what i should do vs. what i do

I have been having a bit of a flu the last week, and decided to stay home and get rid of it today. At the same time I thought it would be a good idea to work at some school things, but...somehow I again find myself doing everything but that.

Maybe some glögi will inspire me?!

I'll try at least. If I would get at least one or 2 assignments done today, then I would be proud of myself. And then I can have a glass of red tonight. DEAL.

it's the little things

There are many little things in life that I enjoy very much, sometimes I even wonder what makes them so enjoyable.

For one, fresh sheets. There is nothing better than the feeling when you can slip in between fresh, crisp sheets and relax.

Early early mornings. You know those kinds when you have to go nowhere, but you still wake up super early.

Candles. There is nothing to explain here, they just bring that little extra.

A glass of wine. Or my morning latte.

And the streets of Helsinki when it's quiet out. We have a beautiful city.

These were just a few... but the bottom line is; life is beautiful, in all its simplicity. So enjoy! <3

italia

ah, Italia, quanto mi manchi.

Today I came home from work, and decided that since I'm home alone I'm gonna watch a movie that I will never stop loving. This mostly because it will always remind me of my time in Italy.

3 Metri sopra il cielo ( 3 meters above heaven).

Here a few lines from the movie, all so true in all simplicity.

"apri gli occhi e inizia a sognare"
"un secondo prima sei in paradiso e quello dopo sei all inferno"
"Il futuro? E chi lo sa... Cambia tutto così velocemente"

The movie itself maybe isn't all that great, but I like it. I watch it to hear Italian, the most beautiful language in the world. I watch it to remember times that I never want to forget. I watch it to just let my mind get away.

dolce far niente - sweet idleness

Today I did something I haven't done in a while. I sat and watched musicTV.  The beauty in not doing anything is sometimes overwhelming. Just breathing in the short stories told through these videos. And forgetting everything else. A sweet escape. The beauty of doing nothing, dolce far niente.

Here's a few ones I like right now:

Chisu- Sabotage

Wham - Last Christmas

Staind - Believe

Sunrise Avenue - Welcome to My Life

now, bring me that horizon!

Ah, how the charm of a pirate never fails ;) ! 

Yo ho, yo ho. A pirate's life for me. 

La festa dei Pirati, Vernazza.

these are the special times

In these moments, moments of our lives

All the world is ours

And this world is so right

You and I sharing this time together

Sharing the same dream

As the time goes by we will find

These are the special times

Times we'll remember

These are the precious times

The tender times we'll hold in our hearts forever

These are the sweetest times

These times together

And through it all, one thing will always be true

The special times are the times I share with you

-These are the special times, Celine Dion

I love christmas because...

...I think the christmas really is the best season of the year, and goes by too fast

...time spent with friends and family is un-replaceable

...it is a time to slow down

...i like giving a gift or two to the ones I care about, caring is sharing, right?

...it gives light to the cold and dark winter

...it brings back so many good memories

...of the tickling feeling it brings

...of the good spirits all around

...of the whispering and curious secrets

...of the late evenings spent in candlelight with glögi

...of the early crisp mornings full of expectations

...of the thoughts sent to loved ones, no matter near or far away

and these are just a few...

Hopefully you who read this also find joy in this magical time of the year!

Saturday night avec Sis

Quality time with the family during the weekend, what could be better? Had a dinner at my Mom's place, then movie night at home with my Sis and chocolate fondue. 

We had a bit of trouble choosing what to rent when we mere at the rental...so we decided to take a safe road and rented a few goodies. We have seen them all before, but these are such feelgood movies! You know the kinds you can watch many times and they never get old and they always leave you a great feeling. So, the chosen ones this time were Step Up, Flashdance and Dear John. Some other great ones are Footloose, Dirty Dancing (both)Love before sunrise and Love before sunset, Cocktail and 500 days of Summer. 

Which are your favorite/comfort movies? 

Have a good weekend everyone! 

Day 2/15

So, I recently found myself in a situation I haven't been before. I have recently started a new work but I am still working at my old work place as well. And therefore it of course would be my responsibility to look after when my days off are... however, without even really noticing until I looked at my calendar the other day, I have work 15 days in a row... yawn.

Going on day 2 and I am already tired :D

But I'm looking forward to getting paid ;). And no complaining, I'm happy to have a job (or 2).

Our guest star at home this week

So this cutie pants, also known as Elvis (the dog), is staying with us this week while his real family is enjoying the Turkish sun. It is with great pleasure we have opened our home for this little fellow :)

(Better pics than the photo booth ones will follow when I find my camera)

Sunday morning!

 

 Maroon 5 - Sunday morning

Waking up early during the weekend is one of the best things. Then when you see the sunshine and feel a cool breeze coming in and you are tucked under the blanket where it's warm it gets better. And when you have a lovely someone who makes fantastic breakfast and coffee, and even buys a Starbucks latte for me when he went to the store to get what we need for today, it just can't get a whole lot better.

Here's my drinks, the food part I ate as soon at is was served :)

New winds

So here's what's new lately: new job, new age (24!, crazy.), some new things for my wardrobe, new paint on the walls, new season, finally, new hobby...

Things that found a way into my wardrobe after a Tallinn trip in stormy weather and birthday celbrations:

These fabulous new brown boots (Ten Points), that I am SO totally in love with.

This shirt from Stradivarius, with the print "Replace fear of the unknown with curiosity".  I found this simple phrase to be very spot on when it comes to how my mind works.

And a few other things that I might show another time. 

I am already waiting for the weekend though. I'm gonna spend it doing the homework for my new hobby; a jewelery-making class, enjoying the new season's crisp weather and candle lit evenings and painting at home.

Now we're gonna watch the newest episode of NCIS that we've been dying to see for ages, then I'm off to bed so that I'm ready for my 3rd day at my new work (that I happen to enjoy VERY much) tomorrow  :).

 

FOOD

I came home from work today, hungry and tired. Only to find an almost empty fridge. So, I called my mom and am now going to eat with her (and to help her with the grocery shopping) :)

Long time coming...

So here are, pictures of our new couch that we grew to love very fast. And also a few other shots from our home...

My favorite candle holders that I got from my great aunt, that she brought home from a trip to Morocco when she was young.  

 Home sweet home.

Theater outfit and after theater snack

So, today i went to a theater, or actually a musical (Katri Helena), with my good friend. It was so refreshing. Every time I go I think how sad it is I do it so rarely, 'cause I really enjoy it. 

 So here my outfit for today:

 

My favorite light pink jeans - Promod

Black shirt - Pull and Bear?

Flower - Only

 

And then a tired me arrived at home later than my normal bed-time, almost, and sat down on the couch with a little evening snack and a Tea. THE tea, Indian Spice from Lipton. Has been my favorite for a few years now. And now when autumn is here again I get to enjoy large cups of it, feature by candles and dark nights.

JOY!

Our new couch arrived today! happyhappy joyjoy
Pictures will follow soon...

saturday night at home

ah the comforting feeling when you spend a saturday night at home and all of a sudden your favorite show  appears on the TV screen. The tickling feeling when you hear the sex and the city tunes fill the room. The perfect entertainment for a night a home when you're alone. I was supposed to go out, but this feels like it was the right choice for today. Now i'm off to enjoy the 2 episodes that are on tonight, even though I have the whole box :)

busy bee

So, it's been a little while. I have been busy busy busy working, and when I had 2 days off in the beginning of the week my lovely fiancé had organized a lovely surprise for me: Two nights in a hotel, fantastic dinners and NO messy apartment. :) So we stayed at this great hotel in Helsinki, Hotel GLO. Slept in a bed that felt like a castle made of clouds, I had a chance to take a relaxing bath, we spent the days walking around town and the evenings eating great dinners. The first night we ate Thai food at this restaurant called "Villa Thai", and the second night sushi at "Yume" - D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. And last but not least; hotel breakfast! Ahh, the ones who know me know that I love breakfasts when you have time to sit down and actually enjoy them. And hotel breakfasts are the best, you can have anything you want, no need to choose :)

 

The bed with marshmallow pillows.

 

Pictures borrowed, hotelglo.fi

So inspired by the good night's sleep at hotel GLO we are now in the hunt for a new bed. The one we have now is really too small for the 2 of us, only 120cm. So now we are looking at buying a new, bigger and better one. The only question in the air is how big? We could possibly squeeze in a 180 bed, however that wouldn't leave very much wiggle room in our bedroom. On the other hand, it is the BEDroom, so do we really need a whole lot of room for anything else.... hmm. Dilemma.

My clothes moved: from banana boxes into a walk-in closet

So yesterday the project of organizing the closet got started. It's not done yet, but it's looking good. I'll be getting the walk-in closet I have dreamed of (of course it doesn't look quite like Carries, but it's better than any wardrobe I've ever had before...you have to start somewhere, right?).

Anyhow, my dream has always been to get most of  my clothes, and my fiance's of course, hanging instead of in drawers and stuff.

Before:

After:

 Then some chips (Kartanon) and dip (creamy pepper).

I have been waiting for this moment for about 5 months!

So now the days of my dear clothes living in banana boxes are finally over and they have gotten a new home. And if you ask me, a far better one.

And this mornings morning coffee, before taking off to the summer cottage for relaxation, good food and company, sun&swimming, blueberry picking.... I'll be back in a few days :)

 

HOME

finally home again!

It has been an experience, but oh how I have missed you Finland. 

 Thank you to the girls who have made this experience worthwhile and who have become my very dear friends, it wouldn't have been the same without you!

And of course also a little thank you to my lovely welcome committee; Mamma, Sis and my Love :) You have given me the privilege to have a home to miss.

 

last night.

finally it's here, the last night in Germany... Tomorrow I'll be coming home!! I can't describe how good it feels, even though I haven't had time to study for my last finals tomorrow...

I’m coming home
I’m coming home
Tell the World I’m coming home
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits and they’ve forgiven my mistakes
I’m coming home, I’m coming home
Tell the World that I’m coming

Diddy - Coming Home

soon soon soon

  Soon I will be going home! The countdown is finally coming to an end, only 2 days left! 

 

Now just a little bit of studying left...

although i'm lacking a bit of motivation :(

 

    

autumn chills

I know that most people probably will hate me for saying this, but I found myself waiting for autumn. I have different music playlists for every season. And the other day I wanted to hear a song from my autumn playlist. Then I realized I can't wait for the last dark summer nights that then turn into chilly autumn. When you get to light the candles and have friends over for wine and gossip after a busy summer. I can't wait for the last fresh summer mornings that then turn into crisp autumn mornings when you get to wrap yourself in warm scarfs. And don't get me wrong, I love summer, but I also love autumn and all the other seasons. I couldn't live without the changes of the seasons.

Here's a great Finnish song, that I have in both my summer and autumn playlist:

This song is about being young, beautiful, happy and about letting life happen. It's one of my favorites at the moment and for me it will always be exactly about these last days of summer when you know it'll soon be over and that autumn is just behind the corner. The melancholia of knowing the summer with it's long nights is over and soon autumn will be taking over. It's a good feeling.

Today's outfit - Dagens

So here comes today's outfit, which from here onwards will be called "dagens", which is Swedish for today's (as for those who know me knows Swedish is my mother tongue) :D and excuse me for the mess behind me, packing is still in process...

 

 Jeans - Promod

Top - Only

Grey Sweater - Pimkie

Neckless - Bijou Brigitte

Scarf - I am

The things I do instead of studying...

So again, I have spent the day occupying my mind with everything else than studying...
Here's some of what has been on my precious mind:

A new camera? 
I've been surfing and trying to find the perfect camera for me to spend my last money on...

Nails...

Something I spend time on always when I should be doing something else...

And autumn weddings

Isn't there something so charming with them...I think so :)

So that's where my time goes...and now coffee with friends!

my favorite outfit from last summer

I just found some pictures from last summer, and wanted to share this outfit with you

 

This was one of my favorites from last year, and I know the picture's not so great. A black dress/long shirt, bought years ago from JC and leggings from BikBok. The leggings look a bit like lace fabric, and are therefore really nice in the summer, since they are not too warm but gives a more 'covered up' look than bare legs, and makes you feel less naked.

This goes great with a light blue denim jacket for chilly summer nights or early autumn.

nap time

Ah, I had forgot the beauty of napping! How is that possible? Napping is one of my ultimate favorite pastimes. I tend to take naps almost anywhere and at anytime, but lately I haven't been napping much... According to the National Sleep Foundation there's many benefits from napping, like a 20-30 min nap can restore your alertness. So I now took a maybe hour long nap, so logically that would mean that I am double as alert as I normally am! :D

(I know it doesn't work like this, but it makes me feel way better to think it does...)

Never underestimate the power of a power nap!

the end of an era...

Like I have mentioned before, my last week in Germany has started and soon I'll be heading back home. It has been an experience and as they say, everything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Some parts of my time spent here have been difficult. Not because it would be horrible here, but mostly because so many amazing things and people have been waiting at home.

The time spent here has gone by faster than I had ever imagined though, and now finals are already here. I still have a couple left, but it at times feels like my brain is on holiday already.  I am happy to  have spent these months here after all, been able to focus my studies on an industry I'm actually interested in, and learn some German, natürlich! So may I already say, vielen Dank Deutschland! It has been a pleasure to meet yet another culture!

As the countdown until my journey back home has started, so has my packing! And believe me, many times have I found myself wondering how I'm gonna get all my things back home with me. So, therefore I did a test packing. It looks quite bright actually... Luckily I have made a few short visits back home!  That would be most of my the stuff I still have left here, mostly bargains I found during the sales here that just were too good to leave in the store! (I'll post about those when I get home most likely)

 Soon most things here are ready for me to close the door to this student dorm one last time and head towards new adventures...

...just a couple of things that will need to be fixed ASAP when I get home, before the new adventures can begin. Like a new hairdo! My hair, that used to be black, is now very faded after 5 months of no dye, and has also lost it's shape totally. 

 I'm not totally sure which way to go now though, blond or brunette? Short or medium? Any thoughts?

Now I'm off to bed, so that tomorrow maybe would be a more productive and less lazy day... Goodnight!

laziness maximus

Most people probably know the feeling laziness, unfortunately. Or actually laziness can be divine, when you have the right to be lazy, like lazy Sundays when you have nothing urgent that needs to be done.

However today, I have a million things that should be done. It's the last week of my exchange period, and we have finals going on, and I obviously should spend my time studying. But no, instead I update my playlists, read irrelevant books (although I'm reading a quite interesting one right now) and drink coffee. I'm the kind of person that I get most things done in the morning, however not every morning. When I wake up I straight away know whether it'll be a productive day or not. And some mornings I just now it'll be a lazy day, like today.

This describes the feeling:

Today I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything
I Just Wanna Lay In My Bed
Don't Feel Like Picking Up My Phone
So Leave A Message At The Tone
'Cause Today I swear I'm Not Doing Anything
-Bruno Mars, The Lazy Song

(I would have attached the video, but a lot of the videos on YouTube you are not able to open here in Germany plus my internet is VERY slow today)

Organized!

As anyone who knows me would know, I have a tendency to carry around all my belongings in various small 'bags' or whatever you might call them, inside of my bag. Therefore anyone can understand that finding the BagPod has made me want one.

 

BagPod 2011 Camel

 

 

 

 

 

 

More info about the BagPods can be found in Oy Casamarin Ab 's blog.