Leggjabrjótur

I went on a 16km hike this weekend and it rained the entiiiire way. Regardless, the route was beautiful. The name is "Leggjabrjótur" which literally means "Leg break". Yes, the path is extremely rocky and you need to keep your eyes open the entire time and make sure where you step. However, when you take the time to stop and look at the scenery it is amazing! We walked from Thingvellir to Hvalfjord and it took us 5 hours. Basically we walked as fast as we could to get back into the warm, warm bus!

I didn't take any photos myself as I didn't want to get my camera wet. So, thanks to google, here are some shots of the route!

Oh how I wish the weather had been like this when we went....But as you can see the route is relatively flat. I think the highest point we walked was a little over 100m

And ofcourse I couldn't have gone without my trusted Meindl boots! 

H x

Baby, I'm coming home

Even though I'm looking out the window at sunny sunny Reykjavík, I can still feel butterflies in my tummy of excitement about the thought of going back to my dear sweet Edinburgh. It's been over a year since I lived there as I took a year off to move to Paris and gallavant across Europe. I have visited a few times in the past year; however, it hasn't been the same! I look forward to continuing my life in the 'Burgh....

Sadly...my life will mostly be stuck in front of a computer screen working on my dissertation and finishing my degree. You win some you lose some, right?

H x

Shenae Grimes

She is just fantastic...

Shenae Grimes

Running: tips

It has been a while since our last post! Sincerest apologies...we have both been incredibly busy....oops!

This post is dedicated to runners or those aspiring runners. I have been running for a while now. I started as a kid and continued in the Varsity Track and Field team in high school where I focused on middle distances. Three years ago I took part in my first 10k run and boy was it hard! I thought that I was in okay shape so I signed up without any preparation. Little did I know, 10k is actually quite a long distance! Since then I have taken part in 6 10k runs. I have clearly been bitten by the runners bug and I'm completely addicted. To tell you the truth...I don't actually enjoy running THAT much. I get bored when I go on longer runs which makes preparation quite dull. I like shorter distances but I get more of a buzz going the longer route. Adrenaline rush much.  I do, however, love taking part in organised events. I sign up for every 10k run that I possibly can. The atmosphere at the event is fantastic where surrounding houses all come out and cheer on the runners. I've also been told that, on average, you run 15 seconds faster per kilometre in an organised run (faster than when you would train on your own). I guess the people, the adrenaline, and the need to succeed pushes you forward.

Right, this being said...I just completed my first half marathon! Preparation lasted a few months but I must admit I wasn't the strictest runner. I hoped that my stubborn personality would allow me to push myself finish those 21km that it would take to take me to the finish line. I would run 1 long distance per week and 2 shorter. Then I would add 10% to the distance each week...this went on for about 3 months. My goal was however very vague. My only goal was to finish the race and not think too much about the time. And I succeeded! (Majorly chuffed....I think I'm allowed, right?)

Now I'm going to share some of the things that I believe got me through the 2 hours of running....

1) My Cwx running trousers (see this blog entry: Run rabbit run). No more wiggling!

2) My Asics Gel Nimbus (neutral) running shoes. They're expensive. They only last a year. They are the best shoes you can put on your feet. Period.

3) My Garmin Forerunner watch. You can see the distance you've gone, time, what speed, how many laps, your heart rate. You can organise your work out. There is a GPS. All in all it is a fantastic watch

4) Gu Energy Gel. The texture is absolutely disgusting. I feel like I'm eating Flubber, from the Robin Williams movie. However, the energy you feel after you've consumed it is ace. Its best to have the gel before having a sip of water as the texture is quite slimy. My favorite is Jet Blackberry...probably because there is double the amount of caffeine in it....

5) High 5 Energy Source drink. I drank this a few days before the race in order to "carboload". I drank 3 3 days before, 3 2 days before, 2 the day before, and I slowly sipped one drink the morning of the half marathon. 50% powder and 50% water and it actually tastes yummy!

6) The most important thing for me...my ipod. I cannot go running without some upbeat tunes!

That's all folks!

H x

OPI Skyfall Collection

Ok so these nails are intense

Saw this whilst browsing through Cosmopolitan! Who wouldn't want some gold flakes on their fingers?

H x

Malla Johansen

Everyone must must must check out this new design (http://mallajohansen.com/) by up and coming Icelandic designers. The clothes are so gorgeous. I especially love the leather vibe with a classy feel to it.

This coat is definitely on my wish list!

H x

How do you pronounce the name of that volcano?

I thought it would be kinda ironic that something on my cosmetics wishlist is made out of volcanic ash. You cannot imagine the bashing I got when the volcano erupted and the "I hate Iceland!" debacle commenced. Alas, now Mac has skin care actually called Volcanic Ash Exfoliator....Oh the irony eh? One minute, volcanoes are cancelling flights and the next they are used to make your skin silky silky smooth.

H x

London wishlist

In 2 weeks I will finally finally be on summer holiday...I´ve never ever taken a summer holiday away from work before and I can´t wait. I´m going to London with my boyfriend, his best friend (who works with us) and his girlfriend. I can´t wait, we´ll be there for a week, I´ve never been so I´m going to do all the tourist things...plus shopping, lots of shopping. So naturally I have already

made a little wishlist of things I want to buy while I´m there. 

Grey low tops

Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch loooooooove

New Look clutch

Revlon Demure

I have and love the naked 1, now I want the naked 2

I want a BB cream, and H has recommended this one...might try

In love with Essie Camera

Tortoise wayfarers...I already have the black ones

I probably won´t get all of it, or even find all of it, but it´s always good to have a list to go off of...especially so that I at least remember to get some of the things I´ve been wanting for a while :D

x E

Boxes boxes boxes

I'm not really big on interior design myself but I do know how to appreciate a cute home. I feel like I move around too much to be able to make something cute out of my flat; however, somethings I can always appreciate....storage space. I love small boxes and baskets to store things from toiletteries to CDs to condiments in the kitchen. These are some items I saw on Ilva....

H x

Depend Nr. 260

My new obsession. I know it is quite autumn-y but I just can't help but sporting it a lot these days. The colour of the bottle does not do the nail polish justice!

H x

I believe in miracles... (Review-Moroccanoil)

I think I may be almost the last person on the face of the earth to have tried Moroccanoil, but during my last trip to the hairdresser where I got it ombre´d, he´d just gotten a shipment of it. And as Iceland is really far behind on all products hair, and makeup, it was the first salon to have it. Since I´d wanted to try it for like forever, I bought it even though it is way more overpriced here than it should be allowed to. I mean it usually is expensive everywhere, but Iceland pricing is outrageous.
But even though it was expensive, I am so happy to say it is sooooooo worth it. It literally made my dry, coarse, thick hair, shiny and soft. Even my boyfriend commented that my hair looked shinier, and that it felt softer, and it wasn´t as "poofy" as usual. For a guy to notice hair, is pretty big, but to comment on changes, when they´re not provoked into it (like hon doesn´t my hair look different, fishing for them to notice), that´s huge.
I usually use about 2 pumps of the oil in my hair after I shower, on towel dried hair, concentrating mainly on the ends, but as my hair is very coarse I do put a little in the midlenghts and roots. I don´t recommend doing that for people with very fine hair, just because fine hair tends to get oily in the roots very fast, and I would
recommend they only use 1 pump of the oil. But if you have thick, coarse hair, then its okay to put it all over. I am definately going to repurchase this when I run out, unless something more miraculous comes out (don´t believe it will happen though).

x E

Review: Smashbox Primer

I decided that I wasn't going to post my opinion regarding the Smashbox Photofinish Primer until I had used it for at least a month. Now it has been 2 months and it is safe to say that I can give my opinion now...I think...

I bought this primer out of desperation. I may or may not have mentioned (multiple times, sorry for sounding like a broken record)...but I have problematic skin. So I was trying absolutely everything. Now I can finally say that I have found a combination that works! I use the Smashbox photofinish primer everyday. I let it set in for about 5 minutes before applying my Too Faced Beauty Balm (from a previous post) and I am actually quite happy with the outcome! The primer is quite pricey but I think it is definitely worth it. My friends always emphasize the importance of the skin as opposed to working on glam eyes or what not...so I've decided to take on that attitude.

You can find a primer that suits your exact skin type!

H x

Run rabbit run rabbit

This post may come as a bore for most of you but I decided I was going to throw it on the world wide web anyway.

I have recently acquired a new pair of running trousers. Ironically, they cost an arm and a leg (might as well have just bought one leg of the extortionate trousers). Price tag aside, I LOVE them. They have the best support possible. No more wiggling when you go on your run. There is also a support band that goes like a cross around the knees. Sadly, I don't know the technical business behind these trousers; however, I do know that they improve blood circulation in the legs. It has even been recommended to sleep in them!

For you girly-girls out there, they also have with pink stripes. I opted for the black as I am known for my neon yellow running tops. I must not clash even though I'm breaking a sweat, now should I!

H x

Topshop cray.

So I was just chatting to my friend about the amaaazing offers at Topshop and I ended up going a wee bit craycray over their website. There are SO many things that I want. From dresses to shoes to accessories. Sadly I feel like the Topshop heels are too high for me...I'd rather not be 6ft5 ....

Let's get started...

 

I've become a tad blazer obsessed over the last year. I've collected colours from navy, pink, black, and vaarious different fabrics. However, I am dying for this light orange colour. It kinda reminds me of my favourite Ice gems as a kid (the orange ones of course). I have neeever worn orange before. The only orange item I have owned was my bright orange Baby G when I was 9 years old. Orange doesn't really suit me; however, I think I could potentially put it off over the summer. Pair it up with a white top and black jeans and I think I'm set, right? Sigh..

I adore this dress. Je l'aaadoooore! It's a pale pastel pink with a cute heart on the back....nothing says summer Cutie-pie like a frilly dress with a warm lovin' heart shape. Again, this is not a colour I could pull off in the winter when I am sporting the ever so infamous winter frostbite face. I am starting to sound very cynical in that I basically cannot wear any colours in the winter.....oops

 

 I love peplums. I bought myself a white one recently and I love it. I typically wear mine with three quarter length trousers (typically chino-esque trousers). I also try to smarten it up at work with some eeever so sophisticated black trousers and "I'm ever so fabulous" heels. I'm allowed to dream right?

 H x

a little touch of gold...

I just wanted to post a picture of my weekend nails

The polishes I used were OPI Mermaid´s tears and OPI Glitzerland
Turquoise and gold will definately be one of my fave color combos for the summer!

x E

Pink lips in the morning

When I walk around downtown and *cough* people watch *cough* I like to notice what people are wearing, what they use to accessorize and even down to their cosmetics. This isn't only just to pick up on tips from fashionable females but also to compare styles in different countries. I've noticed a lot of guys here in Iceland are picking out plaid shirts and rocker-esque jeans with some ankle boots. I don't think I would have ever seen that it Paris. I'm not saying that I don't like the look, because I do. It's just different wherever you go. It also depends on the person sporting that look...how they are able to...wear it, so to speak. The same goes for girls. All girls can 'wear' mustard tights but not actually 'wear them'. Not everyone can pull off red lipstick or long floral maxi skirts with a pair of Wayfarers.

This being said....I come from a very fashionable country. My friends all have fantastic tastes and I love comparing tips with them. Whether it be gorgeous, summery denim jackets or new wedged sandals.

My tip...or...my favourite accessory so to speak is my Mac cream sheen Speak Louder lipstick. I've noticed a lot of girls with bold lipsticks and I love the look. The bold pink look is such a cute touch in the summer, especially with a nice tan and maybe a hint of glitter on the eyes (oh how I wish I had the tan...sigh)

H x

Oh how I wish

There are few bits and bobs that are on my wish list this summer...

I saw these on www.blackmilkclothing.com ... I LOVE the cartoon print and the socks give them a bit more of a cute-sy feel

I have never owned a jumpsuit before. I've always been a bit nervous to try them since I am rather tall but out of proportion. This one is sophisticated (from Zara) but could be glammed up with a cheeky gold belt or some other bold accessory

Coooolourrrs! So many colours in this Sephora nail polish

I need to stop taking photos with my phone and buy a proper camera. This one is fantastic and the perfect size also! Oh how I want one....

H x

Cath Kidston

As a graduation present from myself to myself I bought an Iphone 4s. I got the highest grade in my class so why not indulge a little. In my search for a girly/pretty/chic/unique iphone case I stumbled upon Cath Kidston.

I seriously fell in love, and of course ordered two different cases, so that I could switch depending on my mood (but I may have to get a few more). Just look how pretty each one is.

One of the ones I got was this white one :)

 


Ps. H Cath Kidston has Blackberry cases as well, because I know you´ll bug me for the iphone focus ;)

x E

Ombre´d

I finally took the plunge...I got my hair ombre´d. My hair was blonde, very blonde before I went for my appointment today, and I haven´t really changed it in a while, it´s been pretty much the same formula for some time. So I walked in to my hairdresser´s downtown salon with a change in mind, told him I was thinking of a graduated color, ombre type thing and he was very enthusiastic about it...it took quite a long time to do...coloring it in parts and blending the color etc. Mostly he darkened the roots, and lightened up the ends, and blended and so on and so forth... but I couldn´t be happier with the results.


Here is my before and after (there is a more obvious contrast in person, from the root color to the ends)

x E

Before

After

good things to those who wait...

For the past year or two I have been lusting over Jeffrey Campbell´s Litas. It was definately love at first sight for me and the black distressed Litas, and then later when I saw them in taupe and in the beautiful grey distressed leather.
So my quest to finally own them is quite a long story (but I promise there´s a happy ending), mainly because in Iceland they are so disgustingly expensive as there is really only one store that sells them. And since this store was the only one selling the shoes, they were able to sell them at a ridiculous price. So then whenever I would go abroad during this time of desperate shoe lust, I would try to find them, and no one was ever selling them in the countries I visited, or I just didn´t know where to look.
Since my boyfriend is very perceptive with gifts, he was going to give them to me for Christmas last year, but it wasn´t really worth it for him to buy them here in Iceland, and I was very glad he didn´t. I had decided no matter how desperate I was for the shoes, I wasn´t going to give into the temptation and buy them from the company monopolizing the Icelandic Jeffrey Campbell market. So then comes my graduation in May, and as his first gift plan backfired (he was going to give me a vanity for our new apartment since I claimed part of the apartment as my "beauty corner") he went to the store I won´t name, cash in hand, and was finally going to purchase them for me. But luckily they were sold out and he decided to just tell me what he was trying to give me. He gave me the choice of giving me the money to order the shoes online because he wanted me to have them, or that I could have the money they would cost and spend it when we go to London in August.


So this is where the story comes to a happy ending, I decided to order them from Solestruck. And ever since I ordered them I´ve been tracking their location on USPS (which my boyfriend made so much fun of, saying I was like a kid waiting for a promised a trip to Disneyland).

Such a pretty shoebox :)

So today I woke up and apparently the karma gods decided to be good to me after the straining/horrendous work weekend, and the letter arrived from the post indicating that my Litas had arrived...so I of course rushed out to go pick them up right away. And as I sit here at a chic downtown café, blogging, latte in hand, the Litas are laced on my feet where they belong.

My beauties

 The Litas are definately worth the wait, and I can´t wait to wear them again and again. Hopefully people aren´t sick of the Litas yet, I don´t want them to go out of fashion just yet...but even if they do, I´ll wear them till I wear them out.

x E (and the Litas)