expedition of a modern day viking vixen: a foreigner's guide to american survival

I'm back!!!

2011-04-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

So I'm finally starting to feel a lot better :) After a perfect sunny weekend I'm back!

mvv is sick...

2011-03-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

I'm sick and really have no creative cells left in my body. I will be back soon {and when I with a little giveaway as well!}

Tunes of Tuesday # 5: Iracus - White Hinterland

2011-03-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

You are the music while the music lasts. ~T.S. Eliot

mvv's motivational monday # 3: Emalise

2011-03-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

I don't remember how I found Emalise's blog, but instantly became a fan. She writes in a magical way. Visiting her blog is like entering a dream - an escape from reality. She was born in the US, but has Scandinavian blood in her {obviously makes her awesome, haha c'mon}. This girl is well traveled having lived in multiple states in this beautiful country and a bunch of different countries, so I really looked forward to see her answers to my six mvv's motivational monday's questions - and I wasn't disappointed! I strongly encourage you to visit her blog.

1. How did you start your blog?
I started blogging in the midst of my most academically challenging years of college. I was constantly writing papers, working on my honors thesis, and doing all sorts of sometimes interesting sometimes boring-as-hell readings. I was desperate to write about what I wanted to write about, do fun research, and find a way to blend all of the things I like to do, read about, and write about together. So, I made a tumblr then later switched over to Blogspot.

2. Who are your inspirations?
Ever since I started blogging I've been such a fan of Garance Doré. She is a very talented photographer and illustrator but what I really admire is how she forged her own path in terms of doing what she wanted in life. I find people who follow their heart, embrace change yet stay true to themselves, and make their own destiny most inspiring. Paolo Coehlo and Deepak Chopra are other sources of inspiration for me in terms of life philosophy. And then there is my newest obsession - the fierce, original, and sweet Scandinavian Lykke Li. I love her style and her music. {editor's note: absolutely LOVE Lykke Li too!}

3. How is Europe different from America in your experience?
One of the first things I noticed that was different in Europe was the scale of everything. Generally speaking, in America size tends to be the greatest measure. Less is not more. Food is served in larger portions. Cars and roads are wider. Clothing sizes are standardized with an extra inch or two or more. People talk louder. A good movie isn't just "good" it is "excellent," "amazing," and/or "fantastic!"

4. What is your favorite American tradition?
While American's aren't the only people to take road trips and certainly not all American do, I love the good ol' family roadtrip tradition. I hope this counts. It is less of a tradition now, I suppose, than it was back in the 1950's or so but there is still something so exciting and kind of wholesome about it. When I was growing up my parent's idea of a family vacation was hopping in the mini-van and hitting the road. All the stops along the way were just as much a part of the trip as the final destination. The US has such variety in terms of landscapes and there is so much to see, so many different kinds of people to meet, and cuisines to taste, and music to experience. I love traveling the world but nothing compares to the American roadtrip experience.

5. What would you miss the most about the US? What do like the most about Europe (Scandinavia)?
This is probably going to make me sound like an incredibly material person but the only thing (aside from family and friends) that I remember missing while in Europe was being able to shop at Target. I am a history nerd so what I like best about Europe is the accessibility of the past. I also really like how many different languages there are from region to region. It is much harder for me to put into words what I like best about Scandinavia. Since I have Scandinavian heritage I truly felt like I was at home when I visited relatives in Sweden. Beyond that connection, however, I really love the organic beauty and genuineness of the land and the people.

6. What is the strangest things foreigners do? :)
Having been a foreigner myself while living briefly Europe, I very rarely consider anything someone foreign to America does as strange. I tend to find such oddities charming, funny (in a good way), or at the very least understandable habits. But I think some stereotypes foreigners have for Americans are strange, especially those based off TV shows or movies like The OC, Gossip Girl, or American Pie.

step 79: don't mix jalapenos and mini bell peppers

2011-03-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

First of all - I'm so sorry for the red and pink combination. It's an absolute horrid color combination for the eyes, but I can't help that my objects today are red... {as I'm writing this, I'm thinking why did I not just make it black & white.. and I would, but I'm late for a group meeting! sowwwwyyy!} So yup I made a pretty funny mistake the other day - I used the jalapeno instead of the baby bell pepper. Considering I had the "oh-wouldn't-be-funny-if-I-mixed-these-two-very-similar-looking-fruit/vegetables"-thoughts when I was at the store. Made my meal a looooooot spicier than I had planned it =/ And I'm not the bravest when it comes to spicy foods.

But honestly, can you guess which one is the baby bell pepper and which one is the jalapeno?

Amazing cakes # 7

2011-03-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

I think it's crazy/uncalled for/ridiculous/absurd that the creator of this cake, the magnificent Ellen, wasn't very satisfied with amazing cake. It is beautiful! Don't you think?

help?!

2011-03-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Dear you beloved reader. I made this spontaneous purchase the other day {ok it was only 5.79, so it really wasn't a big deal}! I saw the color, and I just had to. It isn't a secret that I LOVE this color! But my problem {tiny little bagatelle really..} is that I don't know what to do with this? Do you have any advice? Or DYI ideas? Would love to hear from you!

Ps. Not long ago I joined Twitter, would love to hear from you :) @modernvikingvix

Tunes of Tuesday # 4: Faithless - Bombs

2011-03-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.” - James Dean

mvv's motivational monday # 2: Silje Bredesen

2011-03-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had an amazing weekend! I sure did :) What a great way to start the week by an interview with the amazing Silje Bredesen who's blog you can find here. She recently moved to New York, so I thought it would be interesting to find out how here experience in this glorious country has been like!

1. How did you start your blog?

I started my blog for almost three years ago. Just out of nothing, maybe as a result of a rainy day and nothing to do?

2. Who are your inspirations?

My biggest source of inspiration are fashion bloggers. I like fashiontoast.com a lot! Other inspirations are celebrities and models, people in the street (i LOVE streetstyle, I could watch street style pictures all day long...) and in fashion magazines.

3. How is Europe different from America in your experience?

The people are different! People in New York are so much more outgoing and polite than in Norway. They can just stop you while you´re walking in the street and say your hair looks lovely or your shoes are pretty. That would never happen in Norway...

The opportunities are also different. Here in America people dream big and let their dreams guide them in their every day life. We never dream big in Norway I think. But I don't like the food that much and the fact that calories are written in every menu at every restaurant...

4. What is your favorite American tradition?

Hmmm.. I must say Valentine? That is the only tradition I've experienced here in NYC. People walking in the streets with lots of heart-shaped chocolate, balloons and flowers. So romantic!

5. What would you miss the most about the US? What do like the most about Europe?

The people here. They are so easy going and so so so kind! People really want to meet new people and most of them never judge you for who you are. You can walk in your pajamas in the streets and people would not care. People can live themselves to the fullest here, without judgments.

I miss the style in Europe actually. People in NYC are not so stylish - it is NOT as The City (TV-show) and Sex & The City. The style is old in a special way. But some people are very stylish! I also miss the food...

6. What is the strangest things foreigners do? :)

Probably walking in the street and looking to the sky... The New Yorkers I have spoken to says it is the easiest way to spot tourists; They see up at the tall buildings while they walk. He he.

What do you think? :) Don't forget to follow me with Bloglovin, GFC or Twitter - or all of 'em!! Yayyy

My St. Patricks weekend :)

2011-03-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

I saw my first green beer! {I'm curious - is it just food coloring? Anyone know?}. Didn't end up wearing any of my alternatives, haha, but I had a great time! Love how everyone embrace their "inner Irish" even if they aren't Irish at all :) I also decided to make green appetizers for my friends :) So I made beer battered asparagus {I'll post the recipes another time} and oven baked potatoes {followed the same recipe as for the fries, but cut the potatoes into "boats"} with asparagus pesto. Super easy and so yummy:

+ a cup of olive oil

Mix everything in a blender, slowly pouring the olive oil in last

Voila!

What did you guys do for St. Patrick's Day? Hope you are enjoying your Sunday :)

mvv's motivational monday # 4: It's Retro

2011-03-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

The author behind It's Retro, Thea, has one of the cutest blogs out there! This girl has not lived in the US once, but twice, so she definitely has some words to say on this country! She recently graduated from UMass and is now living in London, where she is continuing her education. I love to see how she makes beautiful pictures of the details in her daily life - you must go check it out here!

1. How did you start your blog?
I started blogging when I moved from Norway to the United States because I wanted to keep my family and friends in Norway updated on what I was doing. It ended up being more random people reading it than anyone I knew, so it slowly grew to a more fashion and inspiration blog :)

2. Who are your inspirations?
Bloggers are probably the people who inspire me the most, there are so many amazing blogs and people out there! Celebrities such as the Olsen twins also inspire me, and people I see every day (especially here in London, you see everything here)

3. How is Europe different from America in your experience?
People are so open and helpful in America, not dominated by 'janteloven' like Norway is. When I started High School in the middle of my junior year, so many people talked to me and helped me, something that probably wouldn't have happened in Norway. The drinking thing is also really different, since in the US you have to be 21 to buy alcohol, and they are much more strict about it. America is generally a lot more strict and you can't be as 'free' as you can in Europe.

4. What is your favorite American tradition?
I love Thanksgiving, there's always so much good food and it's a holiday to celebrate thanks which is great! Halloween is also so much fun, even though it's kind of started to become more common to celebrate in Europe, it's completely special in America. And even though I don't go trick or treating for candy anymore, it was a three night celebration when I went to college at Umass, we had so much fun!

5. What do you miss the most about the US? What do like the most about Europe?
Of course all the friends I made there, and the college I went to (Umass) which was the best experience I've ever had in my life. I miss the food and candy (and root beer!) and that we went out to eat all the time because it was so cheap. I love the food in Europe too though (I guess I would miss that no matter where I am!) and I love the fashion in Europe, where people actually make an effort to dress up and have fun with their style. I love both places though, in each their own ways :)

step 78: girl scout cookies

2011-03-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

You don't know how many times a week I feel like a stupid foreigner! Haha the other day this feeling came about was realizing that girl scout cookies exist! Yeah I know yet another silly discovery - but it was a huge deal to me. I thought it was just a made up thing for skits and comedy shows, but oh no they're real. {Girl Scout Cookies have been since 1917 as a matter of fact!} And they're SO yummy! My friend suggested that I put them in the freezer, and yes he was right = they're even better that way!!

Have an EXCELLENT weekend! Do you have any exciting plans? :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Do you have any fun plans for today?

pictures by: nypost.com

step 77: be prepared for st. patrick's day

2011-03-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Maybe I've been walking around in my own little world the last couple of weeks, or maybe the stores don't overadvertise St. Patrick's Day like they advertise Valentine's day {you really have to be living under a rock to miss out on that one haha, but whatever..} But regardless St. Patrick's is tomorrow, March 17th! This day was originally a religious holiday celebrated to honor the patrons of Ireland, St. Patrick. Today though, America is over-flooded with green colored items.

Thing is the US has an insane fascination for the Irish. It's true. Walk into any Irish pub in the world, and I bet you you'll find more Americans than Irish people {ok, this obviously doesn't go for Irish pubs for Ireland but you see where I'm going with this?!}

The "rule" is that anyone who's not wearing green, can get pinched. So make sure that you dig out something green from your closet before tomorrow! Don't have time? Or is your closet is scarily messy and intimidating?
Here are some great ways of fixing this problem:

1. Feel your water bottle with "green" water and make sure you hold it at all times! You can use food coloring or a drop of Midori!

2. Make a bracelet out of chives.. {I think it actually looks kind of cool.. hahaha}

3. Make a lettuce necklace {yes, it's official I've lost my mind making this post.. Hopefully I got a little smile on your face? Just a little one?}

What will you be wearing? :)

pictures by: sally watts photography & mvv

step 76: home made fries!

2011-03-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

The other day, I had a huuuuge craving for fries! I don't know if it was my friend watching Aqua Teen Hunger Force or that I had just passed an In n' Out, but I HAD to have some fries! Then I thought to myself, why not make em myself? And maybe a bit healthier at the same time?! So that's what I did. I used a recipe from here.. {the red and pink combination is making me unwell haha - I'm buying new cutting boards ASAP}

1. Pick some potatoes {I wish these would have been longer, yes so the fries would've look more authentic, well well}

2. Cut them into even fries. I used a knife, but I'm sure there is easier ways of doing this :)

3. Soak them in salty water for thirty minutes. This is to get rid of some of the starch in the potatoes, which will make the fries crispier!

4. Dry the potatoes! No joke, make sure that each and every potato is dry, if not you'll end up with steamed potatoes, not fried potatoes! At this point put your oven to 400 F/200 C. Sprinkle salt over the potatoes, and brush some oil on the top of them. {I didn't have have a brush so I "fingerpainted" them!}

5. Last step finally. Put the fries in the oven at 400 F/200 C for 45 minutes. {This is the reason for the first picture, because at this point I was tired of waiting haha!} Also, remember to turn the fries every now and then so they get that golden color all over.

6. Enjoy!!!!! Next time I'm going to make more, because this is a photo evidence of the baking sheet just a second after it got out of the over!

Don't forget to follow me with Twitter, Bloglovin and GFC - or all of them? :)

Tunes of Tuesday # 3: The Source feat Candi Station - You've Got the Love

2011-03-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Go out enjoy your day!

mvv's motivational monday # 1: Teatimes Thoughts

2011-03-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

As of today I'm starting a new column, mvv's motivational monday. In Europe we start the calendar on a Monday, not the Sunday. So I've decided post an inspirational post every Monday. This week I'm starting of with an interview with the gorgeous Candice behind Teatimes Thoughts :) Her blog is filled with tons of entertainment and advice. A visit to her blog always makes me smile :) AND she's been to Norway, which makes her even cooler {the pictures below are all from her visit there - how awesome is that?!}!

1. How did you start your blog?

A few of my really good friends had blogs and were always talking about the cool people they met, and how it was a great outlet for creativity. I love to write, so this seemed to be the best way for creative expression!

2. Who are your inspirations?

I’d say that my inspiration comes from things in daily life, the books I read, music and from others. I try to learn something from each person I meet. :)

3. How is Europe different from America in your experience?

Well, for one, it’s less commercialized, and the way of life is more simple, organic. I think it’s such a breath of fresh air from the fast-paced western world. One little quirk that I noticed is the way that people are on the street. For instance, in the US, strangers walking past each other will typically greet the other with a “Hi” or a smile. If you do this over in Europe, people will look at you very strangely..trust me, first hand experience haha

4. What is your favorite American tradition?

I think it would have to be watching fireworks on the 4th of July; there’s something so mesmerizing about loud, colorful explosions in the sky.

5. What would you miss the most about the US? What do like the most about Europe/Scandinavia?

I would miss the beach since I live about 5 minutes away from it. I’d also miss the sun and warm weather. I love the fact that you walk or ride a bike to anywhere you need to go, or use public transportation that’s actually nice and clean! Things have so much history and charm, and you can country-hop really easily. Oh, and can I just say that European style is awesome? Cause it rocks. There’s just so much to love about it all!!

6. What is the strangest things foreigners do? :)

They tend to stereotype most Americans as obese cowboys who eat a lot of McDonalds..No kidding, I was asked this when I visited my friend’s school in Oslo! Haha. One of the things I love about foreigners is the way that they will directly translate individual words instead of phrases; it makes for hilarious conversations! :)

How awesome is she? Don't forget to follow me with Bloglovin, GFC or Twitter - or all of 'em at once :) Have an excellent Monday!

The winner of the Panty by Post Giveaway!!!

2011-03-09T23:22:00.000-08:00

Friends,
I'm so honored to have so many people participating on my last giveaway :) The lucky winner (picked by random sorting in Excel) in the end was Soccer_nse!! I'm so jealous of you {I reeeeeeaaaaaallllyyyy am}. To everyone else, I was just notified that I will be able to host another giveaway soon with a different sponsor {I promise you, you're gonna love this one!!}, so stay tuned!

Tunes of Tuesday # 2: CSS - Music is my Boyfriend

2011-03-08T19:17:00.000-08:00

Isn't the perfect song for getting some extra motivation? I had it blasting while I was cleaning the other day!

PS. The winner of the Panty by Post giveaway will be announced tomorrow :) Check back then :)

Amazing cakes # 6

2011-03-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

Ellen is PHENOMENAL! Look at this cake :) Can you believe that was made by someone who never had any formal training in baking cakes?! This must be every little girl's dream cake.

Doesn't this make you want to host a princess party? :)

Check her other masterpieces here, here, and here <3

Happy Friday! Do me a favor, will ya? Enjoy the weekend!

Don't forget about my Panty by Post giveaway:

Interview with MOD SUN !!

2011-03-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard about Mod Sun (aka Modern Sunshine or Movement on Dreams. Stand under none), you're out of the loop. The guy, who made a new genre "hippyhop", has in his 24 years on this lovely planet achieved quite a lot. This month he's featured in the Rolling Stone's magazine, as he's nominated to be the first unsigned artist on the cover (vote here). The winner also gets to perform on the Jimmy Fallon show! Like that wasn't enough he just recently joined forces with Cisco Adler on a music project. AND.. his newest EP "In MOD We Trust" debuted at #1 on the iTunes Hip Hop albums chart!

Yup he's a pretty big deal, and I {yes me, the silly foreigner...} got to meet him and INTERVIEW him. It was my first celebrity photo shoot too {mhhhmmmm..nerve wrecking!} ! The most fun photo shoot ever - he is such a positive guy!

1. How did you start your music career?
My dad gave me his first air guitar when I was 3. I began playing drums at age 10. I was always very facinated with being able to make a living by playing music. I mean EVERYONE listens to some type of music....and I wanted to make that music for them.

2. Who are your inspirations?
The Law Of Attraction which simply states, you can make your MENTALITY a REALITY. Lyrically/musically I'm very influenced by the brilliance of Bob Dylan.

3. How is Europe different from America in your experience?
Many ways. I feel maybe Europe isn't so driven by a dollar sign, like maybe its easier for them to just have a good time cause they realize the beauty of life a lil stronger. Just an opinion. I think its good to stay different in ways of culture though because it makes it so easy to adapt those qualities to our situation and better our understanding of human life.

4. What is your favorite American tradition?
Ummmm maybe our holidays. I'm not sure what other country's celebrate but I believe its a bit different. Like I know other countries don't celebrate 4th of July in the same way we do.

5. What would you miss the most about the US? What do like the most about Europe?
American food is cool cause its made up of food from everywhere else. Europe has a great sense of music, art, and culture.

6. What are the strangest things foreigners do? :)
Nothing is strange to a hippy.

Don't forget to vote for Mod Sun for the cover of Rolling Stones!

Bonus entry for the supercute giveaway, vote for Mod Sun and let me know here

Tunes of Tuesday # 1

2011-03-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday I'm going to post a tune or two that I find inspirational, motivating and lovely. Hoping that I can bring some joy through your computer speakers and to you dear reader!

He who sings scares away his woes. ~ Cervantes

Thirteen Senses - Into the Fire:

Don't forget about the supercute Panty by Post giveaway :)

Not too many days left!

I have very exciting news to share with you verrryyy soon. Hint: Rolling Stone's magazine and I get to feature the same person!

Twitter

2011-02-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Just joined Twitter. Like literally a couple of minutes ago! I'm lost.. But you can follow this lost child @modernvikingvix or by clicking here! Yayy!

P.S. Don't forget about the supercute Panty by Post giveway :)

step 75: aim at the target

2011-02-26T00:10:00.000-08:00

Yup, I went again {last time you can find here}. I'm still fascinated that anyone can go into a shooting range and fire a weapon in the US. Could definitely not do that back home! Until I came to the US I had never seen a gun, except for on TV. My friend is afraid of clowns. In her honor we decided to aim at one :)

{Disclaimer: I follow all the rules of handling firearms and do NOT support irresponsible use of guns.}

Always follow these rules:
1. Treat every weapon as it was loaded.
2. Never point a gun at anything you don't intend to shoot.
3. Keep your weapon on safe until you are ready to fire.
4. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.

Haha I will honestly tell you that I am not the next Olympic master when it comes to shooting. But I did manage to hit the target - yay!

Have you ever gone shooting?

Don't forget about my Panty by Post giveaway!

GIVEAWAY: Panty by Post

2011-02-23T00:20:00.000-08:00

I am BEYOND excited to share these news with you!! I am hosting a Panty by Post giveaway. One lucky winner will get one Pretty Pair from their Signature Line. This means TWO cute panties to value of $46. The competition will only be running until March 4th.

Rules for entry
1. Mention the giveaway in your blog post/ on your Twitter/ on your Facebook (one entry for each - let me know in the comments below)
2. Follow me with Google Follower (let me know in the comments below)
3. Follow me with Bloglovin (let me know in the comments below)
4. Comment below

Go here and check out their supercute store!