liv+dave=

Off to Germany + Family time in the cold

2012-02-02T09:06:00.000Z

Today we are off to northern Germany to visit the family for a week and then for a long weekend to Berlin to visit friends. The temperatures just dropped drastically:
Winter is now really here and my hands and feet constantly cold an numb.
I am still looking forward to this trip. We will be back with photos soon.
Have a great time everyone.
image via guardian

Happy Birthday Brunch to me!

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000Z

It was my birthday this week.
Happy 28 years old. I am so excited about this year.
We went for delicious dinner at Yum Yum and David got me a beautiful Journal to write down all my thoughts and ideas, dreams and goals.
On Saturday I invited with all our friends at The Happy Kitchen and we had amazing pancake brunch and good coffee.
Thanks to everyone who joined, for all the nice birthday wishes and all the beautiful gifts.
It was an amazing day.

P.S: Thanks to the girls at The Happy Kitchen for my birthday muffin and the good service.

The museum of childhood

2012-01-22T16:41:00.002Z

Last Sunday we went for a long walk to the Museum of Childhood.
It was wonderful how we got all these memories back as soon as we recognized toys that we owned or the ones that we always wished for.
There were toys from the beginning of times and it was very inspiring.
On our way back we discovered a few new shops with amazing interior.
And now we are back to the future and it's my birthday week.
I just turned 28- time flies.
I am looking forward to this weekend of celebration.

Happy 2012: here is to a wonderful brand new year

2012-01-04T15:45:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a great start into the new year.

2012 is going to be great and will for sure bring on some exciting changes in our lives.

My little new year resolutions include being colorful.
In general I am trying to be more graceful and grateful.
I will do my best to inspire and support my friends and family.
I hope to make people laugh even more than the year before.
Also I won't being too hard on myself and accept that my best will always be enough.
And we will no longer throw clothes around in our room, which was Davids brilliant idea.

What are you up to this year?

Happy Christmas

2011-12-29T21:43:00.000Z

We are still not able to move after 3 days of delicious food.
On Christmas day we had our friends over for dinner incl. 2 dogs.
It felt so good just being lazy and eating and watching movies.
These days were much needed.
David is now specialist in napkin folding and I made my first nut-roast.
We spent some family time on phone and skype and it was good to catch up with them.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas time and we wish you a Happy New Year.

Getting ready for Christmas

2011-12-23T23:57:00.000Z

Christmas is almost here.
And last minute we got round to get the house decorated.
We had only one day off together to get everything done.
What a wonderful day. Brave shopping with the crowds at the markets and supermarkets.
And then bringing all the treasures home, listening to Christmas music, slurping Golden Milk and dancing around the house in pyjamas.
I bought a mini alive christmas tree in a pot that makes me very very happy.
I really can't wait. We are going to host a Christmas dinner for our friends and it looks like everything is prepared. It's so cozy...
Happy Christmas everyone!

A very nice Sunday Yoga Date

2011-12-08T18:54:00.001Z

A perfect Sunday in Winter goes like this:
Sleeping in, wrapping up in scarfs, gloves, hats,coats and boots, going for a muffin and coffee, exploring and walking around, taking photographs, grabbing a fresh food from a market, doing yoga, going for a pizza!
Last Sunday we went to Camden, David has never been to the crazy Camden Markets before.
It's certainly not my most favorite part of London but sometimes it can be fun to watch the colourful and weird crowds over there. I wish we took some more pictures of our day...
We grabbed some great food and coffees before we went for a great Kundalini Yoga session, which was Daves first ever Yoga class. I am glad he joined and can't wait to go again.
What does your perfect winter Sunday look like?

P.S: Check out my make up tutorial for the brand-new Dashing Magazine here.

Christmas Cookies and Chai for dinner x instant Christmas mood

2011-11-21T18:40:00.001Z

Today a magic little box arrived in the post. This box made my day, my dinner and put me into an instant Christmas mood. A Christmas Goodie Box from home.
Mum sent 2 advent-calendars (one for Liv, one for Dave), chocolates, espresso, yogi teas, a huge jar of homemade jam, homemade beeswax candles, and homemade Christmas cookies.
Now these cookies are very special. It's a recipe from my grand-grand-mother "Oma Frieda" who was the coolest Lady on the planet. So these cookies are the best in the whole world. And the smell and taste will always remind me of her.
It's so cold here in London, and Dave is in Hong Kong for three days.
Cooking for 1 person is boring and I am super busy with make up artist work.
So I had Christmas cookies and chai for dinner. The perfect winter treat.
Thanks Mum for making my day and my dinner even though we are living in different countries.

a summer in lightspeed + a royal wedding memory

2011-11-13T22:19:00.001Z

This year has gone in light speed.
It feels like the royal wedding has only been yesterday.
We had an early summer here and the best time on a local street party for the Royal Wedding on Wilton Way.
I never got round to post the stunning photos of that day. It was a very special atmosphere.
Everyone was dressed so beautifully and was celebrating the extra holiday that we got here in Britain.
Love was in the air.

Then summer stopped for almost all July and August to surprise us back in September.
And now it's already Christmas time. I am packing a little Christmas box over to my family in Germany.
And my Mum sent homemade beeswax candles and an advent-calendar.
I could go to that wedding party again. Thank you Dave for taking the best photos.

Bonfire Night + Cozy time at home

2011-11-07T22:58:00.001Z

It's been Bonfire Night this weekend.
I am so glad we went to see the fireworks twice last year,
(they were so amazing and so were the traditional toffee apples!)
The huge fireworks in our local park along with quite a few others in London were cancelled this year.
I just had a look at all the photos we took last time-and remembered how much fun it was.

It has been a rainy weekend and it was perfect weather to just stay in, snuggling and having great food at home.
Dave's homemade banana pancakes are the best! Sunday we made oyster-mushrooms and eggplant in a redwine sauce on potato-mash. I decided that if our careers shouldn't work out anymore one day, we could open up our own little cafe/bistro...
Other highlights of this week have been dog-sitting Boston Terrier Chad one night and watching loads of inspiring animal documentaries.
Dave is off to Tokyo for a business trip and I am preparing editorial make-up designs for some upcoming photo-shoots.
What was your highlight of the week(-end) ?

busy buzzing season is here

2011-10-31T13:56:00.000Z

Bye bye Summer, see you next year! I can't wait.
London is back to busy buzzing, Summer is definitely long gone.
I have a feeling the next months are going to be crazy.
Dave will have to go on several business trips and I got many exciting make up projects and photo shoots coming up.
I am really looking forward to this, somehow I always work so much more in Fall/Winter.
Alhough we have both been working seven days, I am grateful we fitted in a lovely evening with friends in the pub in and went to our brand-new local cinema on Sunday night. And here is to another week of madness...
Are you feeling busier this time of year as well?

The happy kitchen + pizza east and a writing session

2011-10-24T22:32:00.005+01:00

This weekend we had off together, which is something special since I am working as a make-up artist. I really needed this charging time after a full on week. Just hanging out, going out for fantastic food, sleeping in and making plans. David is the best one to hang out with. We had incredible vegetarian breakfast at the Happy Kitchen and after a long walk in the cold sunny autumn air went went for really good Pizza at Pizza East. It's Monday and I am somehow still feeling stuffed...
After a long skype chat with Daves family on Sunday morning we took our pens and papers down to Cafe Oto and wrote our Statutory Declarations about our relationship for the Visa application. It was actually really nice to think about how we met and how far we have come already together. It feels so good to make plans. Thanks for the sunshine October, I enjoyed it a lot.

Circus Swing + Cupcakes: Gabby Young And Other Animals

2011-10-17T18:42:00.001+01:00

Last week we were invited to see Gabby Young And Other Animals live.
Because Gabby has been wearing my dresses on stage at her Europe tour, her outstanding stylist Katie Antoniou invited us to the fabulous show, along with a few other London based bloggers.
I can't thank her enough for the wonderful night, and how well we were looked after.
(Including cupcakes and lemonade! Yes, it felt indeed like a kids birthday party: Playful and magical )
We had the best time. I was so deeply impressed with Gabby's voice and her personality.
Gabby was classically trained before being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in her early twenties. After recovering she continued her musical career, establishing her own record label, Gift of the Gab records as well as her own genre of music;
'circus swing'. She is truly inspiring.

It was one of these concerts you are going to and you are feeling all warm and fuzzy inside afterwards, do you know what I mean?

Thank you, David for the best company, for claiming my camera back from security and for taking the great photos.

pumpkin salad x pumpkin dress : paperwork

2011-10-13T16:28:00.001+01:00

Autumn is here.
It's time for dinner with friends, green tea and Korean cookies.
Pumpkin time. Apple pies. More sleep. Making plans. Wearing tights, socks and hats.
It's the time where the cold air makes my morning coffee taste like a soya-milk-froth-cloud-heaven again.

We had our friends Sadie, Susan, Chad and Halina over for a big Autumn dinner on Saturday.
Susan brought the cutest little sweets from a Korean supermarket.
Sunday was lazy time, staying in bed extra long and browsing around at vintage shops and markets.
Sadly I forgot to charge the battery of our camera = no photos of the weekend. Bummer.

In the evening we got all productive. Finally we sat down and started planning our big move to Australia.
One more year in London and loads of paperwork to do for my Visa.

I already made my decision: I will be happy where-ever or when-ever we'll go.

Happy happy birthday + Apple Pie In Panties

2011-10-06T20:43:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday Week, David. I am having the best time.
Making you an apple pie from scratch with vanilla ice cream and after we ate the whole thing the day before your birthday, we made another one
after our birthday dinner. Together. At midnight, Tipsy.
Warm homemade apple pie is the best. Eaten in bed, with fingers.
And then doing a silly dance in pyjamas to your beat-boxing.
You are the best. I love you. Happy happy birthday.

Our Hood: Farm Shops + Roof Gardens

2011-10-02T22:32:00.000+01:00

The pictures are all taken by David here in Dalston.
This has been warmest and sunniest week of the year and it is Dave's Birthday week. October and 29 degrees- incredible. (Birthday post to follow!)
Every free minute we spent outdoors, at the Dalston Rooftop Park, nearby Pubs or the Park.
I really like our hood, there is so much happening and constantly evolving here.
The Farm Shop, Cafe Oto, The Arcola Theatre, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden...
Every time we are walking down the high street we are discovering new independent businesses, like amazing hairdressers, little boutiques or restaurants.
It is so good to be here right now. And a big thank you!!!! - to all the people that work hard and creative to make this place so beautiful and our home.

vintage race cars + window gardening

2011-09-28T23:29:00.000+01:00

It's been a wonderful weekend. Summer is unexpectedly back to London, and we spent loads of time outdoors. I did a fun make-up job on Saturday and worked with the brilliant young fashion photographer Claire Huish, who already sent me a little preview of our work. I am looking forward to seeing the real pics.
We shot with an vintage Bugatti from the 1920's. The next day we saw so many special cars, it somehow became the theme of the weekend.
Sunday morning Dave made his famous pancakes with maple syrup for breakfast, we got our coffees at Cafe Oto and discovered an amazing garden centre in our hood.
A few pots and a bag of dirt later, we went for a big walk in the sunshine.
We can't wait to have our own garden one day, for now we did some window gardening and re-potted our plants.

after fashion week ≥ comes design week

2011-09-22T22:55:00.000+01:00

After being out to several Fashion Week events in between make-up jobs ( I will follow up later!), we went to the Icon Magazine party as part of London Design Week last night. It was one of the first chilly nights here in London and I needed to bring my fluffy coat to keep cozy at the outdoorsy venue in Shoreditch.
I loved the whole lighting design at the event. They created a huge white wall with blank magazine covers so the that the guests could show their artistic skills and illustrate them with paint, markers and pencils: Dave went for it.
I was really excited about the Lego landmarks we found in our goody bags. I haven't had a play with Lego for about 20years. Hungry after all the playing around we went to our favorite Vietnamese Restaurant Viet Hoa on the way home.

mexican food in chinatown + antique market

2011-09-18T22:39:00.004+01:00

London lately:
We had amazing pancakes for breakfast at The Elk In The Woods in Islington.
I am still not used to English breakfast and prefer sweet over savory in the morning.
Afterwards we went to the antique market. There is way too much too good vintage jewelry out there.
I fall in love with the golden sparkly pieces every time.
The other night we went out to a drumming performance held at the Acne store in the city.

It was such a rare warm night that we kept walking through the streets of Soho afterwards and went for delicious Mexcian food for dinner.
Warm summary nights are the best! Thank you September, for being so mild and sunny this year.

Kew Gardens AGAIN

2011-09-04T18:26:00.001+01:00

We took a lot of pictures so here it is: Kew Gardens Part II
I realized how good it feels to see some green and getting some sun.
This summer has been very English so we hardly spent time outdoors.
Another reason we are talking more and more of moving to Sydney.
Nothing is officially planned just yet. And our friends fear already loosing us.
I know I want to stay at one place soon. As much fun exploring is with every move you leave a few friends behind and a lot of personal belongings as well.
You start from zero and a half with every move and I feel like building something.
I can't wait to have a garden one day.
But for now we are here, in London and I am happy.

A day in Kew Gardens

2011-09-04T16:05:00.001+01:00

On (Bank Holiday-) Monday we spent the day in Kew Gardens.
It felt like being on holiday.
We took plenty of photos and had amazing food.
I would love to move in to the Palm House a 1862 built glasshouse with victorian metal works, that contains a tropical jungle-
Mhmmm so nice and warm and humid in there.
The whole park was full off inspiring forms and structures.
So many fascinating plants, that we have never seen before.

Dave is back! Pancakes in bed thanks to jetlag

2011-09-01T00:00:00.003+01:00

Skype, text and phone is just not enough...
I had 2 wonderful weeks (except the riot action) but I am so very happy that Dave is back!
Wednesday morning I got up before 5 o'clock to pick David up at the airport.
We stayed there for about 2 hours having coffee and breakfast and just catching up-
there was so much to tell.

Thanks to the time difference he is top fit early in the morning and saves me breakfast in bed every day.
Mhmmm these apple pancakes and rice puddings, and porridge.

( I've been cooking dinner, when he could hardly keep his eyes open after work)

Jetlag can be a good thing. Smoooch!

Liv is home alone + riots in London : Dave is down under as best man

2011-08-14T22:25:00.000+01:00

It's been a crazy week.
Monday night when Dave left for Australia to attend his brothers wedding, the awful riots in London took off.
Not only wasn't I able to join him because I couldn't get time off work now also this.
Being home alone while our city and neighborhood got smashed and set on fire.
I didn't sleep Monday night, I was too scared and anxious and kept up watching the news.
I couldn't believe what I saw.
Next day everyone got sent home early from work, all shops and businesses were closed and locked up with wood in front of their windows.
Like a ghost town.
That night I just wished I would have been on the plane with Dave, who also couldn't enjoy his flight being too worried. Our house is still standing up and I didn't got directly effected.
But it was a scary experience.
I felt I just wanted to leave this place-
reviewing what happened I have to say it was actually great to see how people stuck together to clean the city up and how supportive everyone was towards the people who lost there homes and businesses.
You could feel that there are so much more positive productive people than negative destroying ones.
By now everything is pretty much back to normal, only that the city is still full off police.

I miss you David!!!
It's still 9 way too long days to go.
But the 1st crazy week is over. I am thankful for that.

A weekend full of fresh homegrown food, fresh air and wind turbines.

2011-08-12T21:34:00.000+01:00

Family visit! A long weekend in northern Germany! Meeting my parents!
A weekend full of fresh homegrown food, fresh air and wind turbines.
Beside freezing 16 degrees and my severe cold that I just got in time for our trip, we had a great time.I was busy translating because Dave doesn't speak German and my Mama's English isn't that fluent either.
They both did extremely well and it made me very happy to see that everyone was getting along.
And I finally saw my little dog Leni again, who stayed with my Mum when I moved to London.
I miss her so much and it was good to her that happy, she is loving the countryside.
Even though the weather wasn't summery I showed Dave around and drove him out to my favorite beach and got him to taste some traditional dishes.
In no time the weekend was over and packed with strawberry jam from Mamas garden we went back to London where it was surprisingly hot and sunny, so that we had dinner on our local rooftop bar.
It's good to be back!

Another Chap Olympiad!

2011-07-19T23:11:00.001+01:00

I can't believe it's already July and the last Chap Olympiad was a year ago.
Although the weather has been horrible and we have been hiding underneath an umbrella for several hours, trying to save our food and picnic blankets from the pouring rain, after six o'clock the sun came out and we eventually had a blast.

back to dirty dalston...

2011-06-30T00:30:00.000+01:00

The move was exhausting.
Our man with a van let us down, so that I ended up lifting a lot of the very heavy things with Dave.
My legs are still covered in blue-purple bruises.
But we made it. I am already in love with the new place!
Nice brick walls, high high ceiling and loads of light and huge windows.
Finally the internet is set up and the place gets better every day.
Today Dave is on a business trip in Amsterdam and I tried my best to give the place some love with new plants and further unpacking.
See above how Dave built up an Ikea wardrobe in middle of the night after a party.

More pictures to come when we are settled in.

3 weeks in Angel

2011-06-29T23:39:00.001+01:00

We had to move twice!
Our new flat is available 3 weeks later than we need to leave our old flat.
So all our stuff (yes we do have loads!!!) went into storage for three weeks and we lived in a friends house in the beautiful Angel neighborhood for three weeks.
It was almost like a little holiday. I went to Yoga classes in the evenings, and we went out to a lot of nice restaurants in the area.
We even had a little outdoor patio area and 2 cats in the house.
Aw...it's so nice to live with pets.
The pictures above we took on the last morning in Angel, after we packed our all stuff to move back to Dalston.
We were happy and excited. That was before we knew that our man with a van will be letting us down that day...

interviewing dozens of potential flatmates + busy buzzing x missing good times in OZ

2011-05-23T23:13:00.001+01:00

Finally we have found a great place & potentially great flat mates.
I have a good feeling that the new place is a step closer to my dream home.
News are: Dave's brother and his boyfriend will be moving to London in spring next year!!!
While we were speaking more and more about moving to Sydney.

Probably not so soon anyway. London is an exciting place, but can sometimes also really get on our nerves.
The weather the constant rush and the snobbery...
But then we have great friends here and soon a really nice flat and there is so much to do and to see and it's full of inspiring people.
Lately we have been uber busy with moving planning.
On rainy rubbish days I do miss Australia though and wish I could beam myself there from time to time.
Life is so very different there, different and beautiful.

we keep movin + crazy london life = no time for nothing

2011-05-10T17:13:00.002+01:00

Our apologies.
We are still happy and alive we just haven't found a minute to breath.
I have been studying and graduated recently from the Jemma Kidd Make Up Academy,
were it happened that I won a scholarship through a talent competition and found myself in a full time professional make up course, which was more than I could have hoped for to start my career.
However it meant having not a single day off in a few months, which brought me to my limits in energy, financially and creatively as well.
On top of that my exhausted body got a hay-fever for the first time in my life and a proper asthmatic one, that stole my voice and breath.
We also needed to look for a new house at the same time.
We were missing Australia and there were days where even me as complete big city girl just wished to be on a lonely island.
I can't thank Dave enough to support me during this crazy busy times.
I wasn't the easiest to deal with as I was very stressed towards the end of my course.
He is the best man in my world.

Last week we finally found a new place, here in Dalston (YAY!)
We can't wait to move and Dave started already (weeks before) to pack boxes.
So we are living in box-land for a few weeks.
Today I am having a day off!!!! And catching up with blogging, emails and sorting my Make Up kit out.
I am excited for my new career and hope for loads interesting projects coming up.
My Make Up Artist website just launched as well, though there not many good photos on just yet.

P.S: Summer is here !

happy 1st anniversairy

2011-04-10T00:00:00.000+01:00

1 year ago we first met.
It's been such an exciting time, full of love and growth.
Funnily enough it's my Mum and Rudi's 10th wedding anniversairy today as well. They are going to celebrate it with a big summer party in July and we are going to be there!
Somehow the 10th of April is a very special day.
Thank you David for making my life so special and wonderful, every day.

one day at bondi beach

2011-02-15T16:36:00.000Z

and fianally I got to see the rock pool.
One day we went with Dave's brother Adrien to Bondi Beach.
Everything here is so beautiful. I could just stay here forever.
Yeah, London is cool and being in Europe is in general great,
and Australia is so far away from the rest of the world.....
I know, I know. It's just: I don't care.

If the sun is shining and I get up in the morning having a massive fresh juice and great coffee
having a swim in a rock pool....it just feels right.
It might help that I am here with the for me best man in the world.

sydney is stunning

2011-02-15T16:12:00.000Z

...and more of Sydney!
Actually in both our city trips we were walking around all day long.
Just walking and exploring.
I love Sydney.
It feels way more buzzing and like a big city than Melbourne.
I love both cities, but they are indeed quite different.

This holiday is insane. I can't stop smiling.

sydney aquarium + wildlife world

2011-02-15T15:37:00.000Z

WOW! I can't say how incredible it was in the aquarium and also to see the koalas and kangaroos.
We went with Dave's brother Adrien a great photographer.
Lucky he had the week of work and was showing us around and taking great photos.
I can't stop thinking how lucky Dave is to have such a fun big family with so many great people.
I am the only kid and didn't grew up with others at all.
Here it's always buzz and being surrounded by loads of family. I really like that.

meeting the parents, italian food, huge portions of happiness

2011-02-15T15:17:00.000Z

By now I am completely addicted to crazy green ice tea shakes and fresh fruit smoothies.
The first night in Sydney I met Dave's parents and the rest of the family for dinner.
Yes, I was nervous. Really really nervous.
Then I saw them and all the overwhelming happiness and hugs made me feel myself again.
Of course they were all more than lovely and tons of fun.
We had delicious dinner at an Italian place, that served the biggest portions I have ever seen in my life-
But it was not all about the quantity, the food was fantastic.

1 week in Melbourne

2011-02-15T15:00:00.000Z

We landed in Melbourne and the sun was shining!
The moment we left the plane I have been smiling.
Actually the moment we left our flat in London with the suitcases I started non stop smiling.
Dave documented the whole journey as well, and we will post it later on.
The flight was fun- and everything went well.
Melbourne is cool- really really cool.
You get the best coffee in the whole world! Though I developed a new addiction for green teas and fresh fruit smoothies that were available at every corner.
We have been to the most amazing little bars and lots of vegan/vegetarian restaurants, the food was incredible and so very fresh.
All the shops and were decorated and designed with such a love for detail.
I met part of the family and we had so much fun hanging out with Davids brothers and sister.
Life is much slower down under. In a good way. It feels like people have actually time for their
kids, dogs, friends and family and for their creative projects.
I love it.

We don't do Valentines Day

2011-02-15T14:28:00.000Z

Hey!
We are finally back (for 3 weeks now) from our trip to Australia.
London life kicked right in, so we didn't get a chance to update the blog with all the amazing holiday photos.
And we have tons. Of course.
Since we had such a big and wonderful holiday, and we are doing great things whenever we can,
and love each other all the time, we skipped Valentines Day.
Almost. Dave came home with a massive pizza to share, all I needed after a ridiculously long day at work.
Pizza in bed, eating with hands, snuggling and a movie...who needs flowers and cards?

A Birthday In Summer x Happy 27!

2011-01-19T17:22:00.000Z

I always wanted my birthday to be in summer, it never occured to me that on the other side of the world my birthday actualy IS in summer.
We had a wonderful time with Daves family in Cairns. Such a beautiful nature and weather.
On my birthday, Adrian made a fantastic vegan carrot cake for me and we went out for a very nice in a local restaurant. Thanks to all, I had a wonderful day. Happy 27.

= a long english forest walk

2010-12-12T14:34:00.001Z

Such a nice day! Sure it was really cold and it was wet and muddy like Chads nose but a least the sun was out. Thats whats great about living in England, you get to appreciate the sun a bit more. It could be the coldest, most miserable weather with blistering icy winds but a long as the sun is out it will be alright. So as soon as the sun came out on a quiet Sunday we decided to head out with Suzan, Sadie and of course Chad to go for a walk at Epping forrest up in the North East of London. It was really a perfect day to explore the woods. Everyone looksed great with the wellies on, but in perfect style Liv brought out her black and gold boots. At the end I think she would have preferred some good old forrest green english Wellies.

dreaming of rock pools x becoming a make up pro : hot holiday planning + meeting the family

2010-11-30T14:25:00.001Z

It's freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing in London.
Today we even have snow for the first time this winter.
I am not a big fan of this season.
It feels life threatening and my skin hates the cold as well.
I am constantly moisturizing and oiling my skin and drinking about 20 cups of spicy herbal teas a day.
I will survive- and there is good news! We will be in Australia in a few weeks time!
I have found work that is really fun and involves a lot make up and I am learning many new skills.
It's not clear if I can stay in this position after the holiday but I am giving my best and hope it will all work out.

We have been crazy busy, me starting a new job and David under pressure to finish projects before the holiday.This weekend we have been planning the days in Melbourne and Sydney- I am so excited
My favorite new words: +++ rock pool and +++ koala rooftop.
On Sunday we were chatting to Dave's family on skype for a while, and now I really can't wait to meet them.

I grew up without any brothers or sisters while Dave has a huge family with 3 more brothers and 1 sister.
Its amazing how they all get along and seem to be a lot of fun.
His parents are so friendly and welcoming, so I really don't have to be scared.
And we will all spend a week on the beach together. Yay! I am so excited.

= making the most out of a rainy day: watching the dinosaurs + warming up in the pub

2010-11-16T23:58:00.002Z

A rainy ice cold Sunday is perfect for staying in bed.
Or for wrapping yourself up in the warmest winter-gear, grabbing a hot coffee and spending the day in the museum.
It was our first trip to the National History Museum.
I am in love with the building! I would love to have a party in there.
We saw the Dinosaurs, and a bunch of stuffed animals.

Dave said I look like a big cat. Something like a leopard or a puma.
I will take it as an compliment.

On the way back we bumped into a friend ours and her rad dog Chad.
So we spent a nice warm and cozy night in the local pub with butternut-squash-soup and cider.
I really start to like Britain even with it's rubbish weather.

=fireworks x toffee apples : autumn walks and much needed sleep

2010-11-09T00:09:00.000Z

Dave is back!
It has been bonfire night in London, that means a whole weekend full of stunning fireworks.
We went twice. All wrapped up a toffee apple in the hand, staring at the sky and making noises.
"Ohhhhhh, ahhhhh, ui, aw....."
Just what I needed. This weekend has been great.

Photos from the fireworks, our day in the forest and of Dave's Asia trip to come....

= Dave in Tokyo + a new suit : job hunting ² x yoga ³: Sushi for breakfast

2010-10-29T23:48:00.000+01:00

It's been rough weeks. Rainy, cold and stormy rough weeks.
I just received this photo via text message.

Dave is in Tokyo.
Liv is in Dalston.
It's only for a week. We bought a new suit.
Those of you who are following my my Be Blushless Blog as well,
might have heard already that I am job hunting in London and depending on how that goes the Australia trip (that is already fully booked! And I have my visa, and my bikini...) might need to be canceled.
The trip I was so over the moon about. I am still hoping for best.

After digesting the shock, I have been super productive.
Although I miss Dave already it's good right now that I have time to take care of myself, I am practicing yoga, eating good food, writing lists, I relax every evening and think and try to work things out.
The other night I watched Lost In Translation, which takes place in the exact same hotel Dave is staying at right now. So we have practically been there together ; )
Ah well I had Sushi for breakfast today...

And now I am back to job hunting because:

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. Calvin Coolidge

=1/2 anniversary x planning the holiday excitement : warm vintage shopping

2010-10-10T17:20:00.002+01:00

Happy 6 months today! (That's my excuse for all this cheesy pictures...but c'mon this is our private cheesy blog)
Yeah that's nothing to shout about I guess, it's still called honeymoon period and million miles away from stressful routine relationship.
Anyways: For almost constantly hanging out-working together-living in one room-situation we could at least crack a bottle of Prosecco open tonight.

This week has been a good one!
We planned the Australia holiday for January. And I can't stop saying how excited I am about this.
3 weeks!!!!! I have never been there, I haven't had any holiday in years, and I love hot climates.
I am looking forward to fresh fruit, tons of ice coffee, seeing Koalas and sleeping in.
I am excited about lying on the beach next to the rain forest for a whole week.
I am excited to discover the art and design scene in Melbourne, and being a proper sightseeing tourist in
Sydney. I am exciting to spent 3 weeks with Dave. To sleep in whenever I want.
About Yoga at the beach in the early morning, about new inspirations and loads of pictures to take.
I can't wait to feel the hot sun on my skin and let my brain melt in the boiling heat.
I am excited to meet the Davids huge family, that I just know via skype so far.
I am looking forward to feel the buzz of being on a 1 week family holiday.
I want seafood bbq's and time to read.
I am looking forward to the long time on the plane, because I just enjoy the atmosphere and timelessness of traveling.

What else was great this week? Oh I have been invited to join and launch this cool ladies blog project.
And we went Covent Garden vintage shopping and found me some great essential winter clothes and new shoes.
Dave "Your shoes are a joke."
Liv "Thanks, baby!"
Yeah, to be honest he was right.
They are my mums wedding shoes so they are just falling apart by now. Sadly.
I am prepared for the silly winter to come.
Summer is definitely gone. We are in hibernation mode.

= a happy 29th birthday x a big carrot cake from scratch and a cozy cubby house revival

2010-10-03T17:01:00.001+01:00

It was Dave's birthday this week and we celebrated with a proper homemade cake from scratch.
We splept 2 cozy nights in the cubby house.
It was pouring down all day and night, so it was already brave that we made it to a nearby Vietnamese Restaurant, for a delicious dinner and a bottle of Prosecco and back home.
29, baby! That's the last one in your twenties.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

= launching new blushless styles > pancakes x sleeping in big time

2010-09-26T15:25:00.002+01:00

Blushless 2011 Transformation collection has just been launched.
The look-book and video are done and there is still a lot of work in updating the website and preparing
a lot of things, before the designing for the next collection will start pretty soon already.

We had a fun celebration night out and now it's Sunday and for now we need a little recovery time.
We had a massive pancake breakfast and a goood long sleep.
Catching up with friends and family (via phone and skype) and I am feeling relaxed already.

= settling up x there is only one direction + the best idea ever!

2010-09-19T23:44:00.000+01:00

All Pictures via the iPhone taking by Dave at our first date(s)
We went to a pretty cold and wet but still fun rooftop party at a friends house last night.
People were pretty curious about how our little "moving-in-together-straight-away-project" is developing. There is clearly just one answer to that:

It has been the best idea ever!
I got asked from several friends, if it's true that Liv and Dave are about to settle down.
Down? If anything we are settling UP!

When I review the last few months, I can't believe how much has changed in such a short time. I just came to London in the beginning of April and so many things have just been fallen in place. Like a puzzle.

Not everything is easy-peasy and moving countries, keeping my own business going while doing a day job as well, is quite challenging but most of time I do feel really really happy.

no sleep till BLUSHLESS photoshoot x huge support

2010-09-13T23:38:00.000+01:00

Phew!
The BLUSHLESS photoshoot went really really fabulous.
Thanks to a wonderful team.
And special thanks to Dave, who not only was the most amazing
backstage photographer, and greatest support in the crazy weeks before the shoot.
He also found the great location and organised loads of delicious starbucks coffee
to keep everyone happy and going.

I can't wait to see the results!
It felt fantastic to see the dresses worn on an actually body and in movement.
And suddenly I remembered what all the sleepless nights are for, and why I have to keep going.
This is what I love.

More pictues and a proper catch up on what we have been up to : SOON!

= Dog Week in Dalston With Boston Terrrier Chad

2010-08-29T22:28:00.000+01:00

Chad was living with us for the last week.
On our last dogsitting day we were taking him out to our favorite neighbourhood coffee bar CAFE OTO.
He is the most chilled and easygoing dog I have ever seen.
While we were both really busy working on our own designs, he was just hanging out.
I had tough days this week and was struggeling for motivation,
but Dave and a few great comments got me back on track, working on my now London based avant-garde weddingdresses.
Now we were really considering getting a Boston Terrier, especially because Dave loved how chilled he was.
I am still voting for a high maintainance Chihuahua, mainly because in a crowded city like London, its easier to bring it everywhere we go.

= Saris, Coke and a romantic bollywood love story

2010-08-22T18:31:00.001+01:00

Its 9am on a Sunday somewhere in zone 5 and we are walking like zombies through what could only be described as an industrial area looking for the reception to Hensa's engagement party. And were we in for a show!Through the sea of flamboyant outfits with vibrant colors stood 3 east londoners dressed in black and white. To say the least, we were the odd one's out here.With the front area decked out with photography equipment, and the back area lined up with plastic meal trays and coca-cola, we really felt like we were on the set for a new bollywood romance film set in India. As for Hensa, well she just looked amazing! Just check out the detail work on her hands and nails! In the end, we had lots of fun and although we would have done things a little differently it is always great to see family members all getting together for a great occasion.

= Sunday : Cleaningday!

2010-08-22T16:31:00.005+01:00

OK, this might look rediculously set up, and the first two images are obviously posed, but it was Liv's cleaning week and this is what she actually wore! A 50's check house dress with new bright yellow gloves. Shes a bit mental I think but absolutely hilarious. If she had her heels on that would have simply topped it off!
Its almost like every part of her life is naturally styled. Its a real pleasure to just watch her.

=Work It Harder Make It Better-Do It Faster- Makes Us stronger More Than Ever Hour After Our Work Is Never Over !

2010-08-17T19:05:00.002+01:00

Since last weekend we are both working nonstop, at home, all day and night.
I am happy that we are both into design.
With great music & superpower, we motivated, critisized and inspired each others work.

I finally started working at my BLUSHLESS dresses again, which feels so good.
I love my job and I love my/our new workspace.
This room really feels like home already.
Dave is my hero, he supports my work & my dream whereever possible!!!

= an urban orchard + jar obsession

2010-08-01T21:11:00.000+01:00

Our friend designed the lighting for this urban orchad project.
It was a temporary community garden that was part of the London Architecture Week.
There were so many cool little details, we liked the jar shelf, in the 2nd picture. Another idea how to use jars. The lids were screwed to the self bottoms,
such a cool storage idea. I would love to have that in the kitchen for herbs & other stuff.
I wrote about Daves love for jars on my blog, just last week.
I have a secret theory about man that like jars...it speaks for these guys, that's all I can say ; )

He now plans to build a jar chandalier like the one here.

Aprospros holiday:
I will get my dogfix soon,
because we will dogsit Boston Terrier CHAD in August while his owner and our loved neighbour lady & friend is on holiday: YAY!!!!!

= driven by solar power & BBQ's

2010-08-01T19:28:00.001+01:00

Dear Summer,

There is something special about a sunday, especially if it's a sunny sunday.
Thank you summer for all the picinics, BBQ's, rooftop parties & for a nice tan.
Thank you for fresh fruit, cold drinks & ice coffee.
Thank you for stopping by in rainy London from time to time.
Thank you making me feel so loaded with super power!

Love Liv

*Thank you from keeping me away from work. (at least on a sunday!)

= cucumber sandwich discus : Martini knockout relay

2010-08-01T16:47:00.003+01:00

We attended the Chap Olympiade 2010!
London is probably the best City in the world. I feel so very lucky.
Not only for having such a chap man in my life...but that is for sure a big plus ; ).

For one afternoon only, Bedford Square Gardens is overrun with elaborately moustachioed fellows in Harris tweed and heavy Tricker's brogues. Bounders and cads and gentlefolk of all persuasions will compete for louche glory in a number of hotly contested events.
There's cucumber sandwich discus, moustache wrestling ("have at you, sir!"), Necktie Kwon-Do, umbrella jousting and a Martini knockout relay.
We were too busy eating the cucumber sandwiches, sipping cider and and taking pictures of all the amazing costumes that we didn't take part in any competitions.Therefore we started dancing Charlston til my feet were covered with blisters.
WHAT A DAY! Such an incredible atmosphere!

= roof top pool party & winners of the poker night

2010-07-31T20:31:00.015+01:00

Oh these summernights!
Liv + Dave were Poker Team Vulcan Explosion* and we won!!!
We spent the whole day boiling in the sunshine with drinks and BBQ
at our friends roof terrace and started playing poker when the sun went down.

Uhm alright, I have to admit it my first time playing poker EVER in my life.
But that was probably my advantage, I guess I have been the best bluffer because I wasn't even aware of bluffing!

* sometimes my English skills are letting me down, I named the volcanic erruption that happend this year and caused the massive-ash-cloud-flight-choas all over Europe "Vulcan Explosion". But isn't it a great name for a poker team?

= Chihuahua viewing in Zone 5

2010-07-24T23:00:00.003+01:00

Just too cute!

After a lot of research Liv managed to find a new born Chihuahua girl. The owners were located in Zone 5 so on a thursday afternoon we set out to have a viewing.

We were a little worried at first as neither of us really travel out of Zone 2 so Zone 5 seems a bit of a getto, but actually we were quite surprised. The owners were really nice and they were actually quite a few dogs running around as they were Chihuahua breeders.

I could not believe how tiny and delicate she was!

Liv absolutely adored her as you can see.

She was a short coat but could grow to a medium one.

She will probably be a light brown but the mum in the last photo is actually quite ginger.

There was also an 8 week old puppy that was running around trying to get our attention.

Her was just adorable as her strolled up happily to give us a the leaf he had in his mouth.

Sadly we are not going to get her.

She was a little out of our budget at the moment so we decided its best to wait unitl Spring next year to get a dog. In that time we are going to get everything prepared.

Liv also bought me a book so that I can read up on everything one needs to know about Chihuahuas!

= A new dog bed!

2010-07-20T22:54:00.002+01:00

As you might have guessed, we have decided to get a dog!!!
We dont know exactly when but in preparation for the momentous occasion we spent the day making our own dog bed.

I'm actually really happy Liv has the skills and talent to do these things because the're not cheap.
In addition, can you believe that she had spare wadded fabric that she got from work just lying around the house. The white pillow fabric was also a spare piece from work but on a different project, and they match perfectly!

I think it turned out pretty damn good.
I guess some things are just meant to be :)

=coffee, champagne & cheesecake : happy sunday housewarming

2010-07-06T23:42:00.013+01:00

Liv learned to to tie a cherry stem knot in her mouth, got addicted to strawberry & cream-filled meringues and ate way too much cheesecake! Dave learned how to swing dance and finally opened the bottles of real champagne that he designed months ago. Thanks so much to everyone for coming and special thanks to Eeva for teaching us special tricks! I had a blast!

I wish we could start a sunday club and do this every week!

= short hair on saturday night

2010-07-06T21:15:00.017+01:00

After a party on saturday I spontanously decided to cut my hair off.
We did. Straight away! Now I rock a wild wild bob.

Somewhat between Paris Texas and The Fifth Element.

= some serious DIY

2010-07-03T19:28:00.005+01:00

Dave is getting pretty serious with the new shelf.

Safety first or fashion first??

Well what do you know, it makes a good storage basket AND a nice robot helmet!

Its been a long day......Pics of the room comming soon.

= a blogproject (moving in together x summerolls²)

2010-07-01T00:21:00.007+01:00

BANG! Liv officially moved in with Dave today.

We celebrated with summerrolls for dinner.

I am excited. I am happy. I love our room.

I can't wait to start working.

Here is to all the adventures that'll start from now!!!