White Willow Rose

Hey, all you beautiful people.

2012-02-09T12:31:00.002+01:00

XK 120

2012-02-08T15:44:00.001+01:00

I would actually commit murder for this beaut vehicle.

It's the Jaguar XK 120. I swear, one day... I think I have to have one of these beautiful veteran cars (fighting the urge to call them vintage) when I finally get the hang of this driving thing. To be honest, I am more keen on getting a Ducati at the moment. A white Ducati came up next to me the other day, and I thought a white Ducati would be the tackiest thing ever. But it wasn't. It was amazingly cool, actually. That said, we all know I'm all about the black. A black Ducati for my 20th would be groovy.

Speak Up, Save A Life

2012-02-08T00:10:00.000+01:00

I have written about domestic violence before. If you know me personally, you will know that this is a cause very close to my heart - for all the wrong reasons. It broke my heart when Blogger informed me that at least one person that day had googled "domestic violence" and ended up reading this post.

These women were killed by their current or ex-partners. Red Magazine recently launched their campaign with domestic violence charity Refuge. If they can get 100 000 signatures, they can take their debate to the House of Commons. The aim is to ask that every police force in the UK works alongside an independent domestic violence advocate in its work to prevent domestic violence.

Please take a minute to click on the picture, and sign the petition. 1 in 4 women in the United Kingdom will experience domestic abuse. That is a scary number. Sign the petition, and think of the life you might be saving. Your own, your sister's, your best friend's, your mother's, your daughter's...

Unpublished

2012-02-07T21:03:00.001+01:00

Apparently, someone just found these photos of miss Monroe... If I had a bunch of unpublished photos of Marilyn in my drawer, I would NOT wait 50 years. But that's just me.

Music+video

2012-02-03T14:03:00.000+01:00

Do you remember the good old days when MTV actually aired music videos? Oh, those were glorious times... I never see any music videos anymore. I never listen to the radio, so I never discover "new" music, and never get to see any cool music videos anymore.

So I thought I'd look up some of the music videos I actually think are pretty fancy, and take a little walk on the wild side down memory lane...

I believe everything about this version and video and... love it. It's so painfully honest.

Umm... so basically, it has Alexander Skarsgård...

Love Adele and want to live in that house.

So it might not be a music video in the traditional sense of the word, but it is a video... with music... And how bloody awesome is he? Imagine some bourgeois American family at home in a suburb turning on the television and this is what they see... I love him and from time to time I pretend I am one of his 75 children.

Love the vibe of this production...

Nat King Cole adds that dreamy feel to any romance... Makes one actually believe in love, no?

Awesome Kristen Bell

2012-02-01T23:31:00.000+01:00

The cuteness that is Kristen Bell... she is so ridiculously adorable...

привет

2012-01-29T23:18:00.000+01:00

привет! как дела? Unbelievable how much Russian I have forgotten in two months. And I didn't know that much to begin with... Starting tomorrow, Russian and I are back on. At the moment I am just pretending to study, while I watch my future husband James McAvoy and the awesomeness that is Bill Nighy in State of Play. The original series, not the US remake.

Going to slave over the русский алфавит now...

Sherlock

2012-01-28T15:35:00.001+01:00

I have just watched the first episode of Sherlock, the British series starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as the contemporary versions of Holmes and Watson, respectively. Apparently the series aired in 2010 on BBC, but hasn't hit Norway until now. Lame, because I am loving it! But at least now I have some good tv to look forward to.

My point is, check out the series. It is really good. The only thing that annoyed me was that I was able to figure out the bad guy before Sherlock himself... That is not a good sign. Thea is the kind of tv-watcher who thinks logically about what will happen, and then guesses. I just go with my instincts. She is almost always right. But I am always right when it comes to the less predictable and safe choices.

I have read one book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles which is a pretty scary title. I was too young to really understand Sherlock Holmes, but I knew of him. I think I shall reread it starting today actually. Holmes is one of those characters that along with Agatha Christie's monsieur Poirot and miss Marple, you just... know.

In 2009 Guy Ritchie took it upon himself to introduce Holmes and Watson to the younger generations with the film creatively named Sherlock Holmes. With Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes he secured himself a well-known, magnificently eccentric Sherlock. Jude Law as Dr. Watson was perhaps not the most bold choice, but a solid one. His character has the authority Holmes lack, and they go perfectly together. I have not seen the sequel, but it looks like alot of... fun. And I am not sure I think that is the best thing for the character of Sherlock Holmes. It might make for an entertaining film though.

Elementary, my dear Watson.

Oscar

2012-01-24T21:27:00.000+01:00

A month before the 84th annual Academy Awards ceremony the nominations have been revealed. I have to say that I am massively disappointed. They go for the obvious, safe choices again and again. Even then, they manage to overlook some of the in my opinion best performances of the year.

Some of the categories:

Best picture
The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight In Paris
Moneyball
The Tree Of Life
War Horse

Directing
The Artist - Michel Hazanavicius
The Descendants - Alexander Payne
Hugo - Martin Scorsese
Midnight In Paris - Woody Allen
The Tree Of Life - Terrence Malick

Actor in a leading role
Demian Bechir - A Better Life
George Clooney - The Descendants
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt - Moneyball

Actress in a leading role
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams - My Week With Marilyn
Rooney Mara - The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis - The Help

Actor in a supporting role
Kenneth Branagh - My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Nick Nolte - Warrior
Christopher Plummer - Beginners
Max von Sydow - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Actress in a supporting role
Berenice Bejo - The Artist
Jessica Chastain - The Help
Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer - The Help

I think both Shame and Melancholia should have been nominated for best picture. Carey Mulligan should have been nominiated as best supporting actress for Shame and maybe even Drive, which they seemed to have forgotten all about. I would love to add Charlotte Gainsbourg in the same category for Melancholia. The Adventures of Tintin definitely belonged in the category for best animated feature film. My Week With Marilyn shouldn't win anything at all, I think being nominated at all is more than enough for this film. I feel that I must point out the lack of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in best picture. That film franchise has been ignored long enough by the Academy Awards, I'm guessing they're still sulking it didn't come out of Hollywood. Alan Rickman should have been nominated for his incredible role as Severus Snape as well.

I would just like to finish by saying that Gary Oldman MUST win. The man is a genius. It baffles me that he hasn't won an Oscar yet, I cannot think of anyone more deserving than him.

Luisa

2012-01-23T23:30:00.000+01:00

The Marchesa Casati.

Easy Virtue

2012-01-20T23:53:00.000+01:00

Easy Virtue is such a lovely film in my opinion. I had zero expectations to this film the first time I saw it, which probably is why I like it so much. It is what it is, a funny, light comedy with some pretty good casting choices. Jessica Biel is gorgeous, as is Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Barnes and Colin Firth (swoon). Aesthetically it is incredible as well. I do love the country living and am a bit of a petrolhead, so it just appeals to me.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Spoiler alert!

2012-01-18T20:38:00.000+01:00

Now I know it's only trailers, but man, they spoil every single film! There is no point in even going to the movies, you know everything, including how it will end after watching the trailer. So if you intend to see these films, do not watch these trailers. Like me. These are the films I am going to see over the next few days (zero life).

Prada Menswear 2012

2012-01-17T18:27:00.000+01:00

Gary Oldman, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Tim Roth, Emile Hirsch and Jamie Bell on the runway for Prada was a stroke of genius in my opinion. I usually think models should, you know, model, but these amazing men somehow worked so well for me. Especially Adrien Brody did a great job... Love love love. The entire collection was incredible. One can only bow down to the wonderful Miuccia Prada.

Photos courtesy of www.style.com and Monica Feudi

I wish I was a man so I could wear every single piece from this collection. It is beyond incredible!

Lady Grey

2012-01-16T14:10:00.000+01:00

Still feel like absolute death, so I'll leave you with this - a melodic little kiss:

Montague

2012-01-14T20:10:00.000+01:00

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet."

-Juliet Capulet

Brown paper packages tied up with string

2012-01-14T14:13:00.000+01:00

These are a few of my favourite things

You're gonna know my name by the end of the night

2012-01-13T17:52:00.000+01:00

This is my new boyfriend now that Thea stole King Charles. So much Hendrix going on!

Parisienne

2012-01-13T09:36:00.000+01:00

We must sort out Paris for the summer!

Lawrence of Arabia

2012-01-12T02:30:00.000+01:00

I have successfully made it through over three and a half hours of Lawrence of Arabia. I understand people have some very strong opinions on whether or not Lawrence actually did any good, or if he just divided and ruined all of Arabia. I don't know enough about the subject to have an opinion, literally only watched it because it was filmed on location in Jordan. He went to Wadi Rum, we went to Wadi Rum. He was in Aqaba, we were in Aqaba. I thought Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif did a splendid job, regardless of how historically (in)correct the film is. How blue are O'Toole's eyes? Insane!

Bond In Motion

2012-01-11T23:22:00.001+01:00

If you are anywhere near Beaulieu National Motor Museum in the South of England they have a new Bond In Motion exhibition from 17th of January until December. It will be the largest collection of Bond vehicles ever shown together. It is just a train ride away from London.

Already confirmed cars are:
- Phantom II Rolls-Royce from Goldfinger
- Bede Acrostar jet from Octopussy
- Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace
- Jaguar XKR with SFX weapons from Die Another Day
- Ford Mustang Mach 1 from Diamonds are Forever
- Royce-Rolls 1962 from A View To Kill
- 'Burial-at-sea-bed' from You Only Live Twice
- Skyfleet S570 model based on a Boeing 747 from Casino Royale

Macfadyen

2012-01-11T19:00:00.000+01:00

As previously mentioned, The Hunger Magazine has an amazing website with beautiful little films. Here's one of the obsession of the day, the wonderful Matthew Macfadyen. He is so rugged and manly and talented...

Cartier

2012-01-11T13:25:00.000+01:00

Flu season. Huzzah! Currently cuddled up on the sofa watching Pride and Prejudice... Oh that Matthew Macfadyen. Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan! And Rupert Friend, just like a bonus! I'm feeling much better already. I have also been browsing through Cartier - The Power of Style. After all, diamonds are a girls best friend.

The book features over 350 jewels and offers alot of insight into the source of inspiration that led to the historical works of art.

The last time I was at Cartier I got some catalogues and books on current and previous collections. Heaven! Like king Edward VII of England said, Cartier is the "Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewellers".

1:2

2012-01-10T12:57:00.000+01:00

So I thought I'd try to see how I would style this white bow neck shirt from River Island. The point is obviously to use one item and create a look around it. I also wanted to make both looks appropriate for an office job. That is probably the kind of job I will end up with, and I constantly think I will lose my personal style in an attempt to follow the dress codes. So my mind is currently filled with ideas on how to look professional, serious, reliable and honest while still being me.

River Island white bow neck shirt available here.

River Island light blue palazzo trousers available here.
River Island cream tux blazer available here.
LK Bennett leola clutch dark red available here.
Kurt Geiger Ellison shoe available here.

River Island dark red midi tube skirt available here.
Kurt Geiger bellisimo shoe available here.
River Island black long sleeve blazer available here.
River Island black colour block oversized padlock bag available here.

Precious moments

2012-01-10T03:08:00.000+01:00

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

2012-01-09T14:42:00.001+01:00

In my attempt to read every classic ever written, I have recently completed Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It was written by R. L. Stevenson and published in 1886. It is about the London lawyer Gabriel Utterson who investigates his old friend dr Henry Jekyll's new friendship with the misanthropic mr Edward Hyde. Dr Jekyll and mr Hyde are polar opposites, even in looks. Dr Jekyll is a tall strong man, while mr Hyde is a small, thin and generally disgusting looking person. Their friendship seem an unlikely match to all of dr Jekyll's old friends, and they object to Jekyll. He tries to explain that there is nothing he can do about it, and they must accept that Hyde is a part of his life.

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is generally known as one of the first literary works describing dissociative identity disorder, or split personality if you prefer. "Jekyll and Hyde" is commonly used today about people who appear to have extremely different character from one situation to the next. The story of dr Jekyll and mr Hyde is a well known one, and even if you know the entire plot, it is well worth a read. It is novella, not very long at all, and as previously mentioned, a classic. Simply a must read. As I frequently tell my friends, this has to do with class and manners. I genuinely believe you have to read these to be complete as a human being. The next time someone says they met a typcial Jekyll and Hyde, how are you to completely understand what this means unless you have read it?

Go read, clever bunnies.

Tolkien

2012-01-08T14:55:00.000+01:00

My amazingly beautiful edition of The Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. The illustrations are by Alan Lee. It was published on HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, Tiden Norsk Forlag in Norway, but originally on George Allen & Unwin Ltd.

Montecillo

2012-01-08T00:10:00.000+01:00

For The Babies II

2012-01-06T16:31:00.000+01:00

In order to keep my word and set a good example (ha), I have been sorting through my closet all day. Now that I'm almost finished, I have two IKEA- bags of things I don't need. This will obviously go to charity. I am quite happy with today. I regained control of the contents of my closet, and have been able to part with so many things. Some not so nice things that I thought were incredible when I bought them, and some very nice things. It actually feels really good to give a Mulberry and couple of Jimmy Choo bags away to someone who might actually need and use them. Yay for charity!

Tea and biscotti, please!

2012-01-06T05:30:00.000+01:00

Good morning!

One Day I'll Fly Away

2012-01-05T19:02:00.000+01:00

I have been a bit all over the place in December. From the end of November till about the 5th of December, I was in Malaysia and Thailand. I spent a long weekend from the 15.-18. in the mountains, before leaving for Jordan on the 24th and returning the 31st. All lovely places, but strangely one of the places I went were places I actually wanted to go. Don't get me wrong, lucky, privileged and thankful I get to travel. But I would have picked other places to go if it was up to me.

So the top 5. places I would love to go in 2012, but seriously doubt I will, are these:

1. Cuba/Havana

I would absolutely LOVE to see Castro's Cuba. Friends who have been there says it is absolutely incredible, a must see. But I have to hurry, changes are coming! Definitely about time for the people of Cuba, but for us tourists it puts a bit of pressure on us time-wise.

2. Austria/Vienna/Salzburg

As a European citizen it's not like I haven't been to Austria or Vienna a couple of times already. That said, I would adore to go again. Preferably with some friends who will want to go to art museums as much as me. The scenery and nature looks alot like Norway, only maybe a bit bigger and better. But they have all this architecture and history and culture as well. Incredible bonus!

3. France/Paris

Bonjour Paris! One of the places I have been several times before, and always want to go back to. When you go to Paris, you tend to go for a long weekend, which REALLY isn't enough. You run around, trying to see everything, but it's simply not enough. I want to spend an entire day sitting on a street café drinking wine and talk about life.

4. Germany/Berlin

So much to see. Again, so much history. A place where I've visited on at least one of the many road trips through Europe. Nevertheless, I feel like I have missed out on so much there. Plus, it's been a really long time since I was there. I have dreamt about walking in Berlin so many times, and feel the need to do just that. In my dreams I always freak out when I realise I don't know the times for the night bus, so will make sure I know that before I go!

5. Russia/St. Petersburg/Moscow

It has very little to do with the fact that I am trying to learn Russian. I would love to see everything in Russia, from the Winter Palace to Kremlin and the newly renovated Bolshoi Theatre. I've always loved ballet, and Russia is the heart and soul of classical ballet. Maybe I'll meet an oligarch over there!

Create the Moment

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000+01:00

Have a look at the craftmanship behind a Harry Winston engagement ring. Love love love!

For The Babies

2012-01-04T21:08:00.000+01:00

I still stand by my previous new year post. So while you're all hopefully still feeling the love and Christmas spirit this fourth day of 2012, I have put together a few ideas on how to get involved with a charity.

Find a charity you want to get involved with. There are so many ways of contributing, so do your research and pick one you feel you can commit yourself to. Some charities need you to work for them, some prefer donations, fundraisings etc. Donating to a charity is always a good thing, but some would like to get more involved. If you're religious then your local place of worship is a good place to start.

There are loads of things you can do to raise money for a charity. Here are a couple of ideas:

- Bake-off: Get a few friends together, find your favourite recipes and start making some irresistible treats. People will come running to buy as it's a win-win situation. They get something yummy - and donate to charity. How can anyone resist?

- Disco: Organise a disco, 70's themed, roller-disco, ice skating, a dance-athon... people will dance their socks off, and hopefully donate a pretty penny to your worthy cause.

- Run/climb/swim: Sign up for a half-marathon, challenge yourself with climbing some mountaintops, people love this sort of thing. You basically get fit while you ask friends and family, friends of friends etc., for donations. You can create a page on for example JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving.

- Auction: A brilliant way to get rid of some of the stuff you don't want anymore. The old wineglasses that just takes up space, might be the three glasses someone need to complete their collection. Maybe friends, family or neighbours can get involved as well? An other way of doing it is listing it on eBay, or just donate directly to something like Salvation Army.

- Lunch/tea/dinner: Charge according to the expenses, and invite your friends and family. All proceeds will go to charity, and you get to enjoy the company of good friends, and maybe make some new for a good cause.

A few good organisations I would happily donate to are:

Unicef. Red Cross. Medecins Sans Frontieres. Amnesty International. Cancer Research UK.

Those are just a few very worthy causes. There are SO many great charities out there, just make sure your charity is a serious one. It is incredible how much difference an insignificant amount to you and me will make. Every little helps.

Let's make 2012 the best year so far. Do something nice for someone else. It will make you feel better. So good things all around!

Car of my dreams!

2012-01-04T14:55:00.001+01:00

I love the fact that somewhere out there (UK) there's a niche market for cars with main focus on guns and alcohol. This is the Holland & Holland Range Rover by Overfinch. Overfinch is a company that modifies Range Rovers who joined forces with the gunmakers to make 100 of these beauties.

It is fitted with an incredible custom integrated gun cabinet and an awesome liquor cabinet among other things. The best part is that during the first year of ownership, the booze supply will be automatically refilled. It will set you back roughly around £120K, but you can't put a prize on happiness! Except maybe £120K for that wonderful Range Rover... Perfect for country living!

MMXII at night

2012-01-03T20:00:00.000+01:00

I went straight from the airport to Thea's for NYE. As I arrived so late, I did amazingly well buying wine in the tax free shop, taking some vodka from the minibar at the hotel before departing, stuffing my hand luggage with a horrid black sequin dress... So I got to Thea's place rather late in the evening, but it was so lovely to see everybody there. The time we did spend together was absolutely marvelous, taking about everything from the hot scuba diver in Jordan, to Lolita and various Russian literature.

BWParis

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000+01:00

I know this isn't exactly new. It isn't that exciting either. Shows a serious lack of bikini clad women shaking what their mama gave them next to a yellow Lamborghini. But I love the simplicity of this video. It is the perfect visual expression of the song. And how beautiful is Adele! She is just a gorgeous serene nymph of something utterly divine! Absolutely sublime.

Aqaba - Jordan

2012-01-02T23:02:00.000+01:00

I basically spent Christmas in Aqaba in Jordan. Left on Christmas Eve, came back on NYE. Aqaba is the touristy spot in Jordan. Despite the fact that it is winter there right now, temperatures are about 15 - 25 degrees, but with the strong sun it feels warmer. Living in Northern Europe, this is nice summer weather for us. Which explains why everywhere I went, all I heard was either Arabic or Scandinavian. We stayed at the InterContinental Resort which was pretty amazing. The city of Aqaba wasn't that special, but the hotel was so nice, and the areas around were groovy so it didn't really matter.

View of Aqaba from the room

Ocean view from the room

In Petra

Wadi Rum

MMXII

2012-01-01T19:26:00.000+01:00

I have never understood why it is deemed appropriate to be so much kinder at certain holidays. Apparently Christmas is all about being nice and generous, which is absolutely lovely. I just wish people would be sweet all year round. Maybe that should be our new year resolution? Be kind and respectful all year round, to everyone.

Happy new year!

Fave 3

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000+01:00

My three favourite presents from this years Christmas. Also good tips for next year!

1. Black leather gloves

2. 100 Masterpieces from the Vitra Design Museum Collection

3. Ring

My friends know me so well... I have a slightly strange obsession with chairs, previously documented on the blog in this Object of Obsession post here. My love for all things pretty is also well documented, and my present for the person who got me the ring was a huge book about Cartier. There's obviously a love for precious stones there. Black leather gloves is a timeless gift, everybody needs a good quality pair to add some class and sexappeal to any outfit.

Happy Christmas!

Joyeux fête de noël!

2011-12-22T23:28:00.001+01:00

I have always been slightly Grinch-y about Christmas. I am sure Dr. Seuss thought about me when he created the Grinch. When I was younger I didn't have the balls to say no to anyone, so I let people comb through my wildchild-hair on Christmas Eve. Ruined the holiday for me forever. The last few years I haven't been home anyway, been traveling, so the holiday isn't really that special to me.

This year I am going to Jordan, more specifically Aqaba. Apparently InterContinental has a resort there. And I have heard rumours of a presidential suite... So I cannot complain much about Christmas. Anyway, going away for Christmas means a little pretend-Christmas a few days before.

Object of Obsession

2011-12-11T10:07:00.001+01:00

There is a new magazine out. It is called The Hunger Magazine "for the culturally and visually hungry". That is basically me in a nutshell. The biannual magazine is by photographer and publisher Rankin and launched in November 2011. Simultaneously Hunger TV launched, the magazines website with beautiful films and interviews.

What I really love about this magazine is that it is basically how I would do it if I had the resources to make a magazine. It is my dream magazine come true. So wish I was part of this... Do you know the utterly irritating feeling you get when you say, try to draw something that is so clear in your mind, you know exactly how it should look, but when you draw it... It looks nothing like what you want it to. That is what The Hunger is to me. So I'm just happy it now exists, and hope it is at least as successful as Dazed and Confused.

Check out Hunger TV here.

You can join the mailing list, buy or subscribe to The Hunger Magazine here.

Love them on Facebook here.

Chloramphenicol

2011-12-09T11:39:00.001+01:00

Nursing a rather horrid eye infection. Am feeling so so sorry for myself here I am lying on the sofa trying to read. I refuse to move even an inch until the evening when I suppose I have to walk the little polar bear who is currently sleeping in my lap.

I have to take these awful eyedrops every 2 hours and put a cream in my eye every night.... I don't like putting things in my eyes. Not one bit. But at least I have chocolate to keep my happy. Yum. I also have Tolstoy - A Russian Life by Rosamund Bartlett that I picked up at the airport in Bangkok. Am loving it so far!

Truly Asia

2011-12-08T17:42:00.001+01:00

Slight adjustment from Malaysia to Norway. From 35 degrees in the shadow to -10 in the sun. Lovely. Been playing spot the dog in the snow all day. Fun times.

KLCC towers in Kuala Lumpur

My little house at Pangkor Laut Resort (or something like that).

Virgin rainforest

Little Comets

2011-12-07T13:33:00.000+01:00

Been listening to this beauty of a song while sorting through photos from Malaysia and Thailand. Adorable!

Bausch - Стравинский

2011-11-25T12:50:00.000+01:00

Yesterday Thea and I went to see Pina in 3D. Pina is an ode to German choreographer Pina Bausch who sadly passed away while she was making the film with Wim Wenders. They were supposed to make a film about dance together, but when Bausch passed right before shooting was supposed to start, it turned into a film about a legend within the world of dance. It was really cool to see in 3D, not that it was strictly necessary, but it certainly made the dance more alive for the audience. It's a beautiful film.

I don't know how I would feel about it if I had no interest in dance whatsoever. But both Thea and I, like so many girls, spent years in dance studios when we were younger. I remember as a 4 year old staying long after my class (which basically was playing) was finished to watch the big girls dance on their pointe shoes, hoping one day I could do the same.

One of my favourite parts of Pina was her version of Rite of Spring. I could only find the older versions online, beautiful, but not quite as breathtaking as it was to watch on the big screen in 3D. Anyway, with music by Igor Stravinsky you can hardly go wrong...

Silver ribbon

2011-11-22T21:11:00.001+01:00

I love my friends. With good reason. Look what I got for my birthday! They know me so well.

Celebrated with an intimate dinner which was so great as I really hate birthdays. So it was just like a
normal little dinner party except I got presents!

I got a huge bouquet of beautiful white roses, a wine carafe from Eva Solo - perfect for boxed wine as it goes perfectly on the table and is dishwasher safe, Long Slow Distance by Sivert Høyem on a proper old school LP, Vogue Italia, 500 sjokoladefristelser (500 chocolate recipes) - yum, and Demons by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
Thank you so so much. Much love xxx

Birthday best

2011-11-20T21:48:00.001+01:00

Fleurs du mal

2011-11-15T00:16:00.001+01:00

Guinness

2011-11-11T23:14:00.000+01:00

Meat Me At The Disco

2011-11-08T21:58:00.000+01:00

Original artwork by Vegard Staurseth. He is adorable and very humble, telling me that he really knows nothing about drawing at all, he just draws and it turns out the way it does. When I pointed out that his drawings might to some seem a tad fucked up, he explained it this way:

"Meh. Fucked up? I'm a fan of storytelling. I suppose most of it comes from stories I dream. Like snapshots. Other "art" - I hate that word - that inspires me tends to be dark. Mental decay is one of my main sources for inspiration. Now that sounded fucked up!"

So basically he strives to be creative and original.

"I try to combine the darkness and the beauty. Desperate tears and ecstatic love on collision course. Maybe that's what people find fucked up about it? Personally, I think that's the beauty of it. It's beautiful."

To me, this is very Tim Burton meets Joel-Peter Witkin. Would love to see what Vegard can do with ink. Not tattoo-ink (though that would be exciting too) but ink-ink, draw with actual ink. An art film as well, would love to see that. Ooh, all these creative dark minds... I wonder what the world looks like through their eyes!

My baby just wrote me a letter

2011-11-07T04:00:00.000+01:00

Remember remember the 5th of November...

2011-11-06T12:56:00.000+01:00

A Day In The Life

2011-11-04T14:51:00.000+01:00

I'm an avid reader. I absolutely love cuddling up in bed with a nice cup of tea and a good book. That said, I am taking a little break right now, cuddled up on the sofa watching Joanna Lumley (gorgeous much!?) Greek Odyssey. Nice to get a break from Russian, and learn a bit about something I also love alot, greek mythology and ancient Greece.

Anywho, above my desk I have a shelf with special books, books I need easy access to when I'm sitting at my desk. Currently, the shelf looks like this (am using the Veuve Cliquout bottle as a vase for a single rose and a book stopper, sadly I don't have random bottles of champagne standing about in my room) :

From left: The Complete Short Stories by Oscar Wilde, notebook, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Dorothy Parker from Viking Portable Library, Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Dracula by Bram Stoker, War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy, Shantaram by Gregory Roberts, The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave, The 13 1/2 lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers and Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

Slaving over the Pусский алфавит, haha. I actually understand a bit now, very happy with that little progress, haha.

Lunch of the day.

Scarves

2011-11-01T19:20:00.000+01:00

Amazing use of McQueen scarves! Can't help but wonder if it would look better in black and white, maybe even with some creative light... But I think it looks good, and very Halloween-appropriate even if that was yesterday. It is dark and winter-y. Me gusta.

Long Slow Distance

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000+02:00

Madrugada was an incredible Norwegian band. They were active from 1995 until 2007/8 when sadly the amazing guitarist Robert Burås passed away. The two remaining members, Sivert Høyem and Frode Jacobsen decided to complete their last album.

After that Sivert Høyem went solo, and he has made some pretty brilliant stuff. And people LOVE him! I can totally see why. I do adore him. His voice is slightly Leonard Cohen meets Nick Cave. Or at least up that street, so dark yet so appealing, like you are just drawn to it. He is also a really sweet and quiet man, always dressed in black which I LOVE, but when he goes on stage... Proper rockmusician.

For Thea's birthday I got us tickets for his concert last Saturday. And bloody hell he is so beyond awesome...

Lille-lørdag

2011-10-26T23:33:00.000+02:00

I don't know if it's a Norway-thing, but traditionally Wednesday basically means little Saturday. To celebrate the fact that it's almost Saturday-Saturday, I am currently cuddled up on the sofa with Coke, chocolate and a donut (have REALLY been craving them lately... and as it is little Saturday, I think I'm allowed one) watching Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. One of those films I can watch all day every day.

This is what Wednesday evenings were made for! Just remember, everything in moderation. Including moderation.

I am a huge Marilyn Monroe fan, but I have to say, Jane Russell is absolutely brilliant in this film... So so funny and gorgeous. And I also have to love her because her chest got a lot of attention back then, Howard Hughes even tried to create a bra for her that would do her breasts justice. He said people would come and watch anything she was in just because of her chest. Somehow I feel related to her...

Have a lovely evening!

Здравствуйте!

2011-10-20T17:20:00.000+02:00

Keeping busy trying to learn Russian. Was reading some Oscar Wilde short stories (Nightingale and the Rose and The Happy Prince literally break my heart every time), in English of course, to my little cousin while trying to explain the story as he can count to twenty-ten in English, and that's it. He looked at me, and asked why on earth I couldn't just read it to him in Norwegian. Well, I could do that. My Oscar Wilde Complete Short Stories is in English, but I know we have at least The Happy Prince in Norwegian.

But Oscar Wilde was an Irish writer, I tried to explain to my cousin. He wrote these short stories in English. A Norwegian translation is a... polluted one! I was rather outraged. The six-year old couldn't understand why I was making such a big deal out of it, and realising the battle was lost, he sat back in the sofa and let me continue. Note to self: Become better babysitter, he is one third of your age, and still he behaves more grown up than you do.

Anyway... This whole 'we have to read the literature in the writers own language'-philosophy of mine kind of backfired. As I am (still) in the middle of Crime & Punishment by RUSSIAN Fyodor Dostoyevsky, defending my translated English version became a tad difficult.

I saw no other option than to learn Russian so that I can re-read Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy and Chekhov in Russian. Especially Tolstoy I can't wait to read in Russian, he was really the people's writer, reading it in Russian would be so much more legit.

That however, is in the future! I'll get back to you in a few years. But at least I am proving that I meant what I said about reading in the original language, and have a goal.

Wish me luck...

Nosferatu

2011-10-18T20:37:00.000+02:00

Utterly brilliant German expressionist classic. It's an unauthorised adaption of Bram Stoker's Dracula which I read earlier this year, a must-read. And nothing like the painful Francis Ford Coppola film.

If you haven't read Bram Stoker's Dracula then do so right now. NOW. Literally cried reading it, it really is quite moving. It's not like True Blood or Twilight where bloodsucking is ridiculously sexy and vampires are hotter than the sun (see what I did there?) but the vampires are terrifying, and it's that real feeling of fear combined with the oh so strong feeling of true love that really gets to you. Love between a man and a woman, between friends... And again, it is nothing like the Francis Ford Coppola film.

One Man Band

2011-10-08T16:25:00.000+02:00

This is a Norwegian guy called Jarle Bernhoft. He is completely different from most Norwegian artists, and is really quite popular. There's no denying he is extremely talented, but I'm really not a fan of his vocal. For such a special musician I find his voice painfully plain. But that doesn't really matter when it comes to songs like this one. He is absolutely very talented, and deserves every bit of success!

Finally a man who can multitask...

December 1920

2011-10-07T16:00:00.001+02:00

Some say the world will end in fire;

Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

-"Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost, Harper Magazine December 1920

If anyone has read Dante's Inferno, or at least know of it, you can see where Robert Frost got his inspiration. The four regions in canto XXXII - the 9th circle, to be precise.

270911

2011-09-27T21:38:00.000+02:00

One of the things I love about the autumn is the long, dark evenings. You won't feel guilty about staying inside with a cup of tea when it's so dark outside you can barely see your own feet.

Today has been one of those lovely autumn days, yellow, red and orange leaves on all the trees, bright, blue sky, and a warm shining sun. It has also been an amazing day for tv-series. At least in my sad life. So if you like me, have nothing much to do at the moment, I have some fairly cool new series.

The Playboy Club starring the oh so gorgeous Amber Heard and Eddie Cibrian. It is set in the 1950s in Chicago in a Playboy club, and shows the life of the bunnies and some of their special guests. I love all the colourful bunnies parading around in their tiny outfits paired with the beautifully suited men.

The much anticipated season two of Boardwalk Empire has finally reached televisions (and luckily for me - the internet). I just finished watching episode one, and it does not disappoint! Nucky Thompson is still obsessed with power, and will do everything he can to hold on to it. I'd be careful if I were him, it is hard to strike back at your enemy when you really have no idea who they are.

How I Met Your Mother is as hilarious as ever! I had almost forgotten all about the fact that we still have no idea who "your" mother is as Thea reminded me, and I really am starting to wonder. But it doesn't really matter as following the lives of Marshall, Lily, Robin, Barney and Ted is still absolutely legen- wait for it- dary.

I don't know how it is possible as Dexter is meant to start October 2, but I just watched an episode anyway... And it was incredible. How I have missed my favourite serial killer! And of course Masukas laugh. Amazing. Little Harrison has grown up a bit and is so adorable, while Dexter is... fit. And by fit I mean seriously shaggable.

Nikita is my guilty pleasure. 40 minutes of watching the beautiful and superfit Maggie Q kick arse with a fairly stupid plot about a government agent gone rogue. It doesn't actually matter though, because Maggie Q is so charming they get away with it. If you don't have too high expectations, then you might actually get surprised. It's good entertainment if nothing else.

The same cannot be said for Gossip Girl. I refuse to call it a guilty pleasure, because it isn't pleasurable at all. Don't know why I'm still watching it. Maybe because I rather enjoy Blair Waldorfs bold fashion choices? I would not wear any of her outfits, but if someone forced me to wear colours, then she has something inspirational and Carrie about her.

So there you go, hopefully you have a few shows to catch up on! Have I missed any GREAT shows? Happy to get suggestions as my friends (Sara) and I are always on the look-out!

SuperHeavy

2011-09-26T17:11:00.004+02:00

I have literally never written a review for a record before. I've done books, films, theatre, concerts, opera, the lot, but never for a record. Thought I'd give it a shot.

As previously mentioned, SuperHeavy is a supergroup with Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, A.R. Rahman, Joss Stone and Damian Marley. Stewart wanted to see what would happen if he got together a bunch of musicians with different musical background, and Jagger thought it was a good idea. He just never thought it would happen.

But it did happen. They recorded everywhere from Jamaica to the south of France, the coast off Cyprus, Turkey and India. After an intense period of 3 weeks in L.A. they had recorded the album SuperHeavy. For some of the members, they took a different approach to songwriting than previously. Instead of writing the songs before, a majority of the songs came together after jamming in the studio.

Every band-members influence can be heard in almost every song. Personally, I think that is what makes this album so good. I Can't Take It No More has a massive Rolling Stones-vibe going on, while Satyameva Jayathe is clearly the work of Rahman. However, it's the combination of these genres and experience of the musicians that makes it work. Alot of risk-taking were involved in making this album, I am sure.

To me it seems like the reception has been mixed. It looks like a bit of love or hate-album. People either really like the eclectic mix, and admire the bands ability to reinvent their members sound. Other people think that there is way too much going on, and it all seems a bit chaotic. It is true that in songs like Common Ground there is alot going on, but in a good way. Never Gonna Change is a song where not much besides Mick and a guitar is going.

I have never been a massive Rolling Stones fan. I don't dislike them, and I really love some of their songs. But I have never been passionate about them. I'm the first to admit that Jagger is a legend, but I have never been all that impressed by his vocals. I'm not on SuperHeavy either. He sounds very much like himself considering his age, but I don't think I would have been as forgiving if it hadn't been the actual Mick Jagger.

What really brings the record to life is the youth of Marley and Stone. Whenever a song is about to sound like alot of other songs out there, BAM, Damian Marley is there with his Jamaican accent and brilliant lyrics. He really is a lyrical genius. I also think that Joss Stone has reached a new level with her vocals, she has a new understanding of how to properly use her voice. It helps bring the message of the song across without sounding forced (mostly) or taking the focus off the song.

Unsurprisingly, I am a fan. I love that you can actually hear the different cultures in the different tracks. I truly appreciate all these musicians separately, so having them do a record as amazing as SuperHeavy is like a musical orgasm. I absolutely love them, and pray to all their Gods that they will go on tour!

Object of Obsession

2011-09-19T16:08:00.000+02:00

So apparently my newest obsession isn't new at all. Not to most of the world anyway. But I have just discovered his music, his funky, jazzy but modern sound... His smooth and elegant dancing... His John Legend vibes...

His name is Aloe Blacc. How trendy is THAT?

I Need A Dollar is from his album Good Things which was released in 2010. This album marked the start of his mainstream success even though he has been active since 1995.

If you happen to live in Oslo he is playing at Rockefeller November 14, tickets can be purchased here.

Live the dream

2011-09-17T06:19:00.001+02:00

As previously mentioned, Serge DeNimes by british artist Oliver Proudlock is now available online.

Serge DeNimes is Oliver's new fashion label focusing on high-quality urban trends. His limited edition t-shirts are inspired by a series of photos from the Rio Carnival of 1978 by Lena Proudlock and Douglas Villiers. Each design incorporates 4 layers of silkscreen printed onto lightweight soft cotton, and each shirt is individually dyed.

The Serge team has promised that they will be donating 5% of all profits from the Carnival in Rio '78 t-shirts to a project in one of the favelas, Barrier Vasco.

Visit Serge DeNimes here.

Like on Facebook here.

Follow on Twitter here.

STCK

2011-09-11T19:36:00.000+02:00

Happy birthday Stephanie and Thea xxx

Band Of Outsiders

2011-09-02T02:03:00.000+02:00

Tom Felton and Rupert Grint for Band Of Outsiders.

Ever loved somebody so much you can barely breathe when you're with them?

2011-08-26T15:34:00.002+02:00

Συμπόσιον

2011-08-20T03:03:00.000+02:00

Has anyone read Plato's Symposium?

During a dialogue between several characters attending a symposium, or drinking party, they examine the wonderful topic of love. Each man must deliver an encomium (a speech) praising Eros - Love. Aristophanus's contribution is a lovely one:

There was not just man and woman walking the earth, but a third sex as well who had equal shares of the two. Four arms, four legs, two faces, that of a man and a woman... Apparently the man was the offspring of the sun, and the female of the earth, both born of the moon. Their strength and vigor was surprising, and they were so lofty in their notions that they conspired against the gods.

The gods discussed how they should respond to this new threat. They didn't feel they could slay them as they had the Giants, but they could not endure such sinful rioting.

Zeus then came up with a plan he felt would solve the gods problems by lessening the strength of the 'man-woman'. He proposed to slice every one of them in two. This would serve two purposes: it would immediately double the number of offerings made to the gods, and it would weaken the humans.

Zeus got to work, and Apollo was to heal the humans after Zeus had taken the knife to them. He pulled the skin together, and tied it up in the middle of what we now know as the navel. After being cut in two, each half longed for their other part, and would fling their arms around each other and embrace, refusing to let go. Even when they began to perish from hunger, they refused to let each other go. When one half died, the other half went searching and embracing. Slowly but surely, they were perishing away.

In his pity, Zeus moved their private parts to the front to be used for propagating on each other. In the female member, by the means of male, so that in their embracements there might be conception and continuation of their kind. If a male met with a man, they might have satiety of their union, and a relief.

When a man, whether he be a boy-lover or lover of another sort, meets his own particular half, the two are wondrously thrilled with intimacy, affection and love, and won't leave each others side for even a second. They continue together throughout life.

To read the rest of the amazing speeches on love, read Plato's Symposium.

Red Leaves

2011-08-17T02:04:00.000+02:00

Hopefully, we still have a few days left of summer here in Oslo, but I'm telling you, autumn is on its way. This is good news, autumn is without doubt my favourite season. But for all of you who wishes that summer wuld never end, here are 10 things to look forward to now that its getting colder and darker...

1. Going shopping!

2. Finding the classics from last autumn/winter.

3. Having long, hot baths

4. Long walks in the fresh air

5. Drinking wine in front of the fire

6. New tv-series to become addicted to

7. Hot chocolate with baby marshmallows or cream and a good book

8. Stuffing my face with candy, knowing that I have 8 months to get rid of it again

9. The red leaves, pink and purple sundown, and dark blue sky with shining stars looking like diamonds

10. Taking a cup of tea with you to bed in a room that is so cold from the open window, you can barely bring yourself to keep your hands above the duvet long enough to actually drink the tea

Raskolnikov

2011-08-16T22:57:00.002+02:00

Aaaand in tonights edition of "18 going on 63: I have no life" starring yours truly, I get to know Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his main character in Crime and Punishment a bit better. To join me this lovely evening I have my trusted cup of tea and a homemade bun Norway style. So basically sitting home alone getting fat and smart. Alas, nobody likes a smart fat girl. ONE DAY, I will take over the world! Fair warning.

Late nights

2011-08-14T22:09:00.000+02:00

Emma Cook printed trousers - available here
Alaïa suede ankle boots - available here
Willow silk tank - available here
Acne oversized aviator jacket - available here
The Lake & Stars bustier bra - available here

S&K/B&W

2011-08-14T17:50:00.000+02:00

Love Thea's shot of Stephanie and Katharina.

Miracle Worker

2011-08-13T13:03:00.001+02:00

If I was a musician, I would spend all my time doing this. Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, Damian Jr Gong Marley, A.R. Rahman and Joss Stone together as the new amazing band SuperHeavy. All the different musical and cultural influences works so incredibly well together. Album is out in September I believe.

The Sweet Caress of Twilight

2011-08-12T05:06:00.000+02:00

My best friend Thea turned 19 this Thursday, so obviously we had to celebrate her birthday, much like last year. We went to a restaurant I believe was called Laundromat where we had a yummy dinner. Very hip, trendy place.

Having decided to make the visit to Vigelandsparken a birthday tradition, we planned it a bit better this year. Last years trip was a very spontaneous one, and basically just a walk through the park and graveyard. This year we were totally ready! We brought champagne, cakes, chocolate, candles... everything one needs for a slightly romantic, ever so perfect birthday picnic for two.

After pouring the champagne - into us I mean - things got ridiculous, and the quality of the rest of the photos give a pretty good idea of our mental state.

Happy birthday, my lovely. I love you past the sun.

Shantaram

2011-08-11T11:54:00.001+02:00

I was in a bookstore a few weeks ago to buy an envelope. I walked out with a copy of Gregory David Roberts' amazing Shantaram. It was one of those books I'd heard people talk about, and when I saw it on sale I decided I just had to have it.

Shantaram was written by Gregory David Roberts three times while he was in prison, the guards trashed his first two attempts. It is based on real events from his life as a fugitive hiding in Bombay in the 1980's. Lindsay is the name in the fake New Zealand passport of the Australian man that arrives in Bombay. We follow his life in India where he learns to speak Marathi and Hindi, he falls in love with green eyed Karla, works for one of the most powerful mafia lords in Bombay, befriends Prabaker and Abdullah, Dider and Vikram, fights alongside the mujaheddin against the Russians in Afghanistan, starts a free health clinic in the slum, and learns all about organised crime and brotherhood.

If you have read Shantaram already, you already know and love Dider. Couldn't help but think that I have my own little Dideresque friend when I tried to recommend Shantaram to him. I was raving non stop about the brilliance to my friend, before I finally handed it over for him to read on the back of it. He reluctantly accepted it, looked at it for about 3 seconds before, he looked back at me with big puppy eyes. "It's too heavy to hold. Considering I think it is too much writing on the back, I doubt I will read it. AND it is way too heavy."

But that didn't stop me from recommending it to the rest of the world, just like I am recommending it to you now. Ok so I realise it seems like a daunting task to start reading a book thats about 1000 pages, but I swear it is worth it! And my never ending ramblings to whoever would listen, means that two very good friends bought it, Ziggy even texted me a day ago to tell me he is about 100 pages into it, and thinks it is really good so far. And it really is good. It easily makes my top 5, and I guarantee that you want to go to India SO badly after reading it.

Please read it. I'm telling you, it's for your own good! A compulsive read.

The living is easy

2011-08-04T12:24:00.000+02:00

Beautiful dirty sexy rich

2011-08-02T20:59:00.001+02:00

I saw Liza Minnelli on the Graham Norton show a few weeks back, and she completely got me with a story about her, Alice Cooper and Linda Lovelace and Elvis Presley. The thought of the completely random group of people is incredibly amusing, and it got me obsessed with finding out about all the incredibly amazing people hanging out together. Found some amazing shots!

James Dean & Elizabeth Taylor

Roald Dahl & Ernest Hemingway

Elvis Presley & Sophia Loren

Charlie Chaplin & Helen Keller

David Bowie, Iggy Pop & Lou Reed

James Brown & Mick Jagger

Salvador Dali & Walt Disney

Andy Warhol & Alfred Hitchcock

Salvador Dali & Coco Chanel

Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman & Liam Neeson

Sony, Cher & Twiggy

Halston, Bianca Jagger, Jack Haley jr., Liza Minnelli & Michael Jackson

Audrey Hepburn & Grace Kelly

Karl Lagerfeld & Grace Coddington

Keith Richards, Tina Turner & David Bowie

Sean Connery & Brigitte Bardot

Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen

Ella Fitzgerald & Marilyn Monroe

Frank Sinatra & Grace Kelly

Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart & Marilyn Monroe

Le Corbusier & Albert Einstein

Marlene Dietrich & Edith Piaf

Haider Ackermann, Daphne Guinness & Hamish Bowles

The Death of Bunny Munro

2011-08-02T20:13:00.001+02:00

The Death of Bunny Munro is singer/songwriter/genius Nick Cave's second novel. Cave is probably best known as the frontman of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. His music is intense emotionally and portrays the horror and humanity with incredible lyrics matching his dark, sexy Leonard Cohen-esque voice you immediately feel drawn to.

The Death of Bunny Munro is a story about the less than charming cocksman, salesman and eventually deadman Bunny Munro who suddenly finds himself alone with his nine year old son, Bunny junior, after his wife commits suicide. The book takes on the journey of Bunny's last days as he tries to accept the death of his wife in his own, rather strange way. It's not easy as Bunny is quite a disgusting human being, at least from my female point of view. He cannot drive past a woman without thinking nasty thoughts, and almost always imagines what her vagina looks like. It's sort of his trademark. And Bunny Munro takes pride in this. The only positive bit in this book is Bunny's son, Bunny junior. It can't be easy losing his beloved mother to suicide, especially not with a dad like his. But little Bunny junior soldiers on and remains loyal to his parents to the bitter end.

I picked up a copy of The Death of Bunny Munro ages ago, but have been too busy with school and reading classics such as Dracula by Bram Stoker and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. I originally bought it because it was by Nick Cave whose music I absolutely adore. I love reading, and thought surely it must be a match made in heaven. Surely, the man who writes lyrics that makes me cry and laugh at the same time, can write an amazing book. I was further convinced when I looked inside it:

'The perfect literary expression of Cave's later style... What truly elevates the novel is... the smoothness of the prose and masterful combination of black comedy and sentiment.' - Independent

'There has got to be something seriously wrong with you for liking this character as much as you're going to.' - Los Angeles Times

'A lyrical end-of-the-pier morality tale... A grotesque delight.' - GQ

'Funny, horrifying and moving, wrapped up in rich and restless prose.' - The Times

Personally I think maybe Nick Cave should stick to performing and writing music. When I was one third through the book, I had dinner with my cousin. I had randomly noticed that she had a copy of The Death of Bunny Munro in her bookshelf, and when she asked me if I was reading any exciting books at the moment, I could report, less than excited, that I was forcing my way through the pages of Cave's "compulsive read" as Irvine Welsh called it. She looked at me with pity in her eyes when she confessed that despite her initial excitement of reading a book by the genius that is Nick Cave, she found herself unable to finish it. Wasn't her cup of tea. Knowing that someone understood how I felt towards the book, I went home and decided to finish it.

I thought it was a bit of a waste of paper. And ink. And Nick Cave's time. And my time.

'This sad, hilarious and filthy novel could do for men's base private thoughts what Sex and the City did for the girl chat!' - Q Magazine

Maybe The Death of Bunny Munro is more a man's book than a woman's. I can't exactly say its a favourite book of mine, far far from it. At the same time, I don't regret reading it, we can only learn from the books we read. So in spite of constantly thinking I could have done something more interesting with my time while I read it, I am glad I did. I was also quite proud of finishing it when it was clear to me and everyone around me that I really didn't like it.

20

2011-07-16T00:55:00.003+02:00

Age: 18

Sweetheart: Secrets of the heart are secrets for a reason, you know.

Colour of life: Red

Facebook: Can one survive without?

Twitter: That creeps the fuck out of me. I am sure it is fun to follow your favourite band or whatever, but I can't imagine anyone being interested in reading my tweets. They would be so boring. "At home listening to music", "Considered going to an art vernissage, but didn't", "Lying in the shadow hating the sun". Waste of time, haha.

Future job: I will make an amazing housewife, the ones that were around in the 1950's. That being said, I want to be happy and make the people around me happy! I want to do my best at whatever it is I do.

Symbol: I don't know if I have a symbol... My sign is Scorpio, perhaps there's something there.

Book: Goodness... Tokyo by Mo Hayder is excellent, the kind of book that kept me up reading all night long. Huge fan of the classics, look into Penguin Books for new paperback editions of Jane Eyre and Emma and all those lovely books.

Best memory: Wow... Umm... I don't know. My best friend Thea and I celebrated her 18th birthday in the most amazing way by taking a walk in Frognerparken.

Beauty: I want to see the beauty in everything. I find so much beauty and inspiration in love and death and sexuality and identity, hot topics I must say.

Lucky number…?: 24

Favorite place: My bed, haha. A family friend has an amazing house in the Highlands in Scotland, and I haven't been anywhere that can compare to the peace and tranquility I find there.

The world will go under because: The world won't go under, have some faith, dude!

Dream location: I really want to see Castro's Cuba.

Favourite picture of the sky: Can't say I have a favourite picture of the sky... But one of the most incredible things about living in Norway, is the autumn, and the sky is so beautiful at night, the moon and the stars shine so so bright.

Best movie: Shawshank Redemption.

Dogs or rabbits: Dogs.

Favorite word in a sentence: We must love one another or die.

Outfit: Black skinny jeans, grey jumper, black leather jacket, high heeled black shoes.

Last day on Earth: Definitely start the day off by hanging with James McAvoy in Paris, haha. I would take all the people I care about to the country in Scotland, walk the dogs in the rain, bake chocolate cupcakes, light the fire and every candle I could find, take the man I love to bed, lie in his arms and listen to Edith Piaf and Billie Holiday and the rain outside while watching Shawshank Redemption.

Demon Host

2011-06-28T19:02:00.001+02:00

This Life Could Only Get Better

2011-06-06T23:50:00.002+02:00

Universal lies

2011-05-21T17:24:00.003+02:00

1. I'm not drunk.

2. I won't hurt you

3. Let's stay friends

4. He/she's just a friend

5. I lost your number

6. I need time to myself

7. I'll start a diet tomorrow

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Gisele by Karl

2011-05-17T18:27:00.001+02:00

Imagine going to the closet, and just pick these dresses and wear them all day! I swear once I have a closet filled with haute couture, I shall live in and do everything in those pieces from grocery shopping to enjoying public transportation.

Lamar

2011-05-13T19:31:00.000+02:00

This has kind of a nice, sexy hillbilly feeling to it!

There's a sentence I never thought I'd write.

Pure love

2011-05-13T18:49:00.001+02:00

I have DESTROYED my right arm, and feel extremely sorry for myself. So while I wallow in excruciating pain (it really is killing me, spent all yesterday afternoon crying and sleeping) and self-pity, I am going to post this beautiful photo. It's just pure love.

This is me in a few years with my daughter when we walk our dogs in the country. Oh yeah.

Feel like death warmed up

2011-05-09T20:41:00.001+02:00

Those flu-weekends, they're such fun, aren't they? Don't you just love those weekends you spend feeling absolute shite about everything because you just want to lie down and die? I just had one of those weekends. Was just lovely. I spent my days like this:

Cuddling on the sofa with Foxy and Leika (I am well aware of the ridiculous names, was not my choice!)

She's in love with Judas

2011-05-09T20:10:00.001+02:00

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

2011-04-29T16:27:00.001+02:00

I had vowed not to mention the royal wedding on here. I thought there were more than enough stories about prince William and Catherine Middleton, and everybody knows everything about the wedding already. I couldn't exactly offer any exciting news on it.

Alas, I live with someone who has lived in for quite some time England and was extremely excited about the wedding, and now I find myself comfortably seated on the sofa with a huge glass of champagne and chocolate. I must give in to my romantic side, the bride looked absolutely ravishing in her McQueen dress, and so happy!

All I can say at this point, is congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine. We all wish you the very best for the future (even though everybody knows the prince belongs with me)!

P.S.: Fuck yeah British fashion! You managed this day with ease and appeal!

Insomnia

2011-04-29T02:11:00.000+02:00

This is a random selection of what I've been keeping myself busy with the last few nights. 101 Dalmatians, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Ratatouille, Wallace & Gromit and The Jungle Book.

The last 62 hours to be exact, I have slept 6 1/2 hours. Exhausted and over emotional does not even begin to cover it, ha!

Sleep, please be my friend tonight...

Your name, sweet assassin?

2011-04-27T06:20:00.000+02:00

What to do when nothing is going on in my extremely glamorous life? When the parties are flooded with youngsters, when the friends are working, when the gym sounds less than appealing - which really is always, when the bank account is embarrassingly empty - again, always.... What to do?

1. Shameless (US)
2. The Borgias

Shameless (US) is a really good show about a family in Chicago. They are the definition of trailer trash, but not in a funny way. The series portrays the struggles the Gallagher family faces every day, from their drunk of a father, to the son who is having an affair with a married muslim man. Dysfunctional does not even cover the Gallagher family, but at the end of the day they manage by simply loving each other. Such a fucking cliche come to think about it, but in an honest, brutal way.

The Borgias is Showtime's new series that premiered to the highest numbers in 7 years, rumour has it. It takes place in the Vatican in the year of 1492, and basically it is about the new Pope, his family and the Church. The set and costumes are ravishing, but the plot is hard to describe without giving anything away. I know Sara reads this blog, and I have learned (the hard way) that girlfriend does NOT like spoilers. You are simply going to have to see for yourself!

Object of Obsession

2011-04-27T03:23:00.000+02:00

This is quite cool, actually!

I have found the ultimate hipster-place online: a music blog called Abeano.

Apparently the site saw the light of the day in 2008, with the ultimate goal of celebrating the best new music from the UK and the rest of the world. It does exactly that, and with a slick, simplistic design, it will get even bigger, I am sure!

So all you hip cool cats, check out Abeano here:

http://www.abeano.com/
http://www.abeano.com/
http://www.abeano.com/

Dots

2011-04-27T03:15:00.001+02:00

Meet my lover:

2011-04-24T22:35:00.003+02:00

Gin.

A crescendo, Annie

2011-04-23T23:25:00.001+02:00

Heart Moss

2011-04-18T13:55:00.006+02:00

Limit To Your Love

2011-04-14T01:46:00.001+02:00

The bass is fucking insane.

Katie's wedding: after the wedding

2011-04-03T18:49:00.002+02:00

So, we already figured out what to wear to Katie's wedding. Nothing's written in stone (THEA!) but at least we all have cool red dresses, which will make the bride happy. And that is the most important thing, right (THEA)?

I thought these would be good outfits for the day after the wedding, and that they would actually wear them. Had it been my wedding, it wouldn't be optional.

Thea.

Stella McCartney knit drawstring dress available here.
Proenza Schouler extra large leather travel bag available here.
Asos marvel suede lace up flats available here.
Ralph Lauren knitted poncho available here.
The Row round framed acetate glasses available here.

Sara.

Miu Miu silk crepe de chine shorts available here.
Equipment signature washed silk shirt available here.
Bottega Veneta glossed bandeau bikini top available here.
T by Alexander Wang knitted cotton cardigan available here.
Jeffrey Campbell lita platform shoe available here.
Miu Miu small leather hobo bag available here.
Ray-Ban wayfarer acetate sunglasses available here.

Ylva.

Issa rosette-detailed crepe dress available here.
Acne raya peep-toe linen ankle boots available here.
Carven cropped wool-crepe blazer available here.
Ray-Ban large wayfarer sunglasses available here.
Burberry Prorsum small leather shoulder bag available here.

Katie.

Lover high waist wide leg pants available here.
Alice + Olivia shawn cotton and cashmere cardigan available here
Helmut Lang cross back jersey tank top available here
Chloé leather wristlet bag available here.
Alaïa cutout suede sandals available here.

Coco.

Chloé bow-back silk crepe de chine skirt available here.
Finsk 252-98 platform wedge available here.
Stella McCartney silk-jersey t-shirt available here.
Calvin Klein envy lace soft-cup triangle bra available here.
Acne rita textured leather jacket available here.
Alex Monroe ruthenium-plated sterling silver crow feather necklace available here.
Cambridge Satchel Company 11'' available here.

Katie's wedding

2011-04-02T23:26:00.002+02:00

I can guarantee that there are at least a couple of years until any of us get married. Still, we are girls, and have to at least some degree, dreamt about our wedding. We've all heard that the wedding day is all about the bride and she should have everything, anything she wants on that day.

So what is it that we want?

My lovely friend Katie loves red. So at her wedding, I (and probably Katie too, but in a calmer way) demand that we wear red. Katie obviously can't wear red to her own wedding, but as she wants this dress, perhaps it can be our wedding present to her. Beats 12 saucers, no?

Alexander McQueen embellished crepe wrap gown available here.

It would be absolutely perfect for Katie. She has beautiful shoulders and collar bone, and this dress would highlight that so well. She has quite the slim little waist and the belt would make her body look amazing. The drape cut would show off her toned, long legs and all in all, she would look incredible.

What about the rest of us? Dress code is - obviously - red.

Thea is tall and slim, almost model sized. This one-shouldered satin gown from Yves Saint Laurent would make her look even taller and slimmer, and for a wedding it has a very respectful look, it wouldn't upstage the bride, but it is still extremely glamorous. In the bride's - Katie's - honour, I paired it with a Christian Louboutin clutch as an ode to her love for shoes. Some leather Louboutin's with a mid heel give the legs the wonderful shape they need to pull of a dress like this, without making long-legged Thea too tall. For the fuck of it, there's a black CK bra, just unhook the straps, and briefs courtesy of La Perla.

Lanvin one-shoulder dress available here.

Christian Louboutin simple leather pumps available here.

Calvin Klein strapless bra (unhook the straps) available here.

La Perla feuillage tulle briefs available here.

Christian Louboutin satin clutch available here.

Sara has enviable shapes in all the right places! I found a beautiful red Elie Saab dress she would look absolutely ravishing in, and with her tan skin I think some goldish makeup would be incredible. Her Jimmy Choo pumps get to be tall to make her taller and let's face it - women look better in high heels. Instead of the classic little clutch, I thought a wonderful Victoria Beckham shoulder bag that is a bit bigger than the clutch, but nothing oversized. Black lingerie for when she gets lucky with an usher, and the corset to present this lucky guy with a challenge - because she's worth it.

Elie Saab pleated dress.

Victoria Beckham chain leather shoulder bag available here.

Jimmy Choo cosmic suede pumps available here.

Ender Legard strapless silk corset available here.

Elle Macpherson Intimates lace thong available here.

For Ylva and her ridiculously fit and toned legs, this red Halston Heritage dress has a wonderful split on the side. These AWESOME Burberry pumps should be perfect for my Loba. They are amazing and special and her beautiful legs are sure to be noticed with these incredible pumps. The leather clutch is fun and will attract attention, which I think is a good thing in this simple but elegant dress. No bra for Loba though, she will hate me for saying this, but I want her to show off her lovely bosom.

Halston Heritage satin-jersey maxi dress available here.

Burberry Prorsum pointed python pumps available here.

Alexander McQueen metal effect leather clutch available here.

Agent Provocateur tulle and lace briefs available here.

There's no denying my shapes. If you have met me, then you've noticed that you cannot avoid my bosom no matter how hard you try. Right underneath my ribs I do fortunately have a small waist, so perhaps I have a version of that hour glass shape going on. Anyhow, Notte by Marchesa is amazing. So are the high high high heeled Christian Louboutin, and the red sole is perfect for the occasion. I allowed myself a slightly bigger bag because it will contain my diary and Blackberry and it will be filled with all wedding details.

Marchesa Notte available here.

Christian Louboutin platform pumps available here.

Jimmy Choo envelope clutch available here.

Agent Provocateur lace thong available here.

Object of Obsession

2011-03-12T19:05:00.001+01:00

We have a new little project at school. We are going to design two postcards, one inspired by futurism and one inspired by either art nouveau/jugend or cubism. After desperately looking for inspiration, I discovered Josef Hoffmann and his lovely chairs and cutlery.

I knew I loved chairs more than the average person out there, but I had no idea I felt so strongly about cutlery. Expect a separate blogpost in honour of amazing cutlery.

But for now, Josef Hoffmann's chairs. Most of his designs are from 1900, around then, which is fucking impressive. I would guess his designs were from 2014, too trendy to even exist yet, but no, the one chair I found at an auction site for just about 40 000 dollars. If I had a couple of extra tens of thousands of dollars, I would buy this chair.

This chair is from 1904. Just saying.

This one was designed over 100 years ago!!

Love love love.

Depressing

2011-03-02T16:19:00.000+01:00

Food for thought!

Tagliatelle Prosciutto

2011-02-21T13:25:00.000+01:00

For lunch today, I made an Italian dish called tagliatelle prosciutto. It was quite good and didn't take too long, I am sure that if I took out a pizza from the freezer, turned on the oven, waited for the oven to get heated, then put the pizza in.... It would take about the same amount of time. But my pasta was better.

Tagliatelle

2 tbs canola oil

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/3 l cream

100 g cream cheese

100 g artichokes, divided into four

200 g fresh broccoli

50 g sundried tomatoes

75 g cooked smoked ham cut into strips

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp salt

Cook the pasta as the instruction says on the package. Saute the onions and garlic in a saucepan until its shiny. Pour over the cream, wait till it boils and stir in the cream cheese. Part the broccoli into small florets and precook them for 1 minute. Add it to the sauce with the artichokes, sundried tomatoes and ham. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. You pour it over the pasta, and voila!