How to make December magic?! 🎄🎄🎄

December …. that month of the year when everyone is trapped in a Christmas Fairytale. I must admit, even though freezing temperatures, never had Lugano been so warm and beautiful before.The reason is not only  the decorating lights around the city , but also the fire inside my soul!  Since December is the last month of the year , let’s make it magic together !

I invite you to participate to the following  mini challenge :

1. First of all, Don’t come up with excuses like – I don’t have time ( I am busy as well )

2. Say “thank you”or an honest “I love you”  to the beloved people , just for the simply fact they exist in your life ! Love yourself by loving others!

3.Make a to do plan for 2017 – don’t forget to think big ! Let the wishes from you heart escape into an written action plan . The more you plan , the closer you are to your target !

4.Find a magic place in your city where your heart feels at home, visit that place at least ones a week. It could be a cafe , library , a shop( Tifannys’s for example… Roses are read, diamonds are blue…Pam Pam  ) or whatever. My spot is Parco Del Tassino , that has a little pink castle which reminds me of the little princess that lives inside me, even though I’m 25.

5. Read a book – besides the fact it will boost your creativity , it might also give you the answers you were looking for. As Stephen King said : “books are a uniquely portable magic”

.

6. Decorate you own Christmas tree with someone you love ! ❤️Doing it in 2 makes the whole atmosphere more charming ! It doesn’t necessarily need to be a person of  a different gender, could also be a good friend or a family member!

7. Have a glass of hot wine with cinnamon (home-made or at a wonderful Christmas market)

.

8. Instead of the usual pop, rnb , rock or whatever you might listen , put some Christmas Carols on the background , while working around the house , on an assignment , cooking etc.

9. Look backwards to your life and realistically give yourself a feedback ! Don’t forget thank God for what you have ! There are children starving in Africa right now !

10. Drink lots of tea! It will keep you warm and hydrated( very important for the winter season)  ! Eventually add some macarons or cheese cake to it ! I don’t imagine my life without some gastronomic sweet delights ! I can swear the life becomes much more enjoyable after a bite of my fav dessert !

If you marked all the previous point as done —- > Conratulations ! You became a happier person !

“You only live once, but if you do it right , once is enough”

XoXo ,

Christine

PS:Promise to be back soon !

5 hiking spots in Switzerland

 “It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness”  (Seneca)

That feeling to be on the TOP of the World is irreplaceable and once you taste it, is hard to stop! Since I moved to Switzerland , I started loving one of the most popular local outside activities – hiking!

I guess you all have  heard of the benefits it brings to one’s life. Some people practice it as a kind of sport, some – to improve their creativity(many researches available on Internet), some -to have an honest talk with themselves, others -as a recreational activity with the ones they love . No matter what the reason is, there are only positive consequences! Personally , I do it for all of the above said plus a way to escape from the technological trap  in my house. Was I convincing enough to make you get out of bed on a Sunday ? Ok,  the next question in line is where can we practice it ? As for me, since it is an uphill surface -I can do it! But!!! The destinations I enjoyed the most are the next five ones! Follow me around Switzerland !

1.Monte San Salvatore, Lugano 

Every day I wake up and fall asleep with the view to this Mountain. My curiosity drove me to the question: How would it be the view from the Top of the Mountain to my home? Said and Done! It was a journey about 2 and 1/2 up , but it my was first experience so I think , I lost a lot of time taking pictures of every single corner. I let you make your own conclusion about the view , because I just can’t express my whole vision into a few words.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t identify my home 😦 , but I saw sooo much more than that!

2. Montre Bre, Lugano 

That is definitely the perfect place to see the sunset in Lugano. Is the sunset who adds value to hiking or hiking who adds value to sunset? Actually , it doesn’t matter what means of transportation you use to get your ass up there, since you do it, you will spend some precious moments! I was so spoilt by the last sunshine of one day and I keep going back there, as many times as I can afford myself taking a break!

My sun sets to raise again !

3. Andermatt

While hiking, I am looking for absolute silence. No library in the world will offer you a better environment for reading than a mountain habitat.  Many of you cover your years with earplugs while studying.  Try once the natural song of the birds mixed with the endless green surrounding you.

4. Sankt Moritz 

With over 2000m altitude,  Sankt Moritz’s top of mountains are provided with good infrastructure, that is perfect for athletes. Not only can you practice hiking there, but you can also take your bike up and exercise cycling/running or whatever you might like at high altitude which doubles the effect of physical effort. As a payoff, not only will you have a body to die for, but you will have some of the best landscapes in switzerland.

5. Quinto 

Located on the Northern part of Ticino canton , Quinto is a great destination next to the Saint-Gotthard Massif. Once you are up, you have the beautiful green-blue color lake Ritom and you never want down! 🙂 Being on Top creates addiction.

How would Charlotte Bronte describe this landscape?

 

Last, but not least , it doesn’t matter what activity you do (hiking/reading/singing/working in a bank) and where are you doing it (Switzerland/home/workplace) don’t forget to enjoy the journey! Otherwise it makes no sense !

Feel the rivers inside you! Stop the storm inside your head! Jump on the clouds of hope inside you and let them take you to unknown grounds!

We did enjoy the journey! did you ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little party never killed nobody

Beep Beep Boop!!!  “Are you with me?!

From cultural&official Christine to the party girl Christine, there is only one single step. This Sunday I put my party shoes on and headed to an amazing Sunday Brunch at Nikki Beach Koh Samui. If you, my dear readers, have never participated to such an event or you don’t know what is it about, in this article I will bring it to you and guess what?! You will love it!

Nikki Beach Sea View

Before I start describing my party mood, I will just introduce you briefly to what exactly Nikki Beach is.

“Nikki Beach Resort Koh Samui is the ultimate serene and peaceful luxury beach resort destination where privacy, chic design, delectable cuisine, and Nikki Beach’s signature brand of music and entertainment all seamlessly combine. Yours to enjoy in celebration of life.”(text from the official website) 

Today I  enjoyed all of the above said, taking the brunch at Nikki’s. Since I made my first step in, I could feel the rhythm of nice music and a relaxation state took over my body. My empty stomach got immediately excited after a few bubbles of champagne.  My eyes got lost “sailing” on the fresh clams and shrimp boat and then jumped to  other  fine delicacies.

Finger licking good!!! 

Six days a week, I am on a diet, the 7th is the cheating (nothing to do with the relationship) day. This means I can feed my ego with the drinks and meals it feels like. And the cherry from the cake of the day is…. well , exactly how it sounds!

Forget me , focus on the cherry! 

As for me , there is not such thing as too much dessert, so please stop me from committing a gastronomic suicide!

Diet tomorrow! 

The sun was ruthless today. I wouldn’t have survived without some ice cold beverages. I guess , I don’t have to mention you again about my addiction to mojitos and champagne with kir royal ( I hope my french friends are not going to hate /unfollow/ignore me for that).

Give me more…..mojito!!! 

 

Cheers! For the beautiful Life! 

Mojito once, Mojito twice …..and the entertainment was there! Selfishly speaking, I don’t know who was more entertaining Me, Inna’s songs or the other beautiful dancers. Please let my ego be satisfied and don’t reply to this question! 🙂

 

If you don’t see the pictures above a little bit blurry, then believe me , my drinks were better than yours!

To conclude, I had a wonderful time, in a very nice place, with friendly staff, amazing music, tasty “foooooood” and best refreshing beverages. It left me with a mood “Taxi take me wherever you want, but not home” .

Good Bye 😦

Facebookers, Instagramers, Bloggers and Followers, my wish is to donate you some of my positive vibes! I wish you a new productive week and don’t forget to SMILE! 🙂

Bye for now !

Christine

 

 

When in Thailand…

Dante once described the 7th layers of Hell. My dear readers, if you allow me I will do the opposite. Flying from one island to the other feels like upgrading in Paradise. I landed in Koh Samui (Thailand) 5 days ago, but I am still 3 meters above the sky. Is it the view? Is it the weather? Is it the hotel? Is it the place? No, it’s the mix of all these elements!

Located, Just one hour by car from the airport, The Conrad Hotel situated on a cliff offers the most beautiful infinity views. Oh, those sunset golden hours! How can I (or anyone else) say no to a refreshing glass of Champagne and some piano music on the background in such a moment?! What can I do , I am helpless romantic?!

Villa view at sunset

Due to the perfect weather( I have to remind you that it is the rainy season, but there wasn’t even a drop of showers) had the chance to do a complementary boat trip (organised by the hotel) to another island where I could do snorkelling. It was my first experience and enjoyed it a lot, even though It took me out of the comfort zone in the beginning. For those who will try it soon , take some bread with you and then you will be surrounded by fishes.

Koh Taen island 

 

Something even more special is the Spa ( real women’s heaven). I can’t stay far from it for too long. Once you go “Spa”, you never come back! Every time, I am looking for exploring new things, so yesterday had the chance to try the Aroma Therapy massage. The foam bath with roses petals reminded me of Marylin Monroe, for some reason. Probably, all that spoiling atmosphere give you a “cinema star” attitude. I wish this dream had no end! Enjoy my mini photo gallery bellow!

Spa Reception 

 

The “play” room 

Body&Soul Delights 

 

Jacuzzi with a view 

….and The Thai Cuisine… In this field, I would say I am a beginner. It took me a long time to accept other than European traditions. I am still asking for customised meals in the restaurants, but people say Zest Restaurant and Green Talay (which is just a few minutes away from the hotel) are the best places to have a wonderful Thai dinner at reasonable price.

Dear Readers, never leave Thailand without experiencing:

• the Thai cuisine
• the Thai massage
•  boat trips to different islands
• snorkelling (or diving)
• watch the sunset with from an Infinity Pool

This is all for today!  You will hear again from me soon! (sooner than you might think 🙂 ) Stay healthy and wealthy!

 

             

À bientôt!!! 

Boracay – The Philippines

Dear readers,

Here I am again. This time I want to share with you one beautiful destination with the best beaches in the world- Boracay! I won’t replace National Geographic, providing you general knowledge about the island. I had a shiny juicy stay and I want to transmit it exactly this way!

First of all, Boracay Island is part of The Philippines. First you have to take a flight to Manila and then transfer to Boracay. Pleasee!!!! Attention !!! Make sure you have enough time between the flights when booking, otherwise the risk to miss your airplane is very high and you get no reimbursement.

Manila view from the airplane

After many hours of journey,once landed in Boracay, the turquoise  water, white beach colour and soft sunshines gave massage to my eyes. I mean, after seeing only figures and formulas during my studying days and exam period, watching this island perfect view was more relaxing than aromatherapy from Spa.

Normally , this time of the year is the rainy season there( another important thing to check before booking a holiday), but I had some really good sunny days, which I enjoyed- getting sun tan, walking on the beach , meditating , breathing in good vibes and breathing out the stress from the exam period  and last, but not least….taking  pictures! 

On the rainy ones, I read. Henry de Montherlant did amuse me a lot with his book “The Bachelors” . For more info about the book , feel free to send me a private message. Discussing books is more than a passion. Back to rainy days, I had drinks with the new friends I made on the island ,went to gym and  visited the Spa.  The Bar from Shangri-La Hotel had also good yummy food. I hope it won’t reflect on my body though 🙂

So, I could continue on and on ,but  I think the pictures communicate more than I do. Take a deep look and keep this destination in mind for your next trip .

You will hear from me soon!

Shiny Regards,

Christine

PS: All the pictures are taken by me with my iPhone

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Rituals

After a week spent in the dynamic lifestyle of Bangkok, here I am on a Friday afternoon in the Mandarin Oriental “heaven niche”. As an outsider you might see the hotel glamorous and flashy, as an insider- peaceful comfy. I tend to say it is the place where the body meets the soul and now, dear reader,  I explain you why!

It all started as usual. It was a day just like all the others. I mean : hygiene, mirror,dress , perfume, shoes. From the other hand I could feel the pressure of an active week, traffic jams and other troubles. People face these life situations differently, my way of doing it is – “emergency run” to the Spa.  🙂 So, today I went to the Mandarin Oriental Spa Studio for a Bastien Gonzalez pedicure dry treatment. It is a fabulous procedure, that appeals to history, health and french aristocracy. Probably, you’ve heard of french manicure/pedicure?! Well, that is exactly what it is, but without a drop of nail polish or unhealthy products. I was so impressed by the natural leather brush, sterilised steel blade- all the tools to make you feel safe. Oh, and that foot massage at the end though… and Voilà! They really know how make you feel like a princess here!

 

Health is beautiful

 

But, dear reader that is not all! Passing by the Author’s Lounge, I was so fascinated by the live spanish guitar music , I couldn’t keep myself stepping into that movie atmosphere. I’ve been travelling around the world and still didn’t find a better reading spot or a place where my soul could feel at home.It was a bit difficult to choose between the  various collections of tea and yummy looking dessert. What can be better than chocolate and a cup of tea? That’s right- More chocolate and more cups of tea! That is the principle The Author’s Lounge embraces.

After the special treatment, tea fountain and sweet delights, I went home with a soul full of  happiness, a lovely bouquet of fresh flowers and very, but very satisfied. I hope this mood will give me powers enough for one more week.

Have a nice end of week , everyone ! ❤

 

 

 

 

 

Adevăr sau Fericire ?

Pentru ca asa este dat sa fie, de la primele semne de apariție a vieții până in prezent, ca adevarul si fericirea sa se excludă reciproc!

Uneori as lua rolul fetițelor care sunt mințite frumos cu niste flori la cutie si un mic cadou. Nici măcar asta nu realizează , că merita mai mult pe lingă minciunele care vin la cutie împreuna cu florile ! Cutii in care, dupa ce rozele sau lalele se ofilesc, ramin doar minciunele! Si mi-as dori sa fiu la fel de oarba ca si ele, dar dacă mama natura m-a înzestrat cu de toate ( adica ochi care sunt destinați sa privească realitate asa gri cum o fi ea ) …. Bine , îl iau eu cand imi convine, dar undeva in mine tot ma zgârie orgoliul care conștientizează ca teatrul nu ma face fericită. Măști ?! La naiba cu ele , vreau sa fiu fericita pe de-adevăratelea ! Sa zâmbesc , că asa vrea sufletul meu , sau sa strig cat ma tin timpanele ca asa vrea starea mea interioară ! Sa fiu fericita ca pot fi eu !

Multi aspiră spre o viata corecta si unde domnește Adevarul ! Ah, sărmanii de ei , sa le spună si lor cineva ca e o cale cu multi de “aiiii , ma doare “si de “oh, f*ck , again ” sau” Why is the WORLD so mean “. Corectitudinea te face sa crezi in oameni , sa speri ca sunt si ei la fel de sinceri ca si tine. Începând cu domeniul businessului si trecând la relațiile personale , oare câte minciuni circula zilnic pe toate fronturile ? Fie ca le spunem noi , fie ca altcineva nouă, dar minciunele circula cu obrăznicie.

De ce ascundem adevarul ? Din teama sa nu fim acceptați , din teama ca cineva va da cu piciorul în noi , din teama ca afacerea nu va câștiga suficient profit acest sezon ! Ai spus o minciuna pe termen scurt si iti pare ca te-ai scos ! Da de unde ? Pe termen lung ai de pierdut doar tu! Putini sunt curajoșii care lupta pentru fericirea sa , fara frici de a pierde pe cineva sau ceva , fara masti, fiind ei înșiși! Acolo unde este prietenie si iubire, persoanele se accepta cu minusuri cu tot! Cei ce te iubesc nu le pasa ca tu ai obiceiul sa te scobești in nas in locurile publice , te vor lua usor de mina si iti vor șopti frumos la ureche ca nu e bine , si iti vor da un sfat , cum ar fi : sa mergi la baie , daca simti urgența de a te ușura scobindu-te in nas pana nu mai poti, metaforic vorbind ! Cei care te iubesc te vor susține mereu ! Minte-ma dulce si impresionează-ma sunt delicii de-o seara , care trezesc dezamăgirea a doua zi , la fel ca o felie de tortă care ti s-a părut atât de atractivă seara trecută si a doua zi s-a transformat in cateva grame de grăsime in plus pe abdomen.

Cum sa fim fericiti spunând adevarul ? Heh, un bun titlul pentru o carte, nu ? Și totusi, cum ? Adevarul sperie pe prea multi dintre noi , toti vor o pisica blânda care toarce frumos si nu o leoaica care te poate înghite in orice moment, daca ceva nu ii place.

Domnișoarelor, stimați-va pe voi si nu mai acceptați minciuni la sac , la cutie “Miryam” sau … Cu ce va mai lăsați copleșite ! Fericirea e atunci cand barbatul tau e sincer si e al tău cu sufletul ( ceea ce e foarte important ) , cu gândul (si nu doar 5minute) si cu trupul ( niste jartiere va garantez ca ajuta ) . Accepta-l si ajuta-l sa isi scoată masca , iubește-l cand greșește, dar corectează-l!

Adevar fara fericire exista , dar fericire fara adevar nu , daca nu acum peste ceva timp veți înțelege ! 

Bad Romance

“Se roteau pe pasi de bachata.  Trupurile lor s-au dezlantuit intr-un dans senzual. Privirile lor se intersectau arzator. Pe geam cadeau stropi de ploaie. Luna veghea aceasta scena de sus. Miroasea a septembrie, a noi inceputuri. Un el si o ea , ambii indragistiti pina peste cap.

El – un barbat de succes , amuzant , respectuos si stilat. Pasionat de masini sport si cursele de cai

Ea – jucausa , frumoasa , inteligenta , chiar daca uneori da aerul de usor naiva, stilata. Pasionata de lectura si sport.

Ambii duc in spate o istorie a lor, care in acest moment s-a impletit intr-un tot intreg. Ce mai conteaza ce a fost pina acum, daca prezentul este atat de magic. ”

Suna bine nu ? Atunci de ce 2 persoane nu pot pur si simplu sa se accepte reciproc si sa se iubeasca fara prejudecati? De ce exista persoane care daca nu sunt probleme atunci le inventeaza?  Se blameaza unii pe altii pentru oarecare minusuri, se catalogheaza, se critica, apoi se plang de faptul ca nu sint fericiti, ca sunt singuri? Fericirea e self-made. Daca nu esti fericit de unul singur , nu vei putea fi niciodata fericit intr-o relatie. Nu mai incap unii de altii , pentru ca ego-ul lor are o raza ce acopera intreaga tara. Cuprinde chiar si teritoriile unde nici undele de radio nu au semnal.  Unde e intelegerea ? Unde e barbatia ? Unde e feminismul? Unde sunt frumoasele valori?

O ultima tendinta in societatea actuala: Se crede in astrologie mai mult decat in Dumnezeu!

Visam idealul , dar el se creeaza si cel mai important in 2 , cand vine vorba de o relatie. Daca una din parti o ia razna sau da bir cu fugitii, atunci la naiba cu tot acest ideal !

Stampila din Pasaport nu rezolva situatia. Sa zicem ca un El si o Ea au decis sa intemeieze o familie. Ei si ce ? Daca nu exista intelegere si comuncare sau isi fac unul altuia viata un iad sau divorteaza peste ceva timp si regreta deciziile pripite. Lipsa de inteligenta nu rezista fara scandal. Mai devreme sau mai tarziu tot apare pina devine parte din rutina zilnica. Daca nu exista un motiv , facem unul !  Doua persoane trebuie sa fie intelecte si mature pina la acest pas.

Tind sa cred ca undeva , intr-ul coltisor, exista un El care gandeste la fel 🙂 

Never fully dressed without a smile !

Girls and boys , ladies and gentlemen , did you know that confidence is that “sexy” accessory that counts more than the whole look ?

On Friday I was courageous enough to wear that appealing Patrizia Pepe body combined with a Flavio   Castellani skirt , like I don’t get attention enough ! Well, I would say the outfit was perfect for a hot summer evening, but very very hot!  Some people say  the men are the best designers , because they know how a woman should look like. Patrizia does it pretty good too ! Just take a look and pinch me if I’m not right !

Sunt…

Sunt un suflet, care ia dimensiunea spațiului unde se află, care respiră toate tipurile de energie dar emană doar pe cea pozitivă . Dacă la plante procesul este numit fotosinteză, cum o fi in cazul sufletelor ?

Sunt un suflet care are mereu necesitatea de a se exprima și a oferi afecțiune, grijă, caldură, fără  a privi ce se oferă în schimb. Reciprocitatea este o formă de respect, o confirmare a faptului că sufletul e important pentru celălalt, dar sunt un suflet care pot supraviețui și fara ea .
Sunt un suflet care este în căutarea succesului , nu pentru condiția materială, ci pentru propria dezvoltare, pentru a fi in continuă ascensiune.
Sunt un suflet fără prejudecăți, care privește restul sufletelor sincer în ochi, care vede lacrimile , care vede trădările , care identifică cine e prieten și cine nu.
Sunt un suflet care crede in prietenie, deși au fost situații în care ar fi trebuit sa învăț contrariul. Sunt un suflet care are încredere, în persoane, în sine, în viitor !
Sunt un suflet care iubește arta frumosului. Acest frumos de obicei e foarte simplu și natural. Alte ori, el este creat, dar numai de sufletele cu adevărat frumoase .
Sunt un suflet care planează in lumea viselor , dar care știe ca ele vor deveni realitate într-o buna zi, și nu că așa vor veni ele de la sine , dar pentru că voi depune efort ca să se adeverească .
Sunt un suflet tandru si gentil, pentru cei care vor să îl cunoască. De obicei, sunt un suflet închis, el se deschide ca o floare in fața celor apropiați!

Sunt un suflet pasional , căci sunt unul tânăr.
Sunt doar un suflet , nimic mai mult , nimic mai puțin, dar sunt unul “de nu mă uita ” !