Shoe Dreams

I am on a self imposed shopping strike until the end of the year, or until I can make some space in my closet, which ever comes first... But that doesn't mean that a girl can't dream, right? Dream about bigger closets, bigger year end bonuses, the comeback of the legendary market crash sale...well maybe not that last one as that would mean bad things would have to happen and since the economy is already growing slowly enough we don't want another crash now do we?

Anyway, if I was shopping, these are the shoes and boots I would buy right now.

Gucci's pumps that I would wear for any festive occasion, or not-so-festive occasion, just because they're so crazy and wonderful

Gucci's sock booties that I would wear for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year because they also are so crazy and wonderful

Cougar duck boots because I love the plaid and they would look cool with my blue skinny jeans and Columbia ski jacket. I could feel like a little sexy lady lumber jack in these. Also I want my toes to stay toasty when it's snow or sleet outside. 

fitflop slides for the time I travel somewhere warm and sunny and need slides that slip on easily to go  lounge by the pool. 

Michael Kors boots for everyday wear. Because they would make me feel a little extra special with all those little stars on my toes. And they look comfy. And they would go with literally everything. 

Ok, confession... I'm a little tired of my Nikes... Those who know me know that I don't wear any other sneakers than Nikes. But maybe it's time to grow up and try something different. These silver New Balance sneakers just seem to fit the bill so perfectly for a nice city sneaker, worn with anything, as currently allowed. 

P.S. Santa, if you're reading this, please, please, please get me the Guccis! 

Weekend Casual

I love the new longer denim jackets, and my new jacket combines the longer look with rips. I wore it yesterday for the first time, and paired with joggers, my astronaut sneakers, and Issey Miyake bag. A little junior look perhaps, but I dare anyone to come tell me that I can't wear something due to my ripe middle age. Ha!

And talking about age...I'm actually quite pleased with myself. Yesterday I tried a pilates reformer class for the first time, and I was scared that it would be very tough. The reformer machine looks scary, very fifty shades of gray. However, it was not nearly as tough as I expected, and I feel like I actually did better than the guy next to me who was half my age (not that it was a competition or anything, but you know).  I do feel the work in my body today, especially my legs, but I'm really looking forward to the next class on Wednesday. It's so refreshing to try something new. I am trying to make more of a commitment to myself again, to eat healthier, to think healthier, to exercise and sleep more.

Memories of Summer: Hanko

Finland's Nature

The best thing about Finland is the nature. The many lakes, the coast line, the forests, the humble wild flowers, and the bounty that the nature offers in the form of berries and mushrooms. Finnish summer is so beautifully green. The growing season is short but it's intense with so much light during the summer. The Finnish forest has a calming effect, almost magical in its ability to relax and quiet the mind. Being in the forest is a meditation, good for the soul.

Life on the Fast Lane

A month has whizzed by just like that. Because I'm at that point where there's so much to do all the time, and so many things constantly buzzing in my head, it's sometimes really hard to let it all go for a moment. But that's exactly what you need to do when the going gets crazy. Literally just grab a moment and enjoy it, like this sunshiny moment with a friend that I shared last Saturday.

I want to post more often because I feel like posting helps me slow down and process my life. There's just so many competing time requirements (work, kids, husband, volunteer work, friends) that I literally don't have any time left. But I'll try to squeeze in a post here and there.

Confirmation Ceremony

The lutheran church celebrates two sacraments, baptism (or christening) when the baby is small, and the communion, which you can take at the mass every Sunday. Your fist communion takes place at  the confirmation (where you confirm that you identify with the religion) after you have learned all the basic tenets of the religion, catechism, prayers, etc., in the year you turn 15. The Finns do this teaching the fun way, at a camp (rippileiri), where kids talk about religion, god, morals, the way to be in the world and how be a good person. The camp makes you think about what kind of a person you want to be, and what you believe in. At the end of the camp is the confirmation ceremony. 

We celebrated my daughter's confirmation in Pieksämäki on Sunday, August 6th. She went to an international rippileiri and was confirmed at the end of the camp along with 60 other young people. She had a great time at the camp, and, most importantly, I felt that she grew mentally, emotionally and spiritually. These are the important milestones in the journey toward adulthood, and becoming the person you want to be. 

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).