Rag Curls!

We all have those moments when we wish our hair was either shorter/longer or straight/curly. I've always wanted curly and super long hair. After years of persistence I've finally got fairly long hair, it's almost at waist length! My hair is fairly thick so I've always struggled with the weight of it, but I've finally found several hairstyles that works for me. I just adore braids.

Now what about those curls? I've always stayed away from using heat as it equals damage. But, as the avid period drama watcher that I am I've been quite fascinated by the rag curls the lovely ladies back in the days used to use.  A few years ago I decided to give it a try and who knew how easy it could be!

So this is what you'll need:

• Brush/Comb
• Strips of cotton - use an old sheet or a shirt you no longer use
• Mousse or any other product for curls

 Do this:

1. Wash your hair in the evening
2. Brush/Comb your hair gently and part your hair. I do mine on the right side.
3. Separate a front section of your hair. Depending on how tight you want your curls, for softer take more hair and for tighter less. It's more about trial and error, if you take too much it might be difficult to roll it up.This time I took about 1½ fingers width of hair. I take my section from ear length as it give me that vintage look. If you take it from the top of your head you'll end up with 18th century hair, which might be nice but perhaps not for an every day occasion. :)
4. For a better hold I apply some mousse to my length at this point.
5. This might take a bit of practice of you're new to it. But I found the best way is to take a rag, wrap it/cross it around the tip of the sectioned hair and then roll the hair from bottom to the top. Be sure not to roll it too tightly as it may not dry. Tie the rag around the hair. 
6. I usually go from side to side when I take my sections, makes it more even.
7. Once you're done just sleep on it. Lately I've put on a mesh cap for that extra hold.
8. Once you wake up, remove the rags. Depending on the look you wish to achieve you may either let your hair be as it is (as in the photo below) or gently brush it. For your tips not to frizz too much, gently hold your hand under your hair and follow the curls when you brush it, it makes a huge difference. I usually apply some oil to the ends, but mousse works as well. 

Done! Now you're ready to take on the world with your new gorgeous retro hairstyle.  ♥

Agadir finds

Been absent from the blog for a while now and I do apologize. Life has been busy this last week, I've been trying to get my thesis proposal done and I got assigned my supervisor today. Things should run more smoothly from now on as I'll get some structure in my life.

Today I thought I'd show you guys 4 of my favourite things I bought in Morocco.

You can't leave Morocco without buying Berber made silver jewellery. The only difficult part is to actually decide on what you want to buy since there's so many pretty things. However, I finally decided on a lovely antique looking ring with a gorgeous opal. I always thought opals looked magical since they shimmer in different colours depending on the light. The necklace is the Hand of Fatima. It's lovely and simple which makes it a great piece to wear on a daily basis. Apparently it's supposed to be a symbol of good luck and a powerful protection against "the evil eye".

I've been wanting a brown waist-belt for quite some time now, but I just haven't found one that appealed to me. However, when I was walking through Agadir's souk my eye suddenly caught a glimpse of this medieval looking belt. I can imagine wearing it with a green or white dress once it gets warmer, will be a perfect accessory for this spring. The bag was my last purchase and probably the best. The photo don't do it any justice, but it's a raven black leather bag with real coins attached to it and right in the middle is my birthstone turquoise.

Apart from these things my mum bought a gorgeous necklace and bracelet, adorable slipper from her and me, spices, argan oil, and Berber tea (mint tea) with a beautiful kettle. Be sure to check back, since I'm sure you'll see more of these things and me on the blog in the nearest future.

Sincerely,
Olivia

Moroccan Winter

My New Year's Eve was spent in Morocco with my mum. We lost out on the fireworks, on the other hand we got to spend one week in the sunshine so I'm definitely not complaining as I got to warm my frozen limbs.

Early on New Year's Eve we took the flight from the sunny but chilly Copenhagen airport.

We watched the London fireworks on TV and on the other day we went out to have a look around.

Living in Agadir meant that we had just a short walk away to the promenade.

The promenade goes along the 9 km long beach and it is a great place to go for a run/walk.

What I always enjoy to explore once I'm abroad is food. My top choice was couscous. Yum!

Walking around in markets can be quite an experience with the air filled with the smell of spices.

Agadir does perhaps not look as traditional as Marrakech, but this restaurant was breathtaking!

Another pleasure of mine was to drink mint tea out of beautifully decorated glasses.

On Friday we went on a small excursion to Taghazout, a very popular destination for surfers.

Taghazout is a small fishing village along a rocky coast and with a gorgeous beach.

Everywhere are cacti, so one has to be careful while going down to the beach.

What a rare sight! I actually got a tan, even though it might be hard to notice. ;)

1 week is far too little to see everything, but I was quite content with having seen camels at the beach.

Each evening I got the enjoy the beautiful wonder on the horizon as the sun went down. I shall miss the warmth and the beach, but it also feels good to be home again. This year will bring many new things to my life. I've only got one term left until I graduate and until then I will have to figure out what I want to do with my life. It will definitely not be an easy choice, but I'll listen to my heart and only time will tell what the future holds.

Christmas Eve

I hope everyone had a delightful Christmas! This year I spent it alone with my mum, a nice, cosy and quiet Christmas. These past few days has been all about trying to eat up all the left overs...half of it still remains. However, I won't complain since it's very delicious...but it can get quite dull after a while if you know what I mean. Anyways, I'll give you all a sneak peek of my Christmas.

Giving and receiving gifts has always been so magical. It's always fun to see the smile on someone's face when they open their present and then of course to see what you got as well. I must say I love all the presents I got from my mum, she always knows what I like. The most useful thing I got was a new bag, my old one is pretty much falling apart and this new one is to die for. Photos coming soon. :)

Other than that I've just been spending some time with my mum and just enjoying the holidays. My blogging will return to it's usual state fairly soon and I can promise you one thing, plenty of exotic photos will be expected since I'll be spending New Years Ever abroad!

Sincerely,

Olivia

Christmas treats

Who knew time could fly this fast and it's already Christmas, well tomorrow that is.
I've been so incredibly busy with getting things done that I've neglected my dearest blog.
I'll be sure to take loads of photos tomorrow...oh I don't think I've been this excited for Christmas Eve in years! However, before I'm off to get my beauty sleep I'll show you all some of the things I've cooked today, since today was all about yummy treats.

Woke up and had some warm porridge with a peach, lemon tea, glass of juice and a sandwich.

Fried some New Zealand fish for a Greek salad. How international! :)

Made my favourite Matjes Herring Sallad. Taste like Midsummer Eve for some reason.

My mum made her famous fried herring. Thousand times better than the store bought one.

Gave in and I simply had to try the Polish barszcz soup with sourkraut and mushroom dumplings.

To finish things up we made white cheese donuts, which were to die for.
I think I might go on a diet after Christmas and New Years Eve... ;)

Have a Jolly Merry Christmas my dearest friends and readers. I'll see you all again after all the crazyness!

Sincerely,
Olivia

Dearest Santa...

I don't think I've been this excited for Christmas in year. I've no idea why, but it could be due to the excessive Christmas music (which I love) and for not being at home for 6 months. I just can't wait to eat delicious food, drink mulled wine, spend the time with my mum and open presents. It's quite fun to see other people receiving their gifts, to see the smile on there face and so on. 

At first I had no idea what I wanted for Christmas, apart from a Sony camera which I might wait until after Christmas with the sales and all. But I've been looking around in several stores while buying some presents and I found a few things I liked and forgot that I've actually wanted for years.

So dearest Santa, all I want for Christmas is...

1. Sony NEX-5N - My ever trusting compact Canon camera has been with me for a while, but I sometimes feel it lack in so many areas. This camera by Sony would be a great complement to my compact camera while not taking up as much space as a big SLR camera.

2. H&M Flower Cardigan - I've never been too fond of wearing brown. But recently I have tried to change my preferences and I've actually started to like shoes, bags and belts in brown. This cardigan is brown but with flowers...flowers can brighten up any dull winter outfit.

3. Two-Toned Tights - Ever since Chanel came out with their two-tones tight I've been craving to wear them. Instead of getting financially ruined, I wish for some affordable knock-offs instead. 

4. Nineteenth-Century Fashion in Detail - As the  19th century geek that I am and a great costume drama fanatic this book is a must have for my old-fashioned heart.

5. H&M Flower Dress - Ehh yeah one more thing with flowers. But the thing is that I need more flowers and colour in my life. With the winter here I usually end up wearing a lot black, but this year I'm in for a change.

6. Lindex Knee-High Socks - To keep myself warm this season it will all be about layering. In order to not freeze to death I will wear beautiful knee-high socks on top of my thick tights. I simply just adore the lace on these socks, so pretty!

7. Satchel Bag - Unfortunately I'm unable to afford that real Mulberry Alexa. The good thing is that several department stores and brands have made their own version of it for a more reasonable price. Anything with white, blue or brown in it will be a nice change from my old black bag that is starting to get on my nerves a bit. 

8. Isadora Jelly Kiss lipstick in Merry Berry - My mum always wear red lipstick and I love how classic it looks on other people as well. Since I'm still quite new to wearing bright red lipstick I thought this lippy from Isadora would be a great alternative for me as it starts out being sheer and then builds up with each layer.

9. IKEA Clamp Spotlight - This LED spotlight will be perfect to attach on my bedpost while reading a book during those dreary and dark winter nights.

10. H&M Black & White Brouges - Oh boy have I longed for brouges for years! This year I saw these lovely pair at H&M's website and I just fell in love. Would be the happiest girl in the world if I found these under the Christmas tree.

The Christmas Tree is up!

My camera has been behaving quite odd lately and didn't even get a decent photo for my Birthday, must be because of the dreary weather as it doesn't seem to want take reasonably clear photos. However, it seemed to cheer up a bit yesterday and I managed to take a few photos while decorating the Christmas tree.

Got a all the tree ornaments out. I've had these since I was little and they are very precious to me.

We do have some new additions as well, like this cheerful Santa snowman.

It didn't take long until I had glitter in my hair and Lunus wanted to feel part of the decorating.

This year our Christmas tree was upgraded into a larger size, so the decoration ended up being a bit scarce but the quality is so much better and it even looks like a real one. However I do like the Snow White look it has going on, with red apples and ribbons. Once they start having a sale on the Christmas decoration I think I'll replace the really old silver glitter to something gold instead.

Sincerely,
Olivia