Sweeter Living

To everything there is a season

2010-09-25T13:26:00.004+02:00

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under Heaven:

A time to be born,

And a time to die;

A time to plant,

And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

And a time to heal;

A time to break down,

And a time to build up;

A time to weep,

And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn,

And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,

And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace,

And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain,

And a time to lose;

A time to keep,

And a time to throw away;

A time to tear,

And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence,

And a time to speak,

A time to love,

And a time to hate;

A time of war,

And a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

8 months of silence

2010-09-09T14:59:00.004+02:00

So how do you start writing again after 8 months of silence?

I don't know the answer to that yet.
In my head I have tried to come up with clever ways of announcing that I'm back, but truth be told I feel neither clever nor am I sure that I'll be back. Writing a blog was such an outlet for me to express myself. I truly enjoyed sitting down at the end of the day sharing my thoughts and the things that brought me joy. But as we entered the new year I found myself feeling completely and utterly empty. Just the thought of writing down anything was overwhelming. I couldn't even open my blog to take a look at the comments. Life is sometimes so demanding that the things you used to love become a chore. And I couldn't handle any more chores. So I quit!

Today life is even more demanding. For reasons that I might share later my heart is broken and I feel even more empty than ever. And for some odd reason the thought of writing again has started to haunt me at night when I should be sleeping. So here I am. I don't know for how long or if I'll be able to do this. But at least the silence is broken

Hot woman in a cold place

2010-01-09T18:12:00.001+01:00

I'm back in Norway after our cruise. Unfortunately I have gotten a terrible flue that has put me in bed for a week. Today the fever has peeked at 104.9 and I feel quite exhausted and HOT! My hubby is away and my awesome 12 year old is taking very good care of me. Outside it is MINUS 10 degrees Fahrenheit and I'm grateful my home is warm and comfortable. I'm hoping to find my bloginspiration soon. Until then: take care and be blessed y'all (hey...I used to live in Tulsa!)

I took this photo out my kitchen window today before I crashed on our couch. It is quite beautiful here!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A sunny day in Pireus

2009-12-30T11:24:00.001+01:00

It's a beautiful day in Athens today. The cruiseship is here for a few hours before we leave for Crete. I wish you all a wonderful Holiday season and a Happy New Year!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The lucky winners of my 100th post Giveaway are....

2009-12-19T13:35:00.004+01:00

A little late, but just in time for Christmas. The three lucky winners of a year's magazine subscription are:

Kristen at All in a Mom's life.

Stepahanie Gina at All that Glitters

Tracy at Tattoos and Diapers

Please send me your address and desired magazine by email so that I can order your subscription.

A big thanks to all the rest of you who entered my Giveaway! I will be back with more fun Giveaways in 2010. Better luck next time:-)

Merry Christmas!

I'm sorry...

2009-12-18T15:17:00.006+01:00

It has been a busy month and I have been very very tired. My inspiration and desire to blog completely disappeared. This is the first time I have even looked at my blog in almost 3 weeks. I'm sorry for not responding to all your sweet comments and for not visiting my wonderful blogfriends. All I can say is that I hope I'll do better in 2010. And that I truly hope that you all are enjoying a wonderful Christmas season.

I will do a drawing for my Great Giveaway later this afternoon and post the results tomorrow!

To give a short recap of the last few weeks:

Of course I have done plenty of shopping! I love interior design stores and all the wonderful Christmas decorations you can buy. I just wish my house was twice as large and my pocketbook twice as thick... This is a picture from one of my favorite shops in Drøbak.

I decorated very simple this year. We are all leaving for a Mediterranean cruise this Sunday and will be gone for 2 weeks. No need to put up the tree this year. I only used lots of white lights, a few silver ornaments and green sprigs.

One of the highlights of December is my all girls weekend. Every year I bring my best friends to our summerhouse where we eat, drink, talk, watch girly movies and maybe do a little shopping. It's always a blast and this year was no exception.

Of course I brought them to all my favorite little shops in Drøbak and my good friend Nanni had to take lots of pictures for her blog Nannis Verden.

Drøbak is always charming, but around Christmas time it is absolutely quaint.

My daughter was a cutie the 13th of December for St. Lucia's day. In Scandinavia we celebrate this day with the kids dressing up in white, holding candles and serving the grownups "lussekatter" (a special roll that has saffron).

Every year we go to the national museum here in Oslo called "Folkemuseet". It has a wonderful display of old buildings and traditions. The whole area is just absolutely beautifully decorated for Christmas. Their Christmas market is quite unique and has become a tradition for us. We spend the day eating gingerbread cookies and candied apples, riding horse drawn carriages and looking at wonderful things we can buy for Christmas.

After a very busy month at school we had a fun day this week making a gingerbread village. I have blisters all over my hands from assembling 28 houses with burning sugar. I do not want to do this again next year... but the result looks good.

Finally I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Gingerbread Saturday

2009-11-28T10:50:00.004+01:00

We are getting closer to Christmas and every weekend is filled with fun activities. Today we have been making gingerbread cookies. Here is the result:

Grace's gingerbread cookies are much more colorful and imaginative than mom's!

The pink NonStops (Norwegian M&M's) were the only pink things I could come up with today. Now we are going to a Christmas fair to see if we can find some fun Christmas presents. I wish you all a fabulous Pink Saturday!

For many more pink Saturday posts please visit Beverly over at How Sweet The Sound.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T10:19:00.006+01:00

Picture from the church at Vestby. I thought the light was quite unusual. It reminds me that there is always hope even when your day seems dark and hopeless.

I'm grateful for so many things. God has truly been good to me and my family.

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

A Very Pink Christmas

2009-11-21T02:23:00.005+01:00

Pink is not a traditional color for Christmas. But maybe it is time to break with tradition and bring pink into your home this year. Feast your eyes on these great ideas for a very pink Christmas.

For more pink posts visit Beverly over at How Sweet the Sound.

Happy Pink Saturday to you all!

Saying goodbye

2009-11-20T00:17:00.000+01:00

Today I'm saying goodbye to a good friend. He died last week only 53 years old. I still cannot believe that he is gone. I'm attending his funeral today and I'm praying for his wife and his two sons. It is so sad... I know he touched many lives and that many will be gathered today to pay their respect. I will always be grateful for the part he played in some of the lifechanging decisions my husband and I made 11 years ago. Thank you Jan!

Today I'm reminded how important it is to live joyfully, love wholeheartedly and follow my dreams.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Christmas gift ideas for vintage lovers

2009-11-18T04:55:00.000+01:00

I love to buy gifts. It is so fun to find that "perfect" gift for someone you love. The whole month of November is my "Giftshopping Month". I LOVE TO SHOP, and that is one of the reasons I really enjoy November.

Here are a few unique gifts for your shabby chic friends that love anything vintage.

You can find these gifts and so many more at Notonthehighstreet.com .

Good luck with your Christmas shopping. Remember... it should be fun, not a chore!

My 100th post Giveaway!

2009-11-15T11:00:00.012+01:00

Finally! The day has come and this is my 100th post since I started blogging in May of 2009. I have been wondering how to celebrate this milestone and cannot think of a better way than to announce a GIVEAWAY! This one is FABULOUS and it's open to all bloggers from all countries.

This is what you can win:

12 issues of Marie Claire Magazine

12 issues of Harper's Bazaar Magazine

12 issues of Good Housekeeping Magazine

10 issues of House Beautiful Magazinegoo

or 10 issues of Country Living Magazine

I will draw three winners on the 15th of December 2009.

You'll get one ticket if you leave a comment.
Two tickets if you become a follower.
Three tickets if you advertise the contest on your blog with picture and a link.
Four tickets if you place my blog on your blog list.

Please write in your comment what you have done, so that I can write down the number of tickets you get.

Ideas for your Thanksgiving Table

2009-11-14T13:51:00.010+01:00

It's soon time to invite family and friends for Thanksgiving dinner. Even though we now live in Norway we still try to celebrate Thanksgiving every year. It is one of the many beautiful traditions that we brought back with us after having lived in the US. We focus on all the things we are grateful for and enjoy time together with the people we love.

This is also a chance to create a festive autumn table. Here are some ideas to help you decorate your special Thanksgiving table this year.

Make an elegant menu card

Placecards can be so much more than just a piece of cardboard. Use your imagination.

Use family photos to remind everyone that Thanksgiving is all about family.

Stamp or write a message

on a linen tablecloth

on your glasses

on your candles

on your simple white napkins or on your napkinrings.

Make a striking centerpiece using flowers in rich colors

or use simple white flowers with rich fabrics.

You can also bring nature inside by creating a centerpiece with vegetable, fruits, pinecones, twigs, branches of spruce or leafs

How about a glass vase filled with kumquats and topped with a pinecone-shape candle?

Candles always creates a festive atmosphere. Find new ways of decorating with them.

The most beautiful candle displays are often the simples. Use everyday items like corn or multicolor popcorn kernels.

You can even use snacks as a decorative element on your table.

However you choose to decorate your table, let it reflect your personal style. Look around your home for things that you can use to make your table special and unique. Enjoy!

Pink Poinsettias

2009-11-07T02:32:00.000+01:00

Driving the bus home from Poland we did a quick stop outside Berlin. Running through the store I saw these beautiful pink poinsettias. Two of them had to come home with me! I wrapped them up as best I could and they survived for a few days inside the luggage compartment of the bus. Now they are placed in my kitchen window, proudly announcing that Christmas is soon here. If you take a closer look, you'll see that it is actually snowing outside! This is Norway!

I couldn't leave without sharing this fabulous pink photo of my husband. We are celebrating his 40th birthday this weekend.

For more pink Saturday posts visit Beverly over at How Sweet the Sound.

The Lexington Company

2009-11-05T02:32:00.008+01:00

I love the Lexington company. I'm not a shabby chic kind of girl, but my dream home would be a New England style home with a front porch, stone fireplace and plenty of Lexington pillows and throws.

Not far from our summer house there is this cute little Lexington store.

I bought two pillows that look perfect in my striped chairs.

Now I just want new pillows for my sofa as well. Maybe a christmas present?

If you want to be truly inspired go to www.lexingtoncompany.com and take a look at their holiday collection.

Happy Birthday Baby!

2009-11-03T01:32:00.010+01:00

Today is your 40th birthday! Finally you will be in your forties too and stop saying that you are a man in your thirties married to a woman approaching 50 (which I apparently did the moment I turned 40 last year). No more teasing baby!

I am wishing you all the happiness in the world. You deserve the very best of everything sweetheart. You are the kindest, most generous, patient, funniest man I know and I love all those things about you. You are simply THE BEST! Keep me laughing and I will stay with you until all your teeth fall out, your head looks like a bowling ball and your butt sags. (Just don't start wearing those white grandpa underpants...)

For the family party this Sunday I got to use some of the crystal glasses I bought in Krakow. Aren't you glad I bought 60 of those? (Read all about it here.)

I wish I could have bought you one of these for your birthday:

Or brought you here:

But you did get a Nespresso Lattissima (and it wasn't covered with pink Swarovski crystals...)

And I am taking you to see these guys on Friday:

I hope you'll have a fabulous birthday!

Happy Pink Halloween

2009-10-31T20:15:00.003+01:00

If you really want to Pink up your Halloween, this is the way to do it:

Place pink led lights inside your Pumpkin. You might want to place a plastic container over the lights so that they are not visible through the mouth.

Happy Halloween to you all!

Please stop by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more great Pink posts.

Tamiflu blues - or what I have learned traveling on a bus with 32 teenagers through Poland.

2009-10-30T11:46:00.001+01:00

More than 2 weeks ago I got into a bus with 32 teenagers, one other teacher and a few parents travelling to Poland and Germany to revisit the grim history of the World War II. We were excited and ready to have the trip of a lifetime. And it sure was!

I had actually written a very long detailed post about the trip, but realized that it would probably not be a very interesting read. So instead I decided to sum up the things that I have learned that has nothing to do with history:

After 12 hours in a bus your ass goes numb and every part of your body aches. Do not try to walk quickly off the bus, you will stumble and fall. And people will laugh.
Planning to not eat chocolate during 8 days on a bus is inhuman. You might fill a whole bag with fruits, müsli, wheat germ crackers and low fat cheese.... after a while these things will just make you grumpy!
NEVER fall asleep! If you do, some obnoxious teenager will take your picture with your mouth open drooling on your pillow. And yes, they will post it on Facebook.
In spite of being obnoxious, teenagers are pretty awesome to be around!
Do not assume that the weather in Central Europe will be more pleasing than in Scandinavia. Expect snowstorms and bring your rain-boots. Do not be too vain to wear a rain poncho.
Teenager girls will wear whatever is cool and not take your advice. Don't even bother telling them to bundle up!
If you wear rain-boots for a day, your feet will smell no matter how clean your socks. Don't expect the people around you to be happy when you take them off in the bus. And no, perfume will not cover it up!
Do not buy 60 crystal glasses in Krakow and expect to carry them yourself through a blizzard while you have to pee. It's impossible.
You don't need 60 crystal glasses!
If you want to buy 60 crystal glasses anyway you have to sweet-talk the bus driver. Buying him cake works.
Do NOT leave your iPhone on a restaurant table in Poland. It will disappear.
Life without an iPhone is pretty miserable.
There is nothing fun about bathroom breaks when you are 40 people on a bus.
If you tell people inside a salt-mine that the walls and floors are made of salt, some will actually try to lick it. Go figure...
When one teenager gets sick it feels like 10, when 30 teenagers get sick... Make sure you bring a nurse on your trip!
Polish Homeopathic medicine will NOT cure the Swineflu, no matter what that Polish doctor says.
If your head hurts, your throat is sore, your body aches and you have a fever... don't assume it's just a cold. Just face it... it's the Swineflu.
Finding 160 doses of Tamiflu in Berlin is almost impossible! Bring your own.
Do not carry 2 plastic bags full of Tamiflu into a hotel. They hotel staff will freak out!
When everyone is sick, no one will remember your birthday.
When no one remembers your birthday you feel miserable and unloved, even though you should be old enough to not care. Next time forget modesty and just tell everyone it's your birthday!
When enough bad things happen, you are exhausted and feel like crap, there is nothing left to do but laugh. Laughing is a good way to combat insanity.
Trying to get teenagers not to mingle with other teenagers on a ferry... Still haven't found out how to do that!
If you are on a bus with 32 teenagers and experience an outbreak of the Swineflu, you will be quarantined at home for 7 days.
Quarantine is good.
7 days is not enough. You'll need a month!

One cup of swarovski coming up!

2009-10-24T01:45:00.005+02:00

I'm back from a very long and eventful trip to Poland and Germany. (Post coming up in a day or two.) Thanks to everyone who left sweet comments wishing me a Happy Birthday last Saturday. I'll try to visit you all during the next couple of days.

My husband's 40th birthday is coming up soon and he really wants a Nespresso machine. It's kind of funny since he doesn't drink coffee. But if this is a sign of mid-life crisis I'm all for it (since I LOVE coffee!) Yesterday we talked about what model and color we should get. He said I could choose and suprise him. And surprise him I will!

Introducing the NESPRESSO LIMITED EDITION SPARKLE PINK ESSENZA!

A coffeemachine covered in pink swarovski crystals! I just know this baby will brigthen up those dark november mornings...

Wishing you all a Happy Pink Saturday. Please visit Beverly over at How Sweet the Sound for more pink posts.

It's my birthday!

2009-10-17T05:52:00.002+02:00

It's my birthday and I'm in a bus somwhere in Germany.... It wasn't how I planned it, but I'll make sure to enjoy it anyhow!

This collage is from my birthday party last year.

Since it is PINK Saturday today I want someone to make me THIS birthday-banner!

It is so cute! It's made by Katie at Pink Paislee. Please visit Beverly to find more participant in this week's Pink Saturday.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T16:20:00.000+02:00

There are no words that can describe the loss and tragedy. We cannot change the past, but let us never forget. " Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

I ♥ Faces: Excited

2009-10-12T03:47:00.000+02:00

It's time to post a picture for I ♥ Faces. This week's theme is EXCITED.

As we were walking through the park from the playground we came upon a photographer taking pictures of a bride. It was the first time my daughter actually saw a real bride and she was mesmerized. We had to stay there and watch the whole session. Grace dressed up as a bride for weeks afterwards.

A pretty perfect pink Saturday

2009-10-10T10:50:00.012+02:00

As some of you know I spent the evening yesterday with fellow bloggers. The talented Maliva had arranged for all of us to have a lovely meal, good entertainment and a late night shopping experience. It was perfectly planned and we had the best time. I loved meeting other norwegian bloggers and actually see the faces behind many of the blogs I follow on a regular basis.

Thanks to Maliva and thanks to all you sweet blog-girls out there! Let's keep in touch!

My birthday is coming up soon and I really want a kitchen makeover. (Are you reading this Per?) Since it is Pink Saturday over at Beverly's place I thought I would show you this fabulous kitchen that I found in House Beautiful magazine:

I would love to have a kitchen that looked like a french Patisserie!

This week I want to introduce Cindy over at My Romantic Home. Her post last Saturday got 71 comments (wow!) and stirred a lot of emotions. Personally I have taken a look around her blog and it is absolutely beautiful. Please visit her and give her some love this Saturday:-)

The blogmeet

2009-10-09T20:25:00.001+02:00

It's a perfect night!

Blogmeeting tonight!

2009-10-09T15:37:00.007+02:00

I'm so excited! Tonight I have been invited to join 60 other norwegian bloggers for a great evening out. It's the gracious Maliva who has invited us to this informal get-together. We'll start out at Café Garcon where we'll enjoy tapas and the performance of Maliva's talented husband, who she only calls Bono on her blog. (But I know who he really is....)

Later in the evening we'll head over to the beautiful interior design boutique called Zanz. They will keep the store open for us exclusively and are offering a discount on all their merchandize. (Note to self: Must keep my head cool and my wallet safely in my purse...)

I know that this evening will be a blast. I'm just a little bit nervous about meeting so many new people... Wish me luck!

An unexpected trip

2009-10-08T11:00:00.004+02:00

This Sunday 10th grade is going on a trip with "the white buses" to Poland. I hadn't thought much about this trip as I was not going with them this year. But unexpected illness changed that and yesterday I was asked if I could go. It wasn't a great week since my husband was going away for 5 days with work. I didn't think it would be possible. But within an hour we managed to arrange for family to take care of the kids and find a solution for all the practical challenges. So I'm going! Thank God for wonderful family!

We will start out in Krakow and visit Auswitch and Birkenau. This picture was taken 2 years ago when I was there with my 10th grade. It's an experience of a lifetime and it changes you forever. It is a part of history that must never be forgotten!

I'll tell you more about where we are going and what we will do during this week. I'm also hoping that Blogwriter on my Iphone will allow me to post a few posts along the way.

The Return

2009-10-06T00:46:00.010+02:00

As she walked down the sloping driveway she looked up at the colossal white building. Did she really used to live here? She couldn't pinpoint exactly what was different, but there were little things, subtle changes. The walls were no longer the soft grayish white that her dad had found through trial and error. Now the house gleamed with a bright white paint that made it look even bigger. The windows were like black eyes starring at her without blinking. Gone were the white lace curtains that her mom used to starch in water and sugar. The curtains had been old-fashioned even 30 years ago, but they covered the blackness like sheer eyelids. Along the driveway were large urns filled with pink geraniums. Pretty, but her mom had always planted red ones.

In front of the garage there were two cars. Theyt looked brand new. Both were spotless and she could see her reflection in the dark metallic paint that had a sort of bluish tint. She smiled as she remembered the red beetle that her parents used to drive. It had always looked so out of place in front of this huge house. These two cars looked like they belonged. Maybe they had bought them just to match the house. She giggled and starred at her reflection half waiting to see that little girl with the thin pixie hair. But of course she didn't.

She walked up to the front door. It was made of dark wood with leaded glass windows in rich colors. In an instant she remembered the day she came home from school with the brass key on a red woolen string around her neck and saw the glass shattered and the door opened. Being young and not very smart she had walked right inside. The whole house had been torn apart, but all she could remember was her mom's vase lying on the floor. Red tulips scattered all over the carpet adorned by the sharp pieces of broken crystal. She knew her mom would cry.

As she rung the doorbell she heard the sound she knew so very well. She gave a short laugh as she recalled how she would run to the door when that doorbell rang. She had always hoped that it would be someone asking for her. Someone to play with. But it never was. No one ever came to her house. So she got used to playing alone and the house had been her playground. She knew every secret place in this house, from the basement to the attic.

An elegant woman in beige opened the door with a strained smile. "Oh, you are here!" was all she said, not offering a name or a hand. "Come inside", she said with her back already turned.

Stepping into the hall she felt a rush of emotions. The blue carpet was no longer there. And the periwinkle blue brocade wallpaper was gone. Not so strange really. There had been faint red stains on that wallpaper after she had decided to decorate it with red flowers one day her parents were out. To her it looked much prettier, but her parents did not agree. She remember how they had both tried to clean it off with different remedies for hours. She had been sent to her room. They never got the stains out completely, but they didn't put up a new wallpaper either. It remained there for years as a testimony that a child lived and played in this house.

Now the walls and floors were covered in stark white. Beautiful, clean white. It looked like right out of a magazine. Still to her it was cold and uninviting. Walking passed the curved stairways, she looked up. There, at the top of the stairs, behind the banister, was one of her secret places. It's where she used to hide at night when she couldn't sleep. She would bring her pillow and lay down on the floor listening to the voices of her parents. Happy voices, voices that were soft and loving even when she could hear the presence of worry in her mom's faint words. The comfort of those voices would often lull her to sleep. Every now and then her dad would walk up the stairs and cradle her in his strong arms. To her delight he would not put her back into bed, but carry her downstairs into the candlelit living room. It was the best feeling in the world. The feeling of being included in the happiness that her parents shared. Dad would place her in the big sofa and her mom would make hot chocolate and sandwiches. She always served the hot chocolate in the large white cups with purple saucers. It was the only time they used those cups. She hadn't seen them in years.

The beige lady beckoned her to follow her into the kitchen. Of course it had been remodeled. No one would have wanted to keep the old kitchen. She remember how embarrassed she used to be when they had guests at their house. The guests would walk through all the beautiful rooms and admire the house until they walked into that kitchen. Then they would go silent. And stare. It was a crazy kitchen. Her parents had decorated it just before she was born in 1968. It had the loudest wallpaper you could imagine. Bright white vinyl wallpaper with huge blood-red flowers. (Sort of early Marimekko.) It was one of those things that just captured your eyes and would not let them go. To finish it off her parents had covered the ceiling with it as well. When you walked into that kitchen you were surrounded by cocoon of big red flowers everywhere. She used to hate it. Now as she looked at the discrete gold and ivory striped wallpaper, she almost burst out laughing. What a change!

She realized that she missed it. She missed the tacky red flowers. She missed the blue brocade wallpaper with the red stains. She missed her house with all the secret places and childhood memories. She missed her parents and missed the life that was lived in this house.

There were no signs of a child living, playing or dreaming in this place any more. There were no signs of the past. And no signs of a present. It was all perfection, but it was no longer home. She had thought about this house for so long. When it was sold she had such a feeling of loss. And all these years she had believed that she would be happy living here again. Suddenly she realized that it was not the house that had made her happy. It was the love.

The lady reached for a brown cardboard box place on the shiny granite countertop. "I believe this is yours," she said with a quick smile as she lifted it up. It was heavy. "We found it in the attic a few months ago. We thought it belonged to you." She handed over the box and started moving toward the hallway. It was clear that the visit was over and that the lady was ready to say goodbye. Walking through the beautiful house one more time, she felt the bittersweetness of goodbyes. This house was no longer hers. It belonged to someone else. And now it was up to her to make her small house a happy place for her family. As she walked back up the driveway she turned one more time looking at the impressive house with the black hollow eyes. For a split second a memory flashed before her eyes and she saw the three of them, laughing and playing on the lawn. She smiled and when she turned towards the road she knew she would never come back.

In her own kitchen, a very simple white Ikea kitchen, she opened the box. Inside were objects wrapped in soft creamy silk paper. She picked up one of the objects and started to carefully unwrap it. It was a purple saucer. One by one she unveiled her mother's special porcelain service. She placed the cups and saucers on the counter and looked around at the white walls of her kitchen. It was time to make this house her home!

I was challenged to write a story called the Return by La Belle Mere. Please visit her for more examples of creative writing.

Pink Wedding

2009-10-02T21:14:00.024+02:00

It's PINK Saturday over at How Sweet the Sound.

My very good friend Nanni is getting married! (Please stop by her blog and congratulate her...) In honor of her big day I have dedicated this Pink Saturday to Weddings in all their glory. Not just any weddings, PINK weddings!

So this is how you make your Dream Wedding PINK:

You have to send out a PINK invitation. You won't find anything more beautiful than the ones handpainted by Kristy at Momental Designs.

It's time for a PINK bridal shower.

Tea and muffins or a little bit more sophisticated. Your choice!

It's a Jaime thing

Hopefully you'll get lots of these:

and NOT this...

You'll need a PINK wedding dresses. Take a look at Brides Magazine to find your perfect dress.

With a PINK dress you have to wear the perfect pair of PINK shoes.

Underneath you'll wear some PINK lace by Victoria's Secret.

PINK flowers are perfect for a wedding.

Why not put some PINK flowers in your hair as well?

A PINK ring on your finger!

Pink Champagne in your glass.

I'm a bridesmaid, please don't make me wear this!

I would rather wear something like this...

The wedding tables can be soft and romantic PINK

... or glamorous HOT PINK!

There cannot be a PINK wedding without a PINK wedding cake!

Maybe you'll go for a PINK wedding cake buffet like this one by Annick Van Wesemael.

Don't forget PINK party favors for the guests!

My favorites are these packages of wedding gum

Transportation can be over the top.

Or just very chic.

A PINK wedding must be followed by a fabulous PINK honeymoon. Maybe at the pink hotel Las Alamandas in Mexico?

For wonderful ideas for your wedding you should visit Yvonne Design. You'll be amazed by the wonderful Hawaiian weddings she features.

Looking for an event planner? I found quite a few beautiful pictures at Tres Fabu Events.

Good luck on your fabulously PINK day!

I'M A ONE WORD KIND OF GIRL!

2009-10-02T18:52:00.005+02:00

Today my sweet friend Gracie over at A Touch of Grace has given me this Award! I'm so excited and super happy!

The hard part is that I have to answer all these questions with only ONE word! And if you know me, you know that I'm not a ONE word kind of girl... Usually words just fall out of me like marbles out of a broken bag... unstoppable and very uncontrolled. So here we go:

1. Where is your cell phone? Table
2. Your hair? Brownish
3. Your mother? Dead
4. Your father? Spain
5. Your favorite food? Any
6. Your dream last night? *blush*
7. Your favorite drink? PepsiMax
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. What room are you in? Livingroom
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? Sickness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? travellingtheworld
13. Where were you last night? movies
14. Something that you aren’t? skinny
15. Muffins? Anytime!
16. Wish list item? House
17. Where did you grow up? Oslo
18. Last thing you did? Eat
19. What are you wearing? Undies++
20. Your TV? On
21. Your pets? Invisible
22. Friends? Fewbutwonderful
23. Your life? Sweet
24. Your mood? Content
25. Missing someone? US-friends:-(
26. Vehicle? Merecedes
27. Something you’re not wearing? Bikini
28. Your favorite store? Ikea
29. Your favorite color? Hotpink!
30. When was the last time you laughed? Now!
31. Last time you cried? Tuesday
32. Your best friend? Husband
33. One place that I go to over and over? Spain
34. One person who emails me regularly? Anne
35. Favorite place to eat? Table

There! Okay, I know I cheated a couple of places. Cut me some slack!

Now I have to pass this award on to 6 others:

Nanni at Nannis Verden

Kristen at All in a Mom's life

Alicia at It ain't easy being cheesy

La Belle Mere at Confused musings of a Stepmother on the Edge (talk about not being a ONE word kind of girl...)

Ecko over at Ecko and More

Marit at Som Mine dager er

So congratulations on your Award! Looking forward to seeing your answers.

I love you because....

2009-10-01T02:00:00.004+02:00

I love you because...

you make me laugh - often and loud!
you are patient and slow to anger.
you are selfless and always thinking about what is best for your family.
you make a great tacosalad (and so many other meals too).
you love me for who I am and have never tried to change me.
you are calm and levelheaded.
you are wise and kindhearted.
you get up with the kids most mornings and never complain about it.
you are loyal and trustworthy.
you are truthful and honest.
you always give me the top half of your dinner rolls (the best part!).
you believe in me.
you do everything you can to provide for us and spare me from worrying.
you are friendly with everyone.
you are just a likable guy.
you love God and want to live your life serving Him.
you do your work with excellence and always strive to be better.
you put up thousands of christmas lights just to make me happy.
you have the most beautiful hands I know.
you scratch my back so that I can go to sleep.
you don't complain that I stay up too late at night.
you want me to have the best of everything.
you watch chick-flicks with me and enjoy it!
you have been a rock in times of trouble.
you are strong when I am week.
you are not afraid to be vulnerable.
you have made my family yours and shared your family with me.
you encourage me to follow my dreams.
you think that I am good at my job.
you compliment me as a mother and woman when I feel like crap.
you make me a better person.
you are a wonderful dad.
you're a good kisser.
you show me that you love me in everything you do.
you have never made me feel unworthy of your love.
you want to make me happy.
you are my soulmate.
you make this journey called life so much sweeter.

As we are celebrating our 15th Anniversary I just want to say to you that I love you more each day. Thank you for loving me and sharing your life with me. The best is yet to come!

My first time on a sailboat and a little history lesson from WW2

2009-09-30T11:00:00.010+02:00

I feel embarrassed to admit it. I'm 40 and have never sailed until yesterday... I have been aboard sailboats, but never actually sailed. Yesterday I was invited by friends to spend the day in their beautiful sailboat and I had a blast. It was just a perfect day!

Leaving Hvitsten

Let's raise those sails

Arriving at Oscarsborg, a 350 year old fortress in the Oslo fjord.

Oscarsborg has such an interesting history that I want to share a small portion of it with you all. So here is today's history lesson:

The 9th of April 1940 the german heavy cruiser Blücher sailed through the Oslo fjord not stopping after warning shots further out. Watching the ship approach the commander at Oscarsborg, colonel Birger Erikesen, made the most important decision in norwegian military history. He did not have time to consult his superiors. He did not act on an order, but decided that the large german warship gliding through the water had to be stopped. He gave the order to strike with full force even though Norway was not at war. He had no time to check the nationality of the ship, but gave the order to fire. Blücher sunk, the conquest of Oslo was delayed, the king and government managed to escape and about 1000 soldiers died in the cold waters of the fjord. Nazi-Germany lost one of its most powerful war machines at sea.

What a difference ONE man can make!

One of the canons at the fortress.

The view of the Oslo fjord from the fortress is awesome.

At sea even the simplest lunch tastes like a gourmet meal.

Relaxing.

Back at Hvitsten

Saying goodbye!

I ♥ Faces in blue

2009-09-28T15:41:00.011+02:00

This is the first time I'm hooking up with I ♥ Faces. This week's challenge is to find a photo that features the color blue. I chose this one. It's one of my favorite photos of my son fishing crabs down by the pier. Some of you might have seen this picture in black and white on my right sidebar. He is smart, kind, funny, wise, bold, handsome, cool and thoughtful. He's just the greatest kid EVER and I am so proud of him!

Nantucket Lobster Chowder

2009-09-28T11:54:00.009+02:00

Autumn is here and every day nature is changing. Bring your camera when you are out walking and take lots of pictures. I took this picture when we had a picnic at Sagvollen in Hadeland, Norway.

After a long walk in the woods it's time for some comfort food. This soup is easy and wonderful - my favorite combination!

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
8 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup Chardonnay
2 (3/4-pound) fresh or frozen, thawed lobster tails
2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears)
1 pound small red potatoes, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Preparation

Melt butter in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in broth and wine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut top and bottom lobster shells lengthwise down the middle. Carefully separate shell halves, and gently pull lobster meat in 1 piece from shells. Cut shell halves in half crosswise, and add to broth. Cut meat in half lengthwise, then slice it crosswise into bite-size pieces. Refrigerate meat.

When shell mixture has simmered 20 minutes, add corn, potatoes, salt, and cayenne pepper. Return mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 12 minutes. Remove shells, and discard.

Add lobster meat, chives, and tarragon to broth mixture; simmer 6 minutes. Stir in cream, and cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Serve it with fresh bread and a nice glass of Chardonnay. Perfect!

The recipe is from Coastal Living Magazine.

The Autumn by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

2009-09-27T14:21:00.000+02:00

Go, sit upon the lofty hill,

And turn your eyes around,

Where waving woods and waters wild

Do hymn an autumn sound.
The summer sun is faint on them --
The summer flowers depart --
Sit still -- as all transform'd to stone,
Except your musing heart.

How there you sat in summer-time,
May yet be in your mind;
And how you heard the green woods sing
Beneath the freshening wind.
Though the same wind now blows around,
You would its blast recall;
For every breath that stirs the trees,
Doth cause a leaf to fall.

Oh! like that wind, is all the mirth
That flesh and dust impart:
We cannot bear its visitings,
When change is on the heart.
Gay words and jests may make us smile,
When Sorrow is asleep;
But other things must make us smile,
When Sorrow bids us weep!

The dearest hands that clasp our hands, --
Their presence may be o'er;
The dearest voice that meets our ear,
That tone may come no more!
Youth fades; and then, the joys of youth,
Which once refresh'd our mind,
Shall come -- as, on those sighing woods,
The chilling autumn wind.

Hear not the wind -- view not the woods;
Look out o'er vale and hill-
In spring, the sky encircled them --
The sky is round them still.
Come autumn's scathe -- come winter's cold --
Come change -- and human fate!
Whatever prospect Heaven doth bound,
Can ne'er be desolate.

Cakes from Dubai on a Pink Saturday

2009-09-26T11:36:00.011+02:00

It's Saturday and again there's a Pink Party going on over at Beverly's at How Sweet the Sound. Visit her to find more lovely pink posts this Satuday.

Today I was all out of pink ideas, so I googled pink to see if anything interesting caught my attention. I found something that was just amazing:

The most incredible cakes I have ever seen - and they are made in Dubai! Who knew... Having spent about an hour browsing their website I can safely say that they have a cake for everyone.

For the fashionista:

Juicy couture

Louis Vuitton

or Chanel?

For the crocklovers:

For the coffee lover

For a birthday girl:

A cake inspired by the mad hatter...

For the babyshower:

For the sleepover party:

For your husband?

For the rich and famous:

A pink Bently!

A pink bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne

You HAVE to check out more of their cakes at HouseofcakesDubai.com. Really, you HAVE to!

I would also like to introduce you to another one of Pink Saturday's participants: Suzanne at The Shabby Tiara. I saw her blog for the first time last week and loved her blog. Please take the time to visit her today!

Physical Touch - more than just sex!

2009-09-25T18:48:00.003+02:00

This is the last post in my series about the five love languages based on Dr Gary Chapman's book. If the theme interests you, make sure you read all 6 posts.

The 5th love language: Physical Touch

Many mates feel the most loved when they receive physical contact from their partner. For a mate who speaks this love language loudly, physical touch can make or break the relationship.

Many people initially think their love language is Physical Touch. The reason is because they enjoy love making. The fact is that most of us do. But not all of us has Physical Touch as our primary love language. People who speak and hear this language primarily actually feel loved when their partner sits close to them while watching a movie, holds hands on a long walk, or kisses them. They enjoy any form of physical contact as well as sex. To them love making is more than just receiving or giving pleasure, it's the way they give and receive love. If their partner withholds physical contact, they will feel unloved and rejected.

When a "Physical Touch person" is going through a crisis they will more than anything need physical touch from their partner. They would much rather have you hold them and be silent, than offer them advice or encouragement.

It is important to remember that even though sex makes many mates feel secure and loved in a marriage, it is only one dialect of physical touch. Many parts of the body are extremely sensitive to stimulation. It is important to discover how your partner not only physically responds but also psychologically responds to these touches. Some touches are irritating and uncomfortable for your mate. Take the time to learn the touches your mate likes. They can be big acts, such as back massages or lovemaking, or little acts such as touches on the cheek or a hand on the shoulder. It’s important to learn how your mate responds to touch. That is how you will make the most of this love language.

Understanding the languages of love, and which one one's partner speaks and hears most, is vital to healthy communication.

While two partners will likely have two different primary love languages, it is very easy for people to express love when they understand their partner. Those who prefer serving others can very easily give compliments, gifts, time, or affection to their spouses. Sometimes, the best way to know how to do this most effectively is to ask one's partner, "what can I do for you everyday that will make you feel special?"

Acts of Service

2009-09-24T06:46:00.005+02:00

This is the 4th part of my brief summary from Gary Chapman's book The Five Love Languages. I can recommend this book for anyone who wants to improve their relationship with their partner. For my husband and I it gave us a whole new way of expressing our love for eachother.

Number 4: Acts of Service – What Have you Done for me Lately?

Could Acts of Service be the primary way in which you wish to receive love? Does this love language speak louder to you than the others? Do you feel that 'actions definitely speak louder than words'? In this case, acts of service likely ranks higher on your love language list than say, words of affirmation. You may somewhat feel that 'talk is cheap,' but your partner or mate can show you they love you by checking the windshield washer fluid in your car and your tire pressure.

And just as this group feels loved when things are done for them, they convey love in the same manner by doing the laundry, fixing things around the house, and making nice meals. If your partner is constantly doing things for you, don't start taking it for granted. Show that you appreciate it and that you recognize that it's their way of saying "I love you!"

If you suspect your loved ones primary love language is acts of service, look for opportunities to help them and do things for them. This will make them feel so loved by being taken care of!

"Life is filled with opportunities to express love by acts of service," Dr Chapman states.

If you suspect that your own primary love language is acts of service and your mate does not speak this loudly enough to you, teach them about it. Perhaps you could identify some things they could do for you? Gently make some suggestions, but remember it has to be freely given on their part to be an act of service. Acts of service are done out of love and not obligation. A mate who does chores and helps out around the house out of guilt or fear will inevitably not be speaking a language of love, but a language of resentment.

Demonstrating the acts of service can mean stepping out of the stereotypes. Acts of service require both mates to humble themselves into doing some chores and services that they don't necessarily enjoy. However, these little sacrifices will mean the world to your mate. Sometimes simple chores around the house can be an undeniable expression of love. Even simple things like laundry and taking out the trash require some form of planning, time, effort and energy. Doing humble chores can be a very powerful expression of love and devotion to your mate.

Please follow me the next couple of days. On Friday I will post about the last Love Language: Physical Touch. I'll follow up with a personal post about how my husband and I figured out our love languages and a great Giveaway!

Giving and Receiving Gifts

2009-09-23T15:43:00.000+02:00

Until you get your hands on the Five Love Languages book, you can read my brief summaries of the Love Languages that I'm posting this week. Hopefully it will get you thinking about communicating your love in the way that your partner will best perceive it.

The Five Love Languages that Dr. Chapman describes in his book are: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts and acts of service.

Which one is yours and which one is your partner’s? Chances are they are totally different.

Even with the best intentions and the highest desire to show true love to your partner, you will miss the boat and deplete their "love tank" if all you do is speak your love language rather than theirs.

Gifts – A Commonly Misunderstood Love Language

Some mates respond well to visual symbols of love. If you speak this love language, you are more likely to treasure any gift as an expression of love and devotion. People who speak this love language often feel that a lack of gifts represents a lack of love from their mate. Luckily, this love language is one of the easiest to learn.

People who feel loved and appreciated by getting exactly what they want for their birthday will feel disappointed if you forget to buy them something. They might also get hurt if they get a gift that's thoughtless. Gift giving is a very sincere form of communicating one's love and admiration, and should not be thought of as mere materialism. These people love to browse the stores and find the perfect gift for the people they love as a sign of their affection. They want the same in return.

If you want to become an effective gift giver, many mates will have to learn to change their attitude about money. If you are naturally a spender, you will have no trouble buying gifts for your mate. However, a person who is used to investing and saving their money may have a tough time adjusting to the concept of spending money as an expression of love. These people must understand that you are investing the money not in gifts, but in deepening your relationship with your mate.

These gifts need not to come every day, or even every week. They don’t even need to cost a lot of money. Free, frequent, expensive, or rare, if your mate relates to the language of receiving gifts, any visible sign of your love will leave them feeling happy and secure in your relationship.

What is most important to them is the thought that you have put into the gift, not the price.

Quality Time

2009-09-22T18:40:00.001+02:00

Are you speaking your mate's Love Language?

Do you know how to effectively convey unconditional feelings of respect, love and commitment that will resonate in your partner's soul?

Each person expresses and receives love best through one of five different communication styles. Of course we receive love in all the languages, but which one is perceived in the clearest and loudest voice?

Use the right Love Language and your message of love will come through loud and clear. You can read more about the five love languages in my two previous posts. I also recommend Dr Gary Chapman's book The Five Love Languages.

The second of the Love Languages is what we refer to as "Quality Time".
Quality Time is time focused on something that the person whose language this is feels is important. For example, a man who wants to spend quality time with his wife and children might want to spend the day watching a ball game or going to the park. Just the fact that he is spending his time with them tells them that they are valuable to him.

Some partners might want quality time together that is as simple as talking while they wash dishes or organize a closet. Watching movies together, eating dinner in a restaurant, going for a long walk, sitting on a porch swing, and going to the mall are all forms of spending quality time together. Make sure that you suggest doing something that your partner actually enjoys. (She might not be that excited about going to the Monster Truck show on your anniversary...)

Quality time is more than mere proximity. It’s about focusing all your energy on your mate. A husband watching sports while talking to his wife is NOT spending quality time with her. Unless all of your attention is focused on your mate, even an intimate dinner for two can come and go without a minute of quality time being shared.

If your mate's primary Love Language is Quality Time, they will easily feel hurt and rejected if you do not prioritize spending time with them. Their "love tank" will eventually go empty and they will not be able to meet your needs. In order to show each other love and affection, there has to be a surplus in our own lives.

Quality conversation is very important in a healthy relationship. It involves sharing experiences, thoughts, feelings and desires in a friendly, uninterrupted context. A good mate will not only listen, but offer advice and respond to assure their mate they are truly listening. Many mates don’t expect you to solve their problems. They need a sympathetic listener.

In order for you to communicate with your mate, you must also be in tune with your emotions. It is only when you understand your emotions and inner feelings will you then be able to share quality conversation, and quality time with your mate.

Quality activities are a very important part of quality time. Many mates feel most loved when they spend physical time together, doing activities that they love to do. Spending time together will bring a couple closer, and, in the years to come, will fill up a memory bank that you can reminisce about in the future.Whether it’s sitting on the couch and having a brief conversation or playing together in a tennis league, quality time is a love language that is shared by many. Setting aside focused time with your mate will ensure a happy marriage.

In tomorrow's post I will share about the 3rd Love Language: Giving and Receiving Gifts.

Words of Affirmation

2009-09-21T18:49:00.003+02:00

Mark Twain once said “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Verbal appreciation speaks powerfully to persons whose primary Love Language is “Words of Affirmation.” Simple statements, such as, “You look great in that dress,” or “You must be the best baker in the world! I love your oatmeal cookies,” are sometimes all a person needs to hear to feel loved. A little love note can be enough to fill their "love tank" to the brim.

We all enjoy encouraging and uplifting words, but for some people it is through words they feel loved and the way they show love. If you know someone who is always very good at complimenting, encouraging and praising the people around them, it's likely their Love Language is Words of Affirmation. If you want to make them feel loved and good about themselves, say something nice and heartfelt to them.

Contrastingly, insults can be very damaging. People who's primary love language is Words of Affiramation will feel extremely hurt by harsh comments or unfeeling remarks.

Of course most of us speak more than one Love Language. We appreciate all of the different ways of showing love, but usually there will be one or two of them that will be more important to us.

To learn more about the Love Languages see previous post and follow me the next few days.

The Five Love Languages

2009-09-21T18:26:00.010+02:00

It's Monday and this evening my husband and I are doing a Couples Class at our church. Today's topic is "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. Have you heard about it?

My husband and I read the book together about 5 years ago and we loved it. At the same time we went on a couples retreat where the focus was to get to know eachother's "love languages". It became an eye-opener for us both. Even though we had been married 10 years at the time, we had very different ways of communicating our love for one another.

According to the book, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, Dr. Gary Chapman began his quest to find the ways in which couples attempt to communicate their feelings to one another.

In his search, Chapman found that people generally express themselves in five ways:
1. Words of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Giving and Receiving Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch

The "Love Tank" in Relationships:
Dr. Chapman also discusses what he refers to as a "love tank" that has a system of deposits and withdrawals. When a person feels loved, he or she is receiving a deposit. When that same person feels unappreciated, he or she is being withdrawn from.
Too many withdrawals can leave someone with an empty tank. And if your tank is empty you will find it hard to express love for your partner. The problem is that you are speaking two different languages. If you express your love in a manner that your mate doesn't understand, he or she will not realize that you have expressed your love at all. The book focuses on how to better speak and understand the unique languages of love and effectively express your love as well as feel truly loved in return.

On a personal note I can testify that discovering that my husband said "I love you" many times each day without me actually hearing it, opened up a whole new line of communication between the two of us. He also started to understand that I had certain needs that had to be met for me to feel loved.

I recommend the book if you would like to start focusing on how to communicate your love for your mate. You can order it here. It's a very easy read. So easy that you can skim through it in a few hours - but that is not the point. I think the best thing is to read it together. Read one chapter and then talk, talk, talk...
The next couple of days I will give a brief summary of each of the languages. If this topic interest you, please come back and visit me.

Just an afternoon walk

2009-09-20T19:52:00.006+02:00

It's been a quiet day. One of those days when time seems to stand still. I had a big stack of papers that I needed to start grading, but since I'm the master of procrastination I decided to go for a walk instead. Along the way I found this gate.

Doesn't it just beckon you to come on in?

I resisted.

Instead I went back home and sat down with the stack of papers. Still not finished...

Have a wonderful week dear blogfriends!

Is there any pink stuff in my house?

2009-09-19T00:29:00.010+02:00

I love my crazy pink lipstick!

But I'm having a hard time finding pink stuff in my house for Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly over at How Sweet the Sound. I had to resort to the room of my little princess, she's got plenty of pinks!

A wall full of wonderful dress-up clothes. All pink and fluffy:

A masque that I bought for her in Venice:

A mirror given to her by her cousin:

A pink bed for a pink-lovin' girl:

Happy Pink Saturday to you all!

I'm back from Riga!

2009-09-15T00:50:00.010+02:00

Some of you have wondered where I have been hiding lately. I have not been very faithful in my blogging the last couple of weeks. One of the main reasons is of course that school has started and I am working very hard. When I get home I feel so drained that I have absolutely NOTHING interesting to share... Scary!

This last week I have spent with my colleagues in Riga, Latvia. For those of you who do not know where Latvia is - here's a map:

As you can see it's not too far away from my home country of Norway.

Latvia was part of the Soviet Union until 1991. Over the last few years there has been an incredible economical development and it is now a very modernized society. In 2004 Latvia joined the EU and NATO. Walking around in the historic part of Riga you still feel that this nation has a very diverse and interesting past. Riga was founded in 1201 and some of the cobblestone streets look like they are from the set of a movie.

The parks in the centre of Riga are absolutely beautiful. We spent several hours doing fun team-building tasks in this area.

There are some great shopping possibilities in Riga as well, and my credit card was more outside my wallet than inside. Shoes, shoes, shoes! How can a girl resist? The prices: quite reasonable (but not cheap)

Of course we had to try Latvian food and what better place to do it than Lido Restaurant? It's one of those places that you have to visit - just for the experience.

At night it seemed that the Old Town of Riga was just buzzing. There were people everywhere, live music, good food and fun places to hang out.

All in all I found Riga a great place to visit for a few days.

Now I'm just hoping that my inspiration will start to come back...

Where did my brain go?

2009-09-07T00:33:00.001+02:00

Lately I have started worrying about my ability to concentrate for more than 5 seconds at the time. After I hit 40 it all started going down-hill... My life now consist of more or less funny incidents that prove to me that I am slowly loosing my brain!

Like when I got out of the grocery store, walked over to my dad's car, opened the back door, loaded all the groceries, sat down into the passenger seat and looked over at - A STRANGER! The man looked at me like I was a crazy car-jacker (Hello! Would I then be loading groceries into your car?) and all I could say was: You'r not my dad! Duh! I got out of the car and then had to proceed to get all the groceries out of the backseat too. My dad was just about having a fit over in his car. He couldn't stop laughing for an hour.

Then a few weeks later I was picking my son up from school, driving home with him, picking my girl up from daycare and taking her to choir practice. Sounds simple? This is what I did: Picked up son from school, drove home (30 minutes), changed shoes, got my son back into the car (?), passed the daycare center and drove (20 minutes) to choir practice. Stopped outside and looked over at my son, realizing that I had taken the wrong kid to choir practice and that my daughter was now at daycare after closing hours. I'm now known as the mom who forgot her kid at daycare (You have heard of those right? Usually a mom that smells of booze, cigarettes and has one lazy eye...)

And then I went out forgetting to put my bra on! Would be kind of cute if I was the petit perky kind of girl, but my D-cup sisters do not look their best swaying in the wind... and it was cold that day too! At least I didn't forget to put my skirt on this time. I did that once too - I had on a long sweater, high boots and a black short skirt (at least I thought so). Getting out of the car I look down and realize that my skirt is REALLY REALLY short - of course I had no skirt on! I actually had flashed the parking guard .... YIKES!

And the list just goes on!

Pink Saturday and a Butterfly Cake

2009-09-05T11:11:00.005+02:00

Today we have invited all the girls and their families for a big barbeque at our summer house. It's a birthday party for my little girl (even though her birthday isn't until next week). It looked like it was going to rain the whole day, but to our joy we woke up this morning to a sunny clear day. My daughter told me that she expected nothing less since she had told Jesus that we needed sun. I love that simple faith!

Some of you have given me great advice about what kind of cake I could make for the Birthday Girl. I loved some of the ideas, but then the princess proclaimed she wanted a Butterfly cake. And of course we mommies try to make their dreams come true... so here is the Butterfly Cake.

I made it last night and then I realized that I did not have a cake box big enough. Wrapping it in plastic would ruin the frosting. Then my brilliant husband came with one of the drawers from our closet! It fit perfectly and guarded the frosting from being smudged. Good work husband!

So now you'll have to go by Beverly at How sweet the sound and see more of today's pink posts. Have a wonderful Pink Saturday!

Cakespiration

2009-09-02T00:06:00.006+02:00

My daughter's 6th Birthday Party is coming up and I need some inspiration. Every year I try to make her a cake that she'll love. She's such a girly-girl and loves anything pink.

For her 2nd Birthday

For her 3rd Birthday

For her 4th Birthday

For her 5th Birthday

For her 6th Birthday?

This year I am wrecking my brain and cannot come up with any ideas. The party is on Saturday so I need your help. Give me some cakespiration!

I found gold

2009-08-30T13:59:00.005+02:00

Yesterday I found gold!

Golden chantarelles.

Yes, I picked these!

No, I'm not going to tell you where! (You don't reveal your gold mine...)

What I'm going to make?

This of course!

Melt some butter in your frying pan and sauté the chanterelles golden brown with salt and pepper. Set them aside.

Chop some onions and walnuts and fry them with some butter. Add heavy whipping cream gradually and let cook until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper (keep it simple!)

Add parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

Cook your favorite pasta and pour the walnutsauce over. Sprinkle with parsley and the wonderful chanterelles. Bon Appetit!

Thank Heaven for Little Pink Girls!

2009-08-29T00:23:00.004+02:00

Thank heaven for little girls

for little girls get bigger every day!

Thank heaven for little girls

they grow up in the most delightful way!

Those little eyes so helpless and appealing

one day will flash and send you crashin' thru the ceilin'

Thank heaven for little girls

thank heaven for them all,

no matter where no matter who

for without them, what would little boys do?

Thank heaven... thank heaven...

Thank heaven for little girls!

(Maurice Chevalier in the movie Gigi)

If you want this look for your little girl, go to Oopsy Daisy, Baby Chacha or Kaiya Eve.

You can also make a tutu yourself. Last year I made a simple one for my little princess without ANY sewing. It involved an elastic band that I made just the right size and lots of strips (about 3 inces wide and twice as long as you want the tutu) of pink tulle. Fold a strip double and hoop it around the elastic band. Just keep doing that until the tutu is as full as you like. I also glued little pink flowers all over the skirt. Very cute and cheap!

For more Pink Saturday posts visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.

Fashion for girls fall 2009

2009-08-28T00:44:00.017+02:00

The kids are back in school. Fall is almost here and it's time to renew the kids' wardrobe. Oh, how I love the fall/winter collections this year. I want to buy it all! I just have to remind myself of all the drawers full of clothes that I bought last year that are already too small... *sigh*

But there is no harm in just looking.

It's time for a fashion show for our little girls!

Catimini

Pampolina

Cakewalk

Room Seven

Micha Lulu

Mim Pi

Deux par Deux

H&M

Jottum

Lemon Loves Lime

I know it's over the top. But if your girl is a little diva she'll love clothes by Kayia Eve.

Happy news: Oilily is coming back with a new collection for 2010!

To all you teachers out there

2009-08-25T11:03:00.002+02:00

This rose is for you. You do an awesome job!

Dancing the night away!

2009-08-24T00:23:00.006+02:00

This weekend my husband and I flew up to Trondheim (middle part of Norway). We were invited to spend the whole weekend at the cabin of some of our closest friends. We were 16 people and I haven't had this much fun in the longest time.

The weather was perfect, the food was excellent and the music was groovy! With a party tent outside and some speakers that could have been used at a rock concert we kept it going to the wee hours.

I had forgotten how much I love to dance! So I danced and danced like I was seventeen again.

Unfortunately my knees are not, and I'm now walking like an 80 year old woman.

(Note to self: HAVE to start working out tomorrow!)

On Saturday I even got to spend some alone-time with my wonderful hubby. It involved a walk out to a deserted islet,

a sheltered cove

and some skinny dipping...

What a great weekend!

Green on a Pink Saturday? Green on a Pink Saturday?

2009-08-22T15:00:00.002+02:00

On Thursday I went to a big gift and interior design show together with my dad. We were celebrating the good news. (Read yesterdays post if you are curious...) There were so many beautiful things showcased and I walked around for hours. Even though I didn't buy one single thing, I had a wonderful time. And I did get some inspiration for this Pink Saturday as well. I have decided to show you something Green - as in Green Gate, a Danish Company that designs wonderful things for your home. If you like the sweet country cottage style - you'll love the things from Green Gate.

Looking for more pink inspiration? Take a look at Beverly's blog and see all the other fun Pink Saturday participants. I'll be gone all weekend, but will visit you once I'm back!

Don't forget to sign up for my fabulous Magazine Subscription Giveaway over at my other blog Sweeter Homes. You don't want to miss this one!

I was given a gift

2009-08-20T22:59:00.007+02:00

I have always been a daddy's girl. Even as a little girl my dad was my very first love affair. He was the most handsome man I knew. I proclaimed confidently that I was going to marry him when I grew up. My mom could stay on as a housekeeper, and she would have to sit in the backseat of the car. As I became a teenager, that crush faded of course. But he still remained my closest confidant. I told him about the first time I got drunk. I told him about my first kiss.

And when I became a young woman I relied on his guidance in the most important decisions in my life. Even now as a mother and wife, my dad still has a very special place in my heart and in my life. He has taken me to fabulous places like Rome, Venice, Barcelona and London. He is the one that loves to shop and brings me along for those great shopping sprees. He gives me advice and encourages me to reach my goals. He is more than just DAD, he is my FRIEND.

13 years ago my mom died of cancer. It was heartbreaking for me and my dad. How was life going to go on without her? But it did. Time heals most wounds and we found a way to move on. If anything it brought us even closer together. Then two years ago we got the terrible news that my father had prostate cancer. A year of intense treatments, fear, hope, pain and buckets of tears followed. What a joy when we received the message that he was cancer free!

And so time went on.

This summer the news of his relapse hit me like a ton of bricks. How could it be? The doctors told us that the prognosis for prostate cancer is good as long as it hasn't spread to the bones. But for a year my dad had had terrible pain in his legs and lower back. The fear totally overwhelmed him. Me too, but I tried so hard not to let it show. I kept on encouraging him, telling him that he would be fine. At night I would sniffle into my pillow and pray.

Last week he took the much dreaded test: a bone scan. It would reveal if the pain he was suffering meant that the cancer had spread. It would mean the difference between life and death.

And so we waited...

How can I describe this week? I don't think I can. Balancing on the edge of a cliff just waiting for the news that would push me over. At work and at home I tried to put up a brave face. When no one was looking I would hide in the bathroom and just cry! If I was alone at my desk I would put my face down in between my arms and sob. Then drying off the tears and running down to my teenage students for another lesson. It was a week that lasted a month. My dad was without any hope and he was terrified. So was I.

Yesterday we got the results. The cancer had not spread. The doctor told him that he will be able to live with this for many years. Good years!

So the gift I was given was TIME. Time with my dad. And for that I'm eternally grateful.

Letting go

2009-08-17T19:15:00.010+02:00

I look down at her golden hair

tied neatly back with a pink bow

She cried when I put it in this morning

now all the tears are gone

Her little warm hand in mine

the softness of her palm

I can just hear her faint whisper:

Don't leave me alone here, mom!

Biting her lip she stares at the others,

her deep green eyes darting around

That slight wrinkling of her brow that she

gets when she is worried

A shiver of anticipation and excitement,

her new shoes shuffling gravel on the ground

I bend down and caress her face

drinking in the sweet aroma of my girl

Toothpaste and shampoo

peanut butter and jelly

Closing my eyes I exhale and cradle her

deep into my soul, not wanting to let go

Wait! I'm not ready

Give me another chance to do it again

But she pulls away from my safe arms

and runs toward the stairs

I see her pink backpack bouncing

and my heart leaps

just as she turns and waves

and smiles

and then she is gone...

Just An Ordinary Sunday

2009-08-16T15:30:00.007+02:00

It's Sunday and I woke up late. Looking out of the window I realized it was just an ordinary Sunday here in Norway. It wasn't raining, but it wasn't sunny either. It was a little windy, but not too cold to eat breakfast outside on the terrace. Nothing special happening today. Just a lot of practical things to do before school starts tomorrow. But we did manage to go for a short walk down to the small harbor and have some waffles and ice-cream. I guess an ordinary Sunday isn't so bad...

Oh, and suddenly the sun came out. Didn't last too long, but at least I got to take this picture:

I wish you all a very happy ordinary week!

I promised a new Giveaway. Take a look at Sweeter Homes and you'll find it there!

And the winner of the House Beautiful subscription is...

2009-08-16T01:58:00.005+02:00

.... drumroll..........C over at "A Little Birdie Told Me".

Congratulations girl! Now you have to send me an email with your personal information to Sweeterliving@gmail.com and I'll order the gift-subscription this week!

And then I decided to throw in a little surprise... My number 100 follower is The Mixie Pixie over at Mixing It Up. If you'll send me your personal information to Sweeterliving@gmail.com I will send you a gift subscription to Good Housekeeping Magazine. Hopefully you'll enjoy it. Congratulations!

To all of those that have entered my Giveaway: Thank you! It would have been NO fun without you. Even though you didn't win this one, there will be a new chance tomorrow when I'm posting a new Giveaway. Please come on over and check it out!

Pink Essentials

2009-08-15T12:38:00.005+02:00

It's Saturday and again it's PINK. My vacation is over and what better start than to check out all those PINK everyday things that can brighten up a dull and ordinary day.

The pink toolbox company will make sure your day is PINK:

The Pink Boot Buddy

The Pink Toolbox

The Pink Power Drill

The Pink Car Kit

The Pink Hose

The Pink Garden Kit

The Pink Picnic Kit

Check out PINK SATURDAY over at Beverly's blog and see all the wonderful pink posts today.

DON'T FORGET: TODAY IS THE LAST CHANCE TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY FOR A SUBSCRIPTION FOR HOUSE BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE.

ENTER BY CLICKING HERE!

I'm back

2009-08-13T17:46:00.002+02:00

Vacation is over and I'm back in Norway. After 7 weeks (!) of sun in Spain I woke up to good old Norwegian weather...rain and 15 degrees Celicius (60 F). Summer is over!

Look! It's Paris Hilton!

2009-08-12T00:33:00.010+02:00

Our last evening in Spain. I was hoping for something special to happen. As we were driving towards Puerto Banus in Marbella I saw something pink and white in my peripheral view. My heart almost stopped! I immediately cried out to my husband: "STOP! It's Paris Hilton!". My husband just scoffed and kept on going. But I was very persistent and convinced him that we needed to get off the highway and follow that lady in pink. He is just the kindest man in the world and since he probably didn't want me bickering about this the rest of the evening he got off the highway and headed back in direction of Miss Hilton. Soon she appeared before my eyes (and those of my husband... he just about crashed into the car in front of us!). "I have to get a picture of THAT!" I yelled excitedly. "I have to put it on my blog!".

So we stared stalking miss Hilton. My husband was kind of worried about driving very slowly next to a celebrity and taking pictures through the window... I know... but how could I not!

As she walked along the side of the road EVERYBODY stopped, pointed, looked, whistled, smiled, laughed or gasped. I was pretty sure this had to be someone special!

As she crossed the intersection two policemen actually stopped all four lanes while they were gawking at her. Two british ladies pointed at me and mouthed: "Get her picture! Get her picture!" I smiled and nodded... Sure I was getting her picture!

Then she turned...

YIKES! IT WAS PARIS HILTON'S GRANDMA!

Shopping at Sephora

2009-08-11T03:34:00.001+02:00

I wasn't supposed to buy anything today. Just look. Well, as I walked into Sephora I knew all my intentions were out the window. I'm hopeless...

Here is what I got:

I love Sephora!

If there isn't one close to you, you can shop online at Sephora.com.

Why Cate Blanchett Is So Skinny

2009-08-10T11:06:00.006+02:00

It's been a great summer here in Spain. As there are only a few days left of our vacation my husband and I sat down and had a serious discussion. There were decisions that had to be made, choices we had to ponder and they were important:

Where to eat these last couple of days?
Which restaurants had we not had time to try yet?
Which restaurants did we want to visit again?
How could we find the time to visit them all?
Maybe we shoud go out for both lunch and dinner?

These are important questions in a food-lovers family. And the reason none of us are SKINNY.

The talented Cate Blanchett is SKINNY! She is really, really SKINNY. Have you ever wondered why?

I watched Cate Blanchett on Oprah. Oprah asked her if she had any favorite foods. Cate looked at her with a puzzled expression. Favorite foods? This seemed like the most difficult question she had ever been asked. After much thinking she shook her head slightly and explained that she had for a while been really into müseli. She only ate müseli for a couple of years! But was it her favorite... no, not really. It was clear that Cate had never ever in her life thought about what her favorite food was. This intrigued Oprah as much as it did me and she kept on asking: "Well, if you had ONE LAST MEAL, what would it be?" Again Cate looked at her with bewilderment. You could see her mind spinning trying to find the right answer... after all she was on Oprah. After a couple of seconds she said hesitantly: "If it was my last meal I guess I would have a bowl of WHITE RICE!"

And that my girls, is the reason why Cate Blanchet is so skinny!

Baelo Claudia and Garum

2009-08-09T11:47:00.005+02:00

In my post yesterday I brought you to my favorite beach in Bolonia. I promised I would share a little bit of the interesting history of this little town. Today Bolonia is a small isolated fishing village on the Spanish Atlantic Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) about 20 km north from the surfers paradise of Tarifa. But this little unimportant village is also the site of one of the most important Roman archaeologiacal excavations in Andalucia .

The beautiful museum catches your eyes the moment you drive into this secluded village.

Baelo Claudia was settled by the Romans some 2000 years ago and was a trade link between Spain and North Africa. It was probably most famous for producing the fish-based paste, garum, a popular relish used as a garnish in meals by the Roman inhabitants.

The garum was prepared from fish gut, layered in salt and cured in the sun for one to three months, where the mixture fermented and liquified in the dry warmth. (Mmm... yummy!) The actual production of garum created such unpleasant smells as to become relegated to the outskirts of cities so that the neighbors would not be offended by the odour.

The best garum fetched prices similar to the essences used in perfumes. It was the "caviar" of the Roman Empire. After the liquid garum was ladled off of the top of the mixture, the remains of the fish gut, called allec, was used by the poorest classes to flavour their porridge. The garum from Baelo Claudia was shipped to Roma and enjoyed by the privileged classes. It addition to being used as a relish, it was also used to treat dog bites, dysentery, ulcers, constipation and chronic diarrhea. If smeared on the face it was used to remove unwanted hair and freckles!

Walking on history... awesome. If only these stones could speak!

The city was eventually successful enough to be granted the title of municipium by Emperor Claudius.

The life of the inhabitants reached its greatest splendor during the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD. In the middle of the 2nd century, however, the town suffered a series of earthquakes and a great tidal wave which wiped out a large part of the town. In addition to such natural disasters, by the 3rd century, the town was beset by hordes of pirates, both Celtic and Barbary. By the 6th century, the town had been abandoned.

What a location! I wonder how life was like here 2000 years ago? And how did it smell?

As we walked around the archeological site of Baelo Claudia we noticed the most representative elements of the typical Roman city. There is a circular protective wall, the main gate, administrative buildings, the public archive, the forum, the judicial building, a temple to the Egyptian goddess Isis, as well as temples to Juno, Jupiter, and Minerva. In addition, there are remnants of stores, a market, baths, and a theater.

Inside the museum you can see different artifacts, but even more impressive is walking around the path that circles the town. Even the children enjoyed this tour. Of course we promised them the beach when we were done!

This place is well worth a visit. And if it's during the summer months - bring swimwear!

Check here for opening hours.

A pink day at the beach

2009-08-08T00:23:00.017+02:00

It's Saturday again! Where did this week go? Next week we are going back to Norway and I don't want to go. I love being here in Spain!

Today we went to a beach that's just a hidden gem. It's off the beaten track for most tourists and there are mainly Spanish people here. The "town" (just a few houses) is called Bolonia and 2000 years ago this tiny little town used to be a wealthy Roman settlement. I think I will do a post tomorrow about the history of this place. So if you're into history, please come back Sunday too.

Well, since it is Pink Saturday over at Beverly's blog I'll try to make my beach story PINK...

Driving all the way down past Gibraltar you'll come to the southernmost point of continental Europe: the town of Tarifa. The lighthouse marks where the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The winds are always strong and it is one of the most popular places to windsurf and kite in all of Europe.

This is Tarifa. And the mountains you see in the back there is actually the Rif Mountains in North Africa! It's only 13 km (8miles) across the strait of Gibraltar.

I'm ALWAYS amazed by this view.

We're driving just a little bit further.

A new sign? Oh, no... more people are going to find our "hidden gem"!

This is the beach of Bolonia... Beautiful isn't it?

So here I am... enjoying a day at the beach... looking for something that is PINK!

Okay, my girl is always pink! Today is no exception.

But my son usually will not wear anything pink. He had to chose this one because it was the last one in the store...

There's a beach vendor.

My toes are pink!

Now, I know these aren't pink. But how can I NOT show you that there are BULLS on the BEACH!

There are always windsurfers here. They look pretty cool!

But not as HOT as this guy with the Hello Kitty Board!

(No nasty comments... he's mine!)

For some odd reason I always end up with a few of these a couple of feet away from my towel! (And since I have quite a few American readers I have censured....)

My beach bag is PINK!

It getting late and my daughter decides that she will entertain the people at the beach bar with her version of a very LOUD Mamma Mia - with moves. This is after I have dragged her out of a puddle of water at the beach where she was swimming with her bikinbottoms on her HEAD!

Time to go home!

So we leave Bolonia and head on home enjoying the PINK sunset!

Having to take one last look at the view of Africa!

The lights you see in the background is from the Moroccan town of Tangier.

I hope you enjoyed a day at the beach with us!