Linda - Lost in Switzerland

Jan 7, 2012

That post-holiday feeling.....

The first work week after the holidays is done and I must say, I never found it harder to ramp back up again. During this holiday, I managed to get completely relaxed and I didn't have to work even for a minute!! I can't even remember the last holidays I had where I didn't have to join at least one meeting from home, or at least receive a call from someone.... Probably I had forgotten what it is like to really have a break and now, once I've tasted it again, must say, it's the best thing ever!! Hence, the difficulties this week ;))

Some snapshots from the holidays:

Our little village, captured from a walk during Christmas

I went to Morgues for some shopping.... It's such a cute town!

We went to St Cergue for night skiing....only Chris skied. They only had red slopes opened and I was too scared ;))

For a while, the snow nearly melted away completely....

I went running many times and this is my usual view. Gorgeous!

Cheese fondue on New Year's eve

Mom and Kalle, enjoying their first fondue!

....hmmm....maybe more our 100th fondue?? ;)

My mom and I built a snowman....and I namned him Frosty, just like my sweater!

Like mother, like daughter ;))

We visited Lausanne

Where we had some Starbucks.... Gingerbread Latte, of course =p

We also had Raclette

.....and I found this little guy in my cheese =)

We went to Montreaux and had a nice walk by the lake

...and I played some more with my new curling tool from Amika!

With this post-holiday feeling in mind, I left work early on Friday and did the grocery shopping (to have that over with). When I came home, there was a plate of freshly baked cookies at the entrance from our amazing landlords (how great is that?! ...and they tasted divine btw ;))!! I then went for a 6km run while it was snowing (which feels amazing!), came home, did some strengthening exercises, stretched, took a looooong hot bath and then, while waiting for Chris to come home, I cooked pizza for us while sipping on a glass of red wine.....and just when I didn't think the day couldn't possibly get any better, Chris stepped through the door with a bouquet of flowers for me! I am truly blessed.

The cookie plate =p Do you see the two cats?

The before: Heading out for a run in the snow

The after: As soaked as if I had a shower and there is obviously also some steam in this photo =))

The flowers!! Aren't they beautiful? <3

The veggie pizza! This one with tomatoes, fresh garlic, mushrooms, fresh basil and mozzarella..

Now it's Saturday morning and I am trying to mentally prepare myself for what's coming up in a couple of hours..... I am nervous, but excited. My legs feel like jello thinking about it. I am curious to find out if I can really do it. This afternoon, I have a 2 hour downhill skiing lesson!!!! I hope I come back without broken bones =o/ Wish me luck!

I wish you all a lovely weekend!

xox

Jan 2, 2012

Christmas-holiday-movie-mania, part 2

at 10:37 PM

A separation (2011) 3.5/5
A very compelling and interesting drama, played out in what I'd like to call a kind of "cultural, social and religious cocktail", shaken up and served in front of its viewers.
Watch the trailer: http://youtu.be/B2Sswx_vrWk

We need to talk about Kevin (2011) 4/5

Heartbreaking and terrifying!! What if you, already from your pregnancy, feel that something is not right? What if you find yourself barely liking your own child? ...and what if this child grows up, feeling that his own mother, despite her honest efforts, can not manage to love him? Would this make him.....evil? Or can someone simply be born evil? So many questions are raised in this movie and people will debate its answers a long time after watching this... Tilda Swinton is absolutely fantastic! My only "aber" in this movie is John C. Reilly, playing the devoted dad....he just doesn't fit the role.
Watch the trailer: http://youtu.be/TGjjK5SMbJA

Our idiot brother (2011) 3/5

Entertaining and quite sweet, however distances away from that masterpiece I am searching for....but let's be honest, I didn't expect to find it here either ;) I would call this "easy watching". I must say I really liked the differencies between the characthers as it made the whole watching experience surprisingly interesting.
Watch the trailer: http://youtu.be/CfyHY58lqCk

30 minutes or less (2011) No rating.
We took a joint decision to turn it off after 10 minutes or so...which is quite a shame as I really normally like Jesse Eisenberg movies......hmm.....well, this movie is maybe more for teenagers? Anyway, if you are interested, this shouldn't stop you from watching it, but rather take my short comments here as mental preparation ;))Watch the trailer: http://youtu.be/Yh12cKUob_M

The Help (2011) 4/5

Probably the favorite of all the movies I have watched during my Christmas holiday! I loved every second of this well balanced, funny and heartwarming film and I felt truly inspired by it.... It is so hard to understand all of the ignorance mankind has suffered from, and very scarily are still suffering from, and all though this movie is made in a very entertaining manor, it's undertone is really sad and unfortunately, realistic. Emma Stone is brilliant in her role and I also particularly liked the charachter of Aibileen, played by Viola Davis. "You is smart. You is kind. You is important." is a quote that will follow me as a reminder for a long time....
Watch the trailer: http://youtu.be/J_ajv_6pUnI

Beginners (2011) 2.5/5
To be honest, I am struggling to even know what to write. This story was so short of substance that I couldn't help but to finger on my phone during its playing time out of restlessness. The story of the dad who announces at the age of 75 that he is gay is compelling, sure, but I still struggle to understand the purpose.... I will boldly stick out my chin here and say to the critics: "84% freshness rating? Say WHAT?!". All though I am normally a fan of Ewan McGregor's acting, I would have honestly prefered if this story was only about the dad, as it appeared far more interesting than the one of Oliver.
Watch the trailer: http://youtu.be/DFM3AE64bgw

xox

Belated, but here goes: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

at 10:02 PM

So the time has come to look again into that rear view mirror, ponder upon its reflections and at the same time, make plans for the new year, without the help of any magic crystal balls. 2011 was a great year, but something tells me, the best is yet to come....could 2012 be it? For sure, the potential is there.... I can't remember ever having been happier.

Feelings

2011 Since this was a year of many new beginnings, for sure a mix of different feelings! I was feeling a bit of separation anxiety, leaving my old job....or well, that was mainly about leaving the team. I felt very very angry for a while due to some really stupid and also some non fact based comments made by people in my circle of aqaintances. Luckily this anger passed quickly and I simply had to remind myself that everyone is entitled to their opinions and it's not my job or business to change them.....nor will I ever change mine as a result. Other than this, 2011 has been filled with feelings of immense happiness, joy and finally a great sense of calm. I have finally found a place that feels like HOME.

2012 I'm hoping that this year, I will feel as happy as in 2011. I hope this feeling of calm stays....

Holidays

One of my favorite shots during our trip to Camogli in Italy

2011 We started 2011 by spending 2 glorious and relaxing weeks in the Dominican republic where we got PADI Open Diver certified. We also went to Rome in April, Sweden in June, had a fantastic diving weekend in Camogli (Italy) in August and went to London just recently.

2012 So far, only 2 weeks of fixed holiday plans! We will go for 2 weeks to Sweden in end of July with Chris's youngest sister and her boyfriend and we are sooooo excited about this trip!! We will probably "travel around" for one week and stay in the archipelago in a little house by the sea for one week. On top of this, we are talking about several destinations and timings, but nothing is set yet..... It's a kind of blank page ;)

Life changing events

2011 As loosely predicted in last years new year's update, indeed I left my previous company for a new opportunity and moved to the other side of the country.....this was certainly life changing! Not sure if more is needed here? ;))

2012 I think I prefer to leave this one blank for now. Let's see, shall we?

Meetings

2011 No mind-blowing meetings in 2011 that can compete with my dinner with Paolo Coelho in 2010. On the more personal side though, I have to say I have met some really really lovely people this year (some who I now am really lucky to call good friends).

My cute little niece, Cindy, cuddling with her grandmother (my mom), Anne

2012 The only meetings I am really dreaming about is the ones with friends and family. I really really miss my friends from back home and hope that this will be a year where we have more time to see each other. I am especially looking forward to see my niece/goddaughter again!! She has grown soooo much and is now both running around and talking!! On top of this, I might have the pleasure of hosting one of my blog friends, Maddie, for a week this summer =)

Blog happenings

2011 Well.....not really a "happening", but I made some revealing posts about myself this year, hoping to make people realize that you can never judge a book by its cover and got an amazing amount of reactions from an amazing amount of people.....all positive actually. There were 2 posts, where the first one was deliberately provocative and probably the most difficult post to publish of all my blog posts. The second post is in my top 10 in terms of number of unique visitors.

1: http://linda-lostinswitzerland.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-most-annoying-post-ever.html

2: http://linda-lostinswitzerland.blogspot.com/2011/07/other-side-of-coin.html

2012 Am hoping to finally be able to post a long promised interview with one of my favorite singers....let's see. I know she is incredibly busy so am not keeping my hopes too far up on this one. Maybe I'll jump on board one of those blog challenges again if I have enough time and I'm also hoping to do another series of guest bloggers.

I chose this picture to represent my new job as it so frequently brings me to

Professional achievements

2011 Got a new, great job!

2012 My professional aim for this year is simply to do my very best! No plans to change anything this year.

Music

2011 If I were to pick a few highlights, I'd probably go for:

Hero by College/Electric Youth

When I'm alone by Lissie

Paradise by Coldplay

Take it from me by The Weepies

First by Lucy Rose

Set fire to the rain by Adele

Rain by Patty Griffin

Trouble by Ray LaMontagne

....and I also rediscovered 3 of my old favorite songs:

Cup noodle song by Pineforest Crunch

Crash by The Primitives

Maniac by Michael Sembello

2012 Lucy Rose is working on her new single and I am very very keen to hear it. Am also looking forward to hearing something new from Ingrid Michaelson and/or Rob Thomas!!

My first time downhill skiing EVER! In this pic, a veeeery shaky Linda ;)

2011 Projects...hmm....well maybe I could mention the 10km run I did during the Lausanne marathon? I started running in September and since then, I have been running 138km's. Fantastic feeling to track and measure each run (I LOVE the Runkeeper app!!) and to feel ones fitness steadily improving.

2012 Am really hoping to take some downhill skiing lessons as I only started skiing in 2011 and so far only went a few times and I am truthfully really really scared when it gets a bit steap, but have as a goal to ride down blue slopes without fear this year.

Movies

2011 As always, I have watched plenty of movies. Didn;t find a new Pan's Labyrinth but I really loved Barney's Version, Inception and Arrietty the borrower.

2012 Among many others, I can't wait to see Hugo, The Hunger Games, The Descendants, The Hobbit: An unexpected journey and Disney's Brave.... Am also reeeeaaaally keen to see all of the movies on my amazing xmas gift, "Studio Ghilbli collection box" =p

Foods

2011 I've had a record number of Cheese fondues in 2011 and soooo much nice Italian food after many many trips to Italy this year (2 Italian trips on a private level and countless business travels).

2012 Honestly? I can't wait to go to Sweden this summer and eat all of my favorite foods! Am also looking forward to cooking more at home this year now that we finally have a nice kitchen!!

To finish off this post, I would like to wholeheartedly thank you all so much for your support during 2011! YOU are what keeps me motivated to keep this blog alive and your comments mean the world to me.

HAPPY 2012!!! May this be the year when all your hopes and dreams come true ♥

xox

Dec 31, 2011

By request, here is my Gingerbread Cupcake recipe

at 11:08 AM

Gingerbread Cupcakes, 12-16pcs.
250g butter (chopped)
1 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups white flour
¾ cup milk
1 tablespoon milk
0.5 teaspoon Cloves
0.5 teaspoon Ginger
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
Sprinkles or other decorations of your own choice

Gingerbread Cream Cheese Frosting
200g cream cheese softened
200g butter (room temperature)
3-4 dl's of powdered sugar
Crushed Gingerbread cookies
2 teaspoons of vanilla

Directions:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Place the cupcake liners (this recipe made roughly 20 Cupcakes) on the baking tray.Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, until pale and creamy.
Add the eggs, one at a time and also beat in the vanilla, spices and milk.
Lightly fold the flour into the creamy mixture.
Layer the batter in the liners gently.
Bake in the lower part of the owen for around 20 minutes and then place them on a wire rack to cool for about 1 hour.

Now make the icing in a small bowl. Start with grinding the gingerbread cookies into tiny crumbles. Then add the rest of the ingredients, mixing them all together with an electric mixer and pipe it onto your cupcakes.
Finish off with your desired decorations..... Voilaaaaa!

xox