Day 14 – In my handbag

Luckily I've recently gone through my handbag since I tend to collect all sorts of stuff in it. It gets heavy at times I can tell you but right now it's not too bad ;)

Currently you can find the following items in my handbag:

a Chic magazine
the book Spara mindre - få ut mer by Claes Hemberg
my purse
a 2010 calendar (ordered from www.personligalmanacka.se and I've already ordered one for 2011)
a pen
a bag of chewing gums
my Iphone
my work phone
sun shades
a hat
an umbrella
a camera
a bag of sweets (yes - I've got a sweet tooth)
compact powder
powder brush
two lip glosses
a lipstick
Bephanten (which is great for dry lips ;))
Försvarets hudsalva (also great for dry lips)
hand cream
work key
key holder with various keys
car key
USB memory
bank security tokens

That's it for today folks ;)

Food delivered to your door

Since I haven't done much cooking at all for such a long time and I'm now sooooo sick of going out for lunch or buying something from Ica every day I decided to look into the options for having the food delivered to you. After looking around for a while on the web I decided to go for Middagsglädje and received the first delivery on Sunday. You get food enough for making 5 dishes for 2 people; 2 easy dishes, 2 medium dishes and 1 to enjoy ;)

I've made two of the dishes so far and I really like the idea. You only get deliveries every second week and that suits me perfectly fine, you can pause deliveries whenever you want as well. I'm hoping to get some inspiration now to start cooking more than I've done in the past. The best thing is that I can now bring my own lunch boxes and it tastes so much nicer than anything else right now!

Day 13 – Photo(s) from my childhood

For this blog post I decided that I wanted to show you some photos from my younger years. Thanks dad for helping me scan in these photos, the quality is actually surprisingly good at least for some of them :)

Day 12 - Favourite wardrobe items

My favourite dresses

1) Black dress with white polka dots from HM
2) Flowery dress from HM in grey/pink
3) Grey top/dress from Vero Moda
4) My new dress from HM :)
5) Royal blue dress with hoodie from Penneys

Mixed favourite items

1) Black + turquoise skirt, both from HM
2) Black shiny trousers with a zip at the bottom from Gina Tricot
3) Black Skogsberg jeans + blue Levis jeans (that I loooove!)
4) Baggy jeans from Vero Moda (so comfy)
5) Black Depeche heels
6) Brown Jimmy Choo handbag
7) Brown cardigan from HM
8) My new cardigan in nude/pink from HM

More mixed favourite items

1) Nude/pink shiny jacket from SALT
2) Beige suit jacket from Vero Moda
3) My warm and cosy Boomerang jacket :D
4) Björn Borg boots in brown
5) Cardigan from Top Shop
6) White top from Top Shop
7) Nude/pink top from Vero Moda
8) Brown top from Vero Moda with white polka dots
9) Beige blouse from Åhlens
10) Hoodie in grey from Bondelid

I picked out these items from the wardrobe randomly tonight and realise that a lot of the items fall into the natural colour scheme ;) Normally I'm a girl who likes to wear clothes in all different colours but for now these will have to represent my favourites :)

Friendship is..

..when you get into work in the morning and find a little parcel on your desk from a friend that wants to cheer you up and show you that they care ♥

Thanks darling Lena, you're such a sweetheart. Thanks for all your support, love you loads!!

Day 11 – My siblings

My lovely brother Jens is three years younger than me and he's the best brother in the world! He was born on the 12th of June 1982. I don't recall what it was like to get a younger brother back then but I'm sure I was chuffed! :)

When we were growing up we fought quite a lot I remember, but come on - who doesn't fight with their brother or sister!? ;) There was also a lot of laughter of course. Three years now is nothing at all when it comes to the age difference, however it was quite a big difference when we were kids. Like mentioned before we spent our summers in Åland and I used to hang out with my cousin Kim who is only one year younger than myself. I wanted only the two of us grown ups to do things together and I couldn't understand why my little brother wanted to join us all the time ;)

As we were growing older we almost didn't fight at all, I don't know when this changed but I think it was when I was around 15 or so. We got on really well together but still didn't talk that much. When I was 18, I moved to Ireland and stayed there for 7 years. During these years, my brother and I had hardly any contact at all since I was only really talking to my parents while I was over there. I don't know why, but it was probably just a time in our lives where we were both trying to figure out ourselves and who we were and had a lot on our minds. Thinking back, I regret not being closer to him but at the same time it has made me realise that I really want him to be a big part of my life today.

Since I moved back to Sweden we have been catching up a lot and I'm so proud to be his sister. We're really good friends, we can talk about anything with each other, we have a lot of fun together and we support each other - always! I love my brother dearly and I wouldn't want to be without him. He totally believes in me and has given me so much strength over the years, I hope he knows it's mutual and that I believe in him as much.

My brother and I are different in many ways but there are also a lot of similarities. When it comes to work, he likes practical work and I prefer sitting in front of the computer (or do I!? ;)). Currently he is working as a fireman and he loves his job. He's also an educated nurse and trying to get some experience so that he can further his career and hopefully become an ambulance driver in the future. I'm so proud of what he's achieved so far and I'm convinced he's gonna reach his goals, he's so professional at what he does.

I think we're similar in the sense that we're both homely and caring and we put our family first. We're quite sensitive and can be easily hurt, however I think we're always true to ourselves and to people around us. We're considerate of others feelings and care about the ones we love the most.

In January this year we went to Thailand together and had a really good time. Though my brother scared the sh*t out of me when he had an anaphylactic shock, which is a severe allergic reaction, while we were over there. He accidentaly ate tofu that came with the chicken noodle dish he ordered one day and he's allergic to soy protein. I've never been so scared in my life and I don't want to think about what could have happened if he hadn't brought those adrenaline injections with him since it took a while before he was taken to the hospital..

Jens - I love you with all of my heart and I'm so proud of you. You mean the world to me and I couldn't imagine a life without you. You're always there for me when I need you and you know I'm always there for you in return. I believe in you and wish you all the joy and happiness in the world. You're the best! ♥

Day 10 - This is what I was wearing today

To be honest, I've been wearing tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie all day today. However, a little while ago I decided to try on some outfits since I haven't decided what to wear to our Christmas party next week. I was thinking that you could help me choose ;)



Option 1 - navy dress from MQ




Option 2 - green dress also from MQ (will probably wear a black cardigan with it)




Option 3 - dress from HM that I bought yesterday with a cardigan also from HM


I've more or less already made up my mind now but it would be interesting to hear what you think?? Leave a comment or vote on in my poll that you can find in the top right corner of this blog ;)

New carpet

I realised that I haven't showed you my new carpet that I got in Mio a few weeks ago. It was time for a change so when I was there I picked up this carpet and used my voucher that I've had for about a year :) You'll never guess which colour I picked? ;)

Now I just have to buy a new table for the sitting room, I really don't like my cheap one from Ikea. It's been with me for way too long now!

Christmas with Benjamin

This year we're gonna celebrate Christmas together with my auntie, her husband and my cousins. I really can't wait, we haven't been there for Christmas for 3 years and since this is our tradition everybody is now very much looking forward to it. The good thing is that Kim, Lisa and Benjamin are gonna be there as well so I get to spend some time with cute little Benjamin :) I went to their house a couple of weeks ago for dinner and he is growing so quickly. He was in a great form and my brother played with him a lot ;)

Day 09 - My Beliefs

• I believe that everything happens for a reason. You might not see the reason straight away, the learning could come to you a long time afterwards.
• I believe that good things happen to good people.
• I believe that what is meant for you won't pass you by.
• I believe that everyone is responsible for their own lives and positive thinking in the end makes you a happier person.
• I believe that life is too short to wake up with any regrets.
• I believe that following your heart is the key to happiness.
• I believe that if you really set your heart and mind on something- everything is possible.
• I believe that it is never too late.
• I believe that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
• I believe that happiness is not always about getting what you want, it's about wanting what you've got.
• I believe that laughing is healthy.
• I believe that life is nothing without friendship.
• I believe in doing what you love and loving what you do.
• I believe that when there is love there is life.
• I believe in seizing the day.
• I believe in true love and hope that it will come to me one day too.

Ego girl

Another thing you can do in Photoshop Elements is play around with different photo effects. I have taken a photo of myself and created 4 layers of it that I put on a white background. Then I used the photo effect neon light and used different colouring :)

Day 08 – Hobbies and talents

I know for sure that I have a lot of hobbies but I'm not quite sure about my talents ;) I always had hobbies of all kinds when I was younger, but when I was in my 20's there was no time for anything other than drinking in the pubs in Dublin ;) It's only in the last few years that I've picked up some hobbies again and I must say it's a lot of fun!

One of my hobbies at the moment is singing! I joined the Sjung Nu choir a year ago and I've been with them for two semesters. I really look forward to every singing session, it is so de-stressing and I forget about everything else. At the end of each semester we organise a concert and I truly enjoy being part of these. Besides we get to meet a lot of nice artists as well :)

Another newfound hobby is scrapbooking, it's so much fun trying to create different layouts with all kinds of photos and materials. I've just completed my first photo album and now it's time to create more layouts for the next :) I get a lot of inspiration from my friend Emmeli who is absolutely brilliant at scrapbooking. I've always liked her creations but I never thought I would be able to do anything nice myself, nor did I think that I would get into it as much as I've done. But it's an absolutely brilliant way to take care of your photos (that only stays on the computer these days otherwise) and again I believe it's a very good way to de-stress.

Before the summer I bought a new camera, it's a Canon EOS 1000D and I would love to learn more about photography. I want to be able to take really good photographs so I'm determined to increase my knowledge within this area. The interest is already there and it's good to have a dad who enjoys photography as well. He gave me a book about digital photography the other day that he thinks I should read so I better start with that soon ;)

As far as the talents go, I don't really know what to say. At least when I was younger, I think I was quite talented when it came to sports. I was above average in most types of sports and I really liked winning :) I'm also gonna mention the skiing again, if I would have invested in it properly I believe for some reason that I could have become very good at it. I will never know if this is the case but for now I'm gonna believe that! ;)

If I'm really putting my mind to it I think I can do pretty well with whatever it might be. However, when I do fail with something then I find that very difficult to deal with. I think it's good for you though, it makes you even more determined to succeed the next time!

Day 07 – My best friend(s)

I have a lot of wonderful friends in my life and I honestly don't know what I would do without them. They make me a happier person and give me courage and strength. Some of my friends have been with me for many years, others have joined me on my journey recently. They're with me through good times and bad times, I know I can always count on them and I hope they know I'll always be there for them in return.

I have one friend in particular that I would like to dedicate this blog post to and it is my dearest friend in the whole wide world - Maria ♥. We first met when we were about 16 and we've been inseparable ever since. We've been through so much over the years and have countless memories together. Maria knows me inside out and she's always there for me when I need her. I can talk to her about absolutely anything and we have so much fun together. She's a true friend and I wish her nothing but happiness!

Maria and I went to Dublin together in the autumn of 1998. We did everything together back then; we worked together, we lived together and spent all our spare time together. There was a lot of laughter during this time but after a few years living almost on top of each other, we were slowly growing apart. We moved to separate places and lived our lives more or less away from each other for another couple of years. But then slowly we started hanging out together again and became closer than ever. I can't see the same thing happening to us ever again!

Apart from being in Dublin together, we've done many trips abroad. We've been skiing in France, shopping in London, drinking beer in Prague, sunbathing in Greece, enjoying Croatia, exploring Italy and so much more! :)

Maria - I love you to pieces. You're my best friend without a doubt and I can't imagine a life without you. I'm looking forward to the years to come and the moments we're gonna share together. I hope you know that I'll stand by your side for better and for worse. I'll always be there for you no matter what. You mean the world to me! ♥

New blog banner

Decided to play around in Photoshop Elements this evening and wanted to create a new blog banner. The new banner is not a great one but at least it's different so it will do for now! I know now that I have the ability to work in Photoshop Elements so I'm happy with myself but I really need to learn a lot more. I promise to create a better one in the near future, something less purple perhaps ;)

Day 06 - My day (in detail)

Today it's Tuesday 1st of December - yes we're coming closer to Christmas and year end! - and this is my day in detail on an hourly basis:

7:00 - 15 minutes have past since the alarm clock went off. I had decided to get up at 7:00 today to allow myself some time on the couch in front of the telly with a cup of coffee. I never do that and last night I decided that today was the day. However, this didn't really go according to plan ;)

8:00 - Alarm goes off again for the 50th time (well that is what it feels like cause I've been pressing the snooze button so many times that I've lost count..). I turn it off and realise that I really have to get out of bed. I jump out at about 8:10 and look out the window. The snow is covering the ground and the trees and the thermometer shows -10 degrees, brrrr. Decide to put on some warm clothes and choose a black pair of jeans and a rusty coloured knitted jumper. I've also started using my warm Timberland boots that I bought two years ago, they really keep my feet warm :)

9:00 - When I'm dressed and ready for work I walk down to my car. When it's this cold I always wonder if the car will start, but so far there has been no problems. Good car! ;) Get into work about 9:15 and finally I get my cup of coffee. I eat a sandwich that I've brought with me at my desk while going through my emails. Tell my colleagues that an ongoing issue finally has been fixed and I get a big Hurray back!

10:00 - First meeting for today with my boss and the CS team leaders. There is a lot on the agenda and we go through some targets and goals for 2011.

11:00 - Half way through the meeting and I wonder if we'll be able to go through all the points on the agenda. 11:58 we're finally done and I'm getting hungry. Lunch time!

12:00 - Since it's so cold outside I don't fancy going down to get something to eat, I decide to use my Mat på jobbet card and buy a quiche that I have together with Jon, Christoffer and Frida. We talk about the skiing trip in February, North Korea and alcohol among other things ;) After an enjoyable chat, it's time to go back to our desks.

13:00 - Trying to sort out an issue with some Danish invoices and finally manage to solve it :) Get through a few smaller tasks and feel happy with myself. Decide to go to the cafeteria to get some water and when I open the door to the room where we sit on my way back, I bump into the stupid door for the 3rd time today!!! We've had an issue with this door for quite a while cause it hasn't closed properly. However, now it doesn't seem to open properly instead and I don't think there is anybody in the CS team who has not complained about the door today.

14:00 - Time for the second meeting for today. We're waiting and waiting for all the people to call in but the key person that definitely needs to join seems to have disappeared. We decide to cancel the meeting and reschedule the call for tomorrow.

15:00 - Working away at my desk and it's starting to get dark :(

16:00 - Now it's pitch black outside and I'm trying to finish up since I need to leave early today to head into town. Walking down to Sundbybergs station and hop on the tube towards Kungsträdgården.

17:00 - Walk around in Åhlens, pick up a nail varnish in a very nice dark green colour and also a nail art silver glitter striper :) Move on to the jewellery section but don't find anything of interest. Time to hop on the tube again to go to Gamla stan. Walk through Stortorget and the Christmas market that they arrange every year and I'm getting a christmassy feeling :)

18:00 - Have an appointment with a lovely and wise lady called Irmelie. It's my third time seeing her, the last time I saw her was in October last year. I'm excited and wonder what she has got to say this time.

19:00 - Still in the little room at Brunnsgränd with Irmelie. I listen to her and take notes but I don't know if I'm happy with what she's saying, we'll see if she's right. 19:40 we finally say our goodbyes and wish each other a Happy Christmas!

20:00 - On the tube back to work to pick up my car. Think about a lot of things.

21:00 Finally home, I'm starving!!! Heat up some soup and start up the computer to finish off this blog post.

22:00 - Finally finished :) Extremely tired so it's time to head to bed. Tomorrow is another day!