Life in Yonder

December

2011-12-01T14:08:00.002+01:00

It is storming outside. Raining cats and dogs. The trees are bending to the wind, all in the same rythm. I am home today with Astrid who is suffering from an ear infection and her fifth day of fever.

The wool has come out of its hiding place. It is time to let those needles find their own tune again and make warm gifts for the people that form part of our life.

garden glimpses

2011-10-18T21:32:00.001+02:00

After Sally’s comment last post I have been searching for photos from our garden. I never meant to tease you. I am sure I took some this summer, but the photos are nowhere to be found.

It will have to do with some glimpses from about a month ago. Autumns colours dominates and the sun is getting low, but you still get the feel of how our little but cozy garden is.

PS. We even have an apple tree *joy*!
And the neighbours let us go picking plums from their tree *double joy*

The entrance and back side of our house

We like it here!

Starting to get there

2011-10-10T20:52:00.001+02:00

i love my new kitchen

At least for now most of the main work on the house is done. We have several details left, but can't do them all at once. One detail is for instance to put up paintings and photos on the wall. Somehow i am in no hurry. After all the work and money we have spent on the walls i am terrified to make holes in the wall. In case we make one and regret it.

The stair colour we chose

My anxiety of making holes in the wall actually reminds of my anxiety for cutting into new fabrics. But we can’t live a lifetime with bare walls, so sooner or later we will have to bring out the hammer and nails.

visit from new wee neighbours (look at our bare walls)

The plan is to frame all our chosen photos and posters put them on the floor (no nails required), and then see if a hanging on the wall pattern reveals itself to us. What do you think? Does it sound like a plan?

our summer progress

2011-09-13T20:35:00.003+02:00

Thank you everyone for the encouraging words and for checking in on me from time to time. I hope you have had a nice summer filled with your favourite summer funs. With so many things to do I have not had the time or creativity to write and post. Energy is coming back and here is an abbreviated update of these last months. Just to catch up a bit.

April 10th: All the floors in the second floor have been sanded and varnished.

May 1st: Walls are being torn down, door openings closed and others opened. I have no clue as to how this will be finished by June first.

May 10th: Holes and cracks in the bedroom walls and ceiling are now filled with fine and coarser filler. Tomorrow we begin to sand it all down. I look forward to all the dust.

May 27th: Finally finished painting the 3rd coat in two of three bedrooms.

June 1st: We have moved to our new house! There is no kitchen here yet.

June 14th: There is still a lot to do and we are trying to keep sane while waiting for the house to come together. After two weeks without a kitchen sink and water in the kitchen we are delighted to do a re-entry to the dish washing routine. The cabin feeling and fun with “back to basic” of washing the dishes in the shower wears off surprisingly fast. It will be years (…at least months) before I complain about being the one to empty the dish washer. It is beginning to look more like a kitchen than a construction site.

June 20th: Trying to decide on colour for the stairs. Haven’t found the right one yet, but we are getting closer.

June 25th: The electrician was here to day to do some more work. Now we have light in our bedroom and bathroom. Hurray!

June 28th: We are going on a much needed vacation to Costa Brava (Spain)

July 18th: We are back from holiday with renewed energy to take on more work in the house.

July 20th: Our basement is floated with water because of the heavy rain the last days.

July 22th: Something terrible happened today. Unexpectedly and far from anyone’s imagination.

July 23rd: It is worse than we thought yesterday. It is a national tragedy. No one of our friends have been affected. We feel numbed.

August 3rd: We finished painting the walls in the stair cases.

August 8th: We finished painting the kitchen. One day before my cousin and her friend come to visit.

September 2nd: The door knobs are finally on all the doors in the second floor.

September 10th: The walls and the ceiling in the basement living room are painted white.

September 12th: We are still waiting for the refrigerator that supposedly arrives the 15th.

And we have one patient little girl, that we feel very, very guilty for not playing and having as much fun with as we should. There will be some catching up in the time to come.

I'll be around from now on. Looking forward to catching up these autumn!

as it was

2011-05-04T20:42:00.000+02:00

There are 300 unread posts in my feeder, and I feel like I am missimg out on everything that is going on. I don’t want to be out of touch with you.

This is the reason why Im not writing, reading or spending time with you. This is the town house” we bought (or “rekkehus” for my Norwegian readers, which literary means “house in a row”). This is how our new and modest 98 square metres (or 1054 ft² and 124.3 in²) house looked like when we bought it in January

And this is pretty much how it looks like know.

We are tearing down walls, taking down all the electric installations, and shaking up old dust.

And opening up between the hallway, kitchen and livingroom

I am terrified. What have we gotten ourselves into?

a quick hello

2011-04-24T12:19:00.000+02:00

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

I am enjoying mine with an Easter egg filled to its brims with chocolate and marzipan, Norwegian radio drama, yellow daffodils, and British television crime shows at nights.

signs of spring

2011-03-30T15:09:00.002+02:00

They might seem like small signs but never the less they are very important signs for a spring hungry Norwegian gal.

By the way, I am still alive. I have had an expected and unavoidable setback with my back/shoulder and am under good treatment. We are also busy preparing for renovating our new house. This weekend we get our keys and can begin the work. Photos shall be shared in the future.

Now I'm on to a very longed for cup of tea and visit to your places to see how you'all are doing and how much spring you have around at your place.

two requests and a pair of baby mittens

2011-03-13T21:56:00.000+01:00

Thank you so much everyone for your well wishes, good advice and shared thoughts. It feels special to have so many people care about our well being and share this new adventure with us. Thank you.

Baby mitten made in baby wool for my friend R's daughter

Sarah-Jane and Homebody at Heart have made each their request some blog posts ago. Sarah-Jane would like a neck warmer pattern for grown ups. So I have begun working on one based on her request and perfect for anyone who would likes to be warm around their neck but wants something else than a scarf. I share the pattern once I get happy with the result.

Homebody at Heart has asked me if I could share an apple cake recipe and I can. I just need time to bake it so that I can take photos to accompany the recipe. Cake day will be put on the calendar.

For everyone living in Japan or knowing someone living in Japan, I hope yours ones are doing well. All my Japanese friends and friends living in Japan are good. I love what some artists have come up with this last week to show their thoughts with everyone hit by this tragedy. Check out Gera’s free cross stitch chart “We are with you Japan” and Natascha Rosenberg’s illustration “Hug Japan”.

Wishing everyone a good week!

many life changes

2011-03-03T09:23:00.009+01:00

They are all good changes but right now life is so busy that I don’t know how to relax when I have some time to do so. I keep finding my shoulders tight up under my ears and no matter how many times I roll them around and try to relax they keep up ending under the ears. I need a massage, yoga class and some relaxing acupuncture, all at the same time. Do you know what I mean?

Jacket made in baby wool for my friend R's daughter

The funny thing is that all the busyness is related to changes that we have wanted for some time and that we are very happy to welcome.

As you might now, I have been day dreaming of a house where I can put a food tray for small birds right outside our kitchen window. Well, in January we bought a house! It is a small “town house”, but still a house. With garden. AND garage!

A garage might not mean much to you (depending on where you live) but for most people living in Oslo it means a million in saved time from driving around the streets looking for somewhere to park the car. During winter it means saved back pain from hours of shovelling snow before parking or before driving away to get the car out from where parked.

The last two weeks have been extremely busy putting our flat for sale, choosing a real estate company, preparing the flat for the property appraiser, the photographer, and then for the flat viewing. Lots of hard work in short time. It all paid off. Two days after the viewing our flat was sold for more than the asking price. Happy, happy, happy!

In the midst of all this I left a job on Friday and began a new one on Tuesday. Today was my second day and I am so very content with the change I have done. Life is great. It was already good, now it is even better.

We get the keys for our new house in the beginning of April. There are several things we need to do with it before moving in (in June) but that I’ll save for another day. Now I’ll go on with my shoulder rolling and yoga.

Happy Thursday!

Ravelry link to jacket

neck warmer for kids

2011-02-20T17:19:00.001+01:00

Before Christmas I was busy making gifts and was for the lookout of practical gifts I could knit with one skein and knit fast. I remembered the typical neck warmers that we used to have when I was a kid. They would simply be a neck with a front and back panel to keep your chest and the back of your neck warm. When our coats and winter jackets were closed it looked like we were wearing a sweater with a long neck.

I knitted them for a two and four year old, but the pattern can easily be adjusted for kids of other ages or grown ups by adding 4, 8 or 12 stitches more and adjusting the length of the front and back panel.

The top to bottom knitting was inspired by JCasas Neighborly that I have made on several occasions.

Neck warmer

Sizes
Approximately 2 years and (4 years)

Needles
3.5 mm circulars (US 4) and 4 mm circulars (US 6), (both my circulars were 40 cm long (15.7 in)
Yarn: Drops Merino extra fine

Notions
Stitch marker
Stitch holder or scrap thread

Abbreviations
k – knit
p-purl

Pattern
Cast on 92 (96) stitches on 3.5 mm (US 4) needles. Join the stitches making sure not to twist and place marker to designate the row.
k 2 and p 2 to the end of row
Continue to [k2, p2] until the piece measures 6 cm (2.4 in)
k four rounds.
Switch to 4mm (US 6) needles and k four more rounds.

Bind off 7 (8) stitches after marker, k 39 (40) and place these stitches on a stitch holder or a scrap yarn. These 39 (40) stitches are for the back panel of the neck warmer.

Bind off 7 (8) stitches and k 39 (40). These are the stitches for the front panel of the neck warmer and the ones you will continue to work on now. Turn work so you are looking at the wrong side (purled row). Knit the following rows like this:

From wrong side: k3, p 33 (34), k3
From right side: k 39 (40)

Continue with this until your work measures 12 cm (4.7 in) or your desired length from the point when you divided the work in back and front. k 6 rows and bind off.

Now take the stitches that you put on the stitch holder or scrap yarn (for the back of the neck warmer) and do the same as with the front.

Happy knit!

Brooklyn tweed love

2011-02-19T22:30:00.000+01:00

Back in October Denise asked us on her blog if we would like a simple scarf to keep us warm this winter. I signed up for the giveaway right away and loved the idea of having a scarf made by her on the other side of the Atlantic. She would pick one reader and the lucky reader could choose the colour from Brooklyn Tweed’s palette and let her know which one was our favourite.

My two favourite colours from the palette was “homemade jam” and “soot”, and since I love surprises I asked her to choose which of the two if I happened to be the lucky winner.

Well, I was! I was the lucky winner! And two weeks ago a soft envelope arrived at the post office. Inside was this beautiful soot - grey - Brooklyn Tweed - made by Denise - scarf. I have worn it since as it has the perfect length, is warn and accents my brown feather filled winter jacket.

It truly feels special that someone I only know through blogland has made this scarf for me. I love my gift. Thank you very much Denise!

Together with the scarf she had put an extra surprise for me, a cotton bag from the Kinokuniya bookstore in San Francisco! Either she was on a lucky struck (or me depending on how you see it) or she knows me better than I thought. I love the Kinokuniya bookstores. Back in 2008 when we visited San Francisco that was one of the few places that we (I) had planned to visit before we travelled. I spent three hours in the bookstore, and only left because my poor husbands patience could not be stretched an inch more and neither could my swollen pregnant feet.

I love my gifts.

amends at the mountain

2011-02-12T16:07:00.001+01:00

Do you want to come along for a weekend at a ski resort with us? Perhaps it can make amends for my unannounced absence these last two weeks.

Mr. Yonder’s company sponsored a couple’s weekend for their employees and we enjoyed every single minute of it. It was our first grown ups only weekend since Astrid was born. We will not wait another two years before we do this again.

We enjoyed our time here so much that we have decided to go back some time soon. If you come long with us you can choose between cross country skiing, slalom or snow boarding.

If you are not into skiing you can take a dip in the pool, visit the Finnish sauna, take a day at the SPA or try climbing the wall that goes all the way from the bottom floor through the lobby and continues upward.

What about diving into these comfortable couches after a long day with activities?

And then order a steaming warm coffee or hot chocolate and perhaps a piece of this tempting apple cake with crème Brule and whipped cream? Anyone?

By the way, when was the last time you went on a ski trip or had a couple’s weekend with your hubby? I think we have to improve at that here in Yonder.

stacks of blue merino

2011-01-26T21:21:00.003+01:00

I was busy before Christmas making gifts. Because I didn’t want to spoil anyone’s surprise I couldn’t share with you all the makings. But now I can.

These were hats and necks warmers I made for the kids of my oldest cousin MJ who lives in Madrid. They have had an unusual cold winter there this year and I thought this would come in handy.

For the hat I used this pattern from Drops with a few alterations.

The neck warmer pattern was inspired by Jennifers Neighborly. I love to knit from top to bottom. I don't know why but for some reason it is more fun. I'll share the neck warmer pattern in a later post.

Edited: Ravelry link here

pickled herring

2011-01-21T09:48:00.018+01:00

I thought “everyone” had long breakfasts no matter what part of the blog reading world you were from. And that perhaps what was different would be what was on the table. So I am surprised by your surprise on how different it is. It makes me want to ask you: How is a Sunday breakfast at your place?

I love long lasting breakfasts so if last post was an inspiration to you then my mission is done.

Sometimes the food is important; other times the company & conversation. And once in a while the best part is the silence. Long breakfasts’ lets you live in the moment. They let you meditate. Breathe and ponder. Something good always comes out of a long breakfast.

The recipe I use when making pickled herring is written below, in case you want to add some norwegianess to you breakfast table. It is very simple and easy and everyone brave enough can make and eat it. If you like fish and you like pickled food this should be right your alley.

I usually make small amounts because there are only three of us. And I like my pickled herring to be “fresh” (as fresh as pickled food can get) and firm.

Ingredients:
3-4 salted herring fillets
1 onion thinly sliced onion (use the kind you have at hand)
10-12 peppercorns
2-3 cloves
1 bay leaf
1 dl vinegar (7% strength)
2 dl water
1 1/2 dl sugar

Preparations:
Soak the herring filets in water for 1-2 hours, cut them in 1.5 cm strips.

Slice the onion into thin rings or half rings.

In a pan mix the vinegar, sugar, water, and spices heat the pan gently but do not
let it boil, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let it cool off.

In a jar layer the sliced herring and onion and pour the cold vinegar marinade.

You can also find a more spiced up recipe here

On the table

2011-01-16T21:48:00.005+01:00

To Lucy and everyone else that wants to know what is in every jar and bowl. I’m imagining you sitting across the table asking me and giving it a go to taste. Some of the things you already know what is but perhaps with other names. Other things might be new to you depending on what part of the world you are from.

The jar that says “syltet agurk” contains pickled sliced cucumbers. Sweet and sour at the same time.

The jar that says “tomatsild” contains cured herring in tomato sauce. This is typically eaten during Christmas. Some make it with tomato sauce; other makes it with mustard sauce. My favourite is the simplest cured herring recipes of them all: pickled herring. I’ll share the how to do’s later on so you can try it out yourself. It is not for a picky kind of person, more so for the kitchen adventurer.

The small plastic “bag” that says “majones” contains mayonnaise. You cut a small piece of one corner, squeeze the bag in the middle and then depending on how big or small you made the corner a big or small line of mayonnaise can be squeezed over you choice of bread and spread. My favourite Sunday mayonnaise combo is a slice of bread, boiled sliced egg, caviar, and thin lines of mayo on top.

The bowl that says “hjemmlaget syltetøy” contains homemade strawberry jam. It is simply made with strawberries and sugar and tastes delicious. Just as if summer is visiting for a short and intense mouthful. And if you have some Brie at hand and put that on a slice of freshly made bread and then a spoonful of the jam. Well what can I say…Yummy!

Let's dig in!

Edited: Dorte, this could actually be either one breakfast, brunch or lunch. Or all three, depending on how early you get up in the morning and how long you sit at the table.

Welcome 2011

2011-01-10T23:26:00.001+01:00

Christmas has been cleaned out of our living room. Gone is the red and green, the advent star in our window, and the Christmas tree.

A new year lies ahead of us. Like a table full of ingredients for us to choose. New possibilities, new highs and new lows, new experiences that reminds us that we are alive. I love it!

Happy new year dear friends!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T08:37:00.003+01:00

I wish you all a peaceful Christmas filled with the ingredients that means something good to you.

Warm hugs, Anne Marie

Would you come along with us?

2010-12-23T12:49:00.002+01:00

Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet? If not, would you like to come along with us? I’m thinking I could take you to the area called Grünerløkka.

They have lots of small shops with irresistible home décor, Christmas signs, candles, cups, lanterns, door knobs and Christmas tree ornaments.

Then we could do a stop at the Café Bügge and have a chicken club sandwich or a veggie burger (… or anything else you fancy from the menu). We could finish with a warm café latte before we continued to do some more shopping.

Perhaps visit Noah, Noah to find something warm to wear over our shoulders

Or my favourite toy shop where I am sure we could find something for both small and big children (read: grown ups young at heart).

And before we all went back home to our own places we could go for a round of ice skating, or just watch this toy and dream away.

What do you say? Are you up for some Christmas shopping with us?

bird feeder part deux

2010-12-22T09:46:00.004+01:00

I don’t know if it can be called decoration, but I wanted to keep it simple and natural. I assume it will attract the birds easier this way. Although I have doubts about if they will find the food hanging from the branch.

I think I read some where that birds look for food in the places they have found food before and that it might take some time for them to discover new food places. Persistency is my game then. Persistency and hope. And ten bird seed balls.

The bird seed ball hanging from the blue 100% merino yarn (of course) is also very easy to make. Simply put a selection of bird seeds into paper cups, heat up fat and pour the warm fat over the seeds while still warm and runny. Once the fat has cooled take the fat balls out of the paper cups. If they are stuck, you can tear the paper cup off.

Oh, and I tied the yarn to a coin with a hole in the middle (the one kroner coin has a hole in the middle. I did not do that myself). The coin was pushed down among the bird seeds before I poured the warm fat over the seeds.

Now I will sit down by the window with a cup of tea and a couple of my favourite Christmas books and wait.

Birds on the balcony

2010-12-20T23:39:00.001+01:00

I had so many things to share with you last week and then I got caught by the big dreadful stomach flu, the Norovirus. I have done little except from visiting the ladies room (…no, not to powder my nose), drinking water mixed with apple juice and sleeping… don’t worry I will not go into further details. Instead I will share my bird attraction experiment.

We live close to the forest in an area with lots of small birds. I love seeing the variety of birds that gather to eat seeds from the feeders people hang up in the trees. If we had a house I would put a food tray for the birds right outside our kitchen window. But we don’t have a house (my cup is half full).

So I need to find a way to attract the birds to our balcony. I am not sure if it is possible to attract birds to a balcony but I'm willing to give it a try. Since I haven’t found a balcony bird feeder I’m trying my own invention.

You need a few branches off a tree, an empty milk carton or equivalent, water and temperatures below freezing point.

Cut the milk carton to you get the desired height. Fill with water and put in the branches you have chosen. Leave outdoors (or in a really big freezer) until frozen. When completely frozen tear off the milk carton. Put into a wider container. I used an old wash basin. Pour water just to cover an inch of the wash basin or chosen container leave to freeze. Repeat this until the basin is at least half full of frozen ice. This is to give the base weight and sturdyness (if not the weight of the branches would make your frozen milk carton fall over).

I’ll show you how I decorated it later this week.

3rd Sunday of Advent

2010-12-13T10:02:00.001+01:00

Having Astrid has made me think more thoroughly on how we would like to celebrate Christmas… and what we in a busy life can expect from ourselves to manage. We need to find the right balance between this so that we grown ups can enjoy the season as much as Astrid and any future kids.

I am big on traditions even if I have had to learn to be flexible the last 10 years. If Astrid is anything like me… or just 10 % like me she will want her Christmas to be the same every year. So we need to think our celebration through, because once it is “set” I suspect it might be difficult to change.

One thing I think we want to do is having friends over to bake ginger bread cookies. It is a tradition that can be implemented in an advent activity calendar; as well as unite us with friends in an otherwise busy time.

As a fun Advent experiment we tried out gingerbread cookies baking with neighbours and friends on Saturday. The experiment went well and I think this is a keeper for our tradition.

Christmas music was played, dough and cookies were eaten. I whipped together an apple cake for the grown ups (it disappeared shortly after the picture was taken… not a crumb was left) with some Gløgg. Glasses of cold milk were consumed by the ~~shorties~~ wee guests.

(I was going to check the spelling of shorty in plural when I found out through urban dictionary that shorty originally used to mean a young man and that commercial rappers now use the word as an affectionate term for a girlfriend, attractive female or concubine…would you, my English speaking readers, have made me aware of this mistake or would you have let it go by and stored it under “crazy norwegian”… *smile* ...Wonder how many other blunts like this I have made in the past).

To add to the Advent cozyness I took out some of our Christmas stuff and decorated the house for the occasion. This year our house will be decorated with some reds, greens and whites + a dash of nature.

The gingerbread cookie tradition is now set in Yonder.

What are traditions in your households that you try to do every year?

December goodies from around blogland

2010-12-10T17:13:00.002+01:00

December is the grand month of sharing. Opening my blog feeder is like having my own advent calendar filled with ideas & freebies. There are so many beautiful things.

I want to share some of all the goodies I have seen these last days. Find yourself a cup with something warm to drink (or cold if you live somewhere warm), put some Christmas music on and enjoy.

Gift list by Benign Objects (She has 25 days of freebies and Giveaways)
Gift tags on Epheriell Designs
Gift tags from Eat, drink, chick
Labels for jars, CD cases (make someone marmelade or chutney and put a beautiful label on it, voila!)
Ornaments from Whip Up
Owl Calendar that you can costumize to your own liking and give away or keep yourself to begin planning fun stuff for 2011

Wishing you a Happy Friday!

Cloud blue

2010-12-08T10:02:00.006+01:00

I just finished this hat. All the other hats I have knitted have been given away. This one is for me. My ears need it. And so does my head. Brain freeze!

It's knitted with soft, soft Rowan. Expensive yarn, but since I only needed one skein for this hat I think it is OK. It will last me for years, is soft & warm, what more can I want?. This is a fast knit, if you are in need of a last minute knitted Christmas gift.

A winter wonderland walk

2010-12-06T12:23:00.002+01:00

On Friday Mr. Yonder and I had our first night out in a long time. Astrid stayed over at her kindergarten friend whose parents I have known since Astrid was just a few weeks old which means I feel safe to leave her there. It is also very practical since their place is only a five minute walk from our place.

Friday night was spent with colleagues of Mr. Yonder at the old fashion and fancy restaurant right beside the new ski jump at Holmekollen. The restaurant looks absolutely beautiful with its old new look. A five meal course there was followed by a concert with a-ha (their second last concert as a group), and then dancing & champagne at one of Oslo’s night clubs. We had so much fun!

Saturday morning after sleeping in for the first time since I don’t know when, I picked up Astrid at 12:00 (12pm)!!! And she and I went for a walk in the neighbourhood.

On our walk I discovered this ice rink. In summer time it is an ordinary play ground, but in wintertime it is magically turned into a skating area (around the playground). I love discovering neighbour gems like this.

And I love seeing kids in action, moving around outdoors no matter how cold or warm it is

On our way home we spotted this little squirrel climbing up & down the trees

And these beautiful birds sunbathing in the low winter sun.

Wishing you all a good week!

comfort food

2010-12-01T22:03:00.001+01:00

The temperatures have crept down this last week. Today we had – 15ºC (5ºF) degrees. This is a temperature that we usually don’t have until January and February. It is definitely not common for November and December.

Cold days call for good wintery flavourful food. Today we made a typical Catalan Turkey recipe. It is usually made for Christmas but I’m flexible, it is the first of December and almost Christmas.

There are plenty of ways to make this. We used a big chicken instead of Turkey and added sweet potatoes as garnish.

Ingredients
One big chicken
100g prunes, chopped
100g dried peaches, chopped
200g grounded pork meat
100g bacon, diced
100g onion, chopped
50-100g pine nuts
Breadcrumbs from one slice of bread
1/2 cup of white wine or brandy
½ cup water
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Olive oil
Salt
White pepper

Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 150 ºC (300ºF)

Wash and dry the chicken.

Mix prunes, peaches, grounded pork meat, bacon, onion and pine nuts, and bread crumbs with some salt and pepper. Stuff the chicken with the mixture.

Sew the skin around the opening together, and truss the turkey (I used some left over wool thread that I put in water first) so that the stuffing don’t sieve out during the cooking.

Slice the sweet potatoes. Put in the bottom of your roasting tin. Put the chicken in the roasting tin as well (on or beside the potatoes you choose).

Season the whole chicken with the salt and pepper. Add olive oil, water and brandy into the roasting tin, and put the tin into the oven.

Roast for one 90 minutes on 150 ºC. Baste the turkey by pouring the cooking juices over it every now and then.

After the 90 minutes, turn up the heat to 200 ºC (392 ºF) and let roast for another 30 minutes.

Let the turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving so that it can redistribute the juices.

Enjoy!

my always smiling friend

2010-11-26T00:49:00.001+01:00

This is a wisp I started knitting two years ago and just finished last week. I made it for my dear friend Gunn. Three years ago we began working at the same place with just a month between us. She was a smiling, and including co-worker from day one. And she has been a friend since then. This wisp shawl is to keep her warm during cold Norwegian (and Italian) winters.

This is a very easy knit. I haven’t knitted with mohair yarn before but it is perfect for this pattern as I was going for a light, big warm shawl. One you can rap yourself in before snuggling into the sofa with a book or a cup of tea.

Wishing you all a great weekend!

big society - part 2

2010-11-24T20:30:00.034+01:00

Your response to my big society post a couple of weeks ago was amazing. Thank you for participating!

I always enjoy hearing from you. This time was not different. I loved hearing what you thought when reading the post and I also loved reading what you thought of other people’s comments. It felt like I was part of a conversation.

Photo:credit

I know all posts can't be equally engaging, and that is not a goal either. But I do hope to be part of this kind of engaging conversations once in while.

Last week I saw an interview with the American writer Jonathan Franzen. He is on a tour to promote his new book “Freedom” and did an interview here in Oslo.

One part of the interview that especially caught my mind was when the Norwegian interviewer (Siss Vik) asked him about “competition” and how competition was a theme in his book. What caught my attention was his answer. He said that in the US no one asked him this question, while in several European countries he had been asked that same question.

photo:credit

…He then went on to explain his theory on why he is not asked about the “competition” aspect in his book. Interestingly enough he said that one reason why the competition theme is not asked about in his book is because it is an uncomfortable subject and because of politeness. It is not nice to be competitive, so we don’t talk about it…

….on some level I think that comparison is related to competition. We compare to see where we stand in this unannounced continuous competition. Anyhow the interview reminded me of you and our conversation.

(...and why I would like a kindle or some other e-reading device, now!)

You can see the interview (in English from aproximately minute 8) here

little sister neighborly

2010-11-20T10:52:00.001+01:00

Thanks for all you concern and well wishes. We are still coughing around here but I hope we are glimpsing the end of it. In between all the sickness I have knitted another neighbourly.

I know, it’s my third neighbourly and number two with hearts. This one is for the little sister of the other heart neighbourly. These vests are so fast to make and so practical for active kids. If you are still wondering what to make for Christmas you are still in time to make two or three of these (depending on the size) in good time before Christmas.

Wishing you all a good weekend!

PS. I should have washed and ironed it before posting, but I just didn't have the time.

tea with honey

2010-11-16T21:36:00.001+01:00

Astrid and I have been coughing our lungs inside out since before we had our sunny friend’s weekend. We can’t seem to shake this one off. I have been more at home than at work the last two weeks and work is piling up on my desk as is my bad conscience for not being at work.

My head will not work and my ears are plugged. I have difficulties breathing after walking up a simple stair case. I am trying to take care of Astrid at the same time as I am wishing my mom would come and take care of me.

And now over to something more positive - at least for me: I have won Denise’s giveaway!!! I am getting a lush and warm scarf knitted with Brooklyn tweed Shelter by her. I can’t believe my luck and I am so excited & happy! If you don’t know her blog yet, take a tour. I love her texts and photos. They always make me ponder and think new thoughts. I like that.

sunny friends weekend

2010-11-09T15:31:00.004+01:00

Saturday and Sunday we spent together with friends baking buns, drawing, playing Lego, strolling in the neighbourhood + wining and dining after the kids were off to bed. Us girls also through in a few knitted rounds in between here and there.

I took the opportunity to take photos of Astrid modelling this fresh from the needles neighbourly with our friends’ kitchen and our bun making as a back drop. There is a few changes to the original pattern and I added three rows of hearts. This is a gift, but after seeing it on Astrid I realize I need to make her one as well.

These two pumpkins used to fight two out of three times, now however it looks like were are heading towards one out of three which is the kind of progress we like.

corner view {famous}

2010-11-03T14:50:00.012+01:00

Some time ago I read an article about how today’s big society and big world makes it more difficult to be famous or to feel that we exceed in one talent or one activity. It is more difficult to feel that we are good at something compared to before.

Before, when we lived in small villages or towns everyone could be “the best” at one thing, excel in one activity or be famous for one thing. There were less of us. We knew of less people. We compared ourselves with fewer and so it was easier to feel good about ourselves or be famous even if just for one thing.

Today, not only has cities and communities become bigger. We also have TV and internet which makes the smallest village or town big. You can compare yourself with people from all around the world. People you have never met. To excel in something, be among the best or be famous is far more difficult.

I do this myself. Compare me with others. Compare my blog with others. Compare. It is not good. Sometimes it makes you feel small. Sometimes it can make you feel alone.

The only thing I find that helps from getting further down a negative comparing spiral is to go back to the initial thought or the initial feeling of why I do what I do. I do what I do because I get a satisfaction from the mere activity. I master a personal challenge. I experience flow.

Yesterday I came across Susanna’s lovely blog. She has an interesting video post on digital detox (I found her through Hei Astrid). Doing a Digital clean up is a great idea. As well as having a respite from Digital medias.

I think a digital detox or clean up is a great idea for several reasons. One of the reasons Susanna mention for doing a digital clean up is because she comes across blogs that wind her up, or that triggers her. Sometimes she reads blogs that fascinates her, but that makes her feel anxious, jealous, competitive, not good enough or less than… all crappy feelings. I can only say that this resonates with me, I have felt the same.

Today however, after thinking about her words, I have been wondering. Is it necessary to eliminate people from our digital life or real life to feel good? Eliminate the person we compare ourselves to, because if not it becomes too much? Is it them or is it us? What if we instead work with ourselves, and our feeling. Ask ourselves why does this thing, this word, this person or blog trigger this funny feeling in me?

I am sure that neither her nor I are the only ones feeling like this. Everyone has funny days when other people’s success gets to us. So if everyone feels the same once in while, is it not better to be together than alone about it? Be together, and learn to live with these funny feelings while we also take strength from eachother, from eachothers creativity, thoughts and energy? Turn it into an upward spiral.

… A few weeks ago I saw the French movie “Ensemble, c'est tout”, with Audrey Tatou and Guillaume Canet (side note: I have just replaced the Clooney poster hanging on the inside of my wardrobe with this to die for cutie!).

The Norwegian name of the movie is “Together we are less alone” (Sammen er vi mindre alene).

Let’s be together about experiencing funny feelings. About not being famous ( for the record: it's OK to be famous if you are). About doing things for the inherit feeling of doing it. Let us work on being content with the everyday encouragement we get from our friends and family. Let us feel good together and crappy together.

All these feeling are part of life. They are part of us. Together we are less alone.

corner view {pondering}

2010-11-03T14:35:00.000+01:00

Watching this glass jar reminds me of different summers in the past. Each little thing with its own summer moment that made me pick it up and bring it home. One day when I’m old my jar will be full. I hope it doesn’t fill up too fast. But when the day comes that the jar is full I hope it will be filled to its rim with small and big summer beach moments that makes me smile. That makes me feel content.

For more corner views visit Jane or Theresa

sunny sunday walk

2010-10-31T22:48:00.001+01:00

Today we took a Sunday walk along Carl Johan the main avenue in Oslo. I love cold sunny days, and the golden colour on the leaves high lighted by the sun.

baby jacket

2010-10-30T15:06:00.016+02:00

I have been a committed knitter during my absence from blogging. This baby jacket is for my cousin’s baby. She is the most adorable little girl you can imagine. The jacket will keep her warm and pretty on cold winter days.

As a knitter that only begun knitting seriously (… that sounds silly, have you ever heard of an unserious knitter?) about two years ago I am quite proud of having made this jacket. I would never have thought I would get this far with my knitting. Every new project I take on teaches me something new.

This jacket taught me that I should never be afraid to try patterns that look difficult. If it is too difficult you can always stop knitting and use the yarn for something else. And if it is not overwhelming and you conquer the challenge then you end up with a sweet jacket and one bar more on the knitters self-esteem chart.

For details on the pattern visit Ravelry

Second hand days

2010-10-27T10:07:00.003+02:00

Fall brings with it second hand markets. I love them. In Drøbak they have an outdoor market with lots of almost not resistable things. Look at these beauties. Happy Wednesday everyone!

September in Yonder

2010-10-24T20:34:00.003+02:00

What I thought would be a summer break from blogging has turned into several silent months. I want to go back to normal blogging but it seems I’m out of words and things I think interesting to share. And then I read your blogs and realize there are tons of things I want to share with you. So I will start writing my 1-2 posts a week again. Today I share a photo summary of September.

spending time in the garden with friends and neighbours.

our friends F & A's wedding in Barcelona.

cleanup crew.

partying after the ceremony. This has been one big party summer (... meaning two parties, our own wedding included). I feel young again.

This bar in the Born area of Barcelona is owned and run by an Australian. They made excellent mojitos!

a sunday walk in the sun.

smelling the jasmine.

outdoor family dinner.

at the market bying ingredients for making panellets.

I wasn't the only one druling over these candies

Wedding in Yonder

2010-10-05T08:00:00.008+02:00

{the village}

{preparation time with the girls}

{Hotel El Far}

{Fideua - energy to last a long day}

{bobbles}

{the groom ariving to the chapel}

{sweet music}

{the tradition}

{my peonies and roses}

{the party begins}

{the sun setting}

Wedding in Yonder

2010-10-04T21:56:00.001+02:00

I don’t really know what to write this time…

We had planned this day for a year. It was time consuming, we planned it in Yonder, really we did. Neither here nor there, but with the help of internet and telephone we did it somewhere inbetween. We argued. A test. Yet another test of our relationship. We got to know eachother better (there is always something to learn). We are stronger now. Better prepared for the next test. I had a couple of bridezilla moments (but just a few).

And then the day was there. We were determened to enjoy it. Everyone already married told us it would go by fast. We were more determined to enjoy. Every little bit of it. Every little thing. And we did.

It was a beautiful day.
One that we will never forget.
One that still makes us happy inside when we think of it.

What was the best part you ask? ...It must be seeing the happy faces of our family and friends. Feeling their happiness and love for us. Seeing and feeling how they enjoyed the day every bit as much as we did.

Oh, and of course … seeing our friends (and some family members) going bananas on the dance floor as if no one was watching!

August in Yonder

2010-09-25T21:37:00.013+02:00

August was largely about Denmark.

Our dear friends Dorte & Jakob welcomed us with an authentic Danish lunch in their beautiful garden. (We actually didn’t see Astrid for the three days we were there as she spent her hole stay in their garden. She had a blast with their daughter’s toys, and would only come inside when hungry and exhausted with play).

We went for walks along the shore and saw beautiful houses like this one

We barbecued "skumfidus" (my favourite Danish word meaning marshmallow)

We witnessed how one little girl helped another little girl (and my heart melted)

We exchanged cooking recipes

We admired this painting made by our fellow friend and Cast B mate Kicki Julie Jørck

And we shared good talks in their beautiful garden and house.

After our three days with Dorte, Jakob and their kids we all left together for Copenhagen. Were we were headed for a reunion with lots of friends that Dorte and I travelled together with almost 15 years ago. Back then we were 126 kids between 17 and 26 years old from around the world.

We travelled together for eleven months and visited 26 states in the USA, 26 cities in Mexico, Montreal and Toronto in Canada, and several cities in Sweden and Finland. I stayed with 97 host families! I did community service in half of the cities we visited (and was on stage crew - set up the stage - in the other half of the cities).

This year 50 of us met in Copenhagen. Counting our spouses and kids we summed a 100 and something people. I had been looking forward to this since 2008 when we had our last reunion. Every 5 years we have an official reunion were almost every one of us get together. In between each five years we try to make a smaller reunion. This was the small one.

It is amazing how after all these years we still make an effort to see each other. Our friendships have matured and grown stronger in pace with us growing up and becoming more mature. In spite the fact that there are so many different people in our group I truly love them all and feel blessed to have them in my life. Even if we are spread all over the world I know they will be there for me if and when I need them. They always step up no matter what the challenge is. No matter who is in need of encouragement or prayer.

Inbetween all the planned activities we managed to sneak in a visit to Granola Café were we shared coffee and conversation with our friends Karina & Jeff. I also bought some more Kusmi tea here.

We visited the Tivoli

And after the kids were gone to bed and the designated baby sitters arrived on time we all went for a well deserved pub crawl. Cheers!

July in Yonder

2010-09-12T09:51:00.009+02:00

After the wedding... (did you really think I was going to show you the photos today? I am too much of a tease for that. Stay tuned, there will be a glimpse of our wedding after August *smile*)...

...we stayed a couple of days in Llafranc. Our family and several of our friends stayed as well. We enjoyed spending time with them, being able to talk more with everyone, share delicious dinners (from this restaurant), desserts, laughter and late night sangrias.

We had long and lazy breakfasts, hours at the beach, reading news papers and swimming, dinners in the shade and afternoon walks through neighbouring villages. These pictures are taken in Peratallada.

After Llafranc we spent a couple of days together with my husbands (so strange to write that word) family in the village were they live close to Girona. One of my favourite moments is when Astrid bonded with her cousin while trying on her brand new sun glasses.

July was also mosquito time

June in Yonder

2010-09-09T20:11:00.005+02:00

We have had summer filled with blissful moments that has fuelled our batteries with energy that shall last until next summer. I am sure you have fuelled your own batteries with your own moments, but if you haven’t or if you want to take a peek into our moments stay with me. The coming days I will share June, July and August with you. Welcome back!

It rained and rained... lovely tip tapping summer rain

Astrid loved it. She loves any kind of water, ponds, ocean, pools, lakes, kitchen sinks... as long as there is water she's with it.

I layed out all my favourite summer outfits on the bed before we went to Spain. It's hard to leave favourits behind but I managed to not bring too much this summer (I had a big white dress that took most of the suitcase space).

Our balcony garden bloomed and thrived (it is still blooming). And even if we don't have bees like this Montana girl we were blessed with bumble bees and the smell of lavender.

I prepared gifts for my bridesmade and four other good friends that helped me out on our wedding day. Besides my bridesmade I had a bracelet made for my hair dresser friend, my make-up friend, my photographer friend, and one for my "you need to go for a morning swim on your wedding day" friend. They all contributed to a calm and happy bride.

last month was all about...

2010-06-07T18:36:00.016+02:00

I am sorry for this unplanned & unannounced blog break. Time has just flown these last weeks and everyday life suddenly got filled up with, wedding plans, a daughter who has learned to open every drawer in the house, a project management exam due on two weeks and a full time job.

Since last time lots of things have happened in-between all the above. I’ll share last months happenings in photos and a few lines.

The sun came out

We played hide and seek

We ate waffles together with neighbours until our bellys couldn't fit one more heart of waffle.

We celebrated the 17th of May (Norways national day) by waving our flag

by marching togehter with the band

by watching and admiring all the beautiful craft on these national costumes (bunader)

by admiring more beautiful stiches

and by eating ice cream. All this together with friends that measn a lot to us.

We have walked in the woods and seen these beautful & relaxed sheeps

We accidently came across this concert with the girlish woman that sing songs that cheers me up and makes me smile.

We barbequed together with some lovely neighbours. Which reminds me we need to buy a "bring a long barbeque" instead of these "one time use & throw away barbeques".

And the tulips are blooming

corner view {gardens}

2010-05-06T09:14:00.002+02:00

.

This week’s corner view theme is gardens. We don’t have a garden. Instead we have an ok sized balcony slash terrace. This is where we do our gardening. With spring arriving slowly this year we still haven’t prepared our garden with fresh plants. The cold nights would end any plant we would buy. For now last falls plants will linger on a bit more.

sunday spring

2010-05-05T20:32:00.007+02:00

On Sunday we had our first spring day. The light was bright and sharp. Not perfect photo light, but definitely perfect spring light.

While I have observed spring coming to everyone else’s blogs, here spring is taking it’s time this year. Yesterday it snowed. From I woke up until noon and then some. But I know that winter is loosing this tug war.

There will be more days like Sunday.

photo workshop {light & abstract}

2010-05-01T22:53:00.009+02:00

These are the photos I took for the last assignment from C & C’ photo workshop. It has been such a fun ride, one I would love to do again

{as close as you can}

{as close as you can}

{abstract}

{different angle}

{landscape}

{reflection}

{reflection}

{your favorite taken during the workshop & and why}

This is one of my favorites. I am not sure why. I love the light and shadow around the scalloped edges of the cookie. I like the old feeling to the photo. I like the red and white together and the different lines and shapes.

One last thing....
list 3 things learned, gained or observed:

1. I learned that by leaving the automatic mode of my camera and taking control of the aperture and shutter speed I get the result I'm aiming for quicker.

2. I gained experience by doing things outside of my comfort zone. Like setting up still lifes as opposed to having still lifes "finding mye eye".

3. I observed that by adding a landscape photo or an overview photo to my macro's I can tell a story better.

Thank you so much Carolyn and Camilla for giving us so many fun and challenging assignments! I enjoyed sharing this with everyone else who participated. I loved seeing everyone elses photos and interpretations of the assignments. And I enjoyed the detailed feedback. This was my first workshop, but not the last!

a flower for you

2010-04-28T10:01:00.004+02:00

Thank you so much for all the congratulations in regards to our wedding in June. Your sweet words and kindness are heartfelt. I am grateful for having friends around the world, some closer some further afar (and some in Yonder), that keeps in touch by visiting and leaving inspiring, encouraging and beautiful words. Thank you for letting me know that you are happy for us.

Peonies are among my favourite flowers together with roses and ranunculus. My bridal bouquet will be made of peonies and roses (no more wedding talk, I promise!), so I want to share this video of an opening peony with you as a thank you for all your kind words and thoughts.

photoworkshop {colour story}

2010-04-14T21:45:00.014+02:00

With a toddler in house the days at a coffee shop with a mint tea & milk or latte are long gone.

Nowadays I make my own tea- and coffee shop at home.

{unfocused & square image}

As soon as she begins tugging at her ear I draw the curtains in her room, and prepare her for a nap. Her naps are my me-time.

{diptych and complement colour}

My time to cuddle up in our green sofa propped up by pillows, with a hot cuppa’. My time to dip a cookie in the tea while dreaming of how I used to travel around the world.

Coffee and tea shops are a small sacrifice to have this little princess in my life

{person in image & shooting off center}

If you would like to read what the assignment is or you would like to see more photos, visit C & C's blog where you can find links to other bloggers on the right side

photoworkshop {composition and perspective}

2010-04-11T09:12:00.006+02:00

These are the photos I took for our second photo assignment. This assignment focused on composition and perspective by taking photos of a still life. Perhaps it sounds easy but I found it difficult. My still life is personal and that made it that much more difficult to shoot. My still life is also partly reason why I am having a hard time doing and posting the assignments on time.

This Easter holiday after a lovely dinner at one of my favourite places in Costa Brava Mr. Yonder took out a small box of his pocket. Inside was this beautiful ring and he asked me to marry him.

After eight years together I know that this is me winning the lottery. I am in love with this man.

{as the eye sees it}

{birds eye}

{close up & different angle}

{close up & different angle}

{off center using negative space}

{unfocused}

In June we will have our church wedding in a small fishing village north of Barcelona, the same place were he proposed and the same place where he once told me that I am the light that illuminates his life.

recharged batteries

2010-04-07T20:52:00.007+02:00

I'm back! We spent Easter holiday in Spain, visiting Girona and Barcelona. Which means this year we lived the “going abroad and doing a visiting friends and family-marathon” version of Easter with a dash of outdoor beer and green olives. We were blessed with sun and blue skies and after a long winter I feel that my batteries are charged with new energy.

On our way home on Sunday we came early to the airport. I was afraid to get bored, but there were so many pretty and fun things to watch that the time flew. These are photos from terminal 1, the new terminal in “El Prat” the airport in Barcelona.

I love its light, the lines, the reflections of the floor and the quietness.

Colourful summer tunica’s and gowns from Desigual

teas from Natura

And funky jam rythms from Lewis Larke Band that made me and Astrid twist our dance foot.

our versions of easter

2010-04-01T08:33:00.004+02:00

For the right Easter feeling to come along there are certain ingredients or props that are necessary or that at least helps. We have several versions of Easter each version with its own particular ingredients or props.

We have the “on the mountain skiing” version, or the “feels like we are the only ones left in the city, and having our first outdoor beer” version, and finally we have the “going abroad and doing a visiting friends and family-marathon” version.

However some props and ingredients are common for all versions: chocolate, audio theatre crime stories, marzipan covered with chocolate, soft cover crime fiction, cross word puzzles, red wine and knitting.

Happy Easter everyone!

photo workshop {framing an egg}

2010-03-27T10:00:00.007+01:00

This egg collage is part of a photo workshop I am participating in. It is the result of our first assignment; framing an egg. The workshop began March 20th and will last until April 17th. It is my first photo workshop ever.

I am one of those photographers scared to leave the automatic modus. With my analogue camera I knew how to do it, I was not afraid at all. With my N80 I haven’t even figured out how to do it yet *embarrassed*. I need to read the manual.

For these egg photos I decided the shutter speed, while the camera decided the frame size. For our next assignment I will have to do it all by myself. Don’t you think?

paper for art and another project

2010-03-25T07:23:00.003+01:00

I have been a busy bee this week and I can’t believe it is already Thursday! So many things to do in so little time. This is a quick share to show you some beautiful papers bought at Norway Designs. Half of the papers I will use for a paper project I have in mind. I need to replace this which has been hanging on our wall since Christmas (there is a Norwegian song that says Christmas last until Easter).

The other half of papers will be sent to this talented artist who has offered to trade art for paper. I am so excited about it and looking forward to see her beautiful work in our home.

Happy Thursday everyone!

Moments of laundry

2010-03-20T11:29:00.004+01:00

Last week Emily wrote how lucky she is for knowing how to blur out her untidy house by using her macro when taking photos. She made me laugh because I have done that so many times I can’t count them. Today I thought I’d use my macro to do the opposite.

I have no idea how, but every week there are new piles, no, new mountains of clean clothes that waits to be folded. Astrid’s tiny clothes, our worn out clothes (I can’t remember the last time I went shopping for clothes) and our bed linen.

See you later; because’ I’m on my way to climb another of these mountains.

irresistable Ikea finds

2010-03-17T07:26:00.005+01:00

When I was pregnant with Astrid we went so many times to Ikea to buy things we needed for her that it worked like a vaccine on me. If I can avoid going to Ikea I will. But ones in a while I can't avoid it. I go there to by candles, white candles in all sizes and shapes. I try not to buy things I haven't planned to buy, but sometimes I find something to irresistible to resist.

Even if these bowls and plates were not planned, now that I have them they will come to good use. Astrid has begun throwing her plates on the floor if she doesn't like the food. These are plastic, bombastic and unbreakable. I win!

Sunday Pancakes

2010-03-15T22:54:00.004+01:00

This was our lazy Sunday breakfast

American pancakes with blueberries picked last fall...

... and crisp bacon

accompanied by orange juice

Recipe:

300g cottage cheese
4 eggs
4 tablespoons sugar (or less)
1 ¾ liter of milk
130g flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1tsp vanilla essence/vanilla sugar

What is your favourite american pancake recipe?

corner view {miniature worlds}

2010-03-10T13:08:00.006+01:00

We are planning a trip that will require bringing as little luggage with us as possible. On Saturday we visited one of those shops that have everything you can think of (…and can’t think of in some cases) for that kind of trips.

I took a snap shot of this rack filled with miniature shampoos’ and body wash soaps. I must say I’m impressed that there exists Lacoste miniature “Gel douche”. Classy miniature travelling here we come.

my needles - Part 2

2010-03-07T10:03:00.005+01:00

Thank you everyone for the comments, flickr mail and e-mails on the ”my needles” card. I hoped some of you would like it but had never dreamed that so many of you would.

This post is for everyone that has expressed that they would like “my needles” card, for those who have three needles or more of the same size and for those who know someone that has an abundant needle collection and could need one.

I created this sheet for you to download. It has both metric and American needle sizes. Simply download, print out on cardstock, cut out and glue the back and front size together. Enjoy!
Life in Yonder - My Needles

PS. For the Americans: If there are common needle sizes that are missing or I have put a needle size that is not very common, let me know and I can change/improve the sheet. Thanks!

keeping track of my needles

2010-03-03T20:10:00.003+01:00

Do you remember last month when I was bummed out because I wanted to begin a new knitting project but didn’t have the needles? Did you think back then: “why didn’t she just buy needles when she bought the yarn?”?

Well the reason I didn't was because when I do buy needles I get home only to find out that I already have that size of needles. And honestly; how many 3 mm - 40 cm - circular needles does a knitter need? It as gotten to the point where I don't view duplicates as waste of money but as "more projects at once" needles.

Anyhow, I decided to do something about it. Since I can’t remember which needles I have when I’m yarn shopping I came up with this “my needles” card.

I wrote down and printed the sizes of the most common double pointed and circular mm knitting needles. Then I cut and glued together the front and back side & used a red colour pencil to mark the needles I have. The “my needles” card has the size of a credit card and fits perfect in my wallet.

No more waste of money and no more bummed out because I don’t have the right sized needles. Next time I’m yarn shopping I will just pop out the card and see if I need to buy needles or not.

colourful moment in Yonder

2010-02-28T12:30:00.001+01:00

Still snowing. So we decided to stay indoors and share some colours with you.

Astrid doing the baby sign "finished".

Which is my cue for the next activity: cleaning up.

Wishing you a good Sunday!

corner view {street photography}

2010-02-27T21:03:00.006+01:00

I had to run some errands this morning and could barely get my car out from where it was parked, because of all the snow. It has snowed almost every week since little Christmas Eve.

Anyhow, I was on a mission to buy wools socks and winter boots for Astrid. The boots were on sale (50%) so I bought two pairs. I buy them two sizes bigger than what she uses now. According my friend T this “formula” ensures me to have shoes that will fit for the coming winter season. I know, It’s crazy thinking about next winter season when this one never seems to end, but a good modern housewife needs to save her pennies were she can and that means planning ahead and going on sales.

On my way home after parking the car the wind was getting stronger and the snow flakes kept lashing down and around. The only ones in the street except from me was an old lady waiting for the bus, and her friend (she was standing behind me and therefore not in the photo) who was struggling down the pavement with her walking stick, while waving to the woman at the bus stop.

I had planned to go out on another errand together with mr. Yonder and Astrid but realized the best thing was probably to stay home and so we did.

PS: Some time ago I discovered a series of posts on Jane’s blog called corner view. Jane invited me to share photos from my corner of the world. Every week there is a different theme and this week the theme is “street photography”. Visit Janes blog for other corner views.

10 things that make me happy

2010-02-22T09:06:00.009+01:00

Valerie challenged me to share ten simple things that make me happy... This should be easy if it wasn’t for the fact that there are lots of things that make me happy. But I’ll try:

1 :: spring, sprouts & sunlight
2 :: breakfast together with friends
3 :: when my daughter makes funny faces to make me smile
4 :: dark chocolate filled with ginger and lemon
5 :: laughing together with mr. Yonder
6 :: beach sand under my toes & the sound of waves
7 :: the words “summer afternoon”
8 :: when crafting ideas “pop” into my head
9 :: hot coco with cinnamon
10 :: decorating for Christmas

I pass on this challenge to ten other wonderful bloggers, and each and one of you can decide if you take the challenge or not:

Denise
Lucy
Camilla
Sarah
Alex
Jane
Diane
Kristine
Olivia
Natsumi

P.S. Did you notice how I sneaked in more than ten things in my list *smile*

centimeter by centimeter...

2010-02-18T09:00:00.001+01:00

...round by round. I'm getting tere, it will be done. I can't wait to wear it. I almost hope the spring will not rush to come. Almost.

three in one

2010-02-16T23:06:00.007+01:00

How was your Valentine Sunday?

Here in Norway Valentine coincided with mothers’ day, and “Fastelaven”. Almost like a kinder surprise egg; three special occasions in one day. Perfect, in these times of economic crisis.

I was preparing a post on how we try to not buy things on this kind of special days, and instead celebrate by spending time together.

However, I had to delete that post and start all over because when I woke up Sunday morning this was waiting for me in the living room. A lovely surprise from my super duper mr. Yonder. I love my new necklace.

After a long and lazy Sunday breakfast we made fastelaven buns filled with whipped cream and dusted with confectionary sugar. All in all a perfect day.

About the Neighborly

2010-02-11T21:22:00.000+01:00

Neighbourly is a free pattern for a children’s vest made by Jennifer Casa (JC Handmade). She gives it away and in return asks you to be neighbourly in one or several ways for instance by donating the money you would have used for the pattern or by giving away the west to charity.

I finished my first neighbourly last week. I used 2 mm size needles and several wool yarns from my growing left over stash. The original pattern is with thicker yarn and thicker needles (5 mm). Made with 2 mm needles and my yarn it turned out a baby size. I would guess approximately 6-9 months size. Too small for Astrid, but then again this is a neighbourly so this one is going to be given away.

An old lady's wisdom

2010-02-08T22:23:00.002+01:00

Thank you everyone for you tips. So many good ideas! I loved the idea of pulling it like a draw string. I would never have thought of that. And if the yarn was shrinkable (I don’t know if it is) that would also be a perfect way of making it smaller which would also make the hat warmer. Thank you for offering your support Sarah, perhaps I’ll call you next time I need to rip up something.

As you can see I went for the rip up solution.

I think I have said what I’m about to tell you before, but a good thing can not be repeated too often. Some years ago an old Spanish lady shared her crafters wisdom with me. This wisdom chimes inside my head every time I have to rip up or redo something. She said:

“Once you finish a project no one is going to ask you how much time it took you, they will only look at the end result”.

She was wise

new needles & the delicious Rowan felted tweed

2010-02-07T08:59:00.007+01:00

I finally had the time to pop by a store to by the required needles for the golden autumn, the beautiful hat designed by talented Lucy. I have casted on and Camilla (Bloom) was right, once I started knitting I loved it. The first 40 something rounds are easy just stockinet stitches. I met my first challenge when I was going to fold the hem for the double edging and pick up stitches from the cast on edge. I was doing this late at night and without enough light and I guess that’s why the hem turned out biased. So there was nothing else to do but to redo.

Now I have begun knitting the pattern and it is so much fun. It is difficult enough to be challenging yet easy enough for me to experiencing flow while knitting.

My new challenge is that I think I have chosen the wrong size. I think this hat will be too big for me. What do I do? On the one hand I want to make this hat in a size that will fit me. On the other hand it is so much fun knitting the pattern…and I don’t want to start all over again which will mean another week before I can knit the pattern. Decisions, decisions.

3 -3.5 mm circular needles

2010-01-27T19:24:00.002+01:00

What a bummer. I was hyped up to cast on and knit a hat for myself with this beautiful rowan yarn. Only to find out that I don’t have the right sized needles. I’ll have to cast on for another project until I can stop by a yarn store and buy needles. Perhaps I should begin a Neighbourly with some of my left over yarn in the meantime…?

By the way: Remember the days are getting lighter minute by minute and day by day (at least in this part of the world). Hope you are having a good week!

cleaning time

2010-01-20T22:31:00.008+01:00

I’m sorry for the absence and quietness over here. It has been 20 days of cleaning. I have been cleaning out Christmas, cleaning closets, cleaning the fridge, and cleaning book shelves.

I have made a chunky vegetable soup out of left over vegetables and Jamon Serrano (Spanish cured ham). And I have ordered my books by colours. It looks more harmonious and I love the fresh feeling of a good cleaning and tidying session.

I have also bought yarn. Lovely soft tweed rowan yarn. After looking for Rowan yarn in a dozen of yarn stores I finally found one store that had it. I could almost not believe my luck when I found the exact colour I was hoping to find. Colourway 150. If you are on Ravelry you can easily find out what is next on my knitting list… If not I’ll show you as soon as there is enough light to take a good photo. I can’t wait to cast on.

Made in Yonder 2009

2010-01-03T19:01:00.002+01:00

Happy New Year everyone!

It has been some wonderful and peaceful days here in Yonder. We needed this respite from work and everyday life. And the best sign that it has been a good one is that we look forward to get back at work and into our daily routine.

How was your holiday? Did you get to do some of the things you wanted? Did you get to not do some of the things you didn’t want to do? Are you ready for a new year and a new decade? I hope so.

I’m ending last year by sharing photos of projects I finished during 2009. My slate is clean. I have projects to finish and projects to begin. I’m looking forward to share 2010 with you.

Warm hugs from my place to yours!

Little Christmas Eve

2009-12-23T21:51:00.004+01:00

The house smells clean, the candles are lit, the tree is decorated and parcels are put gently underneath it. Astrid is asleep. We have seen “The Countess and the Butler” while eating gingerbread cookies and “Gløgg”. What is not done by now, will not be done.

It’s Christmas in Yonder.

Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas!

Christmas decorations 2009

2009-12-20T21:07:00.007+01:00

I said I was going to show some of this years Christmas decorations so here we go. Like last year I went for a red and white combination with a dash of nature.

These numbered lights I bought in January on sale. When I took up the Christmas decoration from the basement a couple of weeks ago, I found my forgotten candles. I didn’t know where to put them and placed them in the red bowl meaning to look for something more suitable, but then realized that I was more than happy with having them in the red bowl.

This one was inspired by several Christmas magazines and interior design blogs I have seen. Seems this year has been the big zinc year with houses made of zinc, pots and lanterns. I didn’t want to spend too much money on this years decorations so instead of buying a zinc box I used last years ginger cookie box. I added moss, pine cones and an old red glitter packaging bow from Ikea and *tadaaaa*, one more decoration done.

This Christmas collage is lifted from Ali Edwards' holiday project from 2006. I used some papers from my stash and some I bought brand new. Cut, mixed, and placed into a black frame. I love this collage idea and think I’m going to make three more, one for each season. It’s a simple way to make a change in our living room without having to spend too much money.

busy bee

2009-12-10T21:51:00.005+01:00

The weeks before Christmas usually fly by. This week flew by especially fast. I spent most of it away on a project management course. Interesting and fun. It will definitely be a good tool for my current job where I am developing a strategy to lessen the sick leave rate in the company where I work. Enough work.

The little time I have been home I spent with Astrid and knitting (after her bed time). I can’t show too much since this is a Christmas gift in the making. But it will keep two cute prince’s warm.

The pink ant string bag I made back in 2008, the night before we left for our grand 4 week long USA summer vacation. I have grown to love my little ant bag which is perfect for small knitting projects.

Next time I post I’ll show this years Christmas decoration.

Now I’m going to catch up with your postings, I missed you this week!

december & advent

2009-12-02T22:40:00.005+01:00

It was so much fun having you chiming in on the last post. Thank you! I’ll keep on showing moments from Yonder once in a while to keep a blog foot in reality.

1st Sunday of Advent passed by without posting and so did 1st of December. On Sunday I was busy opening boxes with Christmas decoration. By the time I finished taking out the decorations and decorating it was dark and not so good photo conditions.

The short days gives me a blog challenge since I like posts to be accompanied with flash free photos. In the coming months I will have to plan my posts in time and take photos during the weekend… not a good option since I prefer to blog spontaneously about what is most present in my mind.

P.S.The photo used for this post is one I took a few weeks ago of a winter still life we have in a corner of our flat. The linen strawberry is made by Sonia and one I won in a giveaway last month.

moments in Yonder

2009-11-24T20:15:00.009+01:00

Perhaps you have felt it… The feeling you get when you take a tour in blogland and see all the wonderful things that everyone else are doing… all the super duper women that just seem to do everything and do it perfect.

Some days it becomes overwhelming. Some days I need to take a minute and tell myself that everyone does not do everything at the same time. Some paint and draw, some sew, some knit, some bake, some decorate their house and some scrap. Seldom do they do all this at a time (although I have seen some that do).

So when I read Amy’s post “The trouble with Martha” I laughed with relief. She has pin pointed it…and she does it so well that next time I get the “oh my gosh I wish I could be as perfect as everyone else” feeling, I’ll just stop by that post and read it again until my heart starts beating in a normal relaxed rhythm.

In the spirit of moments I’m posting photos of moments that make up life in Yonder. These are photos of every day life imperfections – perfection the Yonder way.

Guilt free brunch

2009-11-22T22:58:00.006+01:00

Every year I do the same. And I do it with the same kind of short term memory innocence and good intentions as the year before. In early fall (this year it was at the beginning of October) I make an optimistic list of what I will make for gifts and for whom. And every year in mid November it becomes clear that there is no way in h… Yonder that I will make it through the list. Sometimes I don’t even get started.

There is one change however… a change that came about a couple of years ago. I don’t feel guilty anymore; there are no attacks of bad conscience. I don’t stop doing other things because I have to make presents. I only make things the days I have some spare time.

Like today. I had spare time. I could choose between staying at home to finish knitting a baby hat or have brunch together with good friends and their family.

I chose brunch.

looovin Bloglovin'

2009-11-14T16:03:00.004+01:00

This week was busy. I haven't had the time neither to post or to visit you. That means I have some catching up to do. But with my new super tool it's easy piecy.

I have just discovered the amazing Bloglovin (a tool to manage all the blogs you heart). I realize that I’m probably the last or second last in blog world to find out about this very practical tool. Until now I have struggled to find time to read all my favourite blogs & to keep track of them. Well no more. I just log on to Bloglovin and there they are waiting for me, all the updates and everything that has been written and posted since last time I had time to sit down with a cupper and enjoy.

What I especially like about Bloglovin is that it lets me see the actual blog. I am sure there are lots of other blog readers/feeders. Since I have only used this one I am curious:

Which blog readers do you have experiences with and which one do you prefer & why?

P.S. So happy you like the new header! Thank you for all the positive feedback!

autumn treasurehunting

2009-11-04T21:59:00.008+01:00

Today I want to share the thrift I did at our local flea market (one that is done two times every year at our neighbouring school). Together with an old lady that was looking for small buttons I searched meticulously through a zip loc bag that was filled to its rims with buttons in all kinds of varieties. I ended up with these buttons and this little cute box to put them in. Nothing big, just enough to satisfy my urge for some autumn treasure hunting.

Did you notice the change of blog header? For the longest time I have wanted to do something with the design and look on my blog. I am not quite where I want to be yet, but a minor change will satisfy me for now.

more warm wool

2009-11-02T23:05:00.003+01:00

I finished another wool sweater for Astrid with some very affordable baby wool from Gjestal. I used this pattern because I wanted a sweater with a long and warm neck so that Astrid will be warm even if she doesn’t wear a scarf. I like the pattern, it's an easy knit. However next time I think I will leave on more stitches for the neck (at least if I use this yarn), because when closing the buttons in the back it is a tiny bit tight. For this one I’ll just close the two first buttons and leave the third open.

Wish you all a good week!

remembering october

2009-10-26T21:23:00.005+01:00

It is hard to believe that it is already a year since our little princess arrived into our lives. October will always be special to me because of this. I still remember the view from our hospital room facing a brick building surrounded by trees… how the golden yellow leaves contrasted with the red brick wall and the blue sky…how the leaves the day we checked in were almost all blown away or fallen down during the three days we spent at the hospital…how one year was reaching its end and our daughter just beginning her life.

go red

2009-10-21T19:42:00.005+02:00

On Saturday Rani passed on a colour challenge on her blog. Her colour was orange. I have chosen red. My favourite colour is green, but it seems read is sneaking into my house without me noticing it until now. What is you favourite colour? If you’d like to take the challenge: Go green, then pick a colour to pass on.

PS. I’d love to know if you took the challenge so I can see you photos.

a break in the routine

2009-10-15T20:35:00.004+02:00

It is one more day until this week’s weekend. However on Sunday I said I would tell you about last weekends highlight, and so I will.

We went to Sweden for the weekend where we had rented a summer cabin (actually it was more like a house) in a small beautiful fishing village by the name Fjällbakka. For anyone into Swedish crime writers Fjällbacka is the hometown of Camilla Läckberg. She has written several (I think it’s six) crime novels that all take place on the Swedish west coast included her hometown. I had never read any of her books. To be honest I had never heard of her. But when my neighbour L heard that I was going to Fjällbacka she went straight into her flat, took out a book from her bookshelf and said I absolutely had to read it while I were in Fjällbacka. So I did. As soon as Astrid were to bed, the fireplace was lit and my lovely mr. Yonder treated me with a cup of tea I opened the first page. Meaning no knitting, cross-stitching or embroidery was done.

We enjoyed the weekend with sauna, a slow walk by the harbour in Grebbestad (neighbouring village), and eating fish and selfish soup.Nothing extravagant, but everyday life coziness and the perfect getaway to make a change in our ordinary routine.

fabric coated buttons & cocido madrileño

2009-10-11T23:13:00.003+02:00

Hi everyone! This has been a busy week. So many things to do in so little time. As you can see I went for fabric covered buttons and I must say I like the result, a bit colour to contrast the grey. I also knitted her a hat in the same yarn.

Last week I decided I had to pick up the phone and call friends I had not spoken with for months (although it only seemed like weeks). The phone calls resulted in a dinner invitation, two baby clothes exchanges and a visit to a restaurant together with my nice neighbours. The highlight of the week was without doubt our visit to my friend E who invited us for deliciously made “Cocido Mardileño”.

Cocido mardileño is a garbanzo (chickpea) stew from Madrid. There are of course as many recipes as there are households in Spain but it is usually prepared with potatoes, carrots, hen or chicken, bacon, fresh unsmoked chorizo (pork sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), and pork ham or beef spine to enhance the stock. It is usually served in two stages. First you eat the broth, and then you eat the chickpeas and meats. Historically it used to be a favourite among manual workers and I think it still is popular. Its heartiness makes it the perfect dish for fall and winter.

We had already digged in our second round when it occurred to me that I should have taken a photo. In stead you will have to do with this photo or this taken of a cocido madrileño aficionado.

I’ll tell you about this weekends highlight in a day or two.

winter wool

2009-10-01T21:49:00.009+02:00

I am preparing for winter by knitting one wool garment after another. Not for me of course but for my little princess. She needs warm clothes for her outdoor time in the kinder garden (day care). Fresh off my needless is a hat in extra fine merino wool. It is meant to accompany a grey jacket I finished last week. I haven’t posted photos of the jacket yet because I want to sew on the buttons first, but can’t decide which buttons to use: wooden buttons or fabric coated buttons? We'll see.

I have also begun making a list of all the things I need to make to give away for Christmas. I know summer has barely said goodbye, but if I don’t begin now I will not be able to finish before the packages need to be sent. This year I think I’ll make woollen hats and neck warmers. They are fairly easy to make, only take 1-2 skeins and are practical. We loooove practical. Do you have plans of making things for Christmas gifts? If so - what? Perhaps you can inspire everyone reading this post to make something different from they planned, including me.

Someone else who is looking for inspiration for homemade Christmas presents is Sonia over at Cozy Homemaking. She has been doing a week long giveaway and I have been the lucky, lucky winner of day four. Take a look to see what super cute gifts await me. Yuppy!

Dinners & chocolate cake

2009-09-27T21:43:00.003+02:00

Today was busy. I have spent hours in the kitchen making dinner for almost the rest of the week. First I made elk meatballs with thyme, onion and white pepper. Then I made salmon fish burgers with wasabi powder, spring onion and soy sauce. I rounded up my stay in the kitchen by baking a chocolate cake. Mr. Yonder has been asking for chocolate cake since last week when he saw me baking this cake with mini marshmallows and pink sugar. After a long day I’m going to sit down in my favourite chair with a big glass of cold milk and a chunky piece of dark chocolate cake.

Finally finished

2009-09-20T22:07:00.005+02:00

I began this jacket back in March/April as an intermission from all the pink cross stitching I was doing for a blanket to Astrid (a project that has been hibernating since then). This turquoise jacket was already finished a month ago when my mother helped me with the crochet border. It took me another month to sew on the wooden buttons, and now: tadaaa finally finished. It is super soft and warm. I almost wish I had one myself.

Backyard bear & oyster party

2009-09-14T22:42:00.006+02:00

Saturday was a gift. With its blue skies, sun and warm weather it felt like a last visit from summer. We spent the day together with friends at a backyard party with oysters, beers and chunky homemade sausages. Several of Oslo’s micro breweries had small stands were you could have a taste of their golden beverage and the. Famous 50’s loving drink mixer and cook book writer Jan Vardøen released his new cook book “Tøff mat – pølser og øl” (Tough food – sausages and beer), and bar Aku Aku released their Lemongrass ale. The day was topped by jazz music from “Oslo Radio Orkester” and a cowboy selling flowers from his Ranger XLT.

woollen hat week

2009-09-11T20:54:00.004+02:00

It is difficult to take good pictures when light is low and your model is a ten month old exploring baby, but ohhh so much fun. I could take pictures of her all day long.

Knitting is taking more of my creative time lately. When I at last sit down at nine thirty after finishing my “to do list” of the day I find it is easier to knit than to cross stitch. I don’t need to count or double check patterns. As long as I have knitted a couple of rounds and have made myself familiar with the project I’m set to go and knit one round after the other. This week the rounds turned into this woollen hat made of leftover yarn from a jacket my mom knitted to Astrid (the one she is wearing). The woollen hat pattern is from Gro's blog and is so easy and fun that I have already begun on a second one.

Have a wonderful Friday night everyone!

Soft landing

2009-09-02T21:25:00.004+02:00

Here are some photos of the accomplished blanket. I struggled to find the right angle and enough light for the photos. In the end I decided to post the photos that I have just like they are, because if not this post would not have been written in yet another week. The backside of the blanket (no photo I'm afraid) is an old flannel sheet I bought in one of Oslo’s second hand markets this spring. I found three pink flannel sheets in mint condition – I love a good thrift.

mille bolle blu

2009-08-20T22:17:00.006+02:00

Since Astrid began kinder garden I have had more time. She comes home completely exhausted with all the activities and impressions. I make her dinner (She is a good eater and so far there is nothing she doesn’t like - knock on wood). We play for a while, I read her a book or two and she begins to touch her earlobe which is a safe sign that it is time for bed. After a short stop in the bathroom for a quick wash up and some tooth brushing it is off to bed. In less than a minute she has stretched her arms above her head, sneaked her left foot outside of the cover and fallen asleep.

This has freed time for some crafting. I am knitting again. And I sense an urge to stitch pink crosses. It is weak, but growing. In the meantime let me show you what I began stitching earlier this summer before went on holiday. Once again it is a motive by Hiroko Ishii, but his time I altered the design a tiny bit by making some of the balloons in fabric instead of stitching them. I haven’t taken a photo of the final result yet, but I will.

chocolate & raspberry on a rainy saturday

2009-08-17T22:32:00.007+02:00

Hope you had a nice weekend everyone. I surely did. Saturday turned out rainy. It poured down for hours and hours so I enjoyed spending it indoors baking a chocolate cake for a friend’s party.

Nigella’s old fashioned chocolate cake with my own raspberry whipped cream twist. Resist it if you can. I couldn’t.

I also began a new mini embroidery project. The motives are from Hiroko Ishii one of my favourite embroidery illustrators. Wish I could draw like her, but I can’t. Luckily she keeps on making these incredibly cute illustrations for everyone to embroider.

Blueberry love

2009-08-15T08:37:00.003+02:00

Last Sunday I went blueberry picking. After having read my way around some of my favourite blogs yesterday I know I was not the only one. It is blueberry time in Blogland and everyone has their own favourite way of eating blueberries. From pies to muffins, cakes and pan cakes, blinis and tarts.

My favourite way is putting spoonfuls of blueberries in a cup, pour whole fat milk until the berries float and drizzle sugar on the top. That is my blueberry love.

Perfect Friday

2009-08-14T22:01:00.001+02:00

Friday night what a blessing. Astrid is asleep. Cosy clothes. My computer and me. Your blogs. I’m going to read not write. A cup of tea. Perfect.

2009-08-09T08:20:00.006+02:00

July flew by too fast and so did my holiday. If it was up to me I would have continued our holiday life for three or four more weeks. I already miss the sun and incredible bright light from Spain. We have had some wonderful weeks cooked together by laidback beach life, sea food, cold drinks, tapas, fresh fruit, walking about, friends and lots of family. Astrid has loved beach- and swimming pool life, and we have loved watching her joy and her smiles (and the hour and a half long naps she would take after a dip in the water). She is such a happy girl.

By the way, welcome back from holiday and vacation! I hope you have had a wonderful time too.

intentions are not enough...

2009-06-30T07:45:00.001+02:00

I had so many good intentions about writing and showing you what I have made lately but time got the best out of me. I have been busy searching for job and finding an available kindergarten (day care) for Astrid. For a while I thought I was going to have to register as “unemployed” but after a dozen of work interviews I finally landed a good job and negotiated my way to a kindergarten for Astrid. I am happy, exhausted and ready for vacation. This means that until august there will be little if not any action on the blog. I miss reading your blogs, leaving comments and staying in touch. I will find time to do that sooner or later. In the meantime I wish you all a wonderful, wonderful vacation filled with sunshine, relaxation, and relaxed crafting. Hugs here from Yonder!

pink ants

2009-06-18T10:12:00.007+02:00

I had big lunch & coffee latte plans today together with my friend T. Unfortunately her son might have gotten the chicken pocks and they are waiting for an appointment with the doctor to get it confirmed. Instead of fun girl time over an aubergine salad and warm coffee I’ll have fun girl time together with you while I post a photo of another napkin that I made. This one is for Astrid’s third cousin Iris who lives in Oviedo, a beautiful city in the region Asturias in northern Spain.

Since I’m staying at home I should be cleaning what will be Astrid’s room (still my office and craft room). But it is raining outside…and I just feel like baking chocolate buns and sew.

napkins and family visit

2009-06-16T08:52:00.004+02:00

This coming week will be a one of short posts to show you what I have made in between all the cleaning and nostalgia. First project to be showed off are these napkins that I made before visiting my three cousins MJ, M and D in Madrid. Astrid and I arrived last Friday to stay for the weekend at MJ’s (my oldest cousin) house. Besides being Astrid’s Godmother she is also a super woman and a saint.

She had come home from a business trip in Paris the day before I arrived, her husband was stumbling around on crutches after a painful knee operation and she hadn’t seen her two sons for several days, still she received me with a big smile and lots of energy. And she kept on without a break during the whole weekend. She bought groceries, prepared baby food, showed me her village, whipped up a delicious sea food barbeque and the list goes on and on (…only wish she would have let me helped her a bit). As I already said: super woman and saint.

The napkins were for my cousins’ children in other words Astrid’s second cousins. I met three beautiful boys, Miguel and David the sons of MJ and third, Juan the son of D, MJ’ youngest brother. He became a father to his second son Pablo at six o’clock Sunday afternoon. I missed that by a few hours as my plain left Madrid at seven. Altogether Astrid and I had a wonderful weekend.

treasures and nostalgia

2009-06-05T10:08:00.000+02:00

May flew by and I realize I haven’t written a single post. Instead I have done some major spring cleaning. When we moved two years ago I began a new job right away and boxes that should have been looked through, unpacked and ordered were just stowed in the cellar. Do not repeat after me. Unpack right away. If not, those same boxes will hunt you down sooner or later and take a big bite of your... time. It has been quite a journey through forgotten years, some treasures and lots of nostalgia.

I have done some knitting as well but have not had the time, or made the time to upload and post photos. I will soon.

and the winner is...

2009-04-30T21:26:00.007+02:00

Thank you so much everyone for stopping by and celebrating my second blog anniversary together with me! It was fun finding out where everyone is reading and writing from and especially fun to know how you found and when you began reading my blog (for those of you who shared that).

Looking forward to share more time and projects together with you but first:

Mr. Yonder helped me pull out a name from the hat (actually it was a salad bowl) and the name on the note that got picked was Di. Congratulations Di!!! Give me you address (through flickr mail) and I will send you your goodies.

How to sew on lining...

2009-04-28T21:37:00.006+02:00

I finished the jacket I began knitting in February, but still need to sew on the lining for the inner flab. I have red the instructions over and over again, but still don’t understand how to do it. Does anyone have experience with this or perhaps even have a photo tutorial? A photo tutorial, now that would do wonders! I guess I’ll do and undo it until I get it right.

My window garden has grown these last days and I love watching. I’m a complete amateur at gardening so there is no guarantee they will survive, but I hope they do, because I have so many plans for how to use the herbs. The oregano will be used to make delicious Greek baked chicken with lemon, olive oil and…oregano. If I get enough Basil I will try to make my very own pesto and the chives will be used for my favourite potato salad. I hope they will grow fast… I’m getting hungry.

two years in Yonder

2009-04-24T12:41:00.007+02:00

It is celebration time in Yonder! Together with you I have reached the two year anniversary of this blog, and I am so happy that I began writing two years ago. It has been such fun to get to know everyone through this internet based world. You have been there with me through my crafting endeavours, giving me compliments when you liked what you saw, encouragement when I lost faith in a project, and good advice when I got stuck. Thank you!

I’m celebrating by baking cookies and doing my first give away. Sign up for the give away by leaving a comment on the post I wrote on Tuesday the 21st and let me know where you’re writing from. If you win you will get this French book about softies that I used to make the blankie bear (you can see another photo from the book here).

In addition you will get this softie kit from Tilda, which comes with everything you need to make this beautiful vintage angel.