Taas tänä syksynä pääsin nauttimaan I Love Me -messuista. Olin jo odottanut messuja todella paljon, joten heti kun kuulin että voisin saada lipun salijäsenyyteni kautta, ryntäsin heti hakemaan lipun etten vaan jäisi ilman. 

Heellooo everybody!!

Today I'm in a good mood and the explanation is simple: syysloma. AKA, "fall break" (I have a week off from school hallelujah!). And the best part is that it's only Sunday of the week BEFORE the actual holiday and I already feel relaxed and have had a great time seeing my friend up in Tampere.

The only thing working against my wonderful flow is this gray weather -it's literally lackluster. Ugh.

But, (It's a good but ;D) I just finished packing for my next trip (even though I'll publish this later for safety). Packing to me, is definitely an important part of vacations. It really gets me excited of the trip ahead, feels so special and gives me a good reason to outfit plan. 

So, I put together a couple of simple but helpful tips for packing. Because I know that fitting you closet, bathroom and bookshelf all in a mere square meter can be quite the struggle. I always aim to travel light and opt for hand luggage (at least on the way there).

How to travel (pack) smarter/lighter:

A couple of weeks ago, when it was still nice and warm(ish), my friends and I went out for brunch to celebrate the end of our exams (syksyn yo) and of course just spend time together.

Like the geek I am, I had to conduct extensive research on potential brunch places to make sure that a. we would get delicious, healthy food (taking into notice the dietary restrictions), b. it would be affordable for a student, and c. the place would be somewhat easy to come to. 

After a while (umm few hours??) I had come up with a list (two options) to choose from. Both seemed scrumptious to me so I handed the decision-making-powers over to my buddies. 

And the democratic pick was Cargo. 

Cargo is a vegetarian café/restaurant situated on the edge of Ruoholahti at Ruoholahdenranta 8. It's easy to walk to from Kamppi, only about 1km. The place is in two floors, the upper floor being a sunny terrace with an partial ocean view. It's right by the road, but shielded by the huge wave shaped wall of the bridge which blocks almost all traffic sound, sight and emissions. Sitting there in the autumn sun was amazing. 

The breakfast menu was positively wide. The breakfast platter, which I got, consisted of yoghurt (soy or Greek) with müsli and berry compot, toast with avocado, lettuce and cheese/tofu, a choice of juice (a good number to choose from) and almost any coffee/tee on the list. I had mine vegan to experience the place in its entire meaning and had a gorgeous latte and beet juice (I think, but forgot...). It was really delicious (the tofu wasn't to my taste but it wasn't at all bad either), especially the juice! 




Another breakfast dish that we tried was the porridge. Oh, my God! It looked (and my friends swore, tasted) SO delicious. Oatmeal, banana, coconut, avocado and blackcurrant. To be honest with you I had never thought of putting avocado into my oatmeal but I tried it and it was eyeopening! Do try.

I can definitely recommend Cargo for breakfast. Having looked through their other menus and scrolled their Instagram I'm convinced that it's the place to go for vegetarian meals at any other time of day also. Even if you're not vegetarian it's an experience for your taste buds and worth a visit just for the ambiance and architecture/setting.

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Koska kyseessä on suomalainen löytö Helsingissä keskeisellä sijainnilla on kenties syytä raapustaa muutama sana suomeksikin. 

Cargo oli ehdottomasti hyvä kokemus. Etenkin mieletön aurinkoterassi ja muutenkin miellyttävä arkkitehtuuri olivat tosiaankin mun makuun ja loivat rentoa tunnelmaa. Just sellaista kun nyt voi veg(aani) paikalta kuvitellakin. Kuitenkaan olematta painostava tai syyllistävä ei-kasvissyöjälle. 

Tietenkin myös aamiainen maistui ja mahat täyttyi. Haluan ehdottomasti käydä maistamassa tuota mainitsemaani puuroa, koska ensinnäkin, ulkonäkö oli vaikuttava, maku yhdistelmä sopivan freesi mutta silti ravintoaineiltaan rikas (ja kookossokeri vähän piristämässä) ja toisekseen siksi, että oikein luotettavina lähteinä ja maku-arvioitsijoina toimineet (mun kaverit) antoivaat loistavan arvion. 

Myös varsinkin mun tilaama mehu oli super raikas ja pirtsakka. En kuitenkaan voi valitettavasti sen nimeä tässä paljastaa kun laho pääni sen unohti. Jotain pinkkiä unelmaa se kuitenkin oli.



Jos siis kulmilla koskaan pyörit, ehkä aamiaisen, ehkä lounaan tai vaan kahvin tarpeessa niin suosittelen kokeilemaan. Et varmasti pety mikäli kaikki on kuin meillä oli. Ilmeisesti myös to-go mahdollisuus on olemassa ja se vähän muakin houkuttelee.

On kyllä ihanaa tehdä tällaisia löytöjä ihan täältä Suomestakin kun usein vaan kuolaan ulkomailla erinäisten paikkojen perään.

I've always been pretty motivated to learn new things thanks to my curious and knowledge thirsty nature. I've always been lucky to have found a way of studying and a mind set that works really well for me already early on. However I too have struggled with certain things with classic schooling. And I realize that not everyone feels at home in this system.

My friends and I have discussed this topic many times and everyone seems to be on the same page that the methods should evolve as anything else would. That is why this video that a Facebook friend of mine had shared really popped out at me. I think the biggest problems are well argued for. Now all we need is actions that lead to solutions. But to get there we need to widely recognize the problem. That is why I'm sharing this video even here, and I hope you take the few minutes to watch it. It's even captioned if you can't have the sound on for any reason. So no excuses. And trust me, it's made interesting to watch.

Afterwards you can take part in the discussion at this site.





Watch it all the way to the end also as I'm quite proud how Finland is given credit for it's proactive educational system. I am quite lucky since my school is very alert and on top of the game ready to adjust and learn the newest ways to make our learning as effective, enjoyable and sustainable as possible. We have for example modern "classrooms", different takes on how lessons are constructed, digital learning tools and all kinds of events to support it all. Most importantly we have a positive atmosphere that promotes studying and free time and their balance. Everyone also has a say in things affecting them. For example last year a couple of my friends and I felt that we weren't getting the kind of results we were hoping for in school, so we had a chat with our principal and he immediately took our side looking for ways to better the situation. I think that this is important, to really involve students.

In hopes of seeing development and wishing you all an inspiring Saturday,

I have come to the conclusion that I can best achieve what I am working towards with this blog by adding Finnish posts into my mix. I came to this because I think that when writing about Finnish things that only people living here can have any use for, it's much more natural to write about in the corresponding language. This way my blog will also reflect me better -I am bilingual, so why shouldn't my blog be? Naturally this doesn't mean that I will be giving up English, no, absolutely not. I will only spice things up a little bit. ;)

Honestly I need the practice in Finnish too. Up until high school I had always studied in English and I still read all books in English. Finnish has been, and is, my first language, but I haven't really liked to use it in these areas of my life. Next spring I have my Finnish matriculation examination and I'm a little nervous about it. So, I'll use my blog as a platform to write in Finnish from now on also. But as I said, this will mostly affect only those posts that are strictly attached to Finland.

I have in my mind turned this around quite intensively and think that this is what I genuinely want to do with Mangos Smile and that it will be best for my readers respectively. To assure this, though, I think I will try to add a slight translation to all my Finnish posts as it is the less prevalent of the two.

So cheers to this new, multiculturalisher "era" :D

Also, how's fall sneaking up all over?

Tea - Blankets - Candles - Sweaters - Crisp leaves - Fresh air - Pumpkins - Dark lips - Knee socks - Apples - Plums - Mushrooms - Trench coats - Books...

The list goes on and on but this is what fall stands for to me.
What is fall to you? 

Every year, when the air gets colder, nights get darker and the trees start preparing for winter coloring the nature in the most amazing palette I feel really happy. The mystery in every night, honesty in the day and the brutally cold morning air all bring me life. I know that I am very different from most people (at least most Finns) because of this. Generally autumn is summarized as the most miserable of months packed with work and nature thanking you for this only by freezing your fingers. But to me it is so many good things.

I love how I can go outside for a walk at night to clear my thoughts after a long day of studying and genuinely feel the moment thanks to the cold air and darkness. I love stepping outside and having the crisp breeze blow new opportunities at me. Then, when I get inside I get to cuddle with my blanket and drink a warm cup of tea (I'm obsessed with mango green tea atm). And the stock. Apples, pumpkins, plums, mushrooms... All of my favorites! And they are so versatile, I can make so many mouthwatering treats from them. Think apple pie, chanterelle sauce, pumpkin spice latte. Ah, I get so hungry just thinking about them!





Fall is also a great time for sunset runs in Finland because, thanks to our rather arctic location, the sun sets earlier every day. In summer it's way too late and far too early in the winter (not to mention cold!). This season is also fantastic for watching movies, both in and out. As well as reading. I'm a total bookworm and often like to dedicate the fall to season appropriate novels and rereads of my favorite fantasy books. This year I'm going for, well obviously there was Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (HP is forever my go-to reread), Lord Of the Rings, Hunger Games (which I've been working on in Swedish for practice) and who nows what new finds. (Stay up to date on my reader life here)

And I know I can't say autumn without talking about the style. I absolutely live for the time of year when I get to wear my brown booties, dig out my sweaters and long-sleeves (all that burgundy, brown, purple and beige) and when it's not too daring temperature wise, rock a skirt and knee socks. Yes. That is my style soul mate. And I think that loose curls/waves really suit the season. This year I've also found darker shades of lipstick and am very into that. And don't forget the matching nail polish and golden accessories. And scarves. This is to me is love.

Last but not least, Halloween. It would be an understatement to say that I'm obsessed with Halloween. I'm just going to leave it that. This text would very likely turn into a runon post if I got into any more detail. Maybe I'll make a separate one closer to the Eve.

...


Oh and I NEED to discuss this: fall or autumn? I know there's a British vs. US difference but I don't care about it. I use both but do like the sound of autumn more. What's your take on this?

"I was walking along a road one evening – on one side lay the city, and below me was the fjord. The sun went down – the clouds were stained red, as if with blood. I felt as though the whole of nature was screaming – it seemed as though I could hear a scream. I painted that picture, painting the clouds like real blood. The colours screamed." -Edvard Munch

Every time I witness the sun set and paint the sky, the colors and the feeling take me over very powerfully making me feel like a real impressionist/expressionist. The feeling is so strong and the whole moment feels loaded with stamina -I am in awe. 

Around a year ago I Edvard Munch's work was on display in Helsinki (at the Diedrichsen Museum) and I was lucky enough to take the time and go see the masterpieces (including a graphic version of his most famous piece The Scream). The one thing that I still remember from that visit and think of daily is how Munch described the feeling he had and how he felt obliged to eternalize it in this painting of his. And that is the quote above. The choice of words is so brutally strong yet I understand exactly what he means. I guess that's why the quote is burned into my memory forever.

Today I once again embraced these feelings and this memory and would like to share a few photos. This was also a really nice way to wind down before a really big test tomorrow.

I was really sick for the first time in several years last two weeks ago and it made me think about my values, the power of chance and no matter how in control we might feel, everything can change in only seconds. 

For example, I had plans to go on a road trip, see my friends, study and enjoy the lightheartedness of summer. But suddenly I was unable to. I wasn't able to even manage with every day tasks. Now those simple things that I was unable to do laying in bed or sitting in the waiting room at the hospital give me so much joy and I really do appreciate them more.
I felt too weak and powerless to move much -everyday chores like lifting up the tea pot to pour myself a cup of tea required all my energy. Reading, one of the most precious hobbies that I have, felt very wearing. Normally when I'm sick I'll binge watch movies and read from dawn to dusk. This time it was more like a couple of hours with extensive breaks in between. I couldn't even dream of cooking -a thing I had been looking forward to doing after I get out of my summer job. Not to mention how out of question going out was.






With this experience I am now more aware of how I feel, of the moment I am in. I thank myself for the exercise I have gotten to do, I don't have to reach the same results every time. I thank my surroundings, I live in a beautiful, safe country where I have access to health care -for free- and am not constantly in fear of anything. I thank the people around me. Because I know who really care about me. I also respect everyone as a unique individual and understand to ration their role and impact on my life. Some people are there to help you grow even though it might feel like they are simply in your way. The same thing goes for hardships in life.

I know that with time I will forget to be grateful for the small things in this kind of way. We never really remember to do that. We tend to take things for granted. But I will remember it better now that I have fresh memory to build these thoughts onto. And I want to remind you of these things too. Not everything has to be perfect or go as you planned. Of course it's ok and normal to feel upset when life stabs you in the back (you have no idea how devastated I was having to spend my vacation sick), but maybe next time you can try to see the other side of the situation and look at the light int the darkness.



Next time on a lighter note again ;) <3

I recently spent a couple of days travelling in my home country, Finland. It's always nice to get to know new cultures and see exotic things but being a tourist in your homeland is also super nice every once in a while! 

I stayed in the idyllic tiny port-town of Nagu in the Turku archipelago. The scenery was super pretty and the feel of the little town really heartwarming and genuine. Getting there was also an adventure since situated on an island, we had to take a ferry (with the car) to get there.

I took a lot of pictures of the little seaside harbor like such a tourist. I think these pics portray the ocean breeze and no-worries-feeling particularly well. So I'll let the photos do the speaking. :)

Some really nice and pretty boutiques down by the water.

All the Nordic countries' flags and the red-yellow-blue for Åland.

One of the cute and authentic cafés at the port. Strand Café

Köpmans, the B&B we stayed at. I fell in love with the interior as well as with the restaurant and service. Very, very lovely.

The local market at the South harbor.

Ever since I learned to eat sushi (yes, I actually had to learn to love it), I have been dreaming of making it myself. I had even bought sushi rice and a bamboo rolling mat as preparations for when I would finally try it. A couple of weeks ago I had both the time and courage to put my sushi making skills to the test. And I was positively surprised. Therefore, if anyone has similar feelings concerning homemade sushi, I totally suggest trying it out. It is worth it.

I used cucumber, tuna, salmon and avocado for the maki rolls and an omelette made from eggs, rice vinegar, white whine and salt for the nigiri.

I might need more practice with the icing to nail a less homemade look but I think this outcome is quite cute in its own way ;)

1.     Grease your cake mold. Heat the oven to 175C.
2.     Mix all the dry ingredients together (not the sugar).
3.     Whip the cream and coconut sugar together until a thick cream. Then add the eggs and Agave.
4.     Mix in the dry ingredients and milk.
5.     Pour the batter into its mold. Bake at 175C from 50-60 min or until nothing sticks on when poked with a stick.
6.     Let cool. Once completely cooled off, cut into two to form the top and bottom.

1.     Soak the gelatine for a few minutes.
2.     Whip the cream. Fold in the quark, blueberries, vanilla and liquid honey.
3.     Boil the lemon/lime juice and add in the gelatine dissolving it.
4.     Mix the gelatin and filling together.