Hey guys, it's Aya! It's a lazy Sunday over here and I thought it was only fair to post a few pictures of what I've been up to. Summer has more or less arrived so Oli and I kidnapped the best people living in Berlin for a good ole fashioned BBQ.


Look at this gorgeous fire that Sebastian and Daniela tended to. People that know their grillin' amazes me (maybe because I know gar nicht a.k.a. absolutely nothing).


Only a small sample of the spread.




The goods.

Basically the night ended in . . . well, I don't quite remember details for reasons you can all assume. But there's not much point in asking the others because we all had similar experiences. ;)

In other not so new news, I got a new bike to replace the one that was stolen!


It's a Hauptstadt bike, made by BBF (a German company and the same company as my last one). My only qualms is that it is a smidgen too tall because I got a bigger bike with the seat just lowered to suit me. It only affects me very slightly on long distance rides but otherwise, I can ride my daily 30 km with no problem.

Finally, a simple salad:

I have a penchant for cleaning-out-the-fridge salads because I leave the flat on weekends to stay in Brandenburg and then I come back to a fridge full of things that need to be consumed immediately. This one is the latest and I do recommend it! It includes:

•  A mix of Arugula, Mint, and Coriander/Cilantro
• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Shiitake Mushrooms
• Green Olives
• Chopped Roasted Peanuts (unsalted)

Basically from there I added a bit of olive oil, lime juice, and salt & pepper. I think if you omit the olives, it's fine (I just had them on hand) but the other flavors really make it refreshing and delicious! Try it out!

Anyway, that's all for today. Have a lovely Sunday and until next time!

Barbee, Bikes, and Quick Salads

• , •
• biking brandenburg event friends lunch random recipe summer •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

It's officially the end of the first week of my 21 day vegan challenge and might I say it went smoother than I anticipated. I thought I would go coo coo bananas over not having a bit of something sweet here and there but honestly, fruit is amazing and I've been dropping a few drops of stevia into my lemon water to make lemonade to tote around. I admit there are a few things that I miss but I realize this is all just a way for me to get more creative in the kitchen.

I recently took a trip out to the LPG Bio Market in Mitte. There are many bio stores in Berlin where all products sold are organic (different from America where there are many health food stores but not necessarily everything sold is organic). I really love LPG . . . it's pricier than some of the other bio stores but their selection is great. I can't find another place that has this specific peanut butter I like (without salt, sugar, or oil, but also tastes like the PB I buy in NY).

Here are some of the purchases I made:


Vegan Breakfast Yogurt, Soybeans, and 92% Dark Chocolate.

The yogurt is great! I love to eat yogurt but I can't actually stomach dairy that well. This one happens to also be sugar free.The soybeans are for my fermentation (I make my own fermented soybeans aka natto because it's cheaper, tastes great, and reduces waste). I also found some interesting chocolate!


I see this brand in bio stores a lot and this one particular bar happens to contain coconut blossom sugar instead of refined! Dark chocolate also contains a good amount of fiber and anti-oxidants (if you didn't know why people are obsessed with anti-oxidants, it's because it reduces the risk of cancer and signs of aging)! I like dark chocolate for snacking especially.

Speaking of snacks, my favorite at the moment is smearing peanut butter onto rice crackers and topping it with bananas.



Simple yet satisfying. Try it with a sprinkle of cinnamon and let the goodness sink in.

Finally, I've been really loving the Detox tea from Kusmi.


The first time I tried Kusmi was when my sister got me a sampler pack for my birthday a few years back. I haven't looked back since. I keep a variety of different teas and brands around but when I feel like splurging on myself, I go for Kusmi. This one in particular does exactly what it says and it has an overall cleaning and calming effect. Kusmi has many stores and distributors around the world so if you're ever nearby, definitely check out their selection!

I think that will be all for today. I hope you guys have a lovely Sunday!

New and Old Favorites

• , •
• 21dayvegan beverage grocery health organic random snacks tea vegan •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

I recall a time my friend Vicky and I went out for Apfel Strudel after work. We were talking about various things and the topic of food came up. After talking about my plans to cut something out for a while, Vicky laughed and said I love to do experiments on myself because I'm always trying something out to see if it "works."

Yes, I am my own lab rat.

In my defense, I've mentioned before that I love trying out new things to see whether it "works" for me or not. The term "works" is in quotations because it's hard to define what that means, but generally it relates to whether I feel good doing it. For example, I can't seem to do any fluid cleanse because not eating is not an option for me (how do people willingly live off of liquids for longer than a week?) But incorporating parts of the blood type diet does work for me, and I notice the difference when I stray away from it a lot more than usual.

This moment's experiment seems to be the 21 Day Vegan Challenge. Not gonna lie, I told myself "If Beyonce can do it, so can I." But I've adjusted it a bit further, and decided to also cut out gluten and refined sugars. Vegan is not so hard and I feel similarly about being gluten free, but I have a feeling the refined sugar thing will kick me where it hurts (do people know how much I love sweets?)

Anyway, this is just a small notice to let you guys know I'm starting it tomorrow and we shall see how long it lasts. I decided that 21 days is nothing compared to the rest of my life, so hopefully I can stay strong (even through Easter).

Wish me luck, and updating will commence as usual (which is not very reassuring . . . haha). Oh, and I will be posting photos from before the challenge, so don't be alarmed if the food I post is not related to the challenge (at least in the next few days). Ciao ciao!

21 Day Vegan Challenge

• , •
• 21dayvegan diet random update vegan •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

A friendly reminder not to give in to the temptation of doilies. Oh, and the food.

Temptations

• , •
• challenge random •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

Hey guys and gals, how's it going?

Halloween is coming up and you know what that means?

Diabetics please look away.

Now I am not going to lie--those Reese's Peanut Butter Cups look so good to me now, considering I have not had American candy in over a year. A YEAR I TELL YOU <----why am I yelling?

Well I have somewhat grown out of the commercial candy and into more adult candies (alcoholic truffles and that bitter dark stuff . . . ) but regardless, I definitely reach for the sweets come this time of year. Do I feel guilty about it? Naw, it's Halloween! A little indulgence is good for the soul.

So here's the challenge: Halloween is in 2 weeks, right? So in 2 weeks, let's go on a clean food cleanse. I'm not going to give you guys outlines because each body is different. Instead, I'll be updating my blog with tips, insights, food ideas/recipes, and a look into how I'm doing (so you don't feel alone!)

This was inspired by a conversation with my friend Crysbel (who I will mention more later) when we started talking healthy living. We're both kind of in a similar boat: we were given extra time in our lives and decided to use it to take better care of our bodies. I never realize how more and more people around me are getting into the health revolution! It's awesome!

Anyway, hope you'll join me. If not, you can still look forward to regular updates! Good luck!

Halloween Challenge!

• , •
• challenge health holiday random •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

If you're American and have watched tv in the past 5 years, you know where this slogan is from. For those of you who don't, here's a video.


Why are those sheep raging and Scottish? I don't know. Maybe it's what Scottish sheep do (any Scottish sheep expert out there?)

I can't say much about California cows, but the cows in my neighborhood milk farm seem to be quite happy.

Just another random update from yours truly!

Happy Cows Come from California

• , •
• brandenburg random •
• 1 comment •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

The Summer is winding down and it's getting a little chillier each day. Sooner or later, we'll forget about the beach and the barbeques, and we'll be heading home, blasting the heater and drinking Progresso Soup. Well, there is one practice I love no matter what season it is, and that is eating ice cream.

I never go into detail about ice cream with people because there's not much to talk about. As long as it's quality ice cream, made with a few wholesome ingredients, I like it. I will say the market in Germany is not as big. Even the popular Florida Eis company here uses Fructose Glucose Syrup in their cream versions (although perhaps the choice has something to do with the texture they're going for). But when you break it down, ice cream is just 3 simple ingredients: cream, sugar, and eggs.


I remember as a kid, I picked up a book of accidental "inventions." The story behind the ice cream cone began on a hot summer day at the beach. One cart was selling ice cream and the other waffles. The ice cream man had run out of cups to serve in so he went to his neighbor, who had fashioned for him a cone made of his product! I actually doubt this is the real story, but it's a cute theory, no?


Know the difference between gelato and ice cream? Ice cream according to U.S. standards must have at least 10% butterfat. Gelato by Italian standards must have 3.5%. Also Gelato is churned at a slower speed, having less air than ice cream. Therefore, it's more dense.

Those were my little fun facts. Also just a random thought, but did Starbucks stop selling ice cream? I can't remember the last time I saw a tub . . . but I could die eating their Java Chip. Anyway, stay tuned for more food thoughts!

Eis Eis Ice Baby

• , •
• dessert random sweets •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

I have limited internet access these days, and even more limited access to my photos! So expect some posts from me, but for the next 2-3 weeks, it may be sparse.

Sorry!!! >n<

In case you were wondering . . .

• , •
• random •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

You might remember this face if you've been reading my blog for a while. Well, he's coming to Berlin again!

Excuse my sneeze. ;) Let the good times roll!

In a few days . . .

• , •
• friends random •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

There is a phrase in Japan that basically goes, "Only stupid people get sick in the Summer." Well then, I must be the definition of stupid, because I get sick EVERY Summer without fail. And the problem is, there are always signs, and I ignore them. I had a weird throat thing (it didn't hurt but I was coughing in a strange harsh way periodically) for 3 days before I actually got sick. Now I know I need to stop ignoring what my body is telling me, and just take it easy.

On that note, I am lying in bed doing absolutely nothing but drinking tea and watching Youtube and I thought, "Oh Gee, what a perfect excuse to blog about my favorite Youtubers!"

So let's just say that because my blog is on the topic of all things that incorporate health and food and exercise and not-so-sneaky-indulgences, I'd keep the youtube channels on that track.

My favorite, absolute FAVORITE, channel for exercise is BeFit.


When I really started to get into exercise a couple of years ago, I was basically saved by two things: ExerciseTV (an on-demand channel with exercise videos that does not exist anymore unfortunately) and exercise videos on Youtube. I mean, when you're in school, it can be hard to go to a gym because of time and money restraints. BeFit is amazing because they have categories for all different kinds of workouts, whether it be strength training, pilates, yoga, dance, cardio, etc., and you can access it anywhere/anytime as long as you have internet connection!
I'm quite partial to the Jillian Michaels, Scott Herman, or occasional Denise Austin videos on this channel, but I recommend any of them.

I also maybe a month or so ago discovered Blogilates.



Cassey Ho is the instructor in all the blogilates videos and she's amazing! I don't know how she manages to talk through everything, she's a wonderment. She does both pilates as well as some cardio videos.
Pilates I think is one of the best ways to tone your body. I usually incorporate shorter pilates exercises into my routine of cardio and strength training. The movements are really focused on form (which is great because sometimes when you do cardio, you're so focused on keeping up, form can be neglected) and strengthening the different parts of your body. Cassey also does a segment called Cheap Clean Eats and the food always looks healthy, easy to do, and delicious! I recommend her highly!

As for food, I am obsessed with Ochikeron!



She cooks Japanese food that is both traditional and modern. In every video, she shows the steps so there's no way you mess up because you know exactly what it should look like. I love Japanese food but I never actually learned how it make it at home, so she is my savior!! She also has a really nice kitchen that I would love to have some day. *0*

And of course, Tastemade!



Why you need to check out Tastemade:
-Laura Miller has a raw vegan category. I wasn't big on her at first, but somehow now I adore her.
-The guys at Sorted Food have a section there as well, and okay, I hate to admit it but they cook, they're cute, and they're British so . . . do I really need to convince you on that one?
-They have a drinks section. Not alcoholic drinks, but specialty-drinks-from-countries-around-the-world category. Uh-amazing.


Finally, my favorite beauty guru is Clothesencounters.



I've included beauty because what is life if you can't make something beautiful out of yourself and it? Anyway, the reason why I love Jenn is because she doesn't talk to you in a materialistic, you-have-to-have-these-things kind of way, and her personality is very likeable. Also, her aesthetic fits with mine. I really think her videos are great for people who need inspiration or just want to stare at cool clothes (p.s. she is a fellow thrifter)!

Those are generally my top favorites on Youtube. I have many more (especially for beauty), but thought I'd keep it short and simple. Just as a note, I'm not paid to write any of this, I genuinely think these people/channels are great.

Until next time! Tottles!

Getting Sick in the Summer

• , •
• beauty cooking exercise fitness internet random •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —

Again. And I have no money on my phone (pay as you go plan, you're so inconvenient sometimes). Wish me luck with the trains!

I'm Late

• , •
• random •
• No Comments •
• by Aya S
  Aya S

— Continue Reading —