Wedding Fun & The Best Kept Secret Restaurant of Helsinki

Usually I miss all the fun and important events of those friends who live in Finland. But this time I was very lucky to be able to attend a very dear friend's wedding celebration. She got married a little while ago, but had a party for her closest friends in early August, right after I got to Finland. I was so happy this was not another one that I couldn't go to. The party was great, but seeing my friend so happy was the best. 

The location for the wedding party part 2 was like heaven for someone like me, 

who's happy place is by the sea. 

The place is so secluded and secret, that we almost didn't find it. You actually can't drive there. Arrivals are by boat or foot (or swimming) only. 

Our navigation apps failed us, but luckily we were with locals who showed us the way to this gorgeous little island, that only houses a cute restaurant and a marina. 

I won't name it here either, because I want it to stay exactly as it is, so that when I visit it again, it's like time stood still (if I can find it). 

Finland

My annual trip to Finland took place in the first half of August. But a week before I left, I had to see this one off to her own Finland adventure. I love her new bags! 

And then it was the rest of the family's turn to squeeze into our economy seats. 

These two are always very excited to travel. 

And then we were there. 

First night in Tampere. 

Next day, the first stop was traditionally the Tammelan Tori (market square). 

Everything is so fresh and beautiful. 

Nothing beats new potatoes straight from the ground. 

The second stop is always Stockmann. 

Since it was also my birthday, I got a little party glitter treatment :-)

And, of course, when in Finland, the one and only way to celebrate a birthday is with a strawberries and cream cake. 

Summer Treats - Ample Hills Creamery

I have a few ice cream places that I really like. Even though I'm probably not one of the most discriminating persons when it comes to ice-cream, this place is definitely up there among the best ones... Ample Hills Creamery, which makes ice cream from organic milk (yay, no hormones!) is originally from Brooklyn, but also has a new location right next to the entrance to the High Line. This was very fortuitous for us when we visited High Line. This ice cream is good enough to make this little shop the main destination too, and I'm sure we'll visit again, some time soon. 

Favorite NYC Places

One of my favorites in New York City is the High Line park, built on old elevated train tracks, one end in the Meatpacking district at Gansevoort Street, and the other in the border of Chelsea and Hells Kitchen on 34th Street. I had of course been there several times, but never walked the High Line from start to finish until this summer. If you're ever visiting in NYC this is a cool park to visit.

OOO

I'm OOO, i.e., out of office for the next two and a half weeks. 

With that, here is my typical office outfit from this summer. 

Black and white stripes and culottes with a little color pop with accessories.