5 Random Things

1. It starts tomorrow!

If you don't know what I mean, go HERE.



2. I was nominated

Claudia, from This Is My Soul Called Life, nominated me for: 

I already posted one award post this week so I'm going to cut some corners with this one. I'm not going to nominate anyone, but I will tell 7 things about myself.

- I can get so into a hockey game that I get sick (fever)

- I'm NOT a morning person
- I can watch BBC's Pride And Prejudice time after time
- I'd love to write novels
- When no one's watching, I pretend to be Elphaba and try to belt out Defying Cravity
- Coca Cola is my weakness
- I don't like Twitter. I've tried to learn to like it, but no...


3. I need THIS mug

4. I might have found the reason for my back and shoulder pain

Is your smartphone damaging your spine? Read THIS article to find out more.


5. December!

New Blog Challenge topics can be found on my blog tomorrow. Yay!

Would you like to have this book?

If your answer is yes, I have good news for you. One blogger gets a copy!

All you have to do is participate in the Blog Challenge in November, December and/or January. 1 link equals 1 raffle. So link up as often as you want to get a better chance to win!

Start now! November's topics:

Blog button and rules can be found HERE.

An InLinkz Link-up

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

My Movie Buff Sisterhood sis Claudia nominated me for the Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award. Yay! Claudia is a lovely lady who writes killer book reviews. So if you ever wonder what to read, head over to her blog!

The Rules 

• Thank the blogger that nominated you, and link back to their site
• Post the award on your blog
• Answer the 10 questions you’ve been asked
• Nominate 10 other bloggers and as them 10 questions

Claudia's questions

1. You are at a Karaoke party, what song will you be singing?

Oh dear, so many songs to choose from! Maybe... Think Twice by Celine Dion. (I know, it's a "suicide" but you got to aim high, right!)

2. If you could ask any author, celebrity, famous person 3 questions, who would that said person be and what 3 questions would you ask? 

Jane Austen. I would ask her 1. How did Mr Darcy come to life? 2. Did she ever feel tired of writing by hand? 3. What are her writing tips?  

3. Name five things that are in front of you right now

iMac, a pen, a glass of orange juice, a grey wall and post-it notes about my master's thesis. 

4. What is your favorite outdoor activity?

I'm not a huge outdoors person, but I love to swim and relax at a summer cottage by the lake (that's a very Finnish thing). THIS is what I mean. 

5. What did you aspire to be when you were a small?

Flight attendant or wedding cake baker.

6. Who is the most inspirational person you know?

My big sister. She is brave and creative.

7. What is the one thing you do that often gets you into trouble?

Leave everything to last minute. 

8. I have to ask this questions because I’m a die-hard superhero fan; 

so, if you could be any superhero, who would it be and why?

Charlie's angel. 

9. What was the last movie/TV show/book that made you cry?

Game of Thrones.

10. Make a wish!

I want to graduate during December or January.

My nominees

First of all, don't feel obligated to participate! You won't hurt my feelings if you don't want to do this. I just want to let my readers  know you, because I love your blogs.

1. Robyn @Robyn's Nest

2. Ashley @A Faithful Passion

3. Katjamaria @Katjamaria

4. Susannah @Simple Moments Stick

5. Bailey Jean @Brave Love

6. Elizabeth @Oak & Oats

7. Mary @Eat Drink & Be Mary

8. Paige @Moments for the journey

9. Stephanie @Just a little bit louder

10. Ashley @ That Southern Mama

Questions to my nominees

1. What is the best thing about your blog?

2. What is the cutest search word lead to you blog?

3. What inspires you?

4. Are you a neat or messy person?

5. What is your favorite quote?

6. If you could choose one song to describe your November, what would be?

7. What is your relationship with notebooks like?

8. Do you use plastic bags or reusable totes etc. when you go shopping?

9.  A Spa day with your friend or a crazy work out at the gym with your brother?

10. Who is your hero?

Dear Santa

What do you wish from Santa? Link up you post below!

An InLinkz Link-up

Learning to say yes

Last month I wrote about learning to say no, because it has always been a challenge for me.

After that post, I've been thinking; I should say yes more often. 

1. Yes to listening

Don't argue, instead listen and give reasons. Listening won't shake your ideas, thoughts and ideals unless they should be shaken.

2. Yes to trying

Don't be afraid to fail. You can't learn anything if you only do things that you're good at. Step out of your comfort zone. Enjoy the uncertain. Learn. 

3. Yes to limits

Value the rules. Try to find the meaning behind them. Also, learn your own limits. Rest.

4. Yes to growth

Don't settle. A human being is never ready. We are built to grow. Are you too busy to grow?

5. Yes to making a difference

Don't just feel bad about things happening around you. Change them. Fight against the injustice. Refuse to just watch what happens.

Back in the business

My 3 week practicum is over and I'm back home. This means more time to blog. Hurray! I'm also super excited that a week from today is the grand opening of the Strong & Influential Sisterhood blog! 

HERE you can join the Strong & Influential Sisterhood.

Here's a sneak peak of the blog: 

5 Random Things

1. Clothes for my hubby

There's something about men's clothes. I love shopping for my husband. (He hates shopping :D ) I love simple and masculine style:

Follow Mrs K's board for my hubby on Pinterest.

2. A pretty baby name

Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved making lists of baby names. You know, just to be prepared! Well yesterday I came across this beautiful girl's name: Adanna. It's an African (that's really vague, I know) name and it means: Father's daughter. Pretty and cute!

3. This video is hilarious!

4. Have you started Christmas shopping yet?

Check out these 51 ideas of gifts in a jar HERE.

5. I miss sunshine & flip flops

Maleficent - Movie Buff Sisterhood

Last week the Movie Buff Sisterhood watched Disney's Maleficent, which is a story of the bad guy (or gal) from Sleeping Beauty. It was lovely to experience my childhood memories again, because Sleeping Beauty was one of my favourite movies when I was a kid. Some of the scenes brought goosebumps, because those childhood dream-like scenes came to life. I think Angeline Jolie was brilliant and she looked stunning in her costumes.

But what about other Movie Buff sisters? Ashley and Claudia, any thoughts about the movie?

Ashley: I'm just glad that they finally made a movie about the bad guy. We actually got to see the history of Maleficient and what actually made her bad. It's a very enjoyable movie! 

Claudia: Firstly, the story line took me by surprise, it was not what I was expecting, BUT it entertained! The story line was believable and one that almost anyone can relate to; like, finding beauty and value in the sufferings inflicted by those we love and trust most, and resisting the urge to embrace our resentment and our unwillingness to forgive those people, because deep inside we know that embracing evil only lowers us to a dark level. 

The story line was deeply affecting and gripping in so many ways; needless to say, it posed some really good questions and focused on essential themes like: compassion, mercy, redemption, love, forgiveness, betrayal, loyalty.  I was fully engrossed and immediately engaged; I absolutely enjoyed it! 

What about Angelina Jolie? Did you like her?

Claudia: Goodness yes! She did a fantastic job! She made me love this story line despite how far removed it is from Disney's story line. Also, I ended up discovering, after watching the film, that this film's plot line is in actuality the true origin story! In other words, what Disney fed us through our childhood in Sleeping Beauty was a modified version of the original folklore; my mind was blown to say the least. 

But more to Angelina! I truly felt like she reclaimed her pedestal. :)

Ashley: Yessss, I LOVE Angie! She's an amazing actress and every role she's in she takes over. 

Now that it's been Maleficent's turn, who's the next baddie that  deserves a movie of his/her own?

Ashley: I'll be open to any bad guy getting their own movie. Not every story has a happy ending so we should be able to see all of it! 

Claudia: 

• Captain James Hook
• Ursula 
• The Wicked Queen (Snow White)
• The Queen of Hearts

I would love to see Ursula's story. Plus "under the sea" would make a great movie location ;D

Have you seen Maleficent yet? Did you like the movie and what about Angelina's performance?

Our next movie will be Gandhi (11/24), and Claudia will be hosting.

Let's give someone a merry little Christmas

This will be the third year I'm going to participate in Joulupuu (Christmas tree) charity campaign here in Finland. The idea is to buy a Christmas gift to an unprivileged child or teenager. You pick a girl or boy and the age and then you buy a nice gift and the organisation will distribute the gifts.

I challenge you, my dear readers and fellow bloggers. Let's make a child's Christmas merrier!

What you can do? 

Here you can find couple examples of charity organisations that can help you to bring little joy to a child's life during Christmas.

Finland: Joulupuu-keräys

USA: Be An Elf

You could also google the Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal! Seems like a great program. 

Are you in?

5 Random things

1. Pinterest

Follow me on Pinterest HERE.

2. Meet my big!

I was lucky to get Susannah from Simple Moments Stick as my "big" in Blogging Bigs and Littles. She has been amazing mentor and she has helped me to grow my little blog a lot! I'm going to write a bit more about my experiences this week, but now head to her blog and show her some love! 

3. The cutest fan ever

You don't have to be a hockey fun to find this cute!

4. See where your money goes

Bank4Hope is a great way to do charity. You can follow where your money goes. Check it out!

5. Awesome Blog Challenge posts!

I hope you'll join us! Choose a topic and post a link!

An InLinkz Link-up

How to be more ecofriendly - Part 1

1. Forget plastic shopping bags

Use reusable bags when shopping groceries and everything else. Make your own DIY tote or find pretty ones from Etsy.

2. Turn off electronic appliances when you don't use them

Avoid standby and pull the plug. You can also save some money by doing this!

3. Don't use your car

You can save gas by walking and cycling. It's also a great exercise.    Always choose a public transportation if possible.

4. Trains beat planes

Travel by train to reduce carbon dioxide. Planes might be faster, but trains usually stop at city centers and there can be wonderful views during your trip.

5. Become a vegetarian once a week

Read HERE about the huge impact of the Meatless Monday.


6. Keep your home in the right temperature

Avoid making you home too warm during winter. Use warm clothes and comfy slippers. Cooler temperature makes you sleep better.

7. Use your dishwasher only when it's full

8. Recycle EVERYTHING

9. Thrift stores

HERE you can find great thrift shop tips.  

10. Borrow, exchange and reuse

Do we really need to own so much?! 

Do you like to make ecofriendly choices? 

How to be more ecofriendly - Part 2

5 Random Things

1. November

Have you already checked out the November Blog Challenge topics? Join us here:

2. Some comfort

You might be scared because of all the bad things happening in this world. My prayer is that all who have fear and pain in their lives, could find comfort.

3. Staying at my parents' house

For the next 3 weeks I'm going to stay at my parents's house in my old hometown, because of my very last practicum. I can't wait to finally graduate. It's taken too long.

4. Do you love chocolate?

Have you noticed that the next round of the Chocolate Sisterhood opens soon? If you want to be part of it go HERE.

5. Thank you Susannah!

It's been wonderful to have Susannah as my blog mentor during October. She has helped me a lot to grow my blog! Pay this lovely lady a visit:

November Topics Are Here!

Once again I'd love to challenge you!

Go HERE for more info and to leave your link(s)! Be quick! 3 first linkers will receive a free sidebar ad for December!