World through Sunflower Eyes

Usually when my holiday begins, my bags are already packed and I am ready to fly off. But this summer has been excellent in Finland. We actually have a true heat wave going on - and I am loving it! For once I have truly enjoyed being in Finland and chilling at the summer cottage. There is no better place to enjoy this heat than on your own private sandy beach. And by the sea, the heat is much more pleasant experience. I do not think I have spent so much time just swimming and floating in the sea since my childhood days. :D Taking it easy and reloading my batteries - exactly what I have needed. I have also enjoyed spending time with my friends. Having long lunches or barbecues outdoors. Or experiencing local art, mainly made of wood or metal, while walking around the outdoor area of Edvininpolku, in the city of Vaasa. Over hundred works of art placed in the middle of the nature. But of course my holiday would not be complete without ...

The past May was exceptionally sunny and warm in Finland - the summer truly arrived well in advance this year. And you will not hear me complaining! I have continued restyling my home but also spent a lot of time outdoors. You simply have to make the most of the perfect warm weather once you can, you never know what the rest of the summer has in store when it comes to Finnish weather.  During one of the weekends I visited the Helsinki zoo with my goddaughter and her family members. Three hours of various animals and a lot of walking in the sun in a great company. Luckily we managed to see a glimpse of my favorite three animals; the lion, tiger and peacock. We also ended up finding a Persian restaurant with tasty, authentic food in the eastern part of Helsinki. A nice experience indeed! Me enjoying also all the glittering decorations in the restaurant. :D Last week I enjoyed visiting the charming city of Porvoo - a must at least once in a su...

Nature and sport activities are a good combination to clear your mind and notice how you are just a small part of the ecosystem. You must always try to look at things on a slightly larger scale - realize that everything you are feeling or is happening right now is not necessarily the truth, and things are constantly changing. This long Easter weekend has been a perfect occasion for that. Another great source of energy is time spent with your friends and family. Instead of heading to a restaurant, cooking together can be so much fun. Have you ever tried to enjoy Fazer's Mignon eggs melted? And if you are not familiar with this Finnish Easter delight, you have certainly missed something. It is not an ordinary chocolate egg but a real eggshell filled with delicious almond-hazelnut nougat. For melting the egg, place it in the oven of 80 degrees of Celsius for about 15 minutes. Once the eggshell starts literally sweating, the filling has ...

It has been freezing cold outside the past week, with the wind around -20C at its worst. Since I am not that big fan of cold weather nor winter, I have preferred to stay inside quite a lot. Luckily the dance classes are not held outside. :D But this weekend I decided to head outdoors and get some fresh air. I must admit it was freezing cold but I did enjoy the amazing Finnish winter and its peculiarities. The nature is absolutely full of lovely small details that you just cannot seize to wonder. The white snowy sceneries are simply beautiful. And despite of the cold weather, it was wonderful to see the sun shining. The sun just fills me up with positive energy even on winter days. And the best thing is that after a long walk outdoors, you can snuggle up on the sofa under a blanket and sip hot chocolate while watching your favorite movie or reading some fashion magazines. And not to mention dreaming of a hot hot summer... ;)

Once planning new adventures and making your dreams into reality, it is always helpful and healthy to look back and remember the past. Hopefully also learn something about it. Some of my last years dreams came true, some did not - some I might fulfill this year, some may be forgotten and archived forever. I have listed for myself three vital points to follow this year: Leave room for spontainity - I am open to possibilities, even though they might turn up in a wrong way to my life. I am conscious of my decisions and goals but I will not overdo or overreact.  I am going to THINK BIG and believe in myself. The truth is nobody knows you and your capabilities better than you. Your own mindset is the key.  I chose some pictures of my favorite moments and highlights from last year in Finland, Spain and Greece. Looking at them, I am confident that I am on the right path. <3