October sunshine

Fall is fine, when it's sunny and the air is dry. It's been raining way too much during the past few weeks, so it's almost a civic duty to go out when the sun decides to show up. 

Even though it's not necessary to wear hats yet, I couldn't resist to dig my favourite tassel beanie from the bottom of my closet where it's been waiting for cold weather since last winter. I got it from flea market they organize at Helsinki ice rink in wintertime whenever there's no games, fairs or such. In almost every weekend there was this lady selling all sorts of beanies with different colours, both with and without tassels, all handmade by her. I don't know if she's there this winter, but I need to check that, because I might want to buy another one in other colour. They are so comfy and warm!

The next thing, I suppose, is to figure out what to wear in the coming November rain.

Handmade tassel beanie, second hand vest, Marc Lauge shirt, Gina Tricot jeans, vintage boots and second hand bag.

Let the cheese melt!

I admit, clubbing is fun. BUT so is a night spent indoors with fabulous friends, good food and fine wine! We got invited to a friend's house in Porvoo, a small city about a 45 minute ride from Helsinki. The Friday night started with glasses of sparkling wine and went on with preparation of the meal, which we cooked with a raclette grill. All sorts of cheese, meat, sausages, pickled onions, tomatoes, shrimps, zucchini, mushrooms, garlic... am I forgetting something? Oh, and wine :).

Who would have believed all the energy we got after a day at work. Despite staying up late, we hit the city on Saturday. Ok, only in the afternoon, but still. The old city with its architecture and small boutiques and cafes is like a fairytale village straight from Astrid Lingren's books. Can't wait to get there at Christmas time again.

We visited several little stores, of which the Little chocolate factory is one of my favourites (who would have known). From the store, you can see them making the chocolate right behind the glass wall. I got blueberry and cardamom truffles, yum! They also have white chocolate mustard, random but could work as a gift.

We finished our visit with cups of coffee and apple pie at Cafe Helmi, a lovely little place with beautiful furnishings. Helmi (Pearl) is also my dear, dear grandmom's name, so kind of liked it before even stepping in :). They use dishes most of us have seen at our grandparents' house and the whole atmosphere is like decades back. After travelling in time we had to return to hectic Helsinki. Everyday rat race, here I come again!

Caramel cupcakes with pecan

My mom knows I'm into baking so she surprised me with this super cute book full of the most amazing cupcake recipes (Ingrid Hancock Bjerknes: Kuppikakut / WSOY. They have an english version as well called, surprisingly, Cupcakes). It was hard to decide which ones to try first: mojito cupcakes, marshmallow cupcakes or perhaps Baileys cupcakes. The lucky winner was pecan nut cupcakes with caramel topping. The combination of those two sounded (and tasted) heavenly, and the picture sealed the deal. Ok, my versions didn't turn out that pretty, but they were delicious. Especially served with whipped cream. I think the photo in the book has been taken right after pouring the topping, whereas in my picture the topping has already dried up. 

See the recipe below and enjoy!

Caramel cupcakes with pecan

INGREDIENTS

Dough
300 g pecan nuts
200 g warm margarin
1 1/2 dl sugar
1 1/2 dl brown sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
mocha essence (I skipped this one)
4 dl sieved wheat flour
1 dl grinded almond
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 dl whipping cream
1 banana

Caramel topping
60 g margarin
100 g brown sugar
4 tabelspoons light syrup
1 1/2 dl whipping cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the oven up to 180 Celcius.
2. Roast the nuts in oven about 15 minutes and let them cool down. Crunch half of them and leave the other half for decoration.
3. Whip margarin with sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one by one while whipping.
5. Add cinnamon and cardamom (and a few drops of mocha essence). Whip until smooth.
6. Mix flour, grinded almond and baking powder together and add into dough. Whip for a few minutes.
7. Add whipping cream little by little.  
8. Squash the banana and add into dough.
9. Add crushed pecan nuts.
10. Fill cupcake tins half full and bake them for about 15 minutes.

Caramel topping
1. Measure margarin, brown sugar and syrup into pan and heat while mixing until bubbly. Continue mixing for another 2 minutes.
2. Add cream and keep mixing until thick.

Decoration
The topping is very running so use high edged cupcake tins. Decorate cupcakes with nuts (either crunched or whole ones). Pour the topping on top.  

Party like it's 50's!

I know some people just hate theme parties, but I'm not one of those. I've come into the conclusion I live my childhood dream of becoming an actress through them. Dressing up as something else than yourself kind of makes you jump into a role. At least I've noticed I e.g. start to walk more elegantly with 20's dress on. Well, the bad language is stille there ;).

My dear friend turned 30 this week and threw a party with a 50's/pin up theme. The celebration took place at Navy Jerry's, a marine inspired bar, which turned out to be a perfect choice. It was my first time there, and have to say the atmosphere, decoration, staff and music were all good. A big plus is also when a bar has mojitos on their list. Believe me or not, but it hasn't been in one or two clubs where I've heard "we don't have mint" when ordering it.

Right after receiving the invitaiton I had a clear vision on my mind of what to wear: a tulle skirt (which I already had thrown into a 'sell at flea market' -pile), a top and knee socks. Of course I didn't try them on before Saturday, and when I did, felt like a clown. It was just simply too much. Fortunately I had something navyish in my closet – less festive, though – so made it on time. It's been a looong time since wearing these high waist jeans. They were once my favourite pair.

Vintage jacket, Guess jeans, second hand tee, vintage handbag, vintage heels, pearl necklace from Gina Tricot and earrings from Vero Moda.