the better option

I’ve been reading Maddies blog dariadaria.com for quite some years now and even though I am far from being vegan or wearing only fair fashion, I have started thinking about the things I’m buying and consuming.  I’m not sure if I could go all in but I think a little still goes along way and it’s better to do something than nothing at all, don’t you agree?

For example, I started washing my hair with products from Lush a while ago. Not all products are vegan but as far as I’m concerned they are doing a great job with fair trading and what I particularly like is that they list the ingredients in a way everyone can understand.  As I mentioned in this post, I am washing my hair only once (during winter) or twice (during summer) a week. I can’t tell you how much time I have to spend on Youtube now instead of washing my hair every other day ;)

See who I like to watch here, here and here

Since I got my acne treaded with Isotretinoin a year ago I try to stay away from chemical creams and serum. I love the brand Aesop. The products might smell funny but work miracles on my skin. At this point I have to admit that they first tricked me with their branding and design but after trying out their stuff I can’t imagine putting anything else on my face. Follow this link for the most hilarious product (that actually works!).

For my body I use only vegan products as for example Lush’s the olive branch and Biokosma’s aloe vera.

Although I am trying to buy “better” products now and do my research beforehand (I like to use codecheck.info), I am not just going to throw all the other products I already own away; I don’t want to waste anything. I’m using them up and then replace them with a better option.

That’s just all about: finding a better option.

Sunday Hike // Schynige Platte

Here comes another Sunday Hike post at you :)

My dad and I parked the car close to the railway station and took the next one up the mountain. It was very hot that day, so #siscothepup sat down on every shadow patch. There is no mountain lake or anything so he had a pretty rough 2-hour hike (he was fine though, he took a swim in lake Thun later that day). The trail is easy and well made with pebbles and big rocks. The wild flowers bloomed and on the very top a nice breeze was blowing. The view of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau was spectacular!

 

 

 

 

Sunday Hike / Lauenen

Sundays are highly celebrated in our family. While I used to hate hiking at a young age I know love our Sunday adventures. Most of my friends like to spend the last day of the weekend at home, relaxing and chilling. That’s why I mostly go on hikes with my mom and dad (and of course, #siscothepup, my parents’ Golden Retriever).

This past Sunday we drove through the famous Gstaad on to Lauenen. Most tourists and even Swiss people only walk around the Lauenensee (lake), but seriously, they are missing out! I have never seen so many waterfalls in my life in one place. Now that the snow is melting and the meadows are blooming the view are even more spectacular! We hiked up 700 meters to the Geltenhütte (mountain lodge), enjoyed a cold beverage and made our way down the rather slippery trail (which was caused by heavy rain fall a few days before). The dogs (#siscothepup and one that my parents took care of for the weekend) enjoyed the hike as much as we did. They loved the snow patches and rivers since it was quite hot that day. The hike took us about 5 hours (with breaks for picture taking) and I would rate it a 8/10!

Travel Diary // New York City

Brooklyn Bridge

On our first day the weather was not too good, but this didn’t stop us from exploring Brooklyn. After a short walk from Nolita we stood in front of the 1883 built Brooklyn Bridge. I find the construction very fascinating with its steel cables and the wooden floor. Did you know that a german engineer designed the Brooklyn Bridge? Me neither! I also didn’t know you actually could see the Statue of Liberty from the bridge and would not have seen it if Sophie didn’t tell me. 

We heard lots of the flea markets in Brooklyn, so we decided to go see one. We were lucky enough to spot a sign right after we got off the bridge. I love vintage/old things, they are so precious and each piece is telling its own story. 

Nolita / Soho

We booked our accommodation with Airbnb and absolutely loved our neighborhood. There are tons of super cute cafes and stores/boutiques. Our apartment was just 10 steps away from The Butcher’s Daughter which was one of our favorite breakfast places. What I love about New York and its neighborhood are the brick stone buildings with the fire escape stairs. There’s also lots of wall art on the streets, especially in Nolita.

Flat Iron Building

It’s built into a corner which is why it’s a triangular form. It’s 22 floor high and used as office spaces. I think to know that it’s one of the most photographed buildings in the world. If you’re in town you should definitely go check it out and since Madison Square Park is very close, go enjoy the beautiful green patch.

One World Trade Center

The One World Trade Center or Freedom Tower was built after the Twin Towers got destroyed in the 9/11 terror attack. It’s the fourth tallest building in the world. What I was most impressed with is the not the height of the new building but the 9/11 Memorial; two pools each one placed where the Twin Towers stood. Each of the victims

Greenwich Village

Even though I liked Nolita I would look for an apartment in West Village next time. I just love the vibe and the people living there! I’m not like THE big Sex and the City fan but I have to admit that the buildings with the stairs leading to the doors are super cute and “instagramable”. Also they have lots of cool cafes and pizza places there. We ventured out to Chelsea for some drinks at the rooftop bar of The Standard hotel. There are also many other locations to have a drink or two J

Top of the Rock

If you want to enjoy the most stunning view of New York you either have to go on a helicopter tour or you can go up on Top of the Rock. I've never seen a city that beautiful from above. The long streets stretching from 

Grand Central Terminal

I have seen the station in so many movies but when I actually stood there I was totally overwhelmed by its beauty. The ceiling is super high and reminds me of the sky. You just need to stand in the middle of the hall and close your eyes for a moment - the feeling you get is incredible. Surrounded by so many people, movment and hectic you still feel alone and somehow relaxed. But of course you should open your eyes for the beauty of this place at some point, ok? ;)

Highline

New York is a huge City but what I noticed is that there are lots of smaller parks next to the enormous Central Park. People of NY love to hang out wherever there is a green patch. As soon as the sun comes out (and even if not so) people would lay in the grass, have picnics or go for a walk. They have a deep appreciation for those comfort places in the middle of the city. The highline is an old tramway which now is a super long walkway with various plants and trees. I love that you can walk uptown and not once have to cross a street or be careful you don’t get hit by a car. Very relaxing and such a great idea!