Tallinn and other events

Hi everyone, I've had fun week~

But first, an announcement: I have been accepted as travel blogger to Matkamessut 2015 (Nordic travel fair)!! How cool is that! I just applied but never expected to be accepted because my blog is also concentrated on lifestyle and events. I'm so happy because it's my favorite fair and I've been going almost every year. And I heard South-Korean tourism bureau is back after being away a year so I'm excited! I don't remember if I have told in my blog yet but my next trip to South-Korea is in April. At least hopefully it's in april :P I'm still waiting for to find cheap flights but practically I have the mindset that I'm going in april xD Soooo excited to blog about the fair and about South-Korea's booth! I'm also interested in Taiwan because I might visit Taipei for few days if it's comfy for my budget. So two countries I'm looking forward to~

So everyone who's going, if you see me come say hi! I'm usually shy so if you ever notice stalker listening your interesting conversation from across corner that would be me :,D 

Ok, then to my week; well let's start actually from last sunday. First we had our last dance practice and it will hopefully continue next year. Then when I got home I showered and me and my parents left to visit our aunt and uncle and wish them merry christmas. Then when we got home, me and mom went to christmas event organized by our town. Direct translation for it would be "christmas road" where our near park was decorated beautifully full of christmas ornaments. And there were booths where you could buy christmas food. It was beautiful when it was dark, there were thousands of candles on the ground~

On tuesday I went to Tallinn with Annina and Linda. We had misfortune right from the start. Linda forgot her passport home and had to turn around and go pick it up. Then when we took tram towards harbor there was crash infront so tram couldn't get forward and all we had to walk to terminal. Luckily we were still on time.

When we were at terminal (we travelled with Viking Line) and checked in we went straight to lobby to wait opening of doors to ship. We didn't have to wait long before they let us in. The ship was full of retired older people, we got cut in many times while waiting in queue.. and they say younger people are rude... Anyway, we headed to roberts coffee and bought some beverages and sat down to talk for awhile like where we would visit while in Tallinn. After we got bored we went to visit tax free shop. I found (well actually Annina found lol) one chanel blusher that was 15€!! I had to buy it :,D since when have I become obsessed with brand cosmetics xD

After a brief browsing we went to lobby and I was feeling tired for some reason. Linda and Annina went to clothing store while I stayed like a dead fish in one bench lol. Then it was pretty much time to go to doors and wait for them to let us out of ship.

Firstly we headed to Rottermann and visited Bershka and Pull&Bear. I found cute shirt from Bershka. I'm still jealous that we don't have Bershka in Finland. After browsing we started walking towards Viru center. We passed one plaza where was this one enormous christmas tree and couple cozy looking handcraft shops. I took couple photos in there <3

We visited one shop on the roadside before entering viru center. There we headed to Mojito and Reserved. I didn't find anything even though there was season pre-sale going on. Annina and Linda found something at least. We spend quite a while in those shops and noticed at 4pm how time flies. We had one more hour so we decided to go grocery store downstairs and buy something to eat. We found sushi lol. But then we kinda spend too much time in there shopping for all kinds of snacks so in the end we had to eat like speed of light and hurry back to harbor. But not before we visited chocolate shop Kalev. It's in Rottermann and was right next to that big christmas tree. So I got pretty photo of it in dark while lights were shining <3

Then we pretty much had to walkrun to harbor.

We were speaking how we _really_ have to make a trip someday when we actually stay in Tallinn for one night. 3 hours is too little time to spend in Tallinn. (well there is actually four hours but about hour is spend when going to Tallinn and back to harbor.)

We were totally tired when we got on to ship and we went straight looking for a place to sit. We found one corner where we just spread our things and just sat there arranging our things. After a while we went to tax free to do some last minute shopping and for rest of the time we sat ourselves in Robert's coffee xD We were so tired that most of the time we just stared each other :,D I had to buy some food because I was hungry again (that sushi wasn't that filling) and bought cold smoked salmon barley bread (kylmäsavulohirieska) and it was so gooooood omg. And cheap! I recommend it to everyone who likes cold smoked salmon (you can get it from blue deli). After eating it I was still a bit bummed so I went to Robert's coffee to order coffee.. and I ordered a slice of cake too. Because it looked so yummy xD

Finally after what seemed forever we arrived to Helsinki. Annina's father was there to pick us up. After getting home I went almost straight to sleep. And next day noticed I bought too much snacks lol.

On wednesday I got christmas package from my boyfriend<3 I was surprised about his gifts even though he said it was only a little. He send me scarf among other gifts, I absolutely love it<3 And omg fell in love with honey flavored potato chips *A* shame that kind of taste you can't find from Finland T_T

I won't do cosmetics review this week either because I'm still trying couple products and I'm trying to make sense if they actually affect in any way.. so propably next week I'm gonna tell about those (maybe doing even two or three reviews).

That's all this time :) Merry Christmas!!

B1A4 in Helsinki

Sorry I haven't updated like in two weeks. I was busy preparing for christmas and going to events.

So last week my week started by going to movies with my mom. We went to watch Bridge of Spies and it was ok. For me it was a bit boring mostly but my mom liked it.

On tuesday last week I went to flower shop again with mom (I'm starting to think she's obsessed with christmas arrangements lol). And after it we visited Koiramäen pajutalli which is traditional finnish country house styled shopping place for old-, retro- and decoration stuff. Mostly finnish design but they import some swedish traditional things like in christmas time they have swedish glögi (mulled wine). Now at christmas time it is open all weekdays but other seasons it's closed only on mondays. They have some animals in there like rabbits and pigs which are so cute<3 I bought just a liquorice from there. I wanted to taste because it was chili liquorice and that's why it sounded interesting :P

On Wednesday I visited my old workplace's popup store at airport. They sold already tax free priced products with discount so I couldn't resist lol. I went with my friend Annina and with my mom. I went there again on friday because I felt like this is last chance to get some brand products with cheap price. At least now I have lotions for whole year xD I will be doing some reviews later when I have tried them.

Here isn't all but these were so nice and cheap *A*

On Sunday we had Finland's independence day so we just spend quite afternoon and in evening started watching independence day's festives. To those who don't know, every year our president will hold party for politics, important people and celebrities and athletics who have achieved something. And the whole party is aired for all people to watch from tv.

So that is how my last week was. I felt this week went too fast except on wednesday morning lol. On tuesday I met with Anniina and we briefly visited our friend Linda's art exhibition where she had her work she had done as last to graduate. It was so cool! <3 And Linda looked so good in her dress (I have to consider ordering dresses from abroads also next time I'm in need of one lol).

Then me and Anniina left to Anniina's place and ate and went straight to sleep. Because we woke up 2am, took taxi 2.30am and were lining up to wednesday's B1A4 concert at 3am. We're a bit crazy but so were the 40 other people before us who came even earlier xD B1A4 is a kpop group and this was their first time in europe. I have actually seen them once before, when they had their first concert in Seoul 2012. It was fun experience then and I was sure it would be fun experience in Helsinki also.
Here's couple of their songs so you will get the idea what kind of group they are:

We were excited but the whole day it was raining so it wasn't that great... at least we had queue system that allowed us to go to inside once in a while without losing our place in line. So me and Anniina were 42, Linda who also came to the concert came about 9am and was number 123. I also met couple other friends later. In the queue we talked with group of girls for long at morning because we weren't allowed to leave queue until 7am. It was nice talking with them but I can't say I would be friends with them because frankly, I was 10 years older than them lol. So at some point it was feeling really awkward.

The day went really quickly and soon we were lining up to go inside venue. We had gotten fanbanners earlier and before going in we also got lightsticks that were sponsored by one fanproject. It was nice to be able to do lightsea for B1A4. Only minus thing I have to say about the whole thing is that organizer's ticketing system sucked. I mean we had to have two separate tickets, one general and then what extra we bought for it like early entry. Then they also gave us wristbands but at least just we early entry didn't even have to show it anywhere like what? What were they even for?

Finally we got in 6.30pm. First they checked our both tickets. Then I left my stuff in cloakroom and then we had security check. Literally security check, the same that they do at airports with those machines to check if you carry any dangerous metal objects. It's a new security thing because of those Paris attacks...

Anyway then me and Anniina were good to go and we actually got into 2nd row and in very good places!! We were worried that we would be in 4th row because we were quite back in queue but we were so happy we got in so front!
We had to wait an hour before they started the show. During the wait they showed some zanybros video which they showed different kpop groups… and some people started screaming to certain groups showed in screen. How stupid can you get? You are in B1A4′s concert and start screaming to other group… talking about disrespectful… in korea they would have been thrown out by other fans.

When the show started I didn’t even fully realize the boys were there and that’s why I don’t even remember what was the first song xD Second was Solo Day remix which was great *A* I don’t remember all songs they performed but at least these; OK, What’s happening, Lonely, Sweet girl, Beautiful target, 10년 후, You Are a Girl I Am a Boy, Baby I’m sorry, You are my girl, My love, 몇 번을, Super Sonic, Baby goodnight (during encore), 물한잔 (during encore), who am I (during encore). Only thing I was veeeeery dissapointed was that they didn’t perform Tried to Walk which is my favorite song from B1A4 T_T

First half was energetic, they performed only couple slow songs. Members introduction talk was the best!! They introduced themselves in finnish and they totally nailed the pronounciation!! We all finns were so surprised!! And throughout concert Baro spoke english so well! We were all hyped up xD At some point there was vcr where they showed B1A4 playing games and then they came to stage with kigurumi’s lol XD they performed one song like that and then went to change clothes again while they played vcr MC’d by Gongchan x,D Then they came to perform couple more songs and it was the last half, I remember after Gongchan’s vcr was Sweet girl and Lonely. (ok it might be wrong since I was so hyped and don’t know which song came first xD ). After those was couple more songs and then they were like “we have to go now” and all fans were like awww.

Then started encore and seriously, never in my life have I jumped and screamed so much during encore!! The boys had so much energy and songs were catchy so we all were like OMG PARTY HARD X,D We had this banner ready for them that said “thank you, let’s meet again” in korean. First encore song was “Baby goodnight” and members looked so happy and surprised, C.NU even picked that banner from one of the fans and waved it to the audience. Second encore song was 물 한잔 and the boys started throwing water and I literally got splashed everytime they threw water from bottles. At one point I didn’t see a thing because they got so excited that all of them just threw water all the time lol and I was in second row and was like “gimme a break I wanna see something” At one point Sandeul picked up finnish flag and started waving it like crazy. C.Nu also had finnish flag at one point but I don’t even remember when lol. And during 물 한잔 they lenghtened the end of song for a long time and Baro was “AGAIN, AGAIN” and Sandeul was looking like “Baro pls stop it srsly I can’t anymore" lol.

So I had the best concert ever because the energy was awesome!! B1A4 really knows how to get fans hyped xD

Sorry if in this next text I am fangirling a bit but they were so cute<3
I had so much eye contact with Jinyoung, Gongchan and Baro. I got Jinyoung to wave at me <3 I was like “ok maybe he doesn’t see me but I’ll try anyway” and just then he looked at me, I shyly waved and he smiled and waved back and I just died a little because Jinyoung is my favorite. Like I have seen him from screen about since they debuted, I have also watched his dramas and now he was just there waving me :,D At some point I also touched his hand because he was giving high5 to everyone :P And C.Nu was so funny! At one point during encore everyone went crazy when he took off his shirt (although he had one thin top under it) But when he tried to threw his shirt to fans it got stuck on ceiling and he facepalmed himself really hard and looked totally embarrassed lol x,D
Oh and Baro… I was never really a fan of him but O.M.G he took so much eye contacts and everytime he stared at me and smiled I was like nope. But it was weird seeing him also because I have started watching some of his dramas and at the same time I was thinking "he's an actor too omg I'm seeing a korean actor" xD Sandeul and Gongchan were so energetic, they were full of sassyness and did great amount of fanservice to fans.


So all in all I had great concert with great company with me. At some point I saw Linda in same row as me and I was like how did you get there xD because she was behind me at first but she later explained some girls left their place and so Linda got more front. Nice~

Here's a little clip how energetic everyone were throughout the concert (no wonder my legs were mush and my voice was down for a day lol)

Going to movies, waiting for christmas...

Hi everyone~

Sorry that I didn't write any posts last week, I just felt tired and my thoughts were a mess, really. My english wasn't any good and I still am thinking if I'm going to make lots of mistakes. I have major blockout with english now lol. Even though I write english almost everyday... sometimes I check later what I have wrote down and I'm like dafuq I was even thinking. So I apologize if my text is a mess.

So my monday last week started off pretty good. I was feeling tired but I met with Annina and went to see Mockingjay p2 in movies. It was ok, not anything special. I kinda waited more because I had imagined it a bit different when I was reading the book. Especially scenes they avoided traps travelling to Snow's manor.
After movie I missed my bus just. I was 10 minutes late and I had to wait an hour for next one. It was about 9pm so every stores were closed already <_< But Annina stayed with me and we just walked through streets, watching christmas decorations. It's interesting how beautiful they can turn Helsinki in christmas time :D

On wednesday I went to visit my sister with my mom. We spend three hours at her and her boyfriend's home, just talking. My sister hasn't made any christmas plans.. well we aren't either lol. So we'll see how we spend christmas. Might be just our parents, me and my brother this year.

On friday I went to color my hair finally~ last time I colored was in May so too long ago and my hair started to look like brown-gold-blonde. After coloring I even got a freebie as christmas present <3 One conditioner that you won't wash off, it actually felt amazing when I got to use it after coloring. My hair felt instantly soft<3 Going to do a review later~ Thanks again to my mom's cousin~

My parents says my hair color is now the same as it was when I was little

I went shopping with Annina yesterday and finally got everyone's christmas presents bought. It's always hard to get anything to men xD Sure you can find anything to women, we spoke with Annina how at least we like almost anything like clothes, cosmetics, accessories and basically any goods that are useful. But try buying christmas present for men which they will end up using. My father is especially difficult to get a present, like he always says how he wants to buy what he needs himself. And he's one of those old generations who refuse to use computer so I can't even get any technical devices for him. I know my father likes cars but I only know how to drive a car and I would be total noob going to some car shop searching something useful he could use to his car xD But I finally got him something useful for present, my mom saved me xD I ended up asking my mom for advice :,D

Ah! By the way I finally found christmas calendar ;A; I had looked so long for a nice paper calendar. Chocolate calendars are everywhere and it was rare to any shop has any paper calendars... I was wondering if children nowadays are too spoiled that they have to have calendar that is filled with either candy or gifts... even if I had couple chocolate calendars when I was a kid, I liked paper ones more. And one thing I noticed this year; almost all chocolate/candy calendars are so big! Like seriously, do they stuff two kilos of candy in those...

My calendar is cute Mauri Kunnas calendar! Those other photos are by the way cards that I have gotten from their respective countries. I collect cards with towers, I think it's fun :P Top on right corner is Tokyo Sky tree, on left is Seoul N tower, middle is London's Big Ben, down left is Berlin tv tower and left corner is Eiffel tower.

 

Today I'll be going to movies with mom to watch Bridge of spies. I am not that into Tom Hanks movies but my mom wanted to go watch it because it's based on true events and my mom likes that kind of movies. So I will accompany her. Well, I like spy and action movies so it's ok~

Christmas is coming

Firstly, I'd like to apologize for mistakes in my texts. I'm not a native english speaker (obviously) and sometimes when I'm not concentrating enough I make mistakes in spelling or grammar. Grammar is actually my weakness, I usually talk or write whatever feels comfortable. In other languages also, I learn to speak a language by example sentences. I don't get grammar so I have to have sentences to support the explanation so my brains will understand "oh, this is used in this kind of situation." So, if I make mistakes don't judge me :) I try to check every one of my texts couple times before I publish them but I still find mistakes from them if I read and check couple weeks later <_<;;;

Anyway, this week I have not done anything productive but instead enjoyed holiday feeling. Everything has changed to just wait for christmas to arrive. Shops are (overly) decorated and people has started to put decorations on their home yards. But most of my own christmas I find at home. My mom lights candles every now and then and I just like to warm up some glögi (mulled wine), sit on couch and just enjoy the moment.

On thursday I went to have lunch with my sister at Helsinki in Vapiano. She couldn't come to my birthday so I spend a half a day with her. We also went to have some coffee in my current favorite coffee shop; Espresso house Kamppi. I just love that cafe! I recommend it warmly to any coffee lover~ I ordered white choco frappe. All an all I had a nice day <3 Next time we'll see each other is propably in christmas.

On friday I went to flower store with my mom. As I have said, my mom likes to make flower arrangements so she looked some flowers for christmas flower arrangements for our relatives and friends. I felt like I stepped into middle of christmas land because everything was screaming christmas lol. But flower arrangements were beautiful. I'm proud my mom can make the same kind and even better arrangements~

On Saturday I met with my friend Linda and we went around in Helsinki food festival at esplanade. I got so hungry event though I ate just as I left home lol. We spotted korean food stand so of course we had to get some korean food <3 I bought two rolls of 김밥 (kimbap) and we also bought vegetable pancake together with Linda. After munching we went around looking what else there was and Linda bought tea from one stand and I bought warm glögi from another stand. Linda spotted japanese stand selling takoyaki so she also bought takoyaki. I didn't because I don't like takoyaki.

Kamppi has some christmas mood going on

Then we went shopping for christmas presents. I found almost all except for my father. Why are men so hard to buy gifts for lol. Especially my father! He doesn't like anything excessive gifts...
While we shopped we bought coffee from newly opened Starbucks kamppi. I bought Toffee nut latte which I already tasted last christmas season. It's good if you want something sweet~
We decided to leave home a little before shops closed. And it started to snow at that time so good timing! It actually snowed pretty hard! First snow here in south~

Today when I woke up ground was white~ So apparently it snowed whole night.
I visited our town's christmas market today with my mom. I bought some churros, butter fried vendace and glögi. I just love vendace nomnom lol. It's the only fishfood I'm addicted to :P
I wanted to visit Helsinki today because they're officially opening christmas season by a christmas parade in Aleksanterinkatu but because I have other things I couldn't go >_< But I hope those of you who'll go have fun~

Tomorrow I'm going to movies with my friend Annina, we're going to see final part from Mockingjay. I still don't like the movies very much but because last part of book3 was awesome I'm excited~

Birthday & Tallinn

Last week on weekdays I was pretty much at home because my leg was hurting from the blister =_= but luckily, I got much better for my trip to Tallinn.

So I went to Tallinn with my friend Annina last Saturday. The day happened to be my birthday also :3 We went with Viking Line Xprs and it took only 2hours 40minutes to get there. I was worried if I would get seasick because waves were quite big and at some point I started feeling a little queasy. We went to upper deck until we were arriving to port. The waves didn't feel that bad in there.

Funny, we were the first who got out of ship lol. We were in hurry to see as much as possible so we hurriedly left the port and headed to old town. It was very nice and cozy, reminded me of Stockholm old town except with much more colors on buildings. But there were so much renovation going on that it partly ruined the experience =__= But we had fun anyway~

 

Funny how there was historical buildings used as shops and in one of them was mcdonald's

After looking around for a while we walked more towards city center and went to eat to hesburger lol. We were really surprised when we ordered normal meal and got small drink with it (in finland that would be small size). But maybe that's why the meal is cheap? I was so jealous how cheap it was in Tallinn! Prices in restaurants and clothing stores were half of what in Finland...

After eating we went shopping, first we browsed through Viru mall but there were mainly expensive brand stores. But if you want some style that can be compared to finnish Vila or Vero moda then I recommend "River Island" at first floor and "Reserved" at second floor. The latter is more cheaper and has quality clothes so I recommend it! I found myself a shirt from there~ Actually that style shirts costs about 25€ in Finland but there the normal price was 15€! I was soooo happy~

After that we headed for mall next to Viru which name I don't remember but it wasn't foorum (which was next to it). We looked around New Yorker and H&M. I didn't find anything specific but Anniina shopped in New Yorker lol. Then we walked to "Rotterdam block" which is between port and city center. We visited chocolate shop "Kalev", a famous estonian chocolate and candy maker. I bought couple chocolate bars and Annina also bought some chocolates. Then we quickly visited Bershka because time was going fast. Annina bought a jacket which looked so good but I didn't find anything. Aahhhh why can't shops like Bershka and River Island invest for Finland T_T even though I didn't find there anything now, those shops are soooo my style.

Rotterdam's block square

Kalev was preparing for christmas

Then we had to rush to our terminal because clock was 5.15pm and they would close gates at 5.45pm. We got there on time and almost like 15minutes after we were on ship we were already moving :D Really, three and half hours are too little to spend in Tallinn. Sometime I have to book a two-day trip.

First we went to taxfree shop, I didn't shop in Tallinn that much so I figured I could buy something from taxfree. I finally decided to buy Sensai's shampoo because I have been wanting to try it but at normal stores it's very pricey. But in viking line taxfree it was 18,95€~ From alcohol side I bought Bottega lemoncino's small bottle of liquor (I have wanted to taste this like a year now lol but I've always seen only that bottle that is too big <__< ). I also bought fruit + salted liquorice liquor, I have never seen this and it sounded like interesting combination :P So I bought those two for christmas and new year~ Then I also bought some candy. Now I have too much chocolate and candy xD

We arrived to Helsinki 8.30pm. We had fun day and we thought that maybe we're going soon again lol. Actually I got christmas offer from viking line so we're currently thinking of using it~

On Sunday my grandmom came to visit and also my aunt and uncle. We talked and spend time; drank coffee and ate some pastries. I'm thanking here again everyone who remembered me and gave presents.

I received birthday present from my boyfriend actually week before because he wasn't sure how long it would take to get to me. He gave me lots of korean snacks and a very unique usb stick where he put some music for me. I won't show photo of it because it's kind of personal but I'm loving the unique idea<3 I was so surprised and thankful.
From my parents I got card and money. From grandmom I got card, money and carafe. From my aunt and uncle I got card, money, chocolate bar and plant (which won't fit in my room lol, I have too much stuff).

My boyfriend's birthday gift~

My grandmom's birthday present for me

On sunday evening I had dinner with Annina, Noora, Silja and Karoliina (who's Annina's friend). We wanted to gather together for me and Annina's birthdays and because we haven't seen each other as group for long time. We went to Amarillo flamingo and we had so much fun! It was nice evening :) And even though we had to wait 45 minutes our orders, customer service was very good!! The waiter was friendly and even chatted with us from random things lol. So I recommend the restaurant for good food and customer service~