3 days in France. | Antibes - Nice - Cannes.

After our drive along the Côte-d'Azur we spent 4 days in France.

In this blogpost you will see some pictures from our visit to the "Marché Provencal" in Antibes, a walk along "Promenade Amiral de Grasse" and our afternoon in Nizza.
 

ANTIBES

breakfast :)

 

 

 

NICE

Editing who we are until we fit in? | Quote by Charles de Lint. | My thoughts and experience.

“We’re so quick to cut away pieces of ourselves to suit a particular relationship, a job, a circle of friends, incessantly editing who we are until we fit in.“
– Charles de Lint

 

 I am thinking A LOT. Okay, may sound weird but what I mean is - I OVERthink a lot. I am that kind of person who would question every little thing that can be questioned. What would happen if I do or say that? What would happen if I don’t do or say that? What would that person think of me? Why would they think like that? Thinking about unrealistic scenes in your head that will probably never happen to you, or practising a conversation with someone you’ll probably never have....

Excessive thinking about a problem, while losing focus on the big picture. The result is an overly complicated analysis, and any solution coming out of this will also be complicated. And probably a fruitless waste of time.  (definition of overthinking)

As I read this quote by Charles de Lint it immediately got my thinking. I got inspired by it. It kind of got me thinking about “cutting away pieces of ourselves” - changing for someone or something “a relationship, a job, a circle of friends”, literally EDITING who we are “until we FIT IN”. There is so much truth behind those words. 

Let’s just think about social media (Instagram and Facebook). People nowadays are caught up in editing their photos for literally hours. For what? Likes? Being famous? Acceptance from strangers? Not only being caught up in editing, but being obsessed watching the likes and comments coming in, being disappointed for only getting 50 likes on one photo. Of course, there is the enthusiasm and love for photography and editing. Being creative. There is nothing wrong with that. But spending hours of your day investing in that kind of progress (editing,worrying, watching your phone non-stop)? As cheesy as it may sound – I don’t think it will make someone happy - longterm. 

I am not writing this post to mock or complain about people on social media (people who work with social media or people who spend a lot of time on social media) but to write about my personal thoughts on it and my experience with it. 

I LOVE taking pictures with my camera, my IPhone or my Polaroid. It has always been like that – beginning at the age of three where I’ve been confronted with filming and photography by my parents. The result: eighteen years of footage seeing myself growing up is absolutely amazing. So of course I kept going taking pictures and filming from time to time while growing up. It was one thing where I could be as creative as I wanted and I loved doing that. 

At the age of fifteen Netlog came up. The predecessor of Facebook. I think it was the first website where I put up photos of myself and my friends and getting likes and comments for it. It was exciting and funny but it never became an obsession for me. After “Netlog time” – I got into Facebook. It was and still is a great way to connect with friends, classmates and family. I remember spending a lot of time on Facebook and MSN to chat with my friends, but not to post pictures regularly and writing what I am doing. I’ve been a shy and quite person at the time – so maybe that’s why.  When I posted a picture I was worried about the reaction to it. Ridiculous. But kind of normal. I am so happy that my childhood and teenage years were not defined by the “world of social media”. Compared to NOW – where almost every thirteen year old girl and boy already has an IPhone or IPad, and is registered on Facebook, Instagram etc.  

Away from my storytelling and back to the quote by Charles de Lint. While being on those social media sites we get inspired without even noticing. Both – in a positive or a negative way. There is nothing wrong with getting inspired for doing more work, being more productive, be active and getting fit. As long as you stay true to your own self and don’t change your personality while being focused on your life online or an online life from another person because you think it all looks so perfect. Perfect body? Perfect style? Perfect boyfriend?  We are unconsciously comparing ourselves to others and we shouldn’t do that. We should really focus on ourselves, OUR personality, OUR friends, OUR live. 

The result of my “overthinking” on this topic would be trying to avoid checking my phone constantly, turning it off or on flight mode from time to time in order to focus on what’s happening in real life and not getting distracted by social media. 

Life is beautiful, so don’t miss it.  

SPRING love. | Mood booster. | Motivation.

"Motivation is what gets you started.
Habit is what keeps you going."

1.  MOVE !

Chillin' on your couch, browsing through instagram, facebook, just checking some e-mails? It's not surprising that you have no motivation, so stop! Spring has begun - the sun is out, days are longer. So many reasons and opportunities to get your ass off your couch and move.It doesn't have to be sports or high intense workouts to feel better. Start with small and easy changes. WALK to the supermarket. Get out a train station earlier and WALK. WALK your dog. Don't have a dog? Go for a walk anyway. Do a short workout at home.

2 personal tips for you:
1. runtastic. I mentioned the app in my April favorites post, so go check it out if you want to know more about the features it has to offer. Since I downloaded the app, I go running regularly. In the morning or in the evening. I have to say that morning runs are a great way of starting your day and you instantly feel better because you "achieved" something. The picture above is from my latest morning run by the way. ;) (http://instagram.com/julesn_)

2. Planning. If you're a workaholic or if you're stressed because you have an important test coming up, PLAN. With "planning" I mean oranising all of your work and to to lists and therefore planning your free time. This makes it easier to plan a little road trip, walks or picnics on the weekend. 



2. FOOD. JOY. RESULT.

 

The majority of people are planning on getting fitter and starting a healthier lifestyle this year. If you want a long-term change in your life you have to understand, that it's 20% sport and exercise and 80% nutrition. Adjusting your current lifestyle with small steps is the most important thing. You should SLOWLY get into the changes you'd want to do and goals you'd want to achieve. For example: No chocolate for a week, no fast food for a month, a light dinner instead of pasta or potatoes. As soon as you manage to follow one of those "goals" you'll see how easy it is, so NO RUSH.

2 personal tips for you:
1. Smoothies. I know it became such a cliche nowadays, but they're absolutely delicious. Not only they are delicious but they can be customized so easily. Don't like the taste of cucumber in your smoothie? Use spinach instead. Can't stand a specific fruit? Use another one. There are 10000 variations and something for everyone.

2. Lemon water. A preparation that takes 3 minutes and is a brilliant way to start your day right? Oh yes. Boil your water (or don't, cold water is good as well), cut your lemons and ....finished?! YES, and you will start doing this when I tell you how many benefits it has. A boost for you immune system and energy. Good for your skin and breath. Make it a part of your daily routine!

3. MUSIC = POSITIVITY.

I'm sure a lot of you can relate to that. When you are hearing a good song that you love, it instantly lifts your mood. I'm one of those who never leaves the house without headphones in their ears. Particularly during long car or train rides. Then, music is a MUST. So, why not include it in your daily routines too? It is hard for you to get up in the morning? Set your favorite song as your alarm. Couch potatoe? Put on your favorite playlist and start working out. Even cleaning, cooking, doing your make up. Music makes everything more fun.

2 personal tips for you:
1. Spotify. Shouldn't sound new to you if you are a music lover. ;) You'll find thousands of different playlists. Workout, oldies, charts, relax, car rides....and so on. :)

2. Here are a few of my current favorite songs that boost my mood everytime.
- Want to want me - Jason Derulo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rClUOdS5Zyw)
- Up - Olly Murs ft. Demi Lovato (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29GWMT0GB6s)
- When I Find Love Again - James Blunt (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEl5m8eELeI)
- Hopping Fences - Jordin Jae (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7znHQszlOEo)


4. PIGGYBANK.
Are you planning on buying something in the future? Any items on your wishlist? Even if your answer is no : saving money is always a good idea. Back to "wishlist". It's more efficient than you think. If you're thinking about buying something, write it down. One or two weeks later - read it again! Do you still want it? Great, then buy it ;)  Recently, I found so many things in my room where I just thought. "Why on earth did you buy that"? On the other hand, there are those, where I'm convinced that it was definitely worth the investment. A list could prevent the "Why on earth did I spent money on that" thought. ;)

2 personal tips for you:
1. Coins. I'm keeping every cent in my wallet until I clean out all of the bills, tickets etc. I've got a little box where I then store all of my 10c,5c,2c, and 1c. After a month or so, it is packed.Then, I take it to the bank and it is a surprise everytime. You wouldn't believe how much it really is in the end.

2. Weekly. My second tip kind of goes alongside with the first one. While putting the little coins of your wallet into the box, why not also put 1€-2€ in it each week? The surprise at the end of the month will be even bigger.



5. DAYDREAM a little bit.

Distraction and thoughts fading during work or school? No, thats not what I mean. When you find yourself getting a little bit stressed, tired or depressed rethink memories. It can totally lift your motivation and happiness. Remember the last day, last week, last party you went to or your last vacation. Maybe it raises your anticipation about something thats happening in the future. Go through old photo albums or watch old family videos. I'm sure there are a lot of good memories that will guide your mind off your current situation. :)


6. MAKEOVER.
Nope, not your hair , wardrobe or make up. But, if those things are mood booster for you, just go for it. What I mean: surroundings! Your room, workspace, apartment, house, car. A change of scene with just little things can do a lot. For example: Flowers, new and fresh bed sheets, new pillows, new pictures on your wall (maybe photos with friends or motivational quotes), rearranging your room. I'm sure there are so much more possibilities to freshen up your surroundings.


7. MAGIC of TIDYING.
For many people "tidying" is the most boring thing in the world. It's something they're always postponing. A larger mess ensures dissatisfaction. But - it doesn't always have to be a burden. Me personally, I am a little freak concerning cleaning. It's not boring or stressful for me at all. The feeling after everything's done and clean  instantly makes me feel motivated and happy. I don't know about you, but there are some ways to make it a lot more enjoyable experience.

2 personal tips for you.
1. Music. What more do I have to say? ;)

2. Time. It totally depends on you. Are you more active and motivated in the mornings? Maybe wake up half an hour earlier and tidy up a little bit. I think already waking up to a tidy room is more pleasant than doing everything in the morning so maybe the evenings suit you better? What is important: don't do ALL at once. A full day of cleaining and tidying can indeed be a stressful day. Day by day. Step by step.


8. SWITCH OFF.
Sometimes, when everyhing gets a little bit too much you have to find time to relax. With "switch off" I certainly mean your phone. Turn it off, silent or on flight mode. When getting text messages and emails every 5 minutes, how can someone clear their mind and relax? "Switching off" doesn't always mean that you have to sit in your room all by yourself and do yoga or meditate. Not at all. Here, it also depends on you. Are you enjoying time alone or do you like having always someone around you?

1 personal tip for you.
1. What I can recommend is: do something you really enjoy doing. Running, reading, drawing, doing yoga, cooking, watching TV, meeting a friend, drinking tea or coffee. Something you're passionate about definitely helps you to clear your mind and to feel better.


9. "I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY THIS! "
Then, DO it. I'm sure you've heard about "Bucketlists". A list of things someone wants to do and experience before they die. I think I started one some time ago, but I just find the idea of it really cool. Even if you don't have such a list I'm sure there is SOMETHING you always wanted to do. Trying out a new recipe? Signing up for a workout class? Visiting a city? Learning an instrument? Going to a concert? Most of the things are so not out of reach and easy to arrange. Everytime you do/try something for the first time it gives you a good feeling and it even motivates you to do things like that more often.  


10. TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE.

My last tip for you is the one I'm very passionate about. Travelling is such a great enrichtment. How can't it be an ideal motivation for you? I'm lucky for seeing so many places and cities already, but that's far not enough for me. There are still a lot of cities I want to see and just the thought of maybe going there one day gives me a positve thought. Planning an upcoming vacation is a brilliant mood booster. Even the time between booking and waiting for the time to pass is motivational because your anticipation is so big. :)

Hopefully, I could inspire you to integrate one or two of the points above in your current situaton or lifestyle. :)

POSTCARDS. selfmade design.

Lately, I've been designing...it might sound a bit lame to some, but I just love these cards with motivational or funny quotes on it (doesn't matter where they're from)- so I started thinking about designing on my own.

I can't walk past any postcards in a homeware shop or anywhere else - honestly, my collection is growing and growing, but it's not stopping me from getting more of them ;) Some might think it's an crazy obsession, but as a creative person you just wanna see art and beauty in the smallest and simplest things. I love designing in general, so I sat down and let my creativity run wild. I really like how they turned out so take a look if you want!

Enjoy. :)

but first, coffee.

make art.make out.make love.

believe you can and you're halfway there.

it's up to you to find beauty in the ugliest days.

don't expect to see change if you don't make one.

choose to be optimistic - it feels better.

I'm aware that you can find quotes like that all over the internet, I really wanted to focus on the design.  One reason why I started this is because collecting cards like that is a hobby and a passion of mine. The other reason would be that such sayings can really motivate me no matter when,where or why. Sport, university or life in general. When you're having a bad day, or you're in a bad mood often little things can make you feel better and help you see the positive in the situation.

If you have a personal favorite quote, I'd love to read them in the comments!! :) xx