Monday Morning.

Mood: A long power walk made me feel a lot more positive today
Done: Work out, breakfast, started studying at school
Plans: Study with M today, I tried to persuade my father of going to the cinema tonight to see "King's Speech" but we'll see what happens..
Looking at: My laptop's screen
Listening to: Noise coming from outside the school
Reading: Notes for my essay that I'm about to start writing
Drinking: Fresh water
Eating: I just ate an apple, I'll be having some left overs later
Best: I gained so much energy from the power walk
Worst: Slept very bad last night, hopefully I'll sleep better tonight

Weather: Grey but a little bit warmer at least :)

White Flowers.

Picture: Collage made by me, tulip picture from Jennie

I have always loved white flowers, especially white roses. It's been a while since I had a bouquet in my room. This shall be one of tomorrow's missions, the question is though whether if I should get white tulips or white roses? Dreadful dilemma :) Oh well, we'll see what flowers I'll find tomorrow! Sweet dreams.

Sunday Chillout.

I've been very effective today I must say, after cleaning and finishing up with my laundry I've had time to eat a good dinner with my family and watched some television. It's been the perfect Sunday Chillout ;) (The title used for the post is a CD which I've been listening to during the evening, listen to it here)

Anyway I'm glad I stayed home during the weekend and not forced myself to get back to work. I'm sure I would not have recovered as well as I've done now that I have been able to rest properly. For it feels as if I have gained all my strength again and since I don't have any fever I'm "aloud" to leave the house tomorrow ;)

This very moment I'm sitting here planning and making a schedule for next week and I can already see it's going to be very busy. After spending so much time just lying in bed I feel like I'm ready to dig in & study/work! Hopefully I'll also have time for a few work outs next week. We'll see how much I'll be able to squeeze in.

Black & Red Combo.

Picture: Carolines Mode (Translation Caroline's Fashion)

Not only do I love the beautiful setting for where this picture above was taken (read; one of the many fancy streets in London) but also the coolest red pants and the way she combined it with the black little jacket + cowboy hat. I still haven't found the perfect red jeans yet. I'm hoping that Zara will deliver new models where sofar I've only seen these red leather pants sofar. More info later.

Question.

"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"

Classy & Comfortable.

Picture: Photo booth, private

I may be all smiles on the picture above but to be honest I still haven't recovered. My nose has somehow shifted colour and is no longer skin coloured but red like Rudolf's (the reindeer).

Besides my eyes are filled with liquids and so every time I sneeze it feels like I'm about to release two floods similar to the Niagara falls. Awful really. Still I'm glad a little make up could help me cover it up ;)

I've been wondering around in the house in my favourite beige cashmere sweater almost the entire week and sweatpants to that of course, the so called "sick uniform" if you ask me. Considering it's Friday and my Favourite day of the week I decided to avoid the clothes and therefore jumped into my colourful cotton sweater from Ralph Lauren that I bought in NY and my favourite blue jeans. Classy & Comfortable, my two C's.

Anyway I better go upstairs and help out with the dinner. Even though it's still early my head feels a bit dizzy which is a sign that it won't be a late night, my body & mind needs all the energy they can get apparently.

Well, hopefully I'll be able to watch at least one movie and eat some of my favourite chocolate from Lindt tonight. I wish you all a fun Friday!

Best Day of the Week.

Mood: Nothing but smiles now that the fever is all gone :)
Done: Enjoyed a long breakfast & read a few e-mails
Plans: Since my cold has a firm grip I will probably stay indoors
Looking at: My laptop's screen
Listening to: Beyoncé - Smash into You
Reading: Nothing at the moment
Drinking: I just made myself a nice warm cup of tea
Eating: Sandwiches for breakfast & I'll be having chicken for lunch
Best: That I'm feeling better and that the fever is all gone + it's Friday
Worst: No more negative thoughts this week, all I need is to think positive!

Weather: Cold, grey & windy but it's getting warmer during the weekend

Spring Outfit.

Picture: Collage made by me, see list below for each item

This is probably the best Spring Outfit that I shall be wearing a lot when all the snow has melted away. I'm so looking forward to start using my beautiful cognac boots from Chloé.

Something that bothers me is that I still haven't bought myself a pair of sunglasses, this year I will buy at least one pair such as the ones seen in the collage above from Ray Ban. Classic, golden details & brown glass. Just the way I like it ;) For more info about the products in the collage check the list below.

★ Blue & white striped top from H&M
★ Jeans from Acne
★ Cognac coloured leather jacket from H&M
★ Sunglasses "Aviator" from Ray Ban
★ Mulberry Bayswater
★ Boots from Chloé

Making plans for Spring.

I must admit that I had "fun" being ill the first two days this week. While it's been -20 °C outdoors I've had it warm and cosy and being able to stay in bed all day.

That is until today because after watching all episodes possible of "Downton Abbey", other films, reading blogs, eating sweet things such as pancakes and other delicious things I normally don't eat on a weekday I've come to a conclusion. I don't want to be sick any more and all I want to do know is to get out of the house..! I want to meet people, friends & work colleagues.

I'd somehow forgotten how annoying and frustrating it can be to be sick for a long time. It's enough now, tomorrow I will be free from the stubborn fever that has refused to leave my immune system. I'm hoping for the best.

Meanwhile, I've had time to have a look around the Internet for both flight tickets and hotels in Europe. I know I've mentioned it before but I absolutely want to make a short weekend trip somewhere, perhaps London or Paris for spring. I better start making plans now so that I can inform work if I need to take one or two days off. I'd love some sun now! I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

Je voudrais.

Picture: Michaela Forni

How I love the warm colours that the female above is wearing, not to mention the perfect caramel coloured Hermés and the beautiful beige cashmere/wool mixed scarf. The perfect everyday accessory that works every season if you ask me. This is today's craving.. While the picture will fit well in my inspiration-file.

Have this in Mind.

Picture: We heart it

Opening Soon.

Picture: Zara

I'm so looking forward to the opening of the Zara webshop that will be launched on the 3rd of March this year. One will be able to purchase accessories, clothing & shoes from all three departments, women, men & children. The count down has officially begun!

Thoughts on a Tuesday.

On a day like this when it's literally pouring white fluffy snowflakes outside my bedroom window and there are no signs of spring, I'm happy to be sick and the fact that I can stay indoors underneath my warm down cover. I wonder for how long this will last..?

Anyway luckily my fever has gone down but I'm still struggling with my throat. I'm still drinking loads of tea and eating different "pills" that are said to be good while having a cold (my most beloved mother came in with three different packages and two bottles last night..). I guess it will show if it has helped me or not by the end of the day.

I've been wanting to bake something the entire morning, perhaps I should do something smaller after lunch. This is one of the downsides of staying at home being ill though, all I do is eat and drink, besides no exercise :/ oh well, that's next week's issue. Today I'm sick and therefore I deserve to eat "good" ;) I always find something positive out of every circumstance, no matter how bad it is. A good thing I guess.

Sick on a Monday.

Picture: Collage made by me, pictures found here & here

Good afternoon, I can't believe it's almost 2 PM (!) and I still haven't gotten out of bed.. I have only one excuse for it, I'm sick.. I woke up with a sore throat and fever this morning, in other words I'm feeling pretty awful :(

Therefore I had to call in myself sick and miss my important test. Luckily the school has given me another date to come and write it, I was afraid that they would deny me to come and write it.

Anyway I'm going to spend the rest of the day in my bed/couch and drink lots of water, tea, eat waffles (the best medicine to cure illness & colds..) and watch the latest episode of my new favourite TV-show "Downtown Abbey". First up lunch!

Busy Weekend.

It's been a very busy weekend, sorry for the bad updates! I've been busy babysitting, studying and working. I don't know how I keep up with this rate. Maybe I should remind myself that I'm no "super-woman" more often ;)

Anyway unfortunately I've been coughing all day, somehow I'm not surprised, the two little boys that I watched yesterday were both ill where the eldest also had fever by the end of the night. Please let me not get ill.. I honestly don't have time for it right now.. Perhaps a hot cup of tea could help my poor throat.

However I was looking forward going to the gym tomorrow but I'm afraid I might need to skip it if I'm not better by tomorrow morning. This week I attended a new class called "BodyPump" which was fun and very effective - considering the amount of pain I've felt in my entire body both yesterday and today. Hopefully I'll be able to attend another class later this week!

Bambi & Breakfast.

Picture: Collage made by me, pictures taken with my iPhone

Earlier this morning when I was heading up to make myself breakfast I happened to catch Bambi outside our house. He says "hi!" by the way ;) Today's breakfast was this delicious smoothie which took me about 4 minutes to prepare. Very easy and a perfect meal to go if you're in a hurry. This is what you need,

♥ 1 dl yoghurt (which is about half an american cup)
♥ 1 dl frozen raspberries
♥ 1 dl frozen black currant
♥ 1 orange

Peel the orange to get rid off the shell and put it along with the other ingredients in a mixer. Presh the button for about 1-2 minutes and make sure that they have all been mixed and soon you will have a smooth drink ready to serve! See, I told you it was easy ;)

P.S. It is also a good alternative for a healthy "drink" in the afternoon. D.S.

Rise & Shine.

Good morning, I trust you all slept well? :) I've been up for a few hours already, finished breakfast, organized today's papers for my studies and I shall soon be heading out for a long power walk. Besides that I'm also meeting up with the girls later tonight for dinner something fun to look forward to! Anyway I better be off, -5 °C outdoors I must not forget my warm sweat band! Have a great day!

A little bit of Aspen in Stockholm.

Picture: Collage made by me, for more similar pictures click here

Despite the fact that I'm not that much of a coffee drinker but instead a fan of hot chocolate I love to visit smaller cafés to enjoy a delicious cup every once in a while. I recently discovered the new Espresso House at NK in Stockholm. Not only do they have the kindest and best service minded staff, high quality in the beverages and food that are served but also the cosiest interior design at their cafés.

When I first stepped in it felt like I had just walked in to one of those American traditional cafés located in Aspen, Colorado. They have added the perfect touch by adding small but significant details such as the elegant reindeer head, the dark wooden panel on the floor, big and comfortable armchairs and couches very similar to the ones that the Swedish home decorating company Artwood sell.

I simply love it! You may find me sitting there, studying, reading or perhaps listening to music while enjoying their wonderful hot chocolate with whipped cream. A cool spot worth visiting if you happen to be nearby.

Best time of the Year.

Mood: The breathtaking view outside my window made me all positive :)
Done: Made myself scrambled eggs + tea and read a few e-mails
Plans: Hit the gym soon and study later in the afternoon
Looking at: The spectacular view outdoors, it feels like I'm in Narnia
Listening to: Nothing yet, enjoying a morning of complete silence
Reading: A few blogs + a cute text that I just received from my father
Drinking: Nothing at the moment
Eating: I just had my favourite breakfast, I'm thinking tuna for lunch!
Best: Truly I believe that this is the best time of the year - I love winter
Worst: Very busy schedule; study, exams, work, babysit - breath..

Weather: Still very cold about -7 °C outdoors. But hey, here comes the sun!

The Cardigans - Communication.

The song above is one of my many favourites made by the Swedish band The Cardigans. Anyway I was thinking about going to bed earlier tonight, so this is me saying good night. Tomorrow is a new day. Sweet dreams.

Drip Drop Teardrop.

I cannot look you in the eyes and tell you it doesn't hurt. He disappeared when I least expected it, just like everything else. It's been 365 days and a numerous sleepless nights, somehow my heart still hasn't been able to get out of this mess.

A pretty smile has been my easy way out and to hide it during daylight. However it's still there, a deep hole that has been punched right through my chest and that awakes me when I try to sleep at night. Pearls of perspiration tend to start running down my forehead and every time I wake up my hands can't stop shivering. I wish there was a way for me to stop quivering.

For this is my soul's confession, I'm a complete wreck deep inside. Forgive me, I haven't dared to let down my guard since this is the most vulnerable part that I've been wanting to hide. This is something that has made me completely lost. Ignore me, just like my heart's white ghost. Drip drop teardrop.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Picture: Collage made by me, (Click to enlarge!) Cute cookies from Eleni's & Valentine's card from 123Greetings

When I checked my e-mail this morning I saw this cute card waiting for me to open it. The sweetest little tune started playing and I was very moved when I read the message sent by my loving father. Thank you Dad, you made my day! ♥

Since I happen to be a hard-working and studying single gal I don't have that much planned for tonight. My good friend M asked me if I wanted to go to the movies tonight but unfortunately I have a lot of studying to do. I promise to make it up to you sweetie!

When my dad and I were in NY last autumn we visited several wonderful bakeries in the city. One of them, Eleni's (which is one of my favourites!) sell these amazing cookies as seen above. The creative details makes them, not only look like beautiful eye-candy but also present a new and modern type of art. If I'd been given the opportunity to go back and be there for just one day I'd probably choose between Christmas Eve and Valentine's Day. Keep on dreaming.. :)

Troubled Heart.

You can't walk back in. Not now, not after I worked so hard to forget all about you. I simply cannot let you win. If only I knew what you're after. Sending me confusing texts in the middle of the night doesn't tell me anything. Still, I've got a feeling my heart's still up for another beautiful disaster.

I will not lie, the chemistry is still there. Every single moment of joy, love and tears. I still can't believe it's been a year? It feels just like yesterday when you had your arms all wrapped up around me, promising me that you would never let me go. I couldn't cope with the feelings I had for you back then. It took me some time to realize that what we shared was true love.

For this is my confession, I still miss you from time to time. A wise person once said, "Never give up on someone you can't go a day without thinking about.", I believe that person was you. To tell the truth I never did instead I've dreamt that you would come back one day, to be mine.

What to do now is the most difficult question. What will happen now? What is your suggestion? All I know It's you. It's always been you. Please Forgive Me.

Collage for inspiration.

Picture: Collage made by me, pictures from Glam Romance

Click to enlarge!

Sleepy Sunday.

Mood: So sleepy due to a rather rough night with hardly any sleep..
Done: I've had an early breakfast and read a few e-mails
Plans: Study during the morning before heading to work in the afternoon
Looking at: My laptop's screen
Listening to: A few birds that are singing outside my bedroom window
Reading: Notes for the assignment I'm writing on which is due today
Drinking: I just had a cup of tea
Eating: I just had a long breakfast. I should try to eat some lunch before work
Best: Short day at work today and hopefully I shall sleep better tonight..
Worst: My bad sleeping hours this week, I must set up a routine for better sleep

Weather: Very cold, winter's back again. Hoping for warmer temperatures!

Summer Dreams.

Picture: style.com

Chloé summer/spring of 2011 has literally stolen my heart.. I love the elegant and simple theme of the entire collection. Not to mention the nude tones that are seen in some of the dresses above. The most beautiful dress is the one shoulder dress down to the right. A princess dress and something worth dreaming about..

When Someone Knows.

Picture: Le Love

Fotografiska – A forum of photography.

Picture: Fotografiska

Despite of the complete snow chaos that came to Stockholm yesterday C and I decided to defy the wet weather by spending the afternoon at Fotografiska;

"Located in the heart of Stockholm, the museum has an exhibition space of 2 500 square meters, and will feature 4 major exhibitions per year and approximately 15 - 20 minor exhibitions. At Fotografiska, we aim to engage and inspire a dialogue on photography via exhibitions, seminars, and courses, in addition to actively working toward the acquisition of contemporary photography for our permanent collection."

A few of the inspiring exhibitions that we saw were; "Lady Warhol" by Christopher Makos, Sarah Moon, "Guatemala" by Jean-Marie Simon, "Exploding Plastic Ineviatble" feat. Andy Warhol & The Velvet Underground by Ronald Nameth and "Creeping in Circles" by Nils Olof Hedenskog & Joakim Brolin.

I believe that my two favourites from the names listed above were "Creeping in Circles" and a few of the fashion photographies taken by Sarah Moon;

"After concluding a successful modeling career, she made a name for herself as one of the first female photographers of haute couture. The images Moon created for the French fashion houses Chanel and Cacharel, as well as her legendary color compositions for Comme des Garçons, speak an extraordinarily poetic language. Moon’s career began with her fashion images; however, fashion photography makes up just a small part of her oeuvre."

I absolutely recommend the exhibition since each and every photography/painting has its own story to tell. Not to mention the splendid panorama view from the museum's café at the top floor, make sure to plan the visit on a sunny day and not like C and I did yesterday.

Sadly it was completely grey and we could hardly see anything. Still we had fun anyway :) To learn more about the exhibitions click on the links above!

Snow storm.

We've had excellent weather every day of this week with nothing but sunshine. That is, until today. A great snow storm is here to stay, luckily it should all be gone by tomorrow morning. I guess it's a reminder that we're still in February meaning it's still winter :/ Enough said about this, time for lunch! Left overs from yesterday, my favourite green cabbage soup! :) See you later alligator..!

Collage in Cognac.

Picture: Collage made by me, to find each item click on the links listed below

I believe one can say that brown has been one of my personal favourite colours for a very long time. Especially the lighter shade which is often called "Cognac" after the drink. I saw it the other day when I was about to change handbag that all my bags are made out of brown leather - with one exception a small "party bag" in black ;)

Anyway I decided to do a little collage with a few items that are on my wish list for the year. Luckily they all go very well together and would also suit the colours in my wardrobe (navy blue, white, pink, black and brown of course..!). Together they would make the perfect combo for summer/spring but also for autumn/winter. Lovely eye candy don't you think? :)

♥ Beautiful Leather Laptop Covers from P.A.P, I love both colours but in the end I would probably have gone for the dark chocolate brown leather envelope. Perfect for the laptop!
♥ Lovely Peace Bracelet from Dogeared, I'm not that big of a fan when it comes to heavy and clumsy pieces of jewellery, instead I prefer "less is more" which makes this bracelet perfect!
♥ Cute Heart Fob Keyring from Mulberry, not only is it practical but I am in need of a new key ring! Besides, it would go perfectly to my Bayswater!
♥ Adorable High Heel Boots from Chloé, I have been watching them the entire autumn and now I managed to order the last pair in my size on their final sale, yay! The perfect every day boots that will look great with blue jeans or perhaps to a summer's dress? :)

Maybe I'm Amazed.

Picture: leloveimage

Putting Quality before Quantity.

Picture: NET-A-PORTER

"Creating the ultimate wardrobe requires the building blocks of style: beautiful basics. Your hotlist starts here."

Over the years I have learned how designers, models and fashion editors work to always "look so trendy" in all their appearances. There are obviously several answers to it, we call them personal stylists, personal hair and make up artists and somehow it seems almost as if they buy a complete new wardrobe every season. These are a few things us mortals only dream of.

To tell the truth I simply do not believe that they always buy a new set of clothing. Instead their "secret" revolves around the lesson of putting quality before quantity. For example, instead of buying ten cheap white t-shirts that will not only shrink the first time you wash it, it may well loose it's colour or perhaps loose threads will appear sooner than you expected them to buy one t-shirt made of a better quality. It may be more expensive, but in the long run it will be worth it.

Another "secret" for how this fashionable people always seem to look so classic/trendy is spelled; beautiful basics. Key pieces in a wardrobe that never run out of style for example, a beige trench coat, white shirt and a simple pair of blue jeans. Once you have completed such a wardrobe of classic pieces one can spend a little bit more on unique and personal details - which in the end defines who you are and makes you stand out in a crowd.

Anyway I have made a list of "The 10 perfect items" that goes under the category beautiful basics. This is what I aim to look for whenever I am out shopping, I simply do not look for a modern jeans that reads "Spring/Summer 2011" but instead a model that can be worn more than one season, preferably during a very long time. Here are a few things that I already have and other items that I wish to purchase during the year. I will also do a similar list for shoes.

★ A classic white + blue shirt (check!)
★ The classic brown/black leather jacket (check!)
★ A pair of blue + black jeans
★ The perfect flats, preferably a pair of black ballerinas
★ A well suited black/tweed blazer (check!)
★ The popular beige trench coat (check!)
★ A classic white + black t-shirt of good quality
★ The perfect knit in good quality with- and without buttons
★ A timeless leather bag (check!) I love my Mulberry Bayswater

10 Easy Steps.

Picture: Better in Time

Brilliant isn't it?! :) Have a great Monday!

C-as-in-Colour.

Picture: Zara

Earlier this week we had a huge shoe delivery at work where this little baby came in and took my breath away. For this cobolt blue shade is one of my personal favourites when it comes to different accent colours.

I'm picturing myself in a white summer dress wearing these heels with a slightly tanned body on a warm day in June. Somehow it seems so far away but it will be here. Soon! Anyway it's the best purchase I feel like I've done sofar this year. I absolutely love them! :)

Northern Star.

I dream of one day finding a northern star. The appearance does not always matter, what is important is who you are. A kindred spirit, who like me dreams of nothing but a happy home. A secure embrace I can run to whenever life treats you badly or when one does not feel like being alone.

I dream of one day finding a warm soul I can call my true friend. A special someone worth waiting for and who I would write a thousand letters which to him I would send.

An everyday hero seen from my eyes, who would always make my day by simply creating a pretty smile on my face. A spontaneous mind always ready to surprise you with either a secret note or why not a packed suitcase?

I dream of one day finding a northern star. I wonder where you are?

Spectacular Story.

Picture: Google

Yesterday I went to the cinema with my mother and brother to see "The King's Speech" featuring Colin Firth who plays King George VI of Britain and Geoffrey Rush who plays Lionel Logue, speech therapist.

Peter Bradshaw who writes reviews for The Guardian writes the following,

"Tom Hooper's richly enjoyable and handsomely produced movie about George VI's struggle to cure his stammer is a massively confident crowd-pleaser. What looks at first like an conventional Brit period drama about royals is actually a witty and elegant new perspective on the abdication crisis and on the dysfunctional quiver at the heart of the Windsors and of prewar Britain. It suggests there was a time when a member of the royal household experimented with psychoanalysis – disguised as speech therapy."

I've been told that this film has been nominated to win several Oscars in nearly 12 different categories. The journalist John Lopez writes for Vanity Fair and explains why he believes Colin Firth is to be awarded this honourable award as the "Best Actor".

"It’s a tale that’s been told a thousand times, but ever since Arthur pulled a sword from that stone, the story of a king finding his voice has proven a potent archetype that can move even the most ardent populist’s heart.

When that tale’s so elegantly and charmingly told, and when that king is so vividly brought to life by Colin Firth’s overwhelming humanity and grace, the Oscar crown can’t be too far from reach." Watch the trailer here! :)

Soft Saturday.

Mood: I woke up with nothing but smiles knowing I could turn over and sleep a bit longer.. I love days like these when I'm free to do things in my own tempo
Done: Enjoyed a long breakfast and shower up next.
Plans: I have some boring laundry to do before I'll be off babysitting tonight :)
Looking at: My laptop's screen, I wish we could have had sunshine outdoors
Listening to: Soundtrack, The King's Speech - The Royal Household
Reading: Nothing yet but I will probably be forced to study later tonight when the kids are asleep. That is if I'm not completely exhausted after all the playing
Drinking: Fresh orange juice which I had to breakfast earlier this morning
Eating: Nothing at the moment, I know my father's preparing something delicious in the kitchen. I believe it we'll be having some kind of soup today!
Best: My day off from work and that I have planned to have a soft Saturday evening tonight, that is after I've read a few bedtime stories to the little angels
Worst: I still have to study and send a few important e-mails. I should bring a few books tonight and try to study. Note-to-myself; I must do so on Monday!

Weather: Grey cloud bank outdoors, not particularly cold but I'd loved to have some sunshine..

Sweet Dreams.

Picture: Collage made by me (click to enlarge!) - picture 1 & 2 - We heart it

After yet another long day I'm completely exhausted. This is where I leave you tonight, take a look at the list on the collage above. There were several options I could have written about tonight, more about that later. Sweet dreams.

Fantastic February.

With a great smile I headed out earlier today for an one hour walk beneath a clear blue sky and nothing but sunshine. For it is days like today that make me long a little bit for spring/summer. I was very surprised when I only needed a warm sweater and my down vest (!) when I headed out to babysit two little youngsters. We had a great day :)

I feel as if I have so many important decisions to make very soon and they all have to do with my upcoming studies later this autumn. The latest date to apply to Swedish Universities for the fall is on the 15th of April and we have already entered February? I am honestly starting to feel a little bit panicked but I'm sure it will all turn out well.

Anyway I need a cup of tea before I head back to my literature. Sweet dreams.