Helsinki Blush

On beauty

2010-08-05T20:50:00.000+01:00

Aesthetics, looks, beauty have always been important to me. Of course true beauty goes much beyond that, but it's wonderful and inspiring to have beautiful things to look at. Be they objects, scenery, art, or people, it's lovely to see something that really pleases the eye. I've loved looking at all things beautiful ever since I can remember. I'm sure we all like things that look good, but as I've become older, I've really realised how important aesthetics are to me. Fashion, beauty, interior design, art, photography all mean so much to me, and bring a lot of joy to my life. Can we really call something that brings so much joy and does no harm superficial? I am talking just outer beauty here.

I'm not going to get into a huge philosophical conversation regarding beauty, because I simply don't know enough about it. What I do know is that beauty is subjective, and different to all of us. That's what makes it so wonderful and interesting! When perceiving something, no one can have the same experience as you. While there are so many other much more important things in life, beauty surprises, delights, pleases, and in my opinion vastly improves quality of life.

Isn't it interesting though how you can look of photos of someone, and then meet them in person, and realise how you find their looks changing? Someone very attractive can suddenly seem incredibly plain, while someone regular can suddenly become irresistible. All through the power of personality, charm, charisma, and mannerisms. We can all influence how beautiful we're perceived, and can bring so much joy and happiness to others' lives.

A dog named Indy

2010-07-27T09:33:00.000+01:00

He arrived in this world on the 17th of February, just 2 days before my 30th birthday. We were sunning ourselves on the beautiful beaches of Thailand, and a little litter of beagles was born in the cold, wintery, snowy Finland, on the shores of a frozen lake close to the city of Varkaus.

He arrived in our city home in April, causing stress and gray hairs and arguments, lack of sleep, and raising of voices. He sticks his nose anywhere and everywhere, and wants to take part in everything we do. He chews and plays, not sitting still for a moment. He loves to fish and lives to eat. As his hair lightens and he grows up, my heart fills with joy and excitement and love. As he curls up to sleep, bites my arms with his itching teeth and gums, jumps up to scratch my legs, as I find bite marks on my favourite shoes and as he pushes me off my place on the mattress, I am filled with warmth.

Today's fashion crush: Jeans by Acne

2010-05-06T10:52:00.000+01:00

It's always worth investing a little bit more on great jeans - you wear them so often, they pay themselves back very quickly!
I'm currently drooling over a new pair of jeans from Acne. Slim fit, high-waisted, and just the right shade of blue... I can't wait to get my hands on you! I haven't tried these on (I haven't actually investigated whether you can get them in Helsinki yet, just seen them on Acne's site), but the fit looks great! I'm all for higher-waisted jeans for this summer. Flattering and chic, no belly or panties on show.

xx

Cheap n' easy home-made body scrubs!

2010-05-05T18:57:00.001+01:00

Just take some raw salt, and use to scrub your bod. Can be used on face as well, very softly.
For your legs and tummy in particular, use plain ground coffee. They say it's good for eliminating cellulite, who knows. Follow with a gorgeous thick body lotion for wonderfully soft skin.

Easy peasy, and cheap as chips!

xx

Can someone please tell the weather gods it's May, not November?!

2010-05-04T07:22:00.000+01:00

The Canada Goose is coming out again today. I thought I was joking this weekend when I said it would make another pre-summer appearance. Apparently not. It's under 5 degrees out there, and I can see snow.
My parents live in Germany, and it's been 27 degrees there on several occasions over the past month.

On a happier note, I'm going to get my lashes re-filled at Maarit Leikoski's salon today, and the man and I are off to the gym now while our new pup sleeps in his pen.

xx

Experiences in Helsinki workplaces, pt. 1

2010-05-03T15:57:00.001+01:00

Job no. 1, unnamed marketing agency, high level marketing position.

At the interview

Company owner: Our goal is to be the best and most wanted employer not just in Finland, not just in Scandinavia, but in the whole of Europe.
Me: Ok, sounds great! (Pretty ambitious for a small agency, but it's always good to aim high, isn't it?)

First day on the job

Me: Hi! Would someone like to go for lunch with me?
Group of girls: (Grumble, grumble, no clear answers given, no one moves so I'm guessing I need to find a lunch place on my own)

- Old dirty laptop I'm given is not working
- No phone, mobile or desk phone
- Despite my requests, no one has time to brief me on anything
- > I sit at my desk texting my boyfriend and watching the clock for 8 hours

Second day on the job

Me: Hi, how are you? I was told you would be able to order me phone...?
Office / HR assistant: I'll get back to you when I have time. I'm really busy. (Gets back to school books)
Me: Ok. Would be great to get the phone as soon as possible though, because I'm making all my work calls on my own phone.
Office / HR assistant: No one's said anything to me about a phone. I said I'll get back to you when I'm less busy. (Turns back to school books)

Later that day

Me: Hi, how are you!? Nice to see you again!
New colleague, who is also an ex-colleague from a previous client-agency relationship: Fine.

Still no brief on my work / the agency.

Third day on the job

Me: Hi! I've been trying to reach you about fixing my computer. Please could you come over and have a look at it asap?
IT support: I might be able to make it tomorrow...

Still no brief on my work / the agency.

Fourth day on the job

Office / HR assistant: Ok, we can talk about getting you that phone now...

Most relevant people can't make any of my scheduled briefings.

Fifth day on the job

Me: I'm really sorry, I'm not going to stay in this job company.
New boss #1: What? Everyone here is so nice!
New boss #2: That's ridiculous!

And so I left. Word.

x

Some advice on getting advice!

2010-04-18T20:10:00.000+01:00

Don't listen to other people too much! It's great to get other opinions, and learn, but the most important person to listen to is yourself. You need to be happy, and live with your decisions. Don't let anyone talk you into anything, and don't go out of your way to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.

Now if this post isn't a contradiction in itself, I don't know what is!

I'm back by the way! :)

x

Today's crush 270110

2010-01-27T11:14:00.001Z

Interlocking gold and sterling bangles from Tiffany's
<3

Golden Globes winner - best dressed

2010-01-24T20:30:00.000Z

Jennifer Aniston, always classy and so well put together, gets my vote. My personal style is more adventurous, but I do love Jennifer's simple and elegant style. She really knows what suits her! The Huffington Post lists Jennifer alongside Mariah Carey as one of the Golden Globes worst dressed. I couldn't agree less! The cut of the dress is fabulous, and Jennifer manages to look both groomed and casual at the same time. Love it!

x

True Blood - hottest hottt

2010-01-24T07:25:00.000Z

Call me weird if you will - I am so into all things Southern US. The vibe, the people, the steamy bubbling Mississippi river, the mystique, the humidity, the eerie at time dark history. HBO's True Blood brings all of this to life in such a cool way, I almost get shivers down my spine when I watch these opening credits.
Perfect escapism, soo intriguing and hot.

x

Dream of shopping on net-a-porter.com?

2010-01-22T16:32:00.001Z

I know I do! Pretty much everything on the site is out of my current price range. But there's a tiny twinkle of hope - in celebration of the site's 1millionth order, one lucky lady (or gentleman of course) will win a 25,000 GBP shopping spree on the site. I've entered, and although it'll diminish my chances, you should too. Good luck!
I'm off to enjoy my friday night now, first with a lovely bottle of white vino at home, followed by blinis with roe and more vino. One new thing I've learned to love about Helsinki - Blini Viikot take place every year during January and February in numerous restaurants across the city, and I'm loving it!

x

Happiness is... 220110

2010-01-22T14:38:00.000Z

- Seeing the sunrise
- finding wild strawberries
- dipping your toes in the water from a pier
- hoolahoops
- the morning dew
- Strawberry eskimo ice cream
- the smell of freshly cut oranges
- Fiskars scissors
- napping
- Chanel no 5 fragrance
- Cold Fazer yellow chocolate with a huge cold glass of milk
- laughing at yourself
- friendship
- loft apartments
- FRIDAYS!!

(Some stolen from 12 000 syytä olla onneliinen, published by Gummerus. Others from my head.)

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

x

Some gym inspiration...

2010-01-21T12:19:00.000Z

Miranda Kerr, Australian Victoria's Secret model and girlfriend of Orlando Bloom, recently posed naked for men's magazine GQ. Is it possible for any girl to look any more perfect than she does in these shots? Definite gym inspiration for me... Baby, when you tell me I am the most beautiful girl in the world, I know you are lying.
Speaking of the gym, Forever Töölö was fabulous! The gym is very calm, tidy, and frequented by lots of older people which I like. The overall feel is kind of Far Eastern, very zen. :) My personal trainer seemed really nice and knew his stuff. We're meeting again next week for a session on nutrition therapy.

x

Gym bunny!

2010-01-21T08:37:00.000Z

Guess what everyone, today is the first day of my brand new fitness regime! I am off to the gym now for the first time in about a year to meet with a personal trainer... I need to get fit in time for my wedding at the end of August! And let me tell you, there's lots of work to be done! I'm off to the Forever Töölö gym, and will keep posting about my progress. Wish me luck as I will need it, I hate exercise and every single gym routine I've started so far has failed miserably! This time I need to succeed, and get fit for our big day and the wonderful honeymoon we're planning!

xx

Love me some fairylights! <3

2010-01-19T12:18:00.000Z

Fairylights (check - not Christmas lights!) must be one of the most adorable things ever! I've always had a thing for hanging them in my house. They lighten and brighten, give a great warm glow and colour, and really soften modern spaces. We have a great pink plastic heart set just thrown across our dresser in the bedroom, and I want some more... Fairylights look great on the wall, over windows or mirrors, on tables, in bowls or candleholders, sometimes even on the ground. So romantic!

Best winter boots ever ever ever!

2010-01-18T14:00:00.000Z

My boyfriend is the greatest - we headed up to Lapland for New Years, and as I was panicking about turning into an icicle, or at the very least a very unflattering shade of blue, he very kindly got me the best ever winter boots. Made by Helly Hansen and available at Stockmann, these are a size too big for me, but that's great! More than enough space for that extra pair of wool socks... My toes haven't been cold since! If I could afford it, I would get these in black as well as it's definitely more slush and sleet friendly.
Thanks baby - I love my booties!

x

Iittala lighting up these dark winter nights

2010-01-17T18:44:00.000Z

Though they are a very obvious choice in Finnish homes, I do love Iittala's various different options for candles. We've got the small "kivi" lights in various colours including the light pink and blue pictured here. The small clear lantern was a gift from friends for our engagement, and the tall white one is our latest purchase from the Iittala store from a few weeks ago. It's currently perched on our large windowsill, and I can't imagine our living room without it! Is there anything better than candles and fairylights to light up dark winter nights?

x

Candleholders by Iittala

I'm dreaming of azure blue skies and waters...

2010-01-16T21:09:00.000Z

As our holiday nears and I've had plenty of free time, I've been surfing on a couple of fashion sites, on the lookout for the perfect holiday wardrobe. My first stop? Melissa Odabash. Our Portobello Road home in London was just a stone's throw away from Melissa Odabash's flagship store on Westbourne Grove. I never actually went in, but spent plenty of time peering in outside her shop window. Former bikini model Melissa Odabash designs simple, sexy, high-quality swimwear. I might have ordered the sky blue number pictured below... I've never tried her bikinis before, so here's to hoping I'll be able to squeeze my butt into the size I ordered! Only problem? The price.

For cheaper holiday alternatives, my favourite option is my number one all-time-fave internet retailer asos. I find their site incredibly easy to navigate, and it never takes me long to find some gorgeous bits and pieces. I love how easy it is to get summer clothes online in the internet age! I'm loving the more pastel-y tones of my asos choices.

So the question is... Splurge, or save?

(Splurge... at Melissa Odabash)

(Or save, at asos.com...)

What's your choice?

Wedding dress shopping in Helsinki...

2010-01-15T13:02:00.000Z

I've been looking for that perfect wedding gown for a few months now, and I've got a firm favourite in a store just down the street from where we live. Exciting stuff! Thought I would share some of my dress hunting experiences, as they might be helpful to others on the lookout for their perfect dress!

Some good hints and tips:
- Start well in advance! Delivery times for dresses can range from 3 to up to 6 months, and you'll probably need to put time aside for a seamstress to do some work on it as well. Our wedding is at the end of August, and I don't think I'm looking a day too early.
- If you can, try to book fittings at some stores, to ensure that they have time to see you. Mornings and early afternoons, and all day Friday are really busy times!
- Wear tights if you don't want to be seen in your underwear!
- Have a look through websites and magazines before going into stores, to get an idea of what style you like. Show it to the girls in the stores. Also it's a good idea to ask the shop personnel what their favourite dresses are. They know the dresses really well, and can make some great recommendations.
- Think about the colour of your dress. Some people's skin tones are better suited to off-white, while others look better in bright white. I can't wear off-white, I look totally washed out!

Highly recommended stores:
- Seremonia. Great service, and gorgeous dresses, particularly from Pronovias and Atelier Diagonal.
- Niinatar. Super sweet service, and lots of dresses at great prices.
- Stockmann. Selection lightly old-fashioned, but worth a look. Best space and great mirrors to see your dress.
- Stilissima. Lovely service. Stocks Cymbelline dresses, which are just gorgeous!

Not so highly recommended stores:
- Meslewi. The most bizarre service I've ever received. Don't waste your time.
- Lavem. The ladies working there completely ignored me and my mom.

I might still have a quick look in Morsmaikku, and will be checking out the dresses etc. at this weekend's wedding fair!

x

(Dress: Pronovias)

Today's crush

2009-12-03T08:21:00.004Z

Seeing bits of blue sky and small, shy, weak rays of sunshine after possibly the grayest two months in history feels like... well, it's almost like being re-born, isn't it? Who knew that just when I thought I couldn't take any more gray, just when the rain, clouds, and everyone's accompanying depressiveness were becoming too much to bear, the weather would turn and make everything ok again. Just a few days ago, in the words of my fiance, Helsinki was not too different from Mordor, and today the city is positively shining!

With this beautiful weather comes a cold crisp iciness which blows straight through the city. The freshness is surprisingly energizing, but it does make me wish I could get my hands on this Canada Goose jacket. I swore I wouldn't wear black this winter (the winter streets of Helsinki are filled with people dressed in nothing but), but it just looks so warm and practical. Am I sounding any more Finnish to you yet?

x

Canada Goose Women's Solaris Parka in S, available from sportinglife.ca

Winter hair and beauty saviours

2009-11-30T14:01:00.002Z

Tigi Bedhead After Party, Ghd hair straighteners and Aussie leave-in conditioner to smoothe dry winter hair / Givenchy Prisme Again blush and Guerlain Terracotta bronzer to bring some much-needed colour to a pale winter complexion / Chanel Inimitable mascara in black to make your eyes POP / Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask to moisturise dry tight skin

Aqua couture at asos.com - buy nothing today?

2009-11-27T13:17:00.002Z

How cute are all these dresses! I would love to put in an order for just one on asos.com, but which one to choose, and I'm also trying to save! I may just have to admire from afar...

By the way, isn't today the international (??) Buy Nothing Day? So I thought, but isn't it also the infamous Black Friday in the US, where the crazy post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas sales start at 4am, and shoppers scramble, trample and run over each other to get all the best deals at Wal-Mart and friends, queueing for hours and fighting with total strangers?
Which team are you on?

Check out more from Aqua Couture here.

Tonight's dinner - save or splurge?

2009-11-27T11:25:00.001Z

Please excuse whatever font this is going to come out in - my blogger is all messed up today...

Friday is date night in our household, and we're trying to decide where to head out. Splurge on Salutorget or save and head to Ankkuri in Punavuori, for undoubtedly the best burgers in town? We'll see where the night takes us!

x

Dear Santa...

2009-11-25T13:52:00.001Z

I'm not sure I've been good enough this year to deserve any of these things, but...

Lingerie Victoria's Secret / Preen Line dress net-a-porter / Digital camera Canon / Bag Prada / Make-up bag Gucci / Labrador Puppy / Giftcard Zara / Paloma Picasso Earrings Tiffany's / Tennis skirt Nike / Chocolate Karl Fazer / Bag Balenciaga

"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans..."

2009-11-25T12:12:00.000Z

This is one of my favourite quotes, from John Lennon's song Beautiful Boy. I love this quote because I'm a dreamer, and can get really caught up in planning and dreaming away all my time, rather than actually getting out there and living. Or more accurately, I go through stages, and right now I'm in the dreamer stage. I need to be reminded that life's about living it every now and again.

One of my very favourite things to plan is trips abroad. My wonderful fiance and I have booked a weekend in Tallinn in a few weeks time, staying at an absolutely gorgeous hotel. Even more exciting is the fact that for the 30th birthday, which is sadly coming up in just three months, my fiance has promised to take me somewhere really special... To the land of plenty, the city which never sleeps, the ultimate destination for all things glitz, glamour, sleaze and tack, the only city whose sparkling mainstreet is visible from space. It's Vegas, baby! Planning this trip is definitely half the fun.

Gorgeous sushi dinner @ Raku Ya!

2009-11-23T11:28:00.003Z

To celebrate selling his apartment, my fiance took me out to eat at Raku Ya, the wonderful Japanese eatery in Helsinki's Eteläranta last Friday. We ate and drank until I was ready to drop (quite literally) and my fiance was handed a hefty bill at the end of the night. The food and drink was wonderful, especially highly recommended on the menu are the Sweet Shrimp Tail Nigiri, Yaki Niku, Ebi Furai, and for dessert, the Japanese Choco Mousse. While it's usual to get good Japanese food, I do think it's unusual to get exceptional Japanese food, but Raku Ya was just that. The service was friendly, atmosphere was lovely, and everything just tasted too good, for both our bellies and wallets. Oh lord, I want to go back for more!
x

Christian Louboutin for my wedding?

2009-11-20T10:33:00.002Z

I know what I just said about getting married in Gina shoes, but just look at all the gorgeous (wedding?) shoes from Christian Louboutin! As far as I know, they don't do a bridal collection, but I wouldn't mind getting married in any of these. The thought of tying the knot in bright pink shoes is strangely appealing!

x

All shoes Christian Louboutin

Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...

2009-11-19T16:15:00.003Z

Today's media has been writing about Kate Moss supposedly commenting that one of her mottos is "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels..." There's been loads of discussion around whether or not she's promoting unhealthy eating habits et cetera, once again. As a model, it's almost part of her job to stay thin. Her image has been built on her waif-like grungy appearance of the 90ies, one she's managed so well, and she still remains at the top of so many "most fashionable" lists, 15 years after first being discovered. One beautiful sunny June afternoon, when I lived in Paris, I ran into Kate on the streets of the 11th arrondissement. Her hair was afro-like, she was wearing a tiny red kilt and real fox around her neck, and her skin was so luminous it looked surreal. On her arm, a hairdresser/stylist/make-up artist gayer than Christmas. She looked amazing, like she belonged to totally different planet than us mere mortals.

I'm currently reading Sofi Oksanen's book "Stalin's Cows", which deals with both anorexia and bulimia. Today, scrolling through blogs, I also came across some pretty disturbing blogs written by women, devoted entirely to anorexia and bulimia. Pages and pages of food lists, calorie counting, pictures of stick-thin models and Amy Winehouse, and extremely disturbing photos of super skinny girls on scales. Blogs obsessed with weight with lots of followers, all egging each other on, talking about how they want to get rid of their breasts. What is it that makes people get so obsessed about weight and food, and deny their femininity?
As I get closer to 30 years of age, I'm starting to notice that for the first time ever, I have to pay attention to what I eat. I need to exercise and move more, to maintain my slim figure. I'm starting to understand for the first time what it's like to worry about and monitor weight. But, I'm also what the french call a "gourmand", someone who loves food and wine. I love nothing more than going out to a fabulous restaurant for an amazing meal, with my equally gourmand other half. Looks like I won't be saying "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" anytime soon...

x

Little Gina shoes for your big day

2009-11-18T08:14:00.002Z

These are some of the shoes I'm looking at for next summer's wedding. I'm 99.9% sure my shoes are coming from Gina, as I've been for the past five years since my hungry little eyes first set sight on Gina's little shop on London's Bond Street. "Those are the shoes I'm wearing on my wedding day..." And so I shall.

All shoes from Gina (excuse the gold - I'm definitely going for silver/white when I marry!)

Mazel tov!

2009-11-17T11:01:00.000Z

Some uplifting music and images into this grey grey grey Helsinki existence!

Mirrors and weddings and such

2009-11-17T10:42:00.002Z

Our latest purchase from Ikea is a huge mirror - 94cm wide and 130cm tall. It needs to be mounted, but it's currently leaning against the wall in our hall, waiting to be carried out in our next move, which will now probably take place in two weeks... At 99EUR, it's a great buy!

Levanger mirror - 99EUR Ikea

Also thought I would mention - my fiance and I are getting married next August, in Vanajanlinna, just outside of Hämeenlinna, the gorgeous city which for me is synonymous with summertime, as it's where I spent most of my holidays as a child. Having gotten over the initial engagement ecstasy (and don't worry, I'm still definitely on a huge high), the practical wedding planning has got to start! First on the list is the guestlist, which we'll need to start compiling like, last week. What I have started doing though is looking at flowers and thinking themes and colours. Right now, I'm liking the look of something like this

20ies party style...

2009-11-16T13:24:00.000Z

I love fancy dress. Somewhere, in the middle of still-unpacked moving boxes, is a big box of colourful fancy dress costumes. Like many other girls, I have to admit I see fancy dress occasions as perfect excuses to dress in something racier than normal, get the legs and bosoms out, under the pre-text of fantasy.
In the midst of all our moving and changing jobs madness, I totally missed Halloween this year, but luckily there's a small 20ies to 50ies party coming up next weekend which will save me! Because most of our stuff is still unpacked (and get this - my fiance's apartment we're currently living in has been sold, so I'm not unpacking anything else as we're moving again in under 3 weeks), I headed straight to asos.com to choose my party outfit. Instead of going all out fantasy fancy dress like I used to, I'm trying to buy bits and pieces I'll wear again in the future.
The dress and hairpiece from asos will be paired with an original vintage wool cardigan with a mink collar, black velvet heels, and a faux fur jacket.
Let's just hope it all arrives on time!

This funky top also caught my attention and ended up in my shopping basket, for some non-20ies nights out...

All images asos.com

On Collins Avenue

2009-11-13T15:44:00.001Z

Let's light up this dreary, dark, gray Friday the 13th with a little hint of bright colour! In search of a little tiny something to lift my spirits, I headed to Kicks yesterday to raid their extensive nail polish collection. Lo and behold, I found exactly the shade I was looking for, here in Helsinki! Both my fingers and toes are now painted a larger-than-life coral pink, courtesy of OPI's "On Collins Ave". This Barbie shade of red (which, by the way, completely sold out in the US earlier this year) is definitely better suited for tanned summertime holiday tootsies than washed out scandinavian winter skin. So the fake tanners may well be making an appearance this weekend...

Where and what exactly is this Collins Avenue, which has inspired such an uplifting shade of red? I should have known... Miami Beach, where else! Collins Avenue, or the Strip of Miami as it's known, is home to many of the famous art deco hotels Miami is so renowned for. Collins Avenue also houses some more recent luxury hotels, night clubs, fabulous shopping, stretching all the way down to South Beach. Could this be fate? Either way, sounds like my kind of place!

November's top list, so far

2009-11-12T08:41:00.016Z

My top things for November include:
- Moving into my fiance's beautiful tower apartment in Kruununhaka. I love it!

- Interior decorating my fiance's place (still can't get myself to say our place... Not til we're married!)

- Sticking up for myself and walking away from a completely unacceptable work situation. I've realised that the most important things to me are my fiance, and my own personal happiness. You have to follow your dreams, and live in the moment, rather than always in the future. Happiness is made up of all those small wonderful every-day moments, ones you need the time and energy to recognise and enjoy. Oh yes, and my family are up there too, but as long as I'm happy, they're there with me.

- (Re)-discovering Clarins beauty products. The Multi-Active day and night creams, body oils, as well as the face and body scrubs, toning lotion for dry skin, and foaming cleanser for dry skin are saving my skin this winter. I haven't lived in such a cold, dry climate in 12 years, and my skin was not liking it. I've found my saviours! Those who know me well will also understand the irony in this entry...

- Having time to dream. I'm a dreamer by nature, and I've now got time to think about what I want from life.

- Hot drinks (tea is the order of the day, my poor nerves aren't coping with coffee at the moment) whilst nestled up inside. Taste even better if it's snowing!

- Lighting candles. They soften the mood, look romantic, bring light and warmth, and lovely scents too! We've been burning them every night, and I'm loving it.

- All sorts of Christmas c**p! It's November, and because we don't have Thanksgiving here in Finland to distract us, we're now officially allowed to talk, think and plan Christmas. My fiance and I and have our stockings hung up by the fireplace. Much as I would have liked to hang up a sexy silk stocking, it just doesn't fit as many presents ;)

- Light therapy. I'm beginning to understand what SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is all about. We bought an energy light a few weeks ago, and I'm trying to use it as often as possible, and trying to remember to take my vitamin D, too.

Restaurant review - Farang

2009-11-11T09:31:00.001Z

I wanted to love this place - the location is really handy and central, and just around the corner from my parents' place, I love how it's attached to the Taidehalli, and I was starting to get cravings for Thai food. I have to say - I've never been a huge fan of Asian fusion, it kind of feels like they can't get any Asian dish just right. But I'm always up for being proved wrong!

One thing I just can't get used to in Finland is the cloakrooms... Farang has a big cloakroom as soon as you walk in, and you are expected to leave your coat there, in this hallway which everyone walks through to get in and out of the restaurant. It might be normal here in Helsinki, and maybe I should learn to trust people more, but I just didn't feel comfortable leaving my belongings unattended in an area that people walk through all night.

Top tip: If going to Farang, make sure you book in advance, and ask to be seated in the first room with smaller tables. The place get pretty full, even mid-week, and you'll get ushered into the next room which is fine, but not quite up to standard when looked at in context with the hefty price tags of this place.

First impressions on the menu: We didn't understand it! Would have been great, and much less pretentious, to have clear explanations for each dish, or at least helpful staff who wouldn't mind explaining what the often foreign words meant. We ended up having a gorgeous melange of three dishes; a cold beef salad, crunchy pork, and curry. All beautifully presented, and extremely tasty. Banana cake with coconut ice cream for dessert is not to be missed! My white wine, Fleur de Lotus, was beautiful and went down better than Evian at room temperature.

The verdict? Gorgeous, tasty food and drinks at close-to obscene prices. At prices like this you do expect everything to be pretty perfect, and I would say the atmosphere in the second room, as well as the attitude of some of the staff, needs some work. Also, I'm not the most faint-hearted, but is it appropriate to name a cocktail the "Bali Bomber"?
Will we be back? Something tells me, yes we will.

Body inspiration

2009-10-20T10:08:00.000+01:00

I am desperately in need of a body make-over, and need to get my quickly-softening butt doing some exercise. I'm posting some pictures from old Victoria's Secret fashion shows to give me some body inspiration. I'm thinking about posting these up around the house too. I'm sure my fiance wouldn't mind!

Ivanka Trump jewellery collection

2009-10-19T12:34:00.001+01:00

Speaking of Ivanka Trump, her luxury jewellery collection is breath-takingly beautiful. Who knew that in addition to having the Midas touch, Ivanka could also turn things into diamonds so easily? Whether or not she actually designs the jewellery herself is unclear, but either way, her collection is beautiful, and complements Ivanka's style. Ivanka's store is located on NYC's Madison avenue, with another one rumored to be opening in Vegas shortly.

For a dangly-earring lover such as myself, these jewels are dreamy. Shame most of Ivanka's pieces cost an arm and a leg, and will have to be admired from a distance, for me at least.

Confidence is key

2009-10-19T08:21:00.001+01:00

I have many goals in life, but I would say that my key ones are very simple; building more happiness and more confidence. Well, I say simple, but actually both of those things take much time, effort, learning, and observing. I really do think that ones leads to the other; if you are happy, you will be more confident, and vice versa.

One person whose poise and confidence (and beauty!) I really admire is Ivanka Trump. Sure, she's been given every shot at making a success of her life, but I really feel she's used that to her advantage, and used her connections, experience and access wisely, choosing to learn from key people, and putting herself on the spot. I find her attitude realistic, healthy, and inspirational, but also enviable. She exudes confidence, but admits she still has lots to learn both in life and business.

I really want to get my hands on Ivanka's new book, The Trump Card, which promises to assert inspiration, success, confidence, and passion. I hope to be able to get my hands on it asap!

More stuff to LOVE from Reiss @ asos

2009-10-18T16:05:00.000+01:00

Nothing like a Burberry down coat to keep me warm this winter...

2009-10-10T23:46:00.002+01:00

This week has been a complete crazy emotional roller-coaster. I've started my first Helsinki job, hated my first Helsinki job, resigned from my first Helsinki job, and signed a contract for my second Helsinki job. What's in store next week? Let's hope it's an exciting but drama-free week at the second Helsinki job.

With so much going on, I've hardly noticed the weather turning absolutely freezing, quite literally. It's late at night, and I'm sure the temperature is well below zero. Good thing I found my perfect winter coat last week! It's nothing like the fur-collared dreamcoat I was looking for, but I fell in love the moment I tried it on. The winters here are filled with dreary greys and blacks, and I want something happier this year. And yes, I know it's impractical, but that's what dry-cleaners are there for.

Sienna's got my scarf!

2009-10-04T14:11:00.000+01:00

I've been lusting after this beautiful blue/purple LV stole for a few months now, and Sienna's obviously been thinking the same thing. This luxuriously large cashmere and silk stole designed by Stephen Sprouse comes in three different colours, of which this blue one is my favourite. I'm loving the light pink as well, but let's face it, it would just wash out my light scandinavian colouring. Am so checking if these are available in the Helsinki store, and having a look once my first paycheck arrives.

source: instyle.co.uk

Dropin aikoo katumuodin ykköseksi

2009-10-03T09:53:00.002+01:00

Stumbled on quite an interesting article on the Markkinointi & Mainonta website, which talks about a new streetstyle concept store, Dropin, opening in Helsinki's Forum shopping centre, this month. Looks like the store will really be embracing social media and online as well. This is a great idea - just look at how well asos.com have done! Asos obviously do all their business online, but are also very active on twitter and facebook, with competitions, updates, and benefits that are actually interesting for their target market.

Nuorison katumuotiin erikoistunut Dropin lanseeraa Suomeen myymäläkonseptin, joka perustuu monikanavaiseen asiakaspalveluun. Myymälä palvelee asiakkaita verkkokaupassa, myymälöissä, mobiilipalvelussa sekä noutopisteissä.

– Idea uuden konseptin kehittämiseen lähti liikkeelle reilu vuosi sitten, kun keskustelimme maahantuojien kanssa Suomen vähäisestä erikoisliikkeiden määrästä. Yhdistämällä vahvan verkkokaupan, myymälän, noutopisteen sekä vuoden vaihteessa avautuvan mobiilipalvelun edut uskomme nousevamme Suomen johtavaksi katumuodin kaupaksi, kertoo uuden konseptin kehittänyt Juha Valvanne tiedotteessa.

Helsingin avautuu lokakuussa Dropinin ensimmäinen myymälä. Valikoimiin kuuluu noin 40 katumuodin ja lautailukulttuurin merkkiä.

– Monikanavakonseptin kriittisimpiä elementtejä ovat asiakaspalvelu ja toimivat palvelupisteet. Helsingin Pitäjänmäessä sijaitsevalla noutomyymälällä on tärkeä rooli asiakkaan kohtaamisessa, sillä se antaa kasvot verkkokaupallemme. Sinne asiakkaamme voivat saapua sovittamaan ja noutamaan tuotteita sekä lainaamaan vaikkapa lumilaudan testattavakseen, Valvanne sanoo.

Dropinin verkkokauppa hyödyntää myös sosiaalista mediaa. Siihen on rakennettu reaaliaikaiset integraatiot Facebookiin, Twitteriinja muihin suomalaisiin yhteisöpalveluihin.

Mukana konseptin kehittämisessä on ollut Smilehouse, jonka ohjelmisto toimii verkkokaupan teknisenä alustana.

Source: Markkinointi & Mainonta

Hunt for the perfect mascara

2009-10-02T08:16:00.001+01:00

It seems to me that the hunt for the perfect mascara is never-ending. I've decided to can all my previous favourites (Guerlain's Le Deux, Guerlain's Maxilash, Dior's Diorshow and Ultimeyes, Maybelline's Full 'n' Soft... the list goes on and on) in favour of Chanel's Inimitable. This is what I'm going out to try to buy and trial today.
Any other recommendations for a great mascara which lengthens, thickens, lifts and darkens, makes my lashes look fake with a consistency more wet than dry, and comes with a three bedroom apartment and swimming pool, are happily taken on board.

My french cosmetics collection...

2009-09-30T14:21:00.002+01:00

... continues its ever-expanding growth. Two great websites which offer my favourite brands, and deliver to Finland include hqhair.com and leguidesante.co.uk. This time I think I (re)discovered some keepers.

From Le Guide Sante, Bioderma's H20 waters cleanse your skin without water, perfect for the dry and cold weather we're having. I've heard about them for years, and they are all the rave in La France. I used Crealine H20 for a while when I lived in Paris, but left my bottle somewhere, and moved on to another product. So now we're reunited once again, and I've also purchased a pal for the Crealine H20, Sebium H20, for oilier skin. Would be rude not to, really. Both products are super gentle and effective.

From hqhair.com, I received two wonderful moisturisers, Caudalie's Vinosource Nourishing Cream, and Pulpe Vitaminee Energinzing Cream. I'm using the former at night, and the latter during the day. Both claim to use all natural ingredients, are non-comedogenic, and contain no mineral oils. Lush!

Just a couple of small things on my (autumn) wish-list...

2009-09-30T10:02:00.008+01:00

So I've put autumn in brackets in the title because:

1. Some of the fashion I'm lusting after isn't autumny at all.

2. Autumn in Finland isn't exactly what I expected. Yesterday's conversation with my more-Finnish-than-me boyfriend went something like this:

Me: So we didn't really get an autumn in Helsinki this year. We've gone straight to winter!
Him: What do you mean? This is the Finnish autumn.
Me: What do you mean, it's freezing!
Him: Yeah.
Me: Oh. *sticks out bottom lip*

Gorgeous block of colour to brighten up an otherwise black / grey autumn outfit, from asos:

Gorgeous grey shoulder-padded top, Reiss at asos:

Another gorgeous Reiss skirt at asos, to go with the grey knitted top I've already ordered:

See by Chloe boots at asos:

Reiss boots at asos:

Cheap Monday trousers at asos:

Leather jacket at asos:

Bag from Prada's little sister Miu Miu, at Net-a-Porter:

Gucci cosmetics bag, to replace my ancient one which sheds glitter everywhere:

America, I love you!

2009-09-29T10:58:00.002+01:00

I am desperately, desperately trying to get used to life in Finland. Because I look Finnish and sound Finnish, I don't think people realise exactly what a huge culture shock it's been for me, moving here. I've been away for over 20 years, and fitting right back into things isn't exactly a piece of cake. I'm going to give it my best shot, and do my best to enjoy my time here.

A dreamer by nature, I'm sitting here on this cold autumn day thinking back to life, trips and traveling in my favourite place of all, the US of A. This weird and wonderful land of plenty, full of friendly faces, sprawling cities, plains of nothingness and anything and everything your heart can desire.

The last place I visited a few times was New Orleans, or N'awlins, as the locals like to call it. This bouillabaisse of all things Cajun, Carribean, Funk and Jazz inspires like nowhere else I've been. The sweaty tunes flowing out of dingy little jazz clubs, world-famous bartenders serving up the Sazeracs, tiny little antique art shops lined up underneath the balconies of the French Quarter, with the smell of the mighty Mississippi penetrating the city, mixing up with the acidity of Bourbon street's cleaning detergent. At night the city comes alive, tempting its visitors with rows of bars, strip clubs, and tarot. In the morning, the cleaning trucks arrive, the sins of the previous night washed away.
A city which is still struggling to re-build itself following devastation.

Here are some of my favourite photos from trips there.

Oh, I'm so glad America is back in fashion! Baby, can we go visit soon?

Arctic Hysteria @ Taidehalli - go see it if you can

2009-09-28T08:55:00.005+01:00

Fantastically dream-like, Taidehalli's 'Arctic Hysteria' exhibition in Helsinki can't fail to compel. Touching on subjects such as space, futurism, design, nature and human emotion, the show's quirky works inspire, and its hard to choose your favourite piece. There is something almost mystical about the show. I almost wish it had been on in the dead of the winter, something to enjoy in between a steaming hot drink an overflowing glass of red wine, to provide escapism in the absence of daylight.
And what a great name, this Arctic Hysteria - how exotic in its Nordic fantasy!

Here are some pictures of works from the Taidehalli website:

Photography by Ilkka Halso

Art by Stiina Saaristo (done by pencil!)

Photography by Jari Silomäki

Composed of a melange of videos, sculptures, photography, sketches, and various installations, this exhibition spoke to me in a way in which modern art normally doesn't. While I often find modern art interesting to look at, for me it often lacks substance and meaning. I could see various artists really taking inspiration from their own lives, and moulding that into something that observers will find interesting. The art provoked thoughts, opinions, and emotions, rather than just being there for the sake of being admired.

Highlights included Jari Silomäki's "Sääpäiväkirja" (see above) in which he had taken photos every day of the year, and also written about a current or personal event on them. I also loved Salla Tykkä's "Lasso", a short film about a young girl watching through a large window as a guy practices lassoing inside his house. I can't say I understood the meaning of this short film, but its emotional yet plain imagery and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack (Once Upon a Time in the West, from 1969) were touching.

Petition to get rid of Helsinki's cobbled streets!

2009-09-24T15:04:00.001+01:00

Seriously, I can't be the only woman whose shoes are a mess because of Helsinki's never-ending cobbled streets. Helsinki - you are killing my high heels! Screw romance, screw tradition, screw public spending; dig those rocks out now, and lay down the asphalt already! Want to sign my petition? E-mail me here.

Fashion inspiration from the streets of Stockholm

2009-09-23T09:34:00.003+01:00

While HEL looks seems to be all the craze here nowadays, I find I can relate much better to Stockholm Street Style. HEL looks is definitely quirky and appreciates the fashion choices of some very unlikely trendsetters, and I love that. But what can I say, I'm a labels girl.

Seppälä - the shame of Finland's highstreet

2009-09-22T08:48:00.002+01:00

Is it possible to find a more dreadful collection of supposedly young and fashionable clothes, which claim to offer something different, and represent international fashion? With an outdated logo, store fronts and designs, and clothes that you wouldn't be caught dead in, reminiscent only of Soviet era bread queues, the bland colours of Seppälä represent the Finland most of us want to leave behind. This Finland is 90ies Eastern Europe, where everyone looks the same, and we all blend into one mass of dull, dreary, beige and black nothingness. Seppälä is clearly trying to expand eastward, well, I've got news for you! The Eastern Bloc no longer exists, and women in the Baltics have been embracing their freedom and femininity for years. Rather than spending so much on advertising, I would spend on re-doing store interiors, and bringing on board a couple of new truly international designers, with their eye firmly on trends.

I would recommend that Seppälä take a leaf out of Primark's book in the UK. Sure, some of Primark's success is based on it's incredibly low prices (which may or may not be made possible through unethical trading practices...) Primark has really taken advantage of the recession, and is offering great fashionable trendy designs at fabulous prices. Its designs are constantly featured in fashion magazines, and its stores are frequented by hoards of London fashionistas looking for of-the-moment trendy bargains. And lo and behold, their sales are going through the roof compared to the rest of the UK highstreet!

I can see Seppälä trying hard to break moulds with their new campaigns, and emphasising young designers. What they really need is to get some fresh un-Finnish talent on board and get the basics right. They need a collection which mimics what's happening in the global fashion world, and inspire the Finnish people to fall in love with them all over again.

Just take a look at Primark:

Give autumn the cold shoulder!

2009-09-18T08:28:00.002+01:00

One of the trends the fashion world has been buzzing about for the past few months is the return of the padded, accentuated shoulder. It's a masculine, sculpted, almost military look which still manages to ooze class and femininity, and draw attention to one of the sexiest parts of a woman's body, the collarbone.

Balmain's futuristic silver dress has been all over the fashion mags and internet sites this autumn, and even featured in this morning's Helsingin Sanomat fashion pages.

Who else does this trend justice?

The Balmain staples

Edgy feminine at Louis Vuitton

Aqua - buy online at www.asos.com

Dolce & Gabbana autumn/winter

Rihanna in Balmain

Rihanna in Marc Jacobs

Chloe Sevigny - the girl's got style!

2009-09-17T17:54:00.000+01:00

To inspire us for the weekend, why not take a look at uber-cool geek-chic Chloe Sevigny. Starring in funky movie roles complete with lesbian kisses, this DJ:ing, skateboarding designer is now doing a range for hip US boutique Opening Ceremony. While her range is difficult and some pieces are disappointing, it's worth checking out for a few gems. And here are some of my fave Chloe pics...

It's the 80ies, and I'm down with the ladies!

2009-09-17T08:37:00.002+01:00

This is how to make 80ies style look very 2009, and hot! Of course it helps if you're tall and blonde and skinny, and look like Madonna's long-lost lovechild...

Photo creds go to: http://stockholmstreetstyle.feber.se/art/164834/jessica_hart/

I want, I want!

2009-09-16T12:18:00.003+01:00

Yes, it's not winter quite just yet, but this morning's heavy rain showers have brought in the colder winds and autumn is definitely well on it's way. I've always loved the seasons, not least because of the changing fashions and wardrobe updates they help justify.

Why, oh why can't any of my fave brands ship to Finland? Right now, I'm wanting these Ralph Lauren snowboots; what cosier way to skip, hop, and jump through the snowy streets of Helsinki, jet your way to Lapland in, this winter? Bring back the moonboot!

Get crackin' with the packin'!

2009-08-31T16:17:00.006+01:00

Kinda hard with all this malarky going on outside the flat...

Guide to Helsinki? I got a good one for you!

2009-08-31T12:39:00.000+01:00

Looking for a quirky, cool, different Helsinki city guide? Bulgaria's Guide to Helsinki is stocked with wicked photos, and includes all the general must-see tourist spots (just portrayed in a cooler light!), as well as tons of hidden city gems. Some of the photos are oh-so-posey, but you can't deny it's cool factor.
My fave sections are around the Toolo area, my home turf, Toolonlahti, and Jaskan Grilli (skip the garlic or you'll be brushing your teeth til your gums bleed!) and I've definitely found some places to check out, including Sea Horse and tons of funky looking cafes.
Thanks for lovely gift, Roisin!

Helsinki Inspiration

2009-08-31T12:25:00.000+01:00

Inspiration, enfatuation, discovery, self-discovery, adventure... these are the things I'll be looking for as I enter the cold, cool, clean, crisp, blue-skied, white-summered, minimalist country far up north. Finland.
I've been away so long that I imagine it a floating around in an almost dream-like state, high up in the clouds sheltered away from the rest of the world, a place where colours are basic and magnified, and natural elements rule.
My romantic visions are about to be shattered next Saturday as our plane lands at Helsinki-Vantaa, and we begin the search for a new home whilst living out of suitcases for the next who knows how long. Still, I expect inspiration, enfatuation, discovery, self-discovery, and adventure. I expect to be inspired once again by my home town, and expect to bring inspiration.
The purpose of this blog is to serve as an outlet for my thoughts, sometimes about my hometown, sometimes about design, interior decorating, fashion, music, travel, current events... Let's see how this thing evolves.