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