a london life

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

Been completely absent.

Getting my life sorted here in Sweden and its going quite well too. Part-time job at Smögens Havsbad and various freelance projects on the go, two cars (volvo's of course) a lovely home on the 8th floor and a fantastic house-husband who has dinner on the table when I get home. And a network of baby sitter's! so it looks like we're getting some adult life after all. WoHo! I will try and keep my posts more regular now. Must admit I am missing London a bit....everyone is so rude here, or should I say everyone is so very polite in England. There just doesn't seem to be a word for Sorry over here..

Halloween picture

Me and Paul out on our first gig in AGES at Kasettfestivalen i Uddevalla watching my friends band Dundertåget.

Becoming a swedish citizen again

2009-08-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

I am sooo glad Erik, or It, as Mina calls him was around today to help out while I spent all day becoming a swedish citizen again. According to Skatteverket I only immigrated to England in 2001 which means I have only lived abroad for 8yrs not 12 as I have been telling people.

Its so easy being out with a child here - everywhere has a kids corner or buggy access ramps, lifts or buttons that opens the door for you! I could have done this on my own (but I am so glad I didn't). Thank you Erik, you've been a star. Beers are on me. After the 6th of course ;-)

Pic of the day

Mina completing a jigsaw with 22 pieces almost all by her self in the kids section in Bokia bookshop . Lego has been the hero of today as this has occupied both Mina and Erik.

Sweden here we come...aaarrrhhh

2009-08-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

A little earlier than planned but what's the point point hanging around.....appart from all good friends of course - I will miss you all so much! But hopefully this is the right move and we will still be able to come over to London regularly and actually enjoy it.

Pics of the day

Me and Mina on the plane waiting for take off. Mina has been so excited about going to fly up in the sky like Winnie (the witch).

A very satisfied customer who thought the clouds were snow....not far off tho.

Reigate

2009-07-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

A trip to the country side and a friends house in Surrey. Mina absolutely adored Jimi's trampoline - it was massive, it wouldn't even fit in out garden!

Pictures of the day

I had to drag her off the trampoline and as soon as I let go of her she was back bouncing....

What are they wearing - hard to believe that their mothers have a fashion degree...

Snälla Laban...

2009-07-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

Mina's favorite TV moment at the moment is her Laban DVD and she is so cute when she copies Pappa Spöke....

Picture of the day

Our very own Pappa spöke drawn onto one of the balloon's from Fiona's party

Fionashendo

2009-07-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

I love this title, it sounds so japanese...but its not, its purple. Paul you did a brilliant job of getting all us crazy ladies into one place almost at the same time. And the website was just awesome! Still no one seemed to understand the content as we all kept asking you questions...

http://sites.google.com/site/fionashendo

Pictures of the day

Here comes Purple Fiona

Fiona friendly pic nic

after wasp sting

A happy Fiona, the chief bridesmaid (organizer of hen do) and youngest bridesmaid and a whole load of rubbish

Someone has been taking her brave pills

2009-07-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

No more kiddy slides for madame!

Photo of the day

Big slide in the Village playground

Family day out

2009-07-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Still very pleased we invested in our London Zoo membership! Got very close and personal with the monkey's in the 'meet the monkey' section and I now understand the strict restrictions of NO FOOD. Ended up with one of the wicked one in Mina's buggy!

Photo of the day

Even daddy enjoyed a bit of ice cream

Shadow yoga and a trip to a very quiet Brick lane

2009-07-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Its such a nice feeling when I manage to attend my favorite Yoga class on a Saturday morning (and definitely not as regularly as I would like). Popped my head into the Benefit store on the way back (via Liverpool st) and was disappointed about the products I had heard so much about so I left empty handed (just as good as I couldn't really afford to buy anything). Also tried out the Body Shop's new mineral foundation - without being a bitch I can safely say that the sales assistant didn't have a clue and tried to cover my face in bronzer...

Photo of the day

Usually very crowded cafe but the market is not trading on a Saturday and its still early...by Brick Lane terms anyway

Walking the streets of Walthamstow

2009-07-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Picture of the day

Taken on our way to the children's health clinic

Its so time for bluetooth device, but where is it?

2009-07-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

I love this new phone, it might weigh a ton but a small price to pay for a mini computer. Oh, and my new contract with 'unlimited' internet access. Its been so useful when out and about and I am really getting on top of my emails now (need to update some of my blogs tho).

Picture of the day

Lots of catching up to do

14th n 15th - the final brush

2009-07-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

Its finally over. Being a evening student has been so much harder than I imagined, and then on our last session I was told by a fellow student that we didn't have to hand in our folders until the 17th...of AUGUST! Nice to tell everyone guys. I double checked with the teacher and she confirmed and said the people who had already worked their arse off and handed in their portfolio would not be seen before the people who handed theirs in 'late'. And even tho my folder was pretty much ready I know I will put it on the shelve and forget about it until the night before.

Picture of the day

A fantastic risotto made with beet root and peas from the garden

Daddy Spöke

2009-07-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

A proud mother displays her 2 year olds work of art on the web .

Picture of the day

Snälla Laban......

My idea of a night out - weekend 11th n 12th

2009-07-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Its 4pm and I am at Caroline's drinking vodka coke!!

She is getting ready to go out and I am the artist. Looking gorgeous!

We get on the on the same bus, she on her way out, me on yet another mission to drop of Nancy Pop keys. Grrr...its pissing down with rain and I am only wearing flip flops. I don't get home until gone 9 pm and I briefly see Paul in the door before he leaves for a night out.

Sunday is spent in anger - I cant believe Paul didn't make it home until gone 12 noon! I was suspecting him back at 8am sharp.

When all the children finally had gone to bed I spent the rest of the evening at Lisa's introducing her to the wonders of eyelash tinting.

Photo of the weekend

Are those lashes for real!? Suppose to stay on for couple of weeks (at least they lasted the night).

Hove - only £9

2009-07-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

It is soo cheap I just had to go and I love the seaside. Well that and we're going to visit Ruben and Elohor.
It was surprisingly quick too, only 40 min from Victoria. When we stepped of the platform and I heard the Seagulls I got sentimental, my mind immediately started to wander.....maybe we should move here...
We had a wicked day even if we didnt get to wet our bathing suits, it was far too windy and we didnt see much of the sun either. But that didnt matter a bit. Ruben and Mina had a great time in the park and me and Elohor, well not much seriousness got past our lips - god she makes me laugh!

Picutre of the day

Very windy indeed

5-9th July a busy bee

2009-07-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't even had time to write in my blog as I have been so busy with my make-up course....and it's such a mickey mouse college. I cant believe we're doing a year long course in only 25 weeks!! Not getting any support from the tutor either, we have to do most of the work by ourselves and not even getting told were we can find out about it and all the home work.... by ourselves which is rather difficult when you're doing a practical course.

Picture of the week

And we're still doing facials (even if this one is part of my assessment)....

Benny Andersson Band

2009-07-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

A very productive day. Started off with a Shadow yoga (which I haven't done for ages) at 9am. It was such a relief. Felt like the stress was literally shedding off me all morning. Then I spent an hour revising in the library for this weeks assessment.
We welcome the presidency of Sweden in the European union and celebrate it in Hampstead Heath on this glorious hot summers day. And it was so Swedish and so brilliant. As part of a free festival event trough the summer, Sweden on stage was organized by the city of London and the Swedish embassy and to pay for this free festival there were some obvious sponsors like IKEA and Tetra pack. It really felt Swedish - family friendly, environmentally friendly, Swedish hot dogs and of course Swedish music in the form of Sami songs, Miss Li and BAB! Paul made the best Swedish pick nick to date which included homegrown beetroot salad and homemade meatballs. Mina absolutely loved it too. She was so entertained and watched many many of the acts with great enthusiasm then clapped merrily afterward.
What a fantastic day we had!

Photos of the day

Only swedes will get up and do friskis and svettis on a festival

Finally arrived, after a mission tube journey (realized on the tube we'd forgotten the pick nick basket so Paul went back home to get it....couldn't possible NOT get it after all that hard work)

Benny Andersson Band and yes they did play one ABBA song...

Mina is getting well into the music

....and eating ice cream

BAB is still going strong after 2 hours of performance

'Swedish' summer....well almost, as close as you can get to it without being in Sweden.

Loving the library

2009-07-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

Spending time in the Library, so nice and quiet. Think I would put this on my list of relaxation. And I got to clear my fine too which always makes you feel better not having debts shadowing you. Now off to St James park for some revision. Cycling is definitely another of my favorite ways to switch off. Been mad with the camera today. 1st I found the self timer (which I have been looking for for ages) then in the evening a photo shoot of all my makeup kit for my portfolio.

Photo of the day

Getting the legs out for the first time in years - it must be a hot day....

Start of the sale

2009-07-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Another day and still no sale (at least I managed to put a dress on hold so I really hope she comes back for it tomorrow). I was busy all day with the putting on the sale. I only had a handful of moments surfing the net instead of the usual hours on end....took a little stroll through Portobello rd at lunch time and a quick shopping trip to Screen Face.
Today is Hot Hot Hot (hottest day so far I think, 30 something) and the tube was a nightmare, just like the train yesterday. I can't win. I had forgotten how bad it was traveling during rush hour. I was late for the course but I still managed to squeeze in a tint assessment.

Photo of the day

Getting the big red letters out to draw some more customers and cut prices of course

Where is te blue door?

2009-06-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

I almost tread on a dead mouse this morning, the cats are becoming real hunters and our neighbor (with previous mouse problems) has got themselves a cat to rid the problem and it looks like its working. I hope the mouse community are quick learners and realize this is no mouse friendly house either as I don't want to keep stepping on dead mice first thing in the morning.
A really bad day in the shop, not a single sale! But who has energy to go shopping in this heat. However I had some interesting tourists coming in asking for directions tho. I found out Screen Face (professional make-up shop) is just around the corner and an American couple asked where the blue door was (from the film Notting Hill). I knew the door was no longer blue but apperenly all the neighbouring doors are blue so its easy to spot the 'original' blue door, which is now black.

Photo of the day

A very quiet Nancy Pop

Start of the heatwave

2009-06-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

Very hot today!! must be around 30 degrees. Spent most of the day at different playgrounds (and the rest of the day indoors. Too hot to be in the garden until very late afternoon (no shade what so ever). Still keeping clear of the childrens center playground, cant quite bring myself to go there after the murder.

Photo of the day

Mina has taken her brave pills

Back at Nancy Pop

2009-06-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

1st day of my holiday cover in Nancy Pop, Notting Hill. Getting used to the stock now so its going really smooth, whenever there are customers....not a busy shop but nice to get out and be a in touch with the fashion world again.

Photo sequence of the day

Daddy and Mina doing Judo in the bedroom

I waiting and I waiting, still waiting......

2009-06-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

My make-up counter is set up (the breakfast bar and bar stool that is) and waiting - 1 1/2 hr later my college friend turns up and that only gives us time to do either of us. With Mina in front of the box and 2 'days late' its not more than fair that I get to be the artist. 30 min was the target for a day make-up and I did it in 40 min so not too bad (next time I'll do in 30) and she was very happy with the end result.
Next waiting game is for the keys to the shop. I cant believe Narrinder can't cut an extra key! In Sofia's absence I am trying to catch up with Danny but he is working and can't give me a specific time. In the end it works out rather good. I get the call, just after Mina has fallen asleep and I cycle through the marshes in to Springfield park to meet him in the cafe. After another 30min of waiting he calls, he is at the other cafe, at the bottom of the park and now its starting to rain...
In the end, apart from waiting around all day I had a successful make-up session and a lovely cycle ride through the park and the real thunder storm didnt start until I was safely back home.

Photo of the day

A serious game of cricket in Springfield park, Clapton E5

At home with sick husband

2009-06-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

We're taking it in turns, now its Paul's turn to be ill (Mina has got a pretty snotty nose too). Limbs are much improved and now only with a sore throat. Spending most of the day tidying and cleaning so its not such a bob site when Surita comes over for some make-up practice later.

Photo of the day

Mina is helping hanging up the washing

OMG I cant believe Michel Jackson is dead

2009-06-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Another shopping day - this time without a buggy, so much easier. I had so much I wanted to get done today and as always, I only get started on a fraction of it. However, I did managed to do some work in my make-up folder and made a few calls to some Swedish employment agencies, annoyingly you have to registrar / upload your CV on to their database before you can start any job hunting and its not just your word doc CV, no no its their own 'cv bank' where you have to tick boxes and record all your schools and your employment history, special skills and other personal information - it takes forever........
Went to bed early and got woken up by a text from Karin telling me to turn on the news to hear about Michel Jackson's heart attack. So surreal, and he was just about to do his comeback tour, playing in London only next month. Rest in peace!

Photo of the day

My bridesmaid outfit and Mina's wedding changing bag....

Shirt hunting

2009-06-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today's task is rather an enjoyable one - filling up Paul summer wardrobe. Yes, I like these kind of 'house chore', if you can call it that. On a small budget its even more of a challenge. As always I head straight to TK for some quality bargains and I am also on the look out for a ivory bridesmaid dress, for both me and Mina.
Well in the end I found the perfect shirts, I know he'll love them (and a few plain ones for work too).
Found out on the course today that we have 3 lesions LEFT and these are to be used for our assessments!!! I don't know how I am gonna be able to fit it all in, all the homework that needs to be done as we don't have the time to do it in class. This course just gets shorter and shorter. So glad I haven't gone out and bought all the expensive equipment. I have been a real kitchen witch and used what I have had at home plus a few trips to the £-shop.

Photo of the day

How can you NOT admire these classic Hawaiian motifs

Still wobbly

2009-06-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

Still feeling a bit weird. Paul took the day off, just in case....Woke up and the numbness had moved down the into the hip and leg - but what was I going to do? All the results were fine and the chest wasn't any worse than yesterday. It was reassuring talking to Ulf in the evening (especially after mom had told my we had heart problems in the family, well a few generations down and all on the male side so I wasn't too worried). Anyway I was well enough to go over to Lisa's and do another make-up case study.

Photo of the day

Mina is not wanting to go to bed, getting up to all sorts of tricks to get our attention. It worked!

Knickers in the post

2009-06-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

I spent the majority of today at Whipps cross A&E department after calling the NHS direct for some reassurance that my numb arm and tight chest was a just a trapped nerve, or so Paul told me. Being a bit of a hypochondriac I thought I might have created the symphtoms from purely worrying, but oh no. I was told to get straight to hospital and even call an ambulace if it got any worse. It didn't really make me feel any better. Well at the hospital I had time to finish the Style suppliment cover to cove. I learnt everything from restaurant etiqettes, strawberry receipes and glastenburry dress codes to Stoke newington's Olive and Rosie's boutique owners kitchen and Kate Perry's religoues background and all in between ECGs, blood tests and X-Rays - was sent home later in the afternoon with a letter for my GP and some stong painkiller but no wiser where this weired numb sensation came from. I must say, that even tho I spent most of my day waiting for various results and doctors I was well looked after with nursers checking up on my regularly and offered both drinks and sandwiches. Mina aslo had a good day as her late Midsummer present from Mormor arrived today. A new DVD (Lilla Spöket Laban) and Pippi knickers and socks. Already from the end of today Laban is the new favorite.

Photo of the day

My very normal ECG result

Father's day

2009-06-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

The best thing about Swedish traditions are that you always end up with a great leftovers. However as it is Father's day today there are more British things on the menu such as bacon butty for breakfast and steak sandwich for lunch (I'll stick to the Swedish food thank you very much and Mina wasn't keen on beef either which did surprise me). The TV listing couldn't have been more dad favorable if they tried. Grand prix qualifying (watched in bed on the laptop accompanied by a bacon butty ), 4 hrs of racing in the Silverstone Grand prix. Then the start of the new season of Top Gear, James May on the moon to finish the day with an episode of BSG (and a with a bbq spatchcocked chicken in between). Sounds like a pretty good father's day to me. Happy father's day daddy - you're an amazing!

Photos of the day

A midsummer take on the Sunday roast with new potato salad and garden radishes

Daddy is enjoying a day off

Beware - Mad Swedes in Hyde park

2009-06-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

A little rain and some sunshine - the weather couldn't be more typical midsummer weather.We set of for our annual traditional celebration in Hyde Park where hundreds up on hundreds gather on this day. And this year we were going to be there from the start (which is a first). Traveling with Lisa and Christan taking the tube to Marble arch me and Lisa couldn't stop bitching about the bastards stairs (this particular route is extra bad, so it was good we had our strong husbands with us). Once inside the park you just have to follow the dressed up girls wearing flower garlands or the group of obvious looking Swedes carrying an Ikea bag, or just know where you're going because you've been doing this for the last 10 years (that'll be me).

Plenty of homemade Swedish food such as meatballs, potato salad, feta and olive muffins and the Swedish take on English cucumber sandwich - salmon, cucumber wraps

Hell and gore.....no midsummer without schnapps and luckily you can get a 10 miniature selection from Ikea or go for the big bottle like Sofia. We had a perfect spot under a big tree just in case of another shower, (and a it did rain oh...for about 5 min). The Swedish chambers of commers, who organize this event every year handed out song sheets in their traditional Swedish flolk costumes. Then it was time for the first round of 'the little frog dance'...

We had forgotten to practice but there was no need

More and more people kept turning up and in the end all of Mina's Swedish friends were there and some new ones too.

It was a wicked party and I don't know who enjoyed it the most, us or the kids. They were running round all day and it was nice to be able to take turns looking after them. At one point me and Lisa were laughing about Christian having a handful with 4 of them before realizing that he was actually trying to prevent a Kubb disaster where the kids were pulling up poles from the Kubb pitch (this is a Swedish game were you throw sticks on blocks of wood).

Finally got them to sit still for a min - using bribery tools. An ice lolly, a sandwich and a dummy

Have been trying all day to get a decent picture of Mina wearing her garland which I stayed up til late to make last night. It turned out pretty good with small spray carnations from ASDA and some bloom from Lisa's garden including prästkrage and lavender.

Got y'a!

Glad Midsommar

2009-06-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Have celebrated in Lisa's garden. Was suppose to bake a summer cake but after all the shopping this morning (couldn't find the maxi dress I had in mind so had to compromise for a pair of ear rings instead) I didn't have time to make it (or we wouldn't have turned up until this evening) so I packed up all ingredients went over to Lisa's and she ended up making the cake and I looked after the children.

Photo of the day

Mmmmm what a delicious cake! We ate almost all of it, Mina was pretty keen on it too.

Nancy Pop

2009-06-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

A new job, well, holiday cover really but a job never-the-less. I was a bit nervous about the area as its not my favorite part of town but it went OK. Sofia and Helen must have spoken highly about me for the boss to trust me with opening and closing the shop all by my self after only have spent half an afternoon in the shop. But I did all right, sold for a decent amount and I got to wear the shops expensive clothes too.

Photo of the day

Me in the changing room

Bargain hunter

2009-06-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the morning finding make-up bargains for this evenings course. We've only got a few lessons left and no way am I paying over £100 for a student make-up kit case - what are the chances I get a job as a make-up artist after this course, it has been quite disappointing. Saying that, I do have some flair so who knows...(ha ha see end of paragraph).
Found some awesome stuff in the £ shop of good professional standard - I am so good! Well I have been living frugally way before the recession. I Was pretty pleased with my make-up until I brushed off the excess eyeshadow under the eyes and didn't hold the brush correctly or have enough powder for that matter, so the end result looked more like she had walked into a door then ready for a night out where as half the face was now blue!

Photo of the day

My first eye

park life

2009-06-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Spent all day in the little park next to Brooks farm. We have a lot to catch up on before Elohor moves to Brighton - where do you get those fantastically cheap tickets from at £3?? The kids were happy playing in the big adventure playground and then a quick visit to the farm to feed the goats and guinea pigs (just did a quick gooogle search and didn't expect roasted guinea pigs coming up as a top result....poor little ones).

Photo of the day

First nappy free day out - potty training in the wild

Summer thunder storms and safety regulations

2009-06-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

Mina is getting the hang of using the potty again (thank god). Finally got a confirmation of last lesson on my make-up course and also found out that my current health and safety certificate does not cover for my make-up course I have to do it again because its with a different body. It is ridicules! Worst of all, all the classes are fully booked and you can't do the exam without it- so am I gonna get my certificate?
Summers first thunder storm and with some good lightening too.

Spike has taken a brave pill and is looking out of the open back door

Fabulous weekend

2009-06-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

What a lovely weekend! Sunshine, Pims and BBQ all weekend long.
Saturday
I managed to polish off this weeks Sunday paper (in the the shade) while Paul did the weekly shop - this is the last time we're doing the weekly shop on a Saturday, its such a waste, back to online shopping - Well, they do predict we've seen the worst of the recession so lets start spending.

No British summer without Pims and lemonade, while we wait for our delicious salmon kebabs.

Sunday
I have landed myself a new temporary job! In Notting Hill of all places, haven't really been there for 10 years! . Well, that will see Mina through nursery for another month....
I ran into 2 friends today. So pleased to see them. I am slowly filling up my address book again.
Another bbq awaits me when I get home - it's the way to eat this time of the year and we just love our new garden furniture's! Spider is now loving being outside and Spike was brave enough to step all four paws outside the conservatory .

Harvest of the day - our very first radishes.

Entering a new job market

2009-06-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

I applied for my first Swedish job today so fingers x:ed (especially as Swedish writing is pretty rusty right now).
Then spent rest of the afternoon over at Lisa's.

Thought for today
When something goes wrong....Ask yourself: 'what am I learning?' or 'how does this help me grow?' Then you will feel, whatever has happened is good, what is happening is better and what is to happen is even better. - I'll try to keep this in mind when I'm job hunting....

A special day

2009-06-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Paul is working from home today and Mina is at nursery so its a pretty special day....
Celebrating with Bucks fizz and a salmon omelet for an early lunch.
A day of doing noting just hanging out, how lovely! Finally got to watch 300 - very sexy and very gay, the CGI is awesome but god would I have a spartan any day.

Photo of the day

Another tube strike

2009-06-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Do they have to put on a 3day strike? the underground workers I am talking about. Not only does it fuck up everyone working and living in London for these 3 whole days but some of us would just be happy to have a job, not asking for more money in this current climate (oh don't I sound bitter).
Catching up in Ikea's restaurant with my Swedish friends, our favorite hangout. We had two seating's that's 2 hotdogs and 2 kanelbullar in the first round than a quick tour of the showroom

and back for another kanelbulle and drink for the 2nd seating (not so much sitting down as running after the kids this time).

A new bath...not a day too early

2009-06-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

So its finally here, the new bath. I didn't realize it was gonna take 2 days to install it tho. I was looking forward to a long soak without having to fill up the tub every 5 min because the plughole is an awkward size and no plugs will fit ggrrr....Anyway no soak for me this evening or shower either for that matter or tomorrow (waste pipe is still not connected). Hopefully the bathroom should be back in order by tomorrow evening. I really hope so!

Our old leaking bath have left its mark

5am is way too early to wake up

2009-06-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

Not much to say about today. Its been a pretty dull day and we've stayed in all day apart from a quick trip to the corner shop so I could make my infamous moussaka. Have felt a bit like a zombie after being woken up at 5am. But I shouldn't complain, it was a luxury to have an whole evening to our selves as someone fell asleep on the floor at 7.30pm.

My very own Tank girl

Happy birthday cats!

2009-06-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

In their prime years, 5 years today. Can't believe it was so long ago we picked them up and then traveled back on the train, both of them scratching desperately to get out of of their cardboard travel compartment. Spider wasn't much bigger than my then current camera case - look at him now, a big hansom chick hunter (and 2 mice). And Spike was almost white, with piercing blue eyes - the eyes are still blue but his coat has turned into a gorgeous Siamese seal point.
Oh and on a quick nappy training note, Mina only had one accident all day (Hurray!) and she pooped in the potty too (which was a welcomed change to yesterdays 7 insentient). Hurray for Mina and lets hear it one more time for the cats.

Photo of the day

Spider and Spike with their kill

Chicken meatballs vs meat feast pizza

2009-06-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

A day of cooking. In our cook off who is the tastiest? My chicken and apple meatballs or Paul's homemade meat feast pizza?
vs

Extended opening hours - when did that happen

2009-06-05T04:03:00.000-07:00

The house is falling to bits! I am glad we're only renting. We've finally got a go ahead to get our bath replaced and hopefully stop the ceiling falling in in the kitchen. And now the cold water tap in the kitchen broke 0ff so no drinking water for us this weekend (luckily the plumber was in the area).
Oh my god I am having a night out! Catching up with another mum friend - we will do our very best not just to talk about our children.

Photo of the day

1am and 2 bottle of ciders later...what happened to the normal pub opening hours, have I really been away from the scene for that long.

Murder in the playground

2009-06-04T04:57:00.000-07:00

Oh my god! As if finding a rifle in the village playground wasn't bad enough now my other local playground (next door to the children center) are investigating a murder! It makes me feel really safe.
Mina's first nappy free day at nursery. It was more like a half day-we didn't get there until 11am after have had quite a few accident in the morning and then stopped off at the shop to top up on more pants.
A second chance? Another reply (asking for my CV) after being turned down yesterday, maybe this job is meant for me after all. Well, I changed the layout slightly, took out one surname and a touch of magic. One can only try, its a tough market.

Photo of the day

Unsatisfied customer?

Pants and make up

2009-06-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

Yep the good weather is gone. Feels like the rain has been hanging in the air all day but luckily for us it hasn't rain. We must have been going through about at least 10 pair of knickers, not as successful a day as yesterday. Well, they say it can take up to 6 month! I certainly hope not.
And Finally! we have started our make-up training, more than 1/2 way into the course. I'm very pleased the teacher took me up on skipping the facial routine next week so we can dive straight into the next part of the make-up as we are already so behind schedule. I also did well on my salon display, especially as I only brought in my old Tonica flyers, some rose pettals from the garden and my ipod + speakers. 1st time we had a relaxing atmosphere and everyone loved it.

Photo of the day

More than just pants....rugs, shoes, books

Last of the good weather and another bbq

2009-06-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

On full nappy training pursuit, and what better place to be than the garden. Spent most of the day outside and I even managed to get my legs out - they haven't seen the sun for years. Towards the end of the afternoon I was sitting in a bikini top eating ice cream (thank you Elohor)! Then schlepping of to the shops (clothes back on of course) for purchase of Mina's 1st knickers and a potty training book (again thank you Elohor) and for this evenings bbq -phew that's hard work in this heat.

Photo of the day

Mina is enjoying the shade under the rotary washing line clad in MY old nautical jacket

And the party continues

2009-06-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

The heatwave continues and so does the socializing (and eating for that matter).
A family breakfast in the garden this time and a some time to skim through the Sunday paper.

Elohor and Ruben comes over at lunch and we compare money saving tips over the leftover bbq. A little later Sofia and Chanel turns up with homemade kanelbullar. Then ice cream...and now I cant stop eating from the bag of swedish sweet Sofia left behind.

Counting numbers

Mina actually weed in the potty and Spider is brave enough to cross the concrete and step onto the grass.
Finally got around to colour my fringe again.

A perfect Sunday

2009-05-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

What a day its been!
Started off with a lovely sunny breakfast in the garden, the birds twittering, no cars or trains....well it is 7 o'clock on a Sunday morning. So peaceful until the the crow couple in the back of the garden starts yelling, and it goes on and on and on.

Mina and I are enjoying our homemade smoothies for breakfast, christening the carden funiture's

A quick cycle trip to the shop and farmers market to pick up the last ingredients for this afternoons bbq.

Never been to the market this early before, its usually much busier

Our first non-meat bbq and a delicious one too. Pims, sunshine, a never ending suply of delisous food and good company - what more do you need?

The chef at work

The kids are running round with bare bottoms, chasing boubbles.
It was just perfect.

Dancing queen - we did actually have our very own wireless garden sound system

A big girl now. Have officially started potty training, (well we might as well give it a go as she spent all day without a nappy anyway) even tho it didn't happen in the potty a single time today. Much easier to use the lawn...

Mina takes spider for an evening walk

Garden furniture's

2009-05-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Finally, we can properly enjoy our garden, and only taken us a year and a half. Have had my eyes on some garden furniture for a while now and it couldn't be a better time as we are having people over for a barbie tomorrow. We also took Mina to Layton swimming pool (2nd time ever, 1st time for me) and it made me neurotic, I was just too scared thinking she was gonna fall over that I forgot to enjoy myself, but she and daddy had a splashing time.

Photo of the day

And what a bargain, all this for only £30!

A glorious day

2009-05-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

Summer is here!! And what a day we made of it too. First some buggy exercise (well more of a comfortable stroll while pushing a fully loaded buggy) to Sally's to pick up some eyebrow tint etc. Then Lisa and I walked through Walthamstow marshes and stopped off for very long pit stop and play on the new playground in Springfield park (my favorite park btw). What a lovely day we've had. Can you tell I am listning to 'In the Nightgarden' while I'm writing this?!

Photos of the day

Mina and Lilly is fuling up on Lisa's homemade kanelbullar mmmmm...

View of the canal at the bottom of Springfield park

CV writing day

2009-05-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

Dropping of Mina at nursery a little later than planed (as always). But at least I searched the job pages yesterday so one less thing to do today and I was surprise to find so many jobs advertised - is this the end of the rescission? Probable not. However as I only skimmed the ads I missed out on a perfect marketing job as the closing date was yesterday gggrrrr.
Anyway, now I am armed with a new and fresh CV so bring on the jobs.

Photo of the day

Mina outside her nursery - coolest kid on the block

Garden fun

2009-05-26T01:50:00.000-07:00

Rain rain rain, don't really feel like leaving the house. Dressed up in full rain gear we head out into the garden. I don't know what I would have done without one.

Photo of the day

Home sweet home

2009-05-25T01:19:00.000-07:00

Its nice to be back home and I am well impressed with how well Paul and Mina have managed without me. After all, this is the first time in over 2 years I've been away by myself, think I should do it again sometime. I cant believe how much Mina has grown up - suppose you need to take a step back to really appreciate it.

We had a lovely family day out at the adventure playground / city farm.

I have the best family in the world and I love them very very much.

Photo of the day

Some mother-daughter time with this seasons hottest coulour

A walk in the wild

2009-05-24T15:59:00.000-07:00

Again, its a gorgeous day and very hot - especially when one have to wear layers of clothes to fit everything else into your hand luggage. But it was fantastic to have the time to take a proper long walk in the forest before leaving the suburb and heading in to Stockholm city.

1 by 1 we dropped of to get back to our normal lives, my flight was last so I had time to see my uncle again and I was determined to find a market stall selling fresh flowers and make my own bouquet (wasn't gonna buy them from the overpriced station shops). I thought I got a decent deal in the end. Hakan and Leila really liked the flowers and I got an opportunity to do some practicing , so we were all happy.

I got a lift to the bus station which was nice so I could get an early bus - didn't wanna miss the flight. I was really stating to miss my family now especially after seeing Lotta reunited with her baby and hubby before leaving Tyreso.

Then I was stupid enough to put my bag in the baggage compartment - it was most irritating finding out from the TV screens that the bus had WiFi!! I could have Skyped and updated my blog....

The flight back was delayed but it didn't bother me the slightest I was enjoying listening to Stephen Fry's pod cast and Apple store talk while reading Swedish magazines.

BBQ in the suburb

2009-05-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

Johanna is a genies who had booked us in onto a late check-out which meant that we could all go back to sleep for another 2.5 hrs after a fabulous hotel breakfast - I love hotel breakfasts! I must have had about 5 helpings (and if I wasn't feeling so hangover I would have had a couple more).

Half the gang sitting in the sun now feeling much better after being back on the champagne

We couldn't have had a better day.

The sun was shining, sitting on the veranda eating lovely food with my closest friends (and no children or husbands needing our attention...). It was just perfect.

A fantastic couscous salad - no need to pre-boil (lemon, olive oil, marinade in fridge for 2hrs)

Li's christening cake - will it pass the test? Of course, its so pretty and very yummy too

Late into the night - we're still having a good time

What a feast

2009-05-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hakan drove me into town after a fantastic swedish breakfast. Mmmmm.

Before dropping me off outside Sjofarts hotellet we had a quick Fika /early lunch at NK (where both me and Mina got some very nice gifts).

Sjofarts hotellet's lobby

Then off to the next food venue, an espresso bar where I caught up with Steph, an old London friend. I had a big big kanel bulle.

Now, its only 2.30pm and I have already had 3 meals so I think I can handle some alcohol.

Back at the hotel the girls were arriving 1 by 1 and we started with a drink in the bar then some champagne and snacks while getting ready to go out for a delicious 5 hr meal at Grill.

Finished the night off with a Swedish hot-dog (after a fair few hrs on the dace floor and a couple more vodka russians).

I almost missed my flight

2009-05-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

I could hear something in the background, ringing... oh shit! Its 4.05am and my alarm hasn't gone off (no surprise when the time on my phone is actually 16.05pm, karma is still around. I must have done something worse than just shoplifting). Thankfully the cab driver kept on ringing, this was the 3rd time. Not knowing what to do with myself I started running on the spot wondering what to do first - put some clothes on or let the driver know that I was on my way. Paul beat me to it and grabbed his dressing gown and ran outside. Once at the airport everything went smoothly and what a luxury to travel on my own.

My cousin picked my up from the airport in Skavsta and we drove to her newly built country house. Sooo want to move to Sweden NOW. Gorgeous location, clean air and silence. Oh and the house isn't shaking when the train runs past...

The day was rounded of with the seasons 2nd BBQ.

Picture of the day

Sweden in a nutshell - nature, good standard of living and style

Karma

2009-05-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Every dog has its day and today its my day. Me and Mina 'shoplifted' yesterday from the 99p store, well not on purpose but I saw the packet containing 2 electric toothbrush replacements in the buggy once outside on the high st and I didn't turn around to return them. Most annoying is that we cant even use them and my friend whom I was meeting was also under the old fashion brushing spell, using a normal toothbrush.

As I am off to Sweden tomorrow I decided to unlock my phone. I shopped around and found a decent shop charging £5 which is what I have paid in the past. However, the bastard in the shop didn't tell me that I would lose EVERYTHING stored on my phone, incl well just absolutely everything!!!!! So I might as well have flushed it down the toilet, at least then I would have got a new phone. They gave me a crapy ugly-looking cover as compensation, but what can you say? My numbers are forever gone....

Photo of the day

Looks a bit creepy don't you think? or maybe I've been watching too much television...

The library

2009-05-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

We have spent all afternoon in Walthamstow library and what a brilliant place! Its free and snacking is allowed too, well not really but the kids can get away with it in the children's section if they do it discreetly . However noisy grown ups eating fruit salad in are not allowed.

Photo of the day

Mina in the library

A new snappy camera

2009-05-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

Whoho! My lovely hubby came home with a surprise for me...a new camera. So needed, the old one was really on its last legs.

Photo of the day

Lee Valley Wildlife Weekend

2009-05-17T01:50:00.000-07:00

Jimi is here. The weather is rubbish but we have decided to check out the Lee Vally Park no matter what (well you cant stay indoors all day with 2 toddlers, that would just send you crazy).
Walk there and back....a good 8k felt like we were in London no more. Didnt know we had such a paradise around the corner. Ok it was full of weird birders.

Photo of the day

Bird watching....

Eurovision night

2009-05-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

As always on Eurovision night we had people round, no exception this year apart from the no of guests (only one) and a few more cancellations. Score cards ready in hand and Skype set up we were ready. Portugal and Estonia were favorites and 10 points for performance on the night to UK.
Who would have thought Norway would win? Well at least it wasn't fixed. And an amazing show put on by the russians, especially the 'pool show'!!

Photo of the day

Allo Sweden....

A day in the country side

2009-05-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

Woke up in a 6 bedroom house in Surrey.
Thought Mina would let me have a lie-in after her late night but NO. Apart from continuing unpacking we did a whole lot of cooking, the kids helped. Then of course we had to check out the enormous garden with a tennis court, golf tee and the cutest little play house.
The journey home wasn't as bad as I expected - 2.5 hrs door to door. Only a little awkward traveling on a train and tube with a car seat strapped on to a Mcaren buggy.

Fantastic Naan pizza inspired by Nigella and leftover chicken salad

Just a small part of the garden...

A hectic day

2009-05-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am helping Karin move into their new house today.
A bit short notice.
Came home.
Pack for me and Mina's overnight stay.
Hurry to pick Mina up at nursery to catch the cab ordered to pick us up and take us to Primrose hill. Mina was sick in the car (again) the bumpy short-cut through Islington is NOT worth it.
Get cleaned up.
Jump into new car.
Make new house as toddler friendly as possible as quickly as possible.
Mina asleep on sofa at 11pm. Jimi asleep in buggy at midnight. Me asleep at 4am.

Photo of the day

Two very tired children and well past their bedtime

This blog is getting me into trouble

2009-05-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

On my way home from my make-up course I realized how much the cafe at the end of Queens Rd lit up the street and bringing a sort of mediterranean feel to this otherwise gloomy part of London . This Turkish cafe, always blaring out popular music (in a inviting manner) has been fascinating me for a while and I wanted to make it part of my London memories. Little did I know that the people drinking there were not as friendly as they looked. Furious, after me taking a few pictures I was approach by 3 or 4 men being very aggressive and angry for me taking picutures of them without thier permission. Luckely a police car drowe past and settled our argument and the men walked back to thier coffee. Even tho this might be East 17 I quite like it here, I am constantly surprised by how supportive the borough is. The police was just at the right place at the right time. Lucky me! Might have to be a bit more careful in the future.

Photo of the day

Front of my college....

our class rooms.....

House work

2009-05-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

Being a proper housewife today. At home with child, baking and doing the laundry what more can you ask for!?
Its official - Eurovision fever, well in our house at least. Watching the semi final and Sweden's contribution is good (even if she does sound a bit like a tranny at times) Britain doesn't stand a chance.

Photo of the day

Mamma's little helper

Late babysitting and no more taxis

2009-05-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

Looking after Jimi, not the most exciting job but it pays for Mina's nursery fee. Double mum 1 day = 1 day at nursery (1 day for me). Karin is going for a drink after work so I stay for a bit longer than normal. But it will have to be tube home tonight. On Friday we got a taxi home (thinking it was quicker and easier because it was late, and paid for) and Mina threw up all over the seat, on a friday night! We were lucky we didn't have to pay any extra. Paul did a good job cleaning it down (and he had only just got back from a long and clod business trip in Scotland) while I took care of a pukie baby.

Photo of the day

So many beautiful houses in Primrose hill...

A baby themed weekend

2009-05-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

So we're back at the museum of childhood. This weekend there was a Montessori workshop I was interested in, Mina however didn't even want to enter the room so she and daddy spent most of the time going up and down the lift and running along the ramp.

Typical toys from a Montessori nursery

The evening I spent at a friends house babysitting Mina's friend Ruben, easy peasy, he didn't wake once and was already tucked in when I arrived.

Me cycling home in the moonlight - see, late night out!

Early start on Sunday, cycling to Columbia flower market (disappointingly expensive this week due to Mothers day in Holland). I managed to stick to my budget and picked some 'fillers' by the side of the road on my way home.

Did managed to find fresh catnip for the cats tho.

Spent the afternoon at Lyd's house - can't believe how big Baby Ollie has become! Mina got her belated birthday present which is awesome - Aquadraw mat (folds up like a briefcase) that comes with a marker that fills up with water then when drawing on the mat the water turns blue!
Ended the day on another high - seasons 1st BBQ.

Waiting for it to get hot - admireing our garden. The view of our neighbours concreate garden is less pleasing...

Later with Jools

2009-05-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Listening /watching 'Later with Jools Holland', I love this show, my favorite artist toninght must be Paolo Nutini (and of course the Manics). It's nice to take a break from my usual TV series addiction of Heroes, 24, Sarah Connor Chronicles, Dollhouse and Fringe oh and catching up on Battlestar Gallactica.

Picture of the day

my new look....

Always under your feet

2009-05-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

On my precious day off I got to take my bike out for the second time since I bought it (last sun) - freedom. And why is it that the weather is always shit when I have the time to go out for a ride?! My bike takes me not only to my destination quicker, it also takes me back to my childhood and the country side (my old bike didn't make me feel this way, I think its the old fashion feel that's the key, not a street adopted mountain bike).

Photo of the day

Spike just managed to get out of the way in time.

Ikea trip

2009-05-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

So were we here again.....It is a great place to catch up with friends tho. Good cheep Swedish food (and I usually buy a couple of hot-dogs from downstairs and bring them up to the restaurant. Bad, I know) and a child friendly environment then a little shopping trip for mummy.....

Photo of the day

Oh no!
Spider has eaten all the runner beans!! Bad cat!

Barbie

2009-05-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Thank god, a new obsession (that does not involve any of the 'in the Nightgarden' characters), DOLLS! And they all have to be naked! Suppose its ok with the hard plastic ones but when they are the ones with a fabric body and its taken everywhere you go, they get pretty dirty...nappy changing and drawing pictures of them are the favorite hobbies at the moment, so today we spent pretty much doing just that.

Todays artwork

Bank Holiday weekend (Sunday)

2009-05-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

We decided to do the all our excursions in one day and in one place.
My heart was set on a new bike so we got up early to hit the Brick Lane market before it got too busy to push a buggy down the street. And, I found a lovely 'Lady shopper' for £32!! My second bike from the market (1st one I got was when I used to cycle to work, Finsbury park - Soho, everyday, if it wasn't raining, or we were going out or anything else..)

Me and my new bike

Our 2nd stop was Colombia Rd flower market I cant believe I haven't been here until now, its absolutely amazing and the prices really are to die for (I know a little about floristry) I am yet to find out what their quality is like as I couldn't physically carry any more, pushing a buggy and a bike along proved difficult enough. Paul and Mina hanged out at the playground as I forced myself through the ocean of people all looking for plants and fresh cut flowers to wholesale prices.

It took me a good 20 min just to get to the 'end' of the market and back (of course there are loads of shops selling garden furniture, pots and other trade goods but I think those shops will be more enjoyable to visit any other day but Sundays).

Mina loved this 'urban jungle' playground - especially the trampoline!

Now time for a well earned pint after fighting our way through the crowded Brick Lane while Mina has a snooze.

Brick Lane's Wibe bar

Our last stop is V&A's Museum of childhood which is absolutely brilliant! It feels like walking into a Victorian seaside funfair (and you wouldn't think it looking at the red brick building you see from the outside) and of course everything is designed with children (and buggies) in mind. Lifts, ramps, changing room and obviously a crafts area. Two floors of old and new toys in glass cabinets . A gem, for kids and adults alike.

Ground floor, Museum of childhood

Hair of the dog

2009-05-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

Oh boy! Last nights celebration was done in a true walpurgis fashion. Today you have to pay the price and there is no lie-in to be had either with a toddler in the house. We're off out tonight and have a baby sitter for the 1st time in AGES and the house is a total mess so I have to get the house in order before me and Mina is off to Shoreditch House to meet with Charlotte and Mya and for me to have a glass of wine....

Photo of the day

I finally get my glass of wine and some lovely pizza too

Happy Walpurgis eve

2009-04-30T02:55:00.000-07:00

It is Walpurgis eve today! I had completely forgotten (very unusual for me to forget an opportunity to celebrate ANY Swedish tradition). Is this celebrated in Britain, and are we were off on May-day.? Of course not. Every holiday has to be on a Monday in this country.

I was surprised to find that Paul had decided to celebrate asparagus season today, so we put our two traditions together and had a fantastic meal with fresh asparagus, salmon and the swedish contribution of our homemade flavored vodka.

Sweet sweet wednesday

2009-04-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Today has been chocolate day. Yes from breakfast to tea. Started off with a cupcake for second breakfast (morning fika to you swedish lot) at this lovely children's cafe then topped up with a bag of maltesers in the park after lunch after have chased off some teenagers playing football in the enclosed children's area. And yes, the sun is back,! Then at my make-up course this evening there was a big box of Cadbury roses in which I couldn't keep my hands of f (I even pinched a few for an after dinner treat)

Photo of the day

Staying absolutely very much in (aka Lola speach)

2009-04-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

So we're having a day indoors. Its typical English April weather, rainy, cold and grey. We've been a bit spoilt over the past week with temperatures in high teen and low twenties so you sometimes forget you live in the UK but this month and all its rain is after all referred to as April showers so expect more rain to come. Mina helped cooking lunch and baking bread and watched only a little bit of Charlie and Lola before bed.

Photo of the day

Mina is making sure baby has a healthy snack (unlike Ms Salt)

Breakfast in the garden

2009-04-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

Such a lovely morning. Just had to eat outside in the garden.

Pick-nick in the supermarket

2009-04-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

What a great family day out! The Lime children's centre celebrated its 1st birthday. Mina had her 1st face paint and so did I (matching butterfly's) she was very determined and sat absolutely still all the way through.

We all got a bit carried away so Mina ended up having her dinner in the shopping trolly....Worked out well tho as Mina was busy eating we could actually get some shopping done without any wants, wants, wants. No need for pudding as we won a cake on a raffle ticket (think that was the first time too).

Photo of the day

Florist interview

2009-04-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

Walking up and down the local market while waiting for my flower pictures to be develop. I have a interview at a west end florist. I am quite confident. I did after all call up a second time (after I cocked it up in yesterdays phone conversation) to convince them I had what it takes.

Fingers X:ed!

Photo of the day

At London Zoo with Sofia and Chanel.

Mina announces the new budget. Help us...

Spider's outside adventure

2009-04-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Not sure if this is a good idea, this going outside business, its only the 2nd time I'm outside and I not sure I'm brave enough...

ahhh, oh yes that does smell lovely, I think I'll stay just outside the door for a few more minutes...

Who said Walthamstow isn't green

2009-04-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

I love finding new green spaces. Spent most of the day in the park with Mina. Not complaining still April and 21 degrees. Or is this the summer? as mentioned on BBC 6 breakfast show this am.

Photo of the day

Outside the William Morris Museum in Lloyds Park, E17

Time for the Times

2009-04-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, not often I get the time to finish the sunday paper before the end of the week (with all the boring chores of a mum peering over your shoulder; washing up, washing, tidying, cooking, washing up...)

Photo of the day

This is such a fantastic playground, and in Leyton of all places!

Skelton Lane E17, next to Brooks farm.

Planting party and kiddie crack

2009-04-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

Over at a friends garden for a planting party (and a late easter hunt). Think us grown-ups were a little more interested in the planting than the kids. Mina got her hands on a chocolate egg, her first taste of chocolate...MORE!! Is this the end of rice cakes and carrot sticks?

Photo of the day

Took this on the way home from the party.

His one tooth is bigger than my hand....so glad they are not walking the streets.

A fresh start

2009-04-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Ok,hands up I've been rubbish at this but this time I WILL be consistent in my blogging!

Watch out for regular updates on the battle of motherhood, frugal living and seasonal inspiration.

Photo of the day

A day at the zoo. We are now 'ZSL Friends'! Can come here as often as we want for free - Who ho! Took some persuading to leave the carrousel to go and see the real animals tho.