Category Archives: Behind the Lens

Cashback

“Once upon a time I wanted to know what love was. Love is there if you want it to be – you just have to see that it’s wrapped in beauty and hidden away between the seconds of your life. If you don’t stop for a minute – you might miss it.”

When hubby suggested Cashback on last raining Sunday evening, I didn’t expect something decent. A combination of teen comedy and romance sounds just like another American Pie garbage. But both of us were happy after seeing the movie. It is a well-done independent film with interesting plot, great acting (apart from the boss) and dreamy cinematography.

If you haven’t seen it, rent a DVD, you won’t be disappointed. I’d better not to explain how the story goes, but I do like to list a few aspects which make this movie a gem.

The poetic camera movements, many of the shots are very artistic and imaginative. A wonderful selection of music (love the mix of opera, classic and pop. Casta Diva, Boléro, Mysterious Ways…they are blended in perfectly with the story). The British humor, some jokes and gags were so amusing. It reminds us all these silly moments of our life, lol~~  Ah, BTW, Daphne Guinness was the executive producer of this film. She made a very short but stunning appearance at the end. 


When Roses meet Jasmine

It seems that the summer has already gone. I’ve switched my daily frappé coffee to jasmine tea since last week, it is more pleasant to drink something warm especially in raining days.

Mixing rose petals in jasmine tea was a spontaneous idea, I am actually inspired by these heavenly rose macaroons from Ladurée. It turned out surprisingly good: delicate jasmine with a subtle touch of sweet rose flavor, hmmm…… Maybe you should try it yourself. ;-)


The Dreamers

We went to watch Inception with friends last night. It has a nice concept and stunning visual effects but somehow failed to touch my heart.

I actually enjoy movies that are intelligent in plot, but Inception just lack the profundity of story telling. The plot is too twisty for it’s own good which makes me care less and less about whether it was reality or dream. Let alone the weak character development and that cliché Hollywood ending.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret watching Inception. However, this is certainly not a thought-provoking and intelligent film I’ve expected and this is definitely not something I would love to watch over and over again.

Inception could have been a first class action movie or an outstanding drama piece. It just wanted to be both and achieved neither, but hey, it might be just me though. So what’s your thought? ;-)


Pink

Peony is my favorite flower in late spring/early summer. I am not a big fan of pink, but peonies in pink are just beyond gorgeous. Whenever I take a look at them they always put a smile on my face. :-D


Vienna: Good Old Waltz (Part II)

Are you ready for the part II of Vienna’s rich and exciting heritage? In this post, I’d like to share some more of my personal favorites.

Being the longest river in Europe, Danube has developed it’s own legend and myth. But I have always had my own image of the river probably because of that famous waltz from J. Strauss II: On the Beautiful Blue Danube. Well, Danube is as beautiful as in my imagination, hehe~~ We rented a paddle boat and rode it around Donauinsel (Danube Island) for an hour, it was so pleasant and romantic. We also went to the Old Danube to have a look of the idyllic part of the river.

Belvedere is actually Italian and means “beautiful view”. It is used as an architectural term to refer the belvedere structure (remember that famous Belvedere painting by M. C. Escher?). But this magic word has been used for many other gorgeous things too.

The Belvedere in Vienna is a baroque palace complex contains a lower part, an upper part and gardens. At the upper Belvedere resides the Austrian Gallery Museum, which houses the world’s largest Gustav Klimt collection, along with the masterpieces of Egon Schiele and Claude Monet. It is really worth a visit! BTW, for museum lovers, Albertina is another museum I’d like to recommend.

The Giant Ferris Wheel is a perfect example of a good old thing of Vienna, it was built in 1897 and has been a landmark of the city ever since. Be sure to take a ride if you visit Vienna, it was such a wonderful feeling to be carried by something which is now more than 100 years old, like riding the wheel of time…

Talking about tradition, I have to mention the typical Viennese cuisine too. Enjoy the famous Wienerschnitzel (Viennese Schnitzel) and Spareribs at Pürstner, a restaurant has been run by Pürstner family for over three generations. For dessert, don’t miss the original Sacher-Torte (a famous chocolate cake introduced in 1832) at Hotel Sacher. And there is a very nice selection of cakes and sweets at Kurkonditorei Oberlaa too. Last but not least, try the Steckerlfisch (grilled fresh fish) at Strandcafe near Old Danube. :-)

Oh gosh I have to stop now, writing the yummy food makes me wanna go back to Vienna NOW. haha~~  It’s Friday again, have a wonderful weekend my dear friends!


Natural Beauty

I found these gorgeous no name flowers (they have a name for sure but sorry I have no idea how they are called. Please educate me if you know. lol~~) during an after-supper stroll yesterday, pair them with a two tone leaf from our garden. Voilà, there is nothing better to kick off my June posts than such a natural beauty. :-)

BTW, I really love the refreshing contrast of green and purple. Have to create an outfit in this combo next time~~


Vienna: Good Old Waltz (Part I)

The capital of Austria has again been named by Mercer as the best city to live in the world. With the curiosity of how the city actually is, we made our 4 days trip to Vienna last week.

It’s hard to write a travelogue coz Vienna has so much to offer. From Stephen’s Cathedral to Schönbrunn Palace, from Danube River to the Giant Ferris Wheel, from the Imperial Palace to the Museum of Fine Arts, From the Belvedere to the Albertina… Hmm…where to start? Maybe I’d better let pictures tell the story this time.


Schönbrunn is the former summer residence of the imperial family and one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. It contains an enchanting park, a palm house, a labyrinth and even a zoo! At Schönbrunn, I couldn’t help think of the Summer Palace in Beijing. The architecture genre is totally different, but that lavish and luxurious life style is quite the same.

Vienna’s City Hall is a magnificent building in neo-Gothic style. It was designed by Friedrich von Schmidt, the architect of the Cathedral of Cologne.

The Stephansplatz is named after the city’s most prominent building, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is one of the tallest churches in the world.

The University of Vienna is one of my favorite spots during the trip. It was founded by Duke Rudolf IV in 1365 and is the oldest university within the German speaking area. What I love most is the university library. The old time interior is so beautiful and impressive. Unfortunately I don’t have a photo of the library to share, since it is very rude to disturb the students who were reading there. So you gotta go there by yourself, see and be amazed. ;-)

…to be continued


Munich: Spring in the Air

We visited Munich last week, a city known for its culture, architecture and beer festival (Oktoberfest). Munich has all the sophistication of a big city but in the meantime its very own Bavarian charm.

To my surprise, what impressed me most are not the famous Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg), the German Museum (Deutsches Museum), the State Court Brewery (Hofbräuhaus), the National Theatre (Nationaltheater)… but how quiet and green the city actually is.

It’s spring time, there is noting more beautiful than a stroll in a blossoming garden or park, bath the sunshine and feel the peace at heart. The Court Garden (Hofgarten), an Italian style Renaissance garden is located in the central of Munich. And within just a few minutes walk, you’ll reach another garden, the English Garden, a wonderful green oasis to explore and one of the world’s largest urban public parks (it is larger than the Central Park in NYC).

For these of you who want to experience or shop something special, Crooma Munich is a must see. This gallery/interior shop offers photographic art, lighting, furniture and accessories in a futuristic salesroom. Photographers represented include New York’s Tim Petersen, Paris’s Bruno Fabbris and London’s Zena Holloway. And the best thing is: you don’t have to own an art piece to feel pleased…

Picture Credit: Wallpaper

Sang d’Encre

I hate cheap nudity, but always enjoy seeing works which express the true beauty of nudity. Just like this Blood Ink editorial from Numéro’s May issue, Dree Hemingway captured by the incredible Sølve Sundsbø.

Brilliant idea, impeccable makeup and stunning shots!

Picture Credit: Sølve Sundsbø 4 Numéro

S/S Inspiration: Hardcore Elegance

I am so in love with this Tough Ballerina editorial from April’s Interview magazine, Freja Beha Erichsen by Craig McDean. The contrast of soft and strong, black and pink, leather and silk, Ann Demeulemeester and Roberto Cavalli… Amazing styling!

Picture Credit: Craig McDean 4 interview

I’ve paired a hard motorcycle vest with a soft ruffle dress last year (click here to have a look), it is not that “tough” like the editorial, but IMHO more wearable for everyday life. ;-) I do like to try something more interesting this summer!