tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54393533124962637032024-03-24T08:10:15.869+01:00Ragnhilds cubicleRagnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.comBlogger590125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-7481412970512782032016-03-10T17:37:00.002+01:002016-03-10T17:46:04.298+01:00Screen-free week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12715268_1142879689075932_7764349080470280209_n.png?oh=d5051b2c00e2327ab7b45f22559b35da&oe=575E3977" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12715268_1142879689075932_7764349080470280209_n.png?oh=d5051b2c00e2327ab7b45f22559b35da&oe=575E3977" width="640" /></a></div>
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The annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1644056425858600/" target="_blank">screen-free week</a> arranged by Familie & Medier starts tomorrow. I know it's good for me, but also that it will be challenging. Here is how it goes: apart from work and studies there will be no screen time for the next week. I can use my phone to call/text people, but not for all the apps and internet. And no TV either.<br />
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The past couple of months I have had an app on my phone that tracks how much time I spend on it. On average it is about 2 hours a day! Isn't that crazy? I am almost too embarressed to admit it... Since I got a new phone last fall I use it to read news, blogs and articles, plus all the social media, but it still seems like a lot of time.<br />
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To prepare for this coming week I have decided to do the following:<br />
- Write down all upcoming birthdays so I can text, call or send a card instead of a facebook message<br />
- Charge my ipod so I have music to listen to<br />
- Turn off the wifi and 4G on my phone<br />
- Use cookbooks instead of online recipes if I need anything<br />
- Put my phone in a designated spot where it is out of sight, but still within earshot<br />
- Check my email once a day on weekdays, and only read important ones<br />
- Hide all apps from the front page on my phone<br />
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That should help me a on the way, dont you think?<br />
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I think I will read quite a lot the coming days, but hopefully there will be a few fun adventures as well. Maybe it is time to plant some bulbs for spring? Have a great week, screen-free or not!Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-64617456271072895702016-03-08T18:10:00.000+01:002016-03-08T18:10:44.229+01:00Reading through the centuryWhile looking through <a href="http://ferstad.blogspot.no/p/for-bookworms.html" target="_blank">my book list</a>, it became evident that I mainly read new books (from the past decade or so), or books that are around 100 years old! I can give a pretty easy explanation for both of these categories.<br />
<br />Firstly: New books are talked about everywhere, and it makes me curious, so I want to find out why people think this is such a great book. Also, being at the library so often, I like to look at the new arrivals, and often pick up a couple of new and shiny ones to bring home. This way I end up reading a lot of Norwegian authors that are new to me.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nT8opmyzcSM/Vt8HTlYN6xI/AAAAAAAADf8/ZYSD6bTyrLw/s1600/Daddy-Long-Legs-Webster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nT8opmyzcSM/Vt8HTlYN6xI/AAAAAAAADf8/ZYSD6bTyrLw/s400/Daddy-Long-Legs-Webster.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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Secondly: Copyrights expire after 100 years in America, and it is therefore easier to find these titles available for free. Almost all the books on my kindle are in this category!<br />
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Thirdly: This is an idea I had. What if I read books from a different decade for each month for the rest of the year? That could be interesting, and I am sure I will find lots of new to me authors.<br />
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I think I will start with the 90s, and I will let you know how it goes.<br />
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By the way, it is library week in Telemark this week. Check out<a href="http://bibliotekuka.no/" target="_blank"> Bibliotekukas website </a>for program and more. Here in Skien I will attend an Ibsen event Wednesday night, and hear mystery writer Jan Mehlum Thursday night. On Saturday the new Ibsen area and art exhibit will open, so there is a lot happening this week. Everything is free, so this is the perfect chance to visit your local library. You can even win an Ipad air! Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-21276529581824380682016-02-28T15:14:00.000+01:002016-02-28T15:14:28.694+01:00I am<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JKBozJ5wyzs/U8fwtswLuwI/AAAAAAAACvo/cBbewYFuuhY/s1600/2014-07-09%2B05.25.58%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JKBozJ5wyzs/U8fwtswLuwI/AAAAAAAACvo/cBbewYFuuhY/s640/2014-07-09%2B05.25.58%2B1.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text Isa-46-4" id="en-NIV-18591">Even to your old age and gray hairs</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-46-4">I am he, I am he who will sustain you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-46-4">I have made you and I will carry you;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-46-4">I will sustain you and I will rescue you.</span></span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-46-4"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Isaiah 46:4</span></span></span></span></div>
Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-52395417676765073282016-02-22T20:41:00.000+01:002016-02-22T20:41:38.334+01:00Dreaming of // WanderlustingOn our new TV we have Chromecast, and after a show is done casting, a slideshow with all these really pretty nature photographs starts running. Naturally, it makes me want to travel. It's a good thing I have a few trips to look forward to the next months! <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpedImWTHWc/UsF1IRQEQvI/AAAAAAAACvo/LNtoKWwbF-A/s1600/2013-12-29%2B06.59.30%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bergen" border="0" height="512" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpedImWTHWc/UsF1IRQEQvI/AAAAAAAACvo/LNtoKWwbF-A/s640/2013-12-29%2B06.59.30%2B1.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Bergen, Norway</b><br />
This pretty city is always on our travel list, since my parents and two of my siblings live there. Especially now that I am an aunt I wish the distance was a lot shorter so we could have Sunday dinners and play with the kids! <br />
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<b>Ljungskile,</b> <b>Sweden</b><br />
A good friend and former roommate is getting married this spring, and the festivities will happen in a small town in Sweden where she currently lives. I don't get invited to a ton of weddings, and especially not cross-cultural ones, so this will be exciting. <br />
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<a href="http://sdc.novasol.com/pic/1024/e42/e4290_outdoor_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ebeltoft" border="0" src="http://sdc.novasol.com/pic/1024/e42/e4290_outdoor_04.jpg" height="406" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Ebeltoft, Denmark</b><br />
This summer we are renting a house with my side of the family in Denmark. Look at this, it is practically on the ocean! I can't wait for all that fresh air, eating good food and hanging out with the family. A daytrip to Aalborg to visit the new library there is defnitely on my to-do list for this vacation. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eS6_iUdhi-k/Un5HhLp_IKI/AAAAAAAACvo/_BhJAIqZ3b8/s1600/DSCF0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Colorado" border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eS6_iUdhi-k/Un5HhLp_IKI/AAAAAAAACvo/_BhJAIqZ3b8/s640/DSCF0450.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>The USA</b><br />
It will also be time to visit the in-laws this summer, so we are heading to Augusta, Georgia. We have talked about a possible weekend trip to Charleston, South Carolina while we are there, and I hope it works out, cause I would love to see more of the South this time. Hopefully I will manage to squeeze in a trip to Colorado as well. It is always such a treat to see my friends there, and Denver is a fun city.<br />
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Mike and I have also talked about how much we would love a super chill beach vacation at some all-inclusive place. Just for a week or so to really relax and soak up some sun while reading a stack of books. It isn't on our schedule yet, but it is a nice thing to dream about.<br />
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Whew, what a list! But that's not all. Having friends coming to visit almost feels like a vacation as well, dont you
think? So we look forward to having people come here to Skien too, and interrupt our daily life and force us out of routines. Are you planning any fun trips soon?Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-75054812186882859332016-02-11T21:42:00.000+01:002016-02-11T21:42:47.282+01:00Zero gravity<div id="fb-root">
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/okgo/videos/10153210535420683/">OK Go - Upside Down & Inside Out</a><br />
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You just have to watch this! Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-72897650918983022432016-02-11T20:13:00.000+01:002016-02-11T20:13:29.261+01:00Read // Japanese time travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://minuskel.myshopify.com/collections/arets-boker/products/min-fjerne-barndoms-by" target="_blank"><img alt=" Min fjerne barndoms by" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkrU-KrOtS8/Vq0Voj3peCI/AAAAAAAADe0/REriMWG4nMc/s640/BARNdOMSBY_omsld_large.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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<b>Author: </b>Jiro Taniguchi<br />
<b>Title: </b>Min fjerne barndoms by<br />
<b>Year: </b>2015<br />
<b>Original title and year: </b>Harukana machi-e, 2004<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Graphic novel<br />
<b>Pages: </b>405<br />
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<b>In five words:</b><br />
Family, regret, youth, second chance.<br />
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<b>A quote:</b><br />
<i>"Forvirret og rådvill ble jeg stående og se meg omkring i en barndoms by jeg hadde trodd var tapt for alltid." </i><br />
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<i>"Confused and bewildered, I stood looking around at a childhood's city I thought was lost for ever."</i><br />
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And because this is a graphic novel, another quote in context with the pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PCa80lSp1k/Vq0VoiWfHUI/AAAAAAAADe8/Qjgn7WXw56c/s1600/6b073038a3ebf7b0f032f811e46371c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PCa80lSp1k/Vq0VoiWfHUI/AAAAAAAADe8/Qjgn7WXw56c/s640/6b073038a3ebf7b0f032f811e46371c2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Why did I read this book?</b><br />
Graphic novels have never really been my thing. But this summer I picked up another one of Taniguchi's graphic novels, and was deeply moved by the story he told, both through the words and the beautiful drawings that convey a lot of emotion. So when I had this one in my hands to add it to the library catalogue, I could hardly wait for it to go through the system so I could check it out and enjoy it.<br />
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<b>Why should you read this book?</b><br />
If you like books by Haruki Murakami, this one will resonate with you as well. There is the obvious Japanese connection, but the magic realism in the story is also a common thread in their story-telling. I am so glad I have discovered graphic novels - there is so much more diversity than I thought! I suggest you give it a chance if you haven't already.<br />
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<b>Books like this one: </b><br />
Taniguchi's <i>My father's diary </i>is also translated into Norwegian, and is similar in both style and theme. I think this one is my favorite, but I will gladly recommend both of them.<br />
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<b>For the curious ones: </b><br />
<span id="goog_547423221"></span>- <a href="http://minuskel.myshopify.com/collections/arets-boker/products/min-fjerne-barndoms-by" target="_blank">Buy the book in Norwegian.</a><span id="goog_547423227"></span><span id="goog_547423228"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<span id="goog_547423222"></span>-<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiro_Taniguchi" target="_blank"> More about the author.</a><br />
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PS. This was my first attempt of a book recommendation column on the blog. The format is still in beta-mode I guess, while trying to find a template I can easily work with. I am very happy to receive comments on these posts. Maybe you have read the book?<br />
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<br />Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-20544976173052947732016-02-03T16:30:00.000+01:002016-02-03T16:30:02.075+01:00Living room update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39SxLyhHLsw/Vp5_E0j_KcI/AAAAAAAADcY/SQ_uNI7Wgms/s1600/2016-01-17%2B02.21.01%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39SxLyhHLsw/Vp5_E0j_KcI/AAAAAAAADcY/SQ_uNI7Wgms/s640/2016-01-17%2B02.21.01%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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For Christmas I involved a lot of family members to surprise Mike with a TV. Neither of us have had one in many years, and had grown used to tiny laptop screens for watching our shows and movies. I knew he really wanted one, but I have been quite hesitant. Since I have managed for so long, what's the need, right? And it also seemed like a lot of money. Well, since my sister suddenly had an extra TV, the price turned out to be quite reasonable. Being able to keep the secret from my husband was also a lot of fun.<br />
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After a nervous week of waiting, the TV finally came in the mail, and we had to rearrange our whole apartment to accomedate it. We got a new bookshelf and some new storage for the closet, and are both very happy with the results. The landscape picture on the wall is also pretty new. It shows the view from Alnes towards Ålesund and my home island Sula, and it is so lovely to have a piece of home to look at every day.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HKNG9VmlNxg/Vp5_RKF5OjI/AAAAAAAADdI/MuECGcbqqBc/s1600/2016-01-17%2B02.33.39%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HKNG9VmlNxg/Vp5_RKF5OjI/AAAAAAAADdI/MuECGcbqqBc/s640/2016-01-17%2B02.33.39%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3Lv-Q_639U/Vp5_PwkgX2I/AAAAAAAADdA/spRLs0PFK4o/s1600/2016-01-17%2B02.30.27%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3Lv-Q_639U/Vp5_PwkgX2I/AAAAAAAADdA/spRLs0PFK4o/s400/2016-01-17%2B02.30.27%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDoxg6Z_9W4/Vp5_PWPnV3I/AAAAAAAADc8/DqsEDtDgzK0/s1600/2016-01-17%2B02.29.09%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDoxg6Z_9W4/Vp5_PWPnV3I/AAAAAAAADc8/DqsEDtDgzK0/s640/2016-01-17%2B02.29.09%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHEc3NQfIP5fqvZs-qFnc9i5VJk5676RieTq_TMZeDuDmzjpUFo4kojhvf6SIN3rTHq7pagXhzA1FtQw91ckpPz41yhg-XtdNri5FG8j19Rt7gdRdjhRkTmfRjiecsRN84DBTccSu7sU/s1600/2016-01-17+02.21.51+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHEc3NQfIP5fqvZs-qFnc9i5VJk5676RieTq_TMZeDuDmzjpUFo4kojhvf6SIN3rTHq7pagXhzA1FtQw91ckpPz41yhg-XtdNri5FG8j19Rt7gdRdjhRkTmfRjiecsRN84DBTccSu7sU/s640/2016-01-17+02.21.51+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Picture from Alnes</i>: <a href="http://www.michaelanichole.com/" target="_blank">Michaela Potterbaum. </a></div>
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<i>New shelf</i>: <a href="http://skeidar.no/" target="_blank">Skeidar</a></div>
Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-90957513394631005992016-02-01T18:30:00.000+01:002016-02-01T18:30:14.914+01:00Hi February!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://paper-leaf.com/blog/2016/01/february-2016-desktop-calendar-wallpaper/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFOPBKvwZr0/Vq5vTl74TrI/AAAAAAAADfQ/ObAKolyzAvU/s640/february2016wallpaper2560x1600.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is already a new month! January seemed to fly by with all the home cure assignments, and now the calendar shows February. This month I look forward to visiting friends, seeing a couple of plays, one of them starring my sister, and celebrating with my Valentine. So much love (and so much cheesiness). I also look forward to spending a lot less time cleaning the house.</div>
Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-75565486905676189512016-01-31T13:00:00.000+01:002016-01-31T13:00:21.700+01:00January Cure #21 Goodbye Cure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiYnixkzot8/Vp5_U3H5m1I/AAAAAAAADdQ/LSE8loYp8n8/s1600/2016-01-17%2B02.37.37%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiYnixkzot8/Vp5_U3H5m1I/AAAAAAAADdQ/LSE8loYp8n8/s640/2016-01-17%2B02.37.37%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is actually the fourth time I join Apartment Therapy's <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/collection/january-cure-2016-895" target="_blank">January Cure</a>, and finally it feels succesful! Perhaps because I decided beforehand to be a little more realistic with my time, and not scrub every single inch of the bathroom ceiling and the inside of all the kitchen cabinets. I have done that earlier, and it made me give up halfway through the Cure.<br />
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Another thing that has been helpful are the actual asssignments we got. I think the tasks were more managable this year, and time restraints on some of the days were very helpful (<a href="http://ferstad.blogspot.no/2016/01/january-cure-19-3-minute-miracle.html" target="_blank">Hello, 3-minute surface sweep</a>).
Plus, my husband has been involved much more than last year, which has been a great help, especially with the kitchen and hallway closet.<br />
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<b>Our main accomplishments this Cure:</b><br />
- Redecorating the living room<br />
- Cleaning the big hallway closet (at least most of it)<br />
- Getting some work done on the loft<br />
- Being able to lighten up and purge a little bit in every room, especially in the kitchen cabinets that are no longer overflowing<br />
- Weather strips for the door!<br />
- Being reminded of how much cleaning can actually be done in 3 or 30 minutes. Getting started is often the hardest part...<br />
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Not everything on <a href="http://ferstad.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-cure-2-list-of-projects.html" target="_blank">our list</a> is done, but the apartment still feels so lovely. This weekend I only had to clean a big mirror, vaccum the floor and change the sheets. And I made cookies to celebrate! I must admit though, I am glad it is over. I really need to focus on my school work again.<br />
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PS. If you want to Cure your own home, it's not too late. All the assignments are still available on <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/collection/january-cure-2016-895" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy's page. </a>Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-42742750164532909972016-01-28T20:13:00.000+01:002016-01-30T20:14:32.002+01:00January Cure #20 Out with the oldRemember the<a href="http://ferstad.blogspot.no/2016/01/january-cure-4-set-up-outbox.html" target="_blank"> outbox</a>? And <a href="http://ferstad.blogspot.no/2016/01/january-cure-13-lighten-up.html" target="_blank">lightening the living room</a>? It is time to revisit both of these ideas and make som decisions. <div>
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I removed quite a few items from the living room to lighten it up, and today we were asked to evaluate and decide if anything should go back. I have to admit, I don't miss any of it, so the candle holders can stay in the cabinet till I actually use them. </div>
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The second task of the day was to empty the outbox. Earlier this week I took all the clothing (2 full bags, in addition to 5 from our closet cleaning) and dropped them off in the Salvation Army delivery box. It is right around the corner, and very handy. For all the other stuff I need to figure out if there is anywhere within walking distance that would want to take it. If not, we need to get help from a friend with a car... Or! Writing that last sentence prompted me to look up a local second hand store, and it turns out that they can pick up donations! I will have to call them next week. Perhaps they will take the mattress and chair we are trying to give away on Finn as well, that would be perfect.</div>
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During the Cure I have kept a suitcase for books and a box for things in the living room for things that we don't want to give away, but can be stored for later (when we have more space). So what we actually did today was to put those away in our storage loft. It is only accessible by ladder, so I wanted to make sure I was done with the purging before moving them. Now, the hallway closet and the loft room are still not finished, but it felt so good to get those messy items out of my sight, so I am happy with today's progress. </div>
Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-66483823451015096522016-01-27T22:28:00.000+01:002016-01-29T22:28:29.543+01:00January Cure #19 A 3 minute miracle Here is a secret to keeping your home from overwhelming you: <b>The surface sweep. </b>How? Set a timer for 3 minutes and clean a room as fast as you can for only those minutes. Pick up and put away dirty dishes, straighten up pillows or sort the mail. Whatever is the problem in your room, pick things up and put them back where they belong. It is amazing how much you can get done in three minutes. Try using a commercial break or turning on a favorite (fast-paced) song.<div>
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Our house is looking pretty good right now, but I still took a few minutes to tidy up little odds and end: a cardigan, a couple of blankets, an empty tea cup, some shoes by the door. You know your own mess best, but I promise that this little trick will accomplish more than you think.</div>
Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-22467080232901640902016-01-26T18:43:00.002+01:002016-01-26T18:43:44.188+01:00January Cure #18 Landing strip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/no-en/shop/GoldenBiscotti?ref=l2-shop-header-avatar" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcQoWSMBM1w/VqewGSN45NI/AAAAAAAADeY/XVGON-lLecA/s640/il_570xN.647774855_9txm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Apartment Therapy believes very strongly in a "landing strip" for the home. This expression refers to a system of organizing your entrance and dealing with everyting you bring through the front door. Spesifically, a place for shoes, coats, keys, bags, mail and whatever else might clutter up your hallway.<br />
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We rearranged our entrance a couple of weeks ago, and it actually messed up my system a little. There are hooks for coats (and hangers in the closet for more), a space for shoes, hats and scarves go in the closet, keys in a bowl, so all that's good. A new problem is: where to place things that are on their way out the door? For me that means books going back to the library, mail that needs to be sent, things to return and more. I just don't know what to do! Maybe I can make room on the shoe rack somehow?<br />
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Another issue is incoming mail. I tend to let bills, receipts and letters pile up, together with random pieces of paper, and there is no good system. In my mind I have a picture of a tray that could hold all these things, but I dont't have a tray like that. Etsy does though!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/no-en/shop/WhiteElephantCo?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rHcVbuu6r0/VqeuuXtdB_I/AAAAAAAADeM/lwth47JEXdM/s640/metal%2Btray.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/no-en/listing/259006213/antique-desk-trays-paper-trays-office?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=paper%20tray&ref=sr_gallery_3" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpV4UxdxgZVFSv0As7mqrgusXB1Wg1lPx4cWp2U-qcfpopeEeJkBxMFUlxmH7LUo1SAkrlgA8M9zwdXL-kzL8AIF7Po-6-zlRFnrZkxPag3YqhUPfjMqQvYFI_dRLKtQ18FH402-fN1g/s640/tray.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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PS. The weather strips we installed are amazing!Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-32725875793941443692016-01-25T22:19:00.000+01:002016-01-25T22:19:28.915+01:00January Cure #17 Catch up dayToday there was time to catch up on anything you are behind on. I guess there are many things I could have done, but I also needed to study and made time for the books. Some things got done though. We sorted our electronics chords and found a few that went in the outbox. Mike has also installed some weatherstrips around the door, and we are hoping for warmer days.<br />
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My end-of-the-Cure event was scheduled for tomorrow night, but things changed, and now I need a new plan to host something. Haven't decided what and when yet. Perhaps I will have a good idea in my dreams?Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-38379771290734671752016-01-24T21:46:00.001+01:002016-01-24T21:58:52.799+01:00January Cure #16 Bathroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pq7SY9pKDNQ/VqUyrv1x4HI/AAAAAAAADd0/PKRtyLAblbo/s1600/2015-12-13%2B12.30.23%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pq7SY9pKDNQ/VqUyrv1x4HI/AAAAAAAADd0/PKRtyLAblbo/s640/2015-12-13%2B12.30.23%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Cure is coming to an end soon, and I think that's good. I feel like all I do is clean.... In other words, my motivation isn't on top. This weekend was dedicated to the bathroom. A good deep-clean of this room happens only when the Cure tells me to, so it was definitely due. My husband usually cleans the bathroom, so he did parts of it. My job was to get at all those areas that are neglected the rest of the year: dusting shelves, cleaning the walls and the washer. I skipped the ceiling this year, to not overwhelm myself.<br />
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Again, a few things got added to the outbox, or thrown away, and the room feels a lot lighter. I hung a few pictures as well. The photograph above is new, taken by <a href="http://www.michaelanichole.com/" target="_blank">Michaela Potterbaum</a>, who also shot our wedding. Isn't it pretty? In a room without a window, this view feels like such a breath of fresh air!<br />
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I had also planned to spend some time on the loft room, but never got around to it. Except I managed to give away a mattress that has been taking up too much space. It will help a lot with improving the space when we get it out of the house.<br />
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A different project that should make a much bigger impact in our daily life is changing the weatherstrips around the windows and front door. It's been really cold here lately. With temperatures down to -18C, our old apartment is hard to heat up properly. Hopefully this will be a real home improvement and energy saver for us.<br />
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Just a few more days with the Cure! I am pretty pleased with the results, though we do have a few more things left to do, but they are all pretty small. I just hope I manage to get them done, and not postpone it till January rolls around again...Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-84280753250426307902016-01-23T15:38:00.000+01:002016-01-23T15:38:08.108+01:00Greenery at home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love green plants at home. They make me so happy! It is not always easy to keep them alive thoug so I try to pick ones that don't require complicated care. An extra challenge I have is few windows and very low light in the winter, but I try my best to rotate the plants so they at least get some light. I'm a sucker for succulents, so I hope this little guy survives the winter! Do you have any favorite house plants?<br />
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<br />Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-52701313262856169392016-01-21T21:29:00.000+01:002016-01-23T22:41:41.897+01:00January Cure #15 The linen closet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/no-en/shop/VarvaraLinen?ref=l2-shop-header-avatar" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_EjgdGr2yA/VqPyr39OOrI/AAAAAAAADdk/shxnH8KvWNo/s640/linen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a luxury it would be to have a whole closet to store linens! It might be more of an American idea, as I haven't seen them a lot here in Norway. For our family, the bedsheets go in a suitcase under the bed, towels in the bathroom, kitchen towels in a basket in the kitchen, tablecloths in a dresser in the living room and extra comforters and pillows in the "guest room"/loft. So, all over the place, but right where they need to be used, so I guess it is practical in its own way.<br />
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Today's task was to go through<br />
- Towels & Washcloths<br />
- Sheets, Pillowcases & Duvet Covers<br />
- Comforters & Blankets<br />
- Dishcloths & Tea Towels<br />
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Then paring down to what you really need. I just realized while re-reading the list that tablecloths are not included. In my case, they should be though. I have so many doilies and tablecloths, and could probably do fine with giving away a few.<br />
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For the other categories there wasn't much to do. A few towels was all that needed to go, otherwise I think we are doing pretty good in this department. I sorted through sets of sheets a few months ago, which made today's job easier. But after looking at linen on Pinterest and Etsy for a while now, I want to try it out, both for bed sheets and kitchen towels. Has anyone else tried it?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linen tea towels by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/no-en/shop/VarvaraLinen?ref=l2-shop-header-avatar" target="_blank">Varvara Linen.</a></span>Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-10583362578820962482016-01-20T22:26:00.000+01:002016-01-20T22:26:08.434+01:00January Cure #14 Bathroom cabinetsMy plans for tonight were very ambitious, perhaps inspired by the media fast the other day? I wrote down everything I wanted to accomplish, including estimated time for execution, and made a good order. After eating dinner I cleaned the silverware drawer, studied for a while, and it was all good until I started baking crackerbread (knekkebrød). It's been a while since I last did it, and in my memory it takes next to no time, apart from the long cooking time. It messed up my whole schedule... The only thing I had to skip was yoga though, and that was partly because Mike convinced me to watch the latest episode of New Girl - our favorite show!<br />
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The Cure challenge was to clear out medicine and bathroom cabinets, getting rid of old or unused items and clean everything to enjoy less cluttered mornings/evenings. You know those lotions that sit in the cabinets for years and never get used? They had to go. Most of them were probably expired too. When it comes to medicine, I actually looked through it a couple of weeks ago, and took the expired stuff to the pharmacy, since it needs to be deposited safely. Mike still has to go through his own stuff, and I have hair products to sort through, but we are definitely getting somewhere.<br />
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Because of the Cure I have done this bathroom detox regularly for a couple of years, but there are still a few things that are hard to let go of, especiallly more expensive products like makeup. They make those things in way too large sizes, don't you think? I recently threw away an 8 year old eye-shadow palette, and it wasn't near being empty. Anyone know that feeling? Well, enough about my old toiletries, it is night time.Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-70216127971482496292016-01-19T19:52:00.002+01:002016-01-19T20:04:29.521+01:00January Cure #13 Lighten up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HC_jGU49WpM/Vp5_WsgM_iI/AAAAAAAADdU/ZrE1JgdQe2A/s1600/2016-01-17%2B02.36.49%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HC_jGU49WpM/Vp5_WsgM_iI/AAAAAAAADdU/ZrE1JgdQe2A/s640/2016-01-17%2B02.36.49%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I thought today's task would be about lights, but I was wrong about that! Instead, the living room got a little lighter in terms of stuff, and they recommended removing 3-15 items. This room has already gotten attention during the cure because of some rearranging of furniture, but I still decided to give a long and hard look at things that might clutter it up. The following list shows what didn't make the cut:<br />
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- 1 pillow (moved to the loft)<br />
- 18 magazines (mostly donated/thrown away, some to be stored out of sight)<br />
- 6 candle holders (donated/put away)<br />
- 2 sets of coasters (probably put away/stored)<br />
- 2 decorative items (stored)<br />
- 2 branches & 4 medium sized pinecones (Christmas/winter decor, stored)<br />
- 1 framed picture (moved to the loft)<br />
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That's a total of 34 items! (You can spot a couple of them on the shelf above the couch.) Half of them are definitely going in the outbox. The room does not feel sparse at all, and I doubt I will miss the extras.But this little star-anise wreath got to stay, even though it was made for Christmas. I just like it too much to pack away quite yet. Now you also got a sneak peak at the living room. More pictures will come later this week.<br />
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Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-25588848949717897312016-01-19T18:00:00.001+01:002016-01-19T20:30:35.675+01:00January Cure #12 Media fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EGpBIVrgaY/VollalQWjFI/AAAAAAAADYg/WPD7sH38QWg/s1600/2015-11-17%2B12.18.21%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EGpBIVrgaY/VollalQWjFI/AAAAAAAADYg/WPD7sH38QWg/s640/2015-11-17%2B12.18.21%2B1.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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I knew I needed this. Every year during the January Cure there has been one night to enjoy your home without electronics, and for some reason I don't look forward to it, even though I know it will be both fine and fun. I might be addicted to my phone a little bit, so when I try to limit my screen time I usually fail (except from organized events like this one and <a href="http://ferstad.blogspot.no/search/label/skjermfri%20uke" target="_blank">Skjermfri uke</a>).<br />
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When I came home from work yesterday I was very strict, put my phone away and reminded Mike that there could not be any TV-watching that night. And then I did so much! I read for probably 2 hours (not the books above though), I made granola and a DIY bathroom spray, prepped smoothies and worked on a knitting project. It was a lot of fun, but the impulses to check my phone were quite strong at times. I only looked at the screen once to check for messages, but without unlocking it. Even before going to bed, I just checked my alarm! Today on the other hand... lets not talk about it.<br />
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Any suggestions for how to implement more screen-free time in your daily life?<br />
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PS. These old bound newspapers were observed in the Skien library archives. I love looking at all the old books in there!Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-72174482911153517802016-01-19T18:00:00.000+01:002016-01-19T18:00:16.578+01:00Industrial vibes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got a new job last fall, but the news never made it to this page. After a little more than a year at a primary school, I am back to "cubicle life", working in an office. This time around I do administrative work for a small construction company in Skien. I really like the colors and shapes in these pictures taken at work this fall.</div>
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Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-75803285725209091262016-01-17T20:24:00.000+01:002016-01-24T21:52:11.747+01:00January Cure #11 Bedroom<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whNhbK8VlyM/Vpuok1F4NnI/AAAAAAAADbM/xmrPztNMFJE/s1600/2016-01-17%2B01.54.53%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whNhbK8VlyM/Vpuok1F4NnI/AAAAAAAADbM/xmrPztNMFJE/s640/2016-01-17%2B01.54.53%2B1.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Another weekend project, this time around the bedroom was due for a deep-clean. The bedroom is the most organized room in our house, so this was an easy task. During the first floor task I cleaned the bedroom floor, baseboards and bed really well, so that was already done. And it is ice cold outside, so the window has to wait.<br />
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When it comes to the closet, we have it under control. We have limited space, so I try to donate using the one item in - one item out rule. It works, sometimes. I still challenged myself to get rid of one item per drawer this weekend, and was able to do that for every category but pants, which is fine.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PKA0ga80oA/VpuokznHdnI/AAAAAAAADbI/UpLjcM73II0/s1600/2016-01-17%2B01.51.25%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PKA0ga80oA/VpuokznHdnI/AAAAAAAADbI/UpLjcM73II0/s640/2016-01-17%2B01.51.25%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It is sunny and snowy outside, like a real January winter should. That means it is also slightly chilly inside, but with clean sheets and the world looking crisp and white outside, I am alright. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OpCrWVSuR1o/VpuohwmoT8I/AAAAAAAADbA/5QDC569gnLc/s1600/2016-01-17%2B01.53.20%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OpCrWVSuR1o/VpuohwmoT8I/AAAAAAAADbA/5QDC569gnLc/s640/2016-01-17%2B01.53.20%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sheets: <i><a href="http://www.princessbutikken.no/soverom/sengesett/sateng/marius-sateng-moerk-graa" target="_blank">Marius</a>,</i> Blanket: <i><a href="http://www.rorostweed.no/produkter/pledd/kattefot" target="_blank">Røros Tweed</a></i>, Patterned pillow:<i> Peru,</i> Striped pillows: <i>Homemade</i></div>
Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-1484182528887017902016-01-17T19:38:00.000+01:002016-01-17T19:38:32.133+01:00January Cure #Bonus The Loft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I agree with other people doing the January Cure that an office day/task could definitely be beneficial. We have a loft room above the bedroom that houses a guest bed, desk, storage and all my craft supplies. During the cure I have been constantly adding things to this area whose fate was yet to be determined. This room is one that definitely needs som TLC, but I keep putting it off, since it isnt an official task on the cure! </div>
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I knew the bedroom task this weekend would be easy, so I added the loft as extra work foro this and the next weekend. By Saturday night I still hadn't touched it, and had to tell Mik very firmly that I would work on it for 1 hour on Sunday. Here are some wonderful before-pictures. I did not stage this at all, and you can just guess what is hiding behind that curtain and under the bed. Thats right, lots of stuff. The wire basket organizer is new. We bought one for hats/scarves and shoes for the hallway closet, and one for this room, hoping it will help keeping things more organized. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3Yz4YhUlvY/Vpuqs9L28BI/AAAAAAAADbw/qOp5ZKFqs1k/s1600/2016-01-17%2B02.38.30%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3Yz4YhUlvY/Vpuqs9L28BI/AAAAAAAADbw/qOp5ZKFqs1k/s640/2016-01-17%2B02.38.30%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5sVjKMNRT0/Vpuqs7EmcpI/AAAAAAAADbs/9iOAG38hik8/s1600/2016-01-17%2B02.39.45%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5sVjKMNRT0/Vpuqs7EmcpI/AAAAAAAADbs/9iOAG38hik8/s640/2016-01-17%2B02.39.45%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I worked for just about an hour, in which I decided to keep all our luggage, made use of the wire baskets, threw away some stuff and added another bag to the outbox. It is already looking a lot better, but I would really like to go through my craft supplies (paper, fabric, ribbon etc) and clean up inside of those vintage suitcases and boxes hanging out under the bed. There are piles of cards as well that I can't bear to part with, but I am thinking I could at least store them away from things I actually use. The hope is to make it more inviting and easier to work on projects here, as well as using the desk when I study. I only did it a couple of times last year, but with most of my material online, I think it is alright with this small desk.</div>
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Tomorrow's task is a media fast, so no blogging until Tuesday. This Cure really has me blogging again! I've almost blogged more in January than all of 2015 combined... </div>
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<br />Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-85376643868197319272016-01-16T18:41:00.001+01:002016-01-16T18:41:21.800+01:00The Atlas of Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://40.media.tumblr.com/2576aa784b3921a03ee9f4bd963e9a39/tumblr_o06i0cXoFo1tjdw1qo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/2576aa784b3921a03ee9f4bd963e9a39/tumblr_o06i0cXoFo1tjdw1qo1_1280.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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China</div>
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Kyrgyzystan</div>
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Chile</div>
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Afghanistan</div>
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Photographer Mihaela Noroc travels all around the world to show us beauty in all kinds of cultures, and the results are stunning pictures of beautiful women. See more <a href="http://theatlasofbeauty.com/" target="_blank">here.</a>Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-1383960562546044272016-01-16T15:30:00.000+01:002016-01-16T15:30:35.531+01:00DIY Green kitchen cleaner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrrQl6piMdr7Jp1qSg8DO8J2FbR_-aqc_xSskAqNMAgr6d3PU_FA1jxXZgPFdFbjsgMY20tiab3r4Jp6P_7b2XUDE-5ciciZtQru8YEGI9gwZK1DEgloWnne3gPKxkkniDz47-vY0zZE/s1600/2016-01-13+03.36.58+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrrQl6piMdr7Jp1qSg8DO8J2FbR_-aqc_xSskAqNMAgr6d3PU_FA1jxXZgPFdFbjsgMY20tiab3r4Jp6P_7b2XUDE-5ciciZtQru8YEGI9gwZK1DEgloWnne3gPKxkkniDz47-vY0zZE/s640/2016-01-13+03.36.58+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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For Christmas I put essential oils on my wish list because I have been curious to try making my own cleaners. The last months I have been reading books and websites about a greener lifestyle, and I realized I want to be more conscious about what we eat and the products we use. Making cleaners is one of the easiest things to do to make your home a little healthier and minimize the use of harsh chemicals. </div>
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I ordered spray bottles on ebay, and used the following three ingredients to create kitchen spray: vinegar, lemon and essential oils. Vinegar prevents bacteria growth, removes odours and discoloring, and lemon removes dirt and stains. In addition, eucalyptus works well against grease, which you find plenty of in the kitchen. </div>
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For these 300 ml bottles I used </div>
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- 1,5 dl water</div>
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- 0,75 dl vinegar</div>
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- the juice of 1 lemon</div>
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- 10 drops essential oil. I used lemongrass and eaculyptus</div>
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Mix everything in the bottle, shake well, and you're done!</div>
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There are plenty of recipes online for window spray, bathroom spray and more, </div>
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<br />Ragnhildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318023664977564641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439353312496263703.post-88279514347445365072016-01-14T20:05:00.000+01:002016-01-17T20:08:40.473+01:00January Cure #10 Get your get-together together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A simple 10-minute task for today: invite people over for a get-together at the end of the Cure. This way, you have some extra motivation to finish things, as well as a way to celebrate all the hard work. It is pretty sweet to have these breathers in the Cure as well, so not every single day is filled with dusting and scrubbing.<br />
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For this task I cheated a little bit and finished on Tuesday. I am in a Bible study group that meet every other week, and I volunteered to host the next one. It will be a few days before the Cure is officially over, but thats alright. The main projects should be done by then, and maybe we can even finish everyting a little early. Is that too optimistic? Anyways, here are some bright weekend flowers for you.<br />
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