Easter in the East

Am now back from Budapest whishing I wasn't. I really like that town. It reminds me of Paris - just a bit more rough around the edges. We arrived on Thursday morning after a short lay over in Vienna. Took a taxi from the airport to the hotel, Intercontinental located just next to the Danube and the Winston Churchill square.

As an extra up - simply because we are worth it- Mr S joined the Club Intercontinental so we could hang out in the lounge i.e Happy hour on everything between 6 pm and 8 pm.

Amazingly enough I only bought one thing: a pair of sunglasses, Roberto Cavalli.

I found a few things that I liked but I stayed strong and resisted my urges thinking about my future shopping in Milan and New York.

The food was great! I possibly had the best desert I've ever had: White chocolate cake with coconut, strwberries and chocolate honey cream. It was amazing. I wish I hadn't been so full - I couldn't finish it. The restaurant DIO was really great - money very well spent.

On Sunday we rented a car and drove to Szentendre and visited the studio of Margit Kovacs - famous hungarian artist. Her work is really emotional and beautiful.

Monday, Easter Monday most of the town was closed so we went to the Hungarian History Museum and had lunch in the castle area on the Buda side.

The Hungarians know their goose liver so I had some every day :)

I also found a very good wine store where I picked up a few bottles of Tokaij and Furmint (local Hungarian grape). The same person who ran the wine store also owned a restaurant - Tigris - where we had dinner. I had an amazing grilled tuna with goose liver and Mr S had cat fish.

As soon as I can get my hands on Mr S' computor I will post some photos. I brought my Nikon camera along.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Say Ahh - Trey Songz

Away we go

This is what I am looking at right now: Nail colour by Depend no 170

I'm spending Easter in Budapest :)

Haven't been there since 2001 so it will be great to go back there. I have found a few restaurants and shops I want to check out. A few tips are welcome!

This Saturday we are going to have dinner with sis and her new hubby. The first time I get to see their apartment - will be interesting...

We weren't invited to her birthday dinner last Saturday, she only wanted parents, both his and hers.

Spring is in the air

Winter seems to be losing the battle. The snow is melting and the sun is shining. Yesterday I took a walk on the ice, possibly the last one this year.

Now I have booked the flights to New York and all I need now is a hotel. Any ideas? I want to spend one night, probably the last one, in a horribly luxorious hotel. I think my husband is worth it.

I am also checking out some restaurants to visit. I'd love to go to Aquavit and 21 and of course go shopping. My shopping partner H is joining :)

Asked sis and her man F is they wanted to come. She said no since that week F's son is staying with them. And since she can't (or won't) go she wrote the whole thing as a bad idea thinking that no one would want to join...

I don't like that about her: the selfishness. And it hasn't improved since she started living with F. In that way they are very much alike...

They did one thing that is completely unbelievable. He went on a one week skiing holiday with his soon to be ex-wife and son. I would not like it if my boyfriend went away with his ex.

Well is it not my problem, my problem, and a very nice one, is to find plan a nice stay i New York.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Telephone - Lady Gaga feat Beyoncé

Proud owner of a Nikon F4

Some of the photos I've taken:

Spain

Salvatore Ferragamo

United Nudes

Spring is coming.....

A feeling of spring

Still winter

White White White

t has been some really nice couple of days. Absolutely freezing but sunny. The combo is fierce.

On Monday all public transports broke down due to the extreme cold, -22 degrees Celsius. I had to walk to work, but what the hell. I have really been that devoted to my GI. Diet so a 30 mins walk just did me good.

Last week I was chewing gum and suddenly half of a tooth fell out. I wonder if I am getting old or maybe I am just in bad condition. So I spent 1800 sek on the dentist – money I could have spent on a new bag instead… Shit happens.

Mr S and me had dinner at Matbaren right after my visit to the dentist. Half of my face was paralyzed and I could barely chew but in spite of that it was one of the best meals I ever had. I do believe they have 1 star in the Guide Rouge.

Now, when it comes to Mr S’ birthday- the Big Five-0, I have decided to surprise him with a trip to New York, possibly tickets to the Met. I am now trying to get some friends together to join in. Either they will show up as a surprise at the Arlanda or at the hotel in New York.

What do you think?

And speaking of white: I have decided to take a white month, or at least I will try. But I do enjoy having a glass of wine when I come home on Fridays…

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Rihanna – Rude Boy

White nights

I'm thinking about doing a serious detox and go 30 days without any booze.

I suppose it is not the best timing, I'm invited to 3 different parties and events and I have made reservations at a really lovely restaurant for Mr S and me next week.

But maybe if I start in April...

April is usually a good month. It's before all the spring After Works start and it's a good time to clean one self up before summer.

This morning I went out and dug out the car from the snow. We haven't used it since before Xmas since the heating system broke down. This Friday I have to take it to the auto shop and get a price for fixing it. I ahven't decided yet if we are going to get it fixed or if we shoudl buy a new one.

Mr S wants a Mercedes B - or C-class and I want a Peugeot 309 or this - well, a girl can dream...

Now I have to go and make some tea for my ill husband

Take care and stay healthy

Love/E

Song of the day: I Made It - Kevin Rudolf

The Big 50

Mr S will be 50 in Augst and I have already now stared to think about what to get him for his birthday.

I have a few scenarios:

1. Send text message to have him meet me at Arlanda with bags packed and then surprise him with a trip to New York and tickets to the Met.

2. Same as above but trip to Verona and tickets to the opera there.

3. Rent a fierce place and invite all our friends for a blow out party

4. Invited only the closest family to a very nice dinner at a place like Esperanto or Mattias Dahlgren

5. A luxury cruise with Seabourn

Scenarios no 1 and 2 means just him and me, no 3 would be great fun (only the small detail that Mr S does not like birthday parties) and no 4 means spending time with the family something I don't mind doing for about 5 mins - then I have had enough.

So what do you think??

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Pimpin' ain't EZ - Snoop feat R Kelly

New insight

"I am happy, I am healthy, I am great" is my new mantra.

I actually read it on the back of a pack of Yogi tea but I thinks it's working.

Speaking of working - work takes up way to much time theses days. I can't believe that one month ago I was in Spain. It feels like it was a year ago...

Winter has come back with a vengeance. On the upside this time I might actually get around to take some nice winter pictures. I have been coming home so late everyday so that it has been almost pitch black.

I have also tried to stop eating candy during the weeks and stop complaining about things that are out side of my control. i think the key is to see the upside of thing and eventually everything will feel better.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Great Escape - Kevin Rudolph

GI me

So, after Xmas and New Years indulgences I have decided to try a Low Carb-diet.

My project started yesterday by making a cauliflower and broccoli soup that I had for lunch today. It was good and to my surprise I was hungry again until sometime around 5.

So as of now it is no candy, plenty of water and once this artic cold gives way for spring I am going to start walking home from work.

Last week we saw Avatar in 3D. I was completely taken by it, lovely film.

3D is the new black according to me.

On Saturday we saw Sherlock Holmes, it was entertaining but I kept thinking how cool it would have been in 3D.

But it was quite good - some serious eye candy: Robert Downey Jr (yes he has been working out) & Jude Law.

Now Mr S is planning to go to Washington DC...

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Carry Out - Timbaland feat Justin Timberlake

A decade of me

A new year and a new decade, new opportunities and hopefullt happy endings.

2000:

Lived in Årsta, south of town in a 1 room apartment. Broke up with abusive boyfriend and tried to find myself again. Instead I lost myself to the party scene in Stockholm.

Travelled to Italy with friends for the first time and rented a house in Tuscany and had a wonderful time.

Left the invesment bank where I worked and started as a horribly under paid consultant.

2001:

Joined a internet net work and met some of my dearest friends. We dressed up like crazy, met in different hotelbars and drank champagne. Travelled to Spain and rented a villa with friends again.

Braided my hair for the first time and read Malcolm X that influenced my a great deal.

Met R and we dated for about 6 months. Broke up but stayed friends. I was there cheering him on when he met his present wife.

9/11

2002:

Still a consultant still badly paid. Spent more time and money than I want to think of partying with friends but we sure had a good time. Kept the braids and bought my first real designer bag. Worked on my taste for champagne and fashion.

This year friends and me went to Malta. The trip included flat tires, 10 000 year old ruins and a lot of sun

2003:

Left my consultant job and Stockholm for school "Eventmanagement" and an apartment in Nyköping. Discovered the joys of finer wines and decided to become a sommelier.

Travelled to Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to.

Anna Lindh was murdered.

2004:

Back to school in Nyköping and did my sommelier degree at the same time. Spend every week end at sis' apartment in Solna, after that we didn't speak for a while.

Summer was spent in Portugal: both Lisbon and Porto. Met Mr M and travelled to Champagne together. Started working at Berns ant at Hufvudsta confrence center.

2005:

Finished school in June but started working in May already. Landed a cool project at an agency that hanles big events. Project ended after 6 months and I went back to working in the restaurant business and started working nights. Bought an apartment in Huvudsta and loved it. Repainted the kitchen green and the sleeping area orange.

Dated a huge number of different men and had some really great times (M - the model) and some really bad (K - the stalker). Met Dr C.

2006:

Kept working in the restaurant business and kept seeing Dr C, had an intense relationship that ended on a very friendly basis.Went to France and travelled on a boat on the Loire river. A wonderful trip I'd love to do again. Met Mr S, moved in together and got engaged after 3 months.

2007:

Started working at NH. Kept two jobs, planned a wedding - quite a stressful year.

Spent the summer driving around Greece. Bought a new aprtment

Got married!

2008:

Landed a huge power job at a big international company. 6 months of renovating our apartment, had to stay with mum and dad - not great.

Moved back to my place in June and went to Istanbul. Possibly one of the coolest towns ever.

Worked hard all fall. Went away for the first time ever during christmas: on a cruise in the Mediterranean. It was fun and possibly something I'd do again.

2009:

Kept working and living with my husband. Sis met her man and they are moving in together in Feb. Worked almost too hard, not really any time for anything else. Spent the summer with husband and husbands son driving around Italy, Germany and Austria - wonderful vacation.

We spent christmas in Spain and New Years with old friends.

That was my decade

How was yours?

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Hard - Rihanna

Day before Xmas

And I have no Xmas spirit but am quite happy anyway.

Had a nice day, went for a ride in the rain. It's no drizzle it's like hte skies just opened up and let it all out. 10 seconds outside and you are wet through to the underwear but I like it since I am either idoors or in the car.

Tonight we have had dinner at a new restaurant we found: Venta Garcia - very nice I'd give it 3,5/5.

I had scallops, lamb rack and strawbeeyr & vodka sherbert (a lot of vodka). Now we are at the 5 star hotel; Finca Cortesin, again using their internet.

Tomorrow it's Xmas Eve and I wish you a very merry Christmas. Take care of your loved ones and of your self.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Have yourself a merry little Christmas - Rosemary Clooney

A life off line

In Spain, no tv and no internet. Life is rough like a badger's arse

We are staying at a friends apartment in one of those holiday villages. It's like a ghost town, so far I have only seen 2 other people.

But the surroundings are nice and we have a rented car to take us around. So far we have been to Cadiz and Ronda - the rest of the time I have been reading and sleeping.

Yesterday we stopped in Marbella, suppose it's more fun in the summer and I found a shopping mall with one of my favourite stores Desigual and I picked up a fierce coat. I also found Séphora - I wonder if they will ever open up in Stockolm. I should look into getting that franchise actually...

Now I am at a luxury golf resort using their internet since there isn't any in the apartment where we live. I paid 8 euro for a coffe so I'll be surfing for a while to get my money's worth. The coffee was good but not 8 euros good.

This is also where we will be having our Xmas dinner, both Xmas Even and Xmas day.

I'm thinking next Xmas we'll stay at home since my dad's health has gone a bit worse.

Sis is moving in with her boyfriend in the ned of Jan. God, I have bad bad feeling about that. He just isn't the kind of guy I would see her with. He is just so... ordninary not any fun. For laughs he walks, I shit you not, and by walking I mean he walks up in the northern parts of Sweden for 24 hrs non stop. Somehow I can't imagine my sister walking for 24 hrs. When she was a kid we used to call her "Little Princess" this not in a nice girly way. More in the "I'm a spoilt little bitch" kind of way. But what do I know maybe love will change her.

On the other hand I wonder if he know what he is getting himself into

Well time will tell.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Transform Ya - Chris Brown

December chills

London was great! I could so live there but I've heard that a 1 room apartment in the basement is about 3000 euros/month.
We arrived on Thursday and went to the hotel. The room was so small, two people couldn't pass eachother... but the location was good: in Bloomsbury, just a few mins walk from the British Museum.
Had lunch with a friend, whos apartment in Spain we will be spending Xmas in.
Then hit the shopping streets. Picked up a fierce Furla bag, my first green bag ever :)
Had a huge hamburger for lunch (I'm not really taking my detox seriously) so when sis arrived later that night we only stopped by the hotel bar for a drink and then to bed.

Henri arrived sometime in the middle of the night.
Next day we did some shopping on Shaftbury Av, some really cool shoe stores.
Then Mr S and I went to shoe heaven aka Manolo Blahnik store and bought shoes. Met up with sis and Henri for a musical "when in Rome..." We saw "A Christmas Caroll" it was good but I prefer the play as there are all the classic carolls in the play.

Saturday was the big shopping day: all of Oxford street and Regent street where closed for traffic. Bought 3 dresses - one for the comapny annual Xmas party.

Then we had dinner at L'Oranger - absolutely lovely French restaurant. Quite expensive but money well spent. Funny fact: for the ladies they have menues with no prices in them... Sis got a bit upset but what the hell. Again "when in Rome..." so the men payed!

Sunday we went to Tate Modern and saw the exhibition "POP Life" good but strange.

Now I have to get some tea and get back to work

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Morning After - Timbaland

Things that make syou go hmmm...

I am tired! And I only have myself to blame.

Last week end we were out partying... again. This week end we were out partying... again.
I have been out every week end for the last month. I am too old for this so next week end I am going to rest, no alcohol, no parties. Just sleep and healthy food, or at least that is the plan: a week end of detoxing.

Mr S had a friend from Egypt here last week. He came with us for drinks on Friday. And he sure can drink. In spite of being a muslim he knocks back shots with the best of them.
Seems strange to me to actually claim to be religious and still do the things your religion is against.
But he is a nice guy and I think he will enjoy living in Sweden.

Our plans to move haven't really developped in any direction. Mr S is still casting his vote on Koh Samui while I am still in favour of either Italy or the Caribeans.
What I really would like to do is go work for an organisation like the MSF to be able to do something really good.
I am going to look into that.

Now I need some more tea. i have already started my detox by drinking detox tea and lemon water.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Darren Hayes - Good Enough

Sunday Night sessions

It's been a very calm and quiet week end.

Friday me and the Ladies had dinner at Cloud Nine. It was as always nice to see them again. Feels like we haven't seen each other in ages but I suppose sometimes life gets in the way of living...

The food was ok, I'd give it 3/5. I had halibut that wa perfectly cooked but it lacked a bit of spicyness.

For dessert we moved into their "Dessert room". It was actually quite disappointing. They offered 2 3-dessert menus for 300 sek (about 30 euros each) As much as I love sweets I won't spend 300 on it.

True to form we stayed until they closed.

Saturday I got up and had some errands to run. Once back home I logged onto hm.com an d quickly bought a Jimmy Choo for H&M bag. I don't really need it (nor should I buy anything at the moment) but I liked so what the h*ll...

I ahve put myself on a shopping "diet" until I go to London. No spontaneous shopping for things I don't need. All I bought this last couple of days is a varm sweater since my office is so cold.

Today I did my laundry and that is about it. I have been reading my self help book also. I chose "Who will cry when you die" by Robin Sharma.

He became famous as The monk who sold his Ferrari (why?!?!). The book is good, some thing he says are totally obvious and some are just nice.

Now I have to do my nails and start preparing mentally for driving to Arlanda and pick up Mr S. He has been in Scotland playing golf at St Andrews.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day:Drive - R.E.M

Joie de Vivre

These last couple of days I felt my spirit weaken and darkness started to surround me. But today I feel my joie de vivre return.
Work is busy - sometimes it feels like it's too busy - and I have to skip out on doing a lot of things during the week days.
Last week I took a well deserved Friday off. Mr S and me went into town and checked out some stores, if you are in town Norrgavel is well worth a visit. Expensive but I think the quality is worth the money spent.

In my book club we are going to read a self help book. At first I thought I would read a book that would help me be more in the moment and not space out like I usually do. But then I think that I like spaing out and thinking about rather what I am going to do than what I am actually doing. So I am going to choose a book about effiency and how to get things done. I am going to become a "doer" - not really my style. I believe in paying people to get things done.

At the moment I look forward to a week end in London and then we are off to Spain for Christmas, will be back in time for New Year.

Having moments to look forward to is important and also creating those moments worth looking back upon.

Take care
Love/E

Song of the Day: All that I am - Joe

And suddenly

it's November and the snow is falling.

It was vacation then back to work and then.... black hole. I have done a lot: worked (too much), partied with Mr S and friends and so on and so forth.

I am a member of a private cocktail club these days. It's a very old school, feels a bit like the old prohibition days and I love it. Each member is allowed to bring one guest so I tried to bring sis last week end but she had other plans.

Sis has bought an apartment with her new man and they are moving in together in the beginning fo next year. I am totally against it since he is still married to his wife but he claims that he is leaving the wife soon. Action speaks louder than words is all I am saying.

Since they also have a son the actual divorce will take at least one year to become final.

Well, I gave her a piece of my mind and made her cry so now I will keep my mouth shut.

I have her best interest at heart but at a very young age I learnt to know when to shut up.

Like now...

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Misty - Sarah Vaughn

I will love you forever

Was allegedly the last words of Patrick Swayze before he died.
So sad, another childhood idol gone too soon.

Me, I'm not gone yet even if it might seem like it. Mr S seriously suggested that we'd sell everything and go backpacking around the world. Apparently he does not know me at all: I don't back pack. End of story.
I would however consider moving abroad, renting a house somewhere not too warm and not too cold and stay there for a while.
His suggestions:
The Caribean (too hot)
Thailand (maybe)

My suggestions:
Italy (good food and I do speak some italian)
France (he didn't answer so I suppose that is a no)
Scotland (I want to learn archery and run on the moors - Mr S said no)

Well, no matter where we'll end up I will love him forever

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers

Working day and night

I have been too busy with work to have time to live lately.
Feels like all I have done is going to work, coming home from work and sleeping.
I don't even want to think about how many hours the average Joe spends working in one life time comapred to many hours are spent on doing important things such as living, eating good food and buying shoes.

Today I am so tired... but I have myself to blame. Yesterday I was invited to a "Winemaker's Dinner" at an Italian restaurant - 4 course meal and 4 different wines plus champagne. God, I love champagne. If there was a fire at my place what would I save: my champagne bottles or my shoes (Mr S in an adult, perfectly capable of saving himself) it's a toss up...
My all time favourite is Billecart-Salmon cuvée Elisabeth Salmon rose - if you haven't tried it do so. It's expensive but money very well spent.

Met sis' new boyfriend - there is a story I will tell sometime very soon. He seems like a nice enough guy. And they seem very serious, are going to check out an apartment this week end and all. I hope se won't become one of those I hate with a life style - styled home and shiny hair.
Ah yes it seems like I will be going to London in december - yyeehyyyaaa!

Now I must get back to work

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Starting something - Michael Jackson

Getting the shot

It seems like the new flu "Swine flu" or H1N1 will be huge, and not huge in a good way like the latest Gucci bag. The Swedish goverment are planning to offer everyone a flu shot. last year I had a flu shot, for another flu, and once I had the shot I got sick. Of course there is no telling if I had become sick anyway but getting the shot with the intention of staying wee and then getting sick is kind of not cool.
So far only one peron has died in Sweden, a man in his 30-ies, out of the about 400 who are infected - that are known.
A friend of mine had it. She came back from London feeling quite poorly and she went to the doctor and was diagnosed. For her it was like any other flu and after a week or so she was fine.

I can't deide if I am going to get the shot or not. The main issue I believe is that so many people will be sick at the same time. Some say that it will affect the economy (sick people don't shop...).

It will be interesting to follow the development. A my work I don't kow anyone who has it yet but some people are bound to get sick since we are 250 people working here.
At Mr S's job 7 are down with the flu already and they are asked not to com into the office unless they have to.

I wish I didn't have to come into the office unless I wanted to...

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Rule this town - Jay-z feat Rihanna