On June 28, 1682 Dom Pierre Perignon, a Benedictine monk and cellar master of Abbey of Hautviliers invented Champagne.
He was the first to blend grapes in such a way as to improve the quality of wines and deal with a number of their imperfections. Dom Pierre Perignon also introduced corks, which were fastened to bottles with hemp string soaked in oil in order to keep the wines fresh and sparkling, and used thicker glass in order to strengthen the bottles which were prone to explode at that time.
So happy belated birthday Champagne! And a really big cheers!
June 29, 2010
June 27, 2010
Summer clothes
Since the warm weather finally has arrived it was time to go through the closet and see what summer clothes I actually have. I've been dreading doing it since the long and cold winter hasn't been very good to me weight wise. And yes I was right. Many things were tight already last summer so now they didn't fit at all. I'm very sad to say that I do not have any skirts at all that fit. I could probably use one or two of them if I really have to and cover up the tight waist with a big top.
Just for the fun of it I tired on a dress I bought especially for a date in London 4 years ago. Couldn't zip it up all which was a bit depressing, but since since the dress has been too small the last two years I could live with it. What got me thinking though was that I remember buying that dress and thinking that I was big since it was size 12. Hm, since when is size 12 big?!
The only summer dress that fit me was an old one from the time before I lost all my weight (which after 6 years I have now gained back). I'm not really sure why I've kept it all these years, probably because I loved it and still does. Also I love the way makes me feel wearing it. Slim and somewhat sexy.
So yes I'm back where I started 8 years ago and spent 2 long years taking off. Sad, but true. Ready to do it again? Not sure, even though writing this post and going through my closet probably have planted some sort of seed in my brain saying that it's time. You've done it before, you can do it again.
Just for the fun of it I tired on a dress I bought especially for a date in London 4 years ago. Couldn't zip it up all which was a bit depressing, but since since the dress has been too small the last two years I could live with it. What got me thinking though was that I remember buying that dress and thinking that I was big since it was size 12. Hm, since when is size 12 big?!
The only summer dress that fit me was an old one from the time before I lost all my weight (which after 6 years I have now gained back). I'm not really sure why I've kept it all these years, probably because I loved it and still does. Also I love the way makes me feel wearing it. Slim and somewhat sexy.
So yes I'm back where I started 8 years ago and spent 2 long years taking off. Sad, but true. Ready to do it again? Not sure, even though writing this post and going through my closet probably have planted some sort of seed in my brain saying that it's time. You've done it before, you can do it again.
June 25, 2010
Happy Midsummer!
It's Midsummer today in Sweden. The ultimate celebration of summer and the long light days. It's also a day with lots of tradition and musts. A bit like New Year's Eve and being a hardcore single gal it can sometimes be difficult. It's day for the family.
Over the years I've tired to create my own traditions with going to Paris or London far way from everything or I've stayed home reading all day and making myself a fab supper in the evening. With mum and stepfather back in town it's now back to the more traditional celebrating. Fresh potatoes, pickled herring with beer and schnapps and for desert fresh strawberries. Totally OK, but I can't say it's very exciting. But on the other hand I'm not sure if I want it to be excitng, I mean that is really the reason why I've opted out so many times before.
Anyhow, it's always nice with a 3-day weekend and the sun is shining so what else should I ask for?! So Happy Midsummer everybody!
Over the years I've tired to create my own traditions with going to Paris or London far way from everything or I've stayed home reading all day and making myself a fab supper in the evening. With mum and stepfather back in town it's now back to the more traditional celebrating. Fresh potatoes, pickled herring with beer and schnapps and for desert fresh strawberries. Totally OK, but I can't say it's very exciting. But on the other hand I'm not sure if I want it to be excitng, I mean that is really the reason why I've opted out so many times before.
Anyhow, it's always nice with a 3-day weekend and the sun is shining so what else should I ask for?! So Happy Midsummer everybody!
June 22, 2010
Sex and the City 2
Some girlfriends and I went to see Sex and the City 2 last week. A fun evening out with both food and cosmos as well.
The movie wasn't as bad as the critics say, but definitely not as good as the first one. (That is usually the case with a squeal) Still for more than 2 hours we got to see glitz and glamour en masse and escaped from the real world. I know that in my world I will never be wearing haute couture, living in the perfect flat on Park Avenue or jet off Abu Dhabi, and that is what's great about the movie. We get a peak of something that most of us will never have. A bit like reading a glossy magazine. You enjoy reading it for the moment and than you forget about it.
I have to admit though that the synopsis was rather poor from time to time, the clichés were many and some of the lines rather ridiculous but still I can't say it was a bad movie. It was Sex and the City and what most of us women have learnt to love and enjoy over the years.
And for me there was also of course Mr Big...
The movie wasn't as bad as the critics say, but definitely not as good as the first one. (That is usually the case with a squeal) Still for more than 2 hours we got to see glitz and glamour en masse and escaped from the real world. I know that in my world I will never be wearing haute couture, living in the perfect flat on Park Avenue or jet off Abu Dhabi, and that is what's great about the movie. We get a peak of something that most of us will never have. A bit like reading a glossy magazine. You enjoy reading it for the moment and than you forget about it.
I have to admit though that the synopsis was rather poor from time to time, the clichés were many and some of the lines rather ridiculous but still I can't say it was a bad movie. It was Sex and the City and what most of us women have learnt to love and enjoy over the years.
And for me there was also of course Mr Big...
June 20, 2010
A Royal Wedding
The Swedish Crown-Princess Victoria finally got her prince yesterday. Daniel Westling who she met at the gym 8 years ago and people were rather reluctant to in the beginning. A personal trainer?! Well, the sports geek and PT has gone through quite a transformation and as of yesterday afternoon he is now HRH Prince Daniel, married to the Crown-Princess of Sweden.
The media frenzy had of course been totally crazy and until yesterday I had done my best to avoid it all. My plan for yesterday was even that I was going to do things around the house with the TV on and give it a glance or two when passing by. O boy was I wrong, or what?! I turned on the TV around 15 and got totally sucked in by watching all the European Royalties arriving and checking out what the Swedish MP were wearing (some stuff were real hideous).
When the Queen, Prince, Princess and Groom arrived I was glued to the TV. No way I was going to iron or tidy up. And then she came along with her father the King. Oh my God, she was so beautiful and totally glowing. When she and her soon-to-be husband walked the last bit to the alter I started crying. Having read comments on both Facebook and Twitter I was not the only crying. So beautiful and just like a in a fairytale. When then one of Sweden's most recognised singers started to sing a song which in normal circumstances would have been a rather cheesy love song I cried like a baby. The couple were just glowing and you could tell how much they are in love.
While the newly-weds travelled through Stockholm in an open carriage and on the Royal Sloop to the Palace I managed to start making dinner running back and forth to the TV. Quite amazingly Swedish Television had got permission to broadcast the dinner, the speeches, the cutting of the cake and the wedding waltz. Something pretty unique. They were not allowed to show when they were eating, but the food arriving and leaving.
The King was first out speaking and he got very personal starting with wishing the Queen happy anniversary and giving her a rose since it was their 34th wedding anniversary. The Queen thanked him with kissing him on the cheek which is very rare. Next one to speak was the Father of Groom and I think we all felt rather sorry for thinking about the audience. Giving a speech on your son's wedding can be difficult enough without kings and queens from all over the world listening. But he did a great and you could tell he was used to speak in public. Finally it was time for the Groom to speak, and what a speech it was. Both in English and Swedish he spoke about what an amazing woman the Crown-Princess was and how she had transformed the frog into a prince. He ended with saying that the greatest of all is love and that he loved his new wife so much. Again I was crying and people at the dinner actually gave him standing ovations. Quite amazing!
The 3, 30 m tall wedding cake was cut about midnight and than the dance began. The couple looked marvellous on the dance floor and soon after the King and Queen entered the floor as well. Them dancing in public has never happened before so it was a bit of a historical moment. The broadcast ended with most of the Royalties dancing and according to media the party went on until about 6 o'clock this morning. That's what I call a wedding!
Talking to friends and family today I think we all got very taken with the wedding and showing of emotions in public, but most of all that couple looked so much in love and simply were glowing throughout the day.
The media frenzy had of course been totally crazy and until yesterday I had done my best to avoid it all. My plan for yesterday was even that I was going to do things around the house with the TV on and give it a glance or two when passing by. O boy was I wrong, or what?! I turned on the TV around 15 and got totally sucked in by watching all the European Royalties arriving and checking out what the Swedish MP were wearing (some stuff were real hideous).
When the Queen, Prince, Princess and Groom arrived I was glued to the TV. No way I was going to iron or tidy up. And then she came along with her father the King. Oh my God, she was so beautiful and totally glowing. When she and her soon-to-be husband walked the last bit to the alter I started crying. Having read comments on both Facebook and Twitter I was not the only crying. So beautiful and just like a in a fairytale. When then one of Sweden's most recognised singers started to sing a song which in normal circumstances would have been a rather cheesy love song I cried like a baby. The couple were just glowing and you could tell how much they are in love.
While the newly-weds travelled through Stockholm in an open carriage and on the Royal Sloop to the Palace I managed to start making dinner running back and forth to the TV. Quite amazingly Swedish Television had got permission to broadcast the dinner, the speeches, the cutting of the cake and the wedding waltz. Something pretty unique. They were not allowed to show when they were eating, but the food arriving and leaving.
The King was first out speaking and he got very personal starting with wishing the Queen happy anniversary and giving her a rose since it was their 34th wedding anniversary. The Queen thanked him with kissing him on the cheek which is very rare. Next one to speak was the Father of Groom and I think we all felt rather sorry for thinking about the audience. Giving a speech on your son's wedding can be difficult enough without kings and queens from all over the world listening. But he did a great and you could tell he was used to speak in public. Finally it was time for the Groom to speak, and what a speech it was. Both in English and Swedish he spoke about what an amazing woman the Crown-Princess was and how she had transformed the frog into a prince. He ended with saying that the greatest of all is love and that he loved his new wife so much. Again I was crying and people at the dinner actually gave him standing ovations. Quite amazing!
The 3, 30 m tall wedding cake was cut about midnight and than the dance began. The couple looked marvellous on the dance floor and soon after the King and Queen entered the floor as well. Them dancing in public has never happened before so it was a bit of a historical moment. The broadcast ended with most of the Royalties dancing and according to media the party went on until about 6 o'clock this morning. That's what I call a wedding!
Talking to friends and family today I think we all got very taken with the wedding and showing of emotions in public, but most of all that couple looked so much in love and simply were glowing throughout the day.
June 17, 2010
Monster cupcakes
Here's my favourite monster in a new shape and form. Rather cool I have to say. Makes me want to have coooookies... And cupcakes.
June 15, 2010
To read is to relax
I finally took the time to read on my flight to London last week. Back in the days when I went to Paris more or less every or every other week I read from the minute I sat down until we landed. Arriving with clear and refreshed mind after having been lost in a book for the last two hours. Now when going to London I sit down and immediately my mind start racing about things I need to do. From time to time I also have company when going to London which probably is the major reason why I don't read.
This time I was alone and going out already on Tuesday night I decided to read. Being bumped up to business class because of the late change I also got some food and wine. Something that probably made the experience even nicer... But the best thing, which I had forgotten all about what, was that I felt so relaxed arriving at the airport. A long queue at customs or the bags taking forever to arrive didn't bather me at all. I think I spent the whole evening with a smile on face just feeling good.
I did the same thing going home. Traffic was a nightmare going to Paddington and I just made it through security before it was time to board. Talk about feeling stressed. Then finally onboard I brought out my book and voila five minutes later I was deep into the story and could almost feel the stress melting away.
So big note to self – Remember to read. To read is to relax
This time I was alone and going out already on Tuesday night I decided to read. Being bumped up to business class because of the late change I also got some food and wine. Something that probably made the experience even nicer... But the best thing, which I had forgotten all about what, was that I felt so relaxed arriving at the airport. A long queue at customs or the bags taking forever to arrive didn't bather me at all. I think I spent the whole evening with a smile on face just feeling good.
I did the same thing going home. Traffic was a nightmare going to Paddington and I just made it through security before it was time to board. Talk about feeling stressed. Then finally onboard I brought out my book and voila five minutes later I was deep into the story and could almost feel the stress melting away.
So big note to self – Remember to read. To read is to relax
June 13, 2010
World Cup
The football World Cup started on Friday and yes I'm watching. A bit disappointed that Sweden didn't make it for the first time since the late 80's, but on the other hand I can now cheer for a new team every night.
Tonight I'm cheering for Australia even though I have feeling they will lose to Germany. Germany is a machine and have won the World Cup three times. Australia not so many. Sorry all Aussie friends...
So who will win? Haven't got a clue, but I'm pretty sure Germany, Brazil will be along the top teams. Maybe South Korea, Netherlands and USA as well .We will see in a month if I was right or not.
Tonight I'm cheering for Australia even though I have feeling they will lose to Germany. Germany is a machine and have won the World Cup three times. Australia not so many. Sorry all Aussie friends...
So who will win? Haven't got a clue, but I'm pretty sure Germany, Brazil will be along the top teams. Maybe South Korea, Netherlands and USA as well .We will see in a month if I was right or not.
June 10, 2010
Short trip to London
Arrived on Tuessday night because of a threathening pilot strike for Wednedsay morning and leaving later tonight. All in all about 48 hours in my favourite city. Most of them have been work related unfortunately, but I did managed to visit the Apple Store on Regent Street for some new earphones for my iPod and spend a fortune at Rigby & Peller.
Luxury lingerie has lately become one of my downfalls (along with handbags and shoes). Blessed with a big chest it's hard work to find brands that are both comfortable and make you feel good about yourself. There are a couple of stores at home, but I love going to Rigby & Peller as their range is so much larger. Also it's rather nice to say you buy your lingerie at the same shop as the Queen.
Luxury lingerie has lately become one of my downfalls (along with handbags and shoes). Blessed with a big chest it's hard work to find brands that are both comfortable and make you feel good about yourself. There are a couple of stores at home, but I love going to Rigby & Peller as their range is so much larger. Also it's rather nice to say you buy your lingerie at the same shop as the Queen.
June 08, 2010
A vintage affair
Over the weekend I finished reading A vintage affair by Isabel Wolff. For the last couple of years I've haven't read that much chick lit since I find it rather silly to be honest. It's always the same plot and same character, only different authors. From time to time though I still give it a try though, especially if the plot sounds interesting and different. A vintage affair was just like that. A cute feel good book with a different setting and plot where the heroin actually stood up for herself.
Phoebe has just opened her own vintage shop in Blackheath. Very soon she comes in contact with Mrs Bell, an old lady who's selling all of her vintage wardrobe besides a blue coat. The blue coat has a very special and moving story which Mrs Bell piece by piece tells Phoebe. Phoebe, still only in her early 30's, has also a story to tell and together the two women help each other to let go of the past, find redemption and new beginnings.
It's a sweet and sometimes moving story that for a couple of hours give you wonderful world to escape to. A typical Sunday afternoon read on the sofa together with some tea and biscuits or chocolates.
Phoebe has just opened her own vintage shop in Blackheath. Very soon she comes in contact with Mrs Bell, an old lady who's selling all of her vintage wardrobe besides a blue coat. The blue coat has a very special and moving story which Mrs Bell piece by piece tells Phoebe. Phoebe, still only in her early 30's, has also a story to tell and together the two women help each other to let go of the past, find redemption and new beginnings.
It's a sweet and sometimes moving story that for a couple of hours give you wonderful world to escape to. A typical Sunday afternoon read on the sofa together with some tea and biscuits or chocolates.
June 06, 2010
National Day
Today is Sweden's National day, i.e. our 4th of July or Bastille Day, and we should all be out there celebrating, but we are not. The day has only been a public holiday for the last 5 years and today when it falls on a Sunday there is no different feel to the day at all. Most people are still off anyway.
So why don't we celebrate, wave flags and look at parades? I really don't know but I guess since we have been one country for so long and not in a war since the 1750's we take things for granted. That is on the other hand a great reason to celebrate, but no we don't do that. Sweden is after all the the land of lagom (not too much and not too little, just somewhere in the middle – lagom)
Despite my sometime bad attitude towards Sweden I was born and raised here and have more or less lived here all my life, and I do love my country. It's home and I'm proud of being Swedish. It's a beautiful place and we have come up with some real smart things during the years, and some things not so smart.... Just like any other country.
So happy 6th of June!
So why don't we celebrate, wave flags and look at parades? I really don't know but I guess since we have been one country for so long and not in a war since the 1750's we take things for granted. That is on the other hand a great reason to celebrate, but no we don't do that. Sweden is after all the the land of lagom (not too much and not too little, just somewhere in the middle – lagom)
Despite my sometime bad attitude towards Sweden I was born and raised here and have more or less lived here all my life, and I do love my country. It's home and I'm proud of being Swedish. It's a beautiful place and we have come up with some real smart things during the years, and some things not so smart.... Just like any other country.
So happy 6th of June!
June 03, 2010
Quote of the day
I'd rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate
~ George Burns ~
~ George Burns ~
June 01, 2010
Tweet up
On Thursday last week I went my first ever tweet up, i.e. I met with people that I usually follow and talk to via Twitter in real life. The time was a bit early (3 o'clock in the afternoon) but about 10 of us showed up at Göteborgs Vinkällare where we had a glass of Crémant, some cheese and talked. It's always interesting to see the person hiding behind that a tiny photo, a handle and only communicate with a maximum of 140 characters each time
Two hours late we all knew a lot more about each other and said we had to do it again soon. It was fun and definitely a new way to meet new people and to network.
Two hours late we all knew a lot more about each other and said we had to do it again soon. It was fun and definitely a new way to meet new people and to network.
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