torstai 31. tammikuuta 2013

At work


Here I am, at work! It's been busy, I have three concerts still ahead this week, and have been running from one rehearsal to another these past few days! Now there was a perfect break, which I used in the swimming hall. I was breathing deeply in the menthol-steam-sauna, and swam away in the pool, it did me good!
On my way back a mysterious fog had landed, it was so beautiful, looked like a fairy tale! I was thinking of you all, took pictures, and wanted you to see this!

Now I must run and get myself ready for the evening! See you soon dears, promise!



maanantai 28. tammikuuta 2013

Start of the week!

It's a new week full of things to do! This is going to be a busy one, long days after another which is why I decided to attend two(!) exercise classes today since it's the only day I have the time! It was good, I feel the energy starting to flow, and it's nice to notice that my condition isn't all that bad.. The second class was stretching and now I feel just heavenly!

I wish you all a good week, lots of good mood and happy thoughts!



lauantai 26. tammikuuta 2013

Whistlejacket

Today I took care of multiple work-related tasks and after lunch hurried to Helsinki Contemporary to see an art exhibition called Whistlejacket. The paintings are by a wonderful Finnish painter, Anna Retulainen, and they were amazing. These paintings are mainly of horses and her inspiration has been one painting in particular, Whistlejacket by British artist George Stubbs. It's an amazing story, he painted this racehorse owned by the Marquess of Rockingham in 1762 against a blank canvas. This was unheard of then, the blank background, and even when you look at it today it seems almost like pop art, trendy even. You get stuck in the painting, it's very 3-D, showing this beautiful animal in all it's glory. He made the painting huge, a size of a wall really, which added the effect, and so did Retulainen. I haven't seen the original, only in pictures, it's in the National Gallery in London. Maybe next summer when I'm going over there. I'll post a link here so you can take a look at the painting that haunted Anna Retulainen to make her own, beautiful, colourful versions.

George Stubbs: The Whistlejacket

If you got interested, the exhibition is there until 3.2. Enjoy!!









perjantai 25. tammikuuta 2013

A walk in Punavuori!

Today I walked my way to Punavuori. It was a nice, crispy weather, perfect to walk across the city, and be in your own thoughts! I went to see what was going on in Moko Market. Oh sweet Moko! They're renovating the place so yet another sale..! I managed to behave myself without going nuts over the beautiful things! Took some pictures though and continued to the Brooklyn Café where I had a date with my sweet friend! We had two pots of delicious mint tea and this time turned our eyes away from the muffins and bagels and cupcakes and...oh what a day of self discipline! But such a nice moment and chat with a person who's close to my heart!

But oh this wonderful café! It's tiny, really small, and so atmospheric! It was founded some two years ago by two sisters from Brooklyn, New York, and they really brought a piece of that Big Apple with them! Everything they serve is sooo good it's just close to being criminal! I remember once having something they called a Brownie Deluxe, and it sure was! Such a rich piece of muddy chocolate brownie with caramel sauce and ice cream, yikes! And the bagels! They bake those themselves, different types with sesame seeds, even blueberries, and different fillings. Go there and pamper yourselves! It's just the place for that! And a zillion miles away from those gross chain cafés which tend to pop up here and there nowadays. I'm positive the coffees are good too, the selection of teas sure are, so point your nose towards Viiskulma, that's where it it!

Now it's time to get busy in the kitchen, we're having visitors tonight and I'm going to bake korvapuusti! Bye for now!



















torstai 24. tammikuuta 2013

More sunshine!

Today we both, myself and hubby, got up quite early and left to take care of some errands. I walked to the center, it's just so beautiful right now it makes my heart pound! And not that cold, under -10 at the moment I'd say. Our thermometer is not working properly so we're always guessing what it might actually be!

I went to Akateeminen book shop. My Mother called me from there Yesterday to say that they have the craziest final sales! Oh dear, off I went! I found one cook book by the lovely Tessa Kiros, a home decoration book about recycled things, and a cool fashion book from Berlin-based designers! And a surprise gift for my darling husband, who always takes such good care of me! And I know he's gonna love it!
I also bought myself two luxury magazines! I have a soft spot for these babies, especially for the beautiful Côté Paris, which introduces homes in Paris... And the French Vogue isn't bad either!

I walked my way to Fabianinkatu and the cozy Kellarikrouvi for a cup of tea. Quite a busy lunch place, but the sofa corner is splendid and calm with big armchairs and couches, coffee tables and coffee table books. There's an American feel to it I think.
Oh sweet Helsinki, I just love to walk around and be forever charmed by our beautiful hometown!










keskiviikko 23. tammikuuta 2013

The Book

I'm taking it easy at home, on the sofa, under the blanket with my copy of The Great Tolstoi! It's moments like these I treasure, the calmness, no hurry, just imagination and the book. And a cup of tea, of course!

Soon I'll get up though and head to my exercise class, I'm after some more feel-good therapy! I'm hoping you'll have a cozy and relaxing evening too, and hugs from me on top of that!



tiistai 22. tammikuuta 2013

Lunch!

Today I fixed myself my dream salad for lunch: the goat's cheese salad. I'm a big fan of cheeses of all kind but there's something about goat's cheese that makes my tastebuds very grateful! I like to mix it with fruit, I never use tomatoes or cucumber or other vegetables with it, I think it needs something sweet as a companion. The taste is so strong and rich, veggies can't take the challenge! This time I sliced half a banana and added grapes and nuts with lettuce. It's so good, delicious! I'm very satisfied!

By the way, I forgot to tell you I made some changes here in the blog! Maybe some of you noticed already, but now you can find a list of identifiers, tunnisteet, where it's easier to browse through the older posts. I put a word to describe the texts so if you want to read something from for example Helsinki, all the Helsinki based posts are under the name Helsinki. Food posts are under the word food etc. So simple! I don't understand why I hadn't done that sooner, sorry!

Now I'm looking forward to this evening since I'm meeting a dear friend and we're going to have dinner together! Nice!
Have a good day sweet everyone!

Collars, part II

Hellohello!
My fear towards the dentist appointment turned out to be unnecessary, everything was fine and my teeth are in good shape, phew! There really are some things in life when you have to admit to yourself how you will never grow up. This is one of mine, I feel like a child and miss my Mom! Well, I doubt no one likes visits to the dentist's, and I take comfort in that! Plus my dentist is really nice and kind, she knows my fear and treats me gently.

Afterwards I did not treat myself with a piece of cake, I just happened to find something furry, neat and super comfy instead..! How serious is this going to get, I can't say, but I couldn't help myself! Two collars and a furry hat!! Or actually the hat is also a collar, but I'm definitely going to wear it in my head! You gotta think outside the box! First when I saw it I immediately thought it was a hat, or a furry head band, but no, it's a collar.
This is something I encourage everybody to do, explore your adventures in the world of fashion, wardrobe and accessories. I've worn leg warmers in my arms and men's shirts as tunics, whatever comes to mind! It's fun and it makes you feel good, and after that you make people around you feel good too!


maanantai 21. tammikuuta 2013

Beautiful Monday morning

It's just constant sunshine over here! Yesterday I had practically no time to enjoy it but today is different! We have a free week from work so I decided to start the week with a walk in the sun! I went to our little bay here, Töölönlahti. It's frozen, which is nice, you get a different perspective! I feel good, I have to remember this, not all Mondays start like this.
But for sure I will get my feet back on the ground in a few hours, when I have an appointment with my dentist. Oh dear how I dislike it, but it's just one of those things that needs to be taken care of. Maybe a huge piece of cake afterwards..?!
I'll send you sun beams where ever you are!








sunnuntai 20. tammikuuta 2013

Flea market!

Today I spent the whole day from nine o'clock in a flea market in Vanha Ylioppilastalo! I had my own table which I filled with stuff after I'd spent a descent amount of time doing some inventory around our closets and attic! This, I think, is the best and most fun way to get rid of unnecessary things, clothes, and shoes. It's so nice to see the joy in people's faces when they find something they like in something you don't need anymore!
I try to do this at least once a year, maybe twice, and like to put some thought to the whole thing. First of all you need some nice table cloths to make the table look nice. Even when you fill it with things it will show from underneath and make an emphasis. Secondly, this my sweet mother taught me, you can style some outfits you put on display, in today's case, the wall. Mix tops with scarves and jewellery, it makes them look even nicer! And finally, iron the clothes! This I did not do, and it bugged me a little bit, but I did get over it eventually! And last but not least, the clothes you sell must be clean!
I made some good selling, had stuff in at least four big bags and came back with one, woohoo! The thing is to keep the prizes low, you don't go there to make money, the main thing is to recycle, get rid of stuff you don't need anymore, and make space to your closet so you can fill it again..!
I also like to meet people, talk a little, and feel the spirit of flea markets, it's nice and makes you feel good!

Here's how it was, it's such a beautiful space! My Mother came to keep me company, we had a good time as always, there was time to catch up, chat and have lunch, thank you Mom! This flea market is relatively new and it was my first time as a seller there and I will go back for sure!