sunnuntai 29. marraskuuta 2015

Beginning of the Christmas Season

Christmas tree from a shop


Winter has arrived and Christmas time is knocking to our doors. This time I enjoy the most of the year. I have always loved winter time, its darkness, snow and cold fresh air. Winter wonderland, to what I am used to is unfortunately nowadays not very easy to find.
I remember as a child we usually had white and cold Christmas and on Christmas Eve when we woke up and looked out of the window in the morning, all we could see was covered ín white, snow.
Here in Malta it is different. Sun, open sea, plus degrees, green landscape, flowers and palm trees. 
Finnish Mulled Wine

In Finland we have special warm spicy drink called glögi (= in enlish Mulled Wine) which brings the Christmas feeling. Here in Malta it is not very easy to find it and I like the non alcoholic version. So then the best thing is to do it myself. In this drink I used many different spices such as cinnamon, clover and ginger. Those are mixed with cranberry and blackcurrant juices and some water, added some orange skin and juice. 
With this drink my Christmas time starts!

Beautiful lantern






Beautiful Poinsettia, traditional Christmas flower all over the world. It belongs to Euphorbiaceae plant family and as well as many other Euphorbia species it grows in Maltese landscape. It is a shrub or a small tree and can grow to over 4 meters high.



In my childhood presents and Advent calendars have been big part always. Cheap or expensive or handmade, all of them have been appreciated. We have usually had chocolate calendars but sometimes even beautiful self made ones with small pockets.

This year I have two calendars, one which I self made and one my mum gave me. She had wrapped all 24 items to presents. What a wonderful gift! Now I can not wait to open them, shame it is only one in a day :)


Advent calendar


Lights and Candles



Lights and Candles create really nice atmosphere especially if the candles are scented ones. Candle lanterns are also great way to decorate. They come in many various colours and styles.

Cinnamon and blueberry pancakes



This years Christmas colour palette




Christmas crib is important part of Christmas decorating every year.


Outdoor Christmas lights

Here is how I like to start my Christmas. Lighting up the house with light and candles. Simmering some glögi and next baking gingerbread. Also Christmas tree is still missing, decorations are ready, so hopefully we will soon get tree as well. 

Peaceful first Advent Sunday!

Annastiina









torstai 19. marraskuuta 2015

Wedding Fair



Every November yearly Wedding Fair Is held at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali. Me and mum paid a visit there. I am a lover of everything pretty so what a better place to go than a fair like this!

This fair was built of beautiful decorations, tasty food and many inspirational features for weddings. I got inspired by a few great photographers. How big difference can a real artist do to photos instead of awkward posing, capturing all the emotions and small acts of love in between.
Artist is always an artist.
Second inspirational thing for me was food. It's amazing how few ingredients in a small portion can offer such a great flavorful and tasty combinations.

Let's start this post with the food.



Next few comparisons between Finnish and Maltese weddings.Usually traditional Maltese wedding is standing up reception with finger food when finish traditional wedding is seated buffet dinner. I personally prefer reception type weddings where atmosphere is more relaxed. In my opinion in both countries menu is the heart of a succesful party.

In a reception food items are brought one at the time on trays, usually including cold and hot savoury items and later on sweet treats. In addition one can choose to have different type of food table as extra for example barbecue pasta or antipasti table.

All kind of small appetizers, finger food, pizza and sweet items were on show to be tasted.




What a wedding would be without sweet treats. Candy bar, popcorn table, macaroons, cake pops and cup cakes, gateaux cakes and wedding cakes. There are endless options of sweets and candy to choose from.

Deco. Flowers, fabrics, lights and candles all if different shades of colors. Romantic style or modern vibes, endless opportunities to decorate a hall, garden or a beach.

Also at the fair we got to see some great suits and dresses. Pretty cool limousine stole the show at the wedding car section. Would not mind a ride like that from the church to the reception!

Cocktail bars, different kind of drinks and punches were on the show as well. Drinks can be chosen made from fresh or organic ingredients, syrups or just usual spirits. Also available were different kind of wines from red to sparkling.


Not forgetting guest souvenirs, invites and flower decor this fair was full of interesting things. My ultimate favorite thing was photobooth. There guests can dress up some funny items and take photos memories for themselves and the couple getting married. Such a fun way to keep all the memories.

This fair was full of interesting stands and all things beautiful. It also offered great tips for couples planning a wedding. A real pleasure to visit. Thank you for this experience.

We are starting to get closer to the end of the week, enjoy your weekends all!

Annastiina

maanantai 2. marraskuuta 2015

All Things Pretty


All Things Pretty

Motivational Monday

"Life is beautiful."


"There's so many beautiful reasons to be happy."



"Trust that everything happens for a reason, even when you're not wise enough to see it."
-Oprah Winfrey



"Make today beautiful."



Happiness. Joy. Beauty. Laughter. Moment. Bliss. Memories.
Experience. Live. Enjoy. Feel. Smile. Love.
Fun. Cheerful. Beautiful.



"Sometimes you have to go through hard times to realize how strong you are."

"Just believe in your dreams."



"Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."
-Gerard Way

"Happiness is a journey not a destination."



"Change your thoughts and you change your world."

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself."
-Coco Chanel



"Enjoy the little things."

"Be Happy. Be Bright. Be You."


Beautiful beginning of the week. 


Love,

Annastiina