Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis

Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis is my 2nd favourite reality TV show. My favourite one is Real Girl's Kitchen, which I wrote about in the previous post. 

The concept of the show is Jeff Lewis and his assistant Jenni Pulos visiting the homes of clients and staying there for five days while a renovation takes place. Often the problem is not so much the space but the relationships the clients have with each other. Thus, "Interior THERAPY".

As Jeff states in his show, he is known for two things: for his great taste and his brutal honesty. He  is quite open about being an asshole. But sometimes, in order to achieve the changes you want and need, it takes a person who doesn't mince matters, especially if you have only got five days to not only renovate a home but also scratch on the surface of a complicated and problematic relationship and help people find a new start.

Again, what' s new to me / us here in Japan is already an old-timer to North American friends and readers but since there are so many reality shows out on the market, there might be a chance you've overseen this one and if you like interior design as much as I do, I'm sure you'll enjoy this show. By the way, my husband started watching it with me.

I find that the most fascinating aspects about Jeff are how he nails problems, knows what obstacles need to be put aside in order to reach the goal, and that he is not afraid to call a spade a spade. On top of all that he delivers a satisfying end-result. 

He is a perfectionist and strives for high-standard in everything he does. It's quite amazing how he walks into a space, detects the problems and coordinates things in his mind within seconds. At least that's how it appears on the show.  

I love Jenni, his assistant, not only for her "The Nanny/ Fran Drescher"-voice but also for knowing Jeff so well that she is able to tickle out his good side when his ego is about to explode. 

The one who steals the show though, is neither Jeff, nor Jenni, but his Mexican house maid Zoila Chavez. You'll see why. 

Check out Season 1 here ( I recommend to start with Episode 1).

Real Girl's Kitchen

Recently, rather than watching TV series or movies, I'm hooked on reality TV type of shows. 

This one - Real Girl's Kitchen - swept me off my feet with its first episode, in which Haylie Duff, the star and producer of the show, is getting ready for a detox weekend with her friends at her Malibu Beach House. First, she makes a stopover at a herbal garden to get some fresh greens for her salad and smoothie ideas. Throughout the day she tests her friends' patience by pushing her healthy intentions on them until her sister shows up as the Detox Antichrist ...

I can't explain it in any other way … I've fallen for Real Girl's Kitchen because it touches my deepest inner dreams of a perfect lifestyle - great friendships, places and homes that feel like an everlasting holiday in Hawaii, fun activities, going on trips, hosting small get-togethers etc. 

I must say though; the show almost creates a high and dry feeling in me - I love watching it but as soon as it's over I feel like my trip to my version of dreamland is over and my flying carpet drops me off at my home and my "non existing Malibu Beach House"-Life. 

I love Haylie Duff! She comes across as very natural and simple, easygoing and fun, and speaks and does everything in her show with enthusiasm and passion. I've watched other reality TV shows in which people say nasty stuff and compete with each other all the time. Real Girl's Kitchen is quite the opposite - it has a friendly, positive and respectful tone without being boring (unless you are a guy, who takes pride in farting like a champion, I suppose).  

I also enjoy the show for its inspiring and tasteful table settings, the extra information you get on food, the insights on what's in in L.A., and - since I'm not a native English speaker - the new expressions I learn like "massaging a salad". (Makes me laugh every time.)  :-) 

Oh, and the recipes - the main topic of her show - are creative, diverse, and seem easy to make. I'll definitely try out her healthy chocolate cake. As healthy as a chocolate cake can be. 

About the star and producer of the show: Haylie Duff is an American actress, television presenter, author, singer, songwriter (I'm almost done …), producer, businesswoman (if you haven't guessed that by now), writer, and food blogger. She is the older sister of the former Lizzie McGuire actress Hilary Duff. 

One last thing before you might want to check out the website. For my friends and readers in the U.S. - this is probably outdated TV material for you guys. It takes ages for movies, fashion, in-food etc. to find their way to Japan, and so what's new to me/us here might be dusty memories for you. 

Check out Real Girl's Kitchen

Why is Jesus white?

Muhammed Ali 

Sally Hogshead

I find Sally Hogshead, an American author, professional speaker, CEO of Fascinate, Inc and a former advertising executive, pretty … fascinating. She was recommended to me by my business consultant Jacqui not long after we met. 

She told me about this personality test that has a specific advantage: In just three minutes you can discover your own advantage and what makes you stand out. 

I've tried out several personalty tests but I never had one that was so spot on and different in its structure.

It helps you understand what kind of first impression you create, how others see you, how what might come across as a weak point can be turned into a strong point. 

Therefore, unlike other personality assessments, this isn't about how you see the world. This reveals how the world sees you.

Just recently she launched a book titled … Fascinate, in which she explains how to make your brand impossible to resist. Since I'm working on an online business at the moment I was keen on getting my hands on the book. I just finished the book and I dare say that I did learn lots of … fascinating things from her. 

At the beginning she explains the origin of the word "fascinate" and then she introduces the marketing world bewitches us. Just finding out about all the different levels our brains deal with marketing tricks in itself is fascinating. 

Then she talks about seven different primary pillars in combination with a secondary advantage which help you decide what your business' core idea and message is and which general direction to take when you have to make new decisions. 

The second part could have been longer and a bit more detailed, I think. Still, this is a book that every person should read - whether you want to start or already have a business or you just read it for the sake of understanding how our busy world in terms of marketing works.       

For now though, if you want to take the assessment ...

1. Go to: https://portal.howtofascinate.com/members/invite/525273472751418754226

2. Enter your information to set up your account and answer the assessment questions. You'll immediately receive your Fascination Advantage result.                        

I hope you enjoy it and find it useful. I'd love to hear what you come out with

Namika - Nador

Namika is a German singer and rapper. Her grandparents are from the Moroccan coastal city of Nador, which is also the name of her debut album from July 2015. 

My favourite song from this album is Lieblingsmensch, which translates as "favourite human" as in "my favourite person". 

Every time I listen to it it makes me think of my favourite humanS. Listening to it feels like I'm on a convertible car ride somewhere on the Californian coast - the wind blows through my hair and the mild sun kisses my nose. 

It's always a privilege to be able to enjoy a piece of work in its original version but since I want to share this with a wider audience, I looked for a decent English translation, and this is what I found. 

Favorite person

Sometimes I feel wrong here,

like a sailing ship in space

But when you are with me on board, I'm gladly insane.

Even the traffic jam on the A2, disappears as fast as a flash

And the insipid drink from the gas-station

tastes like coffee from Hawaii. (Yeah)

Even if I remain silent, you know.

I don't need to say anything, a glance is enough.

And is the everyday life to gray for us, I'll grab you, we are out of it.

 

Hello favorite human, an huge compliment that you know me so well.

With you, I can be myself, dreamy and being crazy. (Nanananana)

Thank you favorite human, nice that we know each other.

Hello favorite human, an huge compliment that you know me so well.

With you, I can be myself, dreamy and being crazy. (Nanananana)

Thank you favorite human, nice that we know each other.

 

Absolutely no one is allowed to know it, but I entrust you to it, because you keep it safe.

My area 51.

Sometimes we spin around in circles

An oddment gets to a fight, but I can't be mad at you, for more than five minutes. (Yeah)

If I pretend, you notice immediately.

When I let myself hanging, you build me up.

Sometimes the everyday life weighs heavy as lead,

but when we are in twos, everything seems so easy.

 

Hello favorite human, an huge compliment that you know me so well.

With you, I can be myself, dreamy and being crazy.

(Nanananana)

Thank you favorite human, nice that we know each other.

 

Time is changing and so do we.

You and I, so young, in this old Polaroid picture.

The last time we saw each other is far too long, but now we laugh as if you were never been away.

 

Hello favorite human, an huge compliment that you know me so well.

With you, I can be myself, dreamy and being crazy.

(Nanananana)

Thank you favorite human, nice that we know each other.

Hello favorite human, an huge compliment that you know me so well.

With you, I can be myself, dreamy and being crazy.

(Nanananana)

Thank you favorite human, nice that we know each other.

You can find the videoclip below but I would recommend to just listen to it without watching it. It helps to create your own images for this song. 

This is 40

"This is 40" came out in 2012 but I stumbled over it just recently and found it hilarious.

There are several reasons I would like to recommend this movie.

I'm usually more into British comedy but this is the type of American humour I find sharp and funny. Dialogues might be overstressed but they nail it when it comes to absurd conversations you have in real life. You laugh because you can relate to the core truth of them. 

The movie cast is also well picked - Paul Rudd has played several similar part and is always great to watch, Leslie Mann seems the born comedian (I kinda like her way of talking - as if she is a bit high but fully there), Melissa McCarthy, who just smashes her part, and all actors who play family and friends.  

Maybe I wouldn't have appreciated this movie in 2012 as much as I do now - heading towards 40. Therefore I'm glad it took me four years to discover it. 

If you don't have time to watch the movie anytime soon, please enjoy this trailer on imdb for now. 

When Everything Changes Change Everything

It took me four months to read this book.

I'm glad that I took my time with it. It's even what Walsch recommends - to put the book aside at times in order to simmer everything in your mind. 

Neale Donald Walsch is an American modern day spiritual messenger and author of the well-known series Conversations with God, in which he redefines God and shifted spiritual paradigms around the globe. Books like this one, that help understand love and life on a bigger and spiritual scale and assist you in coping with day-to-day struggles, always seem to reach you when your heart is ready for them. 

This book might not be something for you AT ALL. Or it's EXACTLY what you should consider to cope with life BUT your heart might just not be ready for it … yet.

In my case, valuable books like this one have always been recommended to me by dear friends (you know who you are) and acquaintances. Sometimes it was the perfect timing for the certain push I needed. At other times I felt that I wasn't quite there yet and I picked them up again when the time felt right. 

In "When everything changes change everything" Walsch talks about our fear of changes not knowing that changes are ALWAYS good for us even though we often can't see the bigger picture due to desperate times or certain mindsets. At first, I admit that I found his writing style annoying, as he keeps repeating A LOT, which made me feel like I'm a child that needs the simplest explanation in order to follow his thoughts. Eventually, I started to appreciate the simplicity and repetition; as he lays open a world with a different mindset you need time to digest all those new but universally true ideas and messages. 

That's all I want to give away. That and the fact that the book taught me how to be more at peace with things happening in my life that were not according to plan and which therefore stressed me out. I've learned a new way of coping with situations like that: to trust in the universe to lead me on a path that's eventually better for me, in one way or another.

It's not easy to trust. But that's how it is with trust.  

When Everything Changes, Change Everything: In a time of turmoil, a pathway to peace (English Edition)

By Neale Donald Walsch

Buy on Amazon

Im Labyrinth des Schweigens

Although I've watched quite a lot of movies recently, I didn't find any of them really worth mentioning in a post … Until this one: Im Labyrinth des Schweigens ("Labyrinth of Lies"), a 2014 German production directed by Guilio Ricciarelli, a young and idealistic public prosecutor in post war Germany takes interest in the case of a former Ausschwitz extermination camp commander, who is teaching at a school in West Berlin, which indicates that he has never been brought to justice. 

I majored in History and graduated from Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich. Although I grew up in a Germany that is dealing with its history on different levels unlike many other countries I'm related with (Turkey and Japan), and although I am of the mind that many at that time wanted to forget the past but that in the end we were lucky for having had no choice but to look at what had been done in Germany mostly because of the Allies, I was quite surprised and also shocked to learn new things through this movie, which is based on true events. 

First of all, what I was surprised about was that I was wrong about the Allies. It wasn't them who made us look at the consequences of Nazi-Germany. It was a young German prosecutor and his group of supporters that helped make the crimes of Nazis a topic that everyone wanted to brush under the carpet. 

Secondly, not only that … I was shocked to find out that a lot of Germans had never HEARD of Ausschwitz. 

All the people, who committed all these terrible crimes as Nazis would have gotten away with everything they had done, if it hadn't been for a few people with the right occupation to dig it all up again, to make us look at what we had done.  

Like with anything bad in your life you can't really move on without looking at something closely and accepting it. I believe that any country that chooses not to teach its children its true face as a nation, faces or will face political and social problems at some point. 

I won't say more about the movie, except for what an impact it had on me and how happy I am to have watched it. 

To true heroes, who remind us of the righteous way.

The Evolution Of Hip Hop Dancing

Jimmy Fallon is all about stars and music and what he does on his show always cracks me up. 

Here is the video clip on "Evolution of Hip Hop Dancing" with him and Will Smith. I love the names given to the different moves. 

Prison Break All Over Again

What happens when a crab gets hold of a knife? 

He runs away with it! 

Watch this Gangsta Crab!

I truly hope he made it out unharmed. 

Go crabby! 

Adele's "Hello" Parody

In “What I’m Up To” (in "My Interests") I wrote about going to the gym recently. The beginning was tough because I also started watching my diet and suddenly it felt like the whole world was made of sugar and I had to fight to resist it.

That’s why this video clip below made me laugh and made me feel like I can get my cravings off my chest. 

John Oliver - Donald Trump

For the ones who don’t know John Oliver:

He is an English comedian and political commentator, who used to work on The Daily Show with the brilliant Jon Stewart and is known for hosting HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

There are so many things I love about him:

·      his British humor and accent

·      the fact that, as a Brit, he can pull off political jokes on American TV and gain popularity with it

·      how he proves things right or wrong in a systematic, easy and funny way and backs everything up with great research work

·      how he questions statements and shows us all how not to believe everything we read or hear

·      his lovable way

·      how much influence he has on politics (apparently his comedic commentary has been credited with helping U.S. legislation, regulations, court rulings and other aspects of U.S. culture, which has been dubbed “The John Oliver Effect” – Luckerson, Victor TIME and Jon, Dekel National Post)

Watch this video of John Oliver talking about Donald Trump and how finding Trump amusing is well and good, but that we need to understand what the consequences could be if we we don't stop this man.

Brilliant!

Heads Up

Ellen DeGeneres has released (quite a while ago) this fabulous, funny game that she sometimes plays with her guests.

It’s a word guessing game and it’s called Heads Up. 

You can download the App to your smart phone or tablet and when you start the game you hold the screen above your head. The other person gives you hints and you have to guess as many words as possible in 60 seconds.

Since you are not allowed to look at the screen, there are ways how to control Heads Up:

When your guess is correct you tilt your device (tablet or smart phone) face down and when you want to pass a word you tilt the device up.

At the end of the 60 seconds you can see how many words you got right and how many you have passed.

The game includes 18 themed decks.

I downloaded two versions of it – one with words and one with pictures. The pictures are good because I can play that with friends who don’t speak English or with students, who are studying English with me. (You can play it with kids as well!) 

Here is a video of Ellen playing the game with Alison Sweeney. 

I like the version with doing accents. 

Last but not least, I added this funny video of a lady who just doesn’t get the rules. 

Enjoy!

Tim Minchin

The same friend, who took me to the great French restaurant, which I posted about in the “Lau..haha..gh” section, also told me to watch Tim Minchin on YouTube.

“He is hilarious”, she said. … “You’ll love him”, she said. …

And she was right.  

Tim Minchin (Timothy David Minchin) is a British/Australian Comedian Slash Musician Slash Writer.

I’m just at the beginning of discovering his work but I can tell you that he is indeed very funny (luckily, since he is a comedian), that his jokes are very smart, and that he is quite political.

He does a brilliant job in combining serious topics that concern everyone with provoking well-chosen language and ridiculous seeming topics.

I have no talent for remembering song lyrics and I’m someone who can’t do grocery shopping AND talking on the phone to someone at the same time. Therefore I’m especially amazed by people like Tim Minchin, who is a genius in multitasking and singing really fast and adding lots of humorous moments to his performance with his pauses and mimics. 

Why don’t you check out this YouTube video – Prejudice – below and see for yourself?

I also liked “F%!%§ the Poor“, „The Pope Song “, and “Always the Germans”.  They all cracked me up!!!

Have fun!

John Wick

John Wick is not necessarily a brilliant movie but since I liked the action, the plot, the performances, I can say that it is a pretty good movie.  

Just yesterday I watched Paycheck with Ben Affleck in it. While the plot is not bad it just shows again how much the performance of the protagonist can make or break the movie. I’m not a big fan of Affleck’s acting – it’s distracting and I have trouble staying in the story.

John Wick could have run the same risk. Instead they were wise enough to let Keanu Reeves play the main part.

In general, to me Keanu Reeves is one of those actors who shine in certain roles that seem to be cut out just for him, like in Matrix! In other movies, it feels like he is the wrong piece in a jigsaw puzzle – but never as bad as Ben Affleck. Never!

In John Wick he plays an ex-hitman who comes out of retirement to go after the gangsters, who take the last good thing in his life from him.

The plot is simple and a lot of you might go “Umm! … No, thank you!”, which is fair enough.

A lot of times Keanu Reeves is presented by the media as someone who lost his love in an accident (there are so many stories out there and who knows what’s right and wrong), who lives a simple life, is one of the most decent actors/ people film crews have worked with, and does big gestures (giving money to a film crew staff in need) in a quiet way. It’s easy to like Keanu Reeves for all that. When I watched him on the Graham Norton Show he was this cool, decent guy with a touch of mystery and a sad story in his heart, which made me like him even more. Therefore I might be fond of this movie because John Wick is a bit like Keanu Reeves or Keanu Reeves is a bit like John Wick.

I loooooove movies like Bourne Identity, Matrix, Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee for their smart action and fighting scenes. Now I can add John Wick to that list.

Oh, and one more thing! After the movie I’m sure you will want to get a beagle dog as your new pet. Don’t ask why … Just watch it! :-) 

Keanu Reeves in the Graham Norton Show:

The Ellen DeGeneres Show - Amy Schumer

Ellen just puts me in a good mood. So, if there is still anyone out there, who doesn't know her then please check this video out to get a glimpse of her show, so you find yourself in a good mood too. 

I didn't really know who Amy Schumer was but she is hilarious and I want to see more of her. 

The Way You Make Me Feel - different

I like Kawehi's version of Michael Jackosn's The Way You Make Me Feel. She is cute, the video is cute (the dogs are funny, too) and it's simply amazing how she operates that … thing! 

(I'm easily impressed by people who can multitask, as I can not!) 

She's got a sweet voice. You might want to check out her other covers on You Tube. 

Woman Afraid Of Her Own Face Mask

This short but sweet video cracks me up, EVERY   SINGLE   TIME. Don't ask me why. 

Honest Trailers

One very good friend of mine, whose British humour I love, recommended me this web series where all kinds of movies are introduced in a different way - a more "honest" way. 

You'll love the voice. 

I chose Love Actually as one of the Honest Trailers series. 

The Late Late Show With James Cordon

I love the The Late Late Show with James Cordon, especially the car pool karaoke part and how he pulls that off: He manages to create a funny friendly atmosphere, sing pretty well, and remember all lyrics WHILE driving. Is he really driving? Cause that's just amazing multitasking, in my eyes. 

If you are not a fan already, let's see if I get you hooked on with this car pool karaoke video with Adele as a guest.