Christmas List!

I love and need all of the above, like, right now! J/K... Seriously though, each of the above pictured items has a spot on my wish list- Some practical, some definitely not : )

Introducing Mr. Big and update!

So, I've obviously been a very, very bad blogger. I've neglected blogging for over a month... With my trip back to the US and school demands, I've had little time to dedicate to my posts. However, now things are starting to settle down and I'm hoping to bring back some consistency to my little blog : )

First things first! Since my last update, I've returned (for the holidays) to the States and have been catching up with family and friends. BUT... the biggest event has been the adoption of a horse named Mr. Big (think Sex and the City). He's a 14 year old "off the track" TB and I'm totally in love with him! Pictures to come soon!

Girlfriends, clothes, and the big city- My Carrie Bradshaw moment!

Yesterday was probably one of the most amazing evenings of all time! More importantly, I got to share it celebrating the birthday of one of two incredible ladies I've recently befriended. To start with, we met up early to drink champagne and fix up. What made this even more enjoyable on top of the girl talk and bonding was the fabulous outfits we all had for our night out! See... it wasn't just any regular old GNO... OH no! We went all out- meaning we hopped the train to party it up next door in Copenhagen, where we walked the busy streets and emerged ourselves in the bustle of the "big city". That alone was enough to up the ante, but meeting up with a special friend of mine- my Mr. Big- who took us in and showed us a ridiculously good time, topped it off! Needless to say we danced and drank the night away- arriving home after sunrise, in true 'Sex and the City' fashion!

Blogger Challenge Day 6- current tv show you're addicted to!

Blogger Challenge Day 5- favorite pet!

I'd have to say the horse I had for nearly ten years, Six Chick Goldwood, is probably the animal I've loved the most. 

I remember begging my father for a horse for what seemed like forever! Finally, during the first few weeks of my freshman year of high-school, he gave in. At the time he informed me that getting the horse meant that I wouldn't get a car and that that was for me to decide... In my eyes, there wasn't even a choice to be made, and with that, I bought Six home and fell in love!

Wishes and Wants!

Okay, so I kinda have this problem with online shopping. I mean, it  starts out innocently enough... Perhaps while I'm catching up on the blogs I frequent or watching a favorite show... Then it happens... something- a bag, a pair of sunnies, shoes, whatever- captures my undivided attention and forces me to search for that particular item incessantly via the internet immediately! Then, after said search is successful in locating said material object striking my fancy, my appetite just isn't satisfied unless I've entered my credit card numbers in the box and pressed 'confirm'. Seriously though, I should get points for honestly. Don't they say that admitting you have a problem is the first place to start?

With that said, I felt I had to show you today's culprits below!

Unfortunately, these lovelies will just have to wait...

Blogger Challenge Day 4- pics of a place I've been!

Blogger Challenge Day 3- something I'm looking forward to!

Blogger Challenge Day 2- blog name meaning!

Well... let's see... I'm American and I'm living in Sweden- 'nuff said! Just kidding- seriously though, it's true, but I think ya'll deserve a more concrete explanation than that! So here it is...

I moved to Sweden from the US over two years ago for personal reasons... Alright, personal reasons = a boy. CliffsNotes version- At first I thought I loved the boy and hated Sweden. What I ended up realizing is that I love Sweden and not the boy! Go figure!?

I decided to start this blog as a creative outlet to all the things that make me who I am. From fashion and beauty to real life stuff, I wanted a place to express myself. More importantly, I wanted a place to help me find myself, and although 'Adventures of an American girl in Sweden' may suggest to some never ending excitement or weekly travels, for me it basically translates to every day life. That's because I consider every day, every thought, and every challenge an adventure. 

So there you go! The meaning behind my blog's name : )

Zara's Metallic Clutch

What started out as a little weekend online window shopping ended with the window part being crossed out : ) I actually discovered this little beauty on an adorable blogger's site I frequent- Stripes & Sequins- and quickly decided that I needed it!

The gold version is featured on her blog, but when I went to Zara's online site to pick up one of my very own, I was disappointed to discover that they were sold out. They did still have the black edition in stock so I opted for it. I think this will be the perfect companion for all those holiday outings this season! Cannot wait until it arrives! I hope it's as pretty in person... If any of you'll have seen the black clutch, please let me know what you think about it?

Blogger Challenge Day 1- 15 facts about me!

1. I'm an only child.

2. I have a secret obsession with watching 'Forensic Files' (guess it's not a secret anymore!)

3. If I could live during any time period it'd be the 1940's. 

4. I wish I had Ashley Olsen's closet.

5. If I could switch careers I'd become a nurse.

6. I dance in front of the mirror : ) NO shame!

7. I make popcorn on the stove. 

8. I still watch 'Little House on the Prairie'

9. I played with dolls all through middle school and wanted to be Felicity Merriman.

10. I love going to the movies and watching two films in a row!

11. My eyes are bright green.

12. I'm part Native American.

13. I take my grandma's photo with me everywhere I go.

14. I can play the piano.

15. My parents are the two most important people in my life.

Randomosity

I have so much to look forward to during the next couple of months and cannot wait to get home and get started! In less than three weeks and I'll be stateside, together with family and friends, spending some much needed bonding time! This girl is beyond excited!

I'd also like to add that in addition to my regular blog posts, I'll be taking part in the '30 Day Blogger Challenge'- a series of mini posts that help you guys get to know me- starting today! Hope ya'll enjoy! 

Style file: Rachel Roy leather skirt

Before I came back to Sweden I bought an incredible leather skirt that I still have yet to wear. I put off wearing it for just the right occasion... Then I lingered over making sure every piece of the outfit worked together... Well, I think it's high time I just bite the bullet and enjoy rocking the skirt with pieces that have already found a home in my closet. What do you think about the looks below? 

How would you pair it up?

New fall shows I'm obsessing over!

Every fall, new shows debut and I am always so hesitant to watch the pilots. IDK- perhaps it's because I feel a loyalty to my tried and true series and consider adding a another one to my must watch list to be a form of betrayal. Silly, I know, but I'm just being honest! However, this being said, there are two new shows that I've checked out and have instantly fallen in love with- Hart of Dixie and Ringer. 

Hart of Dixie features Rachel Bilson as Dr. Zoe Hart, a New York based surgeon whose personal and professional life are turned upside down resulting in her decision to take a family practice position in the deep southern town of Bluebell, Alabama- and trust me, she is just as much of a culture shock to the residents of her new town as their way life is to her!

The second series, Ringer, casts former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar as twin sisters Bridget and Siobhan in a never ending spiral of twists and turns resulting in one sister assuming the other's identity. I can't say too much without giving it away so I guess you'll just have to check it our for yourselves! 

Which fall shows are you loving right now?

Östgöta Nation

When I began attending Lund University students were required to belong to one of the school's thirteen nations- this policy has since been updated and students are no longer obligated to become a member of a nation. However, I joined and remain a member of Östgöta Nation, Lund's first and oldest nation.

First things first- what is a nation?

So way back when (think Medieval times), students from the same area attending a university would form a 'nation' to provide social interaction amongst those deemed familiar on purely the basis of geography. The closest concept in comparison would be the fraternities and sororities found in the US.


Background information- check!

Second of all- how do the nations function today?


The 'Nations' are a central part of the university's history, originally being founded by individuals from the area of Sweden from which the nation took its name. In addition to providing a social network to those students, it also provided them housing. Even today, limited housing for students can be found at the nations, but their main purpose nowadays is how they act as social societies. Each nation hosts at least one pub evening (bars are located within each nation), a club night, and a dinner or banquet (three course meal) every week, with the highlight  of the year's social calendar being the nation's annual ball. 


Expect updates from future Östgöta events I attend!

In love with leopard!

This trend has been around for nearly two years. I remember first getting into leopard print around Christmas 2009 and feeling a bit nervous to rock my newly gifted leopard print scarf out in public... Perhaps I wasn't as daring in the fashion department as I am now. Besides, it's really all about having fun and taking chances, right?! Anyways, this post is dedicated to the print I've grown to love and currently could not imagine not going to in my personal wardrobe. Here are a few pieces I'm thinking of adding to my closet this season!

"Pretty Little Liars' special Halloween episode!

Trick or treat! 'Pretty Little Liars' is returning from its hiatus with an all new prequel Halloween-themed episode that takes place prior to Ali's disappearance in an episode entitled, 'The First Secret'. Check out the promo below!

My love affair with my Clarisonic Mia!

OMG! I cannot imagine what my life would be like without this nifty little gadget!

So flashback... REWIND... to 2005 when I purchased my first Clarisonic... Back then there was only one model and it only had one speed. Sephora and Saks weren't selling them. The only place you could purchase one would be the office of your aesthetic dermatologist.

During HS I had poor skin... Scratch that-I had horrible skin. After a couple rounds with antibiotics aimed at curing my acne and night cremes promising to produce remarkable results, I felt hopeless. My last resort was accutane. Now, I won't promote or condone the medication, but I will say that it worked for me. This said, I had to wait six months after treatment to do anything else (chemically- as in peels/facials/excess exposure to sunlight) to my face.

Enter the Clarisonic... On the recommendation of my dermatologist, my mom bought one for me and told me to try it out. I agreed... My skin was already improving... What did I have to lose? I will say that I certainly wasn't expecting miracles and was a little skeptical, but I'm happy to say that I was just fine with being wrong! Within a week my skin's complexion improved 110%. I'm not sure I can even write the words to describe just how wonderful my skin looks and feels after I use the Clarisonic so I guess you'll just have to splurge and purchase one for yourself. I swear you won't be disappointed : )

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Benefit Cosmetics "Bella Bamba"

I've never been a blush girl. Bronzer, definitely, but blush was just a product I thought was reserved for women well over forty and more than that, that it was a product easily capable of making one look like a clown if not applied carefully... I'm happy to say that upon stumbling onto this product, my thoughts on blush have drastically changed. I am now pro-blush! I ordered this through Sephora's online website and waited in anticipation until it finally arrived. I couldn't wait to try it for myself... Especially after reading all the great reviews it's stirred up! However, upon opening I was a little afraid considering the heavy pigmentation of the product... I started applying very, very sparingly and was completely satisfied with the results. My skin had a glow I'd never been able to capture with any other product. It totally mimicked that of a pregnant girl's glow. AND... to top it all off, a little goes a LONG way so this product will last you forever... It's almost like it pays for itself. Hurry up and get yours!

My Statements...

It's is my firm belief that every girl needs a trademark. Something pertaining to her personal and unique style that she owns. It can be anything from a statement piece of jewelry to a shade a lipstick, as long as it's something that she's known for... something that makes her stand out.

While out and about exploring Dublin this past spring, I came across the most adorable little jewelry shop hidden at the top of a flight of stairs in an opened market located in an old brick building. Inside I met the owner, artist, and craftsman himself, Barry Doyle of Barry Doyle Designs. I had started out in search of a claddaugh ring, (you know the hands, heart, crown... think PS. I Love You) but what I found was better than I could have imagined. The ring itself is actually two separate pieces, one in white gold and the other in yellow gold... Each ring a single hand that when stacked together form holding hands. Needless to say that unique piece is simple enough for me to have everyday and will forever represent the amazing time I had in Ireland!

Another everyday-er (now) for me is this red lipstick called 'Russian Red' from MAC pictured above. I wasn't always so bold as to wear bright red lipstick during the nighttime, much less during the daytime. I always admired girls who were able to rock it though and wondered what it felt like to be one of them. Then one day I decided, "why not me"? So I took the plunge and lined and filled in my lips with the ruby red color I'd wanted to wear for as long as I can remember and instantly felt feminine and glamourous. Now I cannot imagine not having it as a part of my everyday beauty routine. As silly as it sounds, I must admit that I almost feel naked without it. I can't

the Essentials for fall!

Besides cider, pumpkins, and changing leaves, getting to add to my wardrobe is probably the next best reason I have for loving fall. I think layering is the best way to emphasize my style and I certainly get to do that when the temperatures begin to drop. Cashmere, skinny jeans, and boots become my new best friends! Here are some of the pieces I think are staples that every girl should have a version of in her wardrobe this season...

J.Crew Cashmere hoodie

William Rast 'Sienna' leggings

Belstaff 'Roadmaster' jacket

Hunter Wellies

Sperry "Albatross" boots

Tom Ford "Whitney" sunglasses

Mini Haul & Wish List!

I picked up a few pieces today at an adorable boutique called Factory just off of Gustav Adolfs torg. A friend mentioned that I should check out the brand called CustomMade and it just so happens that that's exactly what I ended up purchasing. Thanks for the recommendation Johanna!

CustomMade Nora Linne

CustomMade Nulle Dress

While I was browsing, waiting to check out, I noticed the most adorable jewelry lining the countertops... I fell in love at first sight with a pair of aqua colored topaz earrings set in 18K yellow gold. The brand is called Misst by M+W, and their line is to die for! Check out the soon to be newest edition to my earring collection below as well as some other pieces I'd be just as happy to adopt here!

Misst by M+W Earrings in Aqua

Feathers, Feathers Everywhere!

This whole feather hair extension trend is something I was a) initially opposed to and b) thought would fade after its short-lived popularity. However, I myself fell victim to this craze during the early months of summer and still, yes still, am sporting feathers in my hair. I actually just ordered some more online last night : )

It's October...

which means that Halloween is just around the corner! Not only is it my favorite holiday, it's also my dad's birthday- so needless to say, in our house, the holiday was extra special. This year I won't be able to make it home in time for Halloween, for the third year running... I'm kind of bummed about it! Pumpkins carving, costumes, candy and haunted houses just doesn't happen here in Sweden. My first year I totally tried to get it rolling with friends, but it bombed... in a big way. I remember buying a pumpkin at the store and loads of candy for the "trick-or-treaters" I swore we'd be having- and not a single child knocked on our door. The night turned into an international phone call to say happy birthday to my father, and a marathon of scary movies to celebrate. At least I had lots of candy to keep me company : )

To kick off my countdown I watched "Hocus Pocus" this weekend. It is still in the top five for "favorite Halloween movies" in my opinion!

Random things I'm loving at the moment...

Just some beauty products that I'm currently obsessed with...

Savannah Bee Company Lip Balm in "Earl Grey"

OPI Nail Polish in "William Tell Me All About OPI"

ExfoliKate Mask

I started a little fall shopping the past couple weeks and thought for sure by now I'd get to start using my purchases... I was wrong! It was 23 degrees here today (that's 73F)... I can't believe we're having this kind of weather right now. I mean, I'm definitely not complaining, but I am a little anxious to get to use my new boots and hat.

Munderingskompagniet "Ibiza"

BootsHugo Boss "Fosane" Hat in Aubergine

It's Okay...

-to only truly grasp a concept after looking it up on Wikipedia...

-to consider Coke breakfast : )

-to change outfits multiple times a day.

-to buy yourself flowers!

-to change your thesis topic... and change it again... and again...

-to procrastinate!

-to not know what you want to do when you "grow up"

-to dunk Oreos in apple juice (don't hate!)

-to buy a pair of completely impractical shoes simple because "they're pretty"

-to give the guy at the bar the "rejection hotline" number instead of your own...

-to have cereal for dinner!

Wednesday Ramblings!

I received a care package in the mail the other day (thanks, mom!) stocked with lots of goodies that I can only get back in the US... or at least get WAY cheaper in the states...

I knew what most of the contents were, but she always manages to slip in a surprise... or two! This time it was a bottle of Halloween-themed lotion whose packaging donned a black cat on the front... Now, normally this wouldn't be such a big deal, but I have a black cat, Salem, and smiled when I saw the bottle and it's message!

On an academic note, I had my "Research Methodology" class and seminar today... It was exhausting! There is so much work to be done in the next five short weeks! This class is designed to assist you in writing your thesis- It's definitely interesting, and we have an incredible professor, but some days I leave more confused then I was before we started...

My Bucket List

1. Have dual citizenship

2. Be fluent in Swedish

3. Learn to salsa dance

4. Buy a LV in Paris

5. Fall in love

6. Take my mom to Ireland

7. Drink a beer in Dublin

8. Spend Halloween in Salem, MA

9. Run a marathon

10. Get a concealed weapons license

11. Live in South America for at least six months

12. Take my dad to Australia

13. Eat sushi in Japan

14. Go on a cruise

15. Ride a camel in the desert

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Lauren Ashley and I’m a 20’s something American girl learning about life and love, living in Sweden. For the first time in my life I am finally starting to feel like a grown-up. I love road trips, listening to music in languages I don’t understand, eating donuts, manicures, handbags, and Halloween! This blog is a place for me to talk about everything that is, well… just me! Follow with, as I share my experiences, both European and Stateside! Not really sure at this point which direction my life is going to take next, but I know this much… I’ll definitely have fun figuring it out!

Lastly, I'd like to thank Danielle from Dandy Design for creating this amazing blog! She's fabulous and anyone looking to start a blog/update their existing blog should definitely check her out! Thanks again, Danielle! Xx