HOME / Cutlery inventory

Some of you might remember, that I have Alessi cutlery at our home.

To be precise; " Dry " series, by Castiglioni Achille.

The series ( 2. ) is not a new one. By no means, do I have a complete set of it.

I lack the fish cutlery and some other special pieces.

I had been missing several coffee and teaspoons. I looked for them from every possible place, but without luck.

Where oh where do these things disappear?

Since I missed 5 smaller spoons, I decided to buy new ones, to get my desired amount of them.

I also bought 6 ice cream spoons! They remind me of a small shovel, to be seen in the pencil sketch ( 1. ), low, middle.

I have also decided to buy special soup spoons, picture ( 3. )

I like the " Dry " cutlery. Simple, modern, functional and available.

We do have silver cutlery too, received as a wedding present. I use it at special occasions, like Xmas. It has my husband´s and my monograms on it.

When the time is right, I will pass it on to the next generation.

What type of cutlery do you have? Do you do inventory of it ever? If you have silver cutlery, how often do you use it?

Is silver cutlery even needed these days? I could well do without mine.

THOUGHTS 78 / Dreaming

At the time, when the US Oscar´s have been given to their winners, at the time, when our neighboring country Sweden´s Crown Princess Victoria gave birth to her first baby girl, I am feeling also " high " and glamorous in spirits.

We all ( ? ) have dreams, and wish for something special to happen in our personal life sometimes too.

Right now, I am coveting these copper metallic leather court shoes. Made in Italy, design by Maison Martin Margiela. The shoes are just below 10 cm´s.

I like these shoes, because they are most classic in style, perfectly balanced, not gold nor silver, a " new " color, which changes according to the amount of light.

But where to wear them? Do I really need them? Are they too high for me, my age? Would I be able to walk in them?

Perhaps no, no, no is the answer, but I refuse to think of that right now. I´m enjoying about " the idea " of owning a pair of copper pumps!

Yesterday, we ( Dr. M, my hb and me ), had our height measured. What a shock it was!

My hb and I had both " shrunk " 1, 5 cm in height. Dr. M was her normal height!!!

Terrible, horrible.

Maybe realizing this, made me even more interested in the high heels ; ).

I´d like to raise conversation - not only about the shoes pictured -, but of secret dreams and wishes we all have. It would be great to read different types of comments under this topic.

What material dreams and wishes do you have r i g h t now? If you were able to fund your purchase, what would it be? Maybe you are fully content with what you have already have? Maybe you are not interested in anything material at all? Whatever, I´d like to read your opinion!

But, we are all women, and imo, it is only human to get thrilled about something special; something you can live without, but which still gets you excited.

Is it even totally " normal " to stick to the tightest of the tight budget a l l the time?

Please share!!!

DIVERSE / Thoughts about jeans

Entering the spring season and " inspired " by my yesterday´s magazine and my lately bought jeans, I decided to write a small post about the fantastic, everyday, every place, always in style - jeans.

The first picture shows a pair of " new " jeans, sold online for 245 pounds! This is a model, you can create yourself. Just cut short a pair of your favorite jeans, and off you go!!

The Elle magazine below, shows different types of jeans, and tells how, where and which ones to choose for yourself.

So briefly ( as if you did not already know ):

Top left - classic skinny jeans. These jeans reveal everything!

Skinny jeans make your legs " seem " longer. Wear them with pumps, or at least with shoes with heels. If the skinny jeans are too short, they " shorten " your legs.

A loose top fits with skinnies, or if you have a waist, you wish to show off, tuck the hem of the top/ shirt under the waistline.

Skinny jeans can be worn from dawn till dusk just about everywhere, just by changing tops and shoes.

Low left - loose jeans; sailor jeans. Best on skinny and tall women. This model should definitely have enough length and is meant to be worn with heels too. A tight top balances the loose pants. Add a shirt, jacket and skinny belt, and this is a casual work outfit.

Top right - low, wide jeans. These jeans create an illusion of long legs, but only, if they are of just the perfect length. The top with this type of jeans could be somewhat loose, maybe also one with some exciting color.

Low right - boyfriend jeans. This model flatters both the skinny and/or curvy woman. If your legs are short, these jeans might make your legs seem even shorter. A weathered wash looks best on the boyfriend jeans, which can be worn with heels or flats. Try to avoid too loose tops. Boyfriend jeans look great when cuffed ( just remember, that cuffing shortens your legs ).

The magazine recommends to buy a smaller size than you normally would, as jeans tend to stretch. It is also recommended to wash the jeans only when they are dirty. This lengthens their wearability.

And last but not least, choose the model, which feels best on.

With this advice, provided by the Finnish Elle magazine, I leave you to decide what type of jeans you will buy ( or not ) for the next season, and wish you a peaceful weekend : )/m

DIVERSE / Browsing the Finnish Elle

Browsing through women´s magazines is not my speciality.

However, I decided to make an exception, and bought the Finnish " Elle " magazine ( 6,95€ ).

As known, many countries have their own Elle magazine. The concept is always the same, but the pictures, articles, clothes and people written about, differ and are chosen to interst the native readers.

I meant to buy also an English March version, in order to make some comparisons, but decided that it was not necessary, as the magazines are very much alike in different countries.

The only difference with the Finnish version is, that most of the clothes shown, can be bought from this country or online. The same goes with Elles in other countries.

If you have ever viewed Elle, you know how the story goes.

First ( 2. ), there is a view of the new trend in the fashion world. This time, it is the lowered waistline in skirts. The text tells us, that it is trendy to part one´s hair in the middle and let the root growth in your hair s h o w ! There are also make-up tricks. Just now " keeping it natural " is trendy.

Second, a local celeb ( I do not like her, so no pictures ), shows her wardrobe, which consists of high-end brands ( Chanel, YSL.. )

Each number has some interior design pictures, preferably the home of a celeb again. This time, the Finnish Elle shows ( 3. ) the home of Diane von Furstenberg!

Naturally beautifully pictured food ( 4. ) go along with the concept. Even I could make the omelette : ).

Next, one big brand is presented ( 5. ). This month it is Marni. There are lots of pictures showing Marni, and Marni with H & M.

Time for some seriousness. Picture ( 6. ) shows some ideas to cheer up your work outfit.

The articles shown are available from Finland, so this might be helpful for someone in doubt.

The work uniform over here differs from the ones I have seen in US blogs.

Now to the skincare products ( 7. ). Side by side is an expensive product and a cheaper version. Both get equal compliments.

Now this is something I have to read over, as I have only turned the pages so far..This could be a chance to find less expensive products for myself!

Picture ( 8. ) has gathered all the trendy spring styles. The places to buy, the prices are mentioned. Bluish hues, the lowered waistline, the clear lines, the small flower prints, the style of the 60´s, etc, etc.

The most ( imo ) interesting page comes last ( 9. ).

Some topical; current person reveals her wardrobe! This time a young model shows her favorite fashion pieces.

Perhaps I mixed the exact order in which the articles appear in the magazine. Hopefully you got the idea though.

Naturally there are ads all over the magazine, but IMO, they are not as out-striking and there are less of them compared to the, UK and US Elles. The brands are those, which are popular and available over here: Gant, Hugo Boss and some cosmetic companies.

Actually it was quite fun to write this post ( being an amateur ).

I even managed to save an article for future days ( ! ).

Though I have no special interest to read these magazines, I am sure, that especially this Finnish March version of " Elle " will cheer many younger and older women and give information they will appreciate.

Having only browsed through the magazine so far, maybe I´ll have a cup of coffee and read it over ; )!

INTERIOR DESIGN / Throws

I like using throws as interior decoration details. Throws are practical, especially, in our northern country, especially so, in our naturally air-conditioned old house ; ).

When browsing through interior design magazines and books, you can not avoid seeing sofas and armchairs loaded with pillows. No denying, that the pictures look nice, but where to sit; where to place the pillows, if you are invited to sit and " make yourself comfortable "?

I have throws around the house, but this time decided to show you the two above.

One of them was bought in 1997, and by mere chance, I managed to snatch a duplicate last December, for practically nothing.

The throws are by Mulberry, from it´s " golden days ", wool and mohair, made in England.

I have this odd " thing " of mine to buy doubles ( or half a dozen ) of things. I had long hoped to buy a pair for the original Mulberry throw, and I knew the store that once sold them, only I did not know, that they would still have it, over 10 years later.

I like the colors ( not surprising ) on the throws. Even the checked fabric, which doesn´t excite me in clothes, feels ok on the throws.

Using very different colors and patterns together is risky, but since our downstairs has gray here and there, I dared to take the challenge, and imo, the result works quite well.

The other benefit the throws provide, is that they protect delicately colored and textured furniture.

I´m sure that our white divan would not stay white with Morty sporting around the living room.

Luckily he has never hopped on the day bed - yet!

Which do you prefer more; throws, pillows or both?

HOME / With Morty

These pictures are taken on Saturday, b e f o r e the horrendous snowstorm which came the next day.

We now have about one meter of snow over at Hagalund, which should be enough, but more snow is promised on Tuesday. LOL.

I decided to post some pictures of Morty today. I am having a flu ( not had one in over 2 years ),

and am enjoying Morty´s company as I´m writing.

The first picture ( 1. ) shows Morty " resting ". In the second ( 2. ) picture he is proudly presenting his toy, a doggy.

On his way ( 3. ) to the stable, but pausing ( 4. ) in hesitation, for a moment.

Today, I´m feeling better, and managed to do the stable chores as usual. Staying inside two days is stressing, when I am used to physical work.

If/ when you catch a cold, how do you manage the time being idle?

FASHION / Online-shopping

It is Friday today.

I just washed Morty. Having washed the dog, I also washed the floors downstairs. A woman´s work for today is done ( hopefully ).

Therefore I took the liberty to spend some leisure time, and viewed, what my favorite online stores have come up for today.

I like Mytheresa and Net-A-Porter, new selections three times a week, and should I order before noon, I´ll have my package here in 24 hours!

So far, I have only ordered three pairs of shoes. No clothing so far, as I don´t like sending back and forth to get the right size.

But today, I viewed clothing. The first three pictures above are from Mytheresa ( if I remember correctly ).

A week ago, blogger " That´s not my age ", showed an outfit by Mary Katrantzou. I have never heard about the designer before, but pictures 1., 2. and 3. show two dresses and one top by her.

Somehow, the mix of patterns and colors look fresh and interesting.

The first one is my favorite, but I´d prefer a more open neckline. The colors are pretty.

Pictures 4. and 5. are clothes by Etro. The skirt is really cute. Silk - great. I wonder where it is made? Hopefully in Italy ; )..

Sometimes scrolling through the online stores is fun. Like today ; ).

I have noticed, that I no longer buy my monthly fashion magazines, having the access to internet.

So, what about you; do you shop through the internet or do you just look at the pictures? What things do you buy and why/ why not?

Is there a lot of receiving and returning packages over at your place?

Please share your thoughts and experiences about online-shopping while enjoying a very happy weekend!!/m

FASHION / The basics

Yesterday, I bought myself a pair of jeans. I have been delaying this purchase on and on.

Maybe the huge amount of jeans available, has scared me. I mean - the variety i s huge!

I noticed, that we have as a new brand over here, the " Not your daughter´s jeans ( or something like that ). I took a look at them, and they looked so funny! Was it the high waist, I don´t know, but I put them aside. I feel puzzled.

For two years now, I have worn the so called " Boyfriend´s jeans ", but the jeans are a loose fit, and since I practically wear jeans all the time, I wanted a new pair.

As " 7 for all mankind ", is familiar to me from the past, I chose their classic skinny jeans.

The fit is perfect. Just the right " wash " for me; not too dark, not too light. And made in USA.

Somehow, lately, I have paid extra attention to where the piece of clothing ( or anything else ), is made in.

Many decent brands have their products manufactured all over the world. So confusing.

I´m snobbish, but I won´t buy something made in Romania, Turkey, etc.. Naturally I know, that maybe only the label might be attached in Italy, USA, while the product has been made somewhere else. But what can I do?

I am really pleased with my purchase. The price had been lowered, and I used my 30€ bonus coupons, I had received from the department store, so I nearly got the jeans for half their normal price!

Jeans are my basics. I build my outfit around them. Everyday ( nearly ) of the year. Jeans are my essentials.

What about you, what is the piece of clothing, you can´t live without?

If it is jeans, what is your favorite model, wash, brand?

Please share : )!!!

DIVERSE / Happy Valentine´s Day !

Happy Valentine´s Day to Everyone!

Celebrating Valentine´s Day has landed to Finland too. Only we call it " The Friend´s Day ".

Postcards, text messages and small gifts are shared.

This celebration day is quite " young in tradition " over here ( copied from US ).

IMO, the idea is nice, but the realization of it is artificial, at least in our country. It does not match the mentality of our culture. It is all too commercial.

During the last few years, the hype of celebrating Valentine´s Day has somewhat decreased.

Maybe we have realized, that celebrating the day, is not really " our thing ".

Whatever, I wish you all a happy day!

Dr. M gave me the permission to place a ( candid ) picture of herself ( a smiling one ) on my blog.

Thank you M : )/ mother.

HOME / Dining out today

Just a brief post today, since we are all dining out ; ).

Have a nice start for the new week !!!

DIVERSE / Baby, it´s c o l d outside?

It is cold outside ( -27° this morning ).

When you look at the pictures, you can see it too. The smoke rises straight up to the skies from the chimney = a clear sign of cold weather. You can see it looking at Morty. His tail is not wagging.

The stable is still; quiet. Brrrrrrrr.

Last weekend was cold too.

Just this morning, my hb said, that it does not feel that cold anymore..

It may be so. It is amazing, how quickly one is able to adjust to changed situations. In less than a week!

In the beginning of the week, there were higher temperatures. I stayed out longer, got more things done. As the weather has cooled again, I find myself wrapped under the rugs, upstairs.

Maybe this is only the nature of a human being, when being able to choose, how to spend his time.

The days are longer too, from both ends. I feel I have more energy than I did, before Christmas.

Naturally much of the energy goes to coping and keeping warm in the cold.

I am lucky to fall asleep early and easily. I need an eight hours sleep to keep me in balance.

By tomorrow, the temperatures are estimated to rise, and more snow is expected.

Life goes on as usual.

What about your weekend, do you have something special planned? Are your weekends a time to gather strength for the following week, or do you just enjoy a week passed by?

Please share!!

In the meanwhile, wishing you all a happy weekend: )/m

THOUGHTS 77/ I´m smiling

: )!!

When I came home last night from Hki ( I did n o t buy anything ! ), there were some more comments on my post about the new First Lady of Finland.

Thank you all for writing them : ).

There was also talk about me resembling Jenni Haukio, which I can´t relate to ( btw ).

An interesting conversation arouse about my serious look in all the pictures ( the few ), I have shown of myself.

I explained, that I usually do look serious; it i s me. I am serious ( though quick- tempered ).

Perhaps, and naturally it ( seriousness ) has to do with the life I have lived.

Yes, I had a too small beanie and only a few toys ; ). This is a saying, used in Finland, when you describe an unhappy childhood, with the tongue on the cheek ; ).

But, I won´t go into that. Too long a story, too sad as well.

It is true, however, that a life lived, does leave marks on one´s appearance.

We are able to make observations- preferably IRL - if a person is one, who has done hard physical work outside, or if she/ he is an indoor worker.

Looking at someone, we can definitely see if she/ he is a smoker, an alcoholic, user of drugs or suffering from some disease - physical or mental.

Maybe I just don´t feel like smiling, especially so, when asked to smile for a photograph.

In general, I dislike to be photographed, as the pictures turn out badly. I am not photogenic ; ).

But, to make everyone happy ( ? ), I browsed through the pictures on my laptop, and found a smiling Mette- picture from last year ; )!

What about you, how would you describe yourself? Do you like to have your picture taken, are you satisfied with how it turned out? Do you like to show your pictures in the blogosphere? Why? Why not?

Please share your opinions and views! Thank you so much : ).

DIVERSE / Our new First Lady

Finland elected for a new President last Sunday.

To my delight, the man, I, along with the majority of the Finnish people voted for, Sauli Niinistö, was chosen.

Sauli Niinistö ( 3., 4. ) has a nearly three decade long political career behind him. He represents the conservative party ( The National Coalition Party ).

This election was a historical one, as it has been over half a century, since the president has been elected from the "right " wing.

Along with a new President, we received a new First Lady, Jenni Haukio ( 1., 2. ).

Jenni Haukio is an academic woman, who has been working the past last years as the Head of Communications for The National Coalition Party.

She got married with Sauli Niinistö ( widower ) in 2009. So far, the couple do not have children. However, there is a dog, Lennu, as a family member; ).

Jenni Haukio is also a poet. Her poems are about the nature. So far, three poem collections have been published, two of them have received prizes.

Jenni Haukio is a young woman, born in 1977 ( Sauli Niinistö, 1948 )!

I am very pleased, that we finally have a very smart looking Presidental Couple representing Finland.

It will be interesting to see, how/if the role of The First Lady changes Jenni Haukio. Both inside and out : )!

FASHION / Absurd set-ups

During the cold weekend, I browsed through some online stores, and was astonished on what I saw.

Picture ( 1. ) shows a fake python belt by Stella McCartney.

The second picture shows a r e a l reptile belt by Fausto Colato.

The last picture ( 3. ), shows both belts side by side, and - Look at the prices! Nearly identical!

The first one is a fake reptile snake, skinnier, and the second one is broader, and made from real reptile skin.

I can´t believe this!

How on earth can this be explained?

How can a belt, made from who knows WHAT, be priced as high as a belt made from the REAL stuff?

Please, someone, enlighten me!

I don´t understand the " phenomenon " Stella McCartney.

I know, that SM does not use leather in her designs for ethical issues ( ! ) Nevertheless, she has no trouble using other non-environmental materials in her clothing designs!

To name a few: Wool, cotton, artificial materials, which are turned into shoes, handbags..

What about the ethics of these materials?

I am tired of the endless debate of fur products. I don´t understand the " issue " of avoiding reptile leather, yet having no trouble walking in e.g. crocodile- embossed leather shoes.

Why is wearing inherited or thrifted fur or leather products acceptable, while buying and wearing new leather products is not!

In my opinion, if one wishes to live a vegan life, it should be done in a 100% way. And, in the world of 2012, this is very difficult, if not impossible.

Could this even be possible in a commune of some kind?

I realize, that my post might raise strong emotions. Therefore, I would be happy to receive comments. Please share!!!

The pictures above the post are chosen randomly.

DIVERSE / Snowflakes

Snowflakes ( 1. ) on the window look nice.

Snowflakes ( 2., 3. ) on the roads can cause serious situations.

The two lower pictures show, what is going on the roads close to Helsinki, as I write.

During a few hours, c.200 cars have crashed on the roads leading to and from the city. Due to the cold weather and the wind, the snow has caused a chaos on the roads.

Some roads have been closed, trains are out of schedule, as is the whole public transportation.

It is rare to have a situation like this in Finland, as we are very well equipped for snow and to different weather types.

Friday afternoon, people on their way home..

Despite all this, I am wishing you all a safe and happy weekend!/m

FASHION / Accessories, shoes/sandals

Spring/Summer 2012 new shoes! Sandals, to be specific.

Yesterday, in Hki, I browsed through a magazine featuring the coming season´s new shoes, and was shocked, when I reached the sandals section!

Just take a look at these catwalk picture sandals, worn by the slim models!

IMO, just horrible.

Having no intention of buying the magazine ( 1. ), over 70€´s, I snatched randomly a few pictures ( 2., 3., 4. ).

These pictures show the average sandals in the magazine.

Ouch, ouch. Young women with already bad feet, wearing shoes way too small for their feet.

Looking at the pictures, is definitely not encouraging me to buy sandals.

Last year, I decluttered my shoes. For one simple reason. They were all too small for me.

Perhaps, due to my age, I have gone up 1/2 size; perhaps, when buying the shoes - in my vanity - I have wanted to buy a size, that " looked smaller and thus better ", but which at home, and finally, walking on the streets of Helsinki, started to hurt my feet, to the point, that walking was impossible.

So, I sold all my previous shoes. There was absolutely no sense to keep something, I was not able to wear.

Yesterday, we had -23°C in the evening, when I came home.

I wore my laced up Tod´s boots, which are one number up my " now " normal size. My feet were not cold at all, as the shoes were generous in size, and I was able to move my toes easily around inside them. What a lovely feeling!

When my feet stay warm, I stay warm.

Looking at the feet of the models above, I feel sad. Sad for their feet. What will the future of these feet feel like?

Do you instantly manage to buy shoes, which fit your feet perfectly? Do you know your correct size?

What about the pointy end shoes and boots, how on earth are they wearable ( not forgetting the skyscrapers )? Do you like sandals?

Please share your comments, experiences and views about shoes. Thank you : )!