Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween!



Happy Halloween to all, and to all a good fright!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Devil's Night! ...and the Birth of Patrick the Pumpkin!


Tonight was theee night! Last year was an dismal event, as there were no pumpkins or pumpkin carvings of any sort - but this year, I was lucky enough to find the perfect little pumpkin man whose spirit filled with glee would be keeping the haunted and fright away this Hallow's Eve night!

Meet Patrick!

As you can tell I got a little help on the carving, as I am an unfortunate left-hander and knives really don't seem to jive with me. I even took the time out to pick the seeds, clean them and bake them to crispy goodness. Mmmmmm! Have you carved a pumpkin, potato, or turnip yet?


Thursday, October 29, 2009

Victoria's Secret : Christmas 2009!




It's the most wonderful time of the year! *singing* I know Halloween has not even come and gone yet (which I am also crazy excited for) but my VS magazines came all the way across the pond to me and it makes me feel a little bit closer to home :)

I remember getting the Sears Wishbook in the mail (found a cover from circa 1986 - my first Christmas :)

It was like the Christmas bible of the ultimate toys and goodies - and we circled in that book until December 24th, Christmas Eve, just so Santa knew exactly what we wanted.

Now, I do a similar thing with the Victoria's Secret magazine and circle everything I want as if I had millions of dollars. I just get excited for the holidays and going home. I get that cozy, hot cocoa feeling inside with candy canes and marshmallows on top :) Mmmmm...


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

"This Is It" - My Michael Jackson Movie Review


It's bittersweet, really. The most talented man I have not ever met in my life, and never will, was brought to screen for us all to witness this evening.

Although there are many people working for Michael, all different jobs delegated to the right people, MJ was 100% involved in all the right tempos and pauses of songs. He loves the "simmer" and was so honest - but very helpful as well.

He also involved his down-to-earth nature to the CGI animation of all the backdrop videos for each of his songs. I thought it was so amazing that he had these soldiers doing wicked dance moves, as it had a WWI vibe to it, for "They Don't Care About Us".

Also - "Thriller" with the big back widow and Michael coming out with all these dancing brides and grooms all around. I found it very symbolic, like - yeah, Michael was really eaten by the black widow. Did you know that some variants of the black widow eat the males after mating?

He is just brilliant and I felt like I got it. And the "Earth Song" with the little girl and what Michael thought would be more powerful at the end with no music but the sound of the bulldozer.

Mr. Jackson was trying to bring forth Earth awareness. He was just a kind and loving person, perhaps with a little dash of ADD and childish ways as he sucks on a lollipop while recording a scene for his show.

I've never seen so many amazing dance moves in tiny milliseconds that would just be thrown in here and there. He was so involved and so intricate and nitpicked every detail. He knew what everyone was doing and when and where everything needed to be. Everything was on MJ's cue. Just ... wow.

I can't wait to watch this movie again, but it does bring back a little sadness of such an amazing soul, gone. Although we've never met, his spirit lives on through all of us, as he showcased so much talent in those 2 short hours of the movie.

I hope you all enjoy it and cherish this film. It was beautiful. Also, that 24 year-old guitarist "Orianthi" is going to be huge sensation, and MJ has definitely helped her get her lime shine on, not to mention she is über talented.

We love you, and miss you Michael! Your brilliance will live on, and inspire us to be better.



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

New In Norway: Pumpkin Carving and the Tales of the Jack-o'-lantern!


I was finally getting over the bummed-out stage of not taking part in any pumpkin carving festivities this year, until I went grocery shopping for dinner and almost in a tourettes-styled fashion I screamed; "OMG! Pumpkinsssss!"

This is a very new thing in Norway as they have instructions on what and how to carve a pumpkin! It was so cute to see the Norwegians adapting more and more to the North American culture.

Seeing something that is a custom back home explained in a foreign language made my face cut a bright Jack-o'-lantern smile.

Have you ever seen Stingy Jack around Hallow's Eve? Do you know you carve a pumpkin to keep the spirits away?

Well, there is a old tale of stingy Jack from Ireland and because the story was so interesting and well told through history.com I will directly quote it here :)

"People have been making jack o'lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack."

According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks.

Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul.

The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.

Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell.

He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."

In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack's lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits.

In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o'lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o'lanterns."
- History.com

I knew bits of this story but not as in-depth as this, so I wanted to share with you as I thought it was so interesting! I also can't wait to bake the pumpkin seeds ;)



Monday, October 26, 2009

New Moon: Soundtrack is Amazing!

I'm not one to buy soundtracks unless they are by composers like James Horner (Casper), Yann Tierson (Goodbye Lenin!) or Yeong-wook Jo (Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, Old Boy) - because if I do like a soundtrack, there is usually just 1 or 2 songs I am totally in love with. Then, I would rather just go out and buy that artist's album instead.

Well, that's not the case when it comes to the New Moon soundtrack of the Twilight Saga.

This soundtrack amazes me! It features a lot of my favorite artists like Lykke Li and the great composer Alexandre Desplat (The Golden Compass), in addition to Muse and Bon Iver.

The one band I haven't really listened to though (properly), was Editors - and they have the most beautiful, simplistic song on the album, that really impacted me. It's called "No Sound But the Wind", and features quite beautiful lyrics. His voice is amazing. Seriously.

If you haven't got the New Moon soundtrack, get it - because you'll love it. They really did their homework on this one!

Take a listen to this lovely song by the British, Birmingham-based band, Editors below.



Sunday, October 25, 2009

Ellemusic: New Version of My Song "Let You In!"



So I've been taking the ferry to Tau (across the fjord here) and back working with a good friend of mine, Einar Moen, who also works with the band Tristania. He does such an amazing job, and pushes me to do my best :)

I was lucky enough to work with him on this track and even though it's not final, but because I thought Einar did such a wicked job re-vamping it, I wanted to share it with you! The vocals are still rough, and my electric guitar playing skills aren't up to snuff near the end of the track, but it's a great working foundation ;)

I wrote this track a few years back, and I keep going back to it as if I need to get it out there... Hopefully something will come of it one day :)









Saturday, October 24, 2009

A Giant Bird(en) ;)

"Police say they hope someone "bird"ened with information... " This video made me laugh today - and right on queue.

However - no one seems to mention the brilliance and timing of what the Australian newscaster says at the exact, perfect moment the seagull makes its debut in front of the camera overlooking the city on live backdrop.

P.S I will be posting a revamped version of one of my old songs tomorrow! Listen for it ;)

Enjoy!



Friday, October 23, 2009

Nice, France!


Speaking of French aprons, France is my number one travel destination. I've only been there twice, but I loved it. I was in Nice this past April, and I just love all the colours the city is made up of.

I've never seen so many dog owners and even expensive Michelin Guide Star restaurants like L'Univers (amazing food and gluten-free) allow dogs to sit in during dinner.

This appeared totally normal as the dogs were everywhere (which was fantastic)! I think a lady got upset with me talking to her dog, as her puppy seemed to get quite excited. I wanted to interact secretly from the other table.

I've never walked into an exclusive department store where, while you try and test perfumes, a random dog comes up and sits beside you - giving you a sniff of approval. Good Puppy!

That is what sold me to my summer perfume fragrance Valentino's Rock and Rose lighter version called "Pret-a-porter" which is juicy, light, vanilla fresh and sweet. Mmmm :D

I took this picture of the center of Nice at night. As these men changed colours, it reminded me of the blue guy (Dr. Manhattan) from "The Watchmen" comics/movie.

There is also a video where I sing "I'm blue dobba dee dobba da" ... but yeah, save that video gold for another day ;)

The tiny country and city of Monaco was insane and perfect. I was car watching the whole time, as the locals drive their beefed up Porsches, Bentleys, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and brands I have never heard of, as they are that exclusive and expensive.

Locals who work there commute from Nice, or one of the smaller villages, to Monaco to work every day, because hardly anyone can afford to live there (only 33.000 people do). It's a dream world that is far away from anyone - lots of old money there :)

P.S if you take a long walk and own Madrid Berks sandals, count on swollen feet. Yikes!

Paris is beautiful and the city is wonderful to visit - I do love the fashion capital - but I see myself going back to the south of France again soon. Where else is there a carousel in the middle of the city to ride on?

Not to mention that The French Quarter in Louisiana seemed highly inspired by Nice - and of course, many French settled there, so it was also very much like New Orleans or should I say N'awlins was more like Nice :D

Perhaps renting a car and touring the countryside, driving over to Italy. Yeah, I think that sounds pretty :)




Thursday, October 22, 2009

Jessie Steele Aprons!


Jessie Steele has been featured since 2004 in Elle magazine, and once got the Big "O"k from Oprah on must-haves in the kitchen. Jessie's beautiful pieces have appeared in Desperate Housewives and many articles since then.

I have been searching for a perfect apron with little success when my friend Miss Fonda showed me a couple on a site, after explaining to her exactly what type of apron I was longing for.

Leave it to Beaver, I was in Pleasentville! Later that evening it had me obsessively looking high and low for other styles. I've been wanting a really flattering fit for an apron and it seems that I have succeeded, buying one that was very Parisian/French toile inspired.

Being in love with everything French, it seemed fitting :) Oui, Oui? Whoever sells crêpes filled with Nutella in Paris as "street meat" - you have my heart forever, amoure. Too bad I can't have the glutenous ones anymore ;)

I should really talk about the trip to Nice I took this past April. Perhaps tomorrow.

Check out Jessie Steele's Fall/Holiday 2009 collection. She also makes an array of matching oven mitts and tea towels. There's even collections for men, as well as for your little helpers - with mini versions (children's sizes) of the original aprons. Steele is also branching out to Hair Salon aprons which makes me want to cut hair, even though I would be über awful at it!

Jessie Steele brings a lovely, ultra flirty, cute take on the classic apron into your home. Featuring pretty bows and frills, you'll want to wear them out as dresses ... if only they weren't backless ;)

Making dinner in the kitchen has never been sexier!



Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Forecast!


Next summer fashion will be trending into more prominent cuts of the 1930s-1940s meeting old Hollywood glamour, with a lighter french twist. Cuts will be high waisted pencil skirts, belted with sweetheart halter tops.

Colours I see are mauve, butter popcorn yellow, Tiffany sky blue, and pistachio green. Prints we'll be seeing are lots of polka dots and variations of lighter plaids. I feel we will see more pin up Bettie Page bathing suits (going into the 50s).

Makeup will only change marginally from winter; staying very bare and clean faced. Rosy pinks will be used for lipstick - and there may be some use of cooler caramels (will get more in depth on that later ;)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Annie: Don't Stop!


I've been listening to this girl for quite some time, even though she dropped of the radar for a while - but trust you me - Annie's back - and she's not going anywhere but up!

This Norwegian electropop star brings out the fat beats and all around amazingness (yes - it's a word :) with her all new "Don't Stop" album release.

Her single release of "Songs Remind Me of You" is off the chain (can't believe I used that term) and the whole album is tight! Her melodies are addicting and massive in the production department.

I love those CDs where you can place them in a row, cover up, and the picture from the one cover will match up to the next. So it's one big Annie fest on the new release section of any record shop. I bought the mp3 version of this release, which was quite cost efficient!

She even has a song with a chorus that just goes "What do you want? What do want for Breakfast?!". It's stuck in my mind as if I used crazy glue for shampoo this morning! Still - a great song :)

If you like singers like Swedish sensation Robyn, you must check out Annie's other work and her latest masterpiece!

Watch her wonderfully catchy electro-fabulous single "Songs Remind Me of You" below!



Elle's Kitchen: Gluten-Free Goes Greek!



I am featured on Glutenfreepost.com (click to check it out) today, if you would like a simple, easy, gluten-free recipe for Greek Moussaka from Elle's Kitchen!

You can also check out my previous guest recipe on gluten-free Norwegian pancakes (crêpes), which I did a little while back - here. I actually had these for breakfast this morning!

Mmmm mmmmm! Maple Syrup!