10.31.2011

October Photography Roundup

October has been a month full of excitement and emotions, one that I will never forget for sure! In spite of moving to Barcelona, I´ve worked hard on my photography business and I´m hoping to launch my official website in November too. Here is what I´ve been up to on En Route this month:

I´ve published some homey, very sweet family portraits I took in Vienna, Austria...


... and some fall inspired outdoor pictures of the same family.

I gave a sneak peek of a beauty session that is still to be published in November.

I´ve shared the results of a very nice birthday gift by a gorgeous soon to be momma.

I loved shooting these two lovebirds who I met last year in Egypt! They came to Berlin for their engagement session and I cannot wait to photograph their wedding in Hungary next summer!

I still had a few images to share from my stay in Dublin with this hot little family including these marina  images...

... and these adorable shots of baby Sebastian.

Kiki´s fashion inspired shoot was so much fun to work on!

While Bonnie´s bridal images are probably the ones that I´m most proud of in my portfolio to date! It was such an honor that these images were featured in Rock n  Roll Bride (one of my favorite wedding blogs!).
Be sure to check out my spankin´new En Route promo video if you haven´t already!

Here is to a productive November! ;)

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10.30.2011

...these are a few of my favorite things...


One of the most annoying things in waiting to find a flat was not having my clothes and stuff with me. I flew to Spain with 20kgs and just the most important things, so I´ve been living in 3 Tshirts, 1 leggings, 1 pair of jeans and one pair of boots for the past two weeks. It also doesn´t make my dressing up in the morning easier that just before I came it was 30C and full sunshine, while the past week it has definitely cooled down and has rained almost every day. I´m longing for my knitted jumpers, my rainboots and my umbrellas, but in the meantime I´m trying the make the best of what I have and hopefully my stuff will find its way to my new closet before the end of the week! ;)

I´d love to wear this today:
1. Joe Browns Snuggly Cardigans 
2. Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Medium Tote in Khaki
3. Paige Premium Denim Paloma Leather Leggings
4. Marc Jacobs Jungle Umbrella
5. and I think it´s time to rewatch Vicky Cristina Barcelona (one of my favorite movies ever)
6. Marc Jacobs Khaki Rainboots 





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10.29.2011

Back to Fitness

Before moving to Barcelona I was finally on the right track with my fitness life. I went to the gym 4-5 times a week and I started to feel some muscles emerging where there wasn´t any before... ;) However, in the last two weeks I haven´t done anything (unless you count running around in the city like a mad woman looking for flats fitness) and I definitely started to feel the lack of it. Yesterday I signed up to one of the prettiest gyms I´ve ever been to and I´m happy and excited to get spinning and kickboxing back into my daily activities! ;) Viva la fitness life! Have a great weekend!


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10.28.2011

My New Gypsy Pad

After 10 days of searching for the perfect flat, I´ve concluded that it´s impossible and I´ve rented the big room next to Sagrada Familia yesterday. It hasn´t been an easy decision but one I had to make rather sooner than later. For the last 10 days I´ve been staying with a friend of a friend who was nice enough to put me up, but I thought I´d only stay 2-3 days so even though they were very nice and understanding, I started to feel like I´m overstaying my welcome. 

Also, the flatsearch has been a rather frustrating process, as I told you before so after 10 days of looking at flats and loosing several because I preferred to look for a better one, I decided that I just have to pick up one for now and I can still change anytime I want in the future... right?

I know most of you recommended the smaller room next to the beach, but there are several, very important reasons why I felt like it was not the place for me. One of the most important contra was that in a tiny room, with a sinle bed (and no sleeping sofas in the living room) I could never had anyone coming over and as I already have 2 girlfriends wanting to visit before the end of the year it was just not suitable. Also, being home most of the day, it is indeed important to have a big room, not to mention I have no idea where I would have put all my stuff in that space. :) (Also let´s admit I´m a sissy and 4th floor without an elevator seemed to be a big climb on a daily basis ;)))

Anyway, my new place is like no places I´ve ever stayed before. It´s a real bohemienne artist space with art all over the place, furnished mostly with flea market finds. It´s not pretty, but very relaxed and I like my new flatmates so let´s see how it will all work out. I´m already staying here, but right now only in the guestroom as I can only move in my room on the 1st of November, but I cannot wait to pimp up the place a bit and share some pictures with you soon! It will be a real DIY and hopefully an amazing transformation! ;)

Stay tuned! 


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10.26.2011

Flathunt

Before coming to Barcelona, I thought that one of the most exciting parts of moving would be the flathunt. I´ve always loved to see other people´s flats and I´ve always liked to play with the idea of finding the perfect flat in Barcelona. My big excitement is slowly turning into a big disappointment though... I´ve been looking for 9 days know, have seen more than 30-35 flats and I still haven´t found what I´m looking for. Or rather I´ve found 3 that I´ve really liked but all 3 has chosen someone else, for the same reason... they preferred someone who is not working from home. Bummer. Other than these three I´ve seen everything there is... dirty hostels turned into apartments for the winter, dark small holes advertised as spacious luxury rooms, 7th floor apartments without an elevator, junkytowns, old retired ladies who rent out rooms... and of course none of these were mentioned in the ad.

I wake up every day thinking that today will be the day that I find my flat! Today I have 2 more appointments and then I have to make a decision as being homeless is just not an option anymore. So far there are 2 that I could probably live in.... one of them is a nice but rather small room close to the beach, the other one is a really big room but in an old, not so pretty apartment close to the Sagrada Familia.... which would you choose? 

Wish me luck! I hope one of the 2 rooms today will be the one! ;)


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10.22.2011

En Route Promo Video


I´m still in flathunting hell mode and spend most days walking around Barcelona like a crazy person visiting 5-8 apartments a day. It´s an exhausting process which didn´t allow me to blog too much this week. So far it´s going great though! I´m getting to know the city, meeting new and old friends, visiting exhibitions and I even saw a catalan play in the theatre! 

To make up for the lack of posts I´ve decided to share my final En Route promo video with you guys. World premiere!!! ;) I absolutely HATE myself on video, but oh well, hello! this is me! I hope you like it!


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10.18.2011

A new beginning....

Among unbelieveable emotions I´ve landed in Barcelona yesterday afternoon! ;) When you want something your whole life, it really can be quite unbelieveable to actually be living it! I still can´t believe I´m here! Half the day I was walking around the city center hummung to myself... "I can´t believe I´m here, I can´t believe I´m here..." and the other half I started searching for my new room/apartment. I thought this would be my favorite part of the process, but to be honest I´m already bored. There are very few available rooms with my specifications, (big room, centric, nice location, cool flatmates... etc) but luckily I´ve managed to find one I like, plus I have 3-4 other appointments scheduled for today... I think by the end of the day I´ll choose my new home! ;) Wish me luck!

My first meal in Spain: a delicious Spinach + Goat Cheese + Apricot salad with an apricot-vanilla dressing in the cool area of Born (possibly my new home ;)

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10.15.2011

En Route Video Peek

I can hardly believe that this is my last weekend in Berlin! This week have been full of packing, arranging, organizing, gooodbyes and nice dinners... and 2 suitcases and 7 boxes later I´m almost ready to go! One of the things I had to cross off my to do list was to sit down with my videographer and edit the mini En Route promo video we shot in Berlin 2 weeks ago. It´s almost finished! Here are a few sneak peeks from the shoot, you can also check out the bridal images I shot on top of this breathtaking penthouse in Berlin on the En Route blog here. Full video coming next week! ;) Have a great weekend!



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10.11.2011

Cooking for Fall: All In Risotto

Now that the temperatures have started to sink heavily in Berlin, I'm craving more and more 'real' warm food, and a simple salad or fruit bowl just don't satisfy me anymore. Last night I had this humungus craving for a risotto and I simply gave in. I tried to stay on the healthy side with lots of veggies, chicken breast and brown rice, the result was simply divine! What I love most about risottos is that you can really use whatever you find in your fridge... this time I used onions, bell peppers and courgette, added some chicken breast and tomato sauce, than finally I whisked in the rice. It doesn't get much simpler than this. Bon Appetite!
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10.10.2011

Moving On

Today, yet again, I started packing up my life. After about 30 minutes frentic clothes throwing I´ve decided that I deserve a break and it´s time to write a post about this whole process. 

I´m feeling all kinds of emotional today... sad, excited, happy, disappointed... everything rolled into one big emotional dumpling which is not so easy to swallow. I´m looking forward to moving to Barcelona more than I could ever tell you but I´m also kinda sad and nostalgic that I´m closing this Berlin chapter of my life. So many things happened in the past 5 years... new friends, new loves, new jobs, new passions... and even though I´ve never been in love with Berlin I´ll surely miss it!

You´d think that I´m a pro in packing by now considering that I´ve moved more than 20 times in the last 10 years but I tell ya... it never gets easier.. all the stuff I have is overwhelming! Sometimes I just wanna throw everything out, pack one suitcase and start really living like a gypsy.... 

Anyway, five massive moving boxes are calling my name so I better get back to them.

Just wanted to say thank you again for all your love and support. It was wonderful reading your comments on my changes post and I was surprised to see how many of you are going through a similar, difficult time in your lives... to all of you.... this is for you!!! Stay positive! Good things are coming your way! I know that my life will turn upside down in Barcelona but I also know that it will be wonderful! I CANNOT WAIT!!! ONE WEEK!

All images /quotes via Pinterest

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10.09.2011

...these are a few of my favorite things...

1. Marc Jacobs - Pretty Nylon Laptop Case 13´ This would be perfect for my Macbook Pro. I have a generic black sleeve, which is defo due for an update!
2. Marc Jacobs Warp Ikat iPhone 4 case As soon as I get my new iPhone 4S this baby is gonna lend in my shopping cart!
3. ASOS Knitted Dress in Aztec Print LOVE!
4. Low Luv by Erin Wasson Gold Plated Aztec Ring Can I have the whole Erin Wasson collection please?
5. House of Harlow Aztec Bangles with Leather How fun would be to wear all these together r even separately for understated cool?
6. BCB Generation Aztec Clutch I can sure imagine myself going out with this beauty!
7. Senso Diffusion Narcisco Wedges Oh how I can see myself roaming the streets of Barcelona in these! Gypsy Perfection!
8. DVF Rochelle PomPom Embellished Scarf So so pretty! Would keep me warm on fall shoots.
9. Urban Outfitters Aztec Sequin Clutch (on Sale!) Partytime!!!

Have a woderful Sunday lovelies! ;)



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10.08.2011

What's in my camera bag?

Happy Saturday Blogosphere! Check out the THEIT Tumblr for a small interview with me on what I carry in my camera bag! ;) Enjoy!

(You can still get a 15% discount by using the coupon code LOVEGYPSY15 for any Theit bags ;))


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10.07.2011

Gypsy*Guide: Washington DC

It´s been a while since my last Gypsy*Guide post, but I´m happy to announce that it´s making a comeback! ;) I´ve never been to DC, but after reading Laura´s mini guide I´m certainly dying to go! 

I´m currently looking for contributors, so of you live in a big touristic city anywhere in the world which has not been feautred yet, have a blog and would like to guest blog for Gypsy*Diaries, holla at me! ;)


Hello Gypsy*Diaries' readers! I am beyond honored to be posting here today, and on top of that to have the chance to brag about my city! No city can hold a candle to Paris when it comes to romance. LA will forever be the city of dreams. And NYC’s streets may never sleep. But if you are searching for the city of eternal discovery, look no further than my nation’s capitol: Washington, DC! I have only lived within the city limits for six months, but growing up a mere 30 minutes away made it feel like the city was my playground. But what I love most about the city is that no matter how many times I have gone out exploring, sightseeing or just wandering around aimlessly, I still discover something new. If you are only here for vacation, you might not have time to discover all of our hidden treasures, so I put together this little guide to DC to make it a bit easier to experience. I've included a mixture of well known haunts and local flavors to try and make sure your trip really encapsulates all that my city has to offer. Enjoy! 

Dining:
-El Centro: My roommate and I just so happened to stumble upon this amazing Mexican restaurant one night when we are out exploring the trendy and hip U-Street corridor and oh my goodness what a find! We had one of the best nights in DC here. The atmosphere is lively and upbeat, the food is delicious and the service is impeccable. Whatever you do, make sure you try the guacamole! It is prepared table-side and is fantastic! 
-Mie N Yu: If you enjoy a restaurant that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the tastebuds, Mie N Yu is totally the place for you! The ambiance of this local haunt is unbeatable. You might even forget you are in DC, as you feel as if you have been transplanted to the Mediterranean the moment you walk in. I recommend reservations if you can plan ahead, as you can then request one of the featured tables. I have only been for brunch, but the lunch/dinner menu looked fascinating as well and plus, when isn't it a good time to dine in an elevated Turkish tent?

-Bodega's: This is rapidly becoming my go-to place for evenings out with friends. If you enjoy tapas, you will LOVE Bodega's. The decor will make you feel as though you have actually gone to Barcelona, and the portions are perfect for ordering several plates to share with the table. And don't forget to pair your tapas with a pitcher of sangria! 
-Hook: I admit that I don't often eat at "fancy restaurants" as it just isn't in the budget yet, but I was lucky enough to enjoy this amazing dining experience with my mom one evening and it left me with a burning desire to return as often as possible! If you are looking for an upscale evening, look no further than Hook. It was possibly the best sea food I have ever had! The chef changes his menu every day, so the menu is fairly compact but you always have a diverse selection to choose from. Considering all six of us that went raved about our plates for days, I think it is safe to say you can't go wrong with whatever you order. Suggestion: The ahi tuna is perfection on a plate! 
-Paper Moon:This Italian restaurant is the perfect place for a laid back evening of fine dining (at shockingly great prices), fantastic people watching and enjoyable conversation. I recommend dining alfresco if you can snag one of the few outdoor tables, but the interior is so cutely decorated that you wont be disappointed inside either. And without a doubt, order the mozzarella pomodoro! It is mouthwateringly delicious. Now I want some...
-Food Truck: No guide to DC is complete without mentioning one of the more fun new ways to dine in the city: Food Trucks! They have become a bit of a game to locals, as they tend to change locations every day and you have to follow them on twitter to find them. The one I am most curious to try out (but have not yet) is the Takorean Truck. I mean who doesn't want to enjoy two cultures wrapped up into one! It is definitely worth the added bit of work to track down one of these trucks to get your meal to go. DC offers plenty of gorgeous parks in which you can enjoy your food truck cuisine! 


Cocktails and more:
-Hotel W: The hotel is not an exclusive to DC, but it offers by far the best view of the city. It is definitely a place to see and be seen and I highly recommend getting dolled up and enjoying a night on the town at the posh P.O.V. Rooftop and Terrace Lounge. I actually just visited this wonderful lounge for the first time during a recent girls night out and we had an absolute ball! 
-Church and State: Sometimes all you want is a quiet, dimly lit room where you can enjoy a well made cocktail with your loved one. Church and State, in the hip U St. corridor, can be your refuge. You will enjoy your classic drink even more when it is served in antique glassware. Oh and did I mention that many of the ingredients are made in house by the bartenders? It is these small touches that give Church and State such charm. There is truly no better place to enjoy the American craft liquor movement. 
-Peregrine Espresso: For the best coffee in the city, you can't beat Peregrine Espresso. These delectable beverages are as delicious as they are perfectly decorated, with foam hearts that make you want to photograph your cup, more than drink it. At least, that is what I wanted to do :) My macchiato was amazing, but you get more bang for your buck if you select the cappuccino. But it really is about what you are craving, as you won't go wrong with anything on the menu! 

-Georgetown Cupcake: Cupcakes are to dining what lace is to spring fashion: incredibly trendy. Though neither are new to the scene, they have both become the "thing" to be seen with. And DC just so happens to be home to possibly the trendiest cupcake locale of them all: Georgetown Cupcakes! The menu offers monthly specials and changes their regular features daily, so your options are always changing. You will never see this store without a line though, so don't bank on the joy of a spontaneous afternoon cupcake, unless you are willing to wait 30+ minutes (that is on a good day, my friends). Instead, come a little closer and I'll share un petite secret of the locals with you: If you order your treat online 24 hours in advance, you can skip the line entirely and be in and out with sweetness in your hand in under 5 minutes. 

Shopping: 
-Eastern Market: I wrote a whole post gushing about this market, but to try and sum it up it represents what DC does best: mixing of cultures! You will find vendors from all walks of life selling items that are meaningful to them. 

-M Street: I might be biased, since the fabulous M Street is within walking distance of my apartment, but I personally think it offers the best shopping option in the whole city. Basically every store you could want is all on this one street. Not to mention, it is in Georgetown which is my favorite area in all of DC! You will certainly enjoy a leisurely day of shopping as you stroll up and down the cobblestone walks of historic Georgetown. 
-Current Boutique: A mix of new and thrift, this store will fulfill all your shopping desires- and the prices won't make you want to keel over (as so many stores in DC can do). 
-Second time around: Although this is located on M Street, I needed to give it its own shout out because I just adore this vintage/thrift store! I tend to wander on in whenever I need a (cheap) pick me up and I never leave dissatisfied! 
-Nectar Skin Bar: If you are in need of top of the line skin care products, or a pampering spa experience you will definitely not want to miss Nectar! I was lucky enough to attend the press preview of this brand new spa, and I have been obsessed ever since. The environment is so warm, cozy and inviting that you may never want to leave! 


Nightlife: 
-Tattoo: Don't let the name scare you- this place rocks! It offers the 25+ crowd (or those younger, like me, who enjoy the 25+ crowd) a clubbing experience but in a bar. That way you wont leave with the headache that I always find myself attracting at a club. Maybe it is just because I'm not a club person, but this bar was perfect for me because I could dance without worrying about being felt up by slimeballs, actually talk to the people I met and still listen to excellent rock-n-roll music! It is a smaller location than most, but you know what they say: good things come in small packages. I mean hello, Tiffany's boxes! 
-Buffalo Billiards: I have yet to visit this awesome bar, but I have it on good authority (aka my bestie) that it is a fabulous place for an evening out, particularly in mixed company. 
-Old Glory: If you are wandering around the city on a Tuesday looking for something to do, you need to get yourself to Old Glory! This BBQ joint hosts a very fun (but challenging!) round of trivia every Tuesday on the roofdeck of the bar and it really is a blast. You can get your social on, while working the ol'noggin at the same time! And you might just see me there :) 
-Mr. Smith's piano bar: If you are looking for a place where you can belt out your favorites right along with the rest of the room while sipping casually on a drink, this is your place! They play all the songs you'd expect to hear at a piano bar and the musicians are always entertaining. The crowd is very typical Washington and the dress tends to be a bit more upscale, even though the pricing isn't. Hey, we dress to impress no matter where we are. 

If I haven't completely overwhelmed you yet with my love for DC, and you think you can handle a little more "come see my city excitement" then check out my list of sights to see. Honestly, DC is so packed with incredible monuments, memorials and museums that even after living here for 23 years (aka my whole life) I have yet to experience them all. You truly can spend forever exploring and find something new each time. It's what I love most about the city. Every day in DC can be different :) But no trip to DC would be complete without a little historical sightseeing, so try and find time to visit at least one of these! I could recommend just about every sight here, but let's just keep it to the truly fantastic, shall we? 

Sight-seeing: 
-Capitol building: Hands down, my favorite building in all of DC. Every time I see it, it takes my breath away. It is majestic and to me, it represents everything America stands for: freedom, opportunity and beauty. (Full discloure: I used to be a Capitol tour guide so I am more than a little enthusiastic.) It is fully worth scheduling a few hours to visit this gorgeous architecture and important legislative hub. For U.S. citizens, book a tour through your congressman as you will receive a much smaller and more personal tour than you will through a tour guide service. 

-National Archives: You won't necessarily find this at the top of many "must see" lists, but I think it would be a shame to leave DC without seeing first hand so many of the documents that made this country what it is today! 
-Ford's Theatre: I grew up going to see A Christmas Carol at this theatre every Christmas. I looked forward to it all year, because it meant I got to wear one of my "twirly" dresses and have my mom do my hair. I guess some people never grow up :) The whole bottom floor is a mini museum dedicated to Lincoln, and the mystery surrounding his assassination in this very theatre. Have a fancy night out and enjoy a little history, mystery and a show! 
-FBI: Come on, what little kid didn't at some point fantasize about living the life of a spy. My family all agrees that this is one of the best tours offered in all of DC. They appeal to all different personality types, and keep you entertained while educating you on one of the most elusive organizations in the world. I would call it a "Don't Miss" for sure. 

I am borrowing a sentiment from Helena here, but it is le parfait way to explore DC- plan some time to just aimlessly wander, with no itinerary in mind. You will likely discover some of your favorite aspects of this beautiful city in that fashion. And remember, if you need a tour guide/shopping buddy/DC enthusiast... I am your girl! 

Bisous! 
Laura


Thanks Laura! Hope to see DC with you someday soon! ;)




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10.06.2011

Photo Props: Chalk Speech Bubble

I truly believe that the key to a great photo session is choosing the right location and having some superb props to have fun with. I've been wanting a chalk speech bubble since forever so I was exstatic when Photojojo sent this one over for me to play with. I can't wait to bring it along for my next photoshoot, but I'm thinking about incorporating it into outfit posts as well! Photojojo is one of the cutest, most fun store on the photo market right now, I would honestly love to own everything they sell! Here are a few of my current favorites:

1. My Chalk Speech Bubble ;)
2. Cute poster, would be perfect in my new room in Barcelona!
3. Fuji 210 Instax Wide Camera - LOVE!!!
4. The Instax Mini Photo album
5. Canon Lens Mugs!
6. iPhone Instant Camera Decal
7. The Dreamy Diana Lens


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