.SOMETIMES RAW.

Hello and Happy Sunday!

“What is hardest to accept about the passage of time is that the people who once mattered the most to us wind up in parentheses. “Goodnight you princes of Maine, you kings of New England.”

The Cider House Rules was my first novel by John Irving and kept me speechless when I finished it. I love those times when a book keeps my interest and makes me stay up all night to discover more or even finish it. At points I was totally immersed in Homer Wells’s world because of the very persuasive tone Irving used. 

Dr. Wilbur Larch is a physician and director at St. Cloud’s Orphanage in Maine and raised Homer Wells from birth. I first could not believe everything Irving talked about when he explained about orphans, adoption, abortions and certain rules in those times that did apply to troubled mothers who were in need of help – help with illegal abortions, deliveries or giving the babies away to the orphanage for adoption right after birth. Homer Wells, who received his name by Dr. Larch, has been places with families several times; however, something always went wrong and they brought him back to the orphanage. Either he cried to little, cried too much – he ended up back with Dr. Wilbur Larch. 

“Being afraid you’ll look like a coward is the worst reason for doing anything.”

As Homer grew older, Dr. Larch meticulously trained and made him his assistant. Homer learned and understood more and more about pregnancies, which made him eventually stop helping Dr. Larch with abortions. Homer left  the orphanage when a young couple came to visit Dr. Larch to determinate their unexpected pregnancy. They told him about an apple orchard where they work and enjoy life close by the ocean. Initially, Homer wants to stay for a week or two to learn about orchard work and life. He stayed longer to discover himself and the world. [I thought this was odd for Homer to leave with this couple just like that. They just met each other.] Whatever Dr. Larch told him about life in a very old-fashioned way,  did not turn out to be true after all. Homer discovers that there is a lot of evil and tons of temptations and so much more to learn. He figured that Dickens’s Great Expectations, David Copperfield (for the boys) and Jane Eyre (for the girls); the books he used to read to the orphans every night, was the real world. 

Homer discovers love at the orchard and a lot more which makes him stay longer and work at the orchard. When he finds out that the orphanage plans to replace Dr. Larch, who is addicted to ether and is getting too old to perform surgeries, Homer thinks about going back to work as a doctor. What will happens next and will he eventually return to the orphanage? 

Overall, this book is phenomenally written, beautiful, superb, sad at points, moving, tragic and satisfying with extraordinary powerful imagery. I love how Irving makes all the characters interact with each other, how they describe their experiences, reflect, love and discover. 

Get the book here. Not in the mood to read the book? Watch the trailer to the movie if you would like. The movie is fantastic as well. Enjoy and have a great week. 

Hello and Happy Thursday!

A while ago, a good friend (Hi Michaela!) reminded me of the amazing chocolate store in Coburg – Liaison au Chocolat. You like chocolate and browse around to find a lot goodies, this is the place to go in Coburg. I enjoyed a latte and cappuccino with my mom and son (well, he had chocolate of course) on a sunny Tuesday afternoon while we people-watched and talked about so much and enjoyed the moment. Liaison au Chocolat at Steinweg in Coburg is a great place to do just that – even though it is “far” away from the market place. 

Way back when, there was a woman who wanted to show people how awesome life can be. To enjoy life again and live in the moment. In a world full of stress and work, she though it would be nice to give people the opportunity to pay attention to the little things in life that are so sacred and special. She opened a store in Coburg where people have the opportunity to escape from troubles and sorrows and just be to discover many great things . I love this concept. Be HERE, right NOW. 

Birgit Ebert opened Liaison au Chocolat in October 2012 but she is in the chocolate business in Coburg since 1989. You can find chocolates of all kind, truffles, cupcakes, muffin, fresh macarons, coffee (we bought the most amazing coffee to make expresso!) and a plethora of other amazing things. 

If you want to enjoy a cup of coffee or chocolate there is comfortable indoor and outside space available to sit down and relax in peace and quiet. As soon as we entered the café we felt this comfort, familiarity, sympathy and empathy – it was perfect. The owner, Birgit Ebert, is very friendly and helpful. My mom bought one of the expresso machines and Mrs. Ebert gave great advice on the coffee we need to purchase to make the cup of espresso more enjoyable. 

Enjoy the fantastic variety of chocolates this place offers. You find any special flavored chocolate bar at Liaison au Chocolat. I liked the variety of pralines, wines, oils and pasta. Most pralines and chocolates are made by Storath. Other specialties are produced in Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and France. Just dive into the wonderful world of chocolate and enjoy your stay at Liaison au Chocolat. 

Liason au Chocolat

Steinweg 34

96450 Coburg

Tel.: +4996512332565

web: Liaison au Chocolat

Opening hours: 

Monday – Friday 9 am to 6 pm 

Saturday 9 am to 3 pm 

Facebook

Park at: Parkhaus Post: 1 min/120m/1/2 hour 50 cents

Also, find this review on TripAdvisor. 

Remember the movie Chocolat? Whenever you enter Liaison au Chocolat, this is the feeling you get. Enjoy and visit this place! 

Hello and Happy Monday!

I am not into fashion that much. I love basics, simple things and I was always the jeans/T-shirt kinda girl but have something extra nice to wear whenever I go out. French women inspire me – their way of living, style and chic. Whenever I see pictures of french women I want to put my red lipstick on and go out. They always seem so elegant, cool and a bit messy whatever they wear. Just this je ne sais quoi- attitude. I have been to Paris many times and I think this is seriously so spot on. Once you see french style in the streets you will understand why it is so desirable. 

For one, it always seems that they don’t put much work into their outfits, styles and makeup – especially when it comes to their hair. Just put them up in a messy bun and head out the door. Done! Put a little red lipstick and that is it for makeup. It does not look like the outfits are precisely put together but it all works together nicely. Casual, effortless but most importantly easy. And this is what I love. Sometimes I even think they literally just got up five minuets ago. Let’s be honest: When my son was born and was up all night crying, this style worked for me. And I just stuck with it because once I find something works well for me, it stays. 

I would like to share some fashion observations from Paris, Marseille and other cities in France. I copied those from the Frenchies and they rock! First observations: Many women dress like men! I have some dresses and a bunch of skirts that I love to wear but on a whole, I am usually dressed in jeans and T-shirt. When it gets cold outside, I love my beige Burberry Trenchcoat. For the unique french style it is almost essential to leave your hair undone. The combination black blazer and jeans works really well. I like to wear a pair of ballet flats with this. Simple! Actually, I think it is so great to dress up jeans and all denim. I like a regular blue/black or grey stonewashed Levis, white T-shirt, ballet flats, black blazer and my Vuitton. [Invest in one great designer bag – quality over quantity!]

I got my bangs because of a Paris trip with le husband. I have seen this typical french hair style everywhere. Long, usually brunette hair – either messy or with bangs. I am lucky – bangs work for me and I am so happy with them. Only when it gets really hot and sticky, I braid them to the side. I usually skip makeup all together and my skin is so much nicer! No wrinkles, smoother skin and I got this healthy glow back that I tried to achieve before with blush. What I do wear is red lipstick. Red lipstick makes me feel special, neat, feminine and chic. 

French women who’s timeless style inspire me are:  Caroline de Maigret, Garance Dore and Charlotte Gainsbourg. This book I read in one sitting because it was hilarious, inspiring and a classic read. 

Less is more! What is your favorite style?