Hamburg  - As winter draws near and the temperatures drop and the world becomes cold and dark, fragrances that add a bit of warmth, sensuality and exoticism to the air are usually in fashion.

That's also the case this year. While over the summer light, fresh scents were in, now heavier Asian florals and seductive, sensuous essences are taking over perfumeries.

Hamburg - Have you laughed today? Good thing if you have because most people take life too seriously.

But those who laugh are healthier because laughing helps them loosen up. Though it causes the pulse initially to quicken, its slows down considerably, so that blood pressure sinks.

"The skeletal muscles relax and the overall result is better circulation to the muscles," said psychologist Michael Titze, chairman of an association called HumourCare in Tuttlingen, Germany, and a researcher into laughter.

Cologne, Germany - An Amsterdam museum is set to launch an exhibition in late November highlighting the history of the evening purse or clutch bag - an item deemed essential by women especially those preparing for an upcoming ball or banquet.

Berlin - An armchair made from cement may not look very comfortable at first glance, but design enthusiasts who value stark elegance and extravagant ideas are increasingly turning their attention to concrete furniture.

Whether it be a dining table, kitchen work surface or bathtub - concrete furnishings are becoming more established in the home without appearing boring or sombre.

Cologne, Germany  - Being a holiday rep host may seem like a walk in the park, but in actual fact it has little to do with relaxation and involves hard work despite staying in a hotel and getting plenty of sun, sea and exercise.

The job of is to keep guests amused and making sure they are having fun.

In return, "You get to work in a beautiful place and have contact with happy people," says Jeannette Georges who has eight years experience as a holiday rep is currently working on Mallorca.

Hamburg - Orchids, cyclamen and cacti - put them next to one another on a windowsill, add a little fantasy and together they become more than just a few plants positioned where the sun shines in.

They become a lovingly-arranged, potted garden assembled with the help of a huge selection of house plants now available in shops.

"Thirty years ago you had more or less the same 10 plants, but today there are about 250 green candidates to choose from," said John Langley, a master florist from Hamburg.