar for dusting

 

Directions:

Step 1: Use a large bowl and mix ground nuts, flour, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl whisk egg with 2 teaspoon water.

Step 2: Beat butter with sugar until smooth.  Add egg and water mixture and beat for another minute.

Step 3: Add dry ingredients to wet and stir gently. Refrigerate the dough for 2 hours.

Step 4: Preheat oven to 170 degrees C.

Step 5: Roll out the dough to a 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles. Use a smaller round cookie cutter to cut circles out of the centers of half of the cookies (these will form the tops).

Step 6: Bake cookies for 12 minutes. While doing that, bring jam and 2 teaspoon water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Dust top cookie halves with powdered sugar. Place a small spoonful of jam on each bottom cookie. Place a top cookie half over the jam - finished! These cookies look really nice and taste twice as good! :)

 

Gingerbread:

Healthy, because:

They boost your iron intakes - and iron plays a key role in energy production! These delicious cookies also contain ginger – an herb used as a spice and also as a medicine.

 

Ingredients:

3 cups whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup molasses
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoons warm water
(almonds or other nuts for decorating)

 

Directions:

Step 1: Put butter, sugar, egg and warmed molasses into a large bowl. Dissolve baking soda in warm water and add to egg mixture - beat until smooth.

Step 2: Mix in flour, spices and salt until well blended. Cover and chill for 24 hours.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 170 degrees C.

Step 4: Roll out dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch on a floured surface. Cut out cookies with desired cutter (gingerbread man cutter definitely look cute, but I used the normal round ones).

Step 5: Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the oven. It smells incredible!! *0*