My favorite hair and shower products....at the moment.

I love trying new beauty Products, what woman doesn`t.
And over the years i`ve leaned more towards natural and organic products, because i believe it matters what you put On Your body as much as what you put in it.

As a hairstylist i was taught the importance of using good products on my clients hair ,
and always recommended them to buy the right products for their hair.
I`m not saying you have to buy salon Products , but i am saying get proper guidance to what your hair needs.
And if the price is an issue ,go online and get the products there.
you can find any hair product to at least half of that in a salon.

But please please please.....don`t buy the cheap grocery brands!!!
They are to your hair what junk food is to your body. Really bad!!
If you use the product right ,it will last a long time.
A little goes a long way, so with shampoo and conditioner 1 tsp is enough.

The same applies to body Products and skin care.

When it comes to shower gels or creams, my main focus is to use something that won`t dry out my skin. As i have sensitive skin.
And it has to smell absolutely  GORGEOUS!!!

I`m making an effort to find Natural and/or organic products , because i don`t want the nasty Chemicals on my skin or in my hair.
So i`m gonna share some of my favorite shower and hair products right now ( they may change from time to time. lol )


SABON:
This Israeli product line is just awesome!! My favorite product is the shower gel,especially the PLV scented (Patchouli,Lavender and Vanilla ) .
The smell is warm and relaxing, Just pure pleasure.
It`s SLS and Parabene free.
Only Down side is that the bottle is made from glass,so i have to pour it in to a different bottle,which is a shame because the bottle is rather pretty.
And it should have a pump dispenser.
Other than that it`s my favorite shower gel at the moment.
(since we can`t get this Product in Norway, i get them on ebay.com)

Body Shop Bath Lily:
I LOOOVE this bath "sponge" (don`t know what else to call it.lol)
It`s amazing to wash and clean the body with, as it makes the shower gel foam and it`s mildly exfoliating. Which i love. I can get the dead skin cells off without a harsh scrub.
And last but not least...The color...I LOVE the color!
Bright colors make me happy, so this little bright lily  makes showering a happy experience.

 

 



Fushi Stimulator Herbal Shampoo:
This shampoo is really great, it`s originally for fine hair and hair loss.
It`s suppose stimulate the scalp to make hair grow back.
I don`t know if it makes hair grow, but it gives my hair volume and it feels thicker.
And it smells really nice.
I love it!

To get this shampoo click HERE

 

 

 

OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo:

This Shampoo really smells like coconut! It`s one of my favorite scents.

I could seriously sniff the bottle all day!! lol.

This shampoo is great for dry and damaged hair.

It does not weigh hair down, it makes it shiny and light.

 

To get this shampoo click HERE

 

 

 







A`kin Macadamia & Wheat protein Conditioner:
This conditioner is really lovely.
It`s great for dry and damaged hair , and does not make the hair Heavy.
The right way to apply conditioner is just the lengths, NOT on top of the head ans scalp.
It has no special smell,which is fine by me since the shampoos i use have enough scent.


To get the conditioner click HERE

 Please leave comments and questions below..


Have a great day!

Xoxo

Waffles Norwegian style.

 

 

 



Waffles or vaffler as we call them, are one of the most popular treats here in Norway.
If we could we`d eat waffles every day i`m sure.

I don`t think i know a single Norwegian who doesn`t love waffles.
We love it more than cake......well,most of us.
We`ll have our waffle and eat it too! lol.

So,i thought i`d share my recipe with you.


Vaffler! ( large batter.)

400 grams Sugar, (I use half,I prefer it a little less sweet)
500 grams butter ,melted (Use real butter!!)
1 kg wheat flour
1 liter buttermilk
1 liter Whole milk (you can use only milk if you prefer ,and skip buttermilk)
2 tsp Vanilla extract
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
3 eggs

In a large bowl, add  all the dry ingredients.
mix it and combine well.
add all the wet ingredients and mix well.
Let the batter sit in the fridge 10-20 min before making the waffles,to let the batter swell a little.

We use the "standard" waffle irons, NOT the Belgian style waffle iron.

 



If you want a healthier Version:

-use 1/4 cup stevia instead of  sugar
-use low fat milk
-use 500 grams Whole wheat flour , 250 grams Oats and 250 grams regular wheat flour.
(or 750 grams Whole wheat and 250 regular wheat.
-use 100 grams butter,or skip it, or add olive or coconut oil


What we put on the waffle is maybe a little unusual.....
We have a cheese here we call Brunost (Brown cheese)
It sounds horrible,but it`s not. It has a caramel like flavour.
Us Norwegians are crazy about it.

 

Norwegian Brunost

 



And many put a little strawberry jam on top of the Brunost.
Others prefer sour cream and jam (raspberry or strawberry.)
But of course,you put what ever you like on Your waffle.


Hope you`ll give the recipe a try.

Until Next time,

Have a great day

Xoxo

Run run run...

 

 



As I have mentioned before on this blog, i`m in training for my first race ever.
I`m training for the Yorkville run in Toronto 13th of September 2015.
I`ve always been rather negative to long distance running..... I find it boring.
THERE i said it. lol!!

But lately,i must admit, i`m actually enjoying it! (OMG,did I actually say that and meant it?)
I find that pushing myself for a purpose actually gives me quite the boost!
But that`s the thing,i have a reason to push myself!!
Had i not signed up for this race,i probably wouldn`t be running long distance at all.
Certainly not pushing myself like i do now.
I`d still be enjoying my intervals.....and not knowing what i`m made of.

So today as i was running my 5.2 km round in my neighbourhood, i set out with the intent of just running for the sake of the workout.
I wasn`t planning on beating my previous time. which was 32 min BTW.
I had been working out the two previous days,so i knew my legs would be a little heavy ,and i would focus on just keeping my legs going.

When i finished my run i looked at my polar watch... I see to my delight that i have run my round 42 Seconds faster than last time.(WOOHOOOOO!!!)
I gotta admit, i`m a little proud. lol!

This is why i`m starting to enjoy my 5K training , I am doing what i believe i couldn't.
It`s amazing what a goal can do to my motivation , and to see how strong and capable my body really is.
I am so excited about this progress..... anything is possible it seems.

 

 



If you wanna run with me at the Yorkville run click Here and sign up!
(official registration starts 15.April)

Or if you wanna donate to many of the great causes click HERE

Maybe I`ll see you at the start line..... :-)


Until Next time...

Have a great day!

Xoxo

Homemade Peanut butter!

 

 



 

 

 

 

Hands up if you LOVE peanut butter ( i`m holding BOTH of mine up!! lol)

But a lot of the peanut butters in the shops has a LOT of extra rubbish added.....
and who wants to put that poison in their bodies? NOT me!!
So why not just make Your own.

Making Your own peanut butter is so easy, has very few ingredients and takes about 10 minutes.
It takes longer to go to the shop to get the stuff, than just making it yourself.
Crunchy or smooth,the Choice is Yours!

So what do you need to make peanut butter you ask?

You`ll need:
-a Food processor
-spatula
-peanuts (250 grams)
-sea salt (just a pinch)

That`s IT!! :)

How to make it:
 
-Put peanuts in the Food processor
-Turn the Food processor on
-let it stay on for 5-10 minutes (add a pinch of sea salt after 1-2 minutes)
-Peanut butter is ready

Use the spatula to wipe down the sides in the Food processor if the peanut butter comes up the sides.
(remember to turn the Food processor off when you do that)
And use spatula to pour peanut butter into a jar when ready.
If you want a more crunchy peanut butter,just pulse the Food processor til you have the peanuts as grainy as you want them,take out approx 1/4 cup of it and set aside.
Then add it to the finished smooth peanut butter,stir it in With the spatula.






 



I usually add a couple handfuls of almonds to my peanut butter, because it stays softer.

This way of making peanut butter applies to any nut butter, almonds,cashew,hazelnut,walnut even coconut (just use coconut shavings)

And you can add flavors to them, like:
-cinnamon
-honey
-Vanilla/Vanilla extract
-caramel extract
-rum extract
-almond extract
-Maple syrup
-cacao powder/chocolate syrup/chocolate chips
Whatever tickles your fancy, just be creative.

Good Luck and enjoy!

Have a great day!

Xoxo

Please leave comments or questions below :)

Healthy Soda recipe...

 

 



I have more or less stopped drinking soda.
Because when i drink them, i can`t stop!
And we all know they are full of chemicals and additives that is NOT good for our bodies.
Sugary or diet soda, they`re ALL the same.....unhealthy and addictive!
So I came up with my own Soda.
It`s Natural and.....(TADAAAA), HEALTHY!! woohoo!!
I always try to find or make a healthy alternative to the junk out there...as much as i can.
I`ll indulge in unhealthy treats too, but i like to limit it.

So how to make this wonderful, delicious and absolutely AWESOME soda?
well, i`m glad you asked ;)

You`ll need:

-Sparkling water
-stevia
-pressed juice (NOT from concentrate!!!! and preferably Organic) if you press Your own,even better!

I usually make it a glass at a time, but you can make larger portions if you want.
But you shouldn`t drink more than 1-2 glasses.
Everything in moderation, as they say.

For 1 large glass (400 ml)

1/2-1 tsp stevia powder (or 2-4 drops liquid stevia)
150 -200 ml Fruit juice ( i use pomegranate,but any juice is fine.)
200-250 ml Sparkling water

Add stevia first,
then add the juice, stir a little to dissolve the stevia.
Then add the Sparkling water.
ENJOY!
                                



  



Now you can drink soda without feeling guilty and without chemicals to poison Your body. :)

Hope you`ll give the recipe a try.






Have a great day!!

Xoxo








Please leave any comments and questions below.

Remedy for cold and flu

I always get really wiped out by the flu.

It clings on for weeks, and who has the time to be sick for weeks?!

So the last time i had the flu, i went online and began a hunt for natural remedies to cure... or at least shorten the time of it considerably.

 

 

Let me tell you, there are a lot of ridiculous remedies out there, down right superstitious some of it.

But i did find a couple of remedies that really did the trick for me.

 

 

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink:

 

 



 

This "concoction" tastes like eight shades of funky,but really helped me .

Instead of being sick for weeks, i was back to work after 3 days!!

Now this can be different from person to person, depending on how sick you get,and if you get proper REST!! because rest is key to getting well faster as well.

 

Recipe:

 

3-4 tbsp organic Apple Cider Vinegar

500 ml water (2 cups)

2 tsp stevia (not in the original recipe, but i need it to not taste like shit,so i put in stevia,and it makes it A LOT easier to swallow)

 

If you don`t like stevia,you can use honey.

 

The reason why this actually works ,is because of the acid in the vinegar, no bacteria or virus can live in an acidic environment.

 

I would drink several of this during the day , maybe 2-3 x 5oo ml.

 

Cinnamon & Honey Paste: 

 



 

Cinnamon has a lot of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory Properties.
 

Honey is antiseptic, antibiotic,anti fungal ,and antiviral.
And is known for having Medical properties.

Recipe:

1/4 cup honey
add as much cinnamon to make a thick but still "runny" paste.

Basically you mix honey and cinnamon into a paste and eat 1 tsp at a time, 3-4 times a day.

I hope this will help you as it has helped me :-)

Have a great day and get well soon !

Xoxo

 

 

 

 



Happy St.Patrick`s Day!!



Happy St.Patrick`s day to you all!

Today everything is Jolly and green, and today we`re all a little Irish!!
St.Patrick`s day is one of the few national days that has been "adopted" by countries all over the world.
No Wonder, the Irish do know how to have a good time.
And they are  "the more,the merrier" kind of People.
So let`s put our party hats on and join the Irish in celebrating their day!!!

 

 

Borrowed from Pinterest





I started my day with green Paddy`s day pancakes. Just to wake up with the right feel to the day.
They look almost scary and dangerous to eat ,but i swear they`re completely healthy.lol.
Amazing what a little green Food dye can do. haha!
Irish pancakes it is!!

Get the recipe to my pancakes HERE  ( just add 1-2 drops of green food dye)



So where ever in the world you are, may you have a fun celebration.
Dress up in green, drink Guinness, have the mischievousness of the leprechauns and if you`re very lucky,you might just find the pot o` gold at the end of a rainbow.

 

 





Have a happy and green day!!

Xoxo

My body is a temple, not a trash can

 

 I saw this quote on Pinterest as I was looking for different motivational pictures and quotes to pin.

And it got me thinking.

If I want a body that's healthy,slim, strong and beautiful, I need to pay close attention to what I actually put in my mouth.

When I was younger, I was naturally slender and had a really awesome physique (if I may say so myself).

I was super active and food was not an issue. I could eat what ever I wanted, and didn't gain any weight.
 

But as I got a job and a driving license, that changed....dangerously fast..

As I earned my own money, I would eat snickers bars and drink coke every day. 

And I didn't eat regularly and nutritious food either.

Sometimes I wish I could turn back time and choose differently.

Needless to say, I gained weight. And a lot of it!

And I wasn't even aware until someone made a mean comment.

I was so hurt.

And there were more of those to come over the years.
 

I started to hate my body.

I was also desperate to shed it, to be my old slim self again.

I had no concept of healthy and unhealthy food.

Because I had always been able to eat anything .

So many mistakes were made in the process.

I'm not gonna make this a long story.

Over the years I have learned and sought knowledge about diet, food, healthy lifestyle and training.

Because I want to do what is best for my body.

After all, I only have the one I'm in.

So back to this quote....
If i want a body that is healthy and happy, what i put in it matters a lot!

If i eat junk, i.e  sodas, sugar loaded treats, so called diet Products that contain more Chemicals than a medical lab, deep fried food etc , i`m actually abusing my body. and it will let you know how it feels about the abuse too, and it won`t be pleasant.

But if i eat clean, healthy food,i`m basically showing it the love it deserve,and it will give me so much in return.



Have a great day

 Xoxo

 

Coconut and Strawberry Post workout smoothie recipe...

To be honest I don`t really make smoothies very often, because i kinda prefer to chew my food, and just generally eat a proper meal.
But i do enjoy them from time to time.
So i thought i`d share one of my post workout smoothie recipes.


In a blender, add:

1 cup frozen Strawberries
1/2 frozen banana (optional)
1 cup organic coconut milk
1/2 cup coconut water
1 tsp coconut extract (optional)
3-5 drops of coconut stevia (or 1 tsp stevia powder)
1 scoop of tera`s whey  vanilla protein powder (or what ever protein powder you prefer,with a vanilla or neutral flavor. If you don`t have protein powder, you can use 1-2 raw organic eggs)

Blend til it`s all smooth and Liquid.

Tip:
 If you need the smoothie (any smoothie or shake really) to be more filling, simply add 1tsp - 1tbsp of psyllium husk to the mix before blending. Just remember that you`ll need to add more Liquid,as the psyllium husk swells.
So you`ll need to drink up quite fast.

You can get tera`s whey and psyllium husk at  IHERB

Hope you`ll try the recipe..... Enjoy!

 

Xoxo

 

 

Please leave comments or questions below. :)

 

 

 

 

A Spring fling........My fashion favorites for March!

March is officially a spring month and we are ALL very happy for that. (YAY for spring!!)
Although March can be a bit treacherous, I`m very happy to see it come.
It means we`re on the right side of Chrismas for sure. lol.
Longer, brighter days ahead, warmer temperatures..... which are the reasons to dump the heavy winter jackets and boots in a big ol` Box With the Words "Do not open til Next Winter!!"

Because when spring comes knocking,  I`m just itching to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe!!
In my head i`m planning and imagining what to wear, what to buy ,where to get it and how i can get is as fast as possible! (preferably yesterday!!)

March can still have quite a few nippy days, so a jacket is still a must. I just LOVE leather jackets!!
And a cool  scarf  as well .
The denim shirt is still as hot as ever (me likey!) I love to pair it with black denim jeans and Converse. Add a pair of funky sunglasses (if it`s sunny) ,and i`m good to go! lol!

Really, the endless possibillities makes fashion so much fun and unique from person to person.
I just LOVE it!!

I`ve listed a few photos below of some of the style of outfits i love to wear during early spring. (and clothes I`d love to have in my wardrobe of course)

My March fashion picks:

 

Pinterest

 

 

 

                                    

Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

Pinterest

                                                                  

 

 Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinterest

 

 

 

Pinterest

 

 

PINTEREST

 

Pinterest

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the blogpost...

Have a great day!!

 

Xoxo

 

 

 

Please add comments and questions below :)

 

Whole wheat oatmeal pancakes



Moist and fluffy pancakes  is one my very favorite foods to eat for breakfast.
I mean what`s not to love?
There are endless varieties of ingredients you can add to the batter ,endless varieties of toppings to put on top of the pancake..... and these pancakes are healthy!!

Pancake Party anyone?!?! lol.

This recipe is really easy to make, and i make it many times a week.


Recipe:

Yield 7-8 pancakes
1 serving: 2 pancakes

1 cup Whole wheat flour
1/2 cup quick Oats
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 large egg
1 cup milk
1-2 tsp stevia powder (or 2 tbsp Brown sugar)
1/4 cup greek yogurt  
1 tsp Vanilla extract

Directions:
 
Turn pan on medium/low heat.
 
Add all dry ingredients in a bowl,add all the wet and mix well.
The batter should be a little thick.
let sit 5 minutes before  adding batter to the pan.
 
(I sometimes make the batter in the evening, and leave it in the fridge over night.
I just give it a stir before adding batter to the pan.)


Ideas to add-ins:
 1/2 cup of....
-Chocolate chips
-Blueberries
-Raspberries
- Apple in small cubes + 1tsp cinnamon
-Coconut shavings ( substitute the Vanilla extract With coconut extract)
-Raisins and chocolate chips...

Toppings:
-Maple syrup
-Sour cream and raspberry jam (sounds weird i know,but it`s SOOO good)
-Peanut butter and honey
-Fresh Berries .....



 Good luck and enjoy!!




Have a great day!!! :)

Xoxo



Please leave comments or questions below.

My journey to running 5K!

I

 

 

My post today is about how i  got to the point where i`m able to run 5K without any breaks.
                         
As i mentioned (twice) in my last post, i`m a hardcore interval girl, and i have NEVER liked long distance running whatsoever.
So the fact that`i`m gonna participate in a 5K race is rather curious...at least to me.lol
But here I am training for one! And I`m gonna race my first race in a Foreign country!
The Yorkville run in Toronto,Canada to be exact.
                         
When i decided to join a race , i was thinking a lot about how i would EVER manage to run THAT FAR without any breaks.
I checked Google and Pinterest for 5K running plans, like "the couch to 5K in 8 weeks".
But i did`t like the set up of the plans, so i decided to make my own plan, inspired by all the information i had gathered.
                           
I have Access to a nearby gym,so i use that frequently. But i also run outside ,preferably on sunny days.lol.
As a rule I workout every 2nd day, usually with a combination of interval running and strength training.

So when i decided to train for the 5K, I went at it in intervals, plain and simple.
Now ,I`m not a beginner at running,so my Fitness level is average i think.
I only run 5K 1-2 times a week, and train with weights and do sprint intervals the other days  (my workout plan below)
I try to be active 6-7 days a week. so the days between my workouts, I go for walks.
Of course i`ll have a complete rest day now and then, but i find my active rest very necessary so my muscles don`t get stiff and sore.


 Here is MY plan to run 5K:

On the days i run 5K on the treadmill at the gym, i`ll do strength training on arms/chest,back  and abs. (well basically upper body)
unless i run outside, then i`ll skip the weights that day. ( i`m honestly not bothered working out twice in a day)
Then on the days i don`t run 5K, I opt for leg/lower body  strength training, With a short sprint interval  as a warm up.


On the tread mill (1-2 times a week)

Week 1-2: Run 300 meter (328yd), Walk 100 meters (109yd)  (in intervals, until you`re at 5km.)
 
Week 3-4: Run 500 meters (546yd), Walk 100 meters (109yd)  (in intervals)
 
Week 5: Run 700 meters (765yd), Walk 100-200 meters (109-218yd) (in intervals)
 
Week 6-7: Run 1000 meters (1093yd) , Walk 100-200 meters (109-218yd) (in intervals)
 
Week 8-9 : Run 1.5km (1640yd), Walk 150 meters (164yd) (in intervals)
 
Week 10: Run 2km (1.2 miles), Walk 150 meters (164yd) (in intervals)
 
Week 11-12: Run 2.5 km (1.5 miles), Walk 100 meters (109yd), Run 2.5km (1.5 miles)
 
Week 13: Run 3km (1.8 miles) Walk 100 meters (109yd), Run 2km (1.2 miles)
 
Week 14: Run 5K


Good Luck and have fun with it, mix it up by running outside as well (less boring than treadmill and more to look at)

If you wanna race ith me at the Yorkville run September 13, click  HERE

If you wanna donate to any of the Yorkville run`s great causes ,click  HERE


Please leave a comment or question below.

Have a great day!

Xoxo

The B&O Yorkville run.......i might possibly be insane.....or am I

 

 

So i have signed up for a 5K race in September 2015.....

The B&O Yorkville run no less..... and i fear i might  possibly be nuts.

 

I mean in general i quite dislike  long distance running (not that 5K is that far)

 

ANYHOW..... i`m more of an interval girl,and love to run fast with my well earned breaks in between . lol.

 

So i`m going on my very own adventure to Toronto,Canada in September, and figured i`m really making memories......by signing up for a 5K race?

 

Alrighty then, a race it is!....As this trip in many ways is my way of rising up again, and stand on my own two feet,and embrace my beloved Independence.

 

But now i have to step up my game a bit,cause i don`t want to be the last person at the finish line.hahaha!! ( that would totally suck!!)

 

I`ve already started training for this race, and is going fantastic! (that`s a lie!)

Too be honest it`s really tough.

I mean,i KNOW i can do it....it`s just i`m not a big fan of fighting With myself to keep my legs going for 5K. (because as i said,i love my breaks)

 

But thankfully i have a while to get ready, and i`m seeing progress the whole time, meter after meter.

And in a way, i`m building character as well, because i`m doing something completely new to me, breaking new territory and ignoring my fear of the unknown. I`m diving right in!

 

So YAY for the Yorkville run!! For a much needed Challenge!

 

Have a great day !

Xoxo

 

 

 

If you wanna Join the  B&O Yorkville run click HERE ( registrations start 15.April)

 

or if you wanna donate to any of the great causes the Yorkville run is held for click HERE
 

 

 

 



Want beautiful exotic olive skin?.......Fake It!!

Ah yes, the much envied olive skin...
Don`t get me wrong,there`s absolutley NOTHING wrong With being pale.

But there is something very healthy looking about a tan body
.

For those of you who tan easily...CUDOS!!  Sadly, i`m not one of those....(Boooo)

I am a VERY pale person.lol

 

BUT, i have found my healthy glow ....in a bottle no less (no,its not alcohol.Cause blotchy red skin and swollen drinking eyes does NOT look healthy!! haha)

 

I have found what I believe is the most amazing self tan i`ve EVER used!! (can i get a YAY?)

The brand is called XEN TAN, and has a good variety of shades .

From the lightest to the quite dark.

 

 

 

 Now,my skin is quite pale, but i don`t range among the absolute palest.

But my skin burns rather than tans, so SPF 30-50 is my best friend in the summer.

 

But the shade i went for With XEN TAN is the dark one...... Mist Intense weekly self tan to be exact.

Here`s why.... i want results like 2 minutes ago.

When you apply this mist ( With the Application mitt) you get a tan right away.

And the mitt is genious! NO streaks!!  (WOOT WOOT)

 

You simply just spray the mist onto the mitt and apply in uppwards strokes, and because the mist is dark,you can see what you`re doing.

 

It can be a good idea to scrub your skin before applying the tan, it`ll give a more lasting and even result.

It says on the bottle that the tan will last a week,but on me it lasts about 4-5 days. I suppose it deppends on how often you shower.

 

I do apply i to my face,but not with the mitt, i spray some in my hand and add some moisturizer and mix it together and apply it to my face that way.

 

I also use the XEN TAN bronzing powder. It gives a Perfect ,natural glow (not orange at all) ,either over makeup or just on it`s own.

 

 

http://www.feelunique.com/brands/xen-tan (all of the  XEN TAN selection)

 

http://www.feelunique.com/p/Xen-Tan-Mist-Intense-148ml  (the Mist intense tanning spray)

 

http://www.feelunique.com/p/Xen-Tan-Deluxe-Tanning-Mitt (the Application mitt)

 

http://www.feelunique.com/p/Xen-Tan-Perfect-Bronze-Compact-12g  (Bronzing powder)




I hope you`ve enjoyed my little review, feel free to comment or question below.

 

 

 

 

 Have a great day!!

Xoxo