Envy, Not The WORST Deadly Sin...

Of all the deadly sins, I think I struggle the most with envy. Although what I envy could also fall into the lust and/or greed category as well. I am sure you know where I am going with this. These Miss Clichy boots are topping my Envy List right now. They are perfect for the Fall '10 version of me!



P.S. I think wrath and sloth are WAAAAAYYY worse.

Mac'd Out.

I did it! I bought a new Mac and I LOOOOVE it. It is so pretty and white and fast. I was very concered that it would be very frustrating to learn and switch from PC to an Apple, but it was so easy. Plus, I look so much cooler at my meetings at United Bakeries and Kaffebrenneriet. You know I do. I just want to keep learning and keep up with technology. No one wants to be the old lady at the office who doesn't know how to send an email or use her phone!

Now the Mac just needs a name...

Elements of Style

I love to read other blogs. I have about 20 that I follow on a daily basis and several that I check up on periodically. Most of my favorites are American, but there are so many more internationals to discover. Don't worry as I unturn them i will pass along the info! This girl is one of my favorite blogger: Erin Gates of Boston, MA. She is an interior designer and blogs DAILY. Amazing. I can barely pull it together twice a week. I love some of the pieces she finds and some of her "designer crushes". And we share our passion for a bit of animal in every room. Check her out!

www.elementsofstyleblog.com

Here are two shots of her house, just as a little taster:

Need a Holiday!

It has been nice(nicer) weather recently, but I am dreaming of a trip to the sun and the sand. My sister is finalizing her wedding plans and honeymoon destination. So, if I were planning another one this might be where I was off to this week...

Matangi Private Island Resort, Fiji, absolutely ridiculous. Where can I sign up? This serene beach looks so private, warm and sunny.

Here are my chairs, waiting for me seaside:

And here is the romantic, perfectly lit waterside dining. My bags are half packed...


It looks almost as fabulous as Mirihi, where we spent our real honeymoon. Highly recommended if you are into luxury, relaxation, sun and sand. Not sure if you like that kind of thing ;-).

Only a few more weeks and I am off to the beaches of LA!

Love, this!

Just a quick note about fabulous invitations: a brilliant calligrapher is a must it can add even more style to the guest's first impression. They can be hard to find and add a little expense to the overall cost, but oh the difference it makes! This calligrapher Love,Jenna is based in New York, but will do special projects! I would love to have an excuse to work with her!

Center of Attention

Simple, chic arrangements can add everything to a table. I love some of these for all different types of events and table arrangements for your summer soirée.
These small, compact bouquets are perfect for small groups or long tables filled with candles.


























These arrangements are perfect for larger groups or when you just cannot decide on your favorite flower! You can also do this with variations of color. I especially love the three vases for each table.


























These two ideas are perfect for adding some color and saving on cost. You can find some great vases in all colors and then use a flower that is is season- a great way to get some pink in a Winter wedding for example! I especially love the decorated vases, easily could be made with some fancy paper.


























These simple arrangements are perfect so your guests can chat away but you get height and design through out the room. Love these!


























Finally, these are gorgeous arrangements for an outdoor soirée! The hortensia/ hydrangea is simple and can be saved for ages. The tulips are the perfect summer flower and these shabby chic vases make them look even flawless.



























All images from theknot.com

Glam Gal's Gala

Last year I was sitting at the Carlyle Hotel's Bemelman's Bar with my best friend, we could not resist a peak at the exclusive crowd in fancy frocks sneaking at quick drink before the fashion party of the year: The Met's Costume Institute Gala. This year, I am looking achingly from afar at pictures online. But, I am still enjoying (and not enjoying) some of the choices!

The Costume Institute Gala is the creme de la creme of the fashion world and their guests. Since the theme was "Model as a Muse", most of the designers were escorted by lanky goregous women.

I thought some of the stunners were Heidi Klum (of course), Ivanka Trump, Marion Cotillard, Eva Herzigova and Gisele Bundchen. There were so many glam gals in perfect party dresses! Check it out on style.com for yourself, click the photo below.

Image from fabsuar(dot)com

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo. Possibly one of the best holidays ever, even though it seems like it is more celebrated in the US than Mexico. Coming from Southern California, this was always a holiday we "observed" in school. We learned the Mexican Hat Dance, ate tacos, chips and salsa. Later it turned into another reason to have a party, eat tacos, chips and salsa and drink Corona. Norwegians have never heard of this "holiday". I feel so sorry for them. So in rememberance of the Battle of Puebla here are some ideas for hosting your own Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.

Color is a necessity for your fiesta. Think bright: teal, pink, lime green, yellow, orange! You can send invitations on a blank piece of paper in one of these colors and with an envelope in another color. Mix-and- match for all of your guests.



CRASH COURSE IN MARGARITAS: The perfect marg is not from the mix. To make a high quality margarita you need high quality tequila, try Tequila Corralejo Blanco (355 NOK). It won the Gold Medal last year in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition! Here is a recipe for margaritas to serve 8: 355 ml tequila, 120 ml triple sec or Cointreau and 235 ml of lime juice. This is the perfect true margarita. Mix and serve with ice. You can also toss it all in the blender for the frozen version.

The perfect blend for this casual fiesta is some easy, fuss-free food. Think Mexican tapas: soft tacos, homemade salsa and guacamole, and super cheesy quesadillas.

Quacamole to die for:
3 medium avocados, mashed
2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
64 grams diced onion
3 Tablespoons minced corinader/cilantro
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 small jalapeno seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

Combine everything and season to taste! Cover and let sit at least 30 min before serving.

Chicken Tacos from scratch!:
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon chile powder
1 clove garlic, minced
1 kg chicken breasts, cut into thin strips.
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Combine lemon juice, chile powder, garlic in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Add chicken and throughly coat with the sauce. Let marinate for 1 hour in refrigerate. Heat the oil in a skillet and saute chicken until cooked. Serve with cheese, shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sliced jalapenos and lime.

Cilantro-Lime Rice (for a little something on the side):
450 ml rice
120 ml chopped cilantro
60 ml fresh lime juice
2 tsp lime zest
salt

Cook rice with normal directions. Place cooked rice in a bowl. Toss with all and season with salt to taste. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

And of course some dessert :)

Mexican Chocolate Cake
2 packages of American brownie mix
225 ml vegetable oil
6 eggs
2 tbsp instant coffee
225 ml dark chocolate chips
3 tbsp coffee-flavored liquer (Kahlua)

icing: 550 ml cold cream
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
100 ml candy confetti

Heat oven to 175 C. Grease two round cake pans. Mix brownie mix, oil, eggs, coffee and 60ml water. Stir in chocolate chips. Divide batter into two pans. Bake until cooked through (35-40 minutes). Place on a wire rack to completely cool. Slice cool cakes in half horizontally and brush with coffee liqueur.
Beat cream in a chilled bowl for 1-2 minutes, add sugar and vanilla. Continue to beat until whipped cream. Place one layer on cake platter, spread with icing. Repeat with all layers. Frost all sides when finished. Chill for 30 minutes, sprinkle with candy!

Enjoy the margaritas and Cinco de Mayo!