BUDGET FEASTIN': PARASITE'S RAM-DON (JJAPAGURI)

4:11 PM The internet is exploding and goes crazy after the Oscars and the best picture winner of this year: Parasite. A Korean movie won the trophy and created a wonderful buzz which excites me beyond. 

I have to admit that I watched Parasite shortly after the Oscars, simply because the movie wasn't advertised so much here and I somehow didn't know much about the film itself or the director. With the help of the Oscars it all changed. 

Luckily! 

In general, Korea owns a big spot in my heart, since I am more than in love with their beauty products and certain culinary treats. Korean cinema was a world I didn't know much about, but I'm happy to have finally changed this circumstance. 

After I heard several people giving Parasite massive credit, I decided to have a special movie night with myself, too! The first 10-15 minutes, I wasn't sure if I was wasting my time... but I kept on watching. Soon, I would just smile and feel happy about the movie - it kept me excited until the very end and I had several highlights from this great production running around in my head! 

The day after, I caught myself singing "Jessica, Only Child, Illinois, Chicago..." and I was dreaming about the yummy beef the "housekeeper" was preparing for her boss. 

Oh, that dish looked so good - what was that? - I was curious. 

After a few seconds, Google told me that this is a very popular dish in Korea which mixes a very cheap dinner favorite with some massive expensive Korean beef (you can compare it to Japanese Kobe beef). Ohhh, okay, a sexy Ramen noodles upgrade! I'm down! 

The best thing about this dish is that you don't need many ingredients and cooking this is beyond easy! 

It's time to share a little and new budget feastin' episode with you, celebrating this awesome film and great culture exchange which is so great for anyone who's interested in getting to know Korean culture and society. 

Jaaaa, enough bla bla. Let's get our hands dirty. 

JJAPAGURI (PARASITE'S RAM-DON) 

YOU NEED 1 package Neoguri (Korean seafood + spicy noodles) + 1 package Chapagetti (Korean black bean spaghetti) + 4 Cups water + beef (I used a regular skinny beef steak) 

1. Follow the instructions on the package: heat up a big pot with water and throw in the noodles of both packages.

2. Add the spices to the water so the noodles get a great flavor while cooking. 

3. While the noodles get ready, chop the steak and cook it in a pan over medium heat very shortly.

4. As soon as the noodles are cooked, strain them, but leave about 4 tablespoons of water inside the pot for the sauce.

5. Throw in the cooked steak and add the last remaining sauce ingredients. 

6. Stir well and coat all the noodles and steak with the yummy smelling sauce. 

7. Serve and enjoy!

Ohhh, and the first bite...

Mhmmm...what an experience! Yes, yes, yes! 

I am hooked!!!

Korea - that's why you are awesome!!! 

If you think about it... each of the ramen packages was 0,99€ (how cheap is that!!) and it tastes so silky and smooth as if you cooked this for longer than 20 minutes! It's magical! 

Also, if you ask me, you don't really need the beef for this dish... it's funny, because I would throw in some shrimps before I think of beef, since the Neoguri is seafood flavored and with the beef it tastes like surf'n'turf. 

Dear Koreans, are you eating this with shrimps, too? Who can explain this dish further to me, haha? 

Sometimes, we just have to appreciate our dear movies and creative work more and learn from what they show and tell us. 

I'm happy I watched Parasite and I will definitely buy myself more Chapagetti for future fun!

*Boys and girls, write down the new vocabulary you have learned today: Rind — beef.

GERMAN LESSON #81

Share For A Better World

5:04 PM Hands down, I am so in love with what is happening the last years when it comes to social and humanity awareness. Oh, how much I love a good cause and a very special message behind it. 

Especially in times like this, I believe it's important to spread awarenss and show what is going on around the globe.

There are plenty of issues and I know it's hard to solve all of them in one day, but I believe that we need to shift our focus on all of the issues and work together on them to have a better tomorrow. 

This is only working if we are doing this together! 

Doesn't matter if it's about ocean pollution, equal rights, animal rights, or less poverty - there's a lot of work waiting for us! 

That's why I love finding brands or products which share a message and stand for a good cause which is the best way for us to start thinking about our planet and what we need to do asap! 

I know the struggle is real. Years ago, I started a fundraise to help saving the oceans, I do clean-ups, I spread a lot of awareness, but still I feel like sometimes my voice isn't loud enough. It can be a bit exhausting... 

Getting to know share, was something that brought a big smile on my face in the last couple of weeks! I was actually on the hunt for some water, since I forgot my reusable water bottle at home... I found myself at REWE (a German supermarket) starring at hundreds of different plastic water bottles all lined up...ugh. When I saw the share bottle looking at me. 

I read the description and decided to go with this fella. 

A plastic bottle that is made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles and most importantly: with buying this bottle one supports one day of drinking for people in a special supported project from share. 

It's actually brilliant! Whatever you buy from share is connected to a social and good cause! Supporting water supply, soap supply, distribution of school lunch, the basic needs - from Kenya to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Madagascar, share is here to help the world! 

And I support that!! 

What's even more fun about this brand is that each product you are buying, there's a code on the product itself which shows you what your money actually does right now. 

My water bottle, for example, helped building a water well in Liberia. On the brand's website, one can get to know about that specific project and so much more! 

Today, I am celebrating share and I hope that everyone who goes to places like REWE or DM invest in share products! (yes, share products are not available internationally, but I hope my German readers here read this and feel inspired!) 

Share, what a pleasure it is to explore you and your great products! Thank god for companies like you!

*The water actually tastes fantastic! 🙃

More Mindfulness With Barbie

11:04 AM Today's post is a very special one and I have to say that I was beyond excited to explore more about this to give you the best insight you need! And yes - you need that info! 

I know I never really talk about toys and especially Barbie dolls on OFF COLOR, but when my eyes saw this online, I freaked out! I wanted to share this and I just feel like I have to express my happiness about this product. 

As a little girl, I grew up playing with Barbie dolls, just like most of the girls out there. I remember my mom had a special edition Barbie in our living room which we weren't allowed to play with, but we had a good hand full of Barbies to play and be creative with. 

My sister actually had it all - the Barbie house, the matching car, anything you can imagine! 

I fell in love with cutting Barbie's hair and drawing on her body or face... that was my little Barbie world. 

Soon, I would find other toys to play with to be more creative. 

In my childhood, toys were there to just be occupied and to be wild (yey, to creativity). A little distraction or a special task I had to do when I was annoying my parents... I was happy playing with any of my toys, though, no matter why I was playing with those... in moments like this, I felt free and my imagination was running beyond. 

Who would have thought that 20 years later, toys are actually designed with a special message? I often find myself asking myself and friends how hard it must be to raise kids nowadays. It must be a lot of stress and frustration, especially with technology and special things happening on this planet. It's massive. 

Mental health is a also a big topic which NEEDS to be discussed in an early age and it's important to help kids who suffer early on from depression or other mental health issues. 

I wasn't depressed as a kid in elementary school, but when I started with highschool, I wished someone whould have told me how my mental health might shift and what I can do whenever sadness or anxiety hits me. 

Today I know what was wrong with me or what I really need to do to stay on track! But do kids know that, too? 

Of course we don't want to scare kids or ruin their happiest time of their lives, but I believe that we definitely need the right education with lots of empathy and open hearts. 

And that's why Barbie's "Breathe With Me Barbie" is such a genius idea and I celebrate this beyond! 

Oh, I would have loved to play with this kind of Barbie! Taking this doll with me to my bedroom and put her into my bed when it's napping or sleeping time! Experiencing the best sleep and great methods which keep me calm and healthy. 

Damn, this is the shit! I love it! 

The doll is dressed in a cute lounge wear outfit and through lights and sound you can get to know about meditation. Each of the five practices can help the kids learn and understand about mindfulness and how important it is to unwind and take care of the self. 

Uhh, this is just perfect and I am so excited that there are people at Mattel who bring those brilliant ideas to the table! 

Further than that, I also just discovered Barbie's YouTube channel and I am screaming!!! Did you know about that? Have you seen those videos? I'm shook. 

Please...if you want to teach your kids things on iPads or such, then make sure to include Barbie's YouTube channel! It is beyond brilliant, so realistic, and you can learn so much! 

I will watch a couple more videos now, too, but first, start with these below! 

What a great way to teach the next generation! 

Dear Running #9

10:25 AM I can't believe that my last running related post was last June!!A lot of time passed and I actually thought that my next running post would either way not exist, or it would take a bit longer to write about it again. 

A lot has happened in the last months. 

I was moving to my new place and felt sore for weeks which was the best excuse to not work out! Stress came into my life again and all of a sudden I also realized that my mental health was suffering bad as hell! 

I felt like (I still feel) like this is one of the worst conditions in my life. 

I don't know why it came so far, but I realized that I was on the edge. I was exhausted, I cried all day, I had no energy or I used all my energy for a job which is pretty much turture for me right now. 

I never knew how toxic a work spot could be... but that's a different story. 

With all my ups and downs, I just wanted to turn back time and go back to those days where I felt free and so happy. What was different then? 

It took me weeks to realize it - for all my stress I started to go running! I worked out to let go of bullshit and just feel emotionally balanced! 

Can this missing part be the reason why I can't really live a normal life right now? 

I wasn't sure. 

I thought about my past runs. The times when I followed a strict running routine to practice for my races in Paris. 

I felt happy. I felt healthy. I wasn't eating based on my emotions and I wasn't giving a big fuck about the people around me...

When February came, I sat down and promised myself to show my body and soul a loooot of love this month! 

Then, the day came... it was a really warm day (it's supposed to be winter...) and I was in love with the sky. I just wanted to spend some time outside, so I laced my running shoes and decided to go for a run down in the park. 

11 minutes later I was running. 

I looked around. The park was empty and I wondered where everyone was.... good for me! I ran two big loops, a little 3 mile run, because I wasn't sure how much I can do after such a long break. 

But let me tell you this: I felt amazing! 

It was a big exhausting, since there were many hills on my way, but each step felt like I was getting rid of my ballast. I smiled and enjoyed the sun. 

I'm back.

I'm really back.

Gosh, I missed you!! 

I ended this run with the best vibes I ever felt and I promised myself to be more outside this month! No matter how much stress I got - there are always 20 minutes which can be spent outside! 

My mental health is all that matters to me and if this means that running is my perfect cure which supports my healing, then I will happily put on my shoes and sweat it all out! 

Man, running and exercising is really the best medicine - don't you agree? 

You Should Have A Smoothie Pantry

3:29 PM There was a long and very bloody war between me and smoothies! Ugh, I still got chills from my early beginnings in the world of smoothies. 

A land unknown, but hyped and loved by so many others. 

I am into fruits, but not a big fan of everything that grows out there. I can be picky... 

Plus I don't really believe that smoothies can nourish me throughout the day... maybe I am sceptic, too! 

But things have changed a little. 

I opened up a bit and tried different smoothies and decided to judge after my challenge! The result is that I am really into those, plus I had no idea how different a smoothie can taste and feel like! 

A wave of fresh fruit hitting you. You know that taste? Who needs a chocolate bar when this is the real shit? 

I'm not in this game for too long, so I still believe I need to dig into this a bit deeper, but so far I am so happy about my journey and what I have tasted! (I am always missing out haha...)

If you are the same, just like me, please don't ditch this... be open and try certain things! You might fall in love, too! 

What I don't like about smoothies is actually the seasons and my mood which never really synch. 

In the winter time I always crave the summer fruits, and during summer I am sick and tired of the variety and want more basic and fall-ish things. Yeah, I know, I can grab a bag of frozen desired fruits, but I have to be honest, most of my smoothies are made from fresh fruit - I prefer that more. 

Since I can't really prepare myself for seasonal things, I decided to work against this a little different: I set up my perfect smoothie pantry to always be prepared and mix the best smoothie with whatever I have in my hands. 

A boring banana can be a great smoothie star with the right add-ins. 

It took me a while to add all my favorite and secret ingredients, but now that I have a really small and so supporting pantry, I feel powerful and motivated to create the yummiest smoothies throughout the year! 

Give me any fruit or veggie - I guess I can shake things a little up! ~ 

Okay, so what's good to have in a smoothie pantry? You ask yourself. 
This is how mine looks like: 

• adaptogens: maca, ashwagandha, moringa, reishi, tocos, already mixed blends from Moon Juice 
• nuts: mostly cashews and pistachios 
• superfoods: flaxseeds, chia seeds, turmeric 
• protein powder: vanilla, chocolate, and coconut 
• cocoa
• matcha
• oatmeal 
• coconutmilk powder / coconut milk 
• collagen 
• blue spirulina 
• apple sauce (there are apple sauce mixes like banana and apple or mango and apple...mhmm) 
• nut butter: almond butter, peanut butter; tahini 
• spices: cinnamon, anise, clove, 
• sweet tings: honey, agave, coconut sugar, matcha honey 

I hope I didn't miss anything... 

But just go through the list first....and now imagine your favorite fruits with any of the things from above! You see there are thousands of options to go crazy and create yummy treats! 

My current smoothie favorite would be passion fruit, orange, and tahini! Sounds crazy, but ooooh, so delicious! 

What's your favorite smoothie combination and what's a must-have in your smoothie pantry? 

Taro Latte, You Own My Heart

8:23 PM For today's special lovers and love day, I want to spread a little love as well and just share a little something that comes straight from my heart. 

I am in love with a special someone, but further than that...I am in love with a couple of more things. Food is something my heart beats for heavily. 

I bet you know this feeling, too... 

There's a certain dish you love to eat or you love a certain candy which always makes you smile. 

One thing which makes me super happy lately is my beloved taro. A potato like mild flavored hairy thing which is the perfect base for any dish - sweet or savory! 

I use taro for smoothies, as a side dish, and also as a dessert (that's how I got to know it thanks to Chinese bakeries). 

Today I want to share a special treat which I copied from my favorite bubble tea spot in my neighborhood! Whenever I am in the mood for bubble tea, I always have to get it with taro milk! 

The sweet and purple milk is my highlight and I am so in love with the sweet and slight thick feeling it leaves in the mouth. It's something different, but oh so special. 

Since I don't want to spend 5€ ever other week, I decided to make my own taro latte at home! (You can surely do an iced version for summer here, too). 

It's very easy and a nice treat to surprise friends, family, or lovers for Valentine's Day. 

TARO LATTE 

YOU NEED 2 tablespoons taro purée + 1 Cup milk + a little sugar + purple food coloring if you wish it to be more purple like in the Asian cafés

1. For this recipe, 1 baby taro root is enough. Peel it and cut it into tiny chunks which you will cook in a small pot with boiling water.

2. Wait until the taro is fully cooked and super soft in the inside. 

3. As soon as the taro is ready, remove it from the heat, transfer it into a blender, and blend until smooth

4. Measure two tablespoons of taro purée and mix it with 1 Cup of milk. 

5. After both ingredients are perfectly blended, add a little sugar to balance the startchy taste - you decide how sweet you want it!

6. If your taro wasn't as purple as you wished, you can surely add some purple food color to make it more bright and funky. 

7. Heat up the taro milk mixture in a sauce pan, or use a special milk foaming helper (I used my little Nespresso buddy). If you want to enjoy a cold taro latte, then add some ice cubes and enjoy it right away! 

Three simple ingredients - one special treat! 

I can't drink tons of this, but once I'm in the mood, I sit down and enjoy this with a big smile on my face! Taro is so versitile and so delicious - you have no idea what you can create out of this baby miracle here! 

Have you ever tried taro in your life? 

Spread a little love this Valentine's Day with a taro latte for your special someone (or yourself) ❤️ 

*Boys and girls, write down the new vocabulary you have learned today: Liebe — love.

GERMAN LESSON #80

#Treating Myself: Springbone, New York

9:43 PM Winter is still around, even though the days seem to get a little warmer here and then, plus the sun is also showing its beautiful being a little more. 

The cold mornings and icy breezes are something I totally dislike about winter (I mean who likes this?)... But a little star, shining and sparkling brightly, gives me a lot of cooking ideas when the weather is absolutely not on my side. 

Winter screams for stews, soups, and nice things you can simply throw into a pot and let it simmer or bake for a bit. A soup can really be the highlight of anything, don't you agree? 

I am really in the mood for some nourishing broth this week which makes me totally think of a beauitful memory I created in NYC. 

In general, I heavily enjoy broth and all kinds of warm liquids which make me feel healthy and strong. During a cold day in the Big Apple, I had this craving and I wasn't sure where and how to save this "problem", 

I thought the easiest way might be heading to a grocery spot to find some instant broth or such and just see whatever I can get that tastes like a broth...And then I passed Springbone Kitchen. 

A cute and small place to hang out and eat?!

I liked to cute logo and headed inside. How lucky was I to actually run into the bone broth heaven of NYC? 

Yes, Springbone is the place for super healthy and gluten free food which includes a sexy rainbow of broths and healthy lunches and dinners for every busy NYC bee. 

The Greenwich Village location is tiny and cosy, but it has a very inviting vibe. 

Next to great food like nourishing bowls and a healthy breakfast, there is nothing like this broth selection anywhere else in NYC. 

Chicken, beef, vegan, mushroom, or kimchi broth - dude this is what I am dreaming of! 

I went with a small cup of the spicy vegan broth: seaweed mushroom broth with garlic, turmeric, and hot sauce! 

Say what! 

This combination is the wildest I ever had and oh boy - what an experience! 

This was definitely spicy and more than flavorful! I enjoyed it and it really warmed me up, leaving me with the cosiest feeling! 

When I went back to my hotel, I actually thought of rather staying with a simple broth, since the aftertaste was really strong and longlasting. 

Nevermind... 

This place is a super nice and beyond sweet for the colder months. 

The  meals are affordable and you can really taste how fresh it is! 

Hang out there for a little bit or grab your bites and broth and hike to Washington Square Park... there's nothing better! 

Get all the vitamins and nourish your body! I will definitely come back, Springbone! 

📍Springbone, Greenwich Village, 90 west 3rd street