Dance Like No One is Watching

Source: imgfave.com via Ordinary on Pinterest

The only two things that give me complete peace at the moment are crafting and dancing. And no, I don't mean dancing salsa or ballet - cuz nope, I'm not a good dancer. I don't even know how to dance proper dances (even though I did ballet when I was 4-7 years old) 

I even took an Indian dance course when I was in grade 5 with my best friend. I think that was the best kind of dancing I've ever learned.

But the kind of dancing I'm talking about now is bad, sucky dancing - party dancing. Jumping up and down. Shaking your hair. Just moving to the beat. And this is Norwegian party dancing, where everyone just stands there and bobs their head. 

It's so liberating, because when I go out with a good friend, I'm able to just shake it and not care what anyone thinks of my horrible dancing. Which is kind of funny, because teenagers are the most judgmental people. I am a teen, but a lot of teens scare me. They're always staring.

Anyway, you have no idea how liberating it is to dance like no one is watching. To have a good time, and dance away all your fears and cares. 

And let me tell you, there's nothing more fun than having a friend that is as "good" a dancer as you and dancing together looking like monkeys. 

I feel free when I can let myself go and dance the night away.

It feels like medicine.

Source: photobucket.com via Katy on Pinterest

I think one of the most important lessons we can learn in life is that when you are able to not think what anyone else thinks of you, that's when you will live life to the fullest. That's when you will start living for real. 

If I have a good time dancing like a monkey, who cares what anyone else thinks? I even believe that the dancing somehow looks better because you're more confident. If you feel like a fool, it will show. I guess I'm getting older, and as my 20s are approaching I guess I'm becoming more carefree.

Try it!

-Dance like no one is watching.

Ps. I'm going out dancing tonight :D yeah!

What makes you feel free and forget all your worries?

I'll see you on the dance floor ;)

~Katrine

Guess My Halloween Costume!

As usual, I wore a more "creative" outfit than what others would wear for Halloween - not really scary, and really silly. Like when I was a traffic light last year, remember? Let's just say, I had an "amazeballs" costume ;) I don't really like dressing up, but I don't mind wearing something that looks really silly! And if you were wondering, I was inspired by a pinterest picture (and no, it wasn't a kid wearing it...).

This year's costume had me laughing every time I looked in the mirror. And yes, I went to a Halloween party dressed like that. Not embarassing at all.

I had such a hard time walking around, let alone sitting in the car, since my upper body was COVERED in balloons! Yes, I wore my seatbelt. Haha, but I had a lot of fun!

Can you guess my halloween costume? :D I'll share some more pics later :) (follow me on instagram for daily pics: thegentleflower - leave your username and I'll follow back ;) )

I'm linking up over here and here :)

Have a SUPER weekend!
Katrine :)

Ps. Sorry I'm a bit behind on replying to comments. I assure you, I read them all and really appreciate them, and they will be replied to soon. We had our last classes for this semester this week, which marks the beginning of the exam period. So I'm a bit busy at the moment, but I will reply as soon as I can :) Thanks for being patient :)

Why I Don't Wish I Was a Tree

If you've been following my instagram feed (@thegentleflower) you'll have noticed that it snowed here on Thursday (and Friday, Saturday, Sunday...). I woke up to lots and lots of snow on Thursday morning. I was not happy. I hate snow with a passion.

Today when I took out the trash my pants got all wet afterwards from all the snow, and the lid on one of the trash cans was frozen stuck to the can. Snow even makes recycling hard.

But do you know who I feel really sorry for when it snows? All the flowers and trees. Imagine being a tree, having to be outside all year, with meters of snow weighing you down for 3/4 of the year. That must be horrible. And cold. And wet. They never get a break. I look at them when the wind is blowing, and they're shivering the poor things. I'm so happy I'm not a tree.

So to say a thanks to those trees out there, sticking it out through winter, spring, summer and fall (did anyone else just sing the theme to Gilmore Girls when they read that? No? Ok. I'm probably the only one that knows it by heart.) I'd like to give you a 15% off discount (also because I love you guys and because I would really like to send you a snow-filled package with some goodies ;) kidding about the snow.). Enter coupon code DIESNOWDIE at check out (in spirit of saving the trees). The coupon code is valid until Friday at midnight, so go and shop our store now! (Be sure to get your Christmas presents in time!)

Have a lovely Sunday, and I hope your trees aren't as sad as mine.
~Katrine

What Would You Do?

Source: chloeroseboutique.com via Erin on Pinterest

I found this quote on pinterest today and it really made me think. Fear holds us back in too many ways. We're afraid of taking risks, telling people how we really feel, afraid of spending too much time or money on something, afraid of caring too much or caring too little. We're afraid of what others think, but at the same time afraid that we'll regret not doing something because of what others think.

Why let fear dictate our lives? 

What would you do if you weren't afraid?
My list is growing longer the more I think about it.
Let's make the list shorter, and do the things that scare us the most.
What's the worst that can happen?

New Products Made of Sunshine

Presenting.... Mini Garden Pinks Brooches!!!

Available in stores now

I've been working on lots of Mini Garden Pinks Brooches lately. They are oh-so adorable, and I just love wearing and making them! I love small, cute, colorful things- especially accessories ;) Don't they just put a huge smile on your face?!

So far, only the orange one is uploaded, but they are available in the colours you see in the first picture.

E-mail me if you'd like to order one in any of the other colours you see.

Let me know what your favorite colour is in the comments, and I'll be sure to make one in your choice of colour :)

Ruffled Ribbon Necklaces {new products}

Ruffled Ribbon Necklace in Hot Pink

I've just completed a 14 page long paper on ethics. There's a lot to do in uni, but I really like uni so far! There hasn't been a lot of blogging lately, but there will be an update on what I've been up to lately here soon!

But for now, I'd like to share a new product with you :) I haven't uploaded them to Etsy yet, there are still some finishing touches to be made.

However, please let me know in the comments if you'd be interested in buying one. Or if you'd like to see it in another colour :)

Ruffled Ribbon Necklace {in the making} in Mint Green

Have a great week :D
~Katrine

Yummy Snacks / Appetizers

Source: marthastewart.com via Katrine on Pinterest

I've found so many recipes for appetizers or snacks that make my mouth water on pinterest. I haven't tried making any of them, but they look sooo good and not too hard! I think they're pretty healthy too. 

Let me know if you try making any of them :)

Enjoy!

Source: alexandracooks.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: onceuponaplate1.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: voraciousvander.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: parenting.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: pauladeen.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: opiefoto.com via Katrine on Pinterest

YUM-MYYYYY!!!!

I seriously need to go and make these - NOW!

Please share some of your favorite foody pins or stories below ;)

And follow me on pinterest please (let me know if you do, and I'll follow you back)

And be sure to enter the giveaway!!

Have a great day!
~Katrine

Knitted Bangles GIVEAWAY!

PRIZE: Three knitted bangle bracelets in pink, turquoise,
and multicolored (pink, green, blue)

Winter is just around the corner, at least here in Norway, and everyone needs a couple of warm accessories to wear this cold season. That's why I'd like to introduce Josefin, a really talented Swedish woman (yay, Scandinavia!) behind the shop Made in Heda. She creates the most amazing accessories that are perfect for the upcoming winter (and autumn) season.

Josefin is kindly giving away a whooping three knitted bangle bracelets, in pink, turquoise and one multicolored (green / blue / pink) to one lucky winner!!

Before entering the giveaway, I'd like to show off some of my favorite items from Made in Heda:

I am in LOVE with this necklace!! Love the colour!

These boot cuffs are SO cute!! Perfect for winter!

Love the colour! I'm addicted to yellow..

Every Gentle Flower needs a matching leaf ;)

Isn't she talented!? Please head on over to her shop and favorite / buy your favorite items!! ;)

And be sure to enter the giveaway below :D

The giveaway ends on September 30th and is open worldwide.

Enter using rafflecopter below!

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"I Wish You..." Animal Necklace GIVEAWAY

PRIZE: One necklace of winner's choice from the "I Wish You..." Collection

Handmade jewelry with a message - three things I love. Today I'd like to present Sara Max, the talented artist behind Flower Land. Sara Max creates beautiful polymer clay jewelry with a message. She also creates beautiful bookmarks, home decor and the cutest figurines!

And I've got some great news; Sara is giving away a necklace from the "I Wish You..." collection (the winner can choose which animal they'd like from the collection!!) to one lucky winner!!! SUH-WEEEET!!

The necklaces in the "I Wish You..." collection each come with their own wish. What could be better than a lucky white starfish that wishes you to find true friends, for example!? I just love the idea behind this, and the necklaces are so cute!!

Before entering the giveaway, let me show you some other items I LOVE from Flower Land...

This bracelet would be perfect for a sea/ beach lover like yours truly.

I will never outgrow my love for anything ladybug related.

Every Gentle Flower needs a Sunflower bookmark - am I right? ;)

Isn't she amazing?! I love her creativity and originality!

Go check out her amazing shop here.

The giveaway ends on September 5th and is open worldwide.

Enter using rafflecopter below!

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Felt Bow Barrettes GIVEAWAY

PRIZE: Two Felt Bow Barrettes in winner's choice of colour!

I discovered The Loft Full of Goodies a while back, and I am in love with Natta Leonard's beautiful work! She is an extremely talented creative entrepreneur, and I couldn't be happier to introduce her to you today!

And you're in for a treat - Natta is giving away TWO Felt Bow Barrettes to one lucky winner (in the winner's choice of colour!)!!

Check out some of the colours you can choose from:

I'm loving the mustard, pink and blue!

Such a cute colour combo!

But before entering the giveaway, let me show you some of my favorite items that are up for sale in The Loft Full of Goodies...

I've had my eye on this brooch for ages!!

I LOVE this colour combo!

This could double as a clutch or pencil case - but 
in my opinion it's a bit too pretty for a pencil case ;)

I seriously love her work and I'm SO jealous of this giveaway's lucky winner!

All you have to do is enter using the rafflecopter form below!

The giveaway is open worldwide and ends on August 24th.

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Most Popular Products! {FREE SHIPPING}

Click here to check out this stunning ring

I'd like to share some of The Gentle Flower's most popular products!

These products have had over 200 views each and have between 18-33 admirers - which I find amazing!

Click here to get a closer look at this necklace!

They've also been featured in lots of treasuries, which is a huge honour!

Link to product here.

The ring above also won 2nd place in a handmade competition earlier this year!! You can read more about that here.

Click here to see product.

Thanks for all your support!! Your support makes me so happy and keeps me going :)

As a thanks, I'd like to offer you FREE SHIPPING on all products until August 18th. Enter coupon code POPULAR at check out.

What are your favourite products from The Gentle Flower? :)
And what are your favourite colours?
Let us know in the comments below please - your feedback means the world!!

And don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Thanks!
Katrine :)

Asymmetrical Green Rose Necklace GIVEAWAY

Yay! Another giveaway! Do you remember Brittany Chavers Studio?? She did a giveaway right here last summer which was a huge hit! And I've got some great news for you... Brittany is kindly doing another giveaway!

One lucky winner will get an Asymmetrical Green Rose Necklace :D I'm sooo super jealous of this giveaway's lucky winner..

Prize: Asymmetrical Green Rose Necklace

Before entering the giveaway, join me in swooning over Brittany's jewelry...

I looove the colours in this super cute bracelet <3

Woooowww... I love the details!

LOVE <3

If you don't want to head over to her shop RIGHT now and buy something.. then I don't know what to say!


Brittany's items are not only for sale in her Etsy store, but are also available at Simply Vague in Delaware, Ohio. Simply Vague will be opening a second location in Dublin, Ohio at the beginning of September as well. So if you'd like to have a look at her amazing jewelry in person, be sure to head on over there! This is a huge accomplishment for a creative entrepreneur, and this makes me really happy! So please, be sure to spread the word :) And click here to check out Simply Vague's website.

Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter the giveaway!

The giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 16th August.

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Addicted to Bracelets {Let's Accessorize!}

I've gotten an addiction. 

I can't stop making or wearing bracelets!!

They're so much fun and make me happy! I love bracelets with special messages or images (such as hearts).

I made the one above a while back. It's a brown leather bow bracelet! I've made lots of these, which you can see pictures of here. Would you like to see these in the store? I can't make up my mind, plus they're hard to photograph! Let me know what you think :)

The bracelet above is a friendship bracelet I made for myself. The pattern is hearts and I think it's sooo cute.. I can't stop wearing it :) Would you like to see this in the shop? Let me know :) We can be bffs ;)

I made the 3 bracelets to the left. My bff made the beaded one. And the "HEART" bracelet is a Nike bracelet. I love mixing and matching the colours :)

Above is another pic of the heart bracelet. It doesn't show off the pretty blue colour of the hearts. They're more turquoise than the picture shows.

And lastely, my 3 bracelets from Nike that read CONFIDENCE, DESIRE and HEART. I'm also wearing a pink LIVESTRONG bracelet. I found these in a drawer a few weeks ago. I got them when we lived in Dubai, and I was so happy to find them - I had to wear them straightaway! :) They also remind me to be confident and listen to my heart's desire, which I really like :)

Well, this is what I've been wearing (well, not only that haha) lately :)

So whatcha think? Which bracelets do you like the best?

What's your favourite accessory? (Mine vary, but I looove accessorizing!!!)

Would you like to see any of the bracelets I made in the store?

Let me know in the comments please :)

I'm linking up over here, here and here.

If you're a new visitor, please be sure to leave a comment saying hi with a link to your blog, or other social network sites, and I'll be sure to visit/ follow you too! Also please follow the blog/ me via GFC, twitter, Facebook, instagram (@thegentleflower), pinterest :) Let's be friends! :D (And ps. a new giveaway will be posted tomorrow - a beautiful necklace :D)

xx Katrine

Making Fruit Fun {lots of fancy fruity recipes!}

Source: whiteonricecouple.com via Katrine on Pinterest

I've found sooo many yummy recipes on pinterest! A few that have caught my attention have been the ones featuring fruit. The recipes are really clever, and make me crave fruit whenever I look at them! They look fancy, but I think the recipes are simple enough to do :) They would be perfect for a party!!

They say that children are more likely to eat fruit when the fruit is cut up into pieces. Well, I bet they'd eat these fruity dishes as well (maybe even rather than the plain old cut up pieces of fruit?) !

Enjoy these fruitastic pins! ;)

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Katrine on Pinterest

The above photo doesn't include fruit. However, you can switch the caviar with a blackberry or raspberry!

Source: beautifully-boho.tumblr.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: chefpins.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: weelicious.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: skirt.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: love-luck-kisses-cake.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Source: epicurious.com via Katrine on Pinterest

For the above recipe, you could maybe switch out the Prosecco with some water or sprite (to make it kid friendly) and switch the rose petals with some strawberries or raspberries - the possibilities are endless!

Source: frostmeblog.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

What are some of your favorite fruity pins?
Have you tried any of these?

Are you on pinterest? Leave your username and I'll follow you :) Follow me here.

And don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

Katrine :)

Linking up here.