La Boîte de Pandoras

2012-02-12T11:04:00.003+01:00

I just wanted to let you sweethearts know that I've created two new tumblrs. Even though I have a few entries planned for this blog, I rarely have the time to actually write them. Tumblr is a place for more simple entries, so I'm abit more active there. So, beside the more "personal" tumblr, which you can find a link to on the righthand side of the screen, I've created two other tumblrs. One is for movie and tv costumes while the other is primarily for catwalk fashion:

(the pictures are linked)

The perfect score...

2012-01-11T23:59:00.000+01:00

I'm making a summary of books, movies and tv-series read and watched in 2011. It takes a while, and even though I don't think it's any interest of yours, it is a great way for me to keep track of the year (and an excuse to make a list, which must be one of my favorite pastimes!)

In the meantime, I would like to start posting some of my favorite soundtracks. I'm a huge fan of composed soundtracks, both in movies and tv-series, and I especially love hearing instruments like the violin, cello, piano, harp and bagpipes in music. I would love to reccommend some records and composers for you, and I'm going to start this series with a list of some of my favorite music composed for tv-series. This does not necessarily include a series' theme song/opening credits or all my favorite series (if you would like to hear and see more of that, you can take a look at the list a made of tv-series here, here and here, a list I would like to continue some other day)

~~*~~

Jeff Beal ~ Carnivale

Trevor Morris ~ the Pillars of the Earth

Trevor Moris ~ The Borgias

Trevor Morris ~ The Tudors

Martin Phipps ~ The Virgin Queen
(with Mediaeval Baebes)

David Arnold ~ Sherlock

John Lunn and Don Black ~ Downton Abbey

Rob Lane ~ John Adams

Michael Kamen ~ Band of Brothers

Ramin Djawadi ~ Game of Thrones

(Oh, and I do have to add that I really like the score for Hell on Wheels, but I just could not find it anywhere)

Are there any of these you particularly like?
Do you have any recommendations of music composed for tv-series?

2012-01-03T23:36:00.002+01:00

Happy new year, lovelies! I hope you all had a nice christmas and new years eve. I've had a lovely time with my family and old friends, read some good books and played zelda. Look at all the beautifull books I received this christmas:

2011-12-24T17:15:00.003+01:00

I just want to wish you all a happy holiday or a merry and wonderful yuletide.

2011-12-16T22:49:00.004+01:00

No matter how busy I am, I always make time to create my own christmas card. So, without further ado, here are this year's cards:

2011-11-30T23:34:00.003+01:00

It is the second day of Advent, and it could not feel less like winter. The sun is shining, the wind has stopped shaking all the trees, and it feels alot more like spring than anything else. The sweet and creative Nilenna has desided to bring some christmas spirit into our lifes, and with her magic book she will each day pick a person to win one of her lovely gifts. I had planned to introduce one christmas movie each day as a small advent calendar on this blog, but since I'm busy with school and work (as usual) this has to wait until another year. Instead, I would like to join in on somebody elses calendar instead. Maybe it will feel abit more like christmas?

(click on the picture to visit the lovely Nilenna and to read about her calendar)

Great Lovers #1

2011-11-28T01:00:00.001+01:00

Paolo and Francesca
(13th century)
Francesca da Rimini was the daughter of the Lord of Ravenna, Guido da Polenta, in the second half of the 13th century. She was married off to Giovanni Malatesta, son of the Lord of Rimini to seal the peace between the two families. Because of Giovanni's deformity, Guido was affraid that Francesca would refuse him, so they deceived Francesca by arranging a proxy marriage with Giovanni's handsome brother, Paolo. She was unaware of this until the morning after, and then it was too late. Francesca and Paolo had fallen in love and soon became lovers. It all came to an abrupt end when Giovanni found them out, returnt secretly to Rimini and to Francesca's room. Paolo tried to escape but was caught by his jacket on a piece of metal in the trapdoor. Giovanni ran to kill him, with a rapier in his hand, but Francesca ran between them and caught the blade in her bosom.

The tale of Paolo and Francesca is mentioned in one of my favorite cantos of Dante's Divine Comedy. In Infero, Canto 5, The lovers are placed in the second circle of Dante's inferno, where lustful sinners are being punished. According to the Divine Comedy, Paolo and Francesca had read the story of Lancelot and Guinevere, were seduced by it and then became lovers. Other famous lovers, like Dido (lover of Aeneas), Cleopatra (lover of Mark Antony and Julius Ceasar), Helen and Paris, Achilles (lover of Polyxena) and Tristan (lover of Isolde), are also mentioned in the same canto.

As soon as the gust curved them near to us,
I raised my voice to them, "O wind-worn sould,
Come speak to us if it is not forbidden."

Just as the doves when homing instinct calls them
To their sweet nest, on steadily lifted wings
Glide through the air, guided by their longing,

So those souls left the covey where Dido lies,
Moving toward us through the malignant air,
So strong was the loving-kindness in my cry.

"O, mortal man, gracious and tenderhearted,
Who through the somber air come to visit
The two of us who stained the earth with blood,

"If the king of the universe were our friend,
we would then pray to him to bring you peace,
Since you show pity for our wretched plight.

Gustave Doré: Paolo and Fransesca da Rimini (19th century)

Anselm Feuerbach: Paolo and Fracesca (19th century)

Gustave Doré: Paolo and Francesca (19th century)

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres: Paolo and Francesca (1819)

Marie-Philippe Coupin de la Couperi: The Tragic Love of Francesca da Rimini (1812)

George Frederic Watts: Paolo and Francesca (1872-84)

Gustave Doré: Paolo Kissing Francesca (1890)

Gaetano Previati: Paolo and Francesca

Louis Rubio: Pablo and Francesca (19th century)

Alexandre Cabanel: The Death of Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta (1870)

Ary Scheffer: Fracesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta appraised by Dante and Vergil (1854)

William Dyce: Paolo and Francesca (19th century)

Sir Frank Dicksee: Paolo and Francesca (1894)

2011-11-23T10:38:00.001+01:00

Even though I still have about three weeks left until my last exam, and even though I'm working most days this christmas, I've already planned which books I would like to read inbetween my working hours. Which books will you read this christmas?

I hope I will have the time to read:

Peter S Beagle ~ The Last Unicorn
(1968)
"The unicorn herself seems to glow, but there is something troubling her. Is she really the last? She goes on a quest to find the others, with a magician and a woman. Will the quest be successful? Or will the unicorn be trapped with the others?

Ransom Riggs ~ Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
(2011)
"A horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the clumbling ruins of Miss Perengrine's Home fro Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedroom and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here were more than just peculiar"

Erin Morgenstern ~ The Night Circus
(2011)
"The circus arrives without warning. It is simply there. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rives, and it is only ope at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway - a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhoon for this purpose by their mercurial instructors."

John Le Carré ~ Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
(1974)
"It has now beyond doubt that a mole, implanted decades ago by Moscow Centre, has burrowed his way into the highest echelons of British Inteligence. His treachery has already blown some of its most vital operations and its best networks. It is clear that the double agent is one of its own kind. But which one? George Smiley is assigned to identify him. And once identified, the traitor must be destroyed."

Patricia A McKillip ~ The Bards of Bone Plain
(2010)
"Scholar Phelan Cle is researching Bone-Plain, which has been studied for the last 500 years, though no one has been able to locate it as a real place. Archaeologist Jonah Cle, Phelan's father, is also hunting through time, piercing history together from forgotten trinkets. His most eager disciple is Princess Beatrice, the king's youngest daughter. When they unearth a disk market with ancient runes, Beatrice pursues the secrets of a lost language that she suddently notices all around her, hidden in plain sight."

William Boyd ~ Any Human Heart
(2002)
"Logan Mountstuart's long life is both ordinary and extraordinary. A writer, a spy and later an art dealer, Logan mixes with the men and women who shaped the twentieth century. But he is also a son, a husband and a lover, and he makes the same mistakes we all do in his search for happiness."

George R R Martin ~ A Feast for Crows
(2005)
"After centuries of bitter strife and fatal treachery, the seven powers dividing the land have decimated one another into an uneasy truce. Or so it appears... But as in the aftermath of any climatic struggle, it is not long before the survivors, outlaws, renegades, and carrion eaters start to gather, picking over the bones of the dead and fighting for the spoils of the soon-to-be dead."

William Goldman ~ The Princess Bride
(1973)
"Beautiful, flaxen-haired Buttercup has fallen for Westley, the farm boy, and when he departs to make his forune, she vows never to love another. So when she hears that his ship has been captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts - who never leavs survivors - her heart is broken"

William Shakespeare ~ The Complete Works
Planning to read some of the plays I haven't read yet.

Ian McEwan ~ The Child in Time
(1987)
"Stephen Lewis, a successful author of children's books, takes his three-year-old daughter on a routine Saturday morning to trip to the supermarket. While waiting in line, his attention is distracted and his daughter is kidnapped."

Have you read any of these books?

(descriptions from bookdepository and shelfari)

... "The old ways are lost", you sang as you flew, and I wondered why

2011-11-17T00:35:00.005+01:00

Two weeks and four days until my first exam. The last month has been pretty hard with some really bad news. Still, I'm not here to share the negative news, but some positive news instead.
On the 5th of April I'm going to fulfill a dream of mine. I'm going to see and hear one of the greatest artist on this planet, an artist I've dreamt of seeing perform since I was 12 years old.

(Here are some previous written entries about her)

2011-10-28T22:51:00.006+02:00

Vera-Ellen

Gloria Saunders

Veronika Lake

Nancy Caroll

Virginia Wells

Yvonne de Carlo

Nancy Caroll

Nancy Caroll

Martha Vickers

Joan Crawford

Grace Bradley

Etchika Choureau

Lillian Wells

Betty Grable

Ava Gardner

Adele Jergens

Dusty Anderson

Betty Grable

Clara Bow

Horror month

2011-10-26T00:21:00.000+02:00

(each movie is linked to imdb)
(I can't remember where I got these pictures, so let me know if you want me to remove them)

I would really like to celebrate Samhain with someone, but since I ususally work or are occupied in Oslo around that time, I celebrate Halloween in the more commercial way by watching old horror movies. Last October I watched the Innocents (1961) and the Shining (1980), and this month I've already watched the Lake of the Dead (1958) and Rosemary's Baby (1968). Next on my list is the Wicker Man (1973), the Birds (1963), Repulsion (1965), Invasion of the Body Snatcher (1956), What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) and the Testament of Dr Mabuse (1933)

Have you seen any of these movies?

Stocking up for winter...

2011-10-09T11:57:00.005+02:00

One of the things I associate with winter is dry skin and dry hair, so I've already stocked up on products to keep my skin and hair mosturized. Today I bought some products on iherb, and I can't wait to try them out:

Jason Natural Apricot Conditioner, Desert Essence Conditioner in Coconut, Shikai Color Reflect Warm Shampoo and Aubrey Organcis Scalp Soothing Shampoo.

Jason Natural Hand and Body Lotion in Rosewater, Nubian Heritage Body Wash in Coconut, Papaya with Vanilla, Desert Essence Oganics Body Care Body Wash in Raspberry.

NutriBiotic Natural Body Foot Powder, Kiss My Face Foot Creme and Scrub

Jason Natural Apricot Scrub, Jason Natural Nourishing Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Creme and Avalon Lavender Facial Cleansing

I only use makeup and hair products that are not tested on animals, but I would love to gradually replace all my beauty products with natural and organic products. The products I bought from iherb are organic, vegan, cruelty free and with no parabens. On top of that they all have smells that can bring me back to the summer on cold winter days. Originally I would love to make my own product and to gradually stop using products on my hair, but that has to wait until I stop using collor on my hair. One step at a time, right? Next step is to replace all my laundry products. If you have any great tips, please let me know!

TV costumes

2011-10-01T23:28:00.011+02:00

I've been abit absent lately, and I guess I will be absent for a few weeks as well. I've got so much on my plate these days, and most of my days are (and will be) spent writing about Langston Hughes' poem The Negro Speaks of Rivers, Celtic and Norse mythology, and structuralist poetics. In the meantime, here are the rest of the stills from The Hour.

The Hour
(2011)
Costume designer: Suzanne Cave
These stills are from episode 4-6, and are taken by me

TV Costumes

2011-09-18T22:53:00.015+02:00

The Hour
(2011)
Costume designer: Suzanne Cave

This BBC series takes place in 1956 when a current affairs show, The Hour, is launched by BBC. It has been compared to Mad Men, and I would say that style- and timewise it does resemble its american counterpart, but that is as far as the comparison goes. This is more like a british mystery, with a film noir wibe. The costumes, which is the focus of this entry, is made by the unknown costume designer Suzanne Cave and is perfect! Here we have high-waistet trousers for men, tweed, wool, browline and cat's eye glasses, hats, high-waisted pencil skirts, full circle and wiggle dresses. What I love is the contrast between the characters of Ben Whishaw and Dominic West, between the older tweed suits and the tailored suits. The contrast between the characters of Romola Garai and Oona Chaplin is also striking, and can be compared to the differences between Joan and Betty in Mad Men.
(These still are from episode 1-3 and are taken by me)

Dublin buys

2011-09-15T14:00:00.000+02:00

A few days too late, but that's how it is when you spend the entire day reading for school. This time I bought a few tops, because I wear the same high wasted shorts and skirts alot, so it's nice to have few tops to mix it up abit. I also like to buy a little thing from each place I've been, so I bought a few souvenirs from the museums we went to. Excuse the terrible pictures.

Dress from Laudry Room

Three tops and one sweater from Topshop

Two tops and a ring from Forever21

Necklace bought in the Museum of Archeology (can't remember the brand)

Calligraphy set and a mirror bought in the Trinity College Library (can't remember the brand)

Retro inspired editorials #8

2011-09-13T19:04:00.008+02:00

Michelle Williams by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue US
(oktober 2011)
I love this photoshoot of Michelle Williams by the wonderfull Annie Leibovitz. Williams is portraying Marilyn Monroe in the upcomming movie My Week with Marilyn, and these photoraphs captures Williams as Monroe perfectly. She is styled by Tonne Goodman and is wearing clothes by Donna Karan, Monique Lhuilier, Michael Kors and Ralph Loren. My favorite picture is the one on the sofa. I love the clothes, and it reminds me of one of my favorite pictures of Marilyn (I really love most pictures of her reading and relaxed). I can't wait to see the movie!
(pictures from vogue.com)

2011-09-13T11:30:00.000+02:00

I came home from Dublin yesterday. It was a lovely trip, but I almost forgot to take any pictures. I love Dublin with its tiny streets, small shops and lovely music. We went to the Museum of Archeology and History, Trinity College Library, St. Stephens Green and an irish music and dance show. Pictures of the things I bought will be posted tomorrow

2011-09-05T21:37:00.001+02:00

I like a look of Agony,
Because I know it's true -
Men do not sham Convulsion,
Nor simulate, a Throe -

The eyes glaze once - and that is Death -
Impossible to feign
The Beads opon the Forehead
By homely Anguish strung.

Emily Dickinson (1862)

Retro inspired catwalk #8

2011-09-02T22:51:00.012+02:00

Ulyana Sergeenko
(fall/winter 2011/2012)

I came across this designer on Nora Alexa's blog some days ago, and I just had to take a closer look at her design. These photographs may not have been taken on a catwalk, but the concept is still the same. I prefer seeing the collection in this setting, and it is only fitting since the designer is a photographer (I would highly recommend you to take a look at her photos). This is her first collection, and she describes the look as "Soviet Vogue in the 1950s". I have to say that I adore the hair, the makeup, the shoes, the colors, and how she has mixed lighter and heavier fabrics. The collection has a retro and edgy feel, while being delicate at the same time. This is something I would love to wear this fall! I had a hard time choosing which looks to show you, so this is almost the entire collection (beside a few pieces that I didn't like). I do think my favorites are no 1, 4, 6, 13, 15, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26 and 28 (in other words: quite many). Which ones are your favorites?
(The pictures have been taken from Fashion Show)

Dublin

2011-09-01T23:14:00.000+02:00

I'm heading to Dublin in a weeks time, and the only thing I know I would love to visit is the Trinity College Library. Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university, founded in 1592 under Elizabth 1. The library was built between 1712 and 1732. It is Ireland's largest research library and is a legal deposit library (which means that they are entitled to a copy of every book published in Great Britain). At the moment it has 5 million books, in addition to manuscripts, serials, maps and printed music. In Trinity Collee Library you can find the Book of Kells, the Book of Durrow, Book of Howth and Brian Boru harp (one of the three surviving medieval Gaelic harps!). So, four good reasons to visit this library!

Other sites I've thought of visiting: The National Museum of Archeology and History, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, National Botanic Gardens and lots of other smaller sites.

Have you been to Dublin? Anything you would recommend me to see?

Inspiration #5

2011-08-27T23:10:00.000+02:00

Sir Frank Dicksee
(1853-1928)
Sir Frank Dicksee is one of my favourite artists. He was a painter and an illustrator in late Victorian England, and has been associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Even though he was not part of the brotherhood, his paintings share some characteristics of the Pre-Raphaelite paintings: intense and rich colors, complex composition and details, and like many of the Pre-Raphaelite painters, he recreated scenes from history, legends and literature in his painting. He also painted many stunning portraits of huntingly beautifull and fashionable women, women who are both sensual and angelic at the same time. He has also illustrated editions of Longfellow's Evangeline, Shakespeare's Othello and Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. I love the movement and fluidity of his painting, the passion and the emotions. Every little piece tells a story, and you can find new details to the story every time you take a look. My favorite is La Belle Dame Sans Merci, a capture of a ballad by the ever so lovely John Keats, which also have been captured by several other artists (like John William Waterhouse and Frank Cadogan Cowper). Other pieces I love more than others are The Foolish Virgins, Startled, Chivalry, Paolo and Francesca, Two Crowns, Miranda, Oriental Pastime and A Portrait of a Lady. The light, details and colors are stunning!

Paintings from top to bottom:
1. Dawn (1897). 2. The Magic Crystal (1894). 3. Cleopatra. 4. Romeo & Juliet. 5. The Foolish Virgins (1883). 6. Startled (1892). 7. Portrait of Dora. 8. The End of the Quest (1921). 9. Portrait of the Artist's Niece, Dorothy (1917). 10. Camille, Daughter of Sutton Palmer (1914). 11. The Emblem. 12. Romeo & Juliet (1876). 13. Spring Maiden (1884). 14. Chivalry (1885). 15. Elsa (1927). 16. The Symbol (1881). 17. Mother (1907). 18. Two Crowns (1900). 19. Portrait of a Lady. 20. Miranda (1878). 21. Unknown. 22. Oriental Pastime. 23. The Mirror (1896). 24. The Duet. 25. Passion/Leila (1892). 26. La Belle Dame Sans Merci (1902). 27. An Offering (1898). 28. Crisis (1891). 29. Confession (1896). 30. Paolo and Francesca (1894)

(pictures from Art Renewal Center, ArtMagic and Illusions Gallery)

TV Costumes

2011-08-26T23:50:00.001+02:00

Upstairs Downstairs
(2010)
Costume designer: Amy Roberts
I don't know if any of you have seen this series, but I can highly recommend it (especially if you liked Downton Abbey). Preceded by the five seasoned series from the 70s about the large Edwardian townhouse in 165 Eaton Place and the family and servants that lived there from 1903 - 1930, this series starts in 1936, when a young couple buys the old house and hires new (and old) staff. The purpose of this post is to show you the wonderfull costumes of the series. It was designed by Amy Roberts, a designer that I am not very acquainted with (beside seeing her costumes in the tv mini-series The Virgin Queen and the 2009 version of Wuthering Heights). It seems like period design is her forté, and here we have the 30s fashion in perfection: long siluets with slinky evening dresses, expencive material like satin, fur and chiffon. We even get to see horrible (but still beautifully aesthetic) fascist uniforms. I love the constrast between the "upstairs" and "downstairs", and the more exotic and eccentric look of Lady Maud Holland. I would also recommend you to take a closer look at the beautiful set decoration by Julia Castle.
(I will post some stills in another entry)

Butterfly garden

2011-08-23T22:39:00.007+02:00

In our garden there is a little butterfly family living by all the yellow flowers. There they live side by side with the bees, fluttering their wings, dancing around eachother day by day, living their lives like it should have been lived by all other beings, with not a single care in their little worlds.

Tap is Terrific

2011-08-23T13:07:00.006+02:00

Are you one of those people who buy bottled water every time you need something to drink, or who reuses the plastic bottles you get when you buy water? I'm one of the latter. Did you know that bottled water have more bacterias than tap water here in Norway? It doesn't exceed the legal amount, but if you don't clean the bottles you reuse, then the amount of coliform bactarias can become quite big. On top of that it has been known that some plastic bottles leach chemicals. There is no problem in reusing plastic bottles, but you have to wash them, and you have to buy a new one after a while. To clean plastic bottles is not the easiest thing, and to buy a new plastic bottle each time the other is getting old becomes quite expencive. So why not buy a bottle that you can clean properly, and that you can reuse how many time you want?

The reason I write this is because I recieved this glass bottle in the mail today. It is from Faucet Face, bought from modcloth, and I love it! I have to add that by buying this bottle from Faucet Face you provide around 100 liters of clean water to a family in India (read more here). So, it's not only you who get cleaner water, but other people as well. I know this sounds like a commercial, but while it's not really a commercial for modcloth or Faucet Face, it's more like a commercial for tap water. If you live in a county like Norway, tap water is just as good (if not better) than the bottled water you can buy in the store. It's cheaper, it's healther, it taste nicer, and its better for the environment; The transport of bottled water causes a great amount of CO2, and in many countries the plastic bottles fills up the landfills. On top of that: many bottles find its way into the ocean and can have an impact on the wildelife as well. So, doesn't tap water sound much better? Just remember that you have to clean the glass bottle as well! (it goes easy in the dishwasher)

Movie Costumes

2011-08-22T23:46:00.001+02:00

Captain Cheesy (2011)
Costume designer: Anna B. Sheppard

Captain America is one of the cheesiest, corniest and most cliché movies I've seen in a long while. It was banally patriotic and it had no development, no suspense, one silly villain and characters you couldn't care less about. It was funny at times, but mostly unvoluntarily. Oh, this is getting abit out of hand. The negatives of this movie is not really the subject of this entry. It was one thing the movie did right: the costumes. It seems like Sheppard is fond of putting uniforms and red dresses on pretty women (she made the costumes for Inglorious Basterds), and doesn't it look grand? The second world war is really Sheppards forte, and she has made the costumes for movies and series like The Pianist, Band of Brothers and Schindlers List.

(pictures from imdb)

2011-08-21T23:17:00.004+02:00

Man is timid and apologetic. He is no longer upright. He dares not say, I think, I am, but quotes some saint or sage. He is ashamed before the blade of grass or the blowing rose. These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God to-day. There is no time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence. Before the leaf-bud has burst, its whole life acts; in the full-blown flower, there is no more; in the leafless root, there is no less. Its nature is satisfied, and it satisfies nature, in all moments alike. There is no time to it. But man postpones or remembers; he does not live in the present, but with reverted eye laments the past, or, heedless of the riches that surround him, stands on tiptoe to foresee the future. He cannot be happy and strong until he too lives with nature in the present, above time.

Ralph Waldo Emerson - Self-Reliance

Barnes & Noble wishlist

2011-08-17T14:47:00.012+02:00

Usually I buy lots of paperbacks during a year, because, lets face it, its cheap. Still I love buying some hardcovers now and then, and beautifully made leatherbound and clothbound books are my favorites (I just love the smell!). I've been a huge fan of Collector's Library, Penguin Clothbound classics and Wordsworth Library Collection for a while. I love buying collective works, both because they look lovely and you get more than one book for your money. Both Wordsworth, Penguin and Collector's Library have plenty of pretty collections and some pretty hadcover novels for a cheap prize. I'm a fan of the small hardcover books from Collector's Library as well, because they are handy and beautiful at the same time. Now I've found some beautiful leatherbound classics from Barnes & Noble. Each book has its own individual look, and the covers looks so well made. Too bad I already have alot of the books in the series, in paperback or from one of the other previously mentioned series (like Wuthering Heights, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Jane Austen collcetion, Narnia, Edgar Allan Poe collection, Alice in Wonderland, H.C.Andersen collection, Complete Sherlock Holmes, The Iliad, The Odyssey, The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Divine Comedy,)

Here are some of the books I would love to have in my shelf:

30 things I would like to do before I die - pt 3

2011-08-16T15:29:00.026+02:00

pt 1
pt 2

Live in a small cottage in the countryside

One of my biggest dreams has been to live in a small cottage somewhere on the countryside or somewhere abit out of the city, beside a small forest, on a windy moor, by the ocean or a small river. I'm originally from the countryside, and if it weren't for lack of school opportunities I would still be there. If I could, I would live in The Shire with all the Hobbits, but because that is not an option, I could see myself in a cottage somewhere in Britain, with lots of books, a few cats and a tiny vegetable garden.

(pictures from weheartit and home-designing. If you want any of these removed, please let me know)

Spain

2011-08-12T00:54:00.020+02:00

It's been a month since I went to Spain with my parents. All I really did was to read on the beach, eat and walk around in Sitges, Barcelona and Vilanova. In Barcelona we went to see Parc Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milá and Barri Gòtic. Here are some pictures of the trip:

You're altogether a human being Jane...

2011-08-10T13:13:00.015+02:00

Jane Eyre (2011)

I saw this movie at the beginning of July, but I have been thinking about it ever since. Even in its subtlety, it has blown me away. It is a wonderfull period drama, but it is also so much more than that. Let me fist say that the scenery and the cinematography is stunning, but what really got my heart racing was the score of the movie. I have been a fan of Dario Marianelli for a while (he made the breathtaking score for Atonement and the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice), but this time he really took me by surprise. The music is dark and heavy, but it really captures the gothic, eerie and foggy scenery that is the English moors. The violin of Jack Liebeck really captures the stormy feelings of Jane Eyre, the sadness and the passion, but it is simple, oh, so simple and subtle.

The key is definetly subtlety. I was so surprised by the cast, but most of all the lead actress, Mia Wasikowska. She is most of all known for her role in Alice in Wonderland and The Kids are All Right, but those roles didn't really show of her talents. What I loved about her performance in Jane Eyre, was the subtlety. In a story that is in every way passionate, I have seen many actresses fall in to the trap of overacting the part. Wasikowska is far from those actresses. She expresses passion and despair in the most subtle way by only using her eyes.

"Am I a machine without feelings? Do you think that because I am poor, obscure, plain and little that I am soulless and heartless? I have as much soul as you and full as much heart, and if God had blessed me with beauty and wealth I could have made it as hard for you to leave me as it is for I to leave you."

Wish List: Dresses

2011-08-09T20:28:00.006+02:00

Too Much Fun Dress in Ocean

Motion Picture Siren Dress

Moonlit Reception Dress

Make-do and Mend Dress

Grace Gardens Dress

Ready to Roll dress

Fifties Frock in Embroidered Blue Cotton

Dinner Belle Dress in Wilde

Dinner Belle Dress in Fruit

Blogging Molly Dress

Flutter Me By Dress

I can't really deside though. What do you think?
I really want a maxi dress (maybe with some lace and a high waist), do you have any idea where I can buy a lovely maxi dress?
(Dresses from modcloth.com and tarastarlet.com)

I want YOU!

2011-08-09T19:33:00.006+02:00

Google Friend Connect tells me that I have around 50 followers, and I know that I've received a few comments now and then, but I'm not really sure if anyone reads this blog anymore. If I don't have any followers, that is alright, but if I do, I would really like to get to know you guys abit. So, here is the deal: I would like for you to answer a few questions about yourselves. You are welcome to ask me questions as well, but this post is mostly about YOU lovely people!

Question 1:
How old are you?

Question 2:
Where are you from?

Question 3:
What do you want from life?

Question 4:
What is happiness for you?

Question 5:
What is your favorite movie?

Question 6:
What is your favorite book?

Question 7:
Can you tell me one random fact about yourself?

Question 8:
Are there anything you would like to see on this blog?

I hope some of you may answer these.

LOVE

music for the mind, body and soul #3

2011-08-04T14:02:00.012+02:00

It's really been a while since I've last posted an entry like this. I've written about Loreena McKennitt before, but that has also been a while. Since she is my favorite artist, she deserves another entry. So here we go:

Loreena Mckennitt

Loreena McKennitt is a Canadian artist. She can sing, play the harp, the piano and the accordion. She compose most of her own music with Celtic and Middle Eastern elements, but she also play traditional songs and use lyrics from poets like William Shakespeare, W. B. Yeates, Sir Walter Scott, William Blake, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Alfred Noyes. She is also one of the few artists who sounds even better live than in studio recordings.

(I've linked to all the songs, so you can have a listen. If you can't listen to them all, I recommend you take a look at the Huron Beltane Fire Dance to see some really talented musicians)

I started to listen to this artist in...
... 2001, when I started to listen to alot of filmscore and celtic inspired music.
The first song I heard was...
... I'm not sure if it was The Mystic's Dream (around the time a read and saw The Mists of Avalon), or Skellig (which I had on a cd with all kinds of celtic music)
The three songs I've listened to the most are...
...Dante's Prayer, The Old Ways and All Souls Night (according to last.fm)
At the moment, my three favorite songs are...
... impossible to choose, so I'm going to cheat and pick three songs from each studio album (I've left out the christmas albums and the songs already mentioned):
Elemental (1985): The Stolen Child, Banks of Claudy and Lullaby
Parallel Dreams (1989): Huron "Beltane" Fire Dance, Dicken's Dublin and Ancient Pines
The Visit (1991): Between the Shadows, The Lady of Sharlott and Cymbeline
The Mask and the Mirror (1994): The Bonny Swans, Cé Hé Mise le Ulaingt? and Full Circle
The Book of Secrets (1997): The Mummers' Dance, The Highwayman and La Serenissima
An Ancient Muse (2006): Caravanserai, The English Ladye and the Knight and Beneath a Phrygian Sky
The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2010): Brian Boru's March, The Star of the County Down and The Emigration Tunes
The emotions the music evokes are...
... yearning, sadness, nostalgia, bittersweetness, joyous, free, serene, moved, thoughtfull, dreamy, inspired

"For Love will still be lord of all "

(I've linked to the songs, so you can have a listen)

Summer reads pt 2

2011-08-04T12:47:00.012+02:00

Two/three weeks left of the summer holiday, and I never got around to do some of the things I wanted to do. Even though I've gotten around to do abit planning on the book I want to write, I never got around to start writing it. I never got around to start sewing and to blog as much as much as I would like to.

Still, I got around to read as much as I could. Ofcourse I could always need abit more time to read, but I've managed to read 14 books and four graphic novels. Last year I managed 20 books, but I still got a couple of weeks left. Even though school is starting, I will still get the chance to read some books I've always wanted to read in the American literature class I'm taking. I managed to read 9 books (and three graphic novels) on the summer reads list I made at the beginning of the summer. Instead of reading World Without End and The Distant Hours, I read these:

A storm of Swords pt 1 ~ George RR Martin
(2000)
"The Seven Kingdoms are divided by revolt and blood feud; a bitter winter is approaching and the wildings are poised to invade the Kingdom of the North. Robb Stark must protect himself from them and from the threat of his mortal enemies, the Lannisters, in the south."

A Clash of Kings ~ George RR Martin
(1998)
"Sansa Stark is trapped in marriage to the feeble Lannister boy, child of incest, who is King Joffrey. In the North, the Starks prepare for battle with the Lannisters."

The Pillars of the Earth ~ Ken Follett
(1989)
"Tells the story of Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, a devout and resourcefull monk driven to build the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has known; of Tom, the mason who becomes the architect - a man divided in his soul; and of the beautiful, elusive Aliena, haunted by a secret shame."

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: No Future For You ~ Joss Whedon
(2007)
"When a rogue debutant Slayer begins to use her power for evil, Giles is forced to recruit the rebellious Faith, who isn't exactly known for her good deeds. Giles offers Faith a clean slate if she can stop this snooty Slayer from wreaking total havoc - that is, if Bbuffy doesn't beat her to it."

Good Omens ~ Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
(1990)
"Taking a cynical look at the horror genre, this book features Crowley and Aziraphale, two friends who attempt to prevent the prophesised Armageddon. When the Antichrist is born they divert him from his original home at the American Embassy to Tadfield, where he grows into an unkempt individual."

The Fashion File: Mad Men ~ Janie Bryant
(2010)
"Costume designer Janie Bryant offers readers a peek into the dressing room of Mad Men, revealign the design process behind the various characters' looks and showing every women how to find her own leading lady style - whether it's vintage, modern, or behamian."

I'm reading this at the moment:

World War Z ~ Max Brooks
(2006)
"It began with rumours from China anout another pandemic. Then the cases started to multiply and soon revealed itself to be much worse. Based on interviews with survivors and key-players in the 10-year fight-back against the horde, this book brings the tradition of American journalism to bear on an incredible story in the history of civilisation."

I'm planning to read these:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Wolves at the Gate ~ Joss Whedon
(2008)
"Buffy and the slayer-legion travel to Tokyo in order to learn more about their dangerous new foes, as Xander journeys to Transylvania to solicit the only person they've ever known to possess such powers - Dracula."

Stardust ~ Neil Gaiman
(1999)
"In a coutnryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm."

The Last Unicorn ~ Peter S Beagle
(1968)
"The Unicorn, alone in her enchanted wood, discovers that she may be the last of her kind. Reluctant at first, she sets out on a journey to find her fellow unicorns, even if it means facing the terrifying anger of the Red Bull and malignant evil of the king who wields his power."

The Child in Time ~ Ian McEwan
(1987)
"Stephen Lewis, a successful author of children's books, takes his three-year-old daughter on a routine Saturday mornign trip to the supermarket. While waiting in line, his attention is distracted and his daughter is kidnapped."

A Storm of Swords pt 2 ~ George RR Martin
(2000)
"Robb Stark wears his new-forged crown in the Kingdom of the North, but his defences are ranged against attack from the South, the land of House Stark's enemies the Lannisters. His sisters are trapped there at the whim of the Lannister boy-king Joffrey and his depraved mother Cersei."

(The desciptions are taked from bookdepository, imdb and shelfari)

Retro inspired editorials #7

2011-08-03T13:11:00.007+02:00

Tiiu Kuik by Aneta Barton
(2007)
Fashiongonerogue describes this series as a 20s style pin-up shot. It is not necessary the 20s look we are used to seeing. The hair and makeup is abit softer, and like fashiongonerogues description, soft and feminine is just the right way to describe the series. I love the soft light and focus, and the color scheme, with the warmer bronze and cream colors in some of the shots, and the colder greys and blues in the others. The editorial reminds me of a book I bought in Paris on vintage erotic postcards. Just like those pictures, this shot feels soft, erotic and innocent without being too vulgar.

2011-07-28T20:37:00.006+02:00

My sister, her boyfriend and my little nephew left for Trondheim today. I'm sure gonna miss them! Here are some pictures from a small trip we had to the tiny local family park.

2011-07-24T12:38:00.007+02:00

On Saturday the 9th of July, I celebrated my birthday with some lovely people. Usually I make big plans for my birthday, but this year I wanted to keep it simple. I sent out invitations to my closest friends and family, and we had a small picnic in the park. I bought cava, fruit, cheese and biscuits, made a chocolate cake and some small pavlovas. The sun was shining, and we had the entire park for ourselves. Afterwards, some of us went to a local cafe and we met up with another friend of ours, then my best mate and I went to a small party in the neigbouring city.

2011-07-24T12:03:00.007+02:00

"Standing there, and at that time, my heart still resisted what my head was telling me. Even yet I had the feeling that it was all something too big, too unnatural really to happen. Yet I knew that it was by no means the first time that it had happened "

I started reading The Day of the Triffids on Friday, and in so many ways it seems like the perfect book to read at the moment. Today I have felt so proud of my country. It seems like it should be a time of anger and hate, but I have only felt love today. There are so many things I can say about this tragedy, but this blog I would like to keep abit seperated from my strong views and my deepest feelings. All I can say is that I'm not only proud of my country and the people in it, but I'm proud to be human and to be part of a world filled with so much solidarity. For some it will take abit of time before they can continue their lives, while some have been ready for a while now. Still, we will not forget. This blog is ready to live.

Lots of love!

2011-07-23T00:14:00.003+02:00

Today was a sad day for our country. My thoughts go out to all the people who has been affected by this tragedy. I'm not proud to see so many hatefull, ignorant and racist comments all over the net, but I'm so proud to see so much love, so much solidarity, and to see so many fantastic people stand together against this hatered

It all ends!

2011-07-13T16:04:00.003+02:00

That sounds abit over dramatic, doesn't it? Well, this is pretty much how it feels for us in the Potter Generation. I'm watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in about two hours and I know I'm going to cry. Ofcourse it's not the end, but it feels like a huge part of my childhood is over. It has been with me since 1999, when my teacher started reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for us kids, and I hve read every book and seen every movie plenty of times since that year. That is 12 years with Harry Potter and his friends (and enemies).
So, in a way:

London

2011-07-11T11:21:00.015+02:00

I had planned to write this entry about London in three seperate parts because of all the pictures, but since I'm traveling to Spain on Thursday (and I didn't want to post three entries about the same subject in 24 hours), I will just write this entry. So, please bear with me this long and tedious entry about my three days in London with my sister.

Tuesday
We came to London early in the morning, and went straight to the hotel to leave behind our luggage. Since neither of us have done anything too touristy in our previous trips to London, we had planned to see many attractions. We started with four museums: Science, Natural History, National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery. It has to be said that neither of us really takes our time in museums, and that we walked fast through the lot of them. Not too cultural and ladylike, eh? When the evening came we ate a better meal at Friday's (not very cultural either) and took a spontaneous trips to the theatre to see The 39 Steps. It was great fun!

Wednesday
The day started early when we went to the Tower of London. We came there around opening hours and joined the Yeoman Warden tour. The guide was very funny and the tour was lovely, but it was bit too crowded (that's tourist traps for you). We spent a couple of hours walking around on our own. I really love british history so it was by far the most enjoyable touristy thing we did in those three days (beside the theatre). After those hours at the Tower, we went to a cozy tavern in the St. Katherine Docks to eat fish and chips. Then we walked all the way from the tavert, over the Tower Bridge and along the Thames to the Southbank Centre. In the evening we went out shopping and eating.

Thursday
We had some hours to kill before heading to the airport. We started the morning by eating breakfast in St. James' Park, then walked through the park to the Buckingham Palace, took the tube to Cowent Garden where we bewildered ourself into some christian café to buy ourself a milkshake. Not really our cup of coffee, but at least the milkshakes were good.

Time

2011-07-11T00:07:00.006+02:00

I just loath time and its cunning nature. It is bad enough that I never get to do all the things I would like to do or have planned to do, because there is just too little time in one lifetime. Still, that is not the worst quality of time. The worst part is the feeling I always get, that someday all the things I know will pass away, that time is just slipping through my fingers, and that while I'm getting older, the people I know and love will soon be gone and that all I got left is old memories. Yes, there is just too little time in one lifetime, too little time to spend with the people you love.

(source)

Don't mind my negative thoughts. That is just how it's always been in the middle of summer, when I feel that autumn will soon arrive.

London buys

2011-07-06T22:40:00.010+02:00

I came back from London on Thursday, but I have worked every day (beside one) since then. The trip was wonderfull! I've been to London plenty of times, but rarely done anything cultural or "acted" the tourist. I'm gonna post pictures from the trip when I've got abit more time. In the meantime: here are some pictures of the things I bought (sorry for the terrible light in some of these pictures)

Three books

Two tops from Topshop
Dress and shoes from Dorothy Perkins

Dress from Oasis

Shorts from the Village Green

Shorts from Tara Starlet

Makeup from Mac

New toy and new shoes

2011-06-27T17:48:00.003+02:00

My old Canon EOS 400D had to be repaired, so I bought myself a new toy:

I also bought myself some comfortable new shoes:

I'm going to London with my sister tomorrow. See you guys later!

1st birthday.

2011-06-25T12:34:00.003+02:00

On Wednesday we celebrated this little young boy's first birthday.

He had his crown and sailor suit on and got to eat a whole bun

Midsummer Night's Dream

2011-06-23T17:51:00.006+02:00

Oh, how I wish I could celebrate Midsummer's Eve with flowers in my hair, dancing all night around a magnificent bonfire on a green meadow...

(source)

(source)

(source)

2 weeks and 1 midnight in Paris

2011-06-21T22:50:00.004+02:00

Two weeks of the summer holliday has flown by. I've been ill, read four books and one graphic novel. I've worked six days, watched about four movies and twenty episodes of a tv-series. I've bought myself four travelbooks, borrowed two and been planning next years interrail. Most importantly: I've fled Oslo for a while and is now home with family and friends. Today I went to see Midnight in Paris, and I really enjoyed it. Paris and the 20's, what is not to like? It had it's faults, but I loved the cinematography, the mood, the music, the humour and all the references.

Inspiration #4

2011-06-12T14:27:00.020+02:00

Horst P. Horst
He is one of the most long lasting fashion and portrait photographers in the industry, with a career spanning sixty years. He has been my favorite photographer for a while now. As you can see, I had a hard time choosing only some of my favorite pictures. Most of them are from horstphorst.com, while I can't remember where I found the rest.

Marlene Dietrich, 1942

Lisa with harp, 1939

Joan Crawford, 1938

Natasha Wilson, 1935

Mainbocher corset, 1939

Helen Bennett, 1939

Lisa Vogue, 1940

Ginger Rogers, 1936

Princess Natalie Paley, 1930s

Lisa Fonssagrives, 1939

Dovima 1960

Mrs Henry Middleton, 1949

Jack Holland and June Hart

Round the Clock 1, 1987

Mainbocker for Vogue, 1941

Edith Sitwell, 1948

Mainbocher dress, 1941

Lisa with money plant, 1939

Gene Tierney, 1940

Fur, pearls and diamonds, 1940

Eyes, hands and painting, 1936

Lisa Fonssagrives, 1951

Helen Bennett modeling in Seligmann Gallery, 1938

Gertrude Stein and Horst, 1946

Coco Chanel, Paris, 1937

Cartier's Diamants Mystérieux, 1934

Buys of today

2011-06-09T23:29:00.005+02:00

Issue number 2-6