Fantastic Friday.

Good morning people, it's finally Friday! I trust you've had a good week sofar? I've been pretty occupied as usual ^^, visited V in Stockholm for two days, worked at IKEA on Wednesday evening, lectures and preparations for next seminar and reading/studying. Guess one should be exhausted but thanks to a good night's sleep I feel all "new" and full of positive energy! Best way to start this weekend! :)

Our University is pre-celebrating Halloween this weekend with a big Halloween party tonight and tomorrow evening! There will be lots of great artists and DJ's performing and there will be awesome prices to win. My friends and I have decided to dress up like Cruella De Vil and the 101 dalmatians. Haha I'll be one of the dalmatians, dress up in black and white, black spots and a black nose to go with it ;) I'll show you guys pics later! Anyway I'm sure it will be an awesome night! 

This weekend I'll be working my first official "shift" at IKEA, pay day yesterday so I'm guessing we will have lots of visitors coming to us, yay!! Besides, they recently opened up their "Christmas section" and I haven't had the time to visit it yet but hopefully I'll be able to do so during Saturday or Sunday. It's time to get some new inspiration for this year's Christmas! I can't wait to see what they've come up with. 

Anyway time to get started with my reading before I'm off to town with the girls later this afternoon! Have a fantastic Friday dear readers! 

Stunning Sheffield.

 

Picture: Taken by friend L - collage made by me

An old friend of mine is studying politics at Uppsala University but is now on exchange in England. She's been travelling around the country and the latest pictures are from Sheffield and Chatsworth (Pemberley, the second picture above). It gives me so much inspiration and triggers me to start planning my own trip! 

I've been wanting to see more of England, Ireland and Scotland for so long! I would preferably want to go there around September/October next year, depending on the weather casts. What an adventure it would be..! And maybe I can get V to come along, I know he would love to play golf there! ;)

Fun Friday.

Rise & shine dear readers! For the first time this week I was able to sleep more than 8 hours! Wonderful and so I'm loaded with lots of positive energy for today and the weekend. Friday and all, it's our last day at the intro course at IKEA, Örebro. I've had so much fun getting to know lots of new co-workers and I must say that the work atmosphere is so unlike many of my previous jobs with that said in a very positive way! People truly enjoy going to work and that's the way it's supposed to be. 

Today's plan is to work from 11 AM - 8 PM (in other words I've got a long day ahead of me). After work I'm heading to E & F's move-in-party at their place in town. Lots of friends and classmates are going to hopefully I'll have some energy left to stop by and say hi at least :) Time for a shower, I just wanted to wish you all a fantastic Friday! Later skaters!

Marley. My Dream.

Picture: Collage made by me - pictures from We heart it

It's been a while since V & I saw one of my favourite movies, "Marley & Me". There are times when I think about it and reflect upon the beautiful message of the life long companion and best friend. I've come to realize how difficult but most of all how lonely it can be to live by myself. I come from a big family, living with my parents and two siblings and suddenly I have no one to "come home to". 

I've seen so many young couples and other girls living in the same building as I do who all have different kinds of dogs. And so the idea has definitely popped up inside my mind, what if I decided to have a dog of my own here? The student life is very flexible yet to own a dog is very expensive.. But the feeling to be able to come home to someone and to be given all the love and care a dog can give you is irreplaceable. 

One day I will fulfill my big Dream and have my own "Marley".. 

Work all Wednesday.

Mood: Exhausted due to the long days and early mornings this week
Done: Spent all day at IKEA, Örebro - cashier introduction course
Plans: Three days from Uni. is not a good thing for my reading/studying

Looking at: My laptop's screen
Listening to: Nothing at the moment due to an awful headache
Reading: I've been reading important info all day so no more tonight
Drinking: A glass of water
Eating: I just finished dinner, pasta and a bowl of ice cream with peaches
Best: V ♥ And the fact that I'm going to lock myself inside the library
Worst: Last minute preparatations for tomorrow's seminar
Weather: Grey, cold and rainy all day

Lexington, I'm in Love.

Picture: Both are print screens from Lexington Company
(Click to enlarge!)

A brand I've been looking closer at lately is the Swedish "preppy-designs" from Lexington. I absolutely love their concept - classic designs and casual/sporty influences. I saw the collages above on their website and honestly there is not one single piece that I would hesitate about purchasing.. 

And so this is my confession, Lexington, I'm in Love.

Introduction week at IKEA.

Good evening dear readers! I hope you've had a good start of this new week. I spent the entire weekend with my friend L, studying and hanging out at her place during Friday and Saturday evening.

M came home from New York on Saturday and arrived to Örebro yesterday evening so L, M's room mate M and I surprised her with home made American pancakes which turned in to a big success and most important above all, we made M so happy! Welcome home once again sweetie! ♥

Another fun announcement I would like to share with you is that, today was my first day at IKEA Örebro, a day I've been looking forward to for over a week and that met all my expectations. I met twelve new faces that all looked as lost as I did when I walked in through the staff entrance at 07:45 AM this morning. After a few minutes of conversation it turned out that I actually had lots in common with the friendly new faces. 

The HR team have arranged an introduction week where we will get to know the company, organization and it's history, business idea, the IKEA foundation, the leading project called "People and Planet" where the employees of IKEA focuses on taking a social as environmental responsibility  learn more about their main focus, selling home furnishings, kitchens, beds, sofas and thousands of other functional and modern articles well suited for the many homes around the world. 

It's been a very busy day, meeting lots of new faces/future co-workers as we've also received so much good and valuable information about the organization and all the smaller units within the store of Örebro. I've attended several other introduction courses at previous companies that I've worked for and I must say that the people I met today did a great job.

The various presentations which I've listened to today have all been characterized by genuine enthusiasm and an in-depth knowledge about the company as a whole. Thumbs up! I have yet another long day tomorrow so I better try to get some sleep. Stay tuned for more info tomorrow! Sweet dreams

The Piano Guys.

To check out more of their videos on youtube click here!

I am a very huge fan of these two amazing guys called "The Piano Guys" featuring my favourite pianist Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson who plays the cello. 

A good friend of mine introduced me to Jon's music several years ago and I recently discovered this new project that Jon and his friend Steven have been doing on youtube. They have recorded several well known songs adding their "unique musical touch" to them. They have done musical versions and recorded other versions such as the one above where they have invited other vocal artists. 

On this clip they are performing one of my very favourite songs, "More than Words" by Extreme. I've had this song on repeat almost every night this week. The intro and the first 37 seconds of the song is the best part!

The more I listen to this instrumental part the more I would want to have something similar playing at my future wedding.. Imagine having these two guys performing on that special day?! Wishful thinking I know but still, I happen to know that Jon is married to a Norwegian lady! So it's not that far away ;) Oh, how you have no idea of how much I'd cry if this dream could come true.. 

Autumn Feelings.

Picture: Taken by L with my iPhone

I must say that our University is literally in full bloom right now! I'm not talking about blooming as in Spring terms with thousands of flowers waking up from a long winter. No, I'm referring to my favourite season, Autumn. For me it is like an never ending sunset, colourful in its own way with an unique set of different shades, from golden yellow to deep red blossom leaves. 

My good friend L took this photo of me earlier this afternoon as we were walking towards the University's library. I stopped and asked whether if she could take a photo of me standing in front of this amazing colourful wall. We've had cooler temperatures all day but this particular moment definitely made my eyes smile and filled me with a warm fuzzy feeling. I absolutely love these autumn feelings.

A list on a Wednesday.

Mood: There should be a big smile on my face, still I feel indifferent..
Done: Checked my e-mails, breakfast and a shower is up next
Plans: Study and meet my friends later for game night
Looking at: My laptop's screen
Listening to: "Big girl's don't cry" - Fergie
Reading: Nothing at the moment
Drinking: A glass of water and a cup of tea later
Eating: I just finished breakfast, cereals and a boiled egg
Best: Anniversary - V & I celebrate eight months together
Worst: Lots to read & study today for tomorrow's seminar
Weather: Cooler temperatures & cloudy sky

Girl's Night.

Picture: Google

I'm heading over to my good friend L this evening to have girl's night, just L, K & me now that M is in New York. I've been looking forward to it all day.. Girl talk and SATC :) I have to go now so talk to you later! 

Tired Tuesday.

Morning folks, hope you slept well! I don't know why but lately I've been having trouble getting up early in the morning. This morning it took me one hour before I managed to leave the bed. Maybe it's because of the dull and grey weather outdoors? I believe it's been raining a lot since last night. In other words, pretty cosy to stay indoors and underneath a warm blanket ^^. 

Anyway time to finish up with the dishes from breakfast and prepare myself for today's lecture at Uni. I've got a long day ahead and will most likely stay in the library until 7 or 8 PM. Still, I'm looking forward  to tomorrow's game night with some friends! I wish you all a great Tuesday!

Tonight's Quote.

Picture: The Rules of a Gentleman

Day Dreaming.

Picture: We heart it

Drinking my morning tea in my favourite Starbucks mug & day dreaming about a trip to my favourite city. New York ♥ I miss You!

Morning Monday.

Rise & shine people! I trust you all slept well? :) Monday and new week has just begun. I headed out for a 45 min long power walk in the morning sun, best way to start a new day. Anyway just finished breakfast and will take a shower now before I'll dig in my books for the new course starting today! 

I also received some great news during the weekend which I believe I forgot to mention in yesterday's post. On the 27th of September I had the privilege to attend an interview at a company which I've been curious about for a long time. My previous work experiences have all involved selling women's clothing at different companies I figured it was time to try something new! I've always had an interest in arts, colours, working with different fabrics but most important above all the creative processes one creates when working with fun and functional products. I've also been keen about working with people and what I love the most to serve and help customers in order to give them the best possible shopping experience! 

I am therefore so happy and proud to announce that I am now a part of the IKEA family! I will begin an introduction course next Monday and will be working part time in their customer-relation department as a cashier. I believe its is the best part-time job for me, as I'm in the middle of my studies but I shall also say that one can continue "growing" within the company since there are so many different careers and  other working challenges ahead! I honestly couldn't be any happier right now since I'm having the time of my life!

Wonderful Weekend.

Pictures: Taken by me and L using my iPhone

I don't know where to begin but to say that I've had the most wonderful weekend in a very long time. After the exam I arranged a party on Friday evening at my place for some friends. I baked during Friday morning and made my famous vanilla pannacotta with raspberries and mini pies with nectarines formed as a rose on top. They were both very popular among the guests!

V came the same evening and joined us all when we headed out dancing. We didn't come home until 3 AM in the morning.. Guess it's a good sign everybody had a good time ;) 

We spent most of the time yesterday at home, sleeping and trying to get our strength back from all the dancing during Friday night. During the evening we met up with L & V and had pizza and watched "Taken" together at L's place. Very cosy evening spending time together the four of us. 

These last couple of days went so fast and I was so sad when V had to go home today :( It breaks my heart every time we have to say good bye and to be apart.. I love him so much and a new count down has begun until we'll see each other again. I can't wait! ♥

Terrific Thursday.

Mood: Happy at heart yet still a bit tired, hope I'll sleep better tonight
Done: I've had a long breakfast and texted with my love & best friend
Plans: Lunch with the girls at Uni, write the exam at 2 PM, rest!!
Looking at: The cloudy sky outdoors, looks like it's getting better
Listening to: The tick-tock sound from my watch hanging in my living room
Reading: Nothing at the moment but I'll skim through some notes
Drinking: A glass of water
Eating: I just had breakfast, I'll be having Uni's best chicken salad for lunch!
Best: V is coming here tomorrow!! ♥ Paaaaarty with my friends!
Worst: Tired and heavy eyelids due to lack of sleep..
Weather: Seems like we might have some sun later this afternoon

Butterflies.

Picture: We heart it

The big day has come, I'll be writing my exam within a few hours.. I just finished breakfast after a refreshing power walk in the woods. Time to get ready, I'm so going to rock the Exam!! 

Forever Friends.

I have three female friends, K, L & M which I spend most of my time with here in Örebro. We do everything together, cry, cuddle, dance, eat, hug, laugh, shop, study, travel, watch X-factor, work out and so on. They have in a short period of time become my closest friends, truly they are like the sisters I never had. This poem is dedicated to my girls, I love you with all my heart. 

"I took a walk at dawn the other day and found myself admiring the golden rain of leaves falling on my head. I felt so happy I managed to leave the warm bed. The trees were now blushing, showing a deep warm red. That is when I remembered all the beautiful memories we have all shared. 

Listen to the whispering wind underneath the old oak tree. It will tell you how much your spirits has lifted me. For you have all teached me valuable lessons about life. I shall wait patiently to grow in the light of your eyes. Always seeking for approval, always knowing that I can find comfort in your loving embraces. I will never forget any of your beautiful and smiling faces. 

To be able to hear the joy ringing in your laughter's always makes me feel warm inside. I can not wait for the day I will become a bride, having my three best friends next by my side. In your company I can always give all of me. Thank you for always bringing out the best of me. 

I have come to realize the depth of true friendship. For it is almost as we have been sewn together with an unbreakable thread. I have learnt that the fabric only gets better with age and that it should always be handled with care. As it sometimes may rain upon it, it shall last throughout the storm.

I have re-discovered the beauty and unique personality within me only by taking part of meaningful lessons learned while discovering yours. This is something that still amazes me, today, tomorrow and after the day before. 

I close my eyes to feel the warmth of the autumn morning sun. My body feels like moving and so I begin to run. I realize what a precious gift I've been given. Recognizing my fortune to have such wonderful friends. I sighed with thankfulness, knowing that this sisterly bond only knows love and that it is unconditional. 

I shall nurture it with grace and acceptance. How lucky am I not to be able to share a piece of my life with three souls that so perfectly fits mine. Like a puzzle that previously have had missing pieces now finally is complete. I thank God every morning for the whispering winds as they remind me everyday to celebrate the gift of our friendship, to hold it close to our hearts but most important above all, to never let it go." ♥ 

/Love S

Ps. Welcome October.

Picture: We heart it

Autumn Days.

I managed to wake up before the alarm went off this morning, something I haven't done in a while. Guess it's a sign that I slept well. My exam is tomorrow so the last couple of days I've been studying with my friends. Not much more time for reflection which I might have needed in order to cope with all the stress.. 

Anyway it will all be over tomorrow and V is coming to Örebro on Friday and will be spending his weekend here with me. I'm so looking forward to it, to just hang out with him and with my friends. I'm even arranging a big party at my place on Friday! So I've got a few things on my mind so to speak, but I'm sure it will all be great! 

Time to get ready and head back to Uni, last day for us to study.. It's going to be a long day. Before I leave you guys I just wanted to say that I woke up with butterflies in my stomach today. Partly because of the first thought that pop up in my head was the exam tomorrow which normally results in shaky hands and a higher pulse than normal. And secondly because of the spectacular view outdoors, autumn makes my heart shiver just a little bit more, in a good way of course ♥