|cinematheque| :: 180° SOUTH ::

It`s been a while since I made a post for the cinemateque section, so let`s continue the tradition, since I love movies and I like to share good things. ;)
I really enjoyed watching this documentary + I fell in love with Patagonia. Definitely a spot in the world I,`d love to visit.

"The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask." (Jeff Johnson)

IMDB (7,6/10)

Goddess of the Universe: FAQ

How are the finalists selected? 

The main criterion for this virtual contest is BEAUTY, and then the all the aspects such as performance follows. From 2011-2012, we accommodated as much beautiful and qualified girls as we can from different pageants. We use their country name + the pageant they came from (such as USA Universe, Czech Republic Earth). But in 2013, we decided to have the 1 GIRL PER SASH. We usually get the contestants from the Big 4 (Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Earth and Miss International)

What are mainly the qualifications?

As long as that girl competed on a pageant on the year, then she's legitimate to be picked as a contestant.

Can a candidate re-qualify on another year?

Yes, as long as she didn't placed on the Top 5 on one of our editions. 

How does the competition goes?

We judge them based from their performance on their respective pageants. They are evaluated on Swimsuits, Evening Gown and Overall aura. So basically, we are looking for the goddess who has the complete package.

How are the judges picked?

People with big interest and has wide knowledge on pageants such as enthusiasts, experts, national directors and even real beauty queens.

:: MIXTAGRAM ::

  Happy Holidays!

Instagram: majarotovnik

RAMP Magazine

Miss International 2013 is Philippines!

Bea Rose Santiago won Philippines 5th Miss International title at Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan on December 17th. Santiago was crowned by Miss International 2008 Alejandra Andreu after last year's winner Ikumi Yoshimatsu failed to attend the event due to security reasons.

1st Runner Up is Nathalie den Dekker of Netherlands while the 2nd Runner Up is New Zealand Casey Radley who happened to be Santiago's roommate. Completing the Top 5 are Hungary and Colombia.

The rest of the top 15 are: Brazil, Ecuador, Gibraltar, Iceland, Lithuania, Puerto Rico, Russia, Spain, Thailand and USA.

New Zealand won Miss Friendship, Macau won Miss Internet while Lithuania won Miss Photogenic.

Interestingly, this is Philippines' 2nd crown in the Big 4 after winning Miss World in August by Megan Young. It's also the first time in history that two countries had equal victories on the Big 4 - Venezuela (Universe and Earth) and Philippines (World and International).

Miss France 2014

Flora Coquerel was crowned Miss France 2014 at the Zénith in Dijon on December 7th. This 19 year old represented Orleanis. 1st Runner Up is Tahiti's Mehiata Riaria, 2nd Runner Up is Laëtizia Giovanelli of Provence, 3rd Runner Up is Aurianne Sinacolla of Cote D'Azur and the 4th Runner Up is Chloé Deher of Guadaloupe. 

It's not yet final if the winner will also compete in Miss Universe, but it's sure that the winner will compete in Miss World 2014 in London next year. The 1st Runner Up might go to Miss Universe 2014 if the winner can't. The 2nd Runner Up will go to Miss Earth 2014 and the 3rd Runner Up will go to Miss Supranational 2014.

|cuisine| :: BANANA CAKE WITH WALLNUTS ::

I was in sauna a few days ago and a friend had a magazine wit her, so while she was reading, I was just glancing over the pages and I saw this recipe that looked super delicious, so I took a photo of it and this is how I came to this post about banana cake with wallnuts. :)

I actually made three of them in the last week! What can I say, I have friends with good taste that like to try out my cooking masterpieces. :)

Anyhow, Banana cake + Lemon cake = winwin! :)

So, if you want to make a banana cake of your own, you`ll need:

3 ripe bananas (3 zrele banane)

300g spelt flour (300g pirine moke)

125g butter (125g masla, jaz sem uporabila kokosovo)

100g brown sugar (100g rjavega sladkorja)

2 eggs (2 jajci)

100g walnut kernels (100g orehovih jedrc)

1/2 baking powder (1/2 pecilnega praška)

2 tbs sour cream (2 žlici kisle smetane)

cinnamon (cimet), a pinch of salt (ščepec soli), nutmeg (muškatni orešček)

SLO: Model namastite z maslom, ostalo maslo pa zmehčajte. Grobo sesekljajte orehova jedrca in z vilicami pretlačite banane. Te zmešajte z zmehčanim maslom in jim dodajte še jajci ki ste jih razžvrkljali s sladkorjem.

Moko presejte v skledo in ji dodajte pecilni prašek, cimet, muškatni orešček in sol. Suhe sestavine dobro zmešajte s preostalimi in na koncu dodajte še orehe - nekaj si jih pustite, da jih boste potresli po vrhu. Testo vlijte v namaščen pekač in pecite okrog 45 min v pečici, segreti na 180 stopinj.

ENG: Grease the cake model with butter, soften the rest of it (I just "cooked" it, so I got liquid out of it). Mash bananas with a fork, add butter,sour cream & eggs, which you have mixed with sugar. Next step is to sieve the flour into a bowl, add baking poweder, cinnamon, nutmeg and that pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingridients with the rest and on the end add the wallnuts - leave some, for the decoration. Bake 45 minuts at 180 degrees. Sorry, I discovered that my english is not so good when it comes to the cooking expressions, but I think, you`ll still be able to make a damn fine banana cake! ;)

xo, M.

Venezuela wins Miss Earth 2013!

Alyz Henrich wins Venezuela's 2nd Miss Earth crown! This 22-year old from Punto Fijo bested over 87 candidates from all corners of the Earth at Versailles Palace, Alabang. 1st Runner Up (Miss Air) is Katia Wagner from Austria, 2nd Runner Up (Miss Water) is Thailand's Punika Kulsoontornrut and the 3rd Runner Up (Miss Fire) is Korea's Catharina Choi. 

Last month, Venezuela takes the Miss Universe title and last night Venezuela proved to the world what this beauty powerhouse can cater. 

Completing the Top 8 are: Mexico, Philippines, Poland and Serbia. Completing the Top 16 are: Chile, China PR, France, Mauritius, South Africa, Spain, Turkey and USA. The 16 competed on both Swimsuits and Evening Gowns and then narrowed down to 8 for the Question and Answer portion. 

The pageant was hosted by Singapore-based real life couple Oli Pettigrew (Cash Cab Asia, Sony Style, Lonely Planet Six Degrees China and Epad) and Linda Black (HBO Signature's Friday Picture House, Cathay Pacific on the Move, Health@Desktop). The pageant was beamed to the world by STAR World, Venevision and some participating tv networks across the globe.

Henrich will enjoy a year of beautiful reign travelling around the world promoting Miss Earth's cause! 

Miss Earth 2013 Final Hotpicks

1. Serbia - Andjelka Tomasevic

2. Venezuela - Alyz Henrich

3. Mexico - Kristal Silva

4. Bosnia and Herzegovina - Vera Krneta

5. Thailand - Punika Kulsoontornrut

6. Costa Rica - Mariela Aparicio

7. India - Sobhita Dhulipala

8. Bolivia - María Renée Carmona

9. Chile - Natalia Lermanda

10. Philippines - Angelee delos Reyes

11. Kosovo - Donika Emini

12. South Africa - Ashanti Mbanga

13. Brazil - Priscilla Martins

14. China PR - Lisa Xiang

15. Germany - Carolina Noeding

16. Poland - Aleksandra Szczęsna

:: MIXTAGRAM ::

It`s here, the magical December that we were all waiting for to come. I`m really not a winter type, cuz I`m freakin` cold all the time (seriously, what`s up with that?), but there is something special about December. 

I love the cinnamon smell and I always bake like crazy (not just in december, but during the whole winter), because honestly, what`s better than a house that smells of freshly baked cookies (yum!). I love hot chocolate or a big cup of cacao with marshmallows, I love chunky sweaters, twinkling lights, festive atmosphere, x-mass decorations, fireplace, snowlakes falling from the sky, dinners with family and friends, ... and so on. I`m sure you feel the same way, right? Or maybe not? 

Anyhow, this are some of the moments from my Instalife..

Are you following me already?

Instagram: majarotovnik

1. Weekend breakfast , 2. Sunday afternoon, 3. Nails love, 4. Pelicon - Slovenian beer on kickstarter + it`s really tasty, 5. Opening of a Pop-up Home, 6. Art - a store, where my wallet loses weight very easily :)
Ok, gotta go now, cuz I`m baking something good....you`ll find out soon what I`m talking about.
Cheers! x
M.

Señorita Colombia 2013

Paulina Vega Dieppa, 20 representing Atlantico, was crowned Señorita Colombia 2013 at Auditorio Getsemani-Centro de Convenciones in Cartagena de Indias on November 11, 2013. The Barranquilla-native will represent Colombia at Miss Universe 2014. 

1st Runner Up is Zuleika Kiara Suárez Torrenegra (San Andrés y Providencia) and will represent Colombia at Miss International 2014. María Alejandra López Pérez (Risaralda), Carolina Crovo Sierra (Antioquia) and Tania Valencia Cuero (Valle) completed the Top 5. 

The Hot and Sexy: Limakum Jami

The talented lead Guitarist of Alobo Naga and The Band. He's the man behind the sweet music in your ears when the band perform.

-Betoka Swu Photography

Miss NorthEast 2013

Miss Keneyile Rhakho from Nagaland at the Miss NorthEast 2013 contest in Guwahati held on May 24, 2013.

Naga's Next top model 2013

Gihutoli awomi at NNTM photoshoot session with miss india Himakshi Agarwal.
Photographer: Imnaonen pongen

Naga's Next top model 2013

Contestant 07 Group C of Naga's Next top model 2013 season 1
Name: Cynthia
Height: 5'5
Birthday: 16th Nov
Age: 21
Hobbies- Singing,Playing Guitar,Dancing and traveling
Why did you join NNTM?: I have join this NNTM contest as it is a great opportunity for me to showcase the good talents i have in me. I would love to experience the different challenges offered in this show to prove myself, that i can do it, and i am the Best!

Ketholeno Kense(Leno)

Ketholeno Kense(Leno) is a contestant at the coveted Kingfisher Calendar Supermodels hunt 2014.
Leno belongs to the Angami Naga tribe and considers her north-eastern looks to be her biggest asset. She is fun loving, jovial, focussed and an extremely simple girl at heart who doesn't take success or failure seriously. She comes out of every hurdle being a winner and wishes to set an example by being the face of the calendar.

Fashion(Naga) wish her the best.

Miss Sumi Ahuna 2013

Atheli Zhimo was crowned Miss Sumi Ahuna 2013 who also bagged the subtitle Miss Personality followed by Alivi Achumi as the 1st runners-up and Eziza Sumi as the 2nd runners-up who also clinched the ‘Viewer’s Choice’ title. Atheli won a cash prize of Rs. 50000, while the 1st and 2nd runners-up won Rs. 35, 000 and Rs. 25, 000 respectively. Miss Sumi Ahuna 2013 was held under the theme “Beauty for Amity”, where 15 contestants from Kohima, Dimapur and Zunheboto took part in the competition.

The subtitles- Miss Perfect 10, Miss Personality, Miss Photogenic, Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Beautiful Skin and Viewers choice were also awarded with Rs. 10000 each.

Modern and Contemporary Tribal slouchy outfit

A model endearing a dashing and daring fashion combinations of modern and contemporary tribal slouchy outfit created by
                                      emerging designer Khrielasier liezietsu, a 17-year-old and pupil of Class XII from Nagaland.
                                                                                              Model: Beni Ezung
                                                                                   Designer: Khrielasier liezietsu
                                                                                      Photography: Betoka Swu

:: WOODY the Christmas Tree ::

Uh, it`s a long time since my last post, but that`s what happens when you`re busy. It`s really not usual for me, that I don`t have time for blogging, pinterest and all the other internet fun. I kind of miss it, but from time to time, life hits me really hard and I have to work on other things a bit more.

Today, I`ll introduce to you one of the projects we are working on right now and that`s "Woody the Christmas Tree". Woody is made out of a spruce wood, so it`s natural and very stylish. There are two versions of it, Woody Natural or Woody White, whatever goes best into your space/place. 

We made a FB page for it (here), so please don`t hesitate to give a big like to Woody and share the news. 

If you are from Celje or Ljubljana, you can check out Woody White in stores of And by Andraž, along with the recycled ornaments made by moi. :) 

Of course, you can also have a Woody of your own, just write me an email, so we can discuss the details! ;) 

Xo, Maja

woody natural

And by Andraž - Citypark Ljubljana

the ornaments

Miss Earth 2013 Hotpicks Week 1

Miss Earth 2013 officially kicks off at Manila this week! The girls battled in front of the media during the Press Presentation. With their first-week performance in Manila plus their performance at the Press Presentation, here are our Top 16: 

1. Bosnia and Herzegovina - Vera Krneta

2. Serbia - Andjelka Tomasevic

3. Thailand - Punika Kunsuntornrat

4. India - Sobhita Dhulipala

5. Philippines - Angelee delos Reyes

6. Venezuela - Alyz Henrich
7. Austria - Katia Wagner
8. Bolivia - Maria Renee Carmona
9. Mexico - Kristal Silva
10. Brazil - Priscilla Martinas
11. South Africa - Ashanti Mbanga
12. Chile - Natalia Lermanda
13. Poland - Aleksandra Szczęsna
14. Czech Republic - Monika Leová
15. Kosovo - Donika Emini
16. Korea - Catharina Choi

Venezuela takes the Universe!

25-year old Maria Gabriela Isler covets Venezuela's 7th Miss Universe crown at Crocus City Hall in Moscow Oblast, Russia on November 9th that was witnessed by 100+ countries in the world. Gabriela Isler was one of the early favorites since the competition didn't kick off in Russia and was hosted by NBC anchor Thomas Roberts and Spice Girls member Mel B.

1st Runner Up is Spain's Patricia Rodriguez, Constanza Baez brought Ecuador's first top 5 placement and finished 2nd Runner Up, 3rd Runner Up is Philippines' Ariella Arida and the 4th Runner Up is Brazil's Jakelyne Oliveira. Brazil and Philippines made Top 5 last year and in 2011.

Completing the Top 10: Yaritza Reyes (Dominican Republic), Amy Willerton (Great Britain), who brought Great Britain's first placement since England, Scotland and Wales competed as one in 1990, Manasi Moghe (India), Olga Storozhenko (Ukraine), and Erin Brady (USA). Completing the Top 16: Jin Ye (China), Fabiana Granados (Costa Rica), Whulandary Herman (Indonesia), Nastassja Bolívar (Nicaragua), Monic Pérez (Puerto Rico) and Dominique Rinderknecht (Switzerland). 

The top 16 competed in Swimsuit on the music of Panic! At the Disco's Miss Jackson and I Write Sins Not Tragedies. The top 10 competed in Evening gowns on the music of Emin's Amor and In Another Life. The Top 5 were then announced and competed on the Final question.

Paulina Krupinska (Poland) was Miss Photogenic and Ye Jin (China) was Miss Congeniality. The awards weren't presented at the show to give the airtime to Steven Tyler's special performance and who also seated as one of the judges. Ariella Arida (Philippines) was the fan vote winner. 

:: WHAT IMPRESSED ME, WHICH SONGS GIVE ME POWER AND A QUOTE, THAT`S NOT REALLY A QUOTE ::

1. Video that impressed me this week - The invisible bicycle helmet:

When I saw this, I said "whaaaat", but damn, it`s a nice idea! 

Check out more on their website here. You will want to have one, trust me. 

2. A list of songs that make me happy while I run, so I guess I can call them "my running songs". 

1.   The xx - You got the love (florence & the maschine cover)

2.   Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can`t hold us feat. Ray Dalton 

3.   Feed me & Crystal Fighters - Love is all I got

4.   Netsky - Everyday

5.   Rudimental - Waiting all night feat. Ella Eyre 

6.   Flight Facilities - Crave you

7.   Beth Ditto - I wrote the book 

8.   Arctic Monkeys - R U Mine?

9.   Cage the Elephant - Come a little closer

10. Max Manie - Sunday (klangtherapeuten remix)

Of course I have tons of songs on my shuffle, but this ones are usually on repeat a couple of times. It`s funny how music gives me strength in the moments when I feel very weak, for ex. when I run long distances, music is much appreciated. Do you have your own power songs? (share please) :) 

3. A quote, that`s not really a quote 

Whatever it`s going on in your life, just don`t forget to breathe...

Photo: pinterest

Oh, it`s a shitty weather for a Saturday, but let`s make something good out of it. I`ve got a lot of projects
going on right now, so I am a bit busy and super excited. December is coming, and I`m happy about it. 

That`s it. Tonight we have a small gathering, just some friends, some snacks, some drinks, happy thoughts, laughter, long talks.... you know, whatever goes with it. 

Enjoy your Saturday! 

Love, M.

The Miss Universe 2013 Awards

Before anything else, let's take a throwback at leas year's winner

The Miss Universe 2012 Awards

Miss Photogenic: Korea - Yumi Kim

*the award is for the candidate who stayed consistent with how look in photographs

As the competition when through, not a even single photo she looked displeasing and disappointing. She always look very pretty, poised and blooming. 

Face of the Universe: Poland - Paulina Krupinska

*the award associates with the make-up application, hair styling, and how she conveys her emotion

Krupinska during the Tony Ward fashion show.
She was chosen to open the show and walked
four times in the runway.

One of the front runners for the crown, Paulina has the support of the people since the competition kicked off. She's very beautiful, very poised and very queenly. She knows very well her style.

Best in Glam Shot: USA - Erin Brady

*most high-fashion shot, top magazine cover-worthy

This photo is just full of intensity. The power comes from her eyes which was perfectly accentuated by the lips.

VIEW: MISS UNIVERSE 2013 HIGH FASHION BEST IN GLAMSHOT TOP 10

Best in Swimsuit: Brazil - Jakelyne Oliveira

*based on the fitness of the body, tone, and catwalk

Since she was crowned Miss Brazil 2013, everybody is expecting her to perform well because of her one-of-a-kind catwalk. The swimsuit performance of hers just wowed everyone and completely exceptional. On the other hand, she needs to slow it down a little bit.

Best in Evening Gown: Paraguay - Guadalupe Gonzalez

*carried the gown with elegance

Applause for this girl for making the most of her gown. A great choice because the color is absolutely pleasing to the eye and she used the train very well.

Best Designed Evening Gown: Curacao - Eline de Pool

*cut of the gown, detailing and hauteness 

An example of sweet yet sexy. The sweet part id the color and the sexy part is the neckline. The bun perfectly compliments the cut of the gown. The bead-work is commendable and very great to look at. Not too pageant patty yet not too couture.

:: A LITTLE OF WHAT I FANCY ::

1. Clipper tea is what makes my day better (especially mornings & evenings). Maybe it will work for you too. 

2. Make your living room lovely with a beautiful Mimi pillow cloud. I`m in love <3.

3. Rich Hobos beanie will keep you warm, while exploring the woods in Autumn. It works, believe me. 

4. I love spending rainy days on a couch, with a good book, tea & candles (yankee candles are the one that I fancy). If you`re not a book person, replace it with your loved one. That should be fine as well. ;) 

+  a bonus --> Chestnusts, just because I love them so much, don`t you?!

I have to be honest and say I don`t really feel inspired for blogging lately and that`s why I don`t post that much. It`s better to wait a bit and find my "mojo" again, than make a bunch of posts that don`t really mean anything to me. Anyhow, this is a new add to the blog  "A liitle of what I fancy" & I hope you`ll enjoy it.

Have a great week and stay lovely as you are. :)
+ A big hug to everyone (oh, yeah...I`m a hugger)!
xo, M.

|events - exhibition| ::VIŽDE - OTROC SO LAČN, TK JE::

On Friday I went with my girls to Žalec, to check out what "Vižde" prepared for us this time.

They organised a charity (art) exhibition of young artists that are coming from Žalec & Celje. In my opinion it was great, very well organised, fresh & new for our region, which I approve very much, because I think we definitely need more events like this, so "Bravo" boys&girls, well done & keep it going! ;) 

Lately, I`m asking myself, what are all the talented artists from my town doing, because I know there are a couple of them, but I don`t see much going on...I really hope people will at some point collaborate and make something good out of it (a kickass fresh idea of an event would be a good start, or just something very simple, but good for the city - we really need to be working on bringing life back into it, because at the moment, it`s just sad).

You don`t really need much though. Just time, some effort and an idea of course.

So, Celje....please, surprise me.

If there is anyone with an idea, but he needs help with the organisation, just contact me, I`m all in, I really think, we could do so much more. Nobody is really trying for the public good anymore, everyone started to be egoistic and just do, whatever is best for them. I get it to some point, but I still think, that we are the ones that can change things, we just need to help each other out. Even though you`ll do something for free once, that doesn`t mean you are not valuable, it just means you`re trying at your best + hoping for the best and it will come back to you (good karma and stuff like that). :)

Ah, whatever, it`s better I go to sleep instead of writting an essay here, cuz I was a bit carried away....anyhow, my muscles are still soar from the marathon on Sunday, tomorrow is the last working day for this week (yey!) and I had a kebab today for lunch (healthy, I know) - which was superlicious btw. :)

Good night, 

xo, M.