A Serious Update!

Look at that, I'm back!! It's about time I update you isn't it......

I feel so bad that I haven't written anything since February!!, and a lot has happened since then!

I'll try to update you the best I can without writing too much about everything, and I won't write everything at once in this post, so stay tuned. This will be a long post, but don't worry it won't be all text, there will be many many pictures for you to enjoy.

To start, I had a project during Christmas that I didn't work much with then to be quite honest, so when I came back after the holidays I worked my butt off every day and night to make it before due date!! I remember that week..God was I stressed out.

I had everything planned out in my head though, so all I had to do was to get it on paper.

I loved this project; YIDA - Young Interior Designer Awards. 5 out of 54 students in my class would go on to the YIDA competition which in the brief said that you were to produce innovative and unique design. I didn't make it to the top 5, but I got a great mark and like I said; I loved this project.

I did a Scandinavian design type of project, though I called it "A Northern Haven". This was more fitting as I didn't just use Scandinavian design and products in my project.

Here's my two boards with the result, and I must say I'm proud of it.

And some of the photos from the boards so you can see some of the actual work.

* I've taken away the big photos as I am afraid of people copying. 

If you wish to see my portfolio, please contact me *

This project was a real challenge because for the first time ever I had to design everything from scratch. I didn't even have walls to decorate on the start of this project, so I had to be an architect as well as an interior designer and design a 450 square metre floor plan. Hard? Yes.

I was so relieved when I handed this in, though it wasn't the end.. I had a photography assignment due the day after as well. I've never really worked with photography and SLR-cameras, so this assignment was a challenge. But I believe I have an eye for photography, so I wasn't too worried.

The assignment was to capture an interior set, a location set and objects in focus.
You can check out my photos here.

You want more?

Alright. For you who don't know, I was lucky to go on a study trip to New York in the end of February!! I must say, I am still struggling to process everything I did and saw, because I was there for 6 days and did about everything that is tourist must-see! (Except for the Rockefeller Centre).

I'll give you New York in pictures mostly because it's simply too much to write about.

New York is a funny city. On the first day, that is Saturday, we came in late (we being me, Eli and Rebekka). So we decided to see Times Square since it was evening, because we thought we wouldn't have the chance again. 

What can I say about Times Square... It's not like in the pictures. In the pictures everything stands still. Times Square doesn't stand still!!! Times Square is the craziest place I've ever been at, crazier than standing on The Strip in Vegas. You can only look at all the flashy stuff for 5 mins, then you're outta there!

Don't misunderstand me, The Square was fascinating and very cool, but also a little too much.

And the reason for why I say New York is a funny city is because no matter where we walked in the city centre, we always seemed to find our way back to the Times Square!

On Sunday we went to the 9/11 memorial. This was a very peaceful place, as you can imagine.. What they have done white the location is very beautiful. 

"Dedicated to those who fell and those who carry on."

After the memorial we took the Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty.

It was a lot smaller than I thought it would be!

The Coast Guard was extreme....

And here we have the beautiful skyline of New York City.

Skyline a little more close.

We explored SoHo that day, and we took a long stroll up 5th avenue and did some shopping (mostly window shopping) (except for when the other two girls went nuts in Victoria's Secret, haha).

Another evening we decided to visit the top of the Empire State building. I think this was the best experience I had in the city. Standing on the roof to see the city 360 degrees was _amazing_.

Empire State Building from outside.

The beautiful Crysler Building.

All that light down there is Times Square!! It's THAT flashy.

That corner building is the famous Flatiron Building in the Flatiron District.

Just amazing. Here as well the photos can't describe the amount of amazingness I felt standing there on the 86th floor! And don't you think the views are georgeous??

While we were in New York we attended a lot of school events. It was mainly a second year trip, so as third years students we could tag along to the second years' events and tours, and we did. As a school event, we went to the Design & Decoration building to get inspiration and input from American interior design. This building is 14 stories high and we started on top (thinking it would be easier and go faster??) and really, this place was incredible! So many great interiors and decoration! But by the time we got to the 6th floor we just wanted it to end, haha. Waaay too much information at the same time for our brains to process. I took loads of pictures though, so now I can go through what I saw again and use the inspiration for my Final Major.

Here's a photo from the DDBuilding. Interiors are so different in this country than what I'm used to in Norway. Very inspirational!

After that we ate Sushi and it was Rebekka's first time! I thought it was YUUM!!

Also as a school event, we visited Radio City Music Hall. The Grammy's and MTV's Video Awards have been held here, as well as basically all music legends have held concerts here.

The building is an Art Deco building for you who are interested, and was yet another fascinating place to see in New York.

The entré blew me away! But when I came into the actual music hall I got speechless...

Look at the tiny people down there at the stage!

Sooo many incredible things in New York. I actually feel like I've processed some of my impressions now just by writing this post, going through some of what I've experienced over there.

But to be quite honest I don't think I can't write any more for now. I'm about half way through my New York visit, we just did sooo much that it's hard to go through all of it at the same time.

I'll leave you with this for now, but stay tuned for the next part of this incredible trip.

- vic -

Counting the days 'til Christmas!

It's getting colder in Southampton, and today it was constantly raining as well. Which is kind of nice, because there was a lot of digging in our street because of some water-business - very muddy, and now hopefully the rain has washed it away.

On Tuesday me and Torun attended the Norwegian Christmas Party, which was held at Grand Café - check out the link and the gallery. It's beautiful there. (This is where the wealthy(er) guests of Titanic had their last dinner (or should I say the last supper...) before they boarded the ship on April 10th 1912.)
We also stopped by a "vors" (pre-party) with girls only - a lot of noise there as you can imagine. At Grand Café I think we were 98 Norwegians who attended, out of 120, which is really amazing! We did not have the traditional Norwegian Christmas dinner, but as a main course we had a delicious lamb shank with mashed potato and veggies on the side.

Greta & Eli Marie, both in my class.

Me & Torun.

I didn't take any pictures of the food or the seating area, I was too hung up on the delicious meal. If you know me correct, you know I LOVE food, therefore, well; I was distracted.

After the meal we went to two clubs and enjoyed the rest of the night! Sorry for not having more interesting pictures to show you.

Yesterday me, Torun and Unni decided to check out a store called The Range which apparently was supposed to have an art section - which we all like. Torun left us early, but me and Unni stayed a bit more and bought some items. We stayed for quite some time actually, so it was starting to get dark when we got out to walk back home.

A random, but interesting alley.

Now, walking back home wasn't so easy, as we decided to take another road from the one we walked to get there earlier. The sky was greying, but we thought we'd make it home before dark. We came to a point where many roads crossed and found out we had no idea what so ever of which road to take further - I wanted to go up a little hill because I found it promising, but Unni meant that that would be the wrong way. So we took another way, in the opposite direction and walked..............

Still walking.
It's getting dark. And we walk on for around 15-20 minutes.

The area wasn't all that light and bright, and it looked shabby and lost (at least now that it was dark). We decided to take the bus, no matter what direction; we saw familiar bus routes (18 and 17A) that go through Shirley, and we took a chance. Now guess what; the bus ride takes 5-7 minutes and UP THE HILL we suddenly go, and a little further, and we're at the Shirley precinct, by Sainsbury's. Whaaaaat do you know, and Unni; We should've gone up that hill in the first place!!!

You guys may not find this little story so entertaining, but boy was it an adventure for the two of us! Farmers in the city, as you could say in Norwegian.

Other than that [exciting] tour, not much interesting is going on. I'll show you a few pictures from Unni and Torun's school, the Graphic Design, Illustration etc. department of the Uni downtown, which I went to with them to work the other day. This is some sort of manual printing studio.

Don't you love it? I get so inspired by these things, well, art in general!!

Today I worked [hard] on my essay, and this is what I am going to do the following days until December 13th. After that I'm pretty much done with school here in Southampton before I go home to my friends and family for the holidays! I just can't wait, I looong for the break. 

I especially can't wait to be together with Lars, and also to see my best friends - Andrea, Rikke and Mathilde!

This is how it somewhat looks like when you're a hard working student.

14 more days before I leave for home on the 16th, home to Norway <3.

Have a good night.

- vic -

Induction week and London

So the induction weeks have begun and there's been a lot going on. These weeks are really only about getting to know the school, the teachers and fellow students, and so far we've also been going through how things work, such as loaning photo- and videocameras and the IT-system. We haven't gotten our student ID's yet, and won't get them until this thursday. Pity, because all around the city there's 20% discounts off on clothes and shoes! Who doesn't love discounts...!

Last thursday I met up with my course leader, Sarah. She showed me and another girl I'll be studying with, Rebecca, our study room. It is pretty modern, spacious and light, and we got to see previous student projects. (Everything that's hanging along the walls and some dissertations in the picture under). Very inspiring and great work.

I'm really looking forward to start school now. Sarah told us that this Thursday we're going to meet the rest of the interior design students and pretty much start the course, and than next week we will be going full speed.

Part of our studio.

On tuesday the same week we went to London with the international students to visit Tate Modern. Me, Torun and Unni walked around for about three hours; the museum was so HUGE. There was very much exciting to see, everything from interior and sculptures to paintings and textiles.

I also met up with Marianne very quick. Our bus back to Southampton left at 6 and we had to meet up half an hour before, so I felt a little stressed not having any idea what tube to take to where. But I made it for a short cup of coffee at Café Nero in Leicester Square, and it was so nice to see her!

Here's a short slideshow with pictures from the London trip early in the week. I don't have the patience to upload 13 single pictures here at Blogspot, hehe.



This was a short post, but many pics. I'm sorry I still haven't posted pictures of our house, it will come soon, I promise!!

- vic -

Time to fly

It is finally time to leave Trondheim for new adventures. As I write I am on the plane from Trondheim to Gatwick airport in London. I figured I might as well write an update up here since this really isn't a place to do much else but sleep.

I think I see a ship all the way down there..
Imagine if we just dropped down, right now.

This weekend I finished up packing early so that I would have time to spend with my dear Lars before I left. I'm happy we got a lot of time together, because our goodbyes when I was getting into the bus earlier today to the airport was quick and brutal, I think. I'm also glad that it's only 3,5 weeks before he will be here with me.

We've been busy finishing the stairway-room and now it is almost as good as done.

The wall-colour is called Macchiato. It's made the room very calm and it makes me feel like reading a book, sitting on top of the stairs.

We have further plans for the room; we're going to decorate the walls with paintings, photographs and other decorating objects we find. I'd really like The Cucú clock from Diamantini & Domeniconi (without the coo-coo. That would just be annoying in that tiny apartment!). Also on top of the stairs there are two doors; one to the loft and one to a small storage. We want to paint the door to the loft in a pale blue that compliments the Macchiato tone. The door to the storage is very old and it has deep profiles, so on this one I'd like to lay a flower-print wallpaper on the two big profiles, in pale beige with green, blue and red tones. I think when we are done with all that, the room will be complete.

I continue my writing after a looong day travelling. I met my mom in Gatwick and then we took a train to Southampton, which arrived quite fast I think. My first thoughts about this city is that it is a very nice place, and the atmosphere seems very similar to Trondheim, a place that has really grown on me over the last two couple of years.

Me and my mom checked in at Premier Inn, a hotel that is right by the school I'm going to attend, (Southampton Solent University). We went there first to unpack and relax of course, then later we went out to eat and of course landed in a sushi restaurant. (It wad actually a Japanese restaurant, but we had to have sushi!!) We ended up eating a buffet; sooo much good stuff, as you see in the pictures:

This is just the beginning. Later on we had hot dishes, green tea and rosé wine on top! Loved it all!

That is it for my one-way journey to the (big) UK for now. Tomorrow apartment viewings await; hopefully we'll have a deal by the end of the day!

- vic -

I have _B_ig news...

Demi Lovato - Skyscraper.

It's been such a long time again! There was SO much to do in school the last 3-4 weeks before the holidays, ("holidays" - at that time I didn't even recall what this word meant or understood the concept of having spare time, and time to enjoy the company of my boyfriend, or others). Holidays, or the synonym vacation, would be something new to me, after these weeks.

I was soaking wet, drowning in schoolwork. Basically I sat from 8am 'til 11pm at school this period, and the last, around 10 days, I did the same, only I to went to sleep at 12pm and then got up 2 or 3 in the morning to start working again.

_Never in my life have I worked my ASS off this much, and for so long!_

I didn't have a social life, lost friends, I smelled cause I didn't shower for days and didn't have clean underwear.. Okay, that's taking it a bit too far! But really, I was Exhausted. Or you know what, I wasn't - because I didn't have feelings. I was a robot, a workaholic.

Finally I was finished with my portfolio and was ready for my oral exam. Only one mark I was going to get, for all the hard work this last semester, and this mark was depending on my devotion and long hours of work.

These weeks of work were lying in the hands of the decision of my future;
If I would get in to my last year of my Bachelor degree at Solent University in Southampton, UK.

I tell ya very short: I got in. I got a B. 

I am going to print a "B" on a A4 page and frame it, and put it on my wall, because this - this is a new era for me. 

I was really speechless. I know that in life, only hard work pay off. But boy have I never known this for myself until now. Without bragging (I hope), I tell you I am _so_ proud of myself. I don't think I've ever been This much proud of myself. 

When I got the news of my result, I had just been to work, and had just gotten to know some results others in my class got. D's, E's... F's.. People I admire so much for their intelligence and knowledge, people that Did Not deserve the mark they got. And I got so nervous and scared that for my own mark, that I rode my bike so fast I almost soared off the ground like an aeroplane. I was home in 3 mins, I swear, I RAN to my mac to unveil my mark....... - B.

B? What?  ..  Is this the right page for reading my result.. Where do I go to see the correct result from my oral exam.. B... Does it say E?   .....  I really wasn't able to read it. Was it really a B? My heart was pounding. Blood was pumping. 

I had to call my friend from class who I look at as the Best of all. She actually won two awards in school for her amazing work, which she absolutely deserved! (I always call her when I have a question...). - She thought I said "E". Again I said "B". - "B!? Wow thats great!! I cried so hard of happiness that night. And Lars was right there with me, telling me I deserved it so much.

So it is a B.

I'm gonna be a bit cliche and say - it's the Beginning of a beautiful year.

So that's the big news. I'm leaving Norway for a year, to go studying in Southampton, UK. The university is Solent University, and I will be attending Interior Decoration BA. 

I can't wait!

I will be writing about my year in Southampton so that you can follow me and how I am doing. I also have another blog, thedailyinspirations, which is about, well, my inspirations. I'm definitely going to fill this one up with stuff as time goes by, knowing I will come across So much amazing interior and architecture bits and pieces, along with music stuff and other fascinations. So check in there as well as here to follow my to be splendid year in the UK!

- vic -

Long time no see!

Hey you who dont read my blogs! Im sorry its been such a long time since ive posted anything but here i am now.

I dont even remember what i wrote last time.. Oh yeah. It was a quote. Well i guess i should update you on my life then!

Ive moved up to Trondheim (think ive said that) and well, were doing pretty well me and Lars! Weve been eating so healthy i all green now, but its good and i have found out that i loooove to cook! My favourite thing to do is to cook dinner for my dear and have it ready until when he comes home from school. Its great when you get that "thank you so much baby, youre the best", really makes you feel it worth while!<3

Um.. ive started on interior studies, have i said that? Ive found out that theoretic subjects arent for me; i want to do something creative! So i think ive chosen pretty well and i hope ill like it! I like it so far.

We do very advanced stuff like this day-project...our task was to paint something we love very much and i painted my home!

...im just kidding. This i did because i was done with my real task!

I dont have a pic of the real task but it was real interior stuff.. just so you know we dont Only do silly things there. Ha ha.

Um..Ive been sick the last three weeks, and that sucks. Finally made a doctors-appointement and will see him nexy monday! Lars will be soo happy when i finally stop coughing!

Other than that: Im BROKE. Cant wait til i get some money again.. i need money. Will you help me? Donate to SOS-Victoria-needs-money-ASAP and she will be so happy!

So what else will i share? Im not singing AS mush as i did at home in Sykkylven so i really miss it. I live with Lars now and two girls so i cant sing as loud as i did before.. Though im sick now so i cant really sing anyway. When i could like two weeks ago or something, me and Lars played guitar and sang White Horse by Taylor Swoft. That song will live forever in my heart <3>

A little update on my favourite songs maybe:

Taylor Swift - Breathe, White Horse and so many others

Demi, Selena, Jonas Brothers and Miley - Send It On (its soooooooo pretty!)

Demi Lovato - Got Dynamite

Paramore - Ignorance

And um.. i cant really come up with others i like right now. No, i really like Miley and Nick Jonas´s song Before The Storm. That ones also really beautiful!

I dont think im gonna write anymore now cause it will only turn out rubbish about nothing. Just thought i should update you a little:)

I wont wait long til i write again, i promise!

- vic -

Plans for the fall...

Im thinking alot of what im gonna do in the fall these days. Ive been thinking about doing something that revolves around creativity, animal care, styling and make-up, psychology or just work.

The latest thought i have is if whether or not i should go to the us with my boyfriend after christmas. So im thinking to maybe work the first semester in Trondheim and then either work or study the next semester in the US, but WHAT TO DOOOOO. I have no idea what i want.

The only thing im sure about is that i DO NOT want to be without my boyfriend for six months.

So do you have any tips? Anyone? You who dont read my blogs? Ha ha.

Another thing i thought about today is that beautiful model that models for Loreal Elvital Color Vive. A blond. I always thought she is soo pretty and ive always wondered if its Denise Richards or not. But today i finally found out; her name is Doutzen Kroes, believe it or not, and shes from the Netherlands, believe it or not!

Isnt she just beautiful? Wish i looked like her.

- vic -

Shit shite and more shit

Shit.

I dont know why i write shit.. i just kinda feel like shit. Lets write shite:)

I feel like shite cause its raining outside..and im tired. At least i think im tired. And some other stuff. But other than that - things are ok.

Im sitting and listening to John Mayers concert Where The Light Is.. its so Wonderful!! I absolutely love it and he is my singing GOD! This concert is one of the most amazing concerts ive ever lisened to, and i havent lisened to many.. hehe! Anyway, he sings like a God, did i say that? Anyway, he sings like a God. GOD. And all the stuff he does with his voice? Its just unbelievable! The ending on Daughters is beautiful. I just love that concert.. ill be talking about it later, most likely!

So.. I should go to bed now really, ive got norwegian exams tomorrow! I think its gonna be okay, but i still need enough sleep to get trough it:p

Im starting to work-out for real tomorrow aswell! Need to get back to shape for the summer and get the training into my system again for the fall! Ill be working out togheter with my boyfriend there, so im gonna have to be prepared for 24/7 training! He works out _alot_ =p

Well ill hit the bed now. Im not really tired, and this became a shite blog , except for the john mayer part. I obviously dont have much to say today. So ill end it before it goes bad.

GOOD NIGHT!

- vic -

I do everything but what I should do

Oh well.. thats just how it always is isnt it? I sit here at my desk, with actual purpose to study world history because i have a test tuesday. But its just not happening..

I ate dinner and my mother told me about Laura Pausini singing a song to Pavarotti at his memorial concert, only she didnt remember what the song was called. So ive been hung up in finding out the name of the song for an hour now, which well, is taken out on the "studying".

Ive found it now though. Its called Il Mondo Che Vorrei, and is originally sung by Vasco Russi.
Mom and my stepfather wants me to sing it, recording in a studio. Its a really beauiful song. Maybe i will next time.

So nooow i should really start to study..but thats not really happening is it..? Heh.. im writing this blog instead. Ill finish writing it, and THEN ill study. I PROMISE!

So me and my boyfriend Lars are moving in toghether in the fall. Im moving to his city, Trondheim to study psychologi for a year. And so weve found this beautiful place to live, its an apartment with 4 or 5 bedrooms, where other people live, and one of the rooms with an addictional room is out for rental from june to december. He called the girl who lives in the room now, and told her about our interest. It looks good right now, i think well get it, at least i hope we will! Weve been looking for a place to live for a long time now and really want to just find a place now and have it sorted out so that we wont have to think about it anymore. So hopefully....... We will know tonight or tomorrow so basically my stomach is aching and having butterflies inside at the same time. My puls is high everytime i think about it or talk about it! Dear God. Please :)

It been a long time since i last blogged. And since ive been sitting with my homepage for a long time tonight, editing the looks and stuff, i thought i ough to write something. Also to keep you updated on me!

Well.. I guess ill have to do that studying now.. I find history boring, no matter how new or old it is. Its just so much heavy and complicated stuff to learn and read about. Well i guess its not all that boring, its just...alot.

- vic -