Welcome to my place

This week end I ahve been doing some very urban adult things: Saturday I got up quite early and went to work - had a few emails to send. The Mr S and myself went to check out the student exhibition at Konsthögskolan. We found the queu from hell so we decided to come back late. Went back into town and checked out some interior decoration stores. Took a sandwich and a coffe and then we tried our luck at the exhibition again. It was cool, some really funny things and some things I saw made me wonder if they will ever find a job.
Spent the evening first at D&S and then sis, Henri, Mr S, O and myself went back to O's place for some anime movies. There I didn't feel adult any more so I fell asleep on the couch.

Soley for my personal pleasure am I looking at apartment adds in the paper and on the www.It's seemes like every single seller is either using the same home styler or are crazy about the colour white.Today I saw an add on the net where everything was white... I sh*t you not. Walls, floor, ceiling, sofa, chairs, table and even the flower (lilies of course) where white. Why is that?? Are we so life style stressed out that we can't stand colours anymore?!?!Who wants to live in a white house? It looked like a hospital.

If you come to my place you'd enter into my hall that is gold coloured then the next room has gold and white wallpaper on the right walls and the walls on the left side are grey. Turn right and follow the gold/white wall paper into the bedroom - light yellow and olive (or I would call it dark green) and open the next door you'll find my walk in closet with yellow walls.
Now go back and check out the living room. Grey walls with on red stripe behind the TV. Black/brown couch with red pillows. But, most of the furniture are white so I supposed my life is also very styled by the latest interior decoration magazines.
Join me in the kitchen: beige stone floor, grey cupboards, black granite and dark brown walls.
Let's have a drink, a red cosmo looks great on the black granite.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Creepin' Up on You - Daren Hayes

Dark and wet

The snow came and melted away so now it's horribly dark and rainy again. Doesn't seem like Christmas in close at all.

On the upside I get to use my new warm jacket a lot and I bought a pair of new fierce boots.

So far I have only bought one Christmas present to sis. Tried to go shopping last week end but I had no inspiration so I only bought some stuff for myself and the house.

Today I got all the travel information about the cruise I think it will be great and I have decided not to bring my work phone with me. So no work contacts at all during 8 whole days. It will be divine :)

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Another way to Die - Alicia Keyes & Jack White

And now...

some pilates :)

Song of the day: Stand by me - SEAL

And then the snow came...

and there was quiet... well not as quiet as I'd wish. Work is still quite busy. Everything needs to be done by Christmas and I am looking forward to 3 weeks of vacation.

Stockholm has been officially hit by winter. It's the same story every year. Once the snow comes it's chaos: train not running, planes being cancelled or delayed, trafficjams and more fender-benders than any one can count. Hello, news flash: sometimes in snows in the northern part of the world!

To stop freezing I bought one of those huge jackets at Intersport, you know the ones when you see a jacket walking down the street and not a person. But it's warm.

I am seriously considering leaving my job and do something else. I only wish I knew what to do. i want to do something meaningful like working for the MSF (by the way support them this Christmas they truly do a great job!) or some other organisation like it. But Mr S tells me that I am "too nice" to be able to pull it off. So for now I'll just give my annual donation and keep helping out to make the world a bit more beautiful.

A wise man once said:
"I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph and that there is purpose and worth to each and every life"
-Ronald Reagan
and those a words to live by

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: My Life - The Game

Like the Boys

Stopped by HM and checked out their latest designer collaboration with Comme des Garcons.

I liked it so I bought a dress. Mr S and friend H bought two shirts each.

After some shopping we went to a chinese restaurant for some food. I'm not really that into Chinese but this was ok.

Then the movie "Quantum of Solace" wih oh so gorgeous Daniel Craig. I was quite disappointed since he wasn't naked, not even flashing his abs....

This week end I'm going to buy a Pilates-dvd and start exercising in front of the TV. Was a the gym today and did some pilates and it really works. This should give my booty a serious challenge. I have to be fit if I am going to show my self in a bathing suit on the cruise.

Now it's time for some www-shopping

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Material Girl - Madonna

One Shot

Stopped by fierce MAC-counter at NK the other day and wlaked away with their Christmas One Shot eye shadow kit for warm eyes. I suppose I have warm eyes... or at leat I hope so.

George W Bsuh is supposed  to have said:

"The good thing about books it that they sometimes have pictures in them"

And that man was running a country...

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: When tomorrow comes - Anna Ternheim

YES We can

And yes he did. Mr Obama will be the next Mr President.
Jan 20 2009 will be a great day. I really really think he can and will make a difference. The world needs "new blood", new ideas and new inspiration. He will not have it easy: finicial crisis, 2 wars, unemployment but HE CAN.
Mr Bush certainly left a mess!

As far as Mr McCain goes he seemed like a very nice and kind person, I don't however agree with most of his opinions. And don't even get met started on Mrs Palin - I mean seriously: calling her a Barracuda is an understatement.

Me, I do my best to support the Nordic economy by shopping Nodric designers :) Bought a new winters jacket from Danish designer team St Martin. Loves it. It is not as warm as I wish it would be, or maybe the weather isn't as warm as I wish it would be...

Last week end Mr S and me went to a champagne tasting hosted by Richard Juhlin at Haga Slott. It was very nice. The dinner after the tasting was also nice, all in all a pleasant experience.

The weeks go by so quickly so soon it is Christmas and I'm off on the cruise. It could be totally divine or total misery. I'm going to bring some books and my gym gear so I can train and read.

Come Saturday it's dad's 66th birthday and sis and I are going to cook for him at his place. My dad isn't really into going out to restaurants - he thinks it to much hazzle to leave the house.

Now I have to find airline tickets for my boss to go to Thailand. I've never been but a lot of Swedeish people goes there for Christmas and New Years. I suppose it's nice but I haven't been tempted.

What are you doing for Christmas?

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: A Change is gonna Coming - Sam Cooke

It's raining...

It's not raining men today more like cats and dogs as they say in the UK.
Fall has hit us big time... Seems like there are no more of those cold, crisp and sunny days.

Yesterday we were treated (!?!?!) to the flu vaccin at work. So I took it since I've read in the paper that the flu will peak some time around Christmas and I don't want to be sick on the cruise. Before I had the shot I felt pretty good, today I feel like I have the flu. Got this Matrix-like vision of how I now have been injected with a device so that my job always knows where I am and what I do... I thought this was suppose to help not make me ill. D*mn!
This week end Mr S and myself are off to Haga Slott for a champagne week end - simply because we are worth it.

Sunday I met for the first time with my reading circle. We read "To kill a mocking bird". I didn't finish the whole book, made it about 3/4 but I liked it. It gives a very good view on a society I am glad we left behind a long time ago. Well, as I read in the paper today some US neo nazis where planning to kill Mr Obama so I suppose some have a hard time letting go.
It was an experience to actually see the N-word in writing as much as it was in the book.
I'm glad I didn't live back then. I can never imagine what it must be like to so openly be looked down upon only because you have a different colour of your skin. I am a black woman married to a white man and that would never heve been possible in those days.

So today: a big shout out to all those who came before me: I would never be where I am today if you hadn't gone through what you did.

Kind of puts thing in perspective...

Take care
Love/E

Song og the day: Soul II Soul - Back to Life

Not in my "happy place"

At the moment I am so not in my "happy place".
I have all these things I need to do, not because I want to but I really must do them. Tried to cheer myself up yesterday with some shopping. Not even a pit stop at NK Nordic Design department cheered me up. I ended up buy a pair of new pants from Monki and a shirt from Pour.. but still no joy.
Stopped by my gay boyfriend J on the way home - it's always fun to see him. Went home and watched some TV and then off to bed.

Am looking forward to the week end though. Sis and me are going to look for a shelf and possibly go to a new mall that has opened and then we might go a catch a movie (if we could ever agree on one...)

I have taken the car to and from work lately. There are moments when I still can't believe I passed my drivers license... and on my first try! I feel very adult when I'm driving alone.

Today it's cold and sunny so I was thinking that i should walk home from work today. It should take about 45 mins since I'm more into strolling than power walking.

Better get back to faking to work now

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Rehab - Rihanna

Cry Baby

I have become such a cry baby in my old ages. Almost anything can make my tears water these days. Yesterday I watched an old episode of Amercas Next Top Model, the final, and I cried almost as much as the losing girl did. During the Olympics everytime they showed an award ceremony I had to go for my hanky...

Was checking my status on my AmEx card and I think I should have enough points for a weekend at the Hilton in Copenhagen. I'll suggest that we go on a week end to Mr S sometime soon. At the moment I am very much looking forward to our cruise this Chistmas. We are starting in Genova, northern Italy and then to Rhodes, Alexandria, Sicily, Naples and then back to Genova. 7 nights and 8 days. Could be a great opportunity to get some serious rest, good food and good wine or I will go insane and claw my way out of the cabin and try to swim back to shore...

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Womanizer - Britney

No Shopping

I read an article about a woman who didn't do any shopping during a whole year, apart from food and the necessary stuff of course.
Now she wrote a book about her experience. i wonder how interesting that book is too read...
She claims that people only shop to fill a void in themselves. I shop because I enjoy it and I like to surround myself with funny and beautiful stuff. I don't feel like I have a void in me, I do sometimes have a void in my bank account but that is a different story...

I've taken the car to work these last couple of days. I feel very adult when I'm driving alone :)
Had a very nice week end. Friday I spent at home, just chilling after a pretty intense week. Saturday Mr S and me went into town for some shopping and then sis came over for dinner and we went out dancing at a place in Sundbyberg. Sundbyberg is the suburd in Stockholm that has the highest number of singles... and at this place Garbo's you could tell. Maybe I'm oldfashioned and upthight but I don't think it is ok for a perfect stranger to come up to me and grab my ass. I do have a nice ass but it's still not just for anyone to grab it!

We had wuite a nice time even if these kinds of places aren't really my scene. Today I'm trying to put together an AW on Friday at the newest wine bar in Stockholm. A place with a wine list of more than 600 bottles - that is more my scene :)

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Akon - Right Now

It's been a year

Tomorrow on October 6th I've been Mrs S for one year.

It's been a good year I must say. It started off with a wonderful wedding and a cool party afterwards. 

Life as a married woman is just fine :)

Life in general is actually just fine at the momen. Work is busy, I acyaully had to work today even if it's Sunday but I'm on track with all the stuff I am supposed to do now.

Had a lovely week end: Saturday we went shopping and then sis came over for dinner and some serious drinks. Friday I had my hair done at fierce salon Blacknuss and again they did a good job. I orderd a new styling iron from GHD (Good Hair Day). It put me back about 200 euros but I'm worth it :)

Tomorrow on our wedding anniversary I will work late but we are going out for dinner and on Saturday we are going to restaurant LUX. I'm really looking formward to that. It's quite expensive but everyone tells me that it money vey well spent.

Will come back with a report :)

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Blood Bound - Hammerfall

Time flies... again

Been a busy few weeks. Had the house warming party which was a big success. It seemed like every one had a good time and lots of food and booze :)

Work is busy as usual. I can't decide if I like it or if it's just a waste of time... I suppose it has its ups and downs like everything else.

Mr S in away on business so I'm on my own, it's kind of nice. I was dancing around the living room yesterday like I used to do when I was living on my own. I had a great time!

It's been a rough couple of days for the world economy. Several investment banks have gone down he drain. I read an article on how the whole financial system is about to change. It's really interesting to see.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: One Night Only - Jennifer Hudson

E in the streets

Oh yes, I got my drivers license on my first attempt after having had absolutely no lessons. I have only been driving with Mr S and of course friend C who gave me a few helpful hints.
So yesterday after work I drove for the first time alone to my parents place :)
It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be but I have driven that way about a million times.

Mr S is now even more confident that he is an amazing driver... Well I suppose that is a question of each one's personal judgement....

Been to busy working and missed out on a lot of social activiteis lately but that is to change since I have always said that work should not take time out of life. So I intend to practise what I preach again. Went to the movies with sis, Henri and Mr S and saw the new Swedish movie "Patrik 1,5" I'd give it 4/5 - a really heart warming and optimistic film.

I am seriously considering byuing a car but with economy in chaos I think I'll wait and see how things turn out.

Saturday we are having our Housewarming party version 2.0 so tonight I have to clean the apartment and start thinking about what to serve.
I am growning "Menthe" in the balcony so I'm thinking Caiprinhas...

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Shut Up and Drive - Rihanna

Fashionista on the move

Got an intense shopping-craving yesterday so I made Mr S come with me.
First stop at NK and their "Swedish Designers" department. There were a few new brands, at least new to me, so I bought a dress by Nina Jarnebrink and a pair of pants from my favourite label POUR.
AT the men's department Mr S picked up a bag. He loves his bags :)

Before we met he was, according to himself, never carrying a bag and always wearing black and most of the time wearing black suits. Must be so dull to only wear all black. I very rarely wear all black since somedays I am black enough as I am.

Speaking of black: Mr Obama seems to be the one to beat. I so hope he will win, because I really think it would make a difference. Mr McCain chose quite an outsider as his vice. Sarah Palin form Alaska: life time membership in the NRA, anti abortion, anti gay weddings and anti Darwin and anti sexual education in school. And her daughter is a pregnant teenager...
Well, there you go! Compared to her Mr McCain is the lamb...

Tonight the kitchen guy is coming over. Apparently they always do that after 6 months just to see the kitchen and make sure that everything is fine. But then again they also said they would build a kitchen in 2 weeks so I'm not convinced that he is coming.

I am planning House warming party version 2.0. Wonder what I shall wear?

Need some coffee now...

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: In the Ayer - Flo Rida

Knowledge is king

What do you really know?

The older I get the less I'm sure of.

I know that...
- I have a man that loves me
- I have great friends who I can count on and they can count on me
- I have a nice apartment that needs to be cleanded now and then (mostly now...)
- I have lots and lots of shoes and bags
- I have a lot of places and things to see and experience
- I prefer sun to rain, evening to morning, champagne to beer, white wine to red
- I could see myself living in Paris
- I'd love to work for the MSF some day
- I don't want pets
- I could be more organized
- I believe there is good in every one
- I once threw a drink in a guy's face
- I like my meat very rare
- I enjoy life

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Kissing a Fool - George Michael

Are we there yet?!?!

40 years ago to day Dr King dreamed that one day we all, black, white, asian or latino, would be jugded for our personality and not the colour or our skin.
And today Mr Obama will be officially announced as the first black Democratic presidential candidate.
Are we there yet? Are we only judged for who we are and not what we are? I would say 'no' and I don't think we ever will really get there.
Not only am I a woman, I'm also black or not only am I black, I'm also a woman and I live in a white man's world. Even if I walk in Manolo's my walk isn't always easy. But I'll keep walking and I'll keep putting my heels down, and sometimes on someone's foot if that is what it takes until we get there.

It may not happen during my walk but eventually it will so we better keep dreaming about that day just like Dr King did.

Take care and stay strong

Love/E

Song of the Day: Billie Jean - Michael Jackson (he'll be 50 today)

Pump Up the Volume

Downloaded some music yesterday and as I listened to it this morning the volume was so low. I don't think I'm turning deaf just yet *knock on wood*.
Wonder what happened to my IPod?!?!
Got my credit card bill yesterday, the AmEx one, and to my surprise I've spent 3000 euros. Now, I'd never spend that much money.... but then I realized that I paid for the Christmas vacation and our visit to Grythyttan. So my ego- spending on myself was about 250 euros - not so bad.

Sis has got a new job so I am going to celebrate that by making her making me dinner one of these days. I'll bring the wine. Have a few goodies in my cellar that are ready to be drunk by now.

Next Thursday I'm meeting with the kitchen guy to hear his explanation on how a kitchen could take 4 months to finish... could be interesting!

Now I'm off to torture my self for 1 hour with my personal trainer. God, I hate training but I'm not 24 anymore and the black ass has grown this last year....

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Green Light - John Legend feat André 3000

A Different Corner

Saw a new side of my husband on Saturday.
I think he is a republican - and I don't mean that in a good way!
He made me so angry on saturday so I have been angry all week end.
He is pro death penalty! WHAT?!?!? His arguments was that once a person kills someone else they have forfeited their right to live. OK, that is NOT an argument. That is some GWB-like crap that made me so angry I had to leave the room while we talked.

Tonight I am putting my best "wife-face" on and meeting Mr S's English boss for dinner. Could be fun and he wants me to choose the restaurant. It has to be good but yet too expensive.

(And there is a burgundy Dogde Nitro outside my window - something good happens each day :) oh, I so want that car)

Hopefully I'll make it home to change clothes after work. Today I'm doing my new "English Dandy"-style: blue pants, with top and black scarf and black shiny shoes.
Somehow I think my "Young executive" look (black thight skirt/pants, white shirt and black jacket and high heels) is better for dinner with the boss. Or maybe I should go for my "Swedish Designer" look? Talk about problems?!?!?!

Now: food time and then off to management meeting

Take care
/Love E

Song of the Day: A Different Corner - George Michael

Old friends

Went to the M&J wedding on Sunday. It was possibly the best wedding I've been to as a guest. Small crowd, very intimate and it really felt honest. The food wasn't that great, too bad about that. The place was nice and she looked fierce. They had written their own promises - very sweet and romantic. Since she is one of my oldest friends, we have known eachother since we were 16, I was forced to make a speech. I made it short and sweet :) I hate speaking in public unless I am talking about wine for then I can blabber on for hours on end...

Since they finished at 6 pm Mr S and me invited everyone to an after party at our place. Sis and O got pretty drunk and started one of their never ending conversations about Swedish health care-issues....

Got to thinking about old friends I've had and some that I've lost. Some I've lost due to geographical distance (one I found again: Thanks FaceBook :)), some beacuase we just drifted apart and some just disappeared.
I had a really great friend when I was at the university. We studied together and spend hours partying, studying, shopping and just hanging out. She got married to a really nice guy and after that we lost contact. I imagine her living in a house in the suburds with husband and kids and I hope she is happy wherever she is.

Met up with gay-boyfriend J at the Diana Orving-fashion show. He is planning to start his own restaurant - wow!

Mr S and me are going on a cruise during Christmas. I don't really know of it's a good idea or not but I always wanted to try it. I haven't told my parents yet but I will... any time soon.

Better get back to work now - this is one good thing about having an office of my own: I can surf the web without anyone knowing about it.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the Day: One Night Only - Jennifer Hudson

Stylish!

My new do is fierce! Wonder why I haven't tried that Salon before... Oh well, I'll definetely be back there.

Mr S and me tried out a new restaurant for his delayed birthday celebration: Porto Cervo, italian very stylish, high end cuisine. We deicded to go for the 6 coure menu dégustation and it was huge! 6 almost normal sized dishes is way too much but considering that we "only" paid 698 sek each it was a bargain. All things considered I'd give it a 3 cosmos of 5. The service was a bit confused and unfocused once the place started to fill up.

Am dying for a new pair of G-Star jeans but being a black woman with a black womans booty they are just not ment for me!
Instead I bought a pair of pants from Velour. I am told the 80ies are back so I went for a toned down 80ies look, loves it. (not the 80ies but the pants)

We are planning to go away for Christmas. i think now as I am 35 I don't need to spend the Holidays with mum and dad anymore. We are looking at a cruise in the Mediterrenean starting in Genoa in Italy. I can't decide if it's a good idea or not. It could be horrible people and bad weather or it'll be peaceful and classy. If we go we'll leave on December 20th so we'll be spending Christmas Eve on the boat. I wonder if you are supposed to bring a gift..
The price is good 170 euros for the both of us all inclusive. Have to decide by Monday...

Now I should write a speech for girlfriend M's wedding on Sunday. She held the most wonderful and kind speech at mine so I have a lot to live up to.

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Unbelieveable - Craig David

Picture perfect

Finally managed to upload all my 263 pictures from Istanbul. IPhoto rocks!

I can actually order a photo book which is cool. I think I will do that woth some of my pictures from the wedding. That must be the ultimate ego-trip: a coffee-table book about your self. That or a portrait :)

Got an appointment a a fierce black hair salon for a new do tomorrow. At the moment I'm doing a sort of 60ies bob thing but I'm seriously thinking about cutting it all off. Or maybe not...

As a black woman I spend huge amount of money and time on my hair: relaxers, shine, moistureizing, wrapping, setting, conditioning and just thinking about it. You know stuff like "oh no it's raining frizz alert" and so on...

Istanbul was not good for my do. Actually that is one thing that is good about fall - my hair improves when it is not sunny. Unfortunately my skin is too dry in the winter. Speaking of skin: I gave my mineral powder another go the other day but it is just too shiny for my taste. So now I am on the look out for the perfect foundation or powder. 

Had some ladies over last Saturday as M is getting married, sort of a "hen night". She, being a decorator got to paint one of our walls. Mr S wasn't to impressed by the result. The one good thing that came out of it was that he finally agreed with me on the fact that we need some stuff on the walls. This week end we'll be checking out some art work to hang. I love Monet and Dali and he likes Pollock...

Shit I am tired. Being back at work takes its toll on me.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Curly Sue - Takida

High expectations

As we had the floor retiled this wek end we took the opportunity to take some time out and give our vacation a happy ending and go to Grythyttan for some fine dining.

The food was good but not as good as I had expected but we had a very nice time.

Today I worked for the first time in 3 weeks and I realized what a huge waste of time working actually is. I could have done so many things today: like lying in the sun but instead I was looked up in the office. At least I wore  my new Mahnolo's :)

Take care

Song of the day: Johnny - Craig David

My girls

Met with fierce girlfriend T yesterday and she has landed a fierce new job on management level :)

That's my girl!

Song of the day for girlfriend T: These boots are made for walking - Nancy Sinatra

Istanbul 2008

Back from 2 weeks vacation in Istanbul. It was very nice, well worth a visit. Great shopping, good food and a lot of stuff going on day and night. I believe that there are cars and people moving around the city 24 hrs a day at a insane pace.

We stayed at an apartment in the tranny district. The Girl-Boys were very nice though and quit fun to talk to for a while.

I did some serious shopping, I fear my credit card bill... In Istanbul they have a Harvey Nichols-store that was fierce. We also found a 80.000 square meters shopping center Istinye Park where I bought a pair of Jimmy Choo's, I also bought 2 pairs of Mahnolo's (in my defense I can say that they were 50% off) and one pair of Salvatore Ferragamo.

And a few bags, a 3-peice good for work type of suit.

All in all we had a great time: got lost in the country in the middle of the night, had a horrible dinner experience at The Supperclub (possibly the worst food I have ever tasted, we left before dessert), wonderful dinner experience a 360.

The only downside is sis and her temper. She is extremely dependent on others, can't be alone for one minute and does almost anything to get her way. I will speak to her about this soon but I have to find the right moment. At somepoint she managed to annoy everyone. Too bad since I really think this vacation with friends concept is a great one and wish we can do it again next year.

As soon as I can I will upload some pics from Istanbul.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Shikidim - Tarkan

Time flies

I can't believe work can take so much time out of life!

Latest news:

- Saw SATC and loved it (of course)

- Spent too much money on clothes so now Mr S demands me to pay the credit card bills

- Plans my Turkish delight holiday in Istanbul 

- Been watching football: Go Spain :)

- Been enjoying the new kitchen

- Spent time with friends I haven't seen in a while

All in all I've had a good time and I hope you have too

Take care

E

Song of the Day: Elevator - FloRida feat Timbaland

In the middle of summer

Or at least I thought Midsummer would be. Today it's about +15 and grey... Not raining yet but it sure looks like it's about to start to.

I am doing laundry and Mr S has gone to pick up some stuff at my folks place.

Yesterday was the big thing: We saw Sex and the City - the movie. It was really nice: laughter and I'm not embarrassed to admit, also a few tears. But all in all it was a happy ending and well worth 4,5 cosmos of 5 :)

Went over to sis' new place afterwards for some cosmos. 

Midsummers Eve was nice. Wen out to the country, friends of mine have a house there. We had all the traditional accessories: herring, vodka, barbeque and some mosquitoes. 

My training is finally paying off! I fit into one of my "skinny"-skirt that I haven't been able to wear in a while. Since I go to the gym 2 a week and run once it's about time I get some results!

Take care 

Love E

Song of the day: Hard Candy - Madonna

Home sweet Home

YES! 

My apartment is finally done and we are moving back home this week end.. sweet!

The kitchen is really fierce and the bathroom too.

Finally I can sleep in my own bed, have all my stuff around me and just relax :)

Downloaded some of Duffy. Damn, that girl really rocks!

Take care 

Love/E

Song of the day: Mercy - Duffy 

Brother oh Brother

Mr Obama will be the democratic candidate. (means I have to stop calling him Bareback Obama!!)

I feel bad for Hillary, would have loved to see Mrs President and her First Husband. But having a brother as president isn't so bad either.

Will spend a day inte the sun with a white guy who sings like a brother: John Mayer

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Waiting On the World to Change

Being 35

It's not that big a difference.
Had a nice birthday: spent it watching the Eurovision with the ESC-crowd and we had our usual betting competition and... yes Ms E won the cash :)
Our Swedish pride Charlotte didn't do all that well. I think she came in 18th but Russia won. I knew the women of Europe couldn't resist a dark haired Russian with no shirt on. And whoever brings in Evgeni Plusjenko, world famous skater, means some serious business...

I thought we could move back into the apartment this week end but things have been delayed so next week end is the plan now. Told my dad and he looked very sad when I told him. He tried to make me believe that he ws sad for our sake but I know he looks forward to us leaving. I would to if I was in his shoes. It can't be nice to have your 35-year old daughter and her husband spreading their stuff all around your house...

Found some loveley new hair products and bought them on line Jamelia by Model.Me. Finally some good products for black hair!
I hat that there are so few salons that actually ar good at wotrking with black hair. It's obviously Ms Elizabeth but she is always booked!

On the upside: summer came back to Stockholm so now it's rosé time with girlfriend T
On the downside: I want to be by the sea with a cold bottle of rosé and friends not sitting in my office and looking out on the parking lot outside. Now please.
I click my heels 3 times and see what happens...

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Divine - Sébastien Tellier

The best of the best

This week I enjoyed the best of Swedish design: pants by BACK and Carin Wester
and tonight I will enjoy good company (Sis, Mr S and M. Henri - the fashion police) and the best of what Germany has to offer: fresh asparagus and Riesling wine :)

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: 6 of 1 thing - Craig David

Oh no!

Ms Mary cancelled! Oh that sucks, was so looking forward to going to her concert, and there is no new date set...

Well have to figure out a new way to spend my birthday then. The day before I am enjoying the best things Germany can give: fresh asparagus and Riesling.

Work is busy and I am tired. I wish spring, or even better, summer would come soon.

But the good news are that we are possibly moving back in to our apartment with a new kitchen and new bathroom in about 2 weeks, if all goes accordning to plans. I do like my parents but sometimes then tend to get on my nervs a bit.

I'll keep you posted...

Take care

Love E

Song of the day: Coming Home - John Legend

Stone faced

I've started using mineral make up from my favourite brand MAC. It really works, it sort of creates the image of me with perfect silky not shiny skin.

Me like.

I am also trying to stop using foundation, since it's summer - or at least it was this week end- and I really need to get some colour on my face.

I think I'm pale, others think I have a beautiful colour. I'm closer to dark yellow than black at the moment so I really need some sun...

Last week end was nice. Saturday we met up with some friends G&V came from brussels and the rest of us from around town. Had a great dinner at I's place and finished of at least 2 bottles of champagne and 5 bottles of wine. Sunday I spent all day in the sun, it was amazing. Am trying to not spend so much money at the moment since I spent so much in Paris. I'm afraid to log on to the AMEX page and see how much I owe them.

I might however go shopping this week end. I am one of HM's favourite clients as I spent more than 10.000 sek there last year, isn't that sweet of them? And I am also at favourite of NK, got my fidelity card upgraded - they are so nice to me ;)

Some good news: we might actually be able to move back home in a few weeks. The kitchen is almost done: it will be fierce and the bathroom too. Am so looking forwards to sleeping in a real bed again (one of the best things about Paris was the bed at Hilton) and have all my boks and my music and my clothes... just have my stuff around me.

And next Saturday I'll be 35 (not so great) but I am spending the evening with Ms Mary, couldn't possibly have a better birthday!

Now I am going to watch the Swedish hockey team kicking some serious ass, or at least I hope so.

Take care

Love E

Song of the day: Come to Me (Peace) - MJB

Paris, je t'aime

Paris was lovely, warm and sunny, good food and some seriously good shopping!

I bought several pairs of shoes, a dress from fierce designer Xuly Bet, a few bags and some "girl's stuff" at Séphora.

Staying at the Hilton was really nice. It was possibly the poshest hotel I have ever been in. We were kindly upgraded to a superior room. The enitre hotel is in art déco-style and very stylish. Breakfast was very good and the service was impeccable.

I made Mr S take the train and then the metro from the airport to the hotl. He kept grunting stuff like: "you can't arrive at Hilon on foot" and "these people are scary" (about a drunk in the metro). 

We had dinner at the amazing resto (as the French would say) Meating, is heaven if you like your meat red.

Friday was spent shopping, first a stop at the new Louis Vuitton-store: even if you don't like their products the store for itself is well worth a visit, and walking around in all the posh stores around Faubourg St Honoré: Prada (bought a bag and a wallet) Salvatore Ferragamo (tried on the cutest red ballerinas but ended up not buying them), Chanel (not my style) Cavalli (bought a red clutch), Gucci and Hérmes (no, not really me). Then off to the big department stores looking for the Marni-shoes I wanted.

Saturday: Les Halles with Espace Créateurs, Le Marais, walked along the shores of Seine, île Saint Louis, Place de la Bastille, lunch near Pont Neuf and dinner at Fauchon.

All in all: I can't wait to go back!

Take care

Love E

Song of the day: Just Fine - MJB

That was fun

Went to the Hootchy Cootchy Club on Saturday with sis, Mr S and M. Henri. It was really a lot of fun. I started thinking that I haven't been out in a while, quickly forgot about falling asleep with my clothes on last Friday :)

Our summer plans are starting to take off. We, 5 people, are going to Istanbul in July for two weeks. I think it will be quite interesting and hopefully a lot of fun.

On Thursday Mr S and me are off to Paris :) Haven't been there in almost 2 years now, it's way too long. Have checked out a few store I want to go to and some restaurants. And I'll of course visit the Food Temples of Hediard and Fauchon and the cradle of wine Lavinia. Oh, am so looking forward to going.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Candy Shop - Madonna

To shoe or not to shoe

that is the question.

Friday I left work early, officially the office closes at 15h00 so I left at aroud 4. Was meeting up with friends for an AW activity. Our aw's are (in)famous for moving from a drink after work into dinner into more drink into waking up the next day thinking: I will never drink again...

Spring has arrived so I felt like I deserved to buy a new pair of sunglasses. I have fallen for the pressure and I paid 180 euros for a piece of plastic simply because this piece of plastic looked good on me and it was Max Mara :)

Then I did a quick stop at NK where I had seen a pair of fierce shoes by Michael Kors. They are red and my grand mother always used to say that only kids and prostitutes get away with red shoes.

I tried them on and decided to put them on lay away. As I walked up to the counter I saw The Shoe black with huge stones on :) Loved them,  I bought them and went happily on my way. Some might say that Friday was a good day for me and som might say I have a shopping issue...

I would say: If you think you can buy happiness you are shopping in the wrong place!

Take care

Love E

Song of the day: Angels - Robbie Williams for baby girl Engla who so tragically had her life ended way too soon.

Men in trees

Why would a 65-year old man climb a tree??

Ask my dad! I do hope he has learned his lesson since he fell down from the tree and is now in the hospital.

Mr S and me came home from our week end in Eskilstuna, wich was nice, and found the house in a mess. My mum would never leave the kitchen like that, there was still food on the table and the coffee machine was on. I immediately understood that somehing must have happened. My mum is the kind of woman doesn't leave the TV on in stand by...

Anyway, I called her and she told me that they where in the hospital. Since our car has broken down, again, we had to wait for my uncle to come and get us. 

Dad seemed fine but he seems very old and tired. Maybe this will be a wkae up call for him, and he will stop acting like he is 35 and quit working and start enjoying him self.

I do hope so because no one will be around forever...

Eskilstuna was nice. I found a really cool store EGO where I picked up a top or a dress depends on how much legs one wants to show. I know my limits and will wear it with pants :)

Now I must prep for Monday: nails needs o be done, hair washed and face scrubbed!

Take care

/Love E

Song of the day: Roses - MJB

Tighten up the ass

I've been to the gym twice already this week :) And I might be going again on Thursday.. if I can find he energy. My PT was surprised that I exercise a bit when I'm home. He said I have improved and since I am an attention-junkie I'll keep on working it.

The car chase continues. Last week end we tried a Mercedes B-class - lovely I could have bought it right there and then a Volvo - very big and sort of masculine in a way. Driving it gives you some serious balls :) 

Then I had a traumatic experience in a SAAB. I drove like I used to when I first started driving when I was 18, couldn't get any gears right... Oh no SAAB is so not my thing!

Mr S loves Mercedes, he says that car gives you a certain style that he likes.

Work is good but busy. My two bosses are nice but both of them are very unfocused so I have to think for 3, not like I am confused enough already.

On Saturday Mr S and me are going to Eskilstuna, a small town somewhere possibly not too far from Stockholm. We went to on of those "romantic get aways " last fall and the food was bad and don't even get me started on the service. True to himself Mr S complained, in a very polite way so now we are being refunded with a free dinner :) This time we are staying at a hotel "down town" in Eskilstuna. I've never been there so it should be interesting.

Had a disturbing conversation with sis a while back. She can sriously consider moving away from Stockholm and go to another part of Sweden. Where would she go?!?! I tried o encourage her to move to Paris (since I need someone to stay at when I'm there) but no. I could not imagine her anywhere else than Stockholm. I mean she is trendy and cool and works it wherever she goes! Therefore I have decided to help her find a fierce apartment and a fierce man so she will stay.

I haven't been very succesful so far but I won't give up.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Grown Woman MJB feat Ludacris

Coming around again

Am recovering from possibly the worst cold known to man. I knew I was allergic to cats but not how bad it seriously was. My folks were looking after Zlatan the cat during easter and he made me sneeze and cough and constantly have a very runny nose - now combine that with a cold and a fever and you get a nightmare version of myself.

Working in the beauty industry as I do know I can't really look like crap. Most of the ladies at work always looks great, regardless of outdoor temperature, time of day or state of mind. I dragged my sorry ass to work the last couple of days because of the simple reason that I, due to the cat, felt worse while staying in the house.

Today I felt better though so Mr S and me managed to get some things done.

Our new kitchen is slowly coming together. They will start working on it on day afer tomorrow which is good. And even better, they have promised us that it will only take 10 days to finish. Loves it!

The rest of the renovating is apparently done by complete imbecills and morons. They will be done in June - I shit you not. There has been a hole in the wall for 3 weeks now. 3 WEEKS how hard can it be to fix that?!?!

Today I also test drove a Dodge Nitro it has a certain feel to it. It's really big and it has a certain ghetto fierceness. I'm not sure it's the car I want though.

We'll see, suppose I should get my drivers licence first...

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Poison - Alice Cooper

Yesterday

all my troubles seemed so far away. They did actually, not that I have so many...

Yesterday I had a really nice day. Work was good, busy but I managed to finish in time to get some serious shopping done. Bought 3 dresses, not that I needed 3 dresses but I am a firm believer in the philosophy: "It's better to regret something you did (or in this case bought) than regret that you never did it (bought it)" So 3 new dresses.

One light blue - will work in spring and early summer

One black (Denim Birds) - works all the time

One white (Miss Sixty) with black writing on it - will wear to sis' birthday party tomorrow.

As I only worked until lunch today Mr S and me kicked off easter with a huge shrimp sandwich and some champagne. Sets a good standard for this week end I think. 

Some good news: Ms Godess herself Mary J Blige is doing a show in Stockholm and it happens to be on my birthday. Picked up tickets and got her new album from ITunes. Loves it! She is really really good.

She is a huge roll model both her personality and her sense of fashion.

Some one once said: "You don't need to be married to a Lord to be a true Lady"

Fabolousness is a state of mind. You are not what you do, you are what you have the potential to become.

Or like Ms Mary said: "I see so many of you girls running 

From the beautiful queens you come becoming"

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Grown Woman - MJB

Let's talk about food

I like food, or correction I love food. It could be said that a hobby of mine is cooking and eating.

I love trying out new restaurans and I get grumpy in a very childish way if I don't like what's on my plate.

My boss asked me for a restaurant tip yesterday so I sent him to Proviant, he was very pleased. I haven't been there in a while but since one of the head chefs used to work at Edsbacka (one star in the Guide Rouge) it can't be that bad... He loved it and he is a hard-to-please- Frenchman.

Since Easter is coming up I thought I'd make some lamb, spiced with garlic and fresh herbs (very classic). The trick is to put in in the oven for about 1,5 hrs (depends of course on how much meat there actually is) and set the oven at about 150 degrees celcius. The meat will be deliciously rare and almost melt in our mouth. Serve it with some red wine, preferably Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon.

If you read a receipe it always says: Serve with a fresh sallad and some nice bread. Itsn't that kind of obvious: I mean who would serve an old brown sallad and old bread?!?!!

Why state the obvious??

 

Work is busy but good. I'm in charge of arranging the annual summer party and the annual company trip. I do tend to spend a lot of time on this, maybe more time than I should and defineely more time than I have, but it's fun. And I feel like it has to be really good otherwise they will think of me as the new girl who messed up their party...

I'm working on redefining and toning my body. It's not as hard as it sounds really. I've just changed my work out routine. I still do kick boxing but I also do Pilates now. It's really really hard!

I so hope I can find Jimmy Choo in Paris since I have a serious craving!

Take care!

Love E

Song of the day: The Sinner in Me - Depeche Mode

Milky Way

Was out having dinner with my family the other day and I ordered the cheese plate. Asked the waitress what kind of cheese it was. She didn't understand the question. Tried again by asking if the cheese was made from goat, cow or sheep. She answered: it's milk.

Oh ok then... there you go...

Yesterday was lovely girlfriend I's birthday: Happy birthday, girl!

Work is good. Quite busy but a lot of fun. Today I got to go to the Grand Hotel for afternoon tea. I can live with that ;)

The rest of the week I will be detoxing, or that is at least my plan. Let's see how things turn out...

Take care

/E

Song of the day: Stereo - John Legend 

 

Loves it!

How cool won't this be?

And even cooler: it opens in Stockholm around my birthday. So guess where I'll party. A good way to celebrate 35 don't you think :)

Take care

/Love E

Song of the day: Alive - Pearl Jam

Giving in

Gave in to my shopping-cravings today and picked up a Sequoia bag. It's smoke coloured see- through plastic. Loves it :)

On my way home today I noticed that here in the suburbs you can actually see the stars at night. It was amazing and I had one of those "happy moments" that I haven't had in a long time. It was dark, I was on my own and the sky was covered with beautiful stars. 

Sis is having 35th birthday party soon. I've promised to help her cook. That was before I realized that she has probably invited every single person she ever knew... It seems like she needs all the help she can get.

This weekend we are all going to M. Henri's hometown Jonkoping, it'll be fun. Sis and M. Henri are going to a fleamarket while I will strutt my new fierce bag up and down the mainstreet.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Your Song - Elton John

 

Playing the Angel

Am staying at mom and dad now. Trying hard to stay cool calm and collected but Mr S gets to hear my bithcing about independence and the constant quesioning.

My parents have the strangest habits... they eat dinner at 6 and lights out at 10.

Work is however great! I have 2 bosses - one who is absolutely gorgeous, I mean really hot!

They are both very nice but quite demanding...

I remember saying that I've never found a job that I like enough to spend more time than needed at: I do believe I've found that job now. I can really see myself working here for at least a couple of years and that feels good.

The last couple of weeks have been really quiet. Life in the suburbs is numbing but once I've gotten back into pace again I'm going to start socializing.

Went to the movies with my husband "There will be Blood" Mr Day-Lewis so deserves the Academy Award he won. It's an amazing film (4,5/5) about a person who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants.

I've always wondered: can one always get everything one wants. Or it there always that one thing that is out of reach.

I read a story about a guy who really didn't want much. He wanted to get married and have kids and that was it, then he would be satified. I wonder if he got it?

One of the many things I want and then I want a long and happy life, my health, my husband and my friends.

Like someone once said: I have simple taste, I settle for the best

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Hush - Jaheim

Wanna be my Valetine..

or not?!?!

Planned for a nice dinner out on Valentine's Day with my man but no. Get this, Valetine's is big deal in Stockholm. Most people want to go out for a nice dinner and so did I. Started asking Mr S the week before if I should make reservations but no answer, so I thought it'll be up to him - I don't want to be a nag. On Valentine's Day he said "Why don't you make reservations at a nice place for tonight" Uhm, ok, it's a bit late for that now but I'd tought I'd give it a try. Felt like I called about 100 places but everything was full. Being the smooth operator he is he made it up to me by promising a dinner at Edsbacka Krog on Saturday :) Am so looking forward to that, it's supposed to be one of the best restaurants in Sweden!

At the moment everything is good apart from the fact that we live at mum and dads place. 

My mu has a way of asking questions about everything. Where are you going? What are you doing? When will you be back? Are you hungry? Do you need anything?...

Sis says it's funny - easy for her to say. She is either at home or at her boyfriend's place - dizzy from rolling in the hay!

My new job is good though. Haven't even been there a week but I've already managed to snag me  some free make-up products :) Got a brown mascara but I'll give that to sis.

Sis and me finally sold the house! I'll get enough money to pay of some loans, buy a new kitchen and spend some on fierce shopping in Paris - loves it! And as a bonus the family who bought the house seems very nice.

Now bills must be payed!

Take care

love/E

Song of the day: Slow Dance - John Legend

Taking the easy way out

We are moving into mum and dad during the whole rebuildning and renovating.  

On the upside:

- no dust and noises

- mum's meatballs and mashed potatoes

- no need to clean or do laundry (I will however help out)

- new job starts on Monday

On the downside:

- living with mum and dad again after more than 10 years on my own

- it's far from my gym

- no cable

- no dvd

- no good music

- constanly being around my parents.

I know I'm bithcing and complaining but I'm spoiled with having things my own way, coming and going as I please and eating when I want to.

Watched a documentary about the US elections. If I where to vote, I'd vote for the democratic party but I wonder if the average American is ready for either Hillary or Barack? Don't get me wrong I'd love to see either one of them as the next President. But what if choosing between a black brother and a woman they will turn to whats safe: the white guy McCain and there'll be 4 more years of republican reign.

I wonder if Hillary wins: will she appoint Barack vice-president?

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: A woman's worth - Alicia Keyes

New adventures

I got a new job :) Got the job a The Big MakeUp Company. I guess they liked me. Am so looking forward to that, finally a real job where I believe I can really learn things and do something good and have fun and make money. I'll start on Feb 18th.

Sis has a new boyfriend, B! Mr S and I had them over for dinner last Friday and he seems really nice. Both of them got totally wasted as Mr S offered them Absinth - the real stuff. We were supposed to meet up with them for a movie the day after but neither of them made it out of bed :D! 

So the movie had to wait until Sunday. "Before the Devil Knows You Are Dead" (4/5) it's really good. Some great performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke.

Valentine's Day is coming up. It has become a huge deal in Sweden just the last couple of years. I don't know what I shall do for Mr S.  I know he plans to treat me to a nice dinner so I suppose I shall get something for him. Was thinking about the Die Hard dvdbox, he loves his Bruce Willis-movies. - if I can find it I'll buy it.

We finally got all our photos from the wedding and we have sent the Thank You-cards so that is all done now. Now I can really move on with everything.

A fab woman once asked: Can we have it all? And I do believe we can if we just work hard and never loose sight of our goals. What the hell the world is a stage and we are all the stars!

Take care

Love E

Song of the day: Each Day Gets Better - John Legend

You've got that something

Or at least I will... soon!

Things are moving.

I have applied for a few jobs - no answer yet but I keep my hopes up.

Sis and me own a house together that we are about to sell. This means that yours truly will come into some serious money soon. Not enough to totally financially independent but enough to do some serious shopping and pay off my student loan and still be able to save some :)

And of course buy a new kitchen...

This whole kitchen story is making me nuts. I thouhgt we had decided but oh no! Mr S has got second thouhgts again: he think 350 000 sek is way too much to spend on this apartment since we will be moving soon. What?!?! I'm not moving anywhere! I like it here!

Our negociations continues...

Mr S and I have booked a long weekend in Paris in May so I'm checking out some spots for serious shopping, good eating and drinking. Speaking of eating and drinking: I'm on a diet. I didn't realize how much weight I've put on until I could wear my white jeans from last summer! So now I training twice a week and only eat candy (moderate amounts) on Saturdays and only drink once a week. 

Last weekend was nice. It was the opening of Jekyll & Hyde. No red carpet action but a nice after party where I ran into girlfriend Gonza and old fierce friend S.v.E.

We had fun and didn't make it home until 3 in the morning. On Sunday "The Fab 5" met to discuss our summer holiday: it will be Turkey this year. I have never been so it'll be exciting. 

Am thankful for any tips you might have!

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: That's life - Frank Sinatra

Music, ghosts and annoying men

I have finally gotten my act together and moved my entire I-Tunes library from my old PC to my new sweetheart. It took a  while but I think I got it right.

The huge renovating of the building has started. This means dust, drilling and cheeky workers. Why is it that some men feel the absolute need to speak to women like they speak to a child? All I did was ask one of the workers to make sure that the front door closes when they leave. I don't think that is an odd question. His reply was (in a very don't-you-worry-your-little-head-with-that-tone of voice): Oh well you see, honey (what?!?!) when we walk in and out carrying heavy things like we do, it easier to leave the front door open.

Oh ok wow thank for that info. I meant for you to clos it when you leave for the day.

Him (padding my arm): Oh honey we'll try to do better. Just you run along now, ok?!?

Me: Wow, that is so sweet of you, really. Thanks!

God, what an idiot!

Speaking of idiots: A huge issue right now are gender neutral church weddings. I'm all for it.

Mr S and me didn't do the church thing since none of us are believers. I would feel very weird, actually disrespectful to those who do believe if I was in a church and promising "in front of God to love, honor and obey".

In France they have solved it. he civil act is the legal one and if you want an additional blessing by the church you can do so after or before the civil ceremony. I really don't think the church should have that power kind of power anymore. 

I don't believe in heaven nor in hell so who are they to tell me where I'm going after I die. 

I am going to stay on and haunt all my loved ones until I'm reborn as a new fierce version of myself ;)

I finally got a hold of the wedding photographer so we are getting all our pics. I'll post some here as soon as I get them.

Take care

Love/E

Summer Jam - The Underdog Project

Oh now I get it!

Californication - CaliFORNICATION

That's really freaking funny!!

/E

Song of the day: Girltalk - TLC

Woman v/s Man

The US elections are at full swing. It seems like Mr Obama is going to win and be the democratic candidate. On the one hand I'd love a brother as president but on the other hand I'd love to see a Mrs President and her First Husband.

I wonder if the world is ready for them. Is it too liberal with an african-american president or a female president?

I don't know but times they are a-changing!

 

It's more important who you are than what you are.

Today I tried some Pilates I was using my GymBall. Apparently I was supposed to lift my upper body and my legs at the same time... I realized that I totally lack abs. It's not like I have a gut or any thing, my stomach is almost flat but there is  nothing there. My backproblems can, according to the Piltes book, blamed on the lack of abs. Interesting, how the body works. I have to start taking better care of myself.

Now I'm off to the shower before my husband comes back from Copenhagen, hopefully bearing gift to his wife :)

Take care and do some Pilates, it's good for you ;)

Love/E

Song of the day: By Your Side - Sade

Hell Yeah!!

Have just started using my new Mac Book and managed to install my email, or IMail as it's called. Am quite proud of myself. Mr S was sitting next to me mumbling about how many years he has worked with computors and how he could help me but no, I did it all by myself.

I haven't quite figured out all the applications yet. There's IChat, ICal, IPhoto and IMovies. Will bribe my Mac loving friend J with a nice dinner so he'll come over and run through it with me.

I wonder if Mac is compatible with my digital camera software? 

Olympus + Mac = love or disaster??

Mac + Messenger = love or disaster??

Still no wedding photos which is beginning to annoy me a bit. I feel like we need to send all the thank you-cards sometime soon. (Justin Timberlake is on TV right now and he can seriously move :)) OMG, just realized that it's 3 months today.

Mr S is working. He has been promoted -- good and has got new responsibilities which means more work and more travels -- bad.

I so hope I get the job at The Big MakeUp Company. Because if I get it and do a good job I can move whereever I want in the world i.e. Paris :)

My New Years resolutions are: stay in touch more, always answer email (or IMails ;)) and always answer the phone, have more casual dinners at my place and keep tracks of what my friends do and give them credit when they deserve it.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Ayo Technology - 50 Cent feat Justin & Timbaland

Good to me

Apparently I've been a good girl this last year because Santa was good to me.

From Mr S I got a new computor: a MacBook. A really cool and shiny white one.
Sis gave me ticktes to the opening of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde so there'll be glitz and glam and some serious red carpet action :)
I also got some nice books. Spent christmas at my parents place.
Christmas in my childhood hood consits of food, different kinds of alcohol, games and sleep.
We all pitched in to give the folks a week end at Vadstena kloster hotel. They really need the rest. They (or we I should say) are finally getting rid of some realestate. The broker (I don't like her) is starting the sales process in the end of January so the house will hopefully be sold in February.
On boxing day we went out for dinner. I had a seafood. There is only so much room in me for traditional Christmas food. We started at Sturehof and ended up at Riche. M, my "stepson", came along and also CK, a friend who I am trying to hook up with sis. Unsuccessful so far but I won't give up.

Sis has been bithcy for a while now. I really don't know what the trouble is. I think she needs a change of scene. I am trying to get her to change her job, think that will be good for her.
Me, I am officially unemployed :) I have one more day left of the waitress job and then I am off to something bigger and better. Out into the great unknown which is quite a good place to be. Was at an interview today at "The Make Up Company" and that went very well.

New years was nice. I was actually ready: dressed and made up before Mr S :)
We went over to H&O for some champagne and seafood, just to get a good start and then over to the cocktailparty we were all invited to. Sis and 2 of her friends arranged it and it was really nice. As always getting a cad home on New years is a b*tch so we ended up on the subway.

January 1st we spent on the couch watching TV, only with a short break to go and get a pizza.

Was thinking about new years resolutions. I haven't really given any as I tend to break them or forget about them. The only thing I am going to promise myself this year is to play more in every way and be nicer to myself :)

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Remember the Dream - James Ingram

All work & no play

Has been a few busy weeks for me, working up to 14 hrs a day. Not good, but I have decided to quit the restaurant business all together. It just isn't worth it: long hours and bad pay. I can do some winetastings of my own while running my own company.
So these days are all about finding a new job. I am lucky enough to have a man who makes huge amount of money so I won't be in the sh*t if I don't find a job immediately.

Yesterday as I was filling out a job application for "The Big MakeUp Company" one thing I had to do was describe myself in five words.
My fist idea was was: "Great sense of fashion" my second was "a fierce and fab personality" not good enough for a job application as true as it might be :)
Eventually Mr S made up a few nice words that'll hopefully get me the job.

I thank who ever invented on line shopping and AMEX gold cards. Have done most of my christmas shopping on line this year. It's great - a few clicks and gifts are delivered. Mr S' son M is spending the holidays with us so need to get him a gift to. What should I buy for a 23 year old guy who likes fashion, women and parties?? Any ideas?
My first plan was to get a book about fashion but he doesn't really read so now I'm desperate for ideas!

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Good time have done me wrong - Simply Red

Urban Cowgirl

Am trying out a new style: Urban Cowgirl and it's really working. Today I wore a grey knitted dress, jacket from POUR and cowboy (girl) boots from Bianco when Mr S and me went shopping today.
Christmas is closing in on me. I'm not a very Christmas-friendly person: it seems to be mostly about buying gifts for people - I want to buy gifts for myself, eating huge amounts of food - suddenly my jeans size is 32/34 instead of 30/34 as it used to be so I don't really need anymore food and a lot of stress.
And I don't know what to get for my family for christmas...

I went to Oslo with Mr S on his business trip a few weeks ago where I had the chance to met up with girlfriend H who now lives there. She seemed very lonely and in a way more human. She actually showed a little weakness. I think it's good for her to live there on her own for a while. Might give her a new perspective on her life and what is important.

Oslo was quite boring actually. The shopping is about the same as Stockholm. I did, however have the best sushi I ever had at Alex Sushi. It has been voted the best sushi restaurant outside of Japan. It was fierce!
I saw the famous painting "Skriet" at the National Gallery, probably the best thing in Oslo.
At the hotel we got room no 1408 which was weird after having seen the movie 1408.
Nothing happened though :)

Last weekend we went to Malmo for Dick's 40th birthday party. We had time for a quick stop in Copenhagen and some shopping at Illum. I like Copenhagen. Mr S was offered a job there but I don't think he will accept it.

Kitchen update: We well I have decided which one I want. If I get my way we will buy a kitchen from UNOForm. I really like their design and quality. It will be expensive but well worth the money.

Other than that these last few weeks have been mostly about work. Until christmas I'll be working non stop and I'm not really looking forward to it. I am looking forward to retiring. I have only worked since I was 24 but it feels like a lifetime already and to thing I propably have 30 years to go it overwhelming.
Hopefully I will land a really well paid job so I can retire early and just relax (or win the lottery ;))

Now I must eat!

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: U Got Nerve - Aaliyah

E on a plane

Saw "Snakes on a plane" the night before we went to Brussels. It probably wasn't that smart not only was the movie a huge waste of time but I also spent the whole flight thinking about what I would have done if the plane suddenly filled with snakes. I'd probably start crying...

Brussels was nice. Met with friends K&J and their baby Sabina. She was sweet but too noisy for me. K&J tried to have a baby for about five years before little Sabina came. They live in a very nice apartment in the northern part of Brussels.
We, on the other hand, stayed at the Holiday Inn at the airport. It was ok, wall to wall carpets everywhere in a sort of "back to the 70ies" style. The staff had probably the ugliest clothes I've ever seen. Dark blue pants, white shirt and a dark blue sweater.

Bought a few boxes of the famous Belgian chocolate from Wittamer, Godiva and Pierre Marcolini.
Also bought a pair of pants from a Belgian designer Nicolas Woit. He makes absolutely fierce clothes and some of the greatest dresses I've ever seen.
I'm going to wear the pants when I go to Oslo next week and meet Hannah. I've heard that Oslo is quite a posh town and meeting with Hannah freaks me out. I don't know why she stresses me out so much since we have known eachother for ages. It's just that meeting with her drains me of energy.
It's like some people I know, like girlfriend T and Gonzalita give me nothing but positive vibes, energies and love while others, like Hannah and friend M, give nothing back.

The last couple of days have been all about work and very little play. But next week we are going to Oslo (Mr S to work and I will shop and visit friends) and on Saturday we will fly to Skane for a birthday party. Hopefully we will be able to get a few hours in Copenhagen for some christmas shopping.

Mr S' son wants to spend the holidays with us. I think that is so sweet. For once I'm actually looking forward to the holiday season, not very much but a little :) For once...

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Just Reminder - Craig David

From Ms to Mrs pt II

The photos from our photographer Roberto has arrived. And they are really great! Now we need to decide which one goes into the paper: Mr S wants to publish a photo.

Second recap of wedding:
Woke up, had brunch with Mr S, the kids and N, did my hair, facial, off to make up, make up done, picked up flowers (in the last minute I added a blue ribbon - something blue...), went to the hotel, changed clothes, cab to the museum, photo session, wedding ceremony, more photos, food, speeches, toasts, more food, dessert, drinks, dancing, presents, cab back to hotel, champagne, sleep.

My dad is turning 65 this week. Sis and me are taking him to dinner and an exhibition. First we wanted to buy him a flat screen TV but if we ordered it now it would arrive on time for his birthday.

Had a very nice weekend. Friday we watched first Zodiac 3,5/5, it was really good and then the Swedish movie Beck - I Guds namn 3/5.
Saturday we went to dad's birthday reception and then off to girlfriend Sus' 40th birthday party. We all chipped in for a really cool gift: a toy box for big girls. One thing we got her is The Cone. I don't really know how it works but she promised to give us a report once she has used it.
The party ended sadly though. She got a call saying that her grandfather had died so we all left at around 1.
I remeber when my grandfather died. Even if he was old and quite ill you're always unprepared for when it happens.

Sunday we met up with sis and M&J for a movie 1408 which was a huge waste of 2 hours of my life. I admit it was a bit scary but I really don't agree with the label: scary movie. It's more of a psychlogical thrill.

Tomorrow I'm off to Brussels to met some friends. Mr S will be working and I'm going shopping. This time I'm better prepared than I was in Lisbon. I have printed out a lot of shopping and dinner tips from the internet and asked around where to go and what to do.
I've only been to brussels once before and that was quite a while ago. But I remeber that the food was great.

Now I'm off to lunch with Mr S :)

Take care
/love E

Song of the day: Relax, take it easy - Mika

Some pics

A few pics from sis' camera


Me after dinner

The shoes - very nice :)

The hair style, I did it myself :)

More to come...

Love/E

On stage

Had a few busy weeks. No wedding photos yet, I promise I'll tell the rest of the wedding story when I can post some photos. Now it feels like it was ages ago I got married but I still get those head-tilted smiles and "oh are you newly wed" My ususal answer is: Uuuuhmm yeah, I guess

Well, I never said I was romantic...

Now I have started the next big project: the new kitchen. We had one architect coming over and give us an offer. She is really nice and funny and has good taste (the same as me of course). I could go with her offer only because I like her. The price is a bit steep but if all goes as planned my parents will sell the second house (a long story) and sis and me will come into some serious money :) Her price would be somewhere in the region of 30. 000 euros - a sh*t load of money but it'll look exactly like I like it.

Another one is coming next week, a guy. He actually sounded quite hot on the phone...

Had a great time this weekend. Friday I was working and spent the entire evening watching CSI - loves it!
Saturday kept watching CSI until Mr S and me met up with sis for some bowling. I did fairly well, came in 3rd... Well it wasn't that good since we were just the three of us but I had fun.
Afterwards we met up with some other friends for some food. They had gone to a pub in Soder, the part of town I like the least. The pub was really crappy but the food was really good.
Then we went onto another place. The others left for home and Mr S and me went to Riche for one last drink. Stopped by McD for some food and then home.

Sunday me and mum went to see Peter Joback. He is really good. Mum gave us tickets for Christmas but Mr S didn't really want to go. He thinks I should spend more time with my mother, propably a good thought but I really rather not.
It's ok for an evening but not more. I notice myself slowly turn into a grumpy teenager, not her fault but it's better for my peace of mind, and hers too I think, that I don't spend so much time with her.

The new fridge has arrived - looks very nice. Every finger print shows on it. A dream for the CSI team if they would come here :)

Tomorrow it's back to work again!

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: We Should Be Dancing - B.W.O.

From Ms to Mrs

Came back from Lisbon to a not so nice surprise: the fridge was broken. Imagine milk, ham, cheese (a few French ones that were already smelly), fruit and vegetables lying in about + 20 celcius for 3 days...
So I spent the weekend listening to my husbands bitching about having a cold and looking for a new fridge and freezer. We finally found one that we both like. I wanted one from Gorenje with 26.000 Swarowski Crystals on it but Mr S, being the resonable person he is decided to gofor a classic steel from Siemens.

Last week we were in Lisbon. Or I was in Lisbon and Mr S was working.We stayed at
The Westin quite far from Lisbon so I took the bus in to town every day. It was really nice and warm, apparently warmer than usual which was nice. I did some shopping and had some really nice food. Mr S was mostly working but we got to spend one night together having dinner.

The actual wedding was really nice.
Friday night I did the last girl stuff (facial, nails and hair). Saturday we had brunch with N (a friend who was staying at our place) and the kids A&M. I left to have my make up done at MAC and afterwards we met up at the hotel to change.
Off to the wedding place where A&M, sis and toast madame C already where waiting for us.
The photographer arrived had we spent about half an hour with him taking pictures. They should be ready in about 2 weeks.
All the guests arrived and had their cosmopolitans and a small snack to eat.
For the ceremony we had chosen (or I chose) Vangelis - Conquest of Paradise so that song played as all the guests entered the museum for the ceremony.
We had chosen the "longer" civil ceremony and that takes about 7 mins :)
A few words, the "I do" and we are husband and wife!

Afterwards we had a group picture taken, we will use that for all the "Thank you"-card we will send out.
Then the dinner started - the food was great and people really enjoyed themselves. The were a few speeches, all my friends who I travel with made a really funny thing about "The Fist of Glory" - it's a long story but it was invented in Budapest ;)

Mr S and me stayed until 1 in the morning and then we went back to the hotel and I fell asleep ;)
My husband wasn't impressed....

The rest of the story will come as the pictures come :)

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Home - Depeche Mode

A little prayer

I followed the news this last week and the actions in Burma. What is wrong with the world we live in???
The latest unconfirmed news says that more than 40 people have been murdered and a lot more have disappeared. So sad!!

On a more personal level: I did something with my neck and back so I wasn't really able to move. Went by my old trainer for a massage on Saturday and it helped a bit, am going back there later today.
Had my make up done on Saturday, picked a fierce look from MAC so this will be my wedding look :) And it works very well. What is not working so well is my neck so please God if you're listening? Woman to woman you know that a grey neck supportcollar just won't go with my outfit, ok?!?

Apart from that: we've got the booze, the music, the clothes and most importanlty the fierce guests :)

Take care
/E
Song of the day: A little prayer - Ms Aretha

Ride it like it's stolen

Am very happy today:
I went looking for cars with Mr S today. Actually drove two cars one Peugeot 307 and one Alfa Romeo. I prefered the French and Mr S the Italian... negociations continue. I realized that I really like cars :) In the Alfa I did 130 on the highway, was so nice! That car is made for speeding in - loves it :)

He did say that he would buy the French if/when I pass my drivers license... I do however think having a learner's permit is good enough!
Once I have a drivers licence I have to drive alone and that really freaks me out.

Then we stopped by IKEA and a few other places looking for kitchens. We are having our bahroom and kitchen renovated in January. I don't know where I am supposed to live during this time but the co-op are providing "possibility to shower" i. e. a shack in the yard. Hm, can't really see myself shower in a shack in the backyard but there is a first time for everything. Or not...

Afterwards we went to the movies and saw The Bourne Ultimatum (3/5). Mr S loved it, I wasn't very impressed actually.
Yesterday we had brunch with friends Gonza, T and sis. They are really lovely, had such a nice time. Afterwards we went on to fix Mr S' clothes for the wedding, it's finally done! I was really stressed out about that but as always Mr S manages to fix things in the end. Now it's about 3 weeks to go.
Am looking into the possibility of going with Mr S to Lisbon after the wedding. He is going to work in Lisbon for abut 10 days and I might be tagging along for a few days. I can't decide if it's a good idea or not. He'll be working and entertaining clients and I'll be on my own most of the time anyway: going to museums and shopping. Lisbon was really nice as far as I remember but being there all alone... I don't know.

Found one of my favourite tunes on Itunes. So that one will be the song of today

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: You don't own me - The Blow Monkeys

Fall is...

a good time for a fresh start, I think. But also a good time to remember and recollect.

9/11 came and went. Here in Sweden most people remember the murder of Ms Anna Lindh but obviosly also the Twin Towers in NYC.
I think most people remember what they did and where they were when these two events occured.
When the Twin Towers were attacked I was working and listening to the radio. At first I thought it was some lunatic who had flew a small plane, somethink Cessna-like, but the I realised the it was a passenger plane and it was some sort of an attack.

On 9/11 this year they aired a documentary about the families and how they coped with the money they got from the 9/11-fund. It's amazing what money can make people do...

When Ms Lindh was murdered I lived in Nykoping and followed the news all that night. First thing I did when I got up the next morning was turning on the TV and they reported her death. She and her husband lived in Nykoping - her husband was the mayor.

This fall will be a huge new start for myself as I'm starting a new life as married. Wedding are fun, great parties and a lot of love in the air. Marriage is fun too, maybe not party all the time but once you remeber to keep the love in the air it's all good!

Found a pair of shoes for the party and they are fierce! Black and shiny and just enough bling to make me happy :)
Now I'm all set: got the shoes and the dress to go with it, the bag to clutch and the perfect match in Mr S :)

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Be my Baby - Vanessa Paradis

Going downhill?!?!

Poor poor Britney! Her performance at the MTV Awards wasn't her best ever. She looks absolutely miserable. Stiff, no energy and just sexyness - just nothing.
I wonder what went wrong there? Maybe a case of too much too soon...

Me, on the other hand, is quite please with my situation. I left my sales job. Sales just isn't my thing. I found myself looking around at the others thinking "How could anyone in their right mind enjoy this?!?!"
That job was like a Hermes-scarf fierce in every way but not my style.

Now I', playing housewife. I'm not very succesfull but it's quite nice. I thought I could lie on my couch and do my nails and eat candy all day. According to Mr S I'm supposed to clean the house and have dinner ready for him when he gets home...
In his dreams, I want to shop at Prada and drink champagne :)

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Be My Baby - Vanessa Paradis

The pole is my friend!

I've been poledancing!
Oh yes, indeed I have.
It started Thursday when O called Mr S and asked if we wanted to have brunch with him and H Saturday. I thought it would be nice so we decided to meet up at Clarion hotel.
Late Friday night, after we chased wedding clothes for Mr S, we tried to get a table for the brunch but it turns out that they don't serve brunch on Saturdays.
O then suggested Mosebacke instead.
Got up quite early on Saturday since we neede to find some fabric to make a vest for Mr S. I had an idea that it would be cool if his vest matched my dress. This won't happen since I have apparently picked a dress in an unusual colour (sort of pink+red+purple...).
Anyway we got to Mosebacke and H showed up. Apparently O had an emergency call from work and would be arriving later.

After about 1,5 hrs suddenly sis walks in looking very guilty. I of course immediately thought she was on a date but no. Next person to show up is my girl Gonza and then M. Merveilleux and Ylva with a videocamera in her hand shows up.
Then I begin to understand what is going on...

We walk for a while in the rain and end up at a quite freaky looking gym. Pictures of men kicking eachother in the head are on display.
It turns out that I am going to learn sme serious poledancing. I had a great time but it was really hard. I now have a newfound and deep respect for strippers.
At the gym some more of my friends turn up even G&V who came in from Brussels.

After 1,5 hrs of sweaty poledancing sis, G, D and myself (shout out to G and D: very few men would put on a skimpy little dress and work a pole like they did!!) show our stuff. There where a lot of pictures taken of this event to Mr S's joy since he wasn't there.

After the pole we went back to H's place for shower and champagne. Now it was just the girls. Mr S picked up sis and drove home to get some clothes for me. After a while I was blindfolded and taken to a car driven by my dad. I wasn't supposed to know but I heard him cough :)
We arrived in the Old Town where D met up with me and took me down a few stairs into a room where all of my fab friends where waiting. Actually almost everyone who are coming to the wedding was there. A few months back I told sis I didn't want a girly bacheloretteparty rather a night out with friends and that was what I got. We had a great time: good food, great champagne and of course a lot of cosmopolitans :)
At around 11 pm Mr S arrived and we stayed until 3 in the morning. After a quick stop at Max for some food - home and off to bed.

Sunday I dragged mysef out of bed at around 1 o'clock and spent the entire day watching dvd's on the couch :)

I had a great time and I truly have some amazing friends!

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake