Meet me for Tea with Thomas and Claudia Anders: Thomas, former singer of the pop duo Modern Talking, and with 125 million sold phonograms and 420 gold and platinum sound records one of the most successful German musicians ever. Claudia has been married to Thomas for 17 years and has been a businesswoman for four years with a lifestyle-shop for dog and keeper. I meet the relaxed couple first in the Klostergut Besselich near Koblenz, home and company seat of the pop star, from where one can look over the Rhine valley until the beautiful viewpoint ‘Deutsches Eck’. For a shoot with the gorgeous cups of KPM, Claudia and Thomas Anders are ready for another meeting at the Berlin Hotel Adlon. A MyStylery interview with a sympathetic, humorous couple.

Claudia and Thomas Anders admire the hand-painted office cups by KPM

MyStylery: Thomas, you are a native “Rheinländer”, born in Koblenz, where you still live today. You have been in L.A. for several years and also for several years in Berlin. Did you never think of living together in a different place again? Why Koblenz?
Thomas Anders: Why not? As an artist you do not necessarily live in cities like Berlin, Hamburg or Munich. I think you should live where you feel good.
MyStylery: Wouldn’t the metropolis be more pleasant for you, with regards to more anonymity and inconsistent recognition?
Thomas: No, on the contrary. When I am in Hamburg or Berlin, people call me on the street and ask for an autograph. The Koblenzer know me, but leave me alone, whether in the supermarket, in the cleaners or at the gas station. With one exception: A few years ago, I met a group of young people at our vegetable dealer. They asked for a photo and said that they were on a class trip in Koblenz. First day here and already met a celebrity, one of the guys said. Whereupon I countered, many more you will not meet here. (laughs)
Claudia Anders: We can also live as a normal family here and that is important to us. Although I sometimes miss the big city air. I love Berlin for example, but I am also looking forward to going back home. Koblenz is our retreat.

“Koblenz is our homebase.”

MyStylery: Thomas, you are very popular internationally. Especially abroad your audience awaits the old Modern Talking songs. Is this a burden for you?
Thomas: No, not at all. Modern Talking’s career was unique. I am still today performing in front of approximately 250,000 people around the world, so the word “old” does not fit here at all. (laughing). This is my life. I am in the fortunate position to be able to sing the songs that are still demanded today and were world hits. This is a gift. I fortunately have never had this Roy Black-fate to make hits like “Ganz in Weiß”, though being a rock’n’roller by heart.
MyStylery: Especially in America, you appeal to all age groups, also many young people.
Thomas: Right. 10,000 people were at the concert in Los Angeles. It’s a good-mood music that does not go out of style.
Claudia: A concert without “You’re my heart, you’re my soul” does not work at all. The audience loves the 80s. With the Teens the decade has almost cult status.
Thomas: In Germany one often remembers first and foremost the controversies between Dieter Bohlen and me, while abroad, one thinks about the music when it comes to Modern Talking.

Songs that are still world hits

MyStylery: Many artists want to be noticed by their new songs and not to be reduced to the old successes. You have just released your first German-language album in April. How did the fans react?
Thomas: So good that another is planned. “Pures Leben” (“Pure Life”) has been sold nearly 100.000 times.
MyStylery: And what kind of music is playing at your home?
Claudia: I like jazz from Diana Krall or Lounge Music. In the car I always have a Modern Talking-CD. With us, music is playing all day, so in the evening I just yearn for quietness.
Thomas: I am a very sensitive person. For me, music is just as cozy as candles. They burn all day. I like it a lot.
MyStylery: Your son is now 15, how does he like your music?
Thomas: Either Alexander does not dare to say that he finds the music stupid or he is actually not embarrassed (laughs). He listens to music of his age group, DJ Khaled or Kanye West, for example.
Claudia: His classmates ask for autographs from Thomas. And when we visit Alexander at the boarding school, his schoolmates often tell us that they have seen Thomas on TV.

During the interview we enjoyed my favorite tea “Morgentau” by Ronnefeldt

MyStylery: Claudia, you have been running a lifestyle brand for dogs and keepers for four years and are producing your own line for high quality dog ​​food and dog beds. Why dog ​​products and not a fashion boutique?
Claudia (laughs): I love fashion, but a boutique would have never been an option for me. I am interested in a beautiful home where the animal is a family member. Important is a healthy nutrition to me, also for our four-legged friends. And since I have hardly found any appealing articles and dog food for our dog, I just put it on the market myself. My customers want healthy but appetizing dog food and the right dog basket to the domestic sofa as part of the living concept. I am not a bling-bling type and do not need strass-studded dog neck straps. Quality and sustainability are demanded. A discarded dog basket should not contribute to garbage dumps increasing after only one year. For all of this I have made a big dream of mine come true with Home & Dogs.
MyStylery: You’ve been dog owners for many years. Who walks your dog “Summer”?
Thomas: Claudia or Alexander. I only do it if there is no other way. (laughs)
Claudia: Therefore Thomas is our chef.
MyStylery: Is this more like show cooking for guests or like everyday basic care?
Thomas (laughs): No, I always cook. At the vegetable dealer of my trust, I get inspired by the seasonal offer. And I love the Asian cuisine or freshly grilled hamburgers. When cooking I relax completely and leave the whole everyday routine behind me.
Claudia: Thomas makes great spaghetti Bolognese with chili and red wine. I am responsible for the decorative part and do the table. Food is celebrated with us and is not simply devoured in passing. When everyone is there, we try to sit with the family at the table once a day.

“Thomas is our chef.”

MyStylery: And after the meal, is there tea?
Thomas: For me. I am the tea drinker with us. The coffee machine I might use once in the quarter of a year. My morning ritual: The day starts with a tea, I am not a breakfast person. By the way, my favorite is a Ronnefeldt tea and a double-walled tea glass. I’m pretty pragmatic when it comes to that.
Claudia: I’m more of a coffee person. In the evening, however, I also very much like a Rooibos tea. After that I can sleep well.
MyStylery: Thomas, do you also drink black tea?
Thomas: Not at all. Black tea goes on the pipes. I like to drink white tea, which cannot be steeped too long because of the bitterness. And tea bags basically do not come into my cup. Only loose varieties such as “Fiery Cherry” or “Mango Orange”. In this way I can trick myself, when I suddenly feel like gummy bears in the afternoon.

Power couple with lots of humor

MyStylery: You’re not just a dinosaur in the music industry, you guys have been together for over 21 years and married for 17 years. That sounds like pure harmony.
Claudia (laughs): When Thomas comes home, we have to get used to being together again every time. We are not the orchestra that Thomas conducts. When Thomas is on the road, I take a lot of responsibility at home and in our companies and decide a lot of things. That’s why I never give the chief key out of my hands. Sometimes it bangs. But that also has something purifying and is better than if you had nothing more to say.
Thomas: Every argument is a loss of quality of life, so I try to avoid it. So I sometimes also give in. Women and men speak different languages. How do I know what is being expected or hoped for at the moment? I am a musician and not a clairvoyant.
Claudia (laughs): Exactly. Men need clear announcements.
Thomas: I definitely feel more comfortable then. (grins)

Meet me in Berlin: Claudia and Thomas Anders enjoy the big city atmosphere

MyStylery: Thomas, from 365 days in a year, you are on the road for 200 days, is there still time and leisure for hobbies?
Thomas: Tournees are admittedly already exhausting and sometimes limit my enthusiasm. Moscow, St. Petersburg, Hanoi, Buenos Aires or Istanbul are not just around the corner. But only sitting at home and cooking would be too little for me. Hobbies are needed by someone who needs a balance to everyday stress. When I work, I do not feel that as a burden. On the contrary, I cannot get enough of it. My job is my hobby.
Claudia: I regularly go to yoga and read a lot. And although Thomas travels a lot, we love traveling together as a family, too.
Thomas (laughs): Our son, by the way, has recently proved his repartee quite funnily. We were with Alexander in Los Angeles and drove through the chic villa district Bel Air. Claudia commented on the luxury houses and said, what are they doing to afford a huge dream villa for 40 million dollars? Then our son says: Mama, they sell cat food!  BvH

At home with Claudia and Thomas Anders

Thomas Anders has been successful in the music business for decades and can rely on the support of his wife Claudia …

… and Claudia – here together with husband and dog in front of her lifestyle-shop Home & Dogs – can count on Thomas when realizaing her projects

MyStylery visiting the Anders in Koblenz on the Rittergut Besselich with a view over the Rhine valley

In the historical monastery Besselich the Anders reside with the headquarters of their companies

Claudia and Thomas Anders with half-breed doggy Summer in front of the cozy fireplace! Almost like at home …

Thank you for the interview!

Tip: Cooking with Thomas Anders

“Modern Cooking” is published by TreTorri Verlag since October 10th. For those who love quick recipes and want to know what family Anders is up to

Did you know? Thomas Anders is the world leader in egg white beating: “Before I get my mixer out of the cupboard, I just beat the egg white with the fork,” says Thomas Anders. “So I’m not getting out of the exercise.”

Contact:

Claudia Anders’ lifestyle-shop Home and Dogs

The interview series “Meet me 4 Tea” is sponsored by  KPM – Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur Berlin.

The post Having a tea with Claudia and Thomas Anders appeared first on My Stylery.

Pure idyll: Since one year Claudia Weidung-Anders resides in Klostergut Besselich in Urbar near Koblenz with her showroom ‘Home & Dogs’ *

Do you know that feeling when you enter a shop thinking, wow, how beautiful, I wanna have it all! Such a burst of buying power came over me when visiting ‘Home & Dogs’ in the Klostergut Besselich, a noble manor near Koblenz in southern Germany. Lovingly arranged and decorated for Christmas, Claudia Weidung-Anders – wife of popstar Thomas Anders – presents her assortments. Here, two- and four-legged friends will find everything their hearts desire, from a dressing gown to the dog lead. A conversation amongst dog owners and interior fans with tea and biscuits (dog-shaped, of course).

Thomas and Claudia Anders with mongrel dog Summer on Klostergut Besselich. The popstar supportes his wife with her company ‘Home & Dogs’

Room fragrances and scented candles adjusted to the Christmas season

MyStylery: It smells lovely in here – and clearly not of dog food …
Claudia Weidung-Anders: Yes, right? We just unpacked the candles with Christmas scent. They provide a good feeling of space.

At ‘Home & Dogs’, the visitor awaits Christmas atmosphere

MS: Originally it was your business idea to prepare own dog food. Sounds like a pretty big endeavor…
CWA: True, it took a while until I found the right partners. But the suffering of my dog drove me on. Summer (dog’s name) had an intolerance to conventional dog food and thus stomach and digestive problems. Our food is made with a gently cooking method in a 100% foodquality and is free of gluten and grain. The varieties are very well appreciated, the dogs love the food.

Lets dogs’ hearts beat faster: Savory treats – gluten and wheat free – by ‘Pepper’s Choice’. Or how about baked liverwurst bones by ‘Omas Hundekekse’ (grandma’s dog biscuits)?

MS: Now your product range includes things for dog and owner. How did this idea about such combination come about?
CWA: Actually, my customers put me up to this. The dog’s mat should be compatible with the furnishing. The maritime Sylt- (German island) and modern country house looks are currently trendy and very popular. And I love to be at the fairs, tracing beautiful things. Much inspiration I get on our journeys. We travel a lot.

The ‘Home & Dogs’ dog basket series ‘Classic luxury’ is equipped with washable covers and matching ball and playing-bone of the same material

MS: Certainly one of the reasons why, in addition to a large selection of baskets, ‘Home & Dogs’ even offers a dog travelling bed.
CWA: Right. But even dog leads are an important issue, and I’ve been searching for matching items for a long time. Bling-bling with rhinestones is completely out of the question (laughs).

Here only the Advent decoration glitters: Christmas feeling for dogs and owners in the ‘Home & Dogs’ Showroom

MS: Summer is a mongrel dog, which you got from a Spanish pound. Which dog would you not want have?
CWA: I basically like all dogs. In fact, animals from the animal welfare are particularly close to my heart. Especially the mixes are often the most fantastic characters. I Love Weimaraner, they are so pretty, but motion and time-consuming. That has to be considered when a dog comes into the house. Dogs should be kept appropriately regarding their species.

The dog food is available in eight varieties with resealable lids and in three different packaging sizes. The bestsellers: ‘poultry with rice’ and ‘beef with potatoes’. Yummy!

MS: Absolutely. Apropos: ‘Kangaroo with pumpkin’ or ‘horse with carrots’ sound rather exotic: Has a two-legged ever tried ‘Home & Dogs’ dog food?
CWA (laughs): Yes, I myself. I gotta know what I’m selling.  BvH

Did you already get an Advent calendar for your doggies?

Claudia Weidung-Anders has adapted to the needs of both dog and owner. Whether round, square, with border or exit: The range of baskets and dog beds serve all sleeping-preferences

“Dog leads – for example by Cloud7 – should be practical and look good at the same time. The leather must be durable and soft in the hand.”

Nice items for the bathroom from ‘Amélie & Mélanie’

The mistress will find cozy homewear and pretty decoration. Help, what should I get?

… presented in a beautiful countrystyle-look

New to the assortment are the cashmere-collections from ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘MAP Ibiza’ for the mistress. I go for the comfortable casual wear by ‘Cornelie Weiss’

I admit it, for my two four-legged friends Franz and Willi – a Labrador and a Parson Terrier – it’s always got be the best. That’s why I just belong here!

This cozy cushions would look great on my sofa

Tip:

On all Saturdays of Advent, the ‘Home & Dogs’ showroom has open from 11:00 – 17:00 o’clock.

Okay, I take the wooden dog-decoration, too

Contact:

Home & Dogs
Claudia Weidung-Anders
Klostergut Besselich
56182 Urbar, Germany

Open from Monday to Friday 9:00 – 13:30
Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Email:
info@home-and-dogs.com

From the dog lead to the basket – the range now includes more than 500 different products, which can also be ordered via the online shop

Bye bye, Klostergut Besselich! I’ll be back

Online-Shop:

www.home-and-dogs.com

More about Klostergut Besselich:

www.klostergut-besselich.de

Featured pic by Nikolaj Georgiew

Photo marked* by Klostergut Besselich

The post Doggie’s noble shopping paradise appeared first on My Stylery.