Photo*Friday

Say hello to a new regular feature on Gypsy*Diaries, called Photo*Friday. I'll keep Gypsy*Friday for travel related articles, but I'll alternate the two depending on the content I have for you on the given week. I'll share some of my recent photography works with you on these Friday features and I'm hoping to get some honest feedback from you as you've been extremely helpful in the past. So come on peeps, let me hear it! :)

This series was for a friend who asked me to take a few nice pictures of her in the studio. While we had a very short time I quite like some of the results. Thoughts?

P.S: Don't forget to enter the 2011 tote giveaway! You have until 9pm CET tonight! ;)

11 for 11

I know, I know, I know... everyone is bored to death with everyone's New Year Resolutions lists, goals and bucket lists (or the lack of those) but I felt like I needed a few days to reflect on the last year and set the goals, resolutions for the new year. I admit I looked back on my list from last year and I didn't even manage to reach half of my goals but hey... c'est la vie. :) Better try and fail than never have tried!

1. Become a real life Photographer - My single most important goal for 2011. I have quit my job and as the 1st of March my only real responsibility will be to learn, shoot and live my dream. I feel blessed and incredibly fortunate for being able to have this time to give it a shot and I'm hoping that by the second half of the year I'll be able to have a weeny tiny company on my own, earning money for something I love and passionate about. I'm going for it!

2. Get back in shape - If you've been reading my blog for some time now you might recall several detox, health, fitness attempts and I'm not saying I have not been successful, but truth to be told, in the last couple of months I've really fallen off the health bandwagon, which I can see and feel more than I'd want to admit. I have been really stressed with work, school, photoshoots, moving to another country... etc and my health and fitness have been pushed to the back of my priority list. I have a number in my head which I want to reach, and I have been really really close to it a few months ago and I'm ashamed that I did not make it in the end. I'm kind of angry and fed up with myself. No more excuses, no more chocolates, no more late night pastas. Who knows where my gym card is???

3. Become a better blogger - Blogging and connecting with people all around the world brings me more joy than I'd have ever imagined, however I did not have enough time or resources to develop my blog and keep in touch with all of you as much as I wanted. With eliminating my boring office job from my life, I'll be much more available and hopefully more interesting for all of you! ;) I want to develop more original content, at least 2 outfit posts a week and hoping to answer more comments and emails than I did until now!

 {Tshirt via Blog*Couture}

4. Bring out the kitchen Goddess - I'm no housewife extraordinaire and I'll never be, however I do want to cook healthy meals and I do want to experiment more with baking delicious treats for friends and family.

5. Be more patient - do I need to explain? :)

6. Become fluent in German - after living in Germany for more than 3 years I could easily go grocery shopping or complain to customer service about my internet connection, however I don't feel like I'm able to make deep conversations with people not to mention that my writing is terrible... as I'm moving back in February I'll put learning German on top of my to do list as well! :)

7. Create a real home - AC and I have been living in temporary flats for the last 2 years. In fact we have never had a real home, a love-nest or any sort of space of our own to be proud of. As we've been constantly moving around, it was not possible, but now that we're hopefully settling down in Berlin again, I'll be sure to put more time and effort into having a real, cozy home that we can call our own.

8. Only buy things I love - It's especially around this time of the year, when sales kick in that I can get easily distracted and buy things I don't need, I don't love and will probably never wear. This is something that needs to get changed... less is more. (I'm also planning to start the 30 for 30 challenge real soon! :)

9. Have at least one date night a week -  This is something that we were trying but have soon forgotten last year. Keeping the sparkle alive is crucial and I'm planning to bring regular date nights back!

10. Read more books - I have about... 10... maybe 15 books on my shelves that are waiting to be read. Less movies, TV series and more books for 2011!

11. Appreciate the little things - I am very fortunate to have a healthy family, a boyfriend that loves me, friends that stay friends even if they're a million miles away and a newly found passion and excitement for my life and my future. I need to take a moment to remind myself how lucky I am and I need to be able to appreciate the little things more openly and let go of the bad things quicker.

Voila. This is my goal/resolution list for 2011. I have big hopes and big dreams and I hope to get rid of everything that has been holding me back while enjoying and living my life to the fullest! For the very last time.... HAPPY NEW YEAR... make it a great one! :)

{List layout via Design*Sponge}

On a date with Peter Lindbergh

{Blazer, Skirt, Bag - Zara, Tights - H&M, Top - Mango, Hat - Primark, Jewelry - From Travels}

While I'm spending a few days in Berlin I decided to take advantage of the amazing chinese food fabulous art and design the city has to offer. One of my favorite photographers, a true German genius, Peter Lindbergh is showcasing his work and I had to see it for myself. Lindbergh is famous for his coolly remote fashion photograph of Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Madonna and basically almost all female celebrities on Earth. He is one of the reason why I'm in love with black and white photography. 

„What's so striking about black and white photography is how it really helps a sense of reality to come through.“ – Peter Lindbergh

One of my New Year resolutions is to visit more museums and art events... (the full list is coming soon!) they are just so cool!!! :)

2011 Tote Giveaway

I thought there is no better way to celebrate the new year and say thank you for your love and support than organizing a little Blog Couture giveaway. All you need to do is follow Gypsy*Diaries and leave a comment below telling me what are you most looking forward to in 2011. For extra entries post/tweet about the giveaway and leave a seprate comment for each! The giveaway runs until Friday 9pm CET and is open to everyone worldwide!

Good Luck Babes!

Off to a good start!

After a magic snowboarding holiday in Italy, I'm back to reality! 2011 really could not have started any better. I was snowboarding with friends, enjoyed the beautiful sunshine in the Alps and watched the most beautiful sunset ever over the mountains. After all the snow fun we've indulged in a secret little spa and ate our weight in pasta for dinner! I have huge expectations and just know that this year will be amazing! HAPPY NEW YEAR Babes, cannot wait to share this year with you!

P.S: Sorry for the awkward iPhone picture.... I was having so much fun that I even forgot to pull out my real camera... oops :D