tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116473907773151452024-03-12T19:19:26.446-07:00A girl has a LOT of dreams......nowadays my only dream is to dream another dream.Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987036802106725847noreply@blogger.comBlogger802125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-66144402864495994022015-02-01T10:45:00.000-08:002015-02-01T10:45:01.972-08:00Things I'm looking forward to...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love when I have some things to look forward to. I am not talking about weekends, or meeting friends. Those happen anyway and I always look forward to these days :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But you know, sometimes you plan ahead a trip, event ect. I am so hyped and excited about four different events:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Katy Perry concert</span> - <span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>it'll be on 18th March, so it's the first of these events/happenings that I am looking forward to. I don't have many artists whose concert I'd like to see, but Katy Perry is the one I really want to go to!!! I already know that I will love that concert!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://www.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/photo_galleries/regular_galleries/1607-stars-in-concert/photos/1332428031_katy-perry-zoom.jpg" width="217" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Väriestejuoksu </span>- <span style="color: #bf9000;"><i>this is something so different and fun! It's this color run (about 5km) where you have different obstacles on your way. I am going there with my friend Jane and I am sure we are going to have sooo much fun. And to top that off - at the end of the event there will be a fun color party ;) More about the event <a href="http://www.variestejuoksu.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3914/14451618539_0a5f0feb30_b.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Trip to Turkey </span>-<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i> both of my sisters and I will go to Turkey, Alanya for a week in the beginning of May. The plan came so quickly..and within days we had boughts the tickets. I am so excited! Last summer when me and my older sis went together to Turkey (Kemer) then we had so much fun!!! I am sure this year it'll be even better..we are more ready for it and we know more about Turkey ;)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="360" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10445915_10204222820428658_6401130053896283477_n.jpg?oh=76b7ebfdfdddab2781d01fbc4b675974&oe=556E211C&__gda__=1428323171_f2b6301038c36c11d90d62a14bd0d0f7" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I took this photo last summer in Kemer, Turkey</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Naisten Kymppi </span>- <span style="color: #bf9000;"><i>I have been to Naisten Kymppi once in my life..I think I was 13 y.o. Every year my family takes part of May Running Day (Maijooks), but since I live in Finland now, it'll be just easier to go to Naisten Kymppi (it's basically the same as Maijooks, only the distance is 10km instead of 7km). I am going there again with my friend Jane. I guess we both will start jogging/running when the snow melts, so we can be ready for that 10km distance :) More about Naisten Kymppi <a href="http://www.naistenkymppi.fi/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="285" src="http://img.yle.fi/urheilu/muut/article6659666.ece/ALTERNATES/w960/naisten+kymppi.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I definitely have some fun events and trips to look forward to among with all the little daily and weekly things!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-19639327534751959672015-01-25T08:35:00.001-08:002015-01-25T08:35:31.123-08:00Life in general.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been pretty absent in my blog. At the beginning of this year I lost my grandfather and so it's been hard.. I haven't really felt like writing. I have just been trying to go along with everyday life - work and rest at home. It's Sunday night right now and I am going to have a dinner soon. I love weekends. I had my sister and her kids over here yesterday and we had a nice Saturday brunch. And today I have been just at home, Jay and I also went to the foodshop. I have had some very bad stomach issues so I have been extra cautions of what I eat.. But it seems that I have figured the problem out and I know how to get my digestion and stomach issues back to normal. At least I hope so. It will take a while, but I truly hope that eventually it's all right again :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't tell there's anything super interesting happened. Life has been pretty normal (apart from my grandpa's death). I obviouslt went to Estonia to his funerals. Besides that I have been working, I have met with my friend Jane two times, been going to the Finnish classes and zumba. So, I would say during the workdays I am pretty busy. That's what makes weekends even more enjoyable and special :) :) I especially love loooonnggg sleep :D Nothing beats that! And these lazy and slow mornings.. half a day in PJs.. ohh I could go on and on.. :D Weekends rock!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have also gotten quite a few mail this week: letter from my friend Shawny from AU, letter from Rebecca from USA and a nice late Christmas gift from my besty Elisa from Mexico :) I am such a lucky girl to have such great friends! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="WHAT WOULD BLAIR DO? | TheyAllHateUs" height="400" src="http://data1.whicdn.com/images/159425520/large.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Photo -- van -icons bij Imonline.nl!" src="http://data3.whicdn.com/images/16335460/large.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-81489470574987905972015-01-02T04:24:00.000-08:002015-01-02T04:24:31.573-08:00Lazy, rainy Friday + new year resolutions<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am laying on a couch in the living room, drinking my second cup of black tea, munching on chocolate and listening to Chandelier by Sia on repeat (I love the video soooo much!). Jay and I were supposed to go to water park today, but Jay stayed up all night and in the morning he was so tired. I myself went to bed 3am and woke already 8.30am.. So, I didn't get much sleep either. In the morning we went to the food shop and Jay wanted a breakfast so we went to the Hesburger. I was so hungry, but didn't order anything because something is bothering my stomach and I still haven't figured out what. I must start eating some food groups separately to eliminate those food that are okay for me to eat and don't mess up my digestion system. It actually is so stressful because I have this problem for few months already and it just sucks - I don't know what I can eat without having stomach hurts and constipation afterwards. :/ I hope soon I can figure it out and just quit eating foods that irritate my body. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The weather is horrible today! It's raining like no other. And it's supposed to be winter - where's snow? Jay is going to work tomorrow and according to our plans right now we will go to the waterpark tomorrow when he's off. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My work starts next Wednesday so I have few more days to just rest and do fun stuff :) From next week I am attending zumbas classes once a week, on Thursdays. I wanted to join the class in autumn already, but it got full before I managed to enroll. They opened an enrollment for the spring classes today and I quickly enrolled and paid for the classes - there's all together 16 classes and it only cost 50 euros :D What a bargain! I hope I like it..I have never been to that particular zumba class. I love Hyvinkää Fit24 zumba a lot, but I have also been to Willa zumba classes and I don't like these. But I will see how I like that new one :)<br />I thought I might write down here some of my new year resolutions;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Read every month at least one book</i></li>
<li><i>Workout - zumba once a week :)</i></li>
<li><i>Keep up with my Finnish studies</i></li>
<li><i>Get my stomach problem solved and eat only the foods that are good for my stomach</i></li>
<li><i>Buy myself ice-skates and go ice-skating as much as possible this winter! (we have an ice rank very close to our home)</i></li>
<li><i>Spend my 25th birthday in another country (I'm dreaming of Rome or London)</i></li>
<li><i>Be very positive and open minded</i></li>
<li><i>Help those who are in need - donate clothes, food, money ect. (I tend to do that anyway, especially at Christmas time, but I do want to do that more often throughout a whole year</i></li>
<li><i>Find more time to visit my family in Estonia</i></li>
<li><i>Go to IKEA (random, I know, but I have never been to IKEA even though I live in Finland :P)</i></li>
<li><i>Invest in quality not quantity!</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
And I'll end this blog post with my current favorite:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2vjPBrBU-TM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-2116497805779651212015-01-01T13:31:00.001-08:002015-01-01T13:31:50.074-08:00Happy 2015!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's 2015! Jay and I went to my friend's place yesterday and after few hours there we drove to my sister's to say hello to new year - 2015. It came with a big nice fireworks and good champagne. We actually drove home and didn't stay a night at my sisters. It was honestly so good to sleep in our own bed. I slept pretty long - I woke up 12pm today. When I woke I searched out my last year wishes, read them and wrote new ones for this year. It's always fun to see what wishes and dreams came true, what not. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I didn't do much.. I just enjoyed being at home. I planned to do a liquid day - means eating nothing, just drinking, but oh I am weak. If Jay woke up and wanted to go out for dinner I was so up to it :D haha. It's okay, I'm far from perfect. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really hope this year some of my dreams and wishes will come true. Some of those are pretty big, some small. I think it's very healthy to dream - big and small :) And even if they don't always come true, it's still always nice to have things in your mind that push you harder in life!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="c: " height="400" src="http://data3.whicdn.com/images/154652670/large.jpg" width="400" /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-37587380925749580432015-01-01T12:36:00.000-08:002015-01-01T12:36:00.688-08:00Book to read..or not to ?!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love reading. Always have, always will. I used to write long book reviews, but now I don't find so much time to write so much about each book. My average is to read 2 books in a month. I work so I don't have tons of free time to read, but I like to read on my way to work and on my way back and also before I got to sleep at night (but surely not everyday I have strength to read). Anyway, I decided to write here shortly of each book that I have read since September. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Across the Universe" </span></b>by Beth Revis</i> - it is the first book of that series. It's about a girl whose family and herself will be frozen and they are travelling across the universe and after 300 years they should be unfrozen when they arrive another planet. But the main character wakes up way earlier than planned and where she finds herself is not what she expected..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://p.gr-assets.com/540x540/fit/hostedimages/1380369026/721679.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Mad About the Boy" </span></b>by Helen Fielding </i>- It's the new book of Bridged Jones. I actually have not read any other Bridget Jones books, only seen the movies. But I really enjoyed "Mad About the Boy" (and now I understand its love and popularity). It was very funny and light hearted and just a fun easy read! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1374883586l/17262155.jpg" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"The Beginning of Everything" </b></span>by Robyn Schneider</i> - I really enjoyed reading this book for some reason. I liked that I knew nothing about that book.. I only had heard that it's good. So, I ordered it and enjoyed reading without knowing what's the story-line. It was again an easy read, but at the same time it made you think about many things in life. I don't want to say too much about it, but you can find more about it on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13522285-the-beginning-of-everything" target="_blank">goodreads</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51q0V6p%2BuCL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"The Book Thief" </span></b>by Markus Zucak</i> - I had heard about that book (and the movie) a lot, but never really had chance to read. Finally my workmate also read it and recommended and then I decided to order and read it as well. I might say it took me quite long to read it.. it really needed much attention and concentration. It was about a girl in Hitler Germany..that's all I want to say about that. She loves reading before she even knows how to. I have not yet seen the whole movie (just the beginning), but it seems that the book is much deeper and has much more to offer than the movie. Even though it took me a while to read it through I really enjoyed it and it was such a good and eye opening book!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVW1eDERBJF4UmzVoozL0JlNx88JZ8PkJ-oPTy2DbFWw7NEIlrkAE4DZ6yT7RcfTJHbYNj6QZAdbnF0Tiyiki8MjBoYMdrzhCp96EhzrIanZmBSOYyGIZwyfPr4H1TyoCFXp4fhp6M6E/s320/BookThief-Poster.jpg" width="216" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"The Year I Met You" </span></b>by Cecelia Ahern</i> - I didn't have to know anything about the book to know that I would love it. It's written by my all time favorite author and I love absolutely all her books. I never have to disappoint. I love that feeling when her new book arrives and I can lost myself in reading it and discovering all its beauty! Ohhh.. I love it :) The Year I Met You was so interesting, heart warming, funny, sad, realistic and much much more. It's about a woman who must be in gardening leave. She must wait a year until she can work again. And that year helps here to figure out a lot about her life..and she has a help from her neighbor..they help each other!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://wpcluster1.dcthomson.co.uk/pressandjournal/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/10/yl-book-year.jpg" width="205" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"If I Stay" </span></b>by Gayle Forman </i>- I didn't plan to read that book, I only wanted to see the movie. But I had no time to go to the movies so I ended up buying the book and reading it. I must say it was pretty average and nothing special. It felt too obvious and too easy to read. Even the sentences were somehow too easy. I cannot really explain it.. Later I saw the movie too and it also was very average, but definitely a bit emotional. The book should have a second part as well, but I haven't read it and I'm not sure if I will.. Maybe. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/BN-DD882_ifista_DV_20140609182109.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Will Grayson, Will Grayson" </span></b>by John Green and David Levithan </i>- for some reason I really love John Green books - I have read all of them now and I'm a fan. It was fun to read that book because it was written by two authors and they both created a character Will Grayson. At first I was a bit confused and didn't realize that the second chaper Will Grayson is not the same Will Grayson who was in the first chapter. From that on I understood that the same Will Grayson appeared every other chapter. It was interesting to read about their lives and see how their lives cross. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140518180258/johngreen/images/1/17/17208924.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Orange is the New Black"</span></b> by Piper Kerman </i>- I actually have not finished reading that book yet, but I still decided to add it here. I like that it's based on a true story. I know many people have seen the tv series, but I have not (I might start watching them when I finish reading the book). Piper writes so honestly and with great details about her life and how she ended up in a prison for over a year. She describes her prison life and makes you feel her own feelings during that time of her life. I have read only 70 pages so far, but I have already balled my eyes out and I am hooked on her story!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://smithsonianapa.org/bookdragon/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2013/12/Orange-Is-the-New-Black.jpg" width="207" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year I also try to do these little book sums up in about every 3 months. Mostly for myself to see what and how much I read, but also to give some recommendations.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really enjoy watching <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/booksandquills" target="_blank">THIS</a> youtube channel. She gives very good book recommendations and you can hear about new books :) I have bought many books that she's been talking about and I have loved them a lot!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-37971998861266564062014-12-28T06:26:00.000-08:002014-12-28T06:26:00.249-08:00My Christmas 2014<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas is over for this year. It was our first year to spend Christmas here in Finland. My younger sister and my older sister with her husband and kids came over to our place. We had a nice traditional Christmas Eve dinner, later opened presents, ate desserts, talked soooo much, danced, made funny jokes, laughed, filmed, took photos, walked a dog ect ect. It was a very fun night :) They all stayed over and surprisingly we managed to find a place for everybody to sleep! Next morning I had a lot of cleaning to do, but it took me so little time to get my home look normal and tidy again. My sister Anni stayed her for 3 days and my older sister's dog Bonnie also stayed here (she's still here) because they wanted to go to Estonia and needed somebody to look after Bonnie. I was super excited about that because I love Bonnie and I always miss having her around. So, I have been walking with her outside every day abour 4-5 times. It's so fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our Christmas tree and gifts under</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2INUCAGIiN9SEzwgbbGAcJdIdDtmo3qwHROE4wm8Wa-bgf1isLDrWTKeTLfVDVrSYkIZIoaJjB9f5KWCLrZcQ-EXG1i6vdkA6SLPpIwQUccMkcrhhKcHRlHyWZCUmk-mJppew93JdukQ/s1600/IMG_20141224_171510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2INUCAGIiN9SEzwgbbGAcJdIdDtmo3qwHROE4wm8Wa-bgf1isLDrWTKeTLfVDVrSYkIZIoaJjB9f5KWCLrZcQ-EXG1i6vdkA6SLPpIwQUccMkcrhhKcHRlHyWZCUmk-mJppew93JdukQ/s1600/IMG_20141224_171510.jpg" height="640" width="566" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Me, my older and my younger sis :)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJe_6oU8GWt8gP8cHfmvnV4qRfUhkjPJt3xAR34hZZALeJViHoZ0JlFnCT2mt3ttcGt7y63PbdnU2Fb_z_c1dJTrjjUAGPW44rjSM2NWA4yJPNx_p8F_T2Ax8wsIp58Di4LUpNyPsANI/s1600/20141224_171749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJe_6oU8GWt8gP8cHfmvnV4qRfUhkjPJt3xAR34hZZALeJViHoZ0JlFnCT2mt3ttcGt7y63PbdnU2Fb_z_c1dJTrjjUAGPW44rjSM2NWA4yJPNx_p8F_T2Ax8wsIp58Di4LUpNyPsANI/s1600/20141224_171749.jpg" height="640" width="459" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Table of desserts</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpRmnXvmcWZ0Dqhpc6VcQrjQMaDYcEI0txR4tomXrEQzV7qXn0_bIRFsieCp6jhoaYRQ9ww8p6HhKEYnr950XIFqvHakp9dGRsoYSBvLUYD-zpSPZpzruqdxATrDXZu4rRg3GmpIAOH4/s1600/IMG_20141224_185150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpRmnXvmcWZ0Dqhpc6VcQrjQMaDYcEI0txR4tomXrEQzV7qXn0_bIRFsieCp6jhoaYRQ9ww8p6HhKEYnr950XIFqvHakp9dGRsoYSBvLUYD-zpSPZpzruqdxATrDXZu4rRg3GmpIAOH4/s1600/IMG_20141224_185150.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> My two best sisters!!!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EPPpog9dYIo3BaKDoTLtZbFL75vDybL_7fGkAGL9nMLqFcJUew-iimRwsncoNi330ji_N0oM2un_8qRp9JlojmAL89DaLrdIblP4rd0QZVMHxPZnd1F6Enq8VSvlebgt5N6tcSIfnQM/s1600/PC240139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EPPpog9dYIo3BaKDoTLtZbFL75vDybL_7fGkAGL9nMLqFcJUew-iimRwsncoNi330ji_N0oM2un_8qRp9JlojmAL89DaLrdIblP4rd0QZVMHxPZnd1F6Enq8VSvlebgt5N6tcSIfnQM/s1600/PC240139.JPG" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Little Jonathan! He makes us all laugh and be a bit childish!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h54YAN9sPVrbnfdLm5GD778uZ4VIDilu4QDdYjC0gwrXH6-qMRzQVj2PVagTiYpbnc0DSEexGM0Z_y732tI-meNkIsh2pdzrcvLfkJXvGbmpNlQj9DvTpxWqbvlboLxrc5gjic7qmeE/s1600/PC240141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h54YAN9sPVrbnfdLm5GD778uZ4VIDilu4QDdYjC0gwrXH6-qMRzQVj2PVagTiYpbnc0DSEexGM0Z_y732tI-meNkIsh2pdzrcvLfkJXvGbmpNlQj9DvTpxWqbvlboLxrc5gjic7qmeE/s1600/PC240141.JPG" height="640" width="484" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">This year Santa (aka my husband) was so generous and I got pretty spoiled. I got really really really nice gifts. I am so grateful for all I got (from all of my other family members), but surely the most grateful I am of my family around me. This Christmas Eve was really special and fun and I am glad that even though we live here in Finland we can still have family around and we can still have our traditional Christmas Eve celebration :) Next year we will be celebrating Christmas Eve at my sister's house. At least that's the plan right now :)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like I said my younger sister stayed here at our place longer. So, on Christmas Day we spent most of the day eating left overs from Christmas dinner, played a lot (Monopol, Alias, Pokker), laughed SO much and walked Bonnie many times! Jay also had days off so it was fun to spend time together doing nothing important, but still having fun and being relaxed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Christmas Day lunch.. using left overs from Christmas Eve dinner</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9sZJHKR_qTerZdroL3pgw8c8ZO2IsqxOPJkJBVpS_Z9fZX9nwO6ARrnglLcwJKuAXYSSatPO3PbBuHVBNGkZ3Zb8npS4Zjs4aTe_yP7kPwaeCCDDu_8V4IQD2IpEgEMDdPHjAZIoysU/s1600/IMG_20141225_131813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9sZJHKR_qTerZdroL3pgw8c8ZO2IsqxOPJkJBVpS_Z9fZX9nwO6ARrnglLcwJKuAXYSSatPO3PbBuHVBNGkZ3Zb8npS4Zjs4aTe_yP7kPwaeCCDDu_8V4IQD2IpEgEMDdPHjAZIoysU/s1600/IMG_20141225_131813.jpg" height="640" width="630" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Deal! (not sure who was more happier to make that deal?!)</i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQfSpjhuiY8vApozFvYZINY3OjNDVSbruvP1GCseOkK-R9IgmsUL3XMgCYMQVafooiIk1qypv6EFKE9fIZAZFFlUVW3J3t8p5OEfyNDI1KHrPAtrdgwRR7fYhyd8yOaHwXPZgUN6Cdac/s1600/20141225_150130.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Walking with Bonnie</i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1jCzf1_b61niw6F8TAlc3ph-OwoivDo_0eNZvJB5z6_0I5UuFMK3bfB7J6VZNPn8zUgBHujfUAxtZF7aEKFDm-5GZzxb5hqOyNg9DhnCWYjhbtEBRA3pG1yd66rAZEmoQ7-AcPE0hgc/s1600/PC280146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1jCzf1_b61niw6F8TAlc3ph-OwoivDo_0eNZvJB5z6_0I5UuFMK3bfB7J6VZNPn8zUgBHujfUAxtZF7aEKFDm-5GZzxb5hqOyNg9DhnCWYjhbtEBRA3pG1yd66rAZEmoQ7-AcPE0hgc/s1600/PC280146.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Snowy pinetrees!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ3PXk1grOZdc8dCC0o-Kwa_3MvCoQ07BSTr6-bGGFFnFdQlm0gH2BS25i8gi0VApeugICVGezinWzOFZTLkxmHkyG8w7umin9dzwNsGenegAbDOQfnx7KMT9TPcYuGn5wHy-9DeFDsc/s1600/PC280149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ3PXk1grOZdc8dCC0o-Kwa_3MvCoQ07BSTr6-bGGFFnFdQlm0gH2BS25i8gi0VApeugICVGezinWzOFZTLkxmHkyG8w7umin9dzwNsGenegAbDOQfnx7KMT9TPcYuGn5wHy-9DeFDsc/s1600/PC280149.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have quite long Christmas break as normal for teachers :) I truly enjoy that I can just be at home, take Bonnie for long walks, drink a lot of tea, sleep in, watch movies (watched If I Stay and Gone Girl), read books (currently reading "Will Grayson, Will Grayson"), and just be relaxed. The other day I went to the zumba and I am going again on Tuesday. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Selfie with my princess!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisri8M4DfY1YlZMEidPKMWxvWBwQceP3uKozz_iqTuFg33mGcy7n1VZ9Kfvmy1BUPJKxeK-j1GMoTndMsPQw05o6YI9hqn1kFSMI4RSnw4PMgvJQuyUSUnNgzJIdy8wMYEhetihOQ4JPQ/s1600/20141228_122612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisri8M4DfY1YlZMEidPKMWxvWBwQceP3uKozz_iqTuFg33mGcy7n1VZ9Kfvmy1BUPJKxeK-j1GMoTndMsPQw05o6YI9hqn1kFSMI4RSnw4PMgvJQuyUSUnNgzJIdy8wMYEhetihOQ4JPQ/s1600/20141228_122612.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
New Year's Eve is already on Wednesday. I can't believe 2014 is going to end and we will welcome 2015 already. I still remember the millenium.. everybody thought that 2000 is the end of the world. Even though I knew it wasn't true, I was still a bit scared that moment when the clock turned 12am and new year started. :P Oh well, it was almost 15 years ago :D Time really passes by fast! So, we better enjoy every moment of every day! :)</div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-32133903206206512332014-12-14T07:03:00.001-08:002014-12-14T07:03:36.979-08:00Two weekends: trip to Estonia, Christmas show, ect.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last weekend I went to Estonia with Jay. He had his brother's birthday and I decided to use that free time to spend some time with my family. I visited my mom and stayed there over night. We had a nice dinner together and then we watched tv together and had some late night treats :) Next day I visited my grandparents. Mom also went with me. Like always at grandparents' place I was eating SO much! After few hours there I took a train to Tallinn, went to the hairdresser and then visited my other grandmother. And of course I ate so much at her place, too!!! Later that evening I did some shopping and then I met up with my younger sister. We went to the movies to watch "Nullpunkt" (Point Zero). It was such a good movie. Actually it was the first Estonian movie that I had ever watched in the cinema. Usually I am not a big fan of Estonian movies, but that one was really good!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the movie finished we went to my sister's place. I hadn't seen her Tallinn apartment yet. We watched tv at her place, chatted and had late night tea and chocolate :D The next morning she went to work and I met up with Jay. We did some shopping, checked-in at the hotel because we couldn't get a boat tickets to the earlier time of the day..so we decided to spend some hours in a hotel before our boat was supposed to leave. We were actually both so tired and it was good to just sleep and watch tv. We sure got back home pretty late and I had to wake up early next day.. So, I was pretty sleepy at work on Monday :P</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But talking of work. Last week was quite fast and busy. On Friday we had Christmas show with kids and that went so well. Parents' gave us some very nice presents too which made that evening even more special :) I was definitely so proud of every kid :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided to take it easy yesterday and so I didn't clean at all (although last weekend we didn't clean either because we were in Estonia). But yesterday I went to the mall to finish shopping for Christmas gifts. It took me about 3 hours :/ I also bought a new journal for myself and I posted a Christmas package to my besty. Most of the day I was writing either letters or Christmas cards to my friends. I am going to send out over 20 cards. So, that took a while. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today was woke up so late (11.30am) and had a quick breakfast because I needed to start cleaning. I wanted to get done before my friend was coming over at 2pm. But later she texted me and told she couldn't make it today. So, I spent my afternoon watching some youtube videos and just buring candles and enjoying a good lunch. It's almost 5pm now and I am going to make dinner. Jay got from his workplace a homemade pasta machine. So, I am going to make homemade pasta! We'll see if it comes out okay :P</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I cannot believe I have only 5 days of work left and then I'll have my Christmas holiday! I already know that next Saturday when it's my first day of vacation I will stay in PJs the whole day, watching movies (I already have a list of movies I want to see) and just have a super lazy day in!!! After that I can be more productive, clean, go to the foodshop or run whatever errands I need. But Saturday will be a lazy day at home :D </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas is coming up soon and I am so excited. We are hosting a Christmas dinner at 24th December. My both sisters will come with their families. We bought quite a lot of Christmas food from Estonia last weekend. But I still have some things I need to buy here. I am still deciding what dessert to make. I know my sister will bake something, but I might as well.. Let's see. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Right now I just want these upcoming 5 work days to pass by very fast :D</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year I made my own gingerbread dough (I got the recipe from mom). I have baked gingerbread cookies twice - 2 weeks ago and yesterday. I spiced up my cookies yesterday adding dried cranberries and cashews to the dough. These came out the best gingerbread cookies I had ever tasted! (I also used hald plain white flour and half whole wheat flour)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg7XDAx___Hu5jx5gRJRk2RrKhPlU4ylPFROdhitXCTK5qRJQPbIMQDBcqhH_fXlyPhZQqiTWk69EL7LDkF3_OyFA27Pr95gCstYXSHh87_BZPhRf8h8gfB-SN4Wsn_Djv_QFojgoM3E/s1600/PB240109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg7XDAx___Hu5jx5gRJRk2RrKhPlU4ylPFROdhitXCTK5qRJQPbIMQDBcqhH_fXlyPhZQqiTWk69EL7LDkF3_OyFA27Pr95gCstYXSHh87_BZPhRf8h8gfB-SN4Wsn_Djv_QFojgoM3E/s1600/PB240109.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZt5yZVu3DqdV8g43fHGlEQmgOvt1wm3aOIrbabd6dU9RRes4xjGnGGaPLqSGfVFGoU4_gxDa-tjtNQHp_OOe5YvGLiscb9edG5tUebGoWhsH8Db6HeJVSc7H8LDYLclOT-Z_1jZHjhI/s1600/PB240110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZt5yZVu3DqdV8g43fHGlEQmgOvt1wm3aOIrbabd6dU9RRes4xjGnGGaPLqSGfVFGoU4_gxDa-tjtNQHp_OOe5YvGLiscb9edG5tUebGoWhsH8Db6HeJVSc7H8LDYLclOT-Z_1jZHjhI/s1600/PB240110.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1G-NUMIv5w4I5QL6gFlQKFAr-NmzqZUa6v4TmL5HWaqikXAaSwc2DUWllXKsCPWAEDWEpSlwSPjVNIW33V5kIUDE2sKzlY3rZeYJrsIwPUDqXdcjO3Im9HwWUYf9bwcijo4BI4WE-VzU/s1600/PB240113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1G-NUMIv5w4I5QL6gFlQKFAr-NmzqZUa6v4TmL5HWaqikXAaSwc2DUWllXKsCPWAEDWEpSlwSPjVNIW33V5kIUDE2sKzlY3rZeYJrsIwPUDqXdcjO3Im9HwWUYf9bwcijo4BI4WE-VzU/s1600/PB240113.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My breakfast yesterday! Still (and always) loving the gingerbread curdsnack :D PS! This mug was a gift from one of our kindi kids :) I got it on Friday after the Christmas show :D </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3wHvqHTdgH1Fb13X_QBZJZmLUGDzsVebJgM5CEZEq7SG-FbjpDaLVh6dS73FoOkrY4WqA-ALJd1IyhAmYNN3I5YN19YP3wrxoKFCX6IJSs_AL-8WpFareKuiefZLRIxDYQtsWCe7M1Q/s1600/PC130123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3wHvqHTdgH1Fb13X_QBZJZmLUGDzsVebJgM5CEZEq7SG-FbjpDaLVh6dS73FoOkrY4WqA-ALJd1IyhAmYNN3I5YN19YP3wrxoKFCX6IJSs_AL-8WpFareKuiefZLRIxDYQtsWCe7M1Q/s1600/PC130123.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Getting reading to write some Christmas cards!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BNlorwmy7FjC_CtFSsZJJlt6khrElVsPUuyOtHG3UKp-EJL1TRB_X06ItGU1jCa91RTCEmJzZn90YYBcgCN2LSHbN5HKYrVwrhZCQoSuKMusghm9RG3zt41u-pMTuRuTig3fimwBKd8/s1600/PC130125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BNlorwmy7FjC_CtFSsZJJlt6khrElVsPUuyOtHG3UKp-EJL1TRB_X06ItGU1jCa91RTCEmJzZn90YYBcgCN2LSHbN5HKYrVwrhZCQoSuKMusghm9RG3zt41u-pMTuRuTig3fimwBKd8/s1600/PC130125.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-83838063333815581022014-11-23T12:05:00.002-08:002014-11-23T12:06:34.044-08:00all that food!!! + fun times with our guests :)<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been coughing for 2 weeks now and therefor I have been so tired and weak. Last work week was actually very nice and quite calm. On Monday I managed to go to Finnish class after work and on Thursday I went to the movies with Jay to watch "The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay - Part 1". It was so good and I cannot wait to see part 2 next year! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It started snowing on Friday and it made me sooo happy :) At work kids even were sliding in the park :) Oh, I love snow! It gives me such a good mood. I think the snow came down just at the right time..I am so ready for Christmas season!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My mom and her bf came to visit us yesterday. They arrived around 4pm, so we had late lunch and went to the shops for a while. After that we were just at my place, chatting and catching up, had dinner ect. Jay had to go to work today morning so we let mom's bf sleep long. Me and mom had breakfast together and just talked about life. It was nice :) Later when Maarek woke up and had his morning coffee we all went to the shops again :) I had few things I needed, so did they. I think we all got what we went looking for. I got a new rug for our bathroom, birthday gift for my nephew, soft and comfy pj pants (which I am use as home-pants :D), some Christmas stickers for work, Christmas-y table runner, pillow cases, outdoor Christmas ornament... I think that's it. I also bought food and such. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like always mom asked what we wanted from Estonia.. so I gave her a small list that mostly included food. The most I was excited about my fav Christmas dessert: gingerbread kohuke (curd snack). It's seasonal and so you can only buy it from November till January. I am going to keep them in the freezer so I can have one whenever I want :D She also bought blood sausage that I wanted because it's my fav Christmas food :D We are going to have it for dinner tomorrow, among with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes..oh I cannot wait :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also bought my fav Creme Brulee that Lidl always has at Christmas time. We had it for dessert tonight. So delicious!!! And to end all of this food talk, I made my very first gingerbread cookie dough today! I got mom's recipe so I am sure I will have the best gingerbread cookies ever! I am going to bake the cookies next weekend :)<br />
Mom also bought some of my old puzzles (I will take these to the kindergarten) and old pictures, letters ect that I had made/written. The oldest one was a painting I made when I was 1 years and 9 months old :) I am so glad she had kept them all! I had tons of fun going through them yesterday!!! I am definitely going to keep them safe and treasure them :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The best curd snack in a world:D I love Christmas time!!!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1424547_10152652996491638_8025309658753072504_n.jpg?oh=1a24f8fd128899cad102482ddb03b41f&oe=54D1C244" /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-91724412984091244592014-11-16T06:56:00.001-08:002014-11-16T06:57:03.243-08:00Celebrating Christmas with workmates and more of my week<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello, hello! Work days have been so busy, but so fun! We went to the Winter Circus with kids and it was so cool! The whole week I have been kinda sick :/ I have got cold and now I am coughing like crazy. On Friday I was feeling extra bad and stayed home from work. I visited doctor to make sure it's nothing serious. Throughout the day I started feeling a bit better ( I was drinking lots of tea, eating honey and garlic ect). The same afternoon I got a call from work and was still invited to our workplace Christmas Party. I actually felt so bad in the morning when I called and told I was sick because I knew I would miss out our Christmas celebration. But at the end I still got to go there. We went to see Mamma Mia musical and after that had super nice dinner at Kappeli restaurant. The food was delicious and musical was so funny! Overall, I am so glad I got a chance to go there and have fun with my colleagues. At work we are now going to practice for out Christmas Show with kids. It's going to be in 4 weeks! I cannot believe how fast time flies!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had my sister with her family and my dad over yesterday. We were celebrating my dad's birthday as well with Fathers Day. It was very fun to see them all. I baked a plum cake and my sister made pizza and brownies. So, I definitely ate quite a lot of sweets. Later I went to the shops with dad and I invited him for dinner afterwards. And today when I had my student here to practice reading, my sister texted and asked if we were at home, they were on their way here. My sis and her son were here with me while her husband went to the furniture shops to find some stuff they needed for their new home. It was nice to catch up with my sister and just talk about everything. And I love my little nephew :D I always like having him around :D</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So this weekend I have been with my family mostly! It's 4.30pm now and I am planning on making dinner soon and then I want to watch some tv shows, knit a sock and make a face mask :) Relaxing end for the weekend! Next weekend my mother and her bf will visit us :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been thinking a bit about Christmas gifts already because I know how fast time will go in December. I have a gift right now only for Jay. But I am sure I will go Christmas shopping quite soon - maybe will start next weekend already if I figure out what to buy..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Not the best photo, but this is the Kappeli restaurant..it's all glass and it's already in Christmas lights! So beautiful and romantic!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2k59MfiaaQrgwCJjxZxWTFeWGMScG5mFYktvajNPYSap1i8l-6LCgHg4UQpMUnhDsxATx5PgoB6crbda88jSKp9h_N0GM16QwTQC4CQTdvH46_C-KxoIz0GrcSG-JMbm9dK3SZRN2tU/s1600/20141114_220402%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2k59MfiaaQrgwCJjxZxWTFeWGMScG5mFYktvajNPYSap1i8l-6LCgHg4UQpMUnhDsxATx5PgoB6crbda88jSKp9h_N0GM16QwTQC4CQTdvH46_C-KxoIz0GrcSG-JMbm9dK3SZRN2tU/s1600/20141114_220402%5B1%5D.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<i> Salad for appetizer! Maybe doesn't look anything special, but it was the best salad I had ever tasted!</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvChpYcL2w0BMgqY-Ync9L3Z7gXnVLsA55uV3VZMlvuPEIRyuxh_ekK59AAoAKlBlyg-Nj39B_Nj2nqbjmjT0maPjlR4JMYbwQTMcpmyZpZ9VS0USzjBIFGeBH71XGza4RAp6UrNHpOI/s1600/IMG_20141114_222823%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvChpYcL2w0BMgqY-Ync9L3Z7gXnVLsA55uV3VZMlvuPEIRyuxh_ekK59AAoAKlBlyg-Nj39B_Nj2nqbjmjT0maPjlR4JMYbwQTMcpmyZpZ9VS0USzjBIFGeBH71XGza4RAp6UrNHpOI/s1600/IMG_20141114_222823%5B1%5D.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Main course - smoked salmon, potatoes with garlic and dill, creamy false morel stew. All so perfect!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKXO6iSjl9eaxMZZILZUvvAdxhNKyZBF36EkwympgQIyheLLuekztjo3jxR_m1tcp32Z2hV1o7b4YrhM3sa0ygGkKaJTolqPGt-NeUXFKv5OiZcKEamgVb3vvK1dr3rl7s-5vVCCPiLg/s1600/IMG_20141114_224726%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKXO6iSjl9eaxMZZILZUvvAdxhNKyZBF36EkwympgQIyheLLuekztjo3jxR_m1tcp32Z2hV1o7b4YrhM3sa0ygGkKaJTolqPGt-NeUXFKv5OiZcKEamgVb3vvK1dr3rl7s-5vVCCPiLg/s1600/IMG_20141114_224726%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Strawberry sorbee with fresh strawberries and chocolate cake!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihU1d6u2l4hoWvfEuZIvz_LIcYrCTOaViHHYLo31-RkKgKtC7XCQ2GoAIC-_uOUvWcwk66ySwW-BUdsLbvsOPi9vnW3q2A8EFGgCvp3SaEzZ3viS84m2sx8y29GwB29nuwS6wcs8nHnCo/s1600/IMG_20141114_232252%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihU1d6u2l4hoWvfEuZIvz_LIcYrCTOaViHHYLo31-RkKgKtC7XCQ2GoAIC-_uOUvWcwk66ySwW-BUdsLbvsOPi9vnW3q2A8EFGgCvp3SaEzZ3viS84m2sx8y29GwB29nuwS6wcs8nHnCo/s1600/IMG_20141114_232252%5B1%5D.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-27847669168541044752014-11-02T11:38:00.000-08:002014-11-02T11:38:22.128-08:00Hello November!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wow! Time really flies past (it seems I say that at the beginning of every month:P). The older I get, the faster days seem to pass by. Especially work days. It's actually so great to discover that it's Friday again (who wouldn't like that?!). Anyway, last week didn't happen much. Jay and I went to the movies to see The Maze Runner which I liked, but found it very confusing... I think if I had read the book first the movie would have made much more sense. But either way I enjoyed it and I will definitely go to see the second part when it comes out. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week I went to the Finnish class only on Monday, but it was such a waste of time. I was just sitting there and learning nothing new.. That's why I didn't go to Tuesday and won't go this upcoming week at all. I can come home and work through half of the textbook in the same time they do one exercise in the class.. I know that it was my own mistake to go to the beginners course.. it's just too easy. But it's okay. I will just study more at home and once in a while will go to the class. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Work week was pretty busy because my group's other teacher had a surgery so I was alone with my kids. This week will be the same way. I actually like being alone, but it's just so much more work.. Especially planning ect. Last Friday we had a Halloween party. It was so fun! I was dressed up as a Super Woman. I forgot to take photos, but I might ask Jay to take a photo of me later this week (I still have a costume at home). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This weekend was so great. I feel like I got to rest a lot. I cleaned home, had a student come over for a little study time, then made dinner, baked pumpkin pie ect. Only down side was yesterday evening when I had dinner and pumpkin pie - I just ate too much and felt soo bad afterwards. My stomach hurt and I was so weak.. But then Jay and I went out for a walk and it made me feel much better. Today I was much more cautious with meal sizes - I hate overeating! So, today I was feeling so good. I went to the foodshop with Jay to buy next week's food. I also had a student over for an hour, made dinner, had a face mask on, watched my fav tv show and so on. Jay is at work and will come home around 11pm. I hope that this upcoming week will be very nice and easy. Tomorrow I will have a meeting with a parent and on Tuesday I'm going to a Pupper Theater with my kids. And on Friday we'll have a Father's Day Coffee morning...so there's quite much to wait for :) But the most exciting is the fact that it's November..it means next month is December - my favorite time of the year! My Christmas spirit is so eager to come out. This year I want to make my own ginger bread dough, roast some caramelized almons, burn lots of Chirstmas scented candles, put Christmas decorations out (cannot wait!!!) and much much more! I can't wait till snow comes down and I can listen to Christmas songs (I want Pentatonix's new Christmas album!). I am also looking forward to making some Christmas cards from my friends and going Christmas shopping (I have already done some online shopping:P). Oh, there's so much to look forward to, but I know December is a month away. So I better enjoy this last autumn month and try to make the best of it. But last year I felt that December was too short to really enjoy Christmas season, so this year I am not afraid to start a bit earlier with all these Christmas thoughts, treats and preparations :) High Five if you love Christmas time as much as I do :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="♡" src="http://data1.whicdn.com/images/144614733/large.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-1514044932854878402014-10-24T10:43:00.001-07:002014-10-24T10:43:45.710-07:00#recipe: 3 recipes for fall<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me fall and winter are the most inspiring time for cooking/baking. It's cold and dark outside, so there's nothing better than warm kitchen and all that delicious smell :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I decided to put here 3 recipes that are in my opinion very perfect for fall time!</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<b>CHICKPEA + LENTILS SOUP</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>1 chopped onion</i></div>
<div>
<i>1 chopped carrot</i></div>
<div>
<i>1 garlic clove</i></div>
<div>
<i>salt, pepper</i></div>
<div>
<i>400 g canned chopped tomatoes</i></div>
<div>
<i>dash of sugar</i></div>
<div>
<i>400 g canned chickpeas</i></div>
<div>
<i>1 dl lentils</i></div>
<div>
<i>2 dl vegetable broth</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Heat oil in the pot. Add chopped onion, carrot and garlic. Season with salt andpepper. Add chopped tomatoes, chickpeas and vegetable broth. Let it boil until chickpeas are soft. Add lentils and boil till they are ready. Season with salt, pepper and sugar if needed (I didn't add any of those to this dish because onion and garlic gave so much flavor themselves!)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDP-Oq-8lTtB6_I9h85WM2tK5fw7ptjdls2VzOVeGwjSUQaRc5JBfoWcgo6Qk_0krC0-qW0O-EXNBJXT9xkyaZqQsXcvI_ffCxZtoiiECXd-g9oNzSJaOuNy3T0QGewOSIQyABGvyMaA/s1600/P1017426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDP-Oq-8lTtB6_I9h85WM2tK5fw7ptjdls2VzOVeGwjSUQaRc5JBfoWcgo6Qk_0krC0-qW0O-EXNBJXT9xkyaZqQsXcvI_ffCxZtoiiECXd-g9oNzSJaOuNy3T0QGewOSIQyABGvyMaA/s1600/P1017426.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<b>PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh yes! Finally I got pumpkin puree and got to bake something out of it! I made basically the first pumpkin cookie recipe I found. The cookies turned out so good!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>100 g unsalted butter</i></div>
<div>
<i>100 g brown sugar</i></div>
<div>
<i>6 tbls (90 g) pumpkin puree</i></div>
<div>
<i>1,5 cups whole wheat flour</i></div>
<div>
<i>0,25 ts salt</i></div>
<div>
<i>0,25 ts baking powder</i></div>
<div>
<i>0,25 ts baking soda</i></div>
<div>
<i>1,5 ts ground cinnamon</i></div>
<div>
<i>0,25 ts nutmeg</i></div>
<div>
<i>0,5 cup (90 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips<br /><br />Preheat oven to 180 C degrees. Mix butter and sugar. In a separate bowl mix all the dry ingredients. Add pumpkin puree and sugar-butter mix. Mix is nicely. Add chocolate chips. </i></div>
<div>
<i>Roll the dough into balls (about tablespoon of dough for one ball) and place them on to a baking sheet on a baking pan. Flatten the balls a bit. Bake the cookies about 8-10 minutes. If the cookies didn't spread much at all, flatten them when you them them out of the oven. Let them coold down and enjoy :) (they are just as good when they are warm as well!)</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
I took the original recipe from <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/09/04/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">HERE</a>, but I changed it a bit..made it healthier :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="These CHEWY (not cakey!) pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a must try recipe from sallysbakingaddiction.com. You will love them!" src="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Sallys-Baking-Addiction-Pumpkin-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies-2.jpg" height="640" width="374" /></div>
<div>
<br />
<b>BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am such a big sweet potato lover! I used to not like sweet potatoes at all, but now I truly love them!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had been craving for sweet potato fries for quite a while and I finally made them today. Oh they tasted so delicious! I think the sweetness of sweet potatoes is just so perfect for this season! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The recipe is of course very simple:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1 big sweet potato (mine was 700 g)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>0,5 ts salt</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>0,25 ts pepper</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>a bit of potato seasoning (optional)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>about 2 tbsp olive oil </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Preheat the oven to 235 C degrees (450 F). Cut your sweet potato in half. Cut slices out of both of the halves. Slices cut into strips (try to cut them as same size as possible). Put the potato stips to a baking sheet. Add olive oil, salt, pepper and any other seasoning you want. Mix them all together (use your hand). Now comes an inportant part: line your potato strips all nicely, so they don't touch each other. That way the strips will be crisp :)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Bake the potatoes for 15 minutes, then turn them over (yes, one at a time) and bake 10 more minutes. If you don't want them to be so very crisp, reduce the baking time a couple of minutes both sides.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49KCuGEMxtw5qANS9IhxiYPMkCV4Vn71-GSjsStFgmdzNoHTTFEjQ_sKpLqzWV_oQ_Y0ano1m4ftMIb39_D_nz24A9D7NRY2Fd10AnBKfORzZ3v_xE14luWHpODbA0Ku_2gKmwUFHHPc/s1600/P1017430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49KCuGEMxtw5qANS9IhxiYPMkCV4Vn71-GSjsStFgmdzNoHTTFEjQ_sKpLqzWV_oQ_Y0ano1m4ftMIb39_D_nz24A9D7NRY2Fd10AnBKfORzZ3v_xE14luWHpODbA0Ku_2gKmwUFHHPc/s1600/P1017430.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-81502624817418792612014-10-21T09:48:00.000-07:002014-10-21T09:48:25.149-07:00Fun times :)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last weekend was so great because Jay didn't have to go to work on Saturday. So, on Friday he went out with his friend and when he came home early morning I woke up too. Neither of us were tired, so we just chatted and laughed and just had so much fun :) I enjoyed that early morning with my hubbies company a lot! Finally we fell asleep. In the morning I made banana bread and went to the food shop.When I got back Jay woke up as well. We had agreed that he'll make a dinner. He went to the easiest way and bought frozen pizza and baked it in the oven. It was very good! And I just liked the fact that I didn't have to cook :) The same evening we went to the cinema to see Dracula. It was such a good movie! When we walked back from the movies we laughed again so much and had such a nice time together! I think it was one of the best days together in a while. He's been working so much and he has weekends off very seldom. Luckily upcoming Saturday he's off again and we are planning on going to the cinema again :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Sunday my sister Anni-Brit came to visit us. So, in the morning I made banana cake. I asked dad over too so there would be more people to eat that cake :D Anni and I went to the shops, watched a movie (A Single Moms Club) and just caught up on each others lives. She's going back to Estonia on Thursday morning.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The weather has been pretty changing. Saturday was super sunny but cold. Sunday was not cold but so rainy. And Monday and Tuesday were cold, but cloudy. Today actually even snowed a bit. Because the weather has mostly been cold I have been eager to bake :D Halloween is coming closer and at work we are preparing for our Halloween party (doing decorations, planning activities ect). My friend from work found canned pumpkin puree (we were all looking for it everywhere, but couldn't find). But she found it and I asked her to buy me two cans. I had never had any pumpkin sweets (pumpkin pie or pumpkin cookies..). Yesterday when I got the puree I knew that when I got home I would make something. I made pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips. They were sooooo delicious! Recipe will be up soon as well :) I never thought they could taste SO good! I am definitely addicted and I have a new favorite thing to bake now!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over all these past few days have been so much fun and I have been enjoying my time with Johannes and my sister!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-21285610898952282792014-10-11T12:44:00.001-07:002014-10-11T12:44:16.298-07:00Weekend in Estonia, ViPR workout, book reading and more<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last weekend I went to Estonia to visit my grandparents. It was nice to see them!!! I also spent time with my mom and my friend Laura. Laura and I had so much fun! We had real girls night in! We cooked, chatted, did online shopping and ended our night with a facial mud mask :) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the morning we had delicious breakfast (porridge with almonds and fresh strawberry jam + chai tea). I also did some shopping while I was in Estonia. I managed to buy two pairs on jeans and boots. I also bought some food stuff that we don't have in Finland.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week at work was pretty busy. But I still had time and energy to go to ViPR class with my workmate Ashley. I totally loved it. It was definitely the most hardest and intense workout I have ever done in my life. But I felt so great after it was done! Of course the next day all my muscles were sore and to be honest the seconds day was even worse. At nights I couldn't even turn.. everything hurts..still! But I definitely want to continue. I am thinking of buying a monthly card for that gym. It's pretty expensive so I want to be sure that I am ready to commit and that I have energy and will to go to some workout classes after work.. Lets see how it goes and what I decide :P<br />Besides that one workout I have been reading books. I read through the newest Bridget Jones book called "Mad About the Boy" and a book "The Beginning of Everything". I loved them both so much! Currently I am reading "The Book Thief". I just started with it so I don't have an opinion of that book yet. But I mostly end up loving all the books I read. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's weekend today so I feel relaxed! When I came home from work yesterday I cleaned our apartment and made apple jam. I know it's so random. But my mom gave me some apples and I can't really eat them :/ For some reason apples make my stomach hurt and give me huge digestion problems :S That's why I decided to use these apples to make apple jam. I love apple jam and it was my first time to make my own. It came out sooo good and I am looking for tomorrow's breakfast porridge that I will top with that homemade apple jam! I also got a jar of apple jam from my workmate whose grandmother in law had made pretty much, more than she could eat. It was so nice of her to share some of the jam with us at work :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoaascL3OgVgVuj4lnaPFQC7ajJCZklbH4AN8bAuvk9iqDUmI71HPxoTfH4bgVp2Ti7LQwOh9pWh1CIbgw8Irg1Gpmg3fzy7w8ZMrQmH4_Clgb9dWcF44km-vxDkU7OwZKmiYIhmgV_A/s1600/P1017418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoaascL3OgVgVuj4lnaPFQC7ajJCZklbH4AN8bAuvk9iqDUmI71HPxoTfH4bgVp2Ti7LQwOh9pWh1CIbgw8Irg1Gpmg3fzy7w8ZMrQmH4_Clgb9dWcF44km-vxDkU7OwZKmiYIhmgV_A/s1600/P1017418.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I made a delicious and healthy banana bread today. I love baking on the weekends. But I try not to do that every weekend because otherwise I would be eating only cakes, pies and muffins (they always last for so long since my husband doesn't eat them). I also made a next week's dinners menu and went to the foodshop to buy all the ingredients that I need. I find that method so good. Firstly, it's much cheaper to really think through what I need for the week and buy them all at once, it's also so good to come home from work and to know what I am going to make for dinner and also to have all the ingredients in the fridge. I got that menu idea from my workmate Ashley and I have been doing that for a month already. It works so well! :)</div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-26298946576441081862014-10-11T12:09:00.001-07:002014-10-11T12:09:29.677-07:00#recipe: Banana Bread<div style="text-align: justify;">
I got this awesome banana bread recipe from my friend (she took it from the Internet). I am so glad she shared that recipe with me because this banana bread is so delicious and healthy (that's the best part!).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, if you want to make a moist and delicious banana bread without sugar and butter, this recipe is meant for you! ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm2xqNebWjcChKVyQRxGI1NXTT_lj1XyfquGb-YkMD0cpniXPNS-INU3AcQu1JXTAyE2lpQn189mqvuBH1PoFMKkjAS0TBtOpa1nJmSp7CPDZFluVDHtdYSCZS92OTU2T3nzuPVsECz4/s1600/P1017421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm2xqNebWjcChKVyQRxGI1NXTT_lj1XyfquGb-YkMD0cpniXPNS-INU3AcQu1JXTAyE2lpQn189mqvuBH1PoFMKkjAS0TBtOpa1nJmSp7CPDZFluVDHtdYSCZS92OTU2T3nzuPVsECz4/s1600/P1017421.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1 heaping cup mashed banana</i></div>
<i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1/4 cup honey or maple syrup</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1 teaspoon vanilla</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1 egg</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, rice, oat milk)</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1 cup rolled oats</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>3/4 teaspoon baking soda </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1/4 teaspoon salt</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</i></div>
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>How to make:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1. Preheat oven to 180 C degrees (350 F). Cover your loaf pan with baking paper (or spray it with nonstick cooking spray). </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>2. In large bowl combine mashed banana, applesauce, honey/maple syrup, egg, almond milk and vanilla until well combined and creamy. In separate medium bowl whisk together whole wheat flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda (I didn't have it and I just left it out), salt and cinnamon. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined (don't overmix!).</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>3. Pour into prepared load pan, sprinkle oats over top (if desired) and bake for 60-70 minutes.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>4. Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool. Enjoy this delicious and moist banana bread! Keep the bread tightly wrapped to maintain its moisture. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Original recipe taken from <a href="http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2013/11/whole-wheat-oatmeal-applesauce-banana-bread-healthy-vegan-friendly/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-6266519489731586032014-10-02T11:04:00.000-07:002014-10-02T11:04:12.530-07:00Hello October!<div style="text-align: justify;">
October has arrived and I am so pumped about it! The weather is getting colder, I can wear scarves, bake a lot, eat lots of tea ect. I decided to write down some of the things that I want to do and things I am looking forward to this October:</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Drink a lot of Chai Tea (I'll buy a Tiger Spice Chai Tea from Estonia)</li>
<li>Bake a banana bread</li>
<li>Bake a pumpkin pie (my very first one ever!)</li>
<li>Attend to an Halloween party (also my very first one ever!)</li>
<li>Wear an Halloween costume (at the party obviously!)</li>
<li>Burn lots of good smelling candles</li>
<li>Have long walks and pick up some colorful leaves</li>
<li>Do more and more fun fall arts and crafts with my kids in kindergarten! </li>
<li>Continue with the weekly dinners' menu (more about this later!)</li>
<li>Ride my bicycle as much as possible (before it starts snowing..)</li>
<li>Enjoy every little moment because life is good :)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Credit to meeeeeeee " src="http://data3.whicdn.com/images/139574028/large.jpg" /></div>
<br />Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-6600374821641375022014-09-30T02:30:00.000-07:002014-09-30T02:30:01.619-07:00#monthlyfavorites September<div style="text-align: justify;">
I feel like September just rushed in and out. Days passed by so quickly. I can't believe tomorrow is October already! </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like every month I have been loving some products more than others and I am here to share them :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Thought:</b><i style="font-size: x-large;"> </i><b>May you wake with gratitude </b><i>-</i><i style="font-size: x-large;"> </i><i>I love quotes and thoughts. In September I have been loving this one. Every morning when I wake up I try to think happy thoughts, be positive (even if I am super tired and would lovee to sleep longer!) and just be grateful for everything good I have in my life :):)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Wake With Gratitude" height="400" src="http://data1.whicdn.com/images/137117541/large.jpg" width="311" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Book:</span> Across the Universe</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><i style="text-align: justify;">- This is the first book of that trilogy. I absolutely loved that book! It was an easy read. I mainly read that in train on my way to work and back. I felt I really got to go into the story and I just couldn't put the book down! I am going to order two other parts very soon!</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="https://p.gr-assets.com/540x540/fit/hostedimages/1380369026/721679.jpg" width="261" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Treat:</span> Fazer Pure Dark chocolate with roasted corn</b><i> - mmm, I am enjoying the taste of this chocolate right now while writing this blog post. I love that the chocolate is dark (70% cocoa) and the roasted corn is a perfect compliment! The taste reminds me of something.. I don't know what, but when I eat it it just makes me happy and a bit nostalgic :)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="http://www.fazer.fi/contentassets/986cca9c8a62401ebb525c5d7ed5985b/fc_-401878fazer-pure-dark-70roasted-corn-chocolate-dark-chocolate-95g.jpg" width="215" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lip product: </span>Rimmel lip balm Keep Calm and Party</b> <i>- I love purple lipsticks, but this purple sheer lip balm is the best! I like how it gives nice purple shade to your lips, but it's not like a lipstick purple. And it also keeps my lips moisturized. Only downside is the smell - doesn't smell good..</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://fi.rimmellondon.com/sites/default/files/14-06-27/keep-calm-lip-balm_product.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Activity: </span>Finnish Course</b> <i>- In September me and my husband both started going to Finnish classes. It's twice a week and the beginners level. Even though I have already been through that level it's still nice to revise everything..and going to school with my husband is the best part of it! Plus surely getting new friends, learning more Finnish and being able to practice it!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="add a caption" height="400" src="http://data3.whicdn.com/images/138997632/large.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Clothing item:</span> Knee high socks</b><i> - 2 years ago I got two pairs of knee high socks from my best friend for Christmas. She sent them all the way from Mexico. I have been wearing these socks like no other.. mostly in autumn and winter. When the weather got colder this month I dug up these socks again and have been wearing them so much throughout September!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image 1 of Cath Kidston Button Spot Gumboot Socks" src="http://images.asos-media.com/inv/media/9/7/5/2/4352579/emerald/image1xl.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Place: </span><b>home </b><i>- whenever it gets colder and darker I really enjoy being at home! I have been baking every weekend, burning candles, reading books and snuggling in my blanket while watching my favorite tv shows. Home is the best place to be at!</i></div>
<div>
<img alt="add a caption" height="400" src="http://data2.whicdn.com/images/137328835/large.jpg" width="396" /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-55784501403162415572014-09-26T10:41:00.000-07:002014-09-26T10:41:00.761-07:00#weeklyupdate<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week was somehow full of different meeting and other important things at work. I was so busy all the time that the days just passed by. I almost feel like I skipped some days. Friday came so suddenly, but it's definitely a nice surprise :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Besides work the week was pretty normal. I think it was Tuesday morning when I woke up and realized it's snowing :) I was super excited and that gave me instantly so much energy and happiness! I love snow and I just like where seasons change. But surely this snow melted before it touched the ground and I am glad... it's just to early for snow. Let's enjoy the autumn first! I really like how crisp and chilly it is outside. I love snuggling in my big scarf, sweater and jacket :) I also like to drink tea after coming in from outside. It gives comfort and makes me feel warm again! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have also been enjoying walking on colorful leaves! Oh, that crispy noise :D</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Wednesday I went to zumba class and after that I felt extremely tired. I didn't enjoy the class so much, because it was more hopping around and not real zumba (I went to a different sport club this time, but it's not for me!). Anyway, when I got home I took a shower and went straight to bed. Next day I felt so weird at work..I felt hot and the cold. I also had awful headache and I was soooo tired! I was supposed to meet my friend Stella after work to have a dinner together, but I cancelled because I was just feeling so sick :S I went home, had dinner and went to bed. And today morning I felt okay again :) I think I was just to tired and my body couldn't take it. So, now that have been slept enough I feel great again :) I will definitely reschedule with Stella and meet her next week!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am so glad it's weekend tomorrow! I don't have many plans...I will mostly be at home. In the morning tomorrow I will teach one boy for an hour. He'll come to my home so I don't even have to go outside :) But I think after I am done with him I will clean home, make next week's menu and go to the foodshop to buy the food we need for next week (my co-worker Ashley told me that she's always making the whole week's menu and buys all the things at the same time). I am going to try that too! Maybe I will be more creative with dinners then :P Sometimes I am really tired after work and don't feel like cooking at all..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also want to do my homework for Finnish class and read a book! I want this weekend to be very relaxed and nice! I think I will also go out to ride my bicycle because I just love to ride when it's autumn :D </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I must mention that I keep checking foodstored for persimmon, but they still don't have it. I am wondering when are they in season? I just can't wait to eat them since I love them sooo much! I have been a lot clementines lately and they remind me of Christmas :D</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next weekend I am going to Estonia (I was supposed to go later but things got changed..). So, next weekend I will go to my grandfather's birthday and will meet my friend Laura. I also have a little list of things I want to do and buy in Estonia! :) About that later!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Autumn" src="http://data2.whicdn.com/images/138842661/large.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-17368931966605454242014-09-21T09:49:00.000-07:002014-09-21T09:49:17.969-07:00#recipe: 3 different healthy muffins<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last three weekends I have been baking! I just like how my home fills with baking smell! It's especially great during autumn! I like then it's dark outside, quite chilly, I burn candles inside and I can smell that muffins are baking in the oven. Oh, that smell! But since my hubbie isn't a big fan of sweet cakes/muffins/pies, then I know I must eat them all...that leads me to another thing: I must bake as healthy as possible, because I don't want to eat that much fat and sugar (but I also can't say no to the goods I have baked!). So, the easiest and smartest thing to do is to bake something healthy. That way I din't have to feel bad (or guilty) eating those all by myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am going to share these 3 very easy and delicious, but also healthy muffin recipes that are perfect for chilly and dark autumn nights! ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CARROT & AVOCADO MUFFINS: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>(recipe makes 6 muffins)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Perfect autumn recipe! Carrots give such an unique and sweet flavor to these muffins. They are as healthy as they can be: no sugar or butter! Your house will smell soooo good when you are baking these muffins!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwvCdu2ex0I8O0TKyiOy9r-UPNK81sIAzJJrWOc7EJRQbe56sAbX9AzXM8CjS6Zb1RldPV2RB0ZNeqbnvo3YZascE9xnyyVwNiHw_lQAIEzW6XOjgaDLiRME91S33lEIt-UAD1LR0a3o/s1600/P1017396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwvCdu2ex0I8O0TKyiOy9r-UPNK81sIAzJJrWOc7EJRQbe56sAbX9AzXM8CjS6Zb1RldPV2RB0ZNeqbnvo3YZascE9xnyyVwNiHw_lQAIEzW6XOjgaDLiRME91S33lEIt-UAD1LR0a3o/s1600/P1017396.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<i>1/4 cup wholewheat flour (or rice flour or coconut flour)</i><br />
<i>1/4 tsp baking powder</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup honey</i><br />
<i>1/3 cup grated carrot</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup ripe avocado, mashed well</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp lemon juice</i><br />
<i>3 large eggs</i><br />
<i>poppy seeds (if you want)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>How to make:</b><br />
<i>Whisk together the eggs, avocado, carrot, lemon juice and honey. Add the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry until you get semi-runny batter. Spoon the batter into greased muffin tray. Bake in 200 C degrees about 15 min.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJY6WFGV3jFwzcxOCHGWc4UxIgU2Zo9rAJfKJHQAOavj0rr9IwBB_ANnG1-RW7MWBWX-L1me52lJDw2sciFsuX41pXJ0DDGidTPAnpYXT59swvmyiF4XjNrwA4HaFbALpVNRiFV7ucLRU/s1600/P1017397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJY6WFGV3jFwzcxOCHGWc4UxIgU2Zo9rAJfKJHQAOavj0rr9IwBB_ANnG1-RW7MWBWX-L1me52lJDw2sciFsuX41pXJ0DDGidTPAnpYXT59swvmyiF4XjNrwA4HaFbALpVNRiFV7ucLRU/s1600/P1017397.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMSGjMQQgFN3YQVeEaPhJKzcOe-j-fcz5yt3idj3vkyZReAsrBAOQNgPoWfuEhQUKq0J9azTBU8HX4ZaVwawMr-rcoyzJ1AwIo4Qlt_URtXb6_WNyALgVDdOVxwHM-khFWh_ozbGge5w/s1600/P1017400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMSGjMQQgFN3YQVeEaPhJKzcOe-j-fcz5yt3idj3vkyZReAsrBAOQNgPoWfuEhQUKq0J9azTBU8HX4ZaVwawMr-rcoyzJ1AwIo4Qlt_URtXb6_WNyALgVDdOVxwHM-khFWh_ozbGge5w/s1600/P1017400.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>BANANA & AVOCADO MUFFINS:</b><br />
<i>(makes about 6 muffins)</i><br />
I like the banana and avocado flavor combination. You can definitely taste that there is something different there (avocado!), but it's a good flavor! Plus bananas are always great in muffins! There's no sugar or no butter in this recipe, so it really makes you feel good when you eat this dessert :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfezBcLTkMQYh1NfSqsBuTI7xP3L1j7W9osY6RMpJivz1odK5hnTW3XfOdo0Yr0pzM3HUMCKIHUegU1M9WXIfLYzYUyeIRugeVwLdPoOX5m2M0uxiMl0NNAZddjg5DQK6kJSOERc4AUq4/s1600/P1017403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfezBcLTkMQYh1NfSqsBuTI7xP3L1j7W9osY6RMpJivz1odK5hnTW3XfOdo0Yr0pzM3HUMCKIHUegU1M9WXIfLYzYUyeIRugeVwLdPoOX5m2M0uxiMl0NNAZddjg5DQK6kJSOERc4AUq4/s1600/P1017403.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<i>1/4 cup rice flour </i><br />
<i>1/4 tsp baking powder</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup honey</i><br />
<i>1/3 cup mashed ripe banana</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup ripe avocado, mashed well</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp lemon juice</i><br />
<i>3 large eggs</i><br />
<i>1 tbs oat bran</i><br />
<i>poppy seeds (if you want)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>How to make:</b><br />
<i>Whisk together the eggs, avocado, banana, lemon juice and honey. Add the flour, baking powder and oat bran into a large mixing bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry until you get semi-runny batter. Spoon the batter into greased muffin tray. Bake in 200 C degrees about 15 min.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>APPLE & OATMEAL MUFFINS:</b><br />
<i>(makes 12 muffins)</i><br />
This recipe is great for cold autumn and winter nights because they are pretty fulfilling! They are not so light in texture, but they are definitely sweet and rather healthy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkUauzT82eDrGmcPsJnOIEyvnAWiYDD7ANVPqU0MY5Wo9IyeQa30p7w6c6TZtWnrdS-e1nTgOYIPT8JsnxS_nLB3JP5nYhoFb9kUbvD50NNIoMwZ38nqr-LWKRi8hI_oN5XM5s5VLNK0/s1600/P1017408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkUauzT82eDrGmcPsJnOIEyvnAWiYDD7ANVPqU0MY5Wo9IyeQa30p7w6c6TZtWnrdS-e1nTgOYIPT8JsnxS_nLB3JP5nYhoFb9kUbvD50NNIoMwZ38nqr-LWKRi8hI_oN5XM5s5VLNK0/s1600/P1017408.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<i>1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour</i><br />
<i>1 1/4 cups oats</i><br />
<i>1 tsp baking powder</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp baking soda</i><br />
<i>1/4 tsp salt</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp cinnamon</i><br />
<i>1 cup applesauce</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup almondmilk</i><br />
<i>1 tbsp lemon juice</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup brown sugar (or honey)</i><br />
<i>2 tbsp lemon oliveoil (or any other oil)</i><br />
<i>1 large egg, lightly beaten</i><br />
<i>2 small apples (cut into small pieces)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>How to make:</b><br />
Preheat oven to 190 C degrees (375 F). Grease the muffin pan.<br />
In a large bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a medium bowl combine applesauce, milk, lemon juice, sugar, oil and egg. Add applesauce mixture into dry ingredients. Stir until just moist. Fold in apple pieces. Fill muffin cups full.<br />
Bake for 16-18 minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEuurs_rRTJG4FTwB4cfp99XkO_gnUlvqaUw2WVNhbdGrfRKzba4VyIJv526UDA7QDAyAop4RDCRVTOBwCeHPXTpSLoWUsfPSlBCrNkgP1B176vCtf27mhRNHTYg-z2asWCYKoc5HSeM/s1600/P1017410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEuurs_rRTJG4FTwB4cfp99XkO_gnUlvqaUw2WVNhbdGrfRKzba4VyIJv526UDA7QDAyAop4RDCRVTOBwCeHPXTpSLoWUsfPSlBCrNkgP1B176vCtf27mhRNHTYg-z2asWCYKoc5HSeM/s1600/P1017410.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k1FVLoIays3-3itYgniaP7XRWfpOziYXE5GHEhaIUUIKvKuUjvjGqPx9l-e4mQLjDEZvdNrx-eFSXamXWZXQLwCyXNd6S-nHfLeby72oZiVxNK3eDLYUCKXk0p451HORf7fHx9VDMZ0/s1600/P1017415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k1FVLoIays3-3itYgniaP7XRWfpOziYXE5GHEhaIUUIKvKuUjvjGqPx9l-e4mQLjDEZvdNrx-eFSXamXWZXQLwCyXNd6S-nHfLeby72oZiVxNK3eDLYUCKXk0p451HORf7fHx9VDMZ0/s1600/P1017415.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy :)</span></b></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-4461764756094061942014-09-13T08:14:00.002-07:002014-09-14T10:51:51.292-07:00Life update<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another week has passed. It was pretty busy! First of all, on Wednesday I took hygiene exam and I passed it! Yay! I had been studying for it past few weeks. I actually enjoyed studying. I never thought I would say that, but since I graduated I have been feeling that I want to study more (for myself, just little things, things that interest me and don't take too much effort and energy). So, that leads me to another thing. Jay and I are taking Finnish course now:) It started last Monday and it's twice a week (Mondays and Tuesdays). It's the beginners course so it's super easy (I took A1 and A2 lever course in university). Teacher told us to go to the next level course, but it's already full. So, we will still stick around in the beginners course. It's actually so fun there! They might open another 2nd level course, and I will go to that one if it's possible..but we'll see. I actually really enjoy studying together with Jay!!! Talking about him. He's also in driving school now! So, he has even more studying to do! I am so proud of him! :) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Work wise things have been also pretty busy. On Thursday we had parents' coffee evening. So it was a very long day. I arrived home a bit before 9pm and I had awful headache so I went straight to bed. But the evening with parents was successful and very nice :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am totally enjoying this weekend! I only want to rest and relax! I made banana-avocado muffins today and for dinner I made broccoli puree soup :) I will eat dinner when Jay wakes up. He must go to work by 7pm and he will do 12 hours shift. They have crazy times at work right now..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week I barely saw him.. But this upcoming week should be better!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finished reading "Never Let Me Go" and now I am reading "Across The Universe" which is very interesting so far! I think that's what I am going to do tonight - read and maybe watch some episodes of New Girl. Oh, I am loving Fazer Pure Dark chocolate with roasted corn! So delicious!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
PS! I love the weather right now. It's chilly, but sunny. I love the colorful leaves on the ground and the smell of apples everywhere! I am craving for apple pie, carrot cake and pumpkin muffins :D I will do all of these this autumn for sure ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Johanna's Blog" src="http://data2.whicdn.com/images/136010531/large.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-18428546622459366852014-09-06T07:39:00.003-07:002014-09-06T07:39:37.447-07:00#monthly favorites: August<div style="text-align: justify;">
August went by so fast. Mainly because my work started in the beginning of August so I was working this whole month! But sure I did other things as well and most surely I loved some products :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are my August favorites:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Book:</span> Never Let Me Go </b><i>- This book took me a whole month to read it :/ I just didn't have so much time and at first I wasn't so into it. But the story was still very interesting and the more I kept reading it the more I was hooked! I finished it today and if I think back it was such a good read! Very different from all the books I have read before!!! (while searching for a photo here of this book, I found out there's also a movie made after this book...and I just realized I have even seen that movie. I remember I started watching it while it had been on for about half an hour and I found that movie quite confusing..but not that I think about it I's much clearer now that I have read the book!)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/25/Never_Let_Me_Go.jpg" width="248" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Treat:</span> Kingis Mint & Chocolate ice-cream</b><i> - I don't want to think how many packs of this ice-cream I ate in August..Too much for sure, but I love the combo of mint and chocolate!!! It's probably my favorite ice-cream!</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://www.ingman.fi/Resources/Images/kingis_kotipakkaus_minttusuklaa1607-415549.png" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Equipment:</span> bicycle </b><span style="text-align: justify;">- </span><i style="text-align: justify;">I have riding my bicycle every single day in August. I ride it when I go to work every morning, or just whenever I want to go somewhere fast! It's so good my bike has a basket in front because when I come from foodshop I like to put my groceries in there!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQu667HX9a9jKv_04XjQAX0JwbTSY8x-P8W-9_cnZECi1q2OC6vMK9pr3aE7Tgi2dr8MNO5uangByILCGh4mBQn6tyq4Fq_vxDtZVv9T5mr-S5ukOa3MnqIsrdUnEJ0cwur3k-lpJYW4/s1600/20140725_151930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQu667HX9a9jKv_04XjQAX0JwbTSY8x-P8W-9_cnZECi1q2OC6vMK9pr3aE7Tgi2dr8MNO5uangByILCGh4mBQn6tyq4Fq_vxDtZVv9T5mr-S5ukOa3MnqIsrdUnEJ0cwur3k-lpJYW4/s1600/20140725_151930.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lip product: </span>Maybelline Baby Lips "Cherry Me"</b><i> - I like this tinted lip balm. It gives just enough pinkish red tint to my lips, moisturizes and looks so natural! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://www.impactnottingham.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/13521058.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">TV show:</span> New Girl</b> - <i>This show makes me laugh and whenever I think of that show I instantly have a smile on my face! This show just makes me feel good and I always like to have something funny in my life!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="300" src="http://www.yaqamar.com/up/uploads/images/yakamar.com-776ee319a8.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you can see I don't have so many favorites this month. I spent most of my days in August working, but I also enjoyed spending time with my family and enjoying all that the end of the summer has given me (especially apples!) :D</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-14278550978484374132014-09-06T06:55:00.000-07:002014-09-06T07:42:17.818-07:00Weekend, mushrooms & an apple pie recipe!<div style="text-align: justify;">
If anybody says mushrooms or apple pie I instantly think of autumn (or the end of summer). Last weekend dad and I took out bicycles and went to pick mushrooms. We had so much fun! We found so many mushrooms and I totally enjoyed being out in nature with him :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The same weekend I of course was boiling the mushrooms and marinated them. I got 10 glass jars of marinated mushrooms! Dad asked me yesterday again to pick some mushrooms and marinate them, but I think I have enough right now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrI_RF3yRQm39A6OLpmBo1I_T6j3qSnE_c1W9VZ0XUixl0O11ZWpztQtIL2Ieg07TrauaA1cWK65jHVhPHffh8cTKnGZI3fFIRk5UUZjgbLpyoe3yChoLyyMFr95up1E5Atovvxv0bhQU/s1600/IMG_20140830_144257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrI_RF3yRQm39A6OLpmBo1I_T6j3qSnE_c1W9VZ0XUixl0O11ZWpztQtIL2Ieg07TrauaA1cWK65jHVhPHffh8cTKnGZI3fFIRk5UUZjgbLpyoe3yChoLyyMFr95up1E5Atovvxv0bhQU/s1600/IMG_20140830_144257.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlXifyl4L1LJ7yJCYD2xQC-dHelvz9LgCfkr1K5t9HdlNAvarTuVri80SSdnp4Tr2gvQ1gi5WGFPhBQaY7vao26E38Hq_gjfXPWLL8Y6_RYQTxqxF2pyQymSt1BV_6Q_9rP6CMyE-E74/s1600/P1017394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlXifyl4L1LJ7yJCYD2xQC-dHelvz9LgCfkr1K5t9HdlNAvarTuVri80SSdnp4Tr2gvQ1gi5WGFPhBQaY7vao26E38Hq_gjfXPWLL8Y6_RYQTxqxF2pyQymSt1BV_6Q_9rP6CMyE-E74/s1600/P1017394.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also made an apple pie last weekend. Apples are obviously in season right now and they taste so good, sweet and juicy! I was craving for an apple pie so I made one. I know I would be eating it all by myself so I made the healthier version. I found the recipe from a cookbook called "<a href="http://www.rahvaraamat.ee/p/maitseelamused-tervise-heaks/422662/en?isbn=9789949454594" target="_blank">Maitseelamused tervise heaks</a>". (she was using rhubarbs, but the season is over, so I used apples!) I like that the author is using so good ingredients in her recipes and so you don't have to feel guilty! It's all about clean and natural high fiber ingredients! I am definitely going to try more of her recipes :) I must also mention that it's so cool how her book is divided into four chapters - recipes for each season! That for you can really use ingredients that are fresh at that time of the year ;) Clever!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm kindly sharing the recipe:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>Base:</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>250g wholegrain flour</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>125g butter</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>50g cane sugar</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>1 egg</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>Filling:</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>apple jam </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>about 4 apples</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>Crumble:</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>50g butter</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>30g cane sugar</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>100g oat bran</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>Instructions:</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Mix all the base ingredients into dough. Cover the bottom of cooking pan with the dough and cook in the oven 5-7 min in 185 C degrees. After that put apples and applejam on a base and cook about 10 more minutes. Meanwhile make the crumble: mix cold butter, sugar and bran with your hands till it has a nice crumbly texture. Crumble it on top of the pie and cook in the oven about 20 minutes. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>It tastes good warm and cold :)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY28QkzNvW6ecs-jFFNerVwJpn48M28fnWp9fv-1sun5ii1vriyCSmAF1xB1905bULjLQnO2SQG02hs0hS7BP2lLRphaO2MJnluvLAJ_2Qd2n4UHokWsGynfExYN8mwF-X44staVvgKQ4/s1600/IMG_20140830_195243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY28QkzNvW6ecs-jFFNerVwJpn48M28fnWp9fv-1sun5ii1vriyCSmAF1xB1905bULjLQnO2SQG02hs0hS7BP2lLRphaO2MJnluvLAJ_2Qd2n4UHokWsGynfExYN8mwF-X44staVvgKQ4/s1600/IMG_20140830_195243.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This weekend I have been at home (it's still Saturday evening..). The weather is so nice, sunny and warm! When I went to the foodshop earlier and passed apples on sale I just got a feeling that I need to make another apple pie this weekend. I would actually like to make a pie or a cake using avocado instead of butter. I must find a good recipe for that, but I'd like to try and make a cake even more healthier! Besides I love avocados!!! If I make one I will share the result ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a nice evening, everybody!!!</span></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-49378387897509230392014-08-30T13:24:00.001-07:002014-08-30T13:24:25.078-07:00Tv shows that make me laugh :D<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thought I might share two shows with you!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently I have been watching every day this tv show called New Girl. It has 3 seasons and right now I am in the middle of 2nd season. Oh how I love this show. It is just sooo funny and easy to watch. When I come home from work and have had dinner I like to have some sweet snack and watch few episodes of New Girl. It's so funny and makes me happy :) I feel like nothing could make me sad or mad while I watch that show! It's like a therapy!!! :D You must watch it to understand what I mean!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/D1NDNFZGY7k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Second show that have made ma laugh a lot is called Young and Hungry. It is actually more for younger audience I think.. late teens maybe?! I don't know, but I definitely enjoy it and it is definitely a very easy watch. It has the first season right now, so it's quite new show. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dli6gNtd23Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-52292073820584174002014-08-30T13:09:00.000-07:002014-08-30T13:25:23.308-07:00Petit vour box<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had been wanting to subscribe a beauty box for a while but hadn't found the right one. Until recently. I found out that this company Petit Vour sends every month out boxes that include 4-5 beauty products that are all vegan and cruelty free. That sounded interesting. What I loved about this box was that it wasn't that expensive to order it to Finland (around 23 euros). So, I made my first subscription and my box arrived here few days ago. I was so excited to open it!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before I talk about the product that I received I want to say that I probably will cancel my subscription because I feel that the products I could get might be something that I actually don't like at all. And then I must throw them away or find somebody to give these to.. And either way that would be a waste of money. With the same money I could actually buy a product or two that I know I love! But this Petit Vour box is definitely perfect for those who would like to know more about new and small business beauty products, plus all the products are natural, vegan, and overall very good for you! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FQ4wyI7SqXNqIpQzXZOzx6U-ziWiW1jtFJm9dJI8SsElt3o0Rq4yqryj3iWhlYaKIQ-lim62KthTjJsO6yFhboMy1qDp9N-CIqYJj7ho_KAr7VQmMu1vRsHIpJAqDSGh4m28mYmYrRU/s1600/P1017386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FQ4wyI7SqXNqIpQzXZOzx6U-ziWiW1jtFJm9dJI8SsElt3o0Rq4yqryj3iWhlYaKIQ-lim62KthTjJsO6yFhboMy1qDp9N-CIqYJj7ho_KAr7VQmMu1vRsHIpJAqDSGh4m28mYmYrRU/s1600/P1017386.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In august Petit Vour box were:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Beauty Without Cruelty</b> Natural Eyeliner <i>- I was pretty excited about that because I didn't have any eyeliner. I got a brown one and will definitely use it!</i></li>
<li><b>Earth Body</b> Beauty Mask (and cleanser) <i>- I have been using it ever since I got it every night before bed and I like it!It's powder that you have to mix with water and then you use that mixture to wash your face. But for the mask you need some other ingredients and that I haven't had chance to make yet. </i></li>
<li><b>Harvey Prince</b> Journey <i>- perfume that first smelled really good from the bottle, but for some reason on my skin it doesn't smell so good..</i></li>
<li><b>Mi-Me</b> Tangerine Lip Butter - <i>I use that every night to moisturize my lips and I really love it!!!</i></li>
<li><b>Rosemira Organics </b>Sweet Coconut Body Butter<i> - I don't like coconut flavored things (or coconut in general) so I was quite disappointed receiving that. Since it is a very small jar of butter I will probably still use it (it will take probs 2-3 times to run out of it..).</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
These were the products that I received with August Petit Vour box. I was happy to open the box and see all these products and use them, but this "get random products" isn't for me. My skin is so sensitive and I have quite many products that I love and are rather expensive anyway...so I better spend my money on these ones. </div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-74330372762346233342014-08-23T11:24:00.002-07:002014-08-23T11:25:30.279-07:00Wishing for home..<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wishing_for_home/set?.embedder=11487416&.svc=blogger&id=132881246" target="_blank"><img alt="Wishing for home.." border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/1wgJmujEgB03ppwgbp4ndA/cid/132881246/id/enjNQ-Aq5BGMXI6mtfvecw/size/c600x520.jpg" force="1" height="520" title="Wishing for home.." width="600" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. UrbanOutfitters Plum Bow ruffle duvet (grey) </b>-<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We currently have dark pink duvet and I really want a new one..something neutral. I know ruffles are a bit too girly too, but at the same time color gray is manly too, so it would fit perfectly to our bedroom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. Bed, Bath and Beyond bathroom rug</b> - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our old one is just so old and worn and it'sreally hard to clean it. I'd like something neutral, with a little bit of color..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. J-crew hand soap that is natural honey lemon soap</b> - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we keep buying these cheap soaps that are probably full of weird ingredients. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. Pasta plates -</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently bought new dinner and dessert plates, but I am still looking for good pasta plates. I like Danish design, something simple! These should be either white or gray.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. H&M Home round glass vase</b> - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love glass vases! I'd love to put there one of my fav flowers - peonies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>6. Magnet board</b> - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sometimes I wish I had a board where I could put little notes, reminders, inspirations and motivations, cut outs from magazines ect. Magnet board would be perfect :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>7. Bath and Body Works 3-wick candle </b>- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love B&B Works candles, especially 3-wick ones. I'd like to have a candle named "Leaves". These candles can really make your whole apartment smell so good :) I like candles especially in autumn (feels like autumn is here already!) and in winter!</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711647390777315145.post-23185182663687562232014-08-23T10:03:00.002-07:002014-08-23T10:03:50.897-07:001st wedding anniversary<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Thursday was our 1st wedding anniversary. I was so excited! I can't believe how fast time flies. I remember our wedding day like it happened yesterday. It was the best day of my life. And now we have been married for one year already :) I am so very happy with my lovely husband!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Actually on Thursday we couldn't do anything special. But yesterday after work I had a surprise waiting for me at home. I honestly thought we're not going to celebrate since Jay acted like it was no big deal. But when I arrived home after work yesterday he was waiting for me with 40 roses and romantic dinner that he had ordered from my favorite restaurant MedicinMan. He had also bought me a yellow orchid! I love flowers :D But most of all I love that my husband surprised and we got to celebrate our special day! I love him so much!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I made him a little album with photos of our first wedding year (I used only these photos where we both were on). Next to each photo I wrote quotes, memories ect. It's not full yet, so I can continue adding photos throughout our second year :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-u9_95O-OTnC2TugatLD1iqESlKcIsx6Yt-HaGj0oscwLQ3Kc03fAnKQZfnhyphenhyphenBHyqi3o2C7Y6qCWf19Y-oWYQouxxt8GwHRMyh-PC3OMtQlSJQE0UCxWJpKaNVGn6hJzQRVjm8GN9hs/s1600/P1017369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-u9_95O-OTnC2TugatLD1iqESlKcIsx6Yt-HaGj0oscwLQ3Kc03fAnKQZfnhyphenhyphenBHyqi3o2C7Y6qCWf19Y-oWYQouxxt8GwHRMyh-PC3OMtQlSJQE0UCxWJpKaNVGn6hJzQRVjm8GN9hs/s1600/P1017369.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cHlslH2E_cGz-8r0G6Qm4KwhmGCZ2Dg16ldRM2oh8Xyf_ScKqfOxJMYerj0YKyrGL28TrztKE4GRuoGifWeY-orZF6LAcoy09CrOmk1DfMkkdGoIlOEHf_2sG1cOMIYGWUaupxlDEws/s1600/P1017378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cHlslH2E_cGz-8r0G6Qm4KwhmGCZ2Dg16ldRM2oh8Xyf_ScKqfOxJMYerj0YKyrGL28TrztKE4GRuoGifWeY-orZF6LAcoy09CrOmk1DfMkkdGoIlOEHf_2sG1cOMIYGWUaupxlDEws/s1600/P1017378.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003525214524445903noreply@blogger.com3