Funky Jungle

It's been a while since I've published a "Favorite Five" round up here on Funky Jungle, but it was always a type of post I enjoyed preparing/writing, as it had me reflecting about the month that had just passed. Thus I decided to pick the category up again and start sharing once more my five favorite things of the month gone by.

And without much further ado, here are my "Favorite Five" for the recent weeks, not necessarily just May.

1. Blogging

Well I'm glad to be back. 'Nough said really. I'm slowly getting back into the groove and I dare say I'll be better because some things that took me a bit of self push in 2015 are almost (almost) second nature now. I will also do some things differently then I did back then.

And thanks to all of you who welcomed me back, it was so beautiful to read all your messages. It made me feel all fuzzy inside and wondering what took me so long.

2. White Hot Truth and reading in general

The new book by Danielle LaPorte. I've been part of the launch team and got to read it as e-book in advance as well as listen to the audio version. To me LaPorte has one of the most enticing voices ever. I could listen to her for hours. Whilst I don't agree with her on everything (which, once you've read her book would realize she's okay with), like for example her stance on the pirate ride at Disney (seriously?), I did find a lot of truth and wisdom in White Hot Truth in regards to spiritual seeking, compassion for ourselves and how we must become our own gurus. She talks about her experiences in "spiritual seeking" like one (girl)friend to another which makes her writing very readable and relatable. If anything she's a good study on how to do it right.

Besides that I've deliberately made more time for reading in the last year. I started to use my husbands Kindle (the poor guy) vigorously and spend at least 20 minutes each night before sleeping with a book. I still prefer paperbacks, but the Kindle also offers me the opportunity to read those short, self published e-books,

3. Alterra & Alverde Lipsticks

These are both discounter eco brands, from drugstore chains native to Europe. I usually shop them when I visit my parents back in Germany (twice a year). Alterra is a Rossmann child whilst Alverde belongs to DM. They are the first lipsticks in years I can keep on longer than 30 minutes. In the past I used to get rashes/ekzema around the edge of the lips from applying lipsticks, but not anymore. So yes you will see me with lipstick now and then.

You can see the flaming red Alterra one in action here on my Instagram.

I should honorably mention the Dr. Hauschka Lipstick line, which I tested for a full day and had no issus with either. They were just a little bit out of budget for something I wasn't sure I'd use very often.

4. V the Merciless

V is a massage therapist that does deep tissue massaging ... with the elbow. It hurts. LF. but it helps. A lot. After 3 sessions I feel like I might finally see the resolution to an ongoing contraction problem I had with the right leg which hindered my martial arts practice. I started with blood testing for fatigue, had tried a physio therapist who managed to draw the main (there are a lot smaller ones tho as well) contraction but not cure it, tried acupuncture which took about 50% off the problem and now well I have high hopes to be able to do that side kick at a decent height again.

Don't ever give up trying to find a cure.

5. My new tattoo

I might just be the slightest bit addicted to getting tattoed by now. Urgh. Some sort of "I started late, I have to catch up syndrome"? At any rate, I got inked again. This one is my first bigger one, less minimalistic. It was done freestyle with just some visual inspiration. You can see my newest piece of ink on my Instagram. Damn, Instagram has all the news.

No plans on adding another yet this year, but hey, never say never.

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I know it is almost November, but here are my five favorite things from the month of September.

Summer Favorites - Snake Belts, Trees, Icecram and more

1. Karate Weekend

Aww no, here she goes again with that Karate stuff. But seriously, that weekend was awesome. So much fun. And I loved being cut off from the Internet. There's no two ways about it, not having one part of your brain constantly attached to the www makes you enjoy the present moment so much more.

2. Hairstyling Gel

With the heatwaves in July, my go to hair style was a nut sized portion of gel worked into the barely towel dry hair and then let it finish drying with the air. Right now I'm using Taft Matte one but unfortunately, I couldn't find it anymore in Germany. So I had to get a replacement product. Decided to test the Alverde Styling Gel.

3. Icecream & Water & Fans

Well duh. With the hot weather we had around here during all of July, that one practically added itself to the list. Icecream for a little bit of insta cool with yum, water because you absolutely need to stay hydrated and a fan to get a bit of soothing cool air. Sleeping would have probably impossible without one. Yes, that's right, we have no AirCo.

4. Summer Holidays

My holidays were fantastic. Besides other plans, after the first weekend I pretty much went off the grid and it was like the best thing, way better than sliced bread, because instead of being "online" as much as I could, I actually went and made experiences and memories as much as I could.

5. Snake Belt

This belt turned up in my sisters "no longer used" clothing bag and it has become my go to belt, even tho it is a bit of a hassle closing it. I think I got a bit infatuated with it because I happened upon two live snakes within a short time frame and it was the first time ever I've seen the local ones. In all those years! If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen me with the snake belt.

6. Sisters

Much love to my two sisters S & D which unfortunately I only get to see twice a year. The Tigerseye Peace Pendant was a gift from one of them, from the other I got a perfume. And lots of swapped clothes from either. You've already seen me wearing one piece here.

7. Ikwetta Sandals

I've basically been wearing my Ikwetta Sandals when I had to put on shoes (because otherwise I just stayed barefoot) during the hot days. Another reinforcement for myself that "keep it small, keep it simple" works for me. You've seen me wearing them here.

8. Medieval Markets/Fairs

They are just so awesome, 'nough said. If you've never been to one, try to do it, especially if you have kids. I miss them so much here. You can see some pics here. And I hope one day I'll get to tell the full story of what happened this year. If I ever find a way to present it properly. The bracelet you see in the pic is something I've gotten from one some years ago.

9. Legos

Well not for me personally (I swear) but I'm just so happy that my son enjoys them and makes the most incredible, weird, abstract things with them. He's on his way to be a Master Constructor. In that regard, we/he especially like the Lego Creator Sets, but I think his secret aim is to become Lord Business. Talking of Master Constructors and Lord Business, if you've never seen "Lego the Movie" watch it. It's a great story and lots of fun. And it has Will Ferrell in it.

10. Trees

Well my last name actually is Tree, as the german word for tree is Baum. So I might have a natural affinity and feeling of kinship. Nonetheless, trees are all sorts of awesome. I just recently watch a documentary where it said that they even support each other when they stand in groups. And whilst I don't pretend that everyone needs to want to hug them, we kind of need their presence. So take care of the trees. In lieu of having my own Kindle (maybe Christmas!) I started to buy used books.

Currently reading: Wear no Evil - How to Change the World With Your Wardrobe

Next up: The War of Art - Break Through Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles; The Power of Now & many more

All Lego Creator items are currently deconstructed and turned into something else entirely, so I got the Firetruck to represent. The scarf is from H&M and has a constellation pattern, I couldn't say no to that one.

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Time for the monthly Top 5 Favorite "Things" round up.

The round up of my Top 5 Favourite Things from the month of May.

My favorites from April. Basically these are the five things I've engaged with the most, in a positive way. Things and products that were a regular part of my life during the last month.

My 5 Favorite Things from the Month of April

1. #Girlboss

I realize I am late to the party, but I just now read #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso, the founder of Nasty Gal, a large online fashion retailer. The book left me divided. I overall liked it, but sometimes the tone and the narrative itself made me think "bitch please". This however might come from the translation, and not actually be Amoruso's fault, as I've read her book in German. At any rate, like her style or not, there's a lot of practical, down to earth wisdom and inspiration to be gleaned from this book, from her story. Unconventionally done conventional advice. Would have wished some more in depth about some points, but overall it's been a good (and quick) read and I certainly took something away from it.

2. Marc Jacobs Skinny Logo Bangle

During the warmer months I frequently ditch the rings and opt for bracelets instead. For one because short sleeves leave a lot more room to show off pretty arm candy than long ones. And for another because when it gets really warm, my fingers start to gain half a ring size, making it at times a real drag to wear rings. Despite that, this trinket was still sort of an experiment because I used to shy away from overt displays of logo, but I think it was a full success. I've been finding to wear it A LOT. It just goes with about any kind of outfit, from more sophisticated to casual summer looks. I am actually thinking about getting it in the black & silver version too.

3. Tokyo Love & Essie "Go Ginza"

I've been tweeting and talking on Facebook about these two already. You can see me wearing the sweater in this post. And the lovely pastel pink Essie shade "Go Ginza", that reminds me of cherry blossoms, has been one of my go to shades this spring. One thing to note however, don't grab this nail polish when you are in a hurry. It'll be a disaster. Mark my words. Otherwise it's beautiful. Great light shade if you don't want to do full on white.

4. Alterra Eyeliner & Make Up Factory "Dream Eyes" Mascara

Alterra is the bio decorative cosmetics home brand of the german drug store chain Rossmann. I have this eyeliner in a beautiful metallic blue called 08 Ice. The mascara is from the brand "Make Up Factory" which I believe is in Germany only available at Mueller drugstores. No idea about other countries, sorry. I have the "Dream Eyes" mascara and am very happy with the overall effect it has on my lashes. I have used both of these a lot, I especially like to use the mascara when I know we'll be shooting outfit pics.

5. Green Asparagus

I apologize for not including it in the picture. Or maybe not. At any rate, since the end of April they've been back in stores and back on my plate at least once a week, but more often twice as one pack is enough for two meals for me and I'm pretty much the only one eating them here at Casa Funky. I love them! I also love the white ones, but the green are a lot easier to prepare if you are a little lazy like me. Most of the times, when preparing them as side dish, I stay real simple and only boil or steam them, but you can also use them for a lot of other things, like Risotto for example.

I realize that two points have actually two items, but that's because for me they go together, I've used them mostly together.

What were your favorites in April?

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