This is one of my favorite times of year. The temperature starts to go down. In LA it’s a slow process. I know it’s a luxury problem around the world some places the snow boots, scarves and gloves are already out. I am just over the moon that I can finally put on some jeans and a jacket at night. Light candles at night. I am Danish after all and am all about “Hygge”.

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh not hoo-gah) is a Danish word which can be described as a quality of cosiness. It is an old Danish concept that helps Danes get through the long, dark winter.

The New Yorker went to town on the concept: Click here

This is also what I call soup season (and stews) I just loooove soups and stews. There are no limits to what you can put in them. You can make a big batch and have for several days or freeze half for later. They are full of nutrition, comforting in the fall/winter months and so ymmii.

I made a Lemon Chicken Zucchini/Courgette ( for us Europeans) Stew with cannellini beans. If Vegetarian then only use beans and maybe add some lentils as well.

Click here for Recipe

Speaking of Beans. Many moons ago when I moved to London I had a tight budget. So, often when I cooked, I would half the meat and sub. the rest with beans or Lentils. Lentils and beans have protein in them, are super healthy and full of fiber, minerals and Vitamins. They don’t really taste of anything much, is a great filler and in stews and soups they can almost work as a thickener. Back then I didn’t know about the carbon footprint. And using half the meat and sub with beans and lentil is not only healthy but also good for the environment. I say that’s a win win.

I know tonight I will be having my stew, lighting candles and just “Hygge”

Conclusion: Who knew beans and lentils would get a better reputation. LOL

 

How much TV are you watching? How many (useless) videos are you watching on your Ipad, smart phone or other devices a DAY?? Do you spend 30 min. to find something to watch and then settle for something you actually don’t care about because there was nothing else?

So I want to share with you my 30 day detox from TV that includes videos from you devices, because we all know there are a loot of them. Yes I know it sounds kind of crazy in general and especially me being an actress my work includes watching what’s out there. And don’t get me wrong I loooooooove a good series, documentary or talk-show. But let me tell you. Wowsers! What an amazing experience.

I was home in Denmark at my summerhouse this summer ( not watching a lot of TV…only getting through jet-lag) and while being there I thought about how little I read, besides scripts, Instagram and Facebook posts. I always say “But I am always so tired at night from all the things, I have been doing through out the day that zoning out to TV makes me relax”. Well when I came back to LA, I saw that old habit of watching way to much TV unfolding. I don’t need to watch 9 seasons of a show ….again…. to keep up with what´s happening in the world of acting.

I believe nothing is by chance. A couple of days later I came across a lecture where they challenged you to do 30 days with NO TV. And I started that day. The NO TV gave me the space to think. It gave me space to let ideas come to me. It’s almost like ideas were blocked by my TV habits ( read my post on Habits here).

I think if I am being honest it was also a bit of an escape. Life as an artist can be challenging at times. And TV was differently at times an escape and filling a gap. In my case a creative gap. I have never read so many books in 30 days. I got so inspired and let me just be clear oh boy did I almost fall of the wagon at times but my stubbornness made me stick to it.

Again I am not here to tell you what to do but to inspire thought. If you are inspired to try it out. Take the leap and see what happens.

Food Prep.

We all live busy lives and “time” is a different concept today than just 50 years ago. Now we are bombarded with not only long working hours but also “the smart Phone”, which to my amusement the Pleadians call the “dumb phone”. It’s a two edged sword.

We have access to so much knowledge that its overwhelming, but mostly the knowledge disappear in our thoughts as fast as it gets there. This phone brings our work home and also now there is an expectancy to receive a reply instantly, which can create stresses on both ends.

I previously wrote about Habits. One Habit I am a fan of is healthy eating. Feeding our bodies with healthy nutritious food for our wonderful body that is the most advanced and amazing “machine” ever invented. But how do we fit that in to a healthy life style. One suggestion is FOOD PREP. And its an option I love. Make a big bowl of chili, soup or bolognese ( recipes on recipe page) and freeze half so you always have an option in the freezer. Always have a selection of Tupperware. I am a big fan of freezable glass ones to avoid chemicals from the plastic.

Chop your veggie and put them in containers so you can easily. Ex. make some roasted veggies with your choice of protein in the oven. Give your self that little time and prep/organize in advance and not only will your cooking be easier when you come home from work it will also be healthier, less time consuming and you will also save money at the same time.

Roasted Veggies recipe here

What is a habit? Is it a good thing or does it keep us stuck sometimes.

The definition in the dictionary says:

“A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up”

The reason why I want to talk about “habit” is because the word suddenly sparked a lot of questions.

Is having habits actually a good thing. Or does it stop us in our endeavors and goals? Does what is perceived as a good thing block the flow?.

Well I think for example good eating habits are good. Its important to put good and nutritious food into our bodies. So we can have optimal health. Good exercise habits are healthy. And I think it is useful to make both somewhat a habit.

So this morning I listened to a lecture online and a question was raised to a participant in the lecture. Do you go to your local coffee shop every morning because it’s a habit or is it because you are inspired to go. That something tells you to go.

Uuuhhmmmm interesting. That made me spend my day ( mostly in traffic and during exercising ) thinking about “A Habit” because are our habits actually stopping us in reaching our goals. Stopping us in living our full potential. Stopping us in exploring new things.

My conclusion is that I don’t have a conclusion on the matter more that I am getting more in touch with my inner guiding system, that I am sure sometimes are screaming from the top of their lungs to get my attention to do something different or new, but I ignore it because of a Habit.

 

Welcome to Everything-Marie !

I hope this finds you in good spirit. Thank you for visiting its my absolute pleasure having you here. I am a Danish born Actress, Voice Over Artist, Writer, Barre instructor and a very passionate cook.

My journey started North of Copenhagen where I was born and has so far taken me to France to N.Y to London and now Malibu California.

I am curious by nature and life has led me in many wonderful, crazy and at time scary directions. The amazing thing is, life has so much to offer so much love, so much magic ,so much beauty but sometimes we need just need a little inspiration to move forward. Thousands of people have inspired me and keep doing so.

I am with you on this life journey and my mission is not to tell you what to do but to inspire thought. Like in my acting I always aspire to create an inner or outer dialog in the audience like it did with me.

Lets figure it out together.