"A little house in the south of France"
Oct 20, 2020
Ricarda and Max, how did the idea of an own blog come about?
I founded the blog CATS & DOGS 2008 during my English and German studies, because I sewed myself and wanted to write. Max joined in about 2015, first as a photographer behind the camera and then sometime before that.
Did you ever think you'd be so successful?
In 2008 I founded the blog, at that time it was one of the very first fashion blogs in Germany and so it got a lot of attention very quickly, was featured in many magazines and so it developed by itself. We had virtually no control over it, except that we just did what we liked to do.
On your website you write that you are your own production company. What do you offer?
We offer content production. We produce image and video material according to the customer's wishes, organize locations and everything else that is needed.
What motivates you to write new blog articles again and again?
The fun of beautiful things, of taking pictures and writing.
What do you wish for the next 10 years, are there still dreams you want to realize?
We would like to have a small house in the south of France in 10 years and live there permanently. Regarding Cats & Dogs: Maybe an illustrated book, but more about a travel topic than the blog itself.
Is there a motto for your life which accompanies you?
My motto in life is more of a mantra, "I am enough." I find that very beautiful and profound.
As I read on your website, "only" Ricarda practices yoga?
Yes, I practice and teach yoga, Max participates every now and then. But he enjoys basketball, skating and weight training more.
Since when do you do yoga and what made you do it?
I have been practicing yoga since about 2014. I have tried running, swimming, weight training and Pilates before, but never stayed longer than a year. I have stayed with yoga since I started. I do not see yoga as a sport in that sense, but as a holistic practice that is so much more than just asana.
What is the perfect yoga class for you?
Since in yoga we want to direct our attention inwards, I find external stimuli such as music or incense sticks not so helpful, but rather distracting. Besides, not every scent appeals to every person and the subject of music is also very delicate. In my lessons I usually teach without any external stimuli, unless it is a very playful lesson or an hour that is focused on music.
What do you find particularly fascinating about yoga and how do you practice it in everyday life?
Yoga for me takes place in every moment of the day. I practice mindfulness, gratitude and all the Yamas and Niyamas as best I can, always. To be less in yesterday and tomorrow and more in the here and now, this is the most difficult, but also the most grateful yoga exercise we can practice in every moment.
Has yoga changed your attitude towards life?
Absolutely. Which is why I wanted to be a yoga teacher. I want to give others what I have experienced myself through yoga: to live more in the here and now, to deal with stress in a more relaxed way, to be more friendly and loving with my fellow human beings. To perceive the beauty of the world more often. All this is Yoga.
You wanted to complete the Yoga Teacher Training in Bali in March? Did it work out despite all the circumstances?
Yes, I completed my 200 hours of Yoga Teacher Training in Bali in Vinyasa and Yin Yoga, I am RYT 200 and teach in studios in Düsseldorf, as well as private classes and individual lessons. I am also a Yoga Alliance Certified Meditation Teacher and always build this into my classes.