What I've Been Up To

• I turned 20 (on April 23^rd) :D It feels weird. When I was younger I felt that 20 was so old.. but I don’t feel old at all! Have you turned 20? What was that like for you?

• I completed my first year of uni! J This is SO exciting. I’ve really enjoyed the past year; the friends I’ve made, everything I’ve learned, etc. I’m really happy with this career path, and I can’t wait for next year!

• I’ve been driving a lot since I got my driver’s license. I love the freedom.

Delicious Pasta Pie

• I’ve made lots of food and tried lots of recipes. I’ve always loved making things, but I never thought I’d be this fond of making food. It’s so much fun!

• I’ve watched a loooot of The Only Way is Essex. Man, I love that show. Do any of you watch it?

• I went to our school ball (Oscars Ball). It was lovely. I got to wear a long dress and felt like a princess J I will be wearing this dress at my cousin’s wedding tomorrow!! (I will post more pictures from the ball later)

• I’ve made lots of new friends J

• I have fallen in love with Tyler Knott Gregson’s poetry. Man, is he talented! You definitely need to check him out!!

 

Me wearing my new wedges and skirt on a sunny day :)

• I have been enjoying summer.

• I entered a poetry competition. Writing poetry is one of my favourite things to do, and has been an important part of my life from a young age. Putting pen to paper, and baring my soul helps me get through anything. This is when I’m most vulnerable and honest, and strengthens me to be able to face anything.   Crocheting, making jewelry and writing make my head go silent. I find peace through being creative and using my imagination.

What have you been up to? :)

-Katrine

PS. Don't forget! FREE SHIPPING on all products until 22nd July! Read more about it here.

Happy New Year!

Source: photos.nwf.org via Katrine on Pinterest

Hi Everyone!!

I know, I know, I haven't posted in forever! And I apologise for that! There's been a lot going on lately, and I'm still catching up on everything.

I had lots of exams and exam prep before Christmas, and of course managed to end up in hospital twice. I'm much better now, but I missed out on two exams because of this. Health is always my first priority, but it kinda sucks to have to retake the exams right before summer or next year (I can choose) on top of my new exams for this semester as well. Yay, more stress.

School resumed 2 weeks ago, and I'm happy to be back. The new classes seem really interesting!

I also got my grades back for the exams I did take, and I'm quite pleased with the results :)

Anyway, I will be gradually posting more on here. I've been updating my instagram feed more regularly, so be sure to follow me there for more day to day updates! (username: thegentleflower)

There will be a new post with a few pics from my instagram feed to catch you up on some of my past events. So be sure to come back to read that ;) On second thought, there may be a few posts with instagram pics :))

I hope you've had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, and thank you for being patient with me and for following me on my journey! :)

I've missed blogging, but I will try to post more from now on :)

Enjoy your weekend!
Katrine :)

Ps. The picture is a Happy-New-Year-I'm-back-and-better hug from me to you, plus the pic made me feel all warm and cosy ;)

The Importance of Friendship {Russ 2012}

My russ-hat to the left :)

A while back I told you that I was going to be a "Russ" this year. In Norway, being a Russ is basically being a senior. We graduate high school a year after the rest of the world (nice, I know...), and celebrate graduating high school BEFORE exams and actually graduating. It's crazy to be honest. The celebrations are kicked off on May 1st, and we party and celebrate all the way to 17th of May (our national holiday). And yes, we still have school during the day.

A huuuge drawing of a ladybug on the back of my
lab coat in the works :)

Everyone wears the same kind of clothes - a lab coat that you draw on, red overalls and a red hat (red because I'm a red-russ / "rødruss"). You have to wear the clothes everyday, and you can't wash your overalls. You try to do several things to get different "knots" in the string of your hat. You have to do weird things like eating a burger in two bites, swim outside before April 1st (yes, in NORWAY), eat a "russekort" (russ-card.. we have like a kind of business card thingy. Little kids collect them.), etc.

My russehat "The Pun"

Last night the celebrations were kicked off, even though our school started our russ-celebrations on 26th April, when we were "baptized". You see, we get special nicknames, which we have to write on our hats. Mine is "The Pun". Haha - my jokes are FANTASTIC.

I was up until really late last night outside. It was cold, dark and scary.. but I had lots of fun.

I've been thinking a lot about friendship lately, especially since it's important to have friends during the russ-celebrations. Things haven't been easy lately, and I haven't known who to trust (read about that here). But yesterday I hung out with an amazing girl. We've never hung out before, we were just acquaintances up until yesterday, but now I love her to bits! She's super cool, and we had SO. MUCH. FUN. together :D

The front pocket on my overalls

It's really important to have friends that won't leave you behind and who will look out for you. And know that you can trust each other. I'm so grateful for this new friendship, and I can't wait to hang out more ;)

I read a great blog post on friendship today, you should read it too. It really puts things into perspective.

I've drawn the Norwegian flag and the U.A.E. flag on
one of the pockets on my lab coat

I may not write as many posts as usual the next few weeks, since I have exams, school and russefeiring (russ-celebrations), but I'll post when I can ;)
You can always e-mail me, and I always check all your lovely comments, which always make my day :)

My lovely CLASS 12 hoodie (SO COMFY)

I hope you liked the pictures - this is what I'll be wearing for the next few weeks ;)

Thanks for being such great friends, and remember to take care of those around you.

Katrine <3

Applying to Uni

Today I've applied to the Norwegian university, BI, Norwegian Business School. I've applied for a bachelor in "International Marketing". This means that I'll study international marketing in Trondheim the first two years, and then study in another country the last year.

I'm STOKED! I've been thinking about what I want to do for a while now...

First I wanted to study in California.. then I wanted to take a gap year... then I wanted to study in Spain.. then I wanted to study psychology, and become a psychologist... then I wanted to study marketing.. then I wanted to study psychology (not to become a psychologist) AND marketing.

So eventually I had to chose between psychology and marketing.. which was NOT easy!!!

But I've decided that I want to study marketing. I think it'll be really fun and interesting.. plus I can work in practically any business! After deciding that I wanted to study marketing, I attended an info. meeting at BI last Thursday.
I found out that I had to choose between International Marketing and Marketing. They're practically the same thing, but International Marketing is especially for those that want to work internationally, which I definitely want to. Also, I get to go abroad for a year (Spain is one of the choices! :D), which I find super exciting :D

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It's been a loooong process of decision-making, but I've finally made my decision.
And if I change my mind, that's alright. I'm gonna try this out, and if it works + I like it, YAY, and if not, I'll just choose something else :)


NOTE: This isn't an April Fool's Joke ;)


Ps. I want to do a question thingy.. so if you have any questions you'd like to ask me.. write them in the comments or e-mail me and I'll write a post answering them :) Ask me anything you like, and I'll try to answer them all (as long as they're not inappropriate ;) ). 


Pps. Please vote for me?? :)

A Little Inspiration [Friday + Easter Break + Quotes] {instafriday}

Me wearing my lovely butterfly ring after getting
a French Manicure (I did it myself :) )

So today was the last day of school before a much needed Easter break!!! I can't wait to relax and sleep in! I thought I would share a few instagram photos from the past days (follow me please: thegentleflower)



Yesterday I had a Spanish mock exam. It was really difficult, but I got through it :)
We could choose a task where we had to write an essay based on this quote:

I seriously love the quote, especially since I travel and have moved a lot. I didn't choose this task, but I love the quote.

If you don't understand Spanish, it translates: "He who is used to traveling, always knows that he must leave one day."

On Sunday I got the GREAT NEWS that I've been selected as one of the FINALISTS in the Norwegian Handmade competition, Håndlaga 2012. You can read more about that here.

The picture above is a picture of the A Ray of Sunshine - Ivory Coloured Ring with Sun Rays, which is the ring that's been nominated in the Jewelry Category in the contest. If you like it, will you please vote for me? :)

Finally, I wanted to leave you with another quote, in English this time. I had a huge test on Lord of the Flies today, but the quote is from a poem we discussed in English Literature on Tuesday. 

I really like it, and would recommend reading the whole poem!

The last year of high school is tough.. but I'm actually looking forward to the upcoming exam period. That means I'll have lots of time to study.. and I won't have to listen to my teachers blabber nonsense all day and have to study at home instead because I'm don't learn anything from listening to them. Plus no more mini tests :D Don't get me wrong.. I hate exams. But I can't wait till they're OVER! I think the exam period starts soon after the Easter break is over. Yikes!

What have you been up to this week?

What quotes or poems inspire you?

Do you have exams coming up?

Whether you're an old or new friend, don't be shy! Please leave a comment below :)

Have a great Friday and Easter break!! xoxo

Linking up here:

Día del Español

                                                                            Source: google.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Hola!

Ahora, escribo en español porque tengo que practicar mi Español.

Estoy estudiando Español en la escuela, pero tengo que escribir y hablar más.

Voy a tratar de escribir Español aquí una vez por semana.

Tengo que practicar mucho para los exámenes en mayo! Ay caramba!

Podeís darme "feedback" si yo tengo muchos errores? :)


Muchas gracias!


Me gusta esta canción:

Estudiaís Español?
Hasta luego! :)

Fire at the Masquerade Ball - Instagram Photos

French Manicure by moi

Yesterday, on Friday, 27th January, our school had a Masquerade Ball.

I was soooo excited! I had the perfect dress ready, the perfect shoes, and I even found the perfect clutch (which matched my dress... perfectly ;)) :

My (first) clutch

I did a French manicure and pedicure myself for the first time, which I'm quite proud of ;)

I found a mask, which was on sale (YES!), but I forgot to wear it.. of course -.-

I was reeeeeally looking forward to the ball! (as you can tell from reading my instagram photo below)

Note from Wednesday

I went to my friend's house before the ball. And the ball started at 9pm. 

But we didn't get there until 10:45pm, which kinda bummed me out. 

But there were lots of people there and I had quite a good time :)

UNTIL the fire alarm went off at around midnight. 

It was -1 degrees celcius outside, and there was lots of snow and ice on the pavement.

I was only wearing a dress, shoes and pantyhose. 

I WAS FREEZING! (but I felt really sorry for the people without shoes)

The fire brigade came. And all of us had to stand outside, in the freezing cold for 45 minutes.

I left my cell phone and jacket inside, so I couldn't call my Mum to pick me up either.

Finally, they let us back in, but we had to go home, because the ball was apparently supposed to end at 12:30am. It really sucked.

There goes my last high school dance/ ball.

French Pedicure by moi

I came home, freeeeezing and shivering and my throat really hurts today.

And if you were wondering, there was no fire, a stupid kid had pushed a button on a fire alarm. 

Thanks, buddy.

Random photo.. we made pizza on Thursday :) yum

How was your Friday?
Follow me on Instagram please :) My username is: thegentleflower

And I'm linking up here:

Confessional Friday

I thought I'd confess a few things today and link up with A Blonde Ambition for her linky party! YAY :D

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1. I just realized that it's actually Saturday today... but I guess I can still confess stuff. Whoops!

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2. I need 6-8 tea spoons of sugar in my tea. Always! (It does depend on the size of the cup, but I usually drink my tea from a 0.5 L cup...) I can't stand tea with too little sugar!!!

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3. I've been sick for the past week and a bit down in the dumps about it because I have don't really have time to be sick!

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(this cracked me up)

4. I've injured my knee, and I may need surgery... which is also getting me down. And my knee is aching!!!

5. One of my New Year's resolutions was to not get injured this year... well technically I got injured in December, but I'm feeling the pain. So I guess that's a resolution I will have to give up on already.

6. I was too late to participate in the Cold Hands, Warm Hearts swap at Much Love, Illy's blog, so I contacted another blogger, my new bloggy BFF, Erica @ Sweets and Hearts and asked her if she wanted to do a swap. And she said yes!! I'm so excited! I just finished up her package and will be sending it out on Monday :D Yay!

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(did that make you yawn too?)

7. I'm seriously tired of school.

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<3

8. I'm SERIOUSLY tired of being sick and/ or injured.

9. I'm dreading the possible surgery of my knee.

10. I chew on my tongue when I'm concentrating.. and I've recently discovered the best way to chew it... which makes me look like a monkey I guess. I really need to stop that!

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11. I LOVE self help books. I'm in the self-help section of the bookstore so often that one of the women that work there asked me if I needed help one time. She looked slightly worried. Haha! Is there a self help book for being addicted to self help books? I'll be sharing a bit on the recent books I've gotten and that I'm reading later.

12. I feel guilty when I blog because I should be doing other stuff.

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13. I don't want to turn 19 this year.

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14. I just chewed my tongue like a monkey.

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15. I feel guilty because I want to and should read more.

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16. I feel guilty because I feel too much guilt.

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(I tried watching this movie once... couldn't get through more than 10 minutes!)

17. I feel 17 years old.


18. I just got a Pinterest account.. but I can't figure out how it works. I'm usually not technically challenged! :/



Have you made any confessions?
Share your links or confessions below, I'd love to read yours :)


Psst.. have you noticed The Gentle Flower's super duper new sponsors?? Check 'em out (in the right side bar) - they have awesome blogs :D -->

Would YOU like to be a sponsor? Get the low down here.


Have a great weekend! :)
~Katrine

Important! Holiday Season Info. {discount}

Hi Guys!

Sorry I haven't been posting and replying to e-mails much lately.

I have a lot on my plate at the moment and it's all a bit overwhelming.

I have lots of tests, exams and hand-ins to do at school and I'm working hard towards the Christmas Fair next weekend.

There was also an overwhelming response to the option of being interviewed by me. I have posted a few of them so far, (read them here) but the ones I haven't posted yet will be up after 8th December. (Be sure to read them for lots of business tips!)

Hopefully my work load will be smaller by then :) I most likely won't be posting too much before then either. I hope you understand. However, you can follow us on Facebook and on twitter for daily updates.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and please use coupon code BLACK at checkout in the shop for a 20% off discount!

I've also updated the shop with some new goodies and some info. about holiday shopping -->

HOLIDAY SEASON OFFERS! 

I will wrap your presents in for FREE, let me know in the note to seller. I can also ship the present directly to it's recipient if you let me know in the note to seller (include their address). 

In order to be sure that you'll receive your Christmas orders in time for Christmas, be sure to order by December 5th. It will take at least 2 weeks for it to arrive (if shipped outside of Norway). 

For orders over $40, you will receive a little present.

I'm working so hard towards the Christmas Fair and there are sooo many goodies that will be be up for sale!! I can't wait! :D

I really hope to see you there if you're in the area, and if not, I'll be sure to post pictures and put the remaining products that don't get sold up for sale in the shop! :)

I Love the Smell of My New Mac and School is Kinda Cool

I just logged on to my brand-spanking-new MacBook Pro and I couldn't be more excited! :D :D

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It's super cool and I'm so so happy :D FINALLY!

And yes, I looove the smell of new Apple products. If you have an Apple product, you'll know what I mean. It's simply lovely.

Life
Sorry for being a bit A-wall lately, but school resumed last Monday and I've been given lots of work to do already... agghhh. Somehow teachers believe that students are extremely lazy in the summer and "need"  work to do after being oh so lazy for 2 months. AND they think it's better to give us lots of homework now since no one else will do the same... but apparently all the teachers think alike. So yay for us. -.- And yes, I am extremely lazy in the summer, but that's what's summer is for, right? I'm pretty sure I haven't misunderstood the concept of summer. And I would like to say that teachers should be aware that we're pretty much brain dead after not thinking for 2 months, so we should get some time to get used to thinking again haha. OH well.

School isn't too bad though. I'm in a really great class and have lots of friends, which is important. Also, there are two exchange students in my class, which is so much fun!! I became BFFs with an exchange student last year :D PLUS it's my last year of school - WOOHOO!!! I can't believe it! :D (Well at least "official" school... I will be off to uni next year or so.) And yes, my age has been revealed. I'm 18 (and four months [and three days] actually ;)). If you're wondering why I haven't graduated, it's because in Norway we go to school for a year longer. So this year I will be a "Russ", which you can read more about here and here. I will keep you posted on being a Russ - it's pretty exciting (we wear typical outfits and have to do crazy stuff). We tried on clothes yesterday, so I'll be ordering them soon :)

RUSS - Source

Also, I got all the subjects I wanted. You see, we have to chose three subjects and it was an uncertainty that I would get all of them - but I was really lucky so yay for me :D

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I'm taking English Literature and Culture, Advanced Spanish and Psychology. In addition I have mandatory subjects; P.E., Norwegian, Religion and History. My subjects aren't that bad, but we have lots of work to do. And as you probably noticed: no MATH or SCIENCE!! :D :D :D Woopdawoop! I luuurv languages, religion and Psychology so I'm really happy!

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We have a huuuge exam called "særemne" in December. We have to read three Norwegian books and do lots of research on a topic we choose. Then we have to write like 14 pages within 5 hours (:O) in December on that topic. Oh, the pressure!! So right now I'm trying to find out what my topic is going to be, as I have to get started ASAP - any suggestions welcome!! ;)


Moving on to recent happenings in The Gentle Flower world...
- I was interviewed last week, read that here.
- The winners should be starting to receive their prizes (lucky dawwgs)
- I guest posted about one of my secrets
- Secrets are being shared, and will be shared (Check out the first ones out so far here and here)



Also, Lindy (one of my bloggy BFFs) from Lindy Legends and Other Such Nonsense left the kindest comment on the interview of me!

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE

Thank you thank you thank you, Lindy! You have no idea how much your support and kind words mean to me! Pleeeease check out Lindy's blog - she always has something interesting to say!

And also thank you so much to Elizabeth for posting the lovely interview!! :D

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Another interview with me will be up on another blog soon - I'll keep you posted ;)

Until then, see you later and have a great weekend!
I'm going to a concert tomorrow - so let's hope it doesn't rain :S


-Katrine  {soon to be 18, 4 months and 4 days (:O) hahaha}

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Ps. I'm planning on leaving random post-its to make people's days better. It's nice to be reminded that you matter. Lindy made me happy and made me feel special, and I'm hoping to do the same for someone too :) Comments are always nice too ;)