outside the lines

“Don’t worry if people think you’re crazy. You are crazy. You have that kind of intoxicating insanity that lets other people dream outside of the lines and become who they’re destined to be” ”
— For all the women who inspire me, and many others, each day
Image via here. 

Image via here. 

the women of le mans

Le Mans, this enchanting historic town just South East of Paris turns into "racing heaven" for motor racing enthusiasts from all over the world mid-June. The 24hours of Le Mans will kick off on June 17th this year and we'll be there once again to enjoy the spectacle. 

One thing the organisation has done well the last few years is the "Women's pavilion"; not just a sanctuary for that much needed rest and manicure amidst the racing fuel and long walks, but more importantly the emphasis it places on the history of women at the Le Mans 24h. A few facts from the Le Mans website: 

Odetta Siko holds the title for the best overall result for a female driver, achieved in 1932. 

Vanina Ickx is the last woman to have finished in the top 10 overall at the 24 Hours, with seventh place in 2011 at the wheel of a Lola-Aston Martin coupe (LM P1 class).

Le Mans native Anny-Charlotte Verney holds the record for the most participations by a female driver at the 24 Hours (between 1974 and 1983). 

 

Odette Siko _circa 1932. Image via here. 

Odette Siko _circa 1932. Image via here. 

Vanina Ickx. Image via here. 

Vanina Ickx. Image via here. 

Anny-Charlotte Verney. Image via Motorsport Sisterhood. 

Anny-Charlotte Verney. Image via Motorsport Sisterhood. 

In 2015 we met Vanina Ickx briefly. Photo from own collection with Inge and Vanina. 

In 2015 we met Vanina Ickx briefly. Photo from own collection with Inge and Vanina. 

interior inspiration

“This study shows that just one plant per work space can provide a very large lift to staff spirits, and so promote wellbeing and performance””
— CIPHR
Image via Here. Thankful for the beautiful plants I received from friends for my office. They make each day a little better. 

Image via Here. Thankful for the beautiful plants I received from friends for my office. They make each day a little better. 

16 east

 

“Hygge has been called everything from “the art of creating intimacy,” “coziness of the soul,” and “the absence of annoyance,” to “taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things,” “cozy togetherness,” and my personal favorite, “cocoa by candlelight”. Hygge” 
― Meik Wiking, The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living. 

For some creating a sense of hygge in the home is key. For me it is in my office. This wonderful space where I spend most of the daylight hours of my day is where my books live, where there is alway coffee and where the view is breathtaking. It is my hygge space. 

 

Photo from my own collection. 

Photo from my own collection. 

wonton soup

In Shanghai I rediscovered wonton soup. Actually, one could argue that any wonton soup I ate previously could not be considered wonton soup now that I ate the "real thing" in Shanghai. Top of my list are the shrimp and vegetable wonton soup at the Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai and the shrimp wonton soup at the Park Hyatt Shanghai. 

At the Andaz the fresh vegetables in the wonton, combined with the shrimp, is just divine. At the Park Hyatt it is the seaweed and the view from the 89th floor that made it special. Now the search starts for the best recipe so I can make this lovely dish at home. 

The wonton soup at the Park Hyatt Shanghai. Photo from my own collection. November 2016. 

The wonton soup at the Park Hyatt Shanghai. Photo from my own collection. November 2016. 

The view from the Park Hyatt Shanghai lobby. Photo from my own collection. November 2016. 

The view from the Park Hyatt Shanghai lobby. Photo from my own collection. November 2016. 

The view from the Andaz. 22nd floor. Photo from my own collection. November 2016.

The view from the Andaz. 22nd floor. Photo from my own collection. November 2016.