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