Andreas & Marianne

2011-07-14T20:19:00.001+01:00

2011-06-30T00:19:00.001+01:00

supplements

2011-06-29T13:00:00.001+01:00

I take a number of supplements each day (aka when I remember). Omega 3, garlic, iron (certain times of the month) and vitamin d. Lately I've started taking something that is supposed to strengthen nails and hair. I bought it in holland and barrets (not sure if I spelled that right) the problem is IT TASTES HORRIBLE. And I really feel I'll right after taking it. Anyone know any brand with silica that doesn't malt you want to throw up?

[pohtaitoh] [pohtahtoh]

2011-06-26T17:06:00.001+01:00

It's time for a swedish summer classic. Fresh boiled potato with sour cream and chive and then som herring. We plucked these potatoes from our garden yesterday and they are massive. The good thing is that this is our last tub of herring. So I think we'll have to go to ikea again soon :)

hello to My little white friend - the iPhone

2011-06-25T16:41:00.001+01:00

we're sitting outside eating strawberries, yum! Happy sabbath

2011-06-18T14:30:00.000+01:00

2011-06-18T14:03:00.001+01:00

Chandler Bing

2011-06-17T14:27:00.001+01:00

2011-06-12T00:43:00.000+01:00

2011-06-11T00:40:00.001+01:00

2011-06-07T20:34:00.001+01:00

2011-05-25T02:36:00.000+01:00

pinterest addict to be

2011-05-23T21:26:00.004+01:00

Tatiana invited me to pinterest and now I've just spent all evening adding pictures from my favourite interior blogs.
Gosh this is addicting! And I am finding so many pictures on the site that I love as well. Love this inspiration heaven!
If you want an invite let me know and I will invite you so we can share inspo.

Among other things I found this balcony at "Lev Livet Leende" that makes me dream about buying a house with a garden or at least a balcony.

new hair do - to come

2011-05-08T23:09:00.002+01:00

I have had pretty long hair ever since the wedding, and I don't think it's looking too good. It's too frizzy and if I am to straighten it every day it gets even worse. So I'm thinking it's about time to cut it off. And I am hoping for something like this;

so much to look forward to

2011-03-24T21:23:00.002Z

These next months are going to be amazing!

1. This weekend Andreas sister is coming and on Saturday we are going to see Swan Lake (Ballet)

2. Next weekend Veronica is coming and we are going shopping and just catching up (late night gossip).

3. A few weeks after that Andreas' brother and his kids are coming over and we're probably going to Legoland with them.

4. Then my parents are coming over in the beginning of May! (yay)

5. And 1st of June I'm going to DK for the yearly conference!

I'll get to see so many great people!

Now I'm going to cut Andreas' hair! Wish me (us) luck! :)

the Comedy Store

2011-03-21T09:44:00.002Z

What a lovely weekend we've had! Saturday we went to Jimmy Spice with a group of friends to celebrate that some people got a job. And afterwards we watched two movies at our place. The Rebound and The American - both were not so good unfortunately, but the company was great!

Yesterday, I baked some great bread with rye flakes and wheat bran (the healthier kind and super easy to make if anyone wants a recipe). After that I helped Andreas in the garden and then in the evening we went to London. We took the train in to Waterloo and met up with a work colleague and her boyfriend. She is Norwegian and her boyfriend is Swedish and watched some improvisation at The Comedy Store. It was so much fun.

I love laughing all the way form the stomach, and after all, laughing is soo good for you.

A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
And humour shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

lunch

2011-03-16T13:19:00.002Z

I have this thing for Soreen's fruity maltloaf. It has quite a peculiar taste but I really enjoy it. So today that's what I had for lunch together with a VitaminWater (Revive - my favourite flavour).

I've been quite busy since starting work at Siemens. Longer working hours and definitely more to do and htat needs catching up on. And in the evenings we are trying to go to the gym every day. I'm feeling so tired though. Not sure why but as soon as I get home I just want to go to bed. Oh well, hopefully when the heat and sun comes it will get better.

2011-03-09T13:22:00.001Z

And those who were seen dancing
were thought to be insane
by those who could not
hear the music.

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

new cookbook on the shelf

2011-03-06T22:08:00.005Z

I'm not sure why - but I have this need to buy cookbooks - although most recipes are available online, I feel a need to have a few on my shelf in the kitchen. My latest addition is this one by Jamie Oliver. So far I've only been skimming through it but it looks very promising. Most of it is fish and veggie which is great! I'm going to read in it a bit before I fall asleep tonight and try to find a few that I can make during the week. Then I'll get back to you with a review.

hihihi

2011-03-06T22:01:00.002Z

Apologies for the bad quality - not sure what happened to the built in webcam on my laptop but it's not taking very good pictures... anyway, on a more important note - my license - TADA! It's now very real and it's mine.

So happy that I made it!

Next week I might show you my glasses that I got Thursday evening... not sure about that yet... we'll see. I use them when I'm driving and when we have group training at work (when I have to look on a screen more than 4-5 metres away). Have to get used to that as well - me in glasses.

Hope you had a good weekend too!

Misse

2011-03-03T18:51:00.002Z

Our cat has gotten so big now. She looks like a grown up cat. It's crazy to think that she is over a year now and that we've had her for almost a year. Time really flies.

She is the prettiest cat I've ever seen - love her so much. Talented Rebecca took some pictures of her this summer.

I am weak

2011-03-03T14:51:00.003Z

I just ate 2 chocolate chip cookies - big ones as well. I don't know what it is but from 3 in the afternoon and until I get home I have ridiculous cravings after sugar. I don't know what is going on with me. I am good in the morning. I eat oat meal and drink black coffee or tea with that, have a fruit at about 11 and then lunch at about 1, and then something happens. My sugarlevels just drop. I have to find some solutoin for this otherwise getting up an hour early to go for a power walk in the morning only ensures I'm not gaining any weight from all the sweets I am eating. Oh well, gym again tonight I guess, this battle isn't over yet!

my hair saviour

2011-03-01T17:32:00.003Z

Aussies 3 minute Miracle really is the best conditioning treatment I have ever found. I use it every time I wash my hair it makes it smoother and less frizzy. I wish I had long, straight, soft, flowing hair but I don't, I don't even have defined curls I just have a big mess on my head, unless I straighten it.

This would be my top hair tip - it is not even expensive. Definitely worth every penny.

my favourite dresses from the Oscars

2011-02-28T13:39:00.003Z

Apparently Sky TV had the rights for the Oscar's yesterday - I really wanted to see it but I guess I will have to wait until ITV or BBC decide to send it during the week. But pictures are of course already all over out here on the internet - here are my favourite dresses.

Natalie Portman - she must be the most beautiful pregnant woman I have ever seen.

Scarlett Johansson - she always looks great on the red carpet.

... I guess I like purple dresses.

Cate Blanchett - this was interesting

Åre

2011-02-28T13:20:00.006Z

I realised I haven't told you about Åre - our skiing trip.

I can summarise it for you: It was AMAZING!

View from our cabin

I had to ski, and usually I don't like learning things - I prefer being good at it from the start, because that way you normally don't make any mistakes (another thing I don't like). Anyway, Andreas has taught me to be more patient with myself and let myself learn - and now I think I'm almost at the stage where I enjoy learning. Skiing was amazing and although I wasn't very good at it I enjoyed the beautiful moments on the mountain. he speed, the sunshine, the glistening snow, feeling really hungry and eating with a good conscious, hot chocolate up on the mountain side and so on. It is idyllic and lovely.

It was a bit windy one evening :)

We are definitely going again next year! And it will probably be even better then because then I can ski with my husband.

back on track

2011-02-27T20:07:00.002Z

GOSH! The past two weeks have been absolutely crazy for me. I have started a new job, passed my practical driving test (I NOW DRIVE ON MY OWN!), traveled to Sweden and Denmark (one day each place so I barely had time to buy Lösgodis) and Friday I got locked out of our house because I forgot my key and Andreas was at the gym... waited 1h45min... not so great because I had grocery in the car.

Anyway, tomorrow a new week starts with new opportunities. Oh, and Andreas has promised that I will get a new phone this time. First he said that if I get a distinction on my Masters I could get a new phone, then I got a distinction but no phone. Then he said that if I get the job I will get a new phone... I got the job but no new phone, and the last promise was that if I pass my test I can get a new phone... haha. I still don't have a new phone but I have my eye on me iPhone and the htc Desire. Not sure which one I will chose yet but either of them will make it much easier for me to blog on a more regular basis.

Now I'm going to dye my hair whilst watching the latest episode of Solsidan - it's our little "fix" over here in the UK :)

2011-02-02T12:26:00.002Z

I'm feeling exhausted today. Didn't get to bed until mdinight yesterday because we were chasing whipping cream all over Bracknell. We managed to finish our semlor and they tasted delicious. YUM! I am planning to eat one for dinner tonight - just before my session with PT - HAHA! I hope he doesn't ask what I've eaten today. :S

I'm at work and I'm counting the days. Just Thursday and Friday and then in the evening we are off! Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh - it's going to be great and hopefully I will finally learn to ski properly!

bye bye Paris

2011-01-31T16:24:00.003Z

Andreas and I had planned to go to Paris in the spring, but we will have to putt hat off until next year probably with all these porblems with his knee. It's so sad! I was looking forward to it a bit too much almost. But my poor husband can'te ven walk without crutches at the moment and we are not even going to know what is wrong with him until 6 weeks (when they will finally do an MRI scan on his knee).

I am so sorry for him. He is always so active and now he can't even drive our car because he can hardly bend his knee... Can't believe he won't be able to go skiing with us next week. He will be in the cabin heating the sauna and preparing dinner for us... :(

H&M order

2011-01-28T11:21:00.005Z

Made a small order from the Spring catalogue - it was 10% and I haven't been online shopping for a long time and my little klick-finger couldn't help it.

Blazer 29.99 (unfortunately more pink than powder beige, but will hopefully be a nice summer jacket) and shirt 12.99 (I need more "office clothes" this is a very boring but basic thing to have)

Top, 3.99 (a bit see through, but perfectly stretchy and nice to have under blouses) and another boring top, 6.99.

Yupp, that's all folks.

tasty recipe

2011-01-27T12:27:00.001Z

I found this tasty recipe for falafel on BBC food. It looks delicious and it's great to make a double portion and stick in the freezer or for next days lnch box. I love falafel in wraps or jsut with sallad. But the absolute best falafel I ever ate was in Jerusalem, Israel - just amazing! They added red cabbage, and an absolutely divine dressing. Yum, yum, yum... :)

Ingredients
2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
1 small onion , finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
400g can chickpeas , washed and drained
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander (or use more cumin)
handful parsley , chopped, or 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
1 egg , beaten

1.Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan, then fry the onion and garlic over a low heat for 5 mins until softened. Tip into a large mixing bowl with the chickpeas and spices, then mash together with a fork or potato masher until the chickpeas are totally broken down. Stir in the parsley or dried herbs, with seasoning to taste. Add the egg, then squish the mixture together with your hands.
2.Mould the mix into 6 balls, then flatten into patties. Heat the remaining oil in the pan, then fry the falafels on a medium heat for 3 mins on each side, until golden brown and firm. Serve hot or cold with couscous, pitta bread or salad.

From www.bbcgoodfood.com

2011-01-26T16:25:00.000Z

parlamentet - Swedish

2011-01-25T21:18:00.003Z

I'm watching clips on youtube from Parlamentet. So funny!

(I love how Johan Glans sounds like Dolph in the last clip).

Andreas didn't get very good news from the physiotherapist. She said she thought he had torn some of the ligaments in his knee. He is going back in tomorrow. She said that if the swelling goes down today or tomorrow it might be able to recover in time for our ski trip, otherwise it doesn't look too good... It's so sad if he isn't going to be able to ski with the rest of us on the trip.

oh no!

2011-01-25T15:41:00.002Z

My throat is sore and it wasn't that long since last time I was sick. Andreas brought it with him home from Norway. I'm hoping it won't develop into something worse. So now I'm drinking bottles of water and popping Throat Lozenges. I really really don't want to be sick again.

Poor Andreas' knee is swollen to twice its size. Yesterday he was at the hospital and they don't think anything has been torn off or is broken, but he will have to go again on Friday. It is strange hwoever, that it keeps being so swollen even after all this time. It's been 4 days now. Today he is going to the physiotherapist as well. Hopefully they will be able to give him some ideas so that we can help the swelling go down. He is so worried that he won't be able to ski in two weeks when we're going to Åre. Please pray for him!

semlor

2011-01-25T13:05:00.002Z

It's about that time of the year again. Maybe we should bake some this weekend. I can't wait. We usually make them according to the recipe in Sju Sorters Kakor, but I found an English version here.

Picture by Linnea Lindgren

music - recommendation

2011-01-23T19:15:00.006Z

I know that I am always looking for new artists and songs that are brilliant. So I thought I would share some old favourites that I keep returning to. Below is a list of the albums with a video of the favourite song.

1. Jewel - Pieces of You

2. Lisa Nilsson - Små Rum

3. India.Arie - Acoustic Soul

4. Tina Dico - In the Red

I'd like to be here now...

2011-01-22T21:43:00.005Z

A few pictures from when we were in Tunisia in September. I love these kind of holidays. Just eating, sleeping, tanning and some evening walks in the warmth in skirts and flip flops. I can't wait to book our next beach holiday... whenever we can afford it again.

coconut frosted muffins - recipe

2011-01-22T18:11:00.003Z

I made some muffins inspired by one of my favourite cakes when I was a kid - Drommekage (it is Danish). Here is the recipe:

250g plain flour
50g butter
300g sugar
4 eggs
2dl milk
3 tbl spoon baking powder
2 tbs vanilla sugar

Topping:
125g butter
100g dessicated coconut
200 brown sugar
½dl syrup
½dl milk

Set the oven to 225*C.
Melt butter and milk in the microwave on low heat whilst mixing sugar an egg fluffy. Add flour, baking powder and vanilla sugar with a strainer. Stir in the milk.

Fill the cupcake liners half full as they will rise a lot. Into the oven for 13 min (depends on your oven). (They are going back in for another 5min in the end so they should have a quite bright colour).

Whilst they are in, melt the butter for the topping in a pot, add the brown sugar and heat it until it start bubbling. Let it bubble for about 4-5min but keep stiring. Then add the dessicated coconut and the milk.

Put the topping onto the cupcakes and put all of it back into the oven for another 5min.

Done.

Can be put in the freezer and are chewy caramelly.

lyrical geniuses

2011-01-22T17:52:00.001Z

a delayed present

2011-01-22T17:16:00.005Z

Got a present from Ingrid and Johanna just before Andreas left on Thursday evening - a gift card for Zara! Perfect! I haven't been in Zara for ages. To spend it could be a reward for loosing the first 5 pounds. :)Now I'm going to watch some episodes of Flight of the Conchords. Foux du fafa!

Ou est le bibliotheque? Voila mon passport. Gerard Depardieu. Une baguette

Friday...

2011-01-21T13:58:00.003Z

I've just tuffed my face with sallad (tomato, cucumber, feta, etc. yum) and now I'm going to go out for 30min and go for a walk in the sun. I need to keep moving if this weight is going to come of in time for summer, and the sun is shining today so there is no reason not to get out.

Today is such a slow day. I'm really looking forward to the weekend - mostly because I'm tired and need sleep. Andreas was up packing yesterday until 1am and didn't want me to go to bed but keep him company, then he got up at 5 this morning so I slept about 4hours... zzz. And tonight we are practicing for tomorrow's service (I'm worship leading) so I'm guessing it won't be an early night or any chance of sleeping in tomorrow.

Anyway - on a more cheerful note - I'm going to bake a cake tonight for Daren's birthday potluck tomorrow. Looking forward to that.

Now - get out Marianne!

spicy tea

2011-01-20T11:22:00.003Z

I'm at work trying to plan the food we will eat on the skitrip. I'm trying to find alternatives that are tasty, easy to make and cheap. So far the list looks like this:
1. Chili sin Carne (vegetarian chilli)
2. Spagetti Bolognese (veg) with green salad
3. Haystacks
4. Rice porridge (yes, you at that as a main course in Sweden)
5. Ugnspankaka (oven pancake - not sure if there is anything equivalent in England)
6. Vegetable soup
7. Pizza

If you have any tasty veggie recipes that are easy to make for 8-10 people then let me know.

Whilst plannign that I'm drinking some amazing tea from Celestial. I love their blends and everytime we visit Denmark I go to Søstrene Grene to buy them. This time I got myself the Bengal Spice blend.

"Cinnamon (38%), spices (ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and nutmeg)(21%), roasted chicory, roasted carob, and natural spice and vanilla flavours with other natural flavours(11%)."

It's a bit spicier than chai tea and smells absolutely lovely.

therapy

2011-01-19T22:50:00.006Z

I just read through all the paperwork for Siemens and filled out a health questionnaire etc. and then I painted my nails whilst listening to Andreas planning for his trip to Norway this weekend. He is going on a floor ball tournament with his Newbold team. I'm a bit jealous. However I'm worship leading this weekend and going to a birthday party so I'll have a good time.

Painting my nails is like therapy. It relaxes me and it makes me feel prettier. (Plus it makes them tougher - mu nails so easily brake). Favourite nail varnish right now is: OPI - No Bees Please and the best thing I ever invested in is Jessica's Critical Care to have as a base layer. It really makes a difference.

2011-01-19T18:59:00.003Z

We've just eaten salad and garlic bread. I used some delicious oil that Prakash and Nathan brought with them home from Greece. It was really yummy, made the dressing extra tasty. Now I'm watching an episode of Modern Family and in 15min we're going to the gym. PT tonight and I'm almost dreading it because I'm already feeling tired. Isn't that strange? I mean what is the worst that can happen? Maybe that he pushes me to do intervals and I fall of the treadmill... or maybe has me doing lunges in the TRX and I fall over myself in exhaustion. Hmm, so many fantastic options. :)

Andreas and Pictionary

2011-01-19T12:31:00.003Z

Over Christmas we played pictionary with my family. Me, Andreas and mum was one team and Andreas surely has talents when it comes to drawing. I guessed this one in seconds... if you can't see what it is it's an helicopter.

I really want to share his drawing of hens later, I just have to take a picture of it. Definitely art to look forward to.
UPDATE: haha I am the worst wife ever - it wasn't Andreas who drew this it was Robin!

teenage warning :)

2011-01-18T18:23:00.003Z

For some reason I feel like a little teenage girl in love again. It's just that kind of day. Where you have that big shy smile all over your face. It is so good that you almost feel like there is too much. And then there are songs to fulfill the moment.

Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you

most depressing day of the year?

2011-01-17T18:56:00.003Z

I accepted a new job, we have set the dates for our Paris trip (April 21-25), we are buying the lift cards for our skiing trip, we had veggie burgers for supper, watched an episode of Desperate Housewives and now we are going to the gym.

This day has been great so far! :)

new job

2011-01-17T16:20:00.003Z

Yes, I have gotten a new job. I will be working for Siemens in Camberley as a Credit Analyst. I'm starting my new job after our trip to Åre. I'm excited about this opportunity. It will be interesting to try something new and to learn more. I will miss some of the people from Mizuno though. I've had a good time with my friends there, but now I'm off to a new challenge.

lazy Sunday... as usual :)

2011-01-16T19:53:00.004Z

Today I stayed in bed until noon, went for a one hour walk in the rain, finally started knitting, cleaned out under our coffee table in the living room, made omelet, painted my nails, dreamed about going to Thailand again, got a very nice suggestion from my favourite person in the whole world - to go to Paris in the spring, started thinking about what fun things to do when Veronica gets here in March, and thought about the new job I'm about to start. Life is full of things to enjoy - I'm loving the opportunities.

Next thing on the list is to learn how to use my camera properly. I think this lens will be perfect for my birthday. (50mm f/1.4). Especially if we go to Paris end of April as we are planning now.

Amazon

song of the day

2011-01-13T22:37:00.002Z

Soul Survivor feat Beth Croft - How He Love Us

"If grace is an ocean we're all sinking "

childhood memories

2011-01-13T12:14:00.001Z

Something I miss from when I was a child is singing a prayer with all my sisters and parents just before falling a sleep in my bed. We would usually sing this:

Kjære Gud jeg har det godt
Takk for alt som jeg har fått
Du er god, Du holder av meg
Kjære Gud gå aldri fra meg
Pass på liten og på stor
Gud bevare far og mor
(Og alle barn på jord)
Amen

I guess now this could be something to look forward to. One day when we get our own kids I will teach them this song. :)

in serious pain

2011-01-13T09:41:00.002Z

We tried TRX yesterday and today I am aching in so many muscles I didn't even know I had. It is a great work out for your core because you have to constantly stabilise yourself. It's horrible but great to be back on track after all the good food this Christmas. I need to start walking everyday for at least 30min, that has always been what does the trick in the past, and of course be very vareful with my portion size. I need this and I want this! I WILL be back in shape for summer 2011!

Anyone else with similar plans - I'm up for a cheering and supporting group! :)

my talented family :)

2011-01-11T13:10:00.002Z

All of us singing together at a Christmas concert in Denmark.

mmm :)

2011-01-08T15:06:00.002Z

I'm actually having a perfectly nice time on my own. Had a long warm shower, breakfast in bed, watched a few episodes of Cougar Town, and eaten almost all of the Stroopwafels that my neighbour brought with her from Holland. (I love these biscuits, they are soo good, chewy, sirupy and cinnamon taste. yum).

Tonight I'm planning on going to the cinema - on my own or with whoever wants to come - and see The King's Speech. Everyone says it's amazing and I think the trailer seems very promising. Not Andreas' kind of movie, so I thought it would be perfect to see it now he isn't here. :)

friday on my own

2011-01-07T23:40:00.002Z

I've just had a really low key relaxing evening on my own. Had tons of candles lit all over the living room, put my lounge wear on, a cold diet coke, and watched a movie. Dreamgirls with Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson. GOSH! The first time I watched it I thought it was ok, but now that I've gotten to know the songs better the movie has really grown on me. They are such amazing singers! Now it is bed time for me, tomorrow is another cosy, but lonely evening. Sunday evening will probably be much better :)

H&M 2011 catalogue

2011-01-07T00:10:00.002Z

Just got the H and M catalogue in the post and I have to say, reluctantly, that the collection wasn't that good... :(. I know the H&M online collection generally is rather dull, but usually there are classics that are great for the cheap price. Oh well, I didn't go through it in detail. Maybe it just needs another look :) I'm sure I*ll find something ;) (Don't worry Andreas...)

self-pity

2011-01-05T20:18:00.003Z

I've not been feeling well since I came back from Sweden. I haven't been able to sleep at night and I must have some kind of stomach bug or flu (or what it is called here). The only thing I've managed so far is to do some laundry (I haven't even unpacked yet, but I have washed everything that was dirty in our house. The only problem now is that I'm running out of space to hang things to dry. And I feel too tired to start folding clothes... can you see what problems I have? Oh well, at least it will only be two work days for me, then weekend, and then Andreas will be here. Can't wait!

recommend: Modern family

2011-01-04T21:59:00.005Z

When I was with Veronica this weekend we started watching Modern Family. It's hilarious. All the characters are hilarious and such stereotypes, but it also has a little bit of morale which is surprising in this day and age. If you have half an hour (or a couple of hours) you can watch an episode (or a season).

beautiful things from nature

2011-01-04T19:16:00.005Z

I found these lovely pictures on the blog Helt Enkelt. I love the raw beauty of things from nature mixed with the cold feeling of metal. I tried to buy a mounted set of horns for the wall on ebay but lost the bid...

Check out Anna Malin's blog.

snow boots - check

2011-01-04T18:40:00.003Z

I went shopping for proper winter boots when I was visiting Veronica in Stockholm this weekend. All day we were searching through every store we could find. Everything was sold out. We asked if they would be getting more, but the problem seemed to lie with the supplier. I guess this winter was colder than anyone expected. Finally I found at least a pair I liked but unfortunately they only had them in size 37 and 43 (4 and 10 UK) and they weren't getting more in stock either. But they nice lady in the store said that there might be some in a store down the road (competitor - that's true customer service when you refer your customers to competitors). When I got there there was one pair left and it was my size! While I was trying them on another person came in and asked if they fitted (otherwise she wanted them). It was crazy - everyone was trying to find winter boots and there was nothing left!

As I was paying they told me that the pair I found was a returned Christmas present that didn't fit, and it had just come in 5 min before I entered the store. LUCKY ME!
I got it in my size and I got the boots I wanted! I am so ready for our skiing holiday.

best ad campaign ever

2010-12-30T22:46:00.005Z

Bianco Footwear Ad campgain year 2000

Bianco Footwear continues to make a name for itself
with its unusual and provocative marketing campaigns.
This culminates in what is perhaps the most sensational,
talked about and extensively discussed advertising campaign
in the industry "We recommend a pair of really really beautiful shoes".
The campaign is rewarded with a 'Silver Lion' at Cannes.

Lambi Christmas

2010-12-30T22:41:00.003Z

We are staying with Andreas' parents now and his mum has bought toiletpaper from Lambi with Christmas pattern on. (Lambi was Andreas' nickname in highschool for those who didn't know).

Now we've just watched a Swedish movie: Bröderna Karlsson, and we've eaten tons of candy (Celebrities and Quality Street). Gosh, when I get home I should fast for a few days to get my system back to normal.

Christmas in Tivoli

2010-12-27T23:06:00.003Z

Today we went to the Christmas market in Tivoli and it was so lovely. So many Christmas lights every where, wonderful smells of cookies, waffles, warm cider, and so on. I bought a pair of really warm woollen gloves, and tons of beautiful Christmas decorations that were all at half price. I love shopping those little nipsy extra things for our home. So many "adult-points" (that's a Scandinavian expression but I'm not sure it exists in English). We just finished playing Pictionary and now Heidi and Andreas are playing Master Mind. Love all these board games - they are so much fun!

it's so fluffy

2010-12-27T14:52:00.003Z

We watched Despicable me yesterday and Agnes is the cutest little thing. We have laughed until we cried over her expression and enthusiasm over the fluffy unicorn. The movie was alright not super exciting, but they should make a movie with Agnes as the main character.

Tonight we are going to Tivolis Julemarked. It is usually absolutely lovely with Christmas lights and Christmas smells. I'm really looking forward to it. :)

wonderful life

2010-12-25T17:29:00.008Z

Today has been short but great. I woke up at around 2pm, then I ate Ris a l'almonde for breakfast, played a game of Trivial Pursuit, went for a walk in the beautiful snow with my parents and Andreas, and when we came home we watched 2 episodes of Solsidan. Now half the family is preparing left overs from yesterday that we'll eat for dinner.

Yesterday was absolutely perfect. Laughed until my stomach hurt. Got great presents - a small bottle from Eva Solo and a handheld mixer among other things. And me and Andreas got money for a new handheld phone - Perfect!

Andreas and I decided not to buy presents to each other this year because we need to get a lot of things for the ski trip. But he had bought something for me at the airport anyway! :) I got Matt Cardle's new single. YEAY! I love this man's voice.

en riktig svensk jul

2010-12-24T20:16:00.002Z

This is hilarious (it is however in Swedish) it is a parody of the Swedish Christmas tradition. Same procedure very year. :)

and so this is Christmas

2010-12-24T12:00:00.000Z

Merry Christmas Everyone!

costume

2010-12-24T09:26:00.000Z

My absolute favourite fashion magazine is the Danish version of Costume. It is just absolute perfection if you ask me, inspiring, budget alternatives, new finds and ideas (not always the same brands such as topshop and Zara - no disrespect though). It is a must everytime we travel to any of the Scandinacian countries. It is always the first thing I pick up when we arrive at the airport and the last (if a new edition has had time to come out) before we leave.

I wish I could subscribe to this magazine and have them send it to England. I would pay good money for that. It could be my little monthly doze of Scandinavian flair and style.

teapot

2010-12-23T19:49:00.000Z

I've been wanting to buy a teapot for quite some time now. I love tea, and especially in the winter when our apartment has a tendency to get very codl and all you want to do is snuggle up with a big blanket on the couch and not move an inch. Then it is very anoying if that cup of tea you had with you becomes empty too soon.

It would also be useful when you have friends over and want to have a litle tea party. I often bake and love inviting people over for tea or coffee but it feels almost incomplete when you don't have a nice big pot to decorate the table with.

I've been looking for a long time, PIP studio, wedgwood, royal copenhagen and so on, but they are quite expensive those little pots, so I think I will have to go by a thrift store and find my own little unique one.

time goes by so slowly

2010-12-23T13:55:00.004Z

Gosh! I'm constantly looking at the clock and each time it has only moved about 2 min. Not ok! There is ahardly any work to do today and time is going by so extremely slow. But I am almost there. Just another 2.5 hours and this workday will be over and we'll be on the way to the airport. Finally!

Haven't finished all my Christmas shopping. Well actually our siblings have been kind enough to help us out with most of it. But I will buy a few things in Tax Free at the airport before we leave.

so excited

2010-12-23T10:35:00.007Z

Yesterday I went to the gym, packed all teh things we will need for our trip home (I realised that I don't have any shoes or boots for snowy weather so that is something I will ahve to buy/borrow when I get there), cleaned up a bit and showered. Just before we went to the gym, the girl who will be taking care of our cat and apartment (She will stay in our apartment whislt we are away) came buy and we gave her a quick tour. Quite a lof of things happening yesterday and I wasn't in bed until about midnight (like the rest of the week. I really need to work on my bedtimes) and I am absolutely knackered today. But who cares. We are going home today! YIPPIE!
I can't wait to come home to Christmas food, warm bed, best hugs, and these guys! I miss you so much.

Christmas is the best time of the year :)

one picture from graduation

2010-12-22T21:55:00.001Z

I got an e-mail saying I could buy this photo for £15 and get a 5x10" print of it, but I think not... I need to check the camera and see what Andreas manage to capture from the day. Until then - here is the first pciture from my graduation for you to enjoy :)

please let me be home for Christmas

2010-12-22T16:12:00.002Z

"Airport spokesman Thomas Uber said there was a backlog
of about 3,500 passengers, including about 600
who spent the night on emergency cots.

"It will take a while to catch up," he added."

We are leaving from Heathrow tomorrow evening. I can't imagine not being with family on Christmas eve, I mean, we don't even have a Christmas tree in our apartment. I have started thinking about what we would do in case they send us back home. Trying to cook the Christmas dinner for the first time... Horrible! No, I can't happen! Please let us go home!

virtue

2010-12-22T12:37:00.001Z

From Vardagstugg

advent calendar

2010-12-22T09:56:00.004Z

I found this great idea on Kerstis blog that I had to share with you. She's bought some nice felt fabric and printed numbers on them, attached some rings for each number that the gifts can be hung up on, and voila: a beautiful advent calendar. I wish I had done that because Andreas advent calender just ended up being a big pile in our living room. Next year hopefully...

Chloé S/S 2011

2010-12-21T23:21:00.002Z

Yes! A real genuine smile in a fashion ad campaign. None of those fake, "oh-a-camera", pout, serious face, model smiles - some real emotion. I love you Malgosia!

Santa? Really?

2010-12-21T11:36:00.006Z

"Most children stop believing in Santa Claus between 7 and 8 years old; however a lot of these children pretended to believe in order not to “disappoint their parents,” wrote Kutner. Dr. John Condry, a professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Cornell University, noted that most children weren’t upset by the lie. In fact, said Condry, “The most common response to finding out the truth was that they felt older and more mature.” In situations where the lies aren’t considered “benevolent,” it’s important to admit to them and to explain the situation as best you can. “Once you, as a parent, lose credibility, you’ve lost your moral authority. It knocks the feet out from under a child.” Dr. Lawrence J. Walker, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia."

When I was young I think my parents tried the Santa Claus thing once or twice but I never believed it, or I pulled the fake beard of my dad and alughed at him. Santa Claus was always just a figure in movies to me, a bit like Cinderella, Batman and Winnie the Pooh Bear. Something I was fond of and enjoyed thinking about, but nothing I thought was real. Presents was something you gave to family members and something you were thankful for to them. Not something that depended on my behaviour and on my wishlist.

In Andreas family Santa is still coming, and since there are now grandchildren in the family it makes sense I guess, at the same time I get a bit frustrated. The logic is just so massively flawed. I don't understand why we try to convince the children, I don't even understand the charm or magic about him. In England where Santa comes during the night it makes more sense, but in Sweden where Santa comes in when everyone is there (except one family member who is out to get the mail or is in the bathroom for a suspiciously long time) it just doesn't make sense. Especially since the kids are told to thank Santa and the gift giver (grandmother or whoever it may be). This is the part I don't understand... So Santa comes by, to give out presents that are from people already in the room....?

What kind of stupid kid believes this? My hope is that any kids we might have in the future will be smart enough to figure this one out. Not because Santa isn't welcome but because he doesn't make sense... :)

UPDATE: Andreas told me that I should probably take away this post because otherwise I will probably not get any presents this year. (Yes he is serious ;) )

giving

2010-12-21T09:04:00.002Z

I love giving present when I think I've found something that will be really appreciate by the receiver. When you know that what you ahve given will be well used and not just sit in a cupboard and then after a few years be given away to someone else or go to charity shops. But it takes time to find that perfect gift, and it is not always easy to find. Especially if your budget is limiting you.

There has been a couple of times where I've thought I found a great gift that was very useful and then when the person opened it the reaction wasn't exactly what I expect. It makes me question - do I really know this person that well? Was I assuming that this person likes and needs the things that I like and want? An example of this is a gift I bought for my mother - I'm not sure what it is called in English but in Swedish we call it "noppmaskin" (it cuts of all the "lumps" on knitted wollen sweaters.) I thoguht it was genious and I've always wanted one my self but I don't think my mother has used it once...

We'll see if I can repeat the success this Christmas :)

a blog or a diary or both?

2010-12-20T23:15:00.004Z

I am struggling a bit with what this blog should be like. Should it have a theme and become more of a commercial blog where I either focus on an area (such as recipes, interior design, DIY, music, photos, fashion) or should I just continue writing it as our personal diary? I've noticed on my stats that most of you who are here either come from facebook - which means I can assume you are friends (so the diary part would be most interesting to you) and the other majority is searching for Gula Paviljongen (our wedding venue). However, I probably won't be blogging about wedding preparations again unfortunately so that traffic isn't very helpful for me starting up a blog with a clear direction. So I'm a bit confused and I think I will just continue they way it has been... that means less expectations and less personal attacks haha. (I've only had one angry comment and that was regarding my PTLLS post, and only one offensive comment which was just very random and I deleted it straight away)

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO POST MORE OF

Necessities for the ski trip

2010-12-20T13:52:00.003Z

There are a few things that I really need to buy before going on our ski trip in February and it is: proper waterproof boots, goggles, ski pants.

Not exactly cheap things. Anyone knows where I can get this at a good price and still decent quality?

food blogs

2010-12-20T10:17:00.004Z

When it gets cold outside food just takes up more time in my life for some reason. Standing in the kitchen with a cute embroidered apron, some candles lit, and the oven heating up the room - it all seems so appealing and home-y. I have found a couple of blogs online that really inspires me and I thought I would share them with you. If you "eat with your eyes" like I do these visuals should make you drewling.

Canelle et Vanille - one of my latest finds.

BitterSweet - a blog full of vegan recipes (great when you don't eat meat)

Tartelette - Everything from Macaroons to Risotto

and of course a classic food blog - Sweet Paul

goosebumps

2010-12-17T23:03:00.001Z

seriously. all. over. my. body. amazing.

Work Christmas Party

2010-12-16T12:36:00.007Z

Oh and Elvis was there... ;)

I haven't been blogging for a while now, and last week I just didn't feel like writing anything. I've been a bit down actually, but then yesterday I started to feel better again. I just needed some time to realise just how lucky I am again. It's strange how you can have everything and still be upset by the little things. Anyways, my mood is now much better and I thought I should share some pictures from the Christmas party last Friday... I had a good time :)

And in a few hours I will be at the Graduation Ceremony - it already feels like it has been years since I finished that Masters degree, but it will be fun to see everyone again.

the optimist

2010-12-08T12:44:00.001Z

“A pessimist is a man who thinks all women are bad. An optimist is one who hopes they are.”

wishlist

2010-12-07T10:46:00.009Z

Eva Solo Dressing Shaker 0.25l

HippHipp season 1 and 2.

Hunter Wellies - original navy

Kusmi tea Spicy Chocolate (or Celestial Tea)

Sheepskin slippers

Revitalash

OBH Nordica Handheld mixer

Tupperware

Redken Fresh Curls Hair Products

Husqvarna Sewing Machine (just a simple one, but with a strong engine)

PiP Studio Egg cups (buy here)

more Christmas music

2010-12-06T12:13:00.003Z

Yesterday I went to Reading to find a dress for the Christmas party on Friday. TOTAL FAIL! Didn't find anything at all! Nothing! Nada! That I even remotely liked. So that was one wasted Sunday afternoon. When I got home I decided to make the best of what was left of the day so we started baking; lussekatter (this time with proper Safran from Sweden - thank you Peter), ginger bread men, and whilst I was in Reading Andreas made chocolate balls. YUM!

Then we watched Xfactor result show (I'm cheering on Matt and Rebecca) and ate some of the goodies and had some lovely julmust with it. I love Christmas! Oh and now to what I wanted to tell you: Sixpence None the Richer has a great version of Angels we have heard on high. Here it is for you to enjoy:

Christmas party dress

2010-12-04T23:49:00.003Z

Today I've been hanging out with my white version of Stevie Wonder husband. Poor Andreas' eyes hurt a lot still and especially his right eye is very swollen and red. Hope it will heal soon for his sake - it must be frustrating.

Tomorrow I have to go to town and try and find a nice dress for the Christmas party. I usually find it really difficult to find something that I both like and can afford. I'm trying to stay open-minded regarding the style of the dress because it is usually when you know what you want that you can't find it. Will probably have to get some spanx as well... it doesn't get much sexier than that :)

Images from Oasis and Asos.

home is where the heart is

2010-12-03T23:13:00.001Z

Picture from Etsy

angry

2010-12-03T21:04:00.002Z

I got an e-mail yesterday from someone interested in my wedding dress, then today I received this:

Hello Marianne Lamberth,

Thanks for the mail with trust and honest toward this transaction, i will offer you (£450) for your ,WEDDING DRESS , the condtion terms are also okay with me.For the Shippment from your location, i have my SHIPPER that will come over for the pick up from y our location as soon as we seal this Transaction from your end.

Do e-mail me your (FULL NAME, CONTACT ADDRESS, MOBILE & LANLINE PHONE NUMBER) For the payment arrangment, i will be paying by Cheque and i will wait for the cheque to clear before the pick up from your location bcos'i still have a goods in U.K that they will ship for me.I have a CLIENT of my that is Owning me some Fund in United Kingdom that will issue you the cheque (£3,000), as soon as you receive the cheque and clear from the bank, you will deduct the cost of the ADVERT and the remaining balance of (£2,500) will be send to the Shipper through WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER for the pick up from your location.

If this is okay by you, do e-mail me the following detail

FULL NAME ON CHEQUE:
CONTACTED ADDRESS:
MOBILE & LADLINE PHONE NUMBER:

for the cheque to be made out to you. Hope to read from you soonest.
Regards, NB:- I will wait for the cheque to clear before the pick up.

I will compensate you with £50 for you to remove the advert from the site.

My Regards,
Jack Fernandes.

OBVIOUSLY A SCAM! I hate you Jack Fernandes! jack_fernandes2009@yahoo.co.uk

Posting this so that if anyone else gets something similar they will find out!
I just e-mailed him back telling him to stop stealing from people.

So annoying because I really want to sell that dress. I mean I love that dress but I will never wear it again and so what is the point of it taking up all that space in our apartment?

quote

2010-12-03T11:47:00.002Z

Some people say mockingly that Christianity is for the weak,
but I am inclined to agree.
Humanity consists of two kinds of people:
The weak and those
who won't admit they are weak.

a tiny order

2010-12-02T20:44:00.003Z

I love searching Etsy for little cute things and today I found this great shop that customizes necklaces. Check out Truche. I e-mailed her and found out she would do a "I heart Sweden" for me! Can't wait to see it!

"I heart New Jersey" and "I heart California"

"I heart the United Kingdom" and "I heart France"

to all my Swedish friends

2010-12-02T14:16:00.002Z

Please donate to this cause:

Katrin Zytomierska will buy presents for up to 300 SEK to families who don't have enough money to buy Christmas presents to their kids. You can donate money to help!

Check it here

how to make a star

2010-11-30T22:06:00.002Z

Making the little starts that you could see on our Advent decoration has been a bit of therapy for me over the years since December often meant many deadlines and exams in the past when I was a student. So here is a short guide on how to make them:
You will need 4 equally long strips of paper or I sometimes use gift ribbon (just don't use the thinnest kind if it is your first time as it can be a bit tricky).

Fold the strips over themselves so they look as the first picture.

Then turn it around and do the same on the opposite side.

Then it will look like this:

Folk back one of the strips and bend the previous in under the one you lifted.

It will come out through one of the tips on the side, pull it out carefully so that a tip is created.

Repeat...

Eventually it will look like this:

Then do the same on the other side:

Then cut off all the snippets sticking out, and you have a little start

It was quite hard to take pictures whilst making the star but I hope you will figure it out. GOOD LUCK! :)

airport humour

2010-11-29T15:00:00.003Z

On my last flights to and from Oslo I realised that the security is much heavier in the UK than in Oslo. In the UK I had to take my boots off when going through security, and when entering the gate there were dogs smelling all my bags whilst 3 guys with AK47s were shouting to us to look straigth and keep walking. A bit intimidating actually...

Cartoons from New Yorker

first light now lit

2010-11-28T19:33:00.006Z

It's fun to know that everything except the candles were found outside or are homemade (the little stars). We are eating the last couple of lussekatter and having our first cup of julmust! YUM

Första Advent

2010-11-28T18:31:00.016Z

Goodness I've been crafty today, found so many nice things outside, and our kitchen has been a mess the last 4 hours, but now I've finally tidied up and now Andreas is in there "cooking" (making vegetarian burgers that is). Just thought I would share some pictures...

I have taken the idea with some apples in a nice glass bowl from UndebaraClara.

An easy way to make your existing plants a bit more christmasy is to just decorate them.

and out we go...

2010-11-28T12:02:00.003Z

Pictures from the Real Flower Company.

Christmas Music on Spotify

2010-11-28T00:21:00.002Z

I'm working on a play list on Spotify with Christmas music, and I've come to realise that it is hard to find a good list that doesn't just result in 15 different versions(artists of each song. Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Joy to the World, Silent night, The Christmas song, and White Christmas are the most frequent songs on my list at the moment. Any great songs you would like to share? I very much welcome suggestions to avoid getting tired of these songs before the month is over.

If you want to listen here is the link to my Spotify list.

PS For those who wouldn't mind listening to some Swedish and English Christmas music you can tune into Swedish Radios (SR) two Christmas channels: Bjällerklang and Klassisk Jul.

Christmas decorating has begun

2010-11-27T23:56:00.003Z

Today I've started some of the Christmas decorating here. A lot left though. Tomorrow I'll be hunting for moss, pine cones, and other little gifts of nature to make our house a home. I love this time of the year!

pictures from Norway

2010-11-27T18:20:00.001Z

I had a great week in Oslo. Got to meet a few old friends, my sister and grandmother, my sales rep for the first time, and of course a bunch of clients.
It was lovely to be in real winter weather with snow and cold that wasn't wet (if that makes any sense).

Grandmother preparing food in the kitchen - yummy home cooked meal.

I love the plates they have, with pretty flowers and golden edges.

Look how cute my father was as a baby (he is the one on the left)

The town is covered in snow. It is so peaceful and quite when it snows.

We gave our grandparents an early Christmas present a framed photo from our wedding. Grandma was so happy when she got it :)

Christmas shopping

2010-11-26T12:13:00.003Z

We're going to IKEA this afternoon to get the "bare necessities" for Christmas decorating our apartment. YEAY! I love to cozy up in the couch when everything is bright and shimmery.