Ramblings on a wintery tuesday

Finally.
Check that weather ticker to the right!
Apparently it'll just be here for today, but I'll take it.
It's lovely.
So refreshing, bright and I get to wear my thicker wool socks.
And look:

A dusting of snow.
It's always so hard to try to show you the shortness of our days this time of year.
Today, the sun rose at 9.22am and it will set at 3.12pm.
This is how low the sun was at noon. It barely made it over the roofs.
Today feels bright with the sun shining.
You can only imagine how dark the days were with the clouds hanging low.
Thursday is the shortest day of the year.
After that the light starts winning.
Minute by minute.

Wish the snow would last.
But they are predicting no more and the temps will be just above freezing...so..
It won't be a white Christmas.

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I got our stockings up on sunday.

Niina still needs a ...oh what on earth do you call them.. stocking holders?
Anyhow, she needs one that matches the theme of her stocking.
Naturally those aren't sold here. But I tipped off an airline stewardess we know and she was shopping in Manhattan yesterday. I hope she found something. That would be fabulous.

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Niina's dollhouse arrived yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can't imagine how relieved I am.
I'm not even bummed I don't have time to build it before Santa brings it.
This was a order made together with a friend.
She bought a lovely big dollhouse and I got the cute victorian cottage type.
I had asked the great folks at Greenleaf to mark the customs price at about $40.
The slip said $39.
And it still went to customs.
Ugh.
Of course this was a huge, heavy (16 kg/36lbs) box and from outside the European Union.
This time of year they check everything it seems.
So I had to drive to the customs post office.
And open the box to see the invoice inside.

And this is where my creative devilish side took over...

There was no invoice slip.
Oh ...
But she still needed a value.
I went upstairs to the library computer and printed out the pages with the houses.
But see, she hadn't pulled out the heavy big dollhouse box... and hadn't looked at the name.
And I wanted to help my friend out.
So I printed out a page with a slightly smaller house but similar in style, if not price ;o)
Yes.. I know... not very honest...
But it saved my friend from having to pay customs.
So I don't feel too guilty.

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Niina's feeling almost back to normal.
Her neck still hurt a bit yesterday, so she wasn't at school. But there was no constant crying, so I knew it was better.
Today it only hurts if she turns her head up.
So I packed her off to school.
It was dress rehearsal day after all.

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While she was at school I hit the mall.
I got the last two missing gifts.
Then I drove to the flower shop and got myself some Christmas flowers.

Pink and red carnations.
20 of each.
They are gorgeous.

I always feel sad when people talk about carnations like they are second class flowers.
I admit, if you get three carnations and add in a bit of baby's breath it does look tacky.
And I know what I'm talking about, I used to have a flower shop myself a million or so years ago.
It's all about how you use the flower.
Bunched together like this...well... you can't beat it.
It's cheap and as long as you give them fresh water, they last and last and last and last and last and last...

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More baking today.
Making date coffee cakes.
As in coffee cakes with dates in them...hehe... they could work the other way too, I guess.
I have a great recipe that makes three at a time!
And two more loaves of bread.
And these:

So what does come from butter, sugar, molasses style syrup, vanilla, baking soda and a egg yolk?
You need to go find my photo of the day :o)

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I know you are waiting for pictures of the Christmas tree.
So am I.
Saara and Mika looked at trees on sunday and sorta liked one. But decided to pick it up on monday.
Only there was no tree seller at the spot on monday.
Huh?
Isn't this THE season?
We'll walk over tonight to see if he's back.
Hope he is.
I need to smell that tree in here.
Because that is when the magic arrives.

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So, did you get through all that?
I'm off to bake some more now.
If you happen to be in the neighborhood, do drop by for some coffee/tea/hot chocolate/glogg and something good straight out of the oven.
My door is always open for friends.

Sunday.

It started at 6.30am with Niina crying.
She couldn't move here head.
Her neck muscles were just frozen. And she was in pain. Lots of pain.
So to the ER we went.
We came home with painkillers and hopes that her neck will be back to normal soon.
We've no idea what brought this along.

Poor baby.
She's been all crooked today.
I still have to wake her up for more meds...ugh..

I've spent some time in the kitchen.

I baked two loaves of Christmas bread.

And some yummy sourmilk cake.

I also made something very Christmassy (finnish style):

Rice porridge and raisin soup.
Mmmmm.....

Decorations are ready.
Tree will arrive tomorrow.
Can't wait.

Looks so inviting with all those lights.
And you can really tell we waxed the parquet :o)


Happy third advent sunday everyone.

Phew...

Ignore yesterday's crisis post.
Niina does have her party on thursday at 9am but the class performance is on wednesday.
Yay!

And I've decided to keep this banner for the weekend.
Hope you don't mind that I'm skipping a day, I just like this one :o)

I've been doing Christmas shopping today.
I came home with many many many bags.
I'm happy.

Hoping to buy a tree tomorrow.
Only...we haven't seen any tree sellers yet.
Cross your fingers.

More tomorrow.
Good night.

Augh.

You know the Charlie Brown kind of
AUGH.

The girls have school Christmas parties next Thursday.
At 9am.
Both.at.the.same.time.
In.different.places.

Both have parts in Christmas plays.
Saara's class is putting up a play called "A Moose on the Loose" which looks like good fun. Saara has the part of Bigfoot.
Niina is Mary in the nativity scene.

We have to split up armed with cameras.
I'm so bummed.

You have to be kidding me...

There's a big storm coming tonight.
I see the start of it already...rain... winds picking up..
It's supposed to be a doozie.
Only...
..absolutely no snow.
Now what fun is there in a winter storm if you don't get snow???

And it's time to start looking for the PANIC button.
The dollhouse kit I ordered for Niina hasn't arrived yet.
Which means I'll have no time to build it.
I shudder at the thought that it doesn't arrive in time at all.
I've already had a discussion with Niina that Santa's elves could just look at their list and say that as I'm such a good dollhouse builder, they can just send us the kit instead of the built house.
I'm trying to cover my bases here...

Sewing projects.
Have some of those still do, but I did finish two last night.

I made a totebag and decorated it by using small squares of a Marimekko fabric.
I think I need to stop by the Marimekko store and go check out their scrap box... they sell bits of their fabrics for 50% off, bolt ends etc. I think I need a few of these for myself. In all colors imaginable.
And if you'd like to order one, let me know.

And my snowfolk are ready!

They turned out really cute.
They do need names though... any suggestions?

So where do they reside?
In my downstairs bathroom, LOL!

I had to cheer up the room a bit.
And add some good reading too.

If you enjoy laughs, pick up any book by Gerald Durrell.
And if you haven't checked out Viggo Mortensen's poetry, do so. That man is multi-talented to say the least.
And for giggles I recommend Shel Silverstein's Uncle Shelby's A B Z Book.
There's also a story book, a couple kids' books and crafty fun books.

Have you been checking out the photo-of-the-day advent calendar?

This week is still all crafts, cleaning and decorating.
Next week we move into baking, school parties and wrapping.

What's up with that?

Well I did finish Niina's stocking today.

Some of you might remember her temporary stocking I showed you last year. I didn't plan it as temporary, but she told me last year that she disliked her stocking VERY much. I still think it is pretty, and I'll keep it around if we ever need a guest stocking. I'll just have to take Niina's name off.

And while we are looking at last year's photos, my advent candelabra has died on me.

I know it's a broken bulb or two. It's the type that when one dies they all go out...

So I tried switching a new bulb one by one.

Nothing.

So I took another new bulb and fiddled some more.

Nothing.

Took all the extra bulbs I had and started switching everything.

The end result naturally was that not only do I now not know which bulbs are old and which new, the darned thing still doesn't work.

I guess we need a new one.

Only the ones at the store are kinda boring.

Or not our style.

Wish me luck.

So why is it that when I set up one goal, I do a million other things in between?

Like yesterday.

I needed to dust all the open shelving, and the ones behind glass doors in the kitchen.

I did get it all done, but in between every shelf I cleaned the bathroom, decorated, sewed snow folk...

Then today.

I really need to write my Christmas cards.

Any cards going overseas are late already.

And I need to dust the bookshelf in the livingroom.

What have I done?

Sewed stuff I had no plans to do.

Watched an episode of Six Feet Under I "taped" last night.

Thought of another present I could sew.

That meant digging for fabric pieces in that dreaded basement storage room.

(the one where if I ever get to the very back, I'll probably find Jimmy Hoffa...)

I really need to get to those cards next.

Just don't distract me...ok?

Making progress

It's starting to look nice in my kitchen.
The snow folk are made by me.

Also making progress on these:

Niina's needlepoint stocking. Only needs a little bit of sewing.

More snow folk!
I've had these in the works for a couple years...
They still need details to the coats.
I better get to it.
Off to dig out threads, buttons and bits of felt.

Do I decorate the mini house too?

*grin*

OF COURSE!
This has been fun.
It involved some research though as the house is set in 1940.

Here’s Mary taking a break from cooking to listen to the wireless. She has two grandsons in the war and she worries about them every day.

And a close-up of the paper chain that nearly killed me...LOL.
Chatterbox papers btw ;o)

Everyone is trying to keep spirits up and be in a good holiday cheer. After all, the war will be over come spring. In spite of rations some items can still be found. Mary has received a bottle of whiskey from the local pub owner. He was a great friend of Mary’s late husband and stops by every now and then. (can you tell I like to spin a story?)

A neighbor cut this beautiful tree for Mary. She dug out her heirloom glass baubles to decorate it. Under the tree are presents for the great-grandkids. The bigger ones are getting knitted jumpers, the bear is for the baby. She's also managed to find some chocolates for the children.

They were clever during wartime when it came to decorations. People were asked to bring nature’s ornaments indoors and to add sparkle to them with glue and Epsom salts (glue and no-hole beads work just as well). Mary’s been lucky. She found an orange at the shop. She would have bought them for all the children, but alas it was the last one. So she’s treating herself with the orange and a small chocolate bar.

The mince meat pie looks delicious and I wish you could smell the bread...mmm...

Saving her rations meant that Mary had enough flour, sugar, evaporated milk and eggs to do some Christmas baking. Looks like jam tarts...

Here's a separate photo of the kitchen table just for Suzanne B. :o)

I used cornmeal for the flour.

And look, silverware and napkins in the drawers.

For some reason the green is a bit off, it is a wedgewood green, nice and soft.

The top of the table was oiled with canola oil. I really like the look.

Christmas questions

I ws tagged by Ange :o)

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Wrap. Always.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Colored & white outside. Only white inside.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No. Mistletoe isn't a scandinavian thing.

5. When do you put up your decorations?
Some go up on the first advent. Lights go up then (outside lights stay on until mid february to help with the infinite darkness). I add decorations every weekend. We bring the tree (always a live tree) a week before Christmas. It stays until Nuutti's Day which is closer to mid January.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Finnish sweet potato dish.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
My godfather worked as Santa and many a Christmas I'd join him on his route as an elf. It was fun peeking into other families holiday.

8. When and how did you learn that Santa isn't real?
Hmmm... see above.. :o) He's real in our hearts.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes. All of them. That's when Santa comes here.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
I have enough to decoarte three or four trees... so I alternate. One year red, one lots of color, one year silver... whatever I'm feeling.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it. As long as I don't have to shovel it all.

12. Can you ice skate?
Sure. I need new skates though, had to toss my old ones last year.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Not really... sad isn't it...

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Slowing down. Enjoying the smells and sounds and lights. Appreciating family.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Any cookies I've baked.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Visiting graves. It’s a Finnish tradition to visit graves to place candles on Christmas Eve. I can’t tell you how beautiful it is to have a huge cemetery lit with thousands of candles. It’s something I like to do by myself most years. Just to find that quiet time amidst all the “noise” of the day. If we are at home on Christmas Eve, I drive there after 8pm, after we’ve eaten Christmas dinner and Santa has brought gifts. Just me, candles and matches.

17. What tops your tree?
A star.

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving gifts?
Giving.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Oh come all ye faithful

20. Candy Canes on the tree?
Not a one. However you'll find them in with my hot chocolate.

In a holiday mood, I'm not officially tagging anyone.
But if you feel like you'd like to answer these, go ahead.
Have a ball!
Glass ball...
ornament...
boxes of them...

...somebody stop me....

Oh ornaments...

Here they are.

The two biggest boxes.
Then there are the girls' boxes and atleast one more.
Lots of treasures in these.

Like my favorite birdies I made of wool yarn.

Then there's the angel I made for Saara some years ago and the cutest garland ever.
Click on the pic to enlarge it and tell me if you can figure it out.
I'll hum you a hint: mmmm m mmmm mmm m mmmmm mmm mmm mmmm mmm mmm..

You know that one don't you?

So last year I had a colorful tree.
This year I'm feeling like purple and gold...

With crystals.
Lots of shining crystals.

The middle ones are older, the others are new for this year.
Couldn't pass that mini chandelier.
Now where should I hang it?
hmmm....
Too big for the dollhouse, LOL.
(I'll show more of my decorations there in days to come)

I also have two cute ornaments I made on sale at my Etsy store.
They're real angels.
Really.
Looking for a good home.

Stormy day today .
Wind and rain.
I already hit the grocery store.
Hopefully I won't need to put my nose outside today.
Yuck.
Where IS winter?

Oh, I know...
...in Chicago.
Darn. (sorry, Laura)
A bit too much to the west.
Sigh.
I read in the paper today that it is the warmest winter in 500 or so years in Europe.
Who says there is no global warming?
This is ridiculous.

Happy 89th birthday Finland!

She looks more beautiful every year!

We're getting ready to watch the presidential ball.
Criticizing outfits is half the fun.
Spotting familiar faces the other half.

Cheers!

More rain

And a short school day.

Tomorrow is Independence Day for us.

Perfect mall day.

Had to find a 40th b-day...oh...a 80th b-day (40+40, heh) present. Ended up choosing some Villeroy & Boch glassware in a pretty mauve color.

Got home and just vegged.

And made these guys.

Cute, aren't they?

About 1 1/4 inch (3cm) tall and made of 2 pipecleaners.

Hey, did I show the close-up of Saara's house all lit up?

I've now figured out how to hide those ugly wires coming down..

Just need some supplies and a bit of time.

Soon.

Now if only Niina's house kit would arrive so I could get it done in time for Christmas!

PS. I added a Flickr badge of my banners below the Christmas journal :o)

Oh come on....

It's raining.
RAINING.
All day long.
This is getting ridiculous.

Snow.
Now please.

I have a question for you readers of my little ol' blog.
Would you like me to do a Flickr thingymagadget of my December banners also?
And just how many of you are out there today?
Shout out a hello.
Humor me.
;o)

This weather doesn't really put you in a holiday mood, but I'm defying it. I put a new wreath on my door.

Remember those IKEA ornaments from last year? They were on my tree then. I recycled them last week...
It does add a little cheer into the gloomy day.
Atleast I feel a little less grumpy.

Window shopping

I love walking downtown looking at all the fabulous windows at this time of year. It's not often I get to do it without needing gloves... it has been oddly warm here. At this rate I'm not holding my breath for a white Christmas.

But before I show you windows, I have to show you these fairies I found.

Aren't they enchanting?
I would love one.
I may have to beg for one as a birthday present ;o)

Walking down the other side of Esplanade I saw the Marimekko store across the park.

Those colors just pulled on me and I had to get closer.

This is my book is a seriously cool holiday window.
I love that strong green with the red.
I'm not so sure about the guy's "coat" but I do like the graphic feel of it.

I am so tempted by glass...

I have one of those candlesticks (the 6" one)and would love a few more but the bigger ones are quite costly. And it's not like you find Iittala for 50% off at any time. 20% sometimes... And see that bowl just above the candlesticks? It's called a Mariskooli (by Iittala and Marimekko). I have three of those in different colors. It's one of those items you just can't have too many of.

Anyone still looking for a party dress to make and ENTRANCE in?
I found one for you.

Talk about a show stopper.
And hope for wide doorways.
And just how do you sit with that on?
I'm thinking it is one of those dresses you stand in with drink in hand looking fabulous and accepting compliments all night.
It certainly stopped people on the sidewalk.

I found a nice advent calendar in the window of Artek.

Takes up a bit of space though.
Everyone of those ornament balls had a number on them. And yes, there really are 24 cubbies.
And to the left of it, one of my favorite lamps.

The Double Bubble by Eero Aarnio.
Pricey.
The design always is.

Just round the corner is my favorite bookstore Hobboks.

Or Hobby books.
You can lose yourself in there for days.
And you know what? They encourage leafing through the books.
They have a comfy couch, big armchairs, coffee, tea and cookies.
And books, books and more books.
I never knew there were so many hobby related books.
Days I tell you....

Then I stopped by at this store.

It's tiny.
But addicting.
If there were a scrapbookstore in town near this... I'd be in serious trouble.

On Bulevardi there is a fun store called Day.

Hot pink chandeliere anyone?

Walk a few steps more and you'll find yourself in front of Helsinki's most prestigious café Ekberg.
The bakery window looked fabulously gingerbready.

I'm still not sure if I should make one this year.
We'll see.

Did you enjoy your tour?

**today's banner**
It's the 1st advent. My star goes up on my diningroom window today. One of my favorites.

Hmmpphhh...

Blogger is not letting me upload the photos I wanted to show you today.
Cross your fingers that I'll manage that tomorrow.

I went shopping downtown today and saw some fabulous windows... I wanted to take you window-shopping!

I did get the new banner and my photo of the day up though :o)

Happy December!

So what is that banner photo of, huh?
Christmas lights, windows..and my reflection.
Last December we took a cruise to Stockholm. This photo was taken from our cabin window (our cabin faced the inside of the ship as during winter months the seaside cabins are cooooollllldddd) of the lights swaying gently. It was windy and the ship was swaying too...
Now there lies a challenge btw... try walking with high heels as the floor tilts to the right...take five steps and it tilts to the left...and on and on it went. Then try that after a couple glasses of wine... Talk about finding your "sea-legs".

Today I have been at the school organizing a class bake sale.
I think we did pretty good. Our last bake sale a month ago broke an all-time record.
We made 311 euros. That's $410.
From brownies, muffins and cookies.
I'm curious to hear what we made this time.

I should start vacuuming...
It's friday.
Vacuuming day.
In just a bit.

Then I have to set up some lights in the dining room.
I was all ready to set up the star lights to the bedroom yesterday, but realized I had no replacement bulbs. And my supermarket didn't carry the kind. I think I need to call IKEA to see if they sell bulbs only. If not, I'll have to trash my lights...sniff.

The girls were eager to open their advent calendars today. Our house elf Alarik had brought some dollhouse furniture :o)
Oh joy!
And excitement!
And 23 more morning to go!
Yippeee!

And as it is the first of the month, do go check out the fabulous new layouts by the AMLT design team. This team will be staying on (yay, for purely selfish reasons, as I love the team and Jill and the shop) and Jill has some exciting things planned for next year. Like a store blog. With challenges and contests. Fun times ahead.

OK, I better go bake some goodies as my bro and his fiancé are coming by tonight.
Yeah... and vacuum.
Oy.