things I like lately

Tranum, Denmark, summer 2012 // Kodak Portra 400, Canon EOS 500N

It has been more than a month since my last things I like lately post. I blame the summer vacation. I love doing these posts, so I hope to get back to my regular Friday posting. I find it's a nice way to reminisce the past week or so - along with my weekly life posts.

- the smell of a warm pine forrest
- the smell of freshly baked bread rolls in the morning
- the smell of sun protection lotion on sun kissed skin
- eating breakfast outside in the morning sun
- summer wild flowers galore
- listening to Sara's conversations with her cousin M (who is just four months older)
- coffeemonsters (via reading my tea leaves)
- 4 people, 650 square feet: a love story (via A Cup of Jo)
- My Beauty Uniform: Alice (PS: Alice shoots film)
- watching Monsters University as a family
- excited about the new newsletter from one of my favorite bloggers, Jodi of Practising Simplicity
- the postpartum body (also by Jodi)
- working on cutting (way) back on Sara's screen time (she loves watching cartoons on Netflix), and so far it is working pretty well
- this post by Ingvild
- family camping: doing it
- Herman og Karl + storebrortid
- seeing how super excited Sara is about the trampoline we just bought
- the weather has been simply amazing this week - sun, sun, sun and over 20 degrees celcius every day (talking about the weather might not the most interesting of topics, but with all the rain and cold temperature we have had this summer, the topic is very relevant to mention)
- the new IKEA catalogue - I'm always excited about this (I have kept every catalogue since 1999)
- red currant and blue gooseberries from our garden - I think I'll make a crumble during the weekend (got hooked on crumbles after I made my first - rhubarb and strawberry - earlier this summer)
- getting emails from blog readers who so sweet and generously tell me that they like my blog - these kind of emails make me want to keep on blogging forever - thank you!
- al fresco (bbq) dinners on the terrace
- grilled corn on the cob, with butter and salt - the whole family is hooked
- spending time in the mountains
- tips for packing with kids

- - -

Things I don't like lately

- swollen feet - but happy it came so late in my pregnancy (week 35)
- the heat of the past week has not been the best for this pregnant body, especially the swollen feet
- it has been hard getting Sara into an everyday sleeping habit after the summer vacation - she is SO tired in the mornings
- sad to see Alyson of Unruly Things has decided to stopp blogging, but I totally understand her decision - I sometimes wonder too how long I will keep doing this thing

life, week 33

So good to finally catch up with the best colleague M again.

Just like that the nearly two months long summer vacation is over. Back to work tomorrow, but just for 3,5 weeks until my maternity leave starts. Not at all looking forward to the early morning start tomorrow though. I think I'll have another serving of Mövenpick chocolate ice cream to ease the pain.

that time of year // yay

We took a break from our work day to have a look at the hotel to see if everything is ready for our teachers' summer party tomorrow. Thumbs up for hotel location, ice cream and (finally) proper summer temperatures.

I tried to keep the colors separate, but had to give up quicker than expected.

We eat on the terrace every opportunity we get. Even if it means we have to bring out the blankets.

Friday 7 am

The classroom is ready to greet the students on Monday. This time last year my belly was filled to the brim with butterflies, this year a baby boy lives there - and I'm so much calmer.

Rhubarb crumble, vanilla ice cream, mango sorbet and chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting - all homemade and shared with the best of friends. It has been a very good (and busy) weekend. My heart is full.

- - -

Week 33: August 10-16

life, week 32

Sølve is back at work, Sara is in kindergarten and I still have a week left of my summer vacation - so my parents (who are also still on vacation) took me out for lunch.

First day back in kindergarten after the summer vacation was a success. So was the snack - pieces of crispbread used to spoon up liver paté - on our way home.

Working hard on that summer body. Ha! #sommerkroppen2015

I love the dappled light made by the plum tree on the terrace in the evenings.



A simple yet delicious grilled al fresco dinner.

So thankful for afternoons like this.

Also thankful for the big, old plum tree in our garden.

I'm slowly getting to know my new city. Some streets and alleys almost have Bergen charm.

The end crust of a fresh loaf of bread is my favorite. Sometimes I eat them both at once.

Slowly working on turning the messy room into baby boy's nursery.

Had a haircut. Thinking it's too short for me. Also watching Blacklist (current Netflix crush) in the middle of the afternoon. Because I can. (But I have to pick up Sara from kindergarten soon.)

The nasturtium really, really likes this flower bed.

She has packed teddy and his green duvet and they are both ready for another weekend in the mountains. (Photos here)

I'm a little reluctant to let her use a knife, but she has to start at some point, right? She loves helping out.

We all love having dinner outside, especially Sara. She asks for it every time the sun shines. (Stavanger is a rather rainy city, so it doesn't happen too often.)

August 9: Celebrating seven years of marriage to this guy. The best husband and father there is.

 - - -

Week 32: August 3-9

Haukeliseter hiking

This past weekend my parents took me and my little family on our (almost) annual mountain trip. This year my parents choose Haukeliseter fjellstue as our location. The cabin/lodge/hotel is owned by The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) - as are all the cabins we stay at for our (meant to be) annual trips. My parents are experienced hikers and they have great knowledge of DNT's cabins and routes. They always make great choices for our trips. This year they had in mind the need for easy routes for their pregnant daughter and 3,5 years old granddaughter. Sara was a true trooper and walked 7,5 km - a record for her! She also loved her new hiking partner, Turbo (DNT's kids'  mascot, the blue stuffed fox) plus playing in the snow.

Speaking of snow. It's fascinating how this time of year in the mountains truly is a mix of all seasons. Snow and near sub-zero temperatures during night, wild flowers and summer warmth during daytime, pussy willow and plants just coming to life where the snow has just gone, plus rain, fog and other autumn like symptoms. Oh the joys of nature!

We have previously been to Mogen (photos here, here, here and here), Hardangervidda and Hardangervidda again. Here are some photos from our previous (winter) visit to Haukeliseter.