vegan rainbow soaps

I never got around to writing more about the gorgeous vegan, plastic-free soaps I ordered from Dragon's Egg soaps I bought in December. So here goes a little praise of them.

I stumbled over the maker on Twitter - which granted isn't a place I spend much time on these days. After being rated on the top 100 list of the Most influential opinion-makers in Sweden within sustainability with the highest engagement and credibility in social media in 2015, I haven't really prioritized the channel. And then 2016 happened. Which definitely led me to prioritize life and its musts in a very different way overall... - and adored her little Scottish business.



Ordered some soaps of her before Christmas. Turned out I was her very first overseas customer, and got an extra treat for that. The scent when I opened the (recycled of course) box was incredibly. Have given away three soaps, have used up one, am now using another and have one left. I hope the receivers of the vegan soaps love them just as much as I do.



Currently using the sweet pea soap, and every time I use it the bathroom is filled with a faint scent of that gorgeous flower.

The best seller is obviously the bright rainbow soap (tutti-frutti scent), but I think all the soaps are lovely. And palmoil-free and long lasting (though handmade in small batches and with a shelf life of six months, so it's not something you should stock up lots of I guess). Very much looking forward to place a new order, together with little mum. Because, as you know, the soap usage is high these days... And I have my eyes set on the banana-apple and freesia petal soap...

Want to order from Dragon's Egg Soaps in Scotland? Here's the link to shop!



From left to right; Sea Breeze, Aloe, Honeysuckle, Tutti Frutti (rainbow) and Sweet Pea

happy new 2020, happy new decade

I have so many wishes and hoped for this shiny, brand new year. But most of all, may it be infinitely kinder, more compassionate, loving, caring, colourful and joyous than this past year (and decades before that). That is, until the human-induced climate emergency devours us all naturally. But before that, let's be kind. Go vegan. Spread love.

I mentioned a recap of 2019 last week. Well that ain't happening today. But I enjoy recaps of another year of growth, so someday soon it will.

My plans for New Year's Eve - binge watching my new favourite TV-series "a million little things" until I'm going to bed with a good book well before midnight. Bliss.

And for my personal hopes-and-wish-top-list for 2020 (apart from good health and happiness for myself and the people and furries I love as always) are still

1. Finding my true purpose.
2. (Which also holds) finding my meaningful new dream job (clock is ticking, time is too short to settle for less).



3. Finding my tribe, my kind of people.
4. Have more faith, worry less.
5. Have more energy, get more meaningful things done.
6. Feel more joy, less sadness.



Also, let 2020 be a year of more vegans rainbow-soaps for all! (More of these amazing handmade soaps in another post.)

May your new year treat you with kindness and joy, and may you treat the world with more of that too. Welcome 2020, let's be so very kind together!

the original creamy vegan sheese

I've recently discovered the delightful vegan cream cheese from Bute Island Food Ltd and I'm absolutely charmed by it! The Sheese (as its called) is a solid proof that you most certainly don't need to use the despicable palm oil (and sorry, how things work right now I do not trust the so called certified sustainable palm oil either) in creating a great vegan cream cheese. Hooray!

I think the company has a lovely little story of artisan food to tell too, even if they now do so well that they've moved into big production and of course something as charming as a really decent, animal free cream cheese stems from Scotland.

I've only tried the original unflavoured sheese yet, but they have several flavours that I'm looking forward to try. Plus slices and not least feta sheese, how awesome and new isn't that latter?

whisky coffee lip balm

I think this wee jar of lip balm might be one of the funniest little useful gifts I've ever recieved - Glen Moray distillery's coffee whisky lip balm. 

M has spent a week in Speyside with friends visiting 19 (!) distilleries - I could definitely do without the whisky part, but oh how I miss Scotland... - and this is one of the things he brought home. It only has a faint scent of whisky, which is good as far as I'm concerned. I like the quirky idea lots. And I'm sure a coffee and whisky lover would see this as the ultimate skin care product.

women's day 2015

I'm all for a good quote. Obviously. But I'm also quite allergic to screendumps, copy paste, regrams and such. To create original content isn't so darn difficult with all the clever smartphone tools out there these days.

So today, on the International Women's Day -

which is heartbreaking that we still need one, that the human being, societies, cultures and countries haven't come further in 2015. Equal rights for everyone, whether woman, man or other promotes peace, justice and prosperity for ALL. Truly mindboggling and heartbreaking that so many people still hasn't grasped that simple truth. And that there's so much hatred towards women out there. -

I decided to make a very personal photo quote creation (with the After Photo app). With a picture I took on the Isle of Skye some years ago (one of my favourite places on earth) and my very favourite quote.

And I ask you to please, on this day, give some serious thought to one of the most used and abused female beings on this planet, the kind and beautiful cow.

And please be the best, kindest, most compassionate and inspirational change you can possibly be for all earthlings of the female kind and otherwise.

They need and deserve that. Even if they don't walk on two legs.

night film and other books

Only a couple of weeks later it's time for another heap of books to get their short review - I'm certainly back on my reading track for sure!

Just like the last time it's a mixed bunch of recently read and not so recent. And I'll rate them from 5 (best) to 1 (worst). Here goes.



The tiny wife and All my friends are super-heroes by Andrew Kaufman 4/5 both

Bought and read this tiny book back in 2011. It was a lovely, quirky, ingenious quick read which I loved. Even if it didn't give my reading mojo back it was a book I read from start to end within a few days. Highly recommended read! And so is another book of his "All my friends are superheroes" which I quickly finished and enjoyed while finding myself very unexpectedly in hospital back in 2012. Looking forward to reading more of his works!

We bought a zoo by Benjamin Mee 3/5

A true story about and by the owner of Dartmoor Zoo, Benjamin Mee and his family. Bought and read the book back in 2009 it was certainly an interesting, unusual and moving read. It was also upsetting and heartbreaking given how the animals were treated in the then zoo. If the book is anything to go by it's a better place today, but still my views on zoos are not of the benevolent kind. I'm really not sure the conservation part of zoos in general make up for all the heartache, sorrow, pain and death wild animals have to endure all over the world in captivity within zoos.

Remember the annual senseless slaughters and capturing of dolphins in Taiji, Japan? The horrific murder of poor giraffe Marius in Copenhagen, Denmark? Keep in mind that this happens all the time, all over the world just because stupid humans keep bringing their kids to zoos where wild animals are kept in unnatural, poor conditions for entertainment. It breaks my heart.

Also, the book could do with a decent proof-reading.

Espresso Tales and Love over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith 4/5

The 2nd and 3rd book in the 44 Scotland Street series, not as great as the Sunday Philosophy Club-series (one of my favourite books/series!) but still good reads. Also bought and read 2009-10. Clever, entertaining and easy to get through, with thoughtful and wise passages all through the books. I have a couple of more books in the series in my to read heap. Which I'll hopefully get to some time soon, at this reading rate.

L'Échappée belle by Anna Gavalda 3/5

Gavalda is one of my favourite authors - read my previous views on Hunting and Gathering, Someone I Loved, I wish someone was waiting for me somewhere and The Consolation Match - her writing is exquisite and modern, clever, intellectual and most always with a high recognition factor.

This one was a short novel, an easy read I picked up last summer. One of those few books I've been able to get through since 2010. It was a nice read, not as good as her previous books but worth a read.



A tiny bit marvellous by Dawn French 1/5

I picked this up a thrift store and I thoughtit would be a light and entertaining read. After 50+ pages I gave up. Super-annoying characters and a story that never took off. It's now in the heap of books to send on a Book-crossing journey. Perhaps someone else will enjoy it.



Dead clever by Scarlett Thomas 2/5

Another book from 2009. One of Thomas' early books this is really not at all as fantastic as her PopCo or The End of Mr Y, both of which I adore. A simple story, easy read suspense novel which could do with being shortened down a few chapters. Perhaps I will read another Lily Pascale-mystery book some day. It certainly isn't a top priority notion though.

I am however looking forward very much to another three pair of books of hers soon to arrive in a book parcel for me. And I already have her "Going out" which I'll start reading soon.



Night film by Marisha Pessl 5/5

I finished this brick novel within a reasonable time-span, hooray! And it's a stunning (suspense) novel! Perhaps not quite in the same way as Special Topics in Calamity Physics, but still very well researched and built this clever suspense novel sent many chills down my spine and to be honest I didn't dare turn out the lights to sleep after reading it in the evenings. So in the end I had to read it during daylight and not in the bedroom. It gripped me from the first page and 590 pages later I can safely say it's one of the best thrillers I've ever read. Although, possibly too many question marks remain once one reach the end. But it makes you think about the fact that all is not what it seems. Or is it?

I was disappointed that the Nightfilm smartphone app didn't work though. That would have added and extra touch of smart to the reading experience.

What's the best book you've read recently?

the angels' share

a moving, funny, endearing, engaging and hopeful little piece with great performances - go see 'the angels' share' by ken loach.

you don't have to love scotland or whisky to be utterly charmed and moved by it.

many bobbaloo thumbs and antennas up.

skyfall

quite enjoyed it, not as much as 'casino royale' - though definitely a lot more than the rubbish 'quantum of solace' - but still stylish, a refreshing semi-lack of outdated stale sexism and stereotypes. brimming with picture postcard views and scenes. partly taking place in scotland, bonnie scotland.

javier bardem, brilliant as usual. and ben whishaw. of course any movie including ben is worth seeing.

as usual ridiculous product placement galore and destroying all those vw beetles, broke my heart. i've also learnt that cool guys walk like monkeys.

daniel craig is a rather nice actor, but to be honest people who lack subcutaneous fat and show no wobbly bits whatsoever scare me. the amount of time they must put in counting calories and exercise regimes - when do they relax and enjoy life? can't help but wonder how many superübertight pants he ripped strutting his non wobbly bits throughout the filming of skyfall.

accompanying bobbaloos loooved meeting ben whishaw and daniel craig up close too. all and all, afternoon well spent.

have you seen it? what did you think?

zigne and ztina update

A few days later they're slightly more active, meows excitingly when you peek over the wooden crate - I've put beside the sofa in the living room so they're still in the middle of where most of the action in this house takes place - try to run on wobbly legs, squeak, purr when being cuddled, react on the environment - even if granted they still mostly sleep and eat, weighing almost 300 grams each now - generally being über-adorable as kittens tend to be. Especially British Shorthair kittens with their teddybearesque appearance.

So far I've found that Zigne, the readhead is a bit more curious and relaxed when being carried around and cuddled with. She adores kisses and snuggles and even watched television sitting in my hand the other day - needless to say, that was one of those I'm speechless-with-cuteness moments - Ztina, the colourpoint, seems to prefer the comfort of the cushioned crate still. She isn't as photogenique as Zigne. Yet. So the cuteness overload of this post will be mostly about one fabulous li'l readhead. In her skew-eyed phase. Enjoy.

Dad Pelle, being a very modern dad, does help - because yes, sadly Rutger is not the father, Pelle is. Which is very much not what I had in clever mind... ah well, life. Rutger actually got neutered today and have moved to my mother who also has Rutger's brother Rupert and their mum Greta. Where I think he'll have a much more satisfying and happy life from now on compared to the one he'd have here having to be re-introduced into the cat clan. My experience is that that's far from a smooth procedure. At my mother's he'll be spoilt, get to sleep in her bed and rekindle with brother and mum - watch over them and clean them a bit.

'Yes I am a girl, and a very clean one at that'

In answer to a question I got on how I come up with their names, after my prefix, which is Luddkolt's (from an adorable children's book I read as a child, translates into something like Fluffy chubby, perfect prefix for British shorthairs!) I give them names in alphabetical order with a first name that I enjoy, preferably quirky and if possible with a name day in the Swedish calender - though I love Scottish and British names like Hamish, Donald, Chester, Ermyntrude, Prunella, Prudence, Pudge etc - 

'It is indeed tiring being this cute'

and then a surname which is the name of a British, Scottish or Welsh castle, mansion or house of historic importance with the same initial as the first name. Preferably one we've visited. Stina and Signe, common Swedish names, are spelled with S, but with this being the Z-litter, Ztina and Zigne it is. There are no castles beginning with letter Z, so they get S-castles/mansions/historical houses instead (like their mum being Siri Sissinghurst). Hence Ztina Sezincote and Zigne Shandy - from Shandy Hall, in Yorkshire's Coxwold, where "Tristram Shandy" was written. Loved the movie, have been to pretty Coxwold - hey presto, we have perfect names! For perfect kittens.

scottish meet british

Certainly an irresistible tin for a Scotlandophile (like me). And castle buff. Found in that wonderful antique-bric-a-brac-thrift store in quaint Nora. Once upon a summer time.

The tin has dancing and piping men in kilts, castles and glorious bits of that magic Scottish landscape - some cows and sheep and it would be even more perfect - and once held Scotch toffee. It's new life will possibly be as the holder of tea bags.

A Scottish tin perhaps not irresistible for one brit (as in British Shorthair), but certainly tolerated by inspector Siri. Because no matter what, the inspecting paw session must be dutifully held.

Before the possible tea-tin will be a holder of tea, it's even more possibly that it will be the very holder of the blogoversary giveaway drawing. Which I'm planning to get to come weekend.

I can tell you that the men on tin wearing tartan skirts are just beside themselves for that most distinguished task, their wee feet swirling and twirling with joy. Which eager little helper that will help with the drawing, that remains to be seen. Though with quite the certainty it can be said, that it will be a Brit of some sort, a Shorthair kitty or a Norfolker loaf.

august beauty

Since it's been 10 months since last post of skincare ~ beauty products and such this post will be quite a lengthy one I suspect (and if you're not the least bit interested in skincare and scents, well then you might as well skip this post and be most welcome for a completely different post tomorrow). Ah well, procrastinating can obviously come back and bite you like that.

As will the fact that I really very much must scrutinize the table of contents in the products I buy from now on to see of they contain palm(oil) derivate, because using products containing that is simply not acceptable from an animal (orangutan) welfare and environmental point of view. About high time do the walk and not just talk the talk. That I haven't been more careful and always read the labels properly fills me with shame.

Bottles already bought, that may contain palm derivate that wait on the bathroom shelves, will of coursed be used up. But never bought again.

I also have a list of companies I need to e-mail and ask why they use palm derivate when there are many good options with less devastating impact on wildlife and nature. The more I read lists of contents the more upset I get. because if the palm derivate came from sustainable sources why not make it very clear on packaging?

That said, and head promptly bowed in shame for above reasons, here the products I've used since last -

:: facial cleanser - philosophy purity made simple. a gift that contains good stuff. unfortunately i don't like the clinical scent and i feel it dehydrates my skin with its cleansing features. nope not a product for me.

yes to carrots c is for clean gentle exfoliating cleanser. i've been using it 1-2 per week and more often than not i've experienced the kind of rash you get after a good deep cleansing facial treatment. it may work well for other skin-types, but i think it's a bit too much for my skin and i won't be buying it again (not available in sweden so even if i'd like to i can't see it happen anytime soon anyway).


:: face scrub - korres pomegranate cleansing scrub. love the fresh scent. good scrub, makes skin feel soft and revived, small dollop goes a long way. sadly contains palm derivate (written in ridiculously tiny text), will not but again.


:: face toner - kiehl's cucumber herbal. alcohol-free. i use it when i can't be bothered to wash face properly or just to refresh on a sticky hot day. i find it tad drying and boring though. and i can't see me getting another bottle.


:: face cream - korres 24-hour wild rose moisturising cream spf 6. smells wonderful. has been kind and reviving to my skin. does however sadly contain palm derivate. need to look for another good face cream as this bottle only has few dollops left.

thann rice extract moisturizing cream. smells lovely (as products containing rice bran oil seems to do), feels good and kind on skin. sadly contains palm derivate.

:: shampoo - kevin murphy luxury wash for thick coloured hair. of all the pretty colours bottles i got stuck with this boring beige one. small bottle, full of organic stuff, darn expensive, not very long lasting, it doesn't impress me as i think it should. doubt it will be repeat buy.

paul mitchell color care color protect daily shampoo. i like this one, smells nice, cleanses gently, is kind to hair, long lasting thus reasonably priced for a big bottle. yes, will buy again. soon.

aussie skip-a-step 2-in-1. i've always been highly sceptical when it comes to shampoo-conditioner in the same bottle. the features one look for in respective product are so different that i can't see how they could be accomplished in one product. and no i can't see that in this bottle either. bought on a whim in uk some years ago, smells divine of australian custard apple, cleanses well but does absolutely nothing as far as conditioner goes. i use it with the

:: leave-in-conditioner - paul mitchell lite detangler. far from as great as original the detangler, very average as far as my hair is concerned. i wanted a leave-in-conditioner (for the days when you really want to stay in bed some 10 minutes more and save some shower-time) and as i've been quite disappointed with my try-something-new-in-haircare-products-experience recently i went for a brand i knew i like in general. i used this product ages ago and couldn't remember if i liked it or not. now i can at least safely say (and try and remember) that it won't be on any all-time-favourite list of mine. not a good detangler.


:: conditioner - paul mitchell the detangler. oh my am i relieved that one of my all time favourite conditioners doesn't contain palm oil nastiness when i scrutinized the big bottle i bought past spring! i still have about half the bottle left and i'm loving its amazing detangling features as its longlastingness as usual.yes carrots are good for you. inside out.

korres silk milk conditioner for coloured and chemically treated hair. smells fantastic (like the below mentioned cooling yoghurt gel). shape of bottle leaves something to be desired, due to it's hard plastic and short nozzle i wasn't able to squeeze it with one hand only thus made it non-ideal to use effortless in shower. not very impressed by conditioning features either. unlikely repeat buy.

aussie frizz miracle. lovely thing of strange blue colour (australian blue gum leaves extract). works well both as far as conditioning and anti-frizz properties go. can definitely see myself pay for.


:: hair styling - sebastian potion 9. this is supposed to be some kind of miracle worker for hair. i thought it would be fun to try with this hot humid strange weather we've been experienced in the northern hemisphere this past summer especially. but. it does nothing for me and my hair. just flattens it down. which is probably the last thing i'd like a caring/styling product to do. i like volume, i like oomf. i find the "a magical idea" text on the packaging very funny though (and untrue as far as my hair goes);

"an exotic trip to the amazon rain forest inspired ...magical cream-gel with renewable and sustainable botanical extracts... the magic 9 are: jojoba seed oil, safflower seed oil, evening primrose oil, sesame seed oil, babassu oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil, rice bran oil, willow bark extract, green tea leaf extract ...wearable treatment, even now it has never been duplicated... magic never is!" hilarious in all its silliness.

phc professional hair care salt water spray. recommended, cheap, award-winning swedish product. it's crap. award-winning or not.

mop c-system texture spray. one of my all-time favourite styling products. smells lovely of citrus, makes hair bouncy, gives good volume. i'm gutted to discover it contains palm derivate.


:: shower gel - korres hot spiced chocolate & brandy soaked pudding. another shower gel by korres and it is lovely too. foamy, creamy, moisturizing and above all, smells wonderful, comforting, relaxing and, obviously, quite christmassy. i think i'll save the rest of the bottle until winter hits again.

kings & queens queen elizabeth sugar. oh my. oh heavens. this is absolutely intoxicating. what an amazing scent! pomegranate, lotus and malachite extracts is obviously a match made in scent heaven. i love this scent-range. a korres side-kick brand.

bath & body works velvet tuberose. bottle was a kind gift. as much as i completely adore many of b&bw's scents and products this is not a scent that appeals to me, bit too old-aunt-perfumey.


:: body scrub - korres watermelon. it smells great of just that. as for the natural scrubbing features... nah, not really for me. i like my body scrubs to have more oomfy scratchy scrub qualities. probably not a repeat buy.

sabon tropic. smelled lovely, but of the salt scrub oily kind i can't stand. even if it was available in sweden i would not get another one of that pretty jar.


:: soap - the isle of skye soap company lemongrass. love this company's soap. adore lemongrass scent. long lasting, cleansing, good soap. if it wasn't for the unfortunate containing of palm derivate. sigh.

fresh deli cherry treat. smells fantastic! to me more of dogrose-rhubarb than cherry. but nevertheless, fatatsic. foamy, cleansing, long lasting, uplifting, good good soap. they fresh deli soap company keep changing their website address, so i have no idea if they still exist.


:: foot scrub - good for you. a pumice stone like scrub-oilish scentless soap for feet i got in the wise shop when i bought essential oils (for making my own stuff) last year. not at all sure i'd actually pay for it, but its reasonably nice and softening to use on feet when in shower.


:: hand cream - bath & body works japanese cherry blossom. another kind gift. which unfortunately contains palm derivate. good moisturising features, but i can't decide if i enjoy its strong scent or not. it is kind of overwhelming and obtrusive.

korres thyme honey. smells great, warm, soothing and sweet. good moisturising and nourishing properties. does contain palm derivate. thus not repeat buy.


:: hand soap - superdrug fruit burst honeydew melon. smelled fantastic, cleansed nicely.

bliw nyponros & rabarber (dogrose & rhubarb). classic swedish brand that's been around forever. this scent-combination is one of my favourites, fresh and sweet. i've loved this soap, it's creamy, cleansing, long lasting, moisturizing, unpretentious. it does however contain palm derivate. will contact company about that, until then/depending on answer will not buy again.

sainsbury's anti-bacterial handwash. smelled really really nice. creamy, good, basic soap. one of those bought on a whim, load car with soaps i always stock up with when on uk-holidays.

imperial leather green tea and kaffir lime. green tea is one of my favourite scents. so uplifting and fresh. this soap smells heavenly. i would buy again if i could find it.


:: sun tan oil - korres walnut & coconut suntan oil face & body. not really a fan of suntan oils, it's a bit too human-frying-in-the-sun for me. to be honest i'm not really sure why i went with this one, might have something to do with getting a 3 for 2 deal at korres. i was looking for a good spf, but for some reason the swedish medical products agency has yet to approve zinc oxide ingredient in these types of spf products, so i went ahead and tried this one instead.

admittedly i haven't used it much, to lie in the sun trying to get a tan is not much on my agenda no more (ah remembering the 80ies, when we were actually competing in who got the deepest tan after school holidays...) but it smells heavenly of all the great herbs it contains. sadly it does contain palm derivate. shame on me again. the due by date is very short, i will try and finish bottle as more of a body and moisture oil than a tanning oil. and i will not buy it again.


:: sunscreen spray - kiehl's for kids face & body spf 30. one product in a 2 for 3 sun-products offer i bought last summer. i've used it this summer and i'm not a fan. i can't see why a spray on watery lotion like this would be better than a proper creamy cream. for kids or not. and as far as spf goes, i don't think it does its 30 spf-job well at all. i've had slight cases both irritated skin as well as real flaking. i don't do that. but apparently my skin has this past summer. i really like the kiehl's usual sun cream, next summer i hope i can use a tube of that instead.


:: body milk - korres vanilla cinnamon. i don't like the "warm woody pulsation" scent in this. (bought in athens during my tin can woman period, thus i relied on m's olfactory senses and not my own). good as far as moisturizing features go, but sadly another product containing palm derivate. will not buy again for those two reasons.

korres aloe vera. when i began using this "ideal after sunbathing" body lotion i didn't like way the scent came through when on skin. too much of a hint of musk (which i can't stand). good moisturizing features but sadly containing palm derivate (i have to say i'm so disappointed with korres, appearing as a healthy-good-for-you-organic-environment-caring brand, for this general palm oil using). which to me, admittedly a chemical layman, seems superfluous with all the other oils and essences it contains... thus will not buy again.

korres after-sun cooling yoghurt gel. it smells absolutely fantastic (like the above mentioned silk milk conditioner), cools nicely (even if i haven't burnt in sun) and works even better if stored in fridge and moisturizes well. not sure i'd buy it again though, because somehow the yoghurt in face and on body bit puts me off...

:: body butter - kings & queens queen elizabeth sugar. that heavenly alluring scent again. oh how i love. good body butter qualities. but darn it, it does contain palm derivate (the text on bottle i hardly visible)

:: body mist - yes to carrots pure c moisturizing mineral mist. i really enjoyed this bottle. a quick refreshing and moisturizing feeling for those days one can't be bothered with body lotion.


:: body splash - bath & body works cucumber melon. the finest of gifts. one of my all time ever super-duper favourite scent and body care products. i love, love, love the scent and its moisturizing properties. i'm so sad the bottle is finished. though i now fully enjoy another one of their great scents as a kind gift

sparkling peach. this scent was my first encounter with bath & body works, in prince's street edinburgh in the mid 90ies (when b&bw still had shops in europe). i love it still.


:: deodorant - nuxe tonific 24hr protection alcohol-free. smells great, sweet and citrusy. but it's lousy when it comes to anti-perspirant features. will not buy again.


:: talcum powder - johnson - johnson penaten baby. something cheap i picked up in berlin. good for a cooling feel in hot weather. faint scent.


:: lip gloss - benefit kiss you. i've bought a few benefit products over the years when abroad (don't think they're available in sweden...?) but i've usually been less than impressed by anything than their cute packaging. this lip gloss i do enjoy though. it smells of lovely of melon-raspberry, it's creamy, dash shiny, with a darkish pink hue more enhance one's natural lip colour than make a statement.

lancôme juicy tube. the medium pink one of the five is empty. smelled nice of, i think, marshmallow. now i'm using the pale pink one, it's nude colour, only gives a nice gloss and smells nice. kind of something candylike, so which one's which of cerise, fraise, lychee, pamplemousse and marshmallow electro i can't tell (and it doesn't matter i suppose). exemplary small sized.


:: lip balm - alba botanica hawaiian passion fruit nectar. this 82% certified organic inggredients lip balm was a thoughtful gift. i love it. smells fantastic (probably too much for some) and leaves chappy lips feeling soft and supple. alba botanica seems like a company with good philosophy and actions.

:: cover cream - babor camouflage cream. felt the need to cover unwanted things up. bought this cheap bottle after a facial treatment. have used it very few times since. don't think it covers things naturally, quite useless as far as i'm concerned. contains palm derivates.

:: mascara - helena rubinstein lash queen mascara feline blacks. despite its snazzy bottle it's just another crappy mascara that talks tosh of wonders and delivers nothing. and contains palm derivates.

rimmel glam eyes black. sigh, another crap one.

lancôme virtuôse black. and no surprise, another promise-lots-delivers-nothing mascara.

:: nail polish - opi suzy says feng-shui. wonderful blue hue. but as far as chipping goes it's like any other nailpolish and the bottle is really too big to finish. and its pricey. a rare treat.

depend nr 54. the mint green. swedish brand. lovely hue. works well on tanned feet's toenails. exemplary small bottle at very good price.


:: perfume - escada pacific paradise edt. i still remember some old colleagues who thought this type of scent was very-pia, "you know, i went by the perfume counter at department store and immediately thought of you when i smelled this one so-so". i like that. and i do enjoy this scent. fresh, fruity, flowery, summery, flirty, happy. for those days one need an extra boost of something uplifting. bought it on sale some years ago, have stored it in dark place, decided it was time to use it this summer. have only managed to spray it on a few times, as this humid, hot weather makes me not in mood for perfumes.

full english

Having sampled my way through B&Bs from north to south, east to west in England and Scotland and had my fair share of full vegetarian English/Scottish breakfasts I have to say that my overall view of it is positive. I'd even go as far as to say I find it (apart from the emphasis on dead animal parts on plate for some) rather endearing somehow. Prepared healthy with good ingredients it's such a great and satisfying way to start a day. I'm far from sure I'd want it every morning, all year round, for the rest of my life, but now and then and on holiday I'm a great fan of a warm plate for breakfast.

Swedish breakfast habits are very personal and vary a lot, they may include some of porridge, 'filmjölk' (sour milk) and cereal or granola, sandwiches, fruit salad, veggies, juices, yoghurt, tea, coffee, hot cocoa. In general I'm a tea, sandwich, grated carrots (latter due to the carrot defect) gal, sometimes sour milk + granola and fruit or porridge with apple sauce if I'm feeling tad adventerous.

The nice thing about a 'full English' is that it really is a perfect lunch or dinner. As well as a perfect way to recreate some lovely holiday memories. This what I had for lunch today ~

It was frabjous (even if I'm still a long way from mastering the perfect scrambled eggs).

What do you like for breakfast? When at home, when on holiday? What is a breakfast must any day? And how does the perfect breakfast/start of a brand new day look?

december 5th - mittens

It's funny how things that may look appealing to the eye but leave a lot to be desired functionwise can still be one of our most treasured ones.

For me that applies to these lovable sheep mittens. I fell in lust with them about 15 years ago (where did the time go) when Ragamuffin shop in Armadale on Skye was just a shed by the harbour. Wind blows through them, cold seeps in, an extra pair of finger gloves beneath them is needed, but still.

I love their rustic feel, handmadeness and natural colour scheme, I love the pitter patter pattern of walking sheep that makes me think oh Skye, oh Scotland, oh sheep every time I look at them. They're pretty useless as far as practicality goes, but for all the other reasons they are one of my most cherished items in wardrobe. They simply make me happy by looks alone.

Do you know what I mean...?

the comfort of saturdays

The reasons for me basically loving this fifth in one of my favourite series of books, the Sunday Philosophy Club-series by Alexander McCall Smith, are the same reasons as I love the series as a whole;

:: I can very much relate to the main character Isabel Dalhouise (philosophy paper editor/now owner and sleuth) and her musings, everyday philosophising, about every thing from the mundane to the truly world turning.

:: there's always something truly memorable and enlightening to quote/ponder about in every book. Many times it's my own thoughts put to paper by someone else. Such discoveries never ever fails to delight and uplift.

:: the main character's love for Scotland and Edinburgh - and I adore learning more from an insider's view on people and matters concerning them both.

:: the quiet kind of wittiness, humour and intelligence wrapped in unpretentious writing.

Thought provoking quotes from 'The Comfort of Saturdays' -

"... were they too brave, with the result that they were imposed upon in the name of vainglorious patriotism, chauvinism, easily led to slaughter? Should one be brave about the loss of one's only son, or should one break down and weep for the waste, the pointlessness of the loss; rail against the whole monstrous system that sent young men off in droves to climb up those ladders and stumble through the mud into veils of machine-gun fire? Why should anyone be brave about that?"

" ... the declaration of love could weaken its mystery, reduce it to the mundane. To say on the telephone, love you, ... was dangerous, .... because it made the extraordinary ordinary, and possibly meaningless."

There is one, not so tiny, recurring part of the books that now starts to annoy me though. That being the fact that a well-educated, well-mannered and kind, interesting, intellectual woman of independent means really shouldn't constantly question why her slightly younger beau prefers her over younger women. My advice would be, cherish and relish the fact that you've found a soul mate and any hesitations and specultions should be dealt with through talking with each other. There's time for quiet solitary musings as well as not.

More of my views on books by Alexander McCall Smith -
Folk Tales from Africa: The Girl Who Married a Lion
Friends, Lovers, Chocolate - SFC
The Right Attitude To Rain - SFC
Heavenly Date and Other Flirtations
The Kalahari Typing School for Men
The Full Cupboard of Life
Careful Use of Compliments - SFC
The 2½ Pillars of Wisdom
In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
Blue shoes and Happiness
44 Scotland Street

the tartan, tweed and hat crush

I'm a person with special fondness and soft spot for many things, luckily many of them is of the free of charge nature's splendour kind. The fondness I have for tartan I suppose is a blend of possibly cost - as it's such a darn irresistible wonderful pattern that come in endless, amazing colour combinations and it works well with everything. Always -

and free - as in just seeing them I get all giddy reminded of the special place in my heart played by Scotland and England.

Tweed is another fabric, pattern, quality I have a serious crush on. Not only oozing britishness, it's also stylish and cosily autumnal. Works well, as far as I'm concerned, with everything, always, during the chillier season.

Then there's hats. Granted these days I am more of a cap than a hat person, but I still get all mushy aw-ey when I see something tartan-tweedy-hat-ey. But since I'm prudent (there is a time for everything) I rarely act on that tartan-tweed-hat urge. Hence the aweness seldom ends in something coming home with me. My latest going-all-the-way tweed hat crush was the Skye one - yes, it's an ongoing affair, I can safely say I still, for always will, love that quirky, lovingly handmade, moodlifting beauty -

Well, the last until the other day. Found it, was mesmerized, tried it on, developed a crush, decided to think 'if it's still there a later day, it was meant to be'. When I went back to shop some days later a woman was tampering with the hat and hesitantly put it back on shelf. Instinct made me run and leap for it, because life just can't be so cruel that the crush hat would end up on someone else's head and right in front of my eyes at that.

This sweetie is now gilding my Autumn. I love the 1920ies smallish scoop shape, the details - it has a fine paisley lining too - the quality, the tartan, the tweediness and the wonderful, cheerful orangey-violet colour combination.



Do you have any favourite patterns and fabrics?

october beauty

No surprise by now, that one of my favourite pleasures and simple relaxing, everyday luxuary things to do is taking a long hot shower (not a bath person me), dabble with hair paks, foot baths, lotions, potions, scrubs and scents. An especially enjoyable thing this chilly time of the year.

These are my companions pre-, in and post- shower since last ;

:: showergel - chocolate showel & bath gel, bettina barty. german brand, old bottle waiting on the bathroom shelf for a couple of years. still smells divinely chocolatey.

honey spice, honey cookies & roasted pecans, another lovely product from greek aromatherapy brand korres. it's said to have all sorts of beneficial features like collagen stimulating and anti-ageing. as i'm always sceptical about such promises i couldn't say. but what i do know is that it has a gorgeous spirit lifting spicy, autumnal scent and a lovely foamy creaminess.

as korres now is available (yeah!) in sweden too (alas at a whole other price level than the one in athens, still...) i'm pleased to know that the possibility of a refill isn't that far away. hopefully.

:: shampoo - sun kissed raspberry, alberto balsam. i got this (not available in sweden) really cheap herbal shampoo moisture splash with juniper and chamomile at boots last year. i got it on smell alone, it smells divine. as for shampoo features, well it's just pretty basic. for a nice price.

colour save, sachajuan. my first try of this swedish stockholm-brand of haircare products. and this will also most probably also be my last. because the scent that developes when the shampoo gets in contact with water can't be described like anything else than really strong and cheap after shave. it smells horrific. and i can't say i'm impressed my it's overall shampoo features either. major disappointment.

:: body scrub - grapefruit tangerine, sephora. sephora isn't a brand, or shop, available in sweden, but a place i do enjoy browsing when abroad. this bottle of great scented - being a fan of pamplemousse (grapefruit is even more appealing in french somehow) as well as wanting more than a whiff of athens (orange blossoms) - scrub i picked up in athens. reasonably priced, but quite disappointing in quality, it's coarse, drying and anything but long lasting. i would not buy it again.

:: facial scrub - oatmeal face scrub, thann. first product from spa brand thann i've tried. it smells really lovely and scrubs both gently and decisively. since i unfortunately saw too late that it contains palm derived oils - which i for animal wellfare as well as ecological reasons aim to never use products containing. unless they stand in line already on bathroom shelves of course. and if they aren't from a sustainable source. which one could probably find out, if one isn't the lazy type of person who instead just try and shy away from palm derivates alltogether - i will not buy again.

:: facial mask - detoxifying clay mask, thann. the second prdouct from thann i've tried and i love it. it smells heavenly of roses and cucumber, it cleanses, refreshes and doesn't dry the skin. will definitely buy again.

:: facial cleanser - energizing pomegranate, murad. my very first (better late than never) experience of murad. i adore this product (and i'm glad that the overzealous sales person didn't talk me into getting another of their cleansing products instead), apart from it's enthralling fresh pomegranate scent it's a lightweight, very long lasting mousse that cleanses and refreshes well without giving that irritating dry feeling afterwards. i'm hooked. new favourite. pricey but long lasting.

:: soap - lime feeling, himla. when i bought this soap from swedish brand himla it smelled really nice. it has been waiting in line for usage and now it doesn't smell a thing. as it also contains a whole lot of palm derivates it will certainly not be bought again.

:: face cream - ultra rich shea butter face cream, l'occitane. like most things l'occitane it smells lovely and it feels very creamy and moisurising for dry, dull winterskin. hopefully it will work wonders with my not so happy this time of the year facial skin.

:: moisturizing spray - rice extract body moisturizing spray, thann. third product from thann for me. this milky fluid smells really fresh and lovely from cucumber, aloe vera and other natural and herbal ingredients. it's soothing and great to use after spending time in the sun. unfortunately, like the above facial scrub it contains palm derived oils so i will not but again.

:: body lotion - mandarin and mint moisturising body lotion, arran aromatics. m brought this home from the western isles of scotland last year. (i'm pleased to say that he has more than whisky on his mind when on whisky trips). arran aromatics certainly seems like an interesting company, but i can't say i was that impressed by this lotion. bit to lightweight for me and the scent is more musty than mandarin fresh. wouldn't buy again, if i could.

rich body lotion with extra dark chocolate, by italian brand angelspa. a spur of the chocolate sniffing moment find from the åland ferry boat. it's just delightful, lightweight but creamy and moisturizing.

:: deodorant - double effect 24 h avocado extract, nivea. i really like this one, it smells very nice, it feels kind to skin (even though i seriously doubt its promise of supporting close shaves) and it works well deodorant wise.:

: sun screen - face & body sunscreen lotion, kiehl's. unless on holiday or in toy car on a sunny day i'm not big on using sunscreen in general. since 2007 i've only used this kiehl's lotion during summers/holidays and i think it's a great one, i like it that it's for both face and body. non greasy, water-resistant, lightweight it lets skin breath, prevents sunburn and feels kind to skin. with a pleasant light scent (even if it says fragrance-free).

:: self tanning - self tanning milk, clarins. i admit, i'm vain when it comes to tanned legs in early stockings-leggings-socks off season. i tan easily, but these days i'm not much for tanning so to get legs looking reasonably fresh i take to the bottle. the self tanning bottle. i probably began using clarins after some test in a magazine years ago, and i'vebeen faithful ever since. unlike so many self tanning products it actually smells rather nice and it gives a fine, natural looking 'tan'. as i only use the product on legs i alwasy get a lot of lotion left in bottle end of bare legged season. hence i wish it was avaiable in smaller sized bottles.

:: hair spray - climate control styling spray, tommyguns. this, my first try of tommyguns hair care range, is a rather nice experience. it smells lovely of jojoba oil and witch hazel. i don't know about the climate control bit, but it is a reasonably good styling product, as well as long lasting.

:: scents - i'm not faithful to any particular scent or brand, fragrance families yes, but just one or two scents no way, i like to change scent with my mood du jour. i used to be *kind of* addicted to perfumes, everyday always. i'm not that person now, but still i do enjoy a sweet whiff to start off the day, most days. so these are my fragrant companions right now;

awakening mist, biotherm. still unbeknownst of athens' scent being that of orange blossoms i picked this spray at the airport taxfree shop for my holiday scent. i like a few of biotherm's scents and lotions, they feel lightweight, fresh with moodlifting fragrances. this one smells of mandarine and sweetness and is quite lovely.

grapefruit essence oil, kiehl's. what i think of this one, has already been said here.

light clouds, cheapandchic moschino. i do adore scents that come in pretty bottles and i've always concidered the cheapandchic range to be one of the cutest around (popeye's olive shaped). this light summery version is just fresh, sweet from top to bottom note.

the vegetarian haggis meal

Quite obviously I'm no fan of the original Haggis version. However, the vegetarian one is rather enjoyable now and then. As it tend to be extremly filling only in small portions - the food on the plate in photo serves two, but a serves-one portion would certainly make a rather silly meal in looks - and always served with mash potatoes (which I pretty much only make for haggis).

And beetroots (these were organic locally produced lightly cooked melt in your mouth especially delicious). And the garlic fried mushrooms made a nice addition to this latest vegetarian haggis meal.

Are you a fan of (the vegetarian version of course) haggis? Any nice serving suggestions (other than swede, the veggie not walking on two legs kind)?

six books

Ah, my weekend will definitely involve making some new bookly acquaintances from this fine little pile of freshly arrived books I'm all starry eyed over. From top to bottom there is;

:: Till dess din vrede upphör by Åsa Larsson - (Until your anger cease) my definite favourite female crime writer, Swedish, former tax lawyer her books are so much more than the average mainstream not very well written suspense novel. The stories not only extremely well-written but inventive, multi layered, reality rooted and rather gruesome. This is her fourth book about lawyer Rebecka Martinsson. I am so looking forward to the reading of this book.

:: The Stranger House by Reginald Hill - another favourite crime novelist, this book is however not about stablemates Dalziel and Pascoe but a free-standing story. Now in pocket edition. Should be a neat read.

:: Kinesen by Henning Mankell - (The Chinese) I have to admit I've never read a book by this Swedish mainly crime novels (about chief inspector Wallander) author, international bestselling at that. I've seen most of the Swedish film/TV adaptions of Mankell's books but I've just never been intrigued enough to take on the books. This book (that apparently the whole Dutch Olympic team got to read before the last Olympic games in China) I have however wanted to read since it was released, it seems quite fascinating and now it's finally available in pocket edition.

:: We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee - I've already begun reading this rather original real life story about journalist Mee who, with his family, bought a rather derelict wild life zoo in the English countryside.

:: Espresso Tales by Alexander McCall Smith - second book in the 44 Scotland Street-series. Need not say another word than delightful it will be.

:: Virka! by Frida Pontén - (Crochet!) I borrowed this at the library at first (courtesy my mum really, since I more rarely than rarely frequent the fine library system), found it an enthralling and sweet book with a blend of old and new techniques, full of simple patterns (some more must-do than other). It has a rather wonderful colourful happy feel to it and many sweet photos that really makes one want to immediately crochet, again and again. The equivalent of a candy/toy store for yarn addicted grown ups.

Overall the patterns and explanations are easy to follow, some need tweaking and there's pretty much a total lack of specific yarn information as well as the amount needed for the projects. Which I suppose has both its pros and cons, it does make room for personal improvisation and creativity. But when you can't find that special yarn which looks irresistable in photo or have difficulties to estimate consumption, it is somewhat annoying...

Something that obviously didn't stop me from coveting the book for myself instead of settling for a library version.

Have a happy book reading, crocheting weekend ~

the naming of the dead & exit music

It feels rather bittersweet when having to say goodbye to a book character you've followed in 10 books. I didn't realize there was that many of them, but yes, eight add two are now standing in my bookshelf. All read. By me. "The Naming of the Dead" and "Exit music", the two last books (ever) by Scottish crime novelist Ian Rankin featuring jaded, grumpy, too much whisky drinking, smoking and eating bad food but with a strong sense of what's right and what's not inspector John Rebus.

Just noticed that there are apparently 17 books written about Rebus, but only 10 translated into Swedish. How bizarre. As I picked up my first Rebus book in Swedish (Black & Blue), found it well written (translated) I've just continued reading them in Swedish and never thought there could be more, non-published books in English. I should of course known better. When the last book have been read I feel it would however just feel strange to step back in time, go back and pick up the not read ones.

One might say that Rebus is pretty much the average troubled with no private life to talk good about semi-alcoholic policeman in modern crime fiction personified. But his world of crime does have some extra perks that far from all crime novels have;

:: Set in Edinburgh, they do show the darker side of the city and lives that's usually very far from visible to the briefer (or more well off) visitor to the grand city. The books paint a rather bleak and grim picture of the Edinburgh life. On the other hand every city has the not so charming backside and it's the multilayering and history that makes most places as well as people interesting to know.

:: They are well written - which is imho so very far from the case with crime novels in general. Unfortunately. Because a well written crime novel is just an awesome way to spend reading time with! - well worked through with plots, interestingly and often tied to current political issues and tides. As well as the always and everywhere annoying office politics (including the always present people too often in charge whose only interest clearly is lining their own pocket on other people's expense).

:: The depiction of gorgeous Edinburgh and Scotland in general makes one feel very present, some streets and places very familiar, others not. The collection of characters are often very interesting, from all walks of life with a dry, quite entertaining, taking the edge of all the grimness humour weaved in.

What I personally would have liked from the books are more discernible, distinct stories. Because I find that after reading 10 of them I have to say, despite being of high quality, I wouldn't be able to tell one from the other. (The perfect example of very discernible crime novels is Swedish Arne Dahl.)

This is the end of an era. The Rebus era. I'm glad to have made your acquaintance, it has been overall very good to read you.