tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11758651053227228362024-03-13T20:05:51.762+02:00outrageous outingsstellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.comBlogger614125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-24117417986391660352013-02-24T16:16:00.000+02:002013-09-02T14:43:04.431+03:00on the airwaves.my trip last fall <a href="http://outrageousoutings.blogspot.fi/2013/02/gusty-travels.html">via reykjavik</a> was filled with music. the <a href="http://icelandairwaves.is/">airwaves festival</a> is such a cornucopia of music that the overlapping shows have you first devastated: you find yourself standing in line for phantogram and patrick wolf while you know you're missing out on some other great name. later on it is a relief to realize that just sitting down, sipping a beer anywhere in the city offers something great to listen to. even the off-venue program is so extensive that your brain will be intoxicated with sound.<br />
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<a href="http://www.olivialehti.fi/paras-aika-vuodesta/2013/02/viikonlopun-vinkein-of-monsters-and-men/">stella reminded me</a> of one of the songs i sang and hopped along during the long weekend, and i realized that there were so many sounds i was unfamiliar with before that i should probably share the gems – not all of them icelandic – with y'all.<br />
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<a href="http://www.soleysoley.com/">sóley</a>'s quiet, dreamy pop reminds me of stina nordenstam. her acoustic gig at a cafe was amazingly calming and soothing.<br />
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danish <a href="http://www.nelsoncan.com/">nelson can</a>, a girl group with a rough lo-fi sound, rocked a small bar venue. it was definitely one of my absolute favorites.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ofmonstersandmen.com/">of monsters and men</a> seemed to be the band of the moment in the icelandic music export. they were the most buzzed and anticipated local show in <a href="http://en.harpa.is/">harpa</a> and had the international crowd singing along excitedly.<br />
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the double take of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/elineyj">elín ey</a> – as the singer songwriter with a guitar and as a part of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SisyEy">sisy ey</a> electronic group – displayed a stylish queer talent that was understandably followed around by a doting entourage everywhere she went.<br />
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another visible presence around town during the weekend was <a href="http://www.retrostefson.com/">retro stefson</a> and their lead singer unnsteinn manuel stefánsson who featured in several of the live sets we stumbled into from the smallest bar venue – including a great hip hop show with icelandic lyrics that just took away although we had no idea what was going on – to the their own show at the harpa main stage.<br />
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the bubblegum queen <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Thorunnantonia">thorunn antonia</a> offered a set of happy pop songs the likes of annie that brought a smile on our faces and a wiggle to our toes.<br />
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<a href="http://bloodgroup.is/">bloodgroup</a> had harpa dancing with their electronic beats late into the night.<br />
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finally, <a href="http://www.elektroguzzi.net/">elektro guzzi</a> and their intoxicating live set at the little upstairs club venue. sweat. no cloakroom. more beer, more sweat.<br />
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if you ever wanted to visit iceland, airwaves is definitely a bad choice to book a trip for.stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-9078388592742036872013-02-20T09:59:00.000+02:002013-02-20T10:03:37.953+02:00diamonds falling from grace.three years ago i was quite in tune with my inner bookworm judging from a little note i wrote about <a href="http://outrageousoutings.blogspot.fi/2010/01/on-admiration.html">admiration</a>. nevertheless, being the one-click addict that i am, my amazon shipments have lately included a couple of memoirs – literature i knew to steer clear of before.<br />
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judging from how i feel right now, i probably should have kept on avoiding them.<br />
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since i never really discuss books here, this may seem an odd way to start – although i am not promising any continuance – but here goes nothing.<br />
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i adore beth ditto. i love the gossip. one of my most memorable starstruck moments was when i met her, post-show and after complimenting her singing she gave me the warmest, squishiest hug in the world.<br />
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it might have been the single incident that promoted a feeling that i already somehow was connected to her, that despite my overall hesitation to indulge in autobiographical storytelling, that regardless of my understanding of the perilous nature of stories describing subjective facts, that now, here, somehow it would be different.<br />
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her memoir, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coal-Diamonds-Memoir-Beth-Ditto/dp/0385525915">coal to diamonds</a></i>, started as a light read that i trudged through. the unfastidious language annoyed me throughout, but it was really the structure – or lack of – that became increasingly irritating towards the end. it would be kind to describe the narrative as stream-of-consciousness or circular. truthfully, it was just a messy turmoil with no shape and time-leaps that were nothing short of confusing.<br />
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i will try to avoid the potholes of creating a mental image of beth as simple, actually i refuse to believe it, but the memoir's insights offer very little substance with heights such as – and excuse me for paraphrasing – not all people who look like punks embrace the punk mentality or queer people do not all share the same political agenda. the more interesting, complex personal-is-political issues – riot grrl, fat-positive thinking – were merely touched upon and not explained to the uneducated reader.<br />
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perhaps a good editor could have pulled this one up from its sad state that was, quite honestly, a waste of paper and time. far better queer coming-of-age stories come from jeannette winterson and, for example, ivan e. coyote – but they happily call them semi-autobiographical.<br />
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you can imagine the dread i felt yesterday afternoon when i picked up grace coddington's memoir <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grace-A-Memoir-Coddington/dp/0812993357">grace</a></i>. compared to the ditto version, her's is at least double the length – comparable with their respective ages – and i was afraid i would not finish it. my time is more precious than that. this morning over my cup of coffee, i turned the last page.<br />
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it was clear from page one that this was an eloquently written and well-edited story. nevertheless, after a few more pages, i already knew why my literature of choice stays on the fiction side of things: made-up stories are so much more real and insightful than actual life lived and described...<br />
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grace was a collection of entertaining dinner party anecdotes suitable for a night with acquaintances; the stories revealed only the surface of their protagonist although providing insight into the world of fashion editing. the amount of dispensable namedropping at times felt rather ridiculous, but otherwise the accounts of adventures with famous household names provided a peek into a life normally hidden from mere mortals.<br />
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perhaps i will stick to fiction from now on then.stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-2594989185249066502013-02-19T13:29:00.001+02:002013-02-19T13:29:26.570+02:00contemporary toothpaste, say what?there is something inherently ridiculous about what i will write about next. but since i have no shame and find happiness in the smallest details, here goes nothing.<br />
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toothpaste, the most mundane thing.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">i have written in quite significant length about <a href="http://outrageousoutings.blogspot.fi/2010/09/every-day-counts.html">my dishcloth</a> before, so perhaps this is simply the natural step towards utter disaster.</span><br />
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yes, i am writing about toothpaste. in a tube.<br />
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but what a tube! i am a sucker for great packaging and surround myself with as beautiful everyday objects as humanly possible. needless to say, i refuse to believe that it does not matter what kind of artifacts go through one's hands daily. that is, visual information in addition to tactile stimuli and fragrances surround whatever chores we need to perform. hence, it makes sense to make the most of those moments of possible dullness.<br />
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perhaps creating sensible moments from little, boring activities lowers the need for excitement rushes of special occasions. however, it may just be my subjective experience, but elevating the everyday does not seem to diminish the height of celebration. it just provides repetitions of pleasure where you least expect them. or, in my case, have learned to expect and appreciate them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.marvismint.com/">the marvis website</a> is worth an aesthetically inclined visit in itself. as far as content goes, my favorite is ginger mint. i love ginger in all forms and the availability of it sealed the deal.<br />
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ridiculous or not, i love it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty, now aren't they? thank you <a href="http://www.issues.fi/">inke</a>, fellow crusader in the world of meaningful superficiality.</td></tr>
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<br />stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-79165895776852176972013-02-15T16:20:00.000+02:002013-02-18T20:33:24.385+02:00diamond rings – i don't need them.berlin based <a href="http://denafromtheblock.com/">D E N A</a> brings booty shaking rhythms with a hint of her native bulgaria peeking into the soundscape. the minimalist beat is something i, as an old electro girl, cannot resist. all i want is chill with my friends by the swimming pools...<br />
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performing live <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/106569206178670/">tonight at siltanen</a>. i'll be there, you should, too.stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-77015392232697698972013-02-13T06:47:00.001+02:002013-02-13T06:47:12.343+02:00love like you've never been hurt.greetings from berlin! in addition to exercise there are few things in life that lift your serotonin levels like a trip in the company of great women.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready to take off.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">morning view.</td></tr>
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i am not sure what in berlin strikes me as full of life. in itself the concrete gloominess is brightened only by street art and tivoli lights marking restaurants and stores this time of the year. the magnificent promenades are not lined by lush trees as they are from spring till fall, but somehow there is a buzz.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">prenzlauer berg.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">friedrichshain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kreutzberg.</td></tr>
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the mecca of cheap breakfasts and beer (that is better value than water) is something of a haven for a foodie on a budget like myself. moreover, since the weather did not exactly favor long strolls around the city – it was piercingly cold and rather humid even when the rain was not turning into sleet – we took advantage of our cosy apartment in friedrichshain, the little bars in the neighborhood and a myriad of ethic restaurants.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elfida-Berlin/178222948877626">elfida</a> brunch buffet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stella at the perennial favorite, elfida.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pie at the <a href="http://www.qype.com/place/28007-Kinocafe-Intimes-Berlin">intimes</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">margaritas as my favorite from last visit, <a href="http://www.santaberlin.com/">santa maria</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60fi-urikE8/URsWTelivRI/AAAAAAAACik/hxjtZdFDeL4/s1600/IMG_5053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60fi-urikE8/URsWTelivRI/AAAAAAAACik/hxjtZdFDeL4/s640/IMG_5053.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little sweetness from downstairs: the nuss ring.</td></tr>
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the neighborhood was familiar to the rest of the pack, but offered plenty of new for me. my last trip centered around kreutzberg and it was gratifying to dive into the nooks of new blocks and streets.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scyUiQcCnqI/URsWUp1yHYI/AAAAAAAACjA/D0IUzatlVdo/s1600/IMG_5155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scyUiQcCnqI/URsWUp1yHYI/AAAAAAAACjA/D0IUzatlVdo/s640/IMG_5155.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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the most important part of traveling are without a doubt your companions. our group dynamic consisted of plenty of impromptu craziness, but also the power of life experience, sensitivity and intelligence that was not necessarily the academic kind. there was room to breath and to air out the most embarrassing and humiliating details without feeling crushed by a condescending attitude whether it was past hurts and issues of trust, the pain of missing our kids, the uncertainties of creativity or whether the store downstairs was too far for another round of drinks.<br />
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the travel records of my lovely companions can be checked out (in finnish only, i'm afraid, but with better pics than mine, naturally) at <a href="http://www.olivialehti.fi/paras-aika-vuodesta/">stella</a>'s, <a href="http://blogit.hs.fi/paikkaauringossa/2013/02/10/kuin-kalat-berliinissa/">dorit</a>'s <a href="http://www.paspartuu.fi/2013/02/tutuilla-kulmilla/">two</a> and <a href="http://gtiebackline.blogspot.fi/2013/02/love-disorder.html">jenni</a>'s blogs.<br />
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love you all.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uL7Psp6qtg/URsWX0sgKTI/AAAAAAAACj8/obfrN_jUexM/s1600/IMG_5302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uL7Psp6qtg/URsWX0sgKTI/AAAAAAAACj8/obfrN_jUexM/s640/IMG_5302.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i returned home at 6.30 am from dancing and went looking for some love in the room next door. they took a picture. gee thanks.</td></tr>
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<br />stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-57921982784045628292013-02-06T14:57:00.003+02:002013-02-06T14:57:44.032+02:00gusty travels.on my way to nyc last november, i realized a long awaited dream of mine. visiting iceland had been on the list of to-dos for years, and the opportunity presented itself almost accidentally.<br />
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friends were heading over to <a href="http://icelandairwaves.is/">airwaves festival</a> in reykjavik and offered their couch for me to crash on on my way. the layover on <a href="http://www.icelandair.com/">icelandair</a> costs no extra, so well, why the hell not.<br />
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the festival packs the city with music fans from all over the world, and therefore my experience probably wasn't the most typical in reykjavik. for example, i've heard you only need a couple of days and end up knowing the locals and becoming a regular customer at your favorite spots. the city is small, granted, and the local people are friendly, but the selection of inviting bars and restaurants is quite extensive, really, and i could not pick my favorite.<br />
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i was expecting mind-blowing nature and was delivered an amazing scenery unlike anything i've ever seen before. one day we took a ride around <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Circle_(Iceland)">the golden circle</a>, a popular tourist route with geysers, volcanic lakes and icy waterfalls. the strange, barren landscape inescapably reminded nothing familiar and turning corners revealed sights that seemed indefinitely novel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0H2CN96nR0/URJQeNKqdHI/AAAAAAAACg4/zGaLW7Y7E0s/s1600/IMG_9978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0H2CN96nR0/URJQeNKqdHI/AAAAAAAACg4/zGaLW7Y7E0s/s640/IMG_9978.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gullfoss waterfall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a chair next to the geysers.</td></tr>
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<br />
we were also greeted by the tropical (!!) storm rosa with winds that quite literally blew me off the street. at times on all fours, mostly hanging on to street signs and chains lining pedestrian walkways, we managed to get around in the city during the storm. the locals were startled but in a country where the rental cars all sport a sticker that instructs to open the doors carefully because of gusty winds, i guess it wasn't that radical.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqN2-0SjLfs/URJQukB9EDI/AAAAAAAAChM/87wCSUzZ7b4/s1600/P1040638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="733" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqN2-0SjLfs/URJQukB9EDI/AAAAAAAAChM/87wCSUzZ7b4/s640/P1040638.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seriously hanging on. i actually used those chains to get forward.</td></tr>
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<br />
my favorites were still the unexpected human interventions, such as a small chapel in the middle of nowhere next to a private farmhouse and a summer house trailer park. the round and cuddly sheep stared back at us and run away ruining every single photo opportunity. the ponies with their wild hair. the smell of rotten eggs everywhere as a source of endless fart jokes – yes, we are that lame.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1q10vOCQQBI/URJQ_ZnwIsI/AAAAAAAAChU/Bf3gygqwn88/s1600/IMG_2282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1q10vOCQQBI/URJQ_ZnwIsI/AAAAAAAAChU/Bf3gygqwn88/s640/IMG_2282.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trailer park hugged by the mountain ridge. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai1I049J3L8/URJQ_T4e31I/AAAAAAAAChY/sKtMkL_bY6k/s1600/IMG_2281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai1I049J3L8/URJQ_T4e31I/AAAAAAAAChY/sKtMkL_bY6k/s640/IMG_2281.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">graffiti in the middle of nowhere.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDqbETxmxyQ/URJQ_cxnV_I/AAAAAAAAChc/GXDMv-x5dbQ/s1600/IMG_2324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDqbETxmxyQ/URJQ_cxnV_I/AAAAAAAAChc/GXDMv-x5dbQ/s640/IMG_2324.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sheep running away. again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAx7JysIsZU/URJRCYLPLfI/AAAAAAAAChs/FKUXDJhOtBs/s1600/IMG_2427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAx7JysIsZU/URJRCYLPLfI/AAAAAAAAChs/FKUXDJhOtBs/s640/IMG_2427.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finnish store.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mv54jwQecYw/URJRCmctKkI/AAAAAAAAChw/v1YMaCLWagI/s1600/IMG_2325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mv54jwQecYw/URJRCmctKkI/AAAAAAAAChw/v1YMaCLWagI/s640/IMG_2325.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chapel at a farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5L1HMn83fa8/URJREMZvJJI/AAAAAAAACiE/AV9TotH5U2U/s1600/IMG_2439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5L1HMn83fa8/URJREMZvJJI/AAAAAAAACiE/AV9TotH5U2U/s640/IMG_2439.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reykjavik idea of subtle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKPCQgQqJyI/URJREigJicI/AAAAAAAACiI/f7TxJeeXmcw/s1600/IMG_2510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKPCQgQqJyI/URJREigJicI/AAAAAAAACiI/f7TxJeeXmcw/s640/IMG_2510.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amazing paint jobs.</td></tr>
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the first performers at next year's airwaves festival are out. cannot wait to go.<br />
<br />stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-91526499078230291662013-02-05T08:57:00.002+02:002013-02-05T08:57:41.674+02:00i don't like your fashion business, mister.first i took manhattan, then i take berlin – with my monkey and plywood violin. i told you, i told you, told you, i was one of those.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JTTC_fD598A" width="550"></iframe><br />
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more to follow.stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-66405382719229720852013-01-30T15:22:00.000+02:002013-01-30T15:29:01.544+02:00neighborhood recommendation #24: russian.eastern european and former soviet cuisines were and are among my favorites ever since i lived in nyc. night visits to <a href="http://www.veselka.com/index2.html">veselka</a> are fondly remembered and just thinking about the little delis serving pierogis makes my mouth water. stuffed cabbage, blini, pelmeni, red peppers and smetana are all little pieces of heaven during the cold winter months.<br />
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helsinki, surprisingly, does not offer ukrainian food. russian is also rare: there are less than five restaurants in town although blinis are served during a certain, wintery time in the year all over the place.<br />
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however, there is <a href="http://eat.fi/helsinki/pelmenit">pelmenit</a>: a small, greasy and rather stinky place where the welcome is always warm but blunt, the food properly fried and you leave stuffed every single time. the selection varies, but there is always at least one vegetarian option on offer.<br />
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for the perfect comfort food craving, i wholeheartedly recommend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wsfHXbb654/UP00VQtcVhI/AAAAAAAACcs/eSKcFJGQbAs/s1600/pelmenit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wsfHXbb654/UP00VQtcVhI/AAAAAAAACcs/eSKcFJGQbAs/s640/pelmenit.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">veggie stuffed crepes. fried, naturally...</td></tr>
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<br />stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-66025655977251252592013-01-29T09:34:00.000+02:002013-01-29T09:34:05.771+02:00fire explosion.eagerly awaited, beautifully queer. <a href="http://theknife.net/">the knife</a> delivers. again.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="310" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DoH6k6eIUS4" width="550"></iframe>stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-89968166047557813702013-01-22T16:30:00.001+02:002013-01-22T18:15:53.019+02:00bklyn.i realized last summer that i had not had the opportunity to enjoy the holidays that i had earned. since i worked for a project that lasted only till the end of the year, i was presented with a few weeks of leisure. add overtime, and there was plenty.<br />
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last fall there were five weeks left, so on a plane i hopped to see a dear friend.</div>
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sandy had visited just a few days before, and i landed into a city that was moved by donation rallies, a barely working subway system, was to be hit by a blizzard only a few days afterwards and where everyone felt anxious about the coming presidential election. an exciting time to be in the heart of everything, then.</div>
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for me, the fact that manhattan was hardly accessible did not matter. only the j train was running for half the time i was there, but i am completely comfortable in brooklyn and ended up visiting the island twice: once to see a doctor for a strep throat that devastated me for a few days and once to see a friend and visit a couple of museums. greenpoint, williamsburg and bushwick were plenty and, most importantly, a walking distance from my base.</div>
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because i am fond of eating, i spent my days flaneuring and enjoying the incredible food. it is handy that i have a local foodie taking me around: the city changes constantly and it is incredibly hard to keep up. lucky me was instantly handed a list of places worthy of visits during the day, and at night we picked dinner and cocktail spots that were, truly, amazing.</div>
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here are some of my favorite places to stuff my guts.</div>
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<a href="http://www.tobysestate.com/">toby's estate</a>.<br />
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my daily javafix was taken care of either here or at <a href="http://outrageousoutings.blogspot.fi/2010/08/bicoastal-brew.html">blue bottle coffee </a>(that i have mentioned before). toby's is better for hanging out: comfortable, spacey and inviting. (blue bottle is more of a visit to a lab which you leave with the perfect pour over.) they offer excellent single origins with enough information to help you choose the perfect cup.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDauvDP5T-A/UP6c2hKncwI/AAAAAAAACdo/Qf6z4Zavy6c/s1600/848b155a2b5311e2880f22000a1f9ca7_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDauvDP5T-A/UP6c2hKncwI/AAAAAAAACdo/Qf6z4Zavy6c/s640/848b155a2b5311e2880f22000a1f9ca7_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">guatemalan single origin coming up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHq2YsGCV5g/UP6c2uPR6II/AAAAAAAACds/V4Uq5DYW4E4/s1600/cf6eeec82b5511e2bf6922000a9f1404_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHq2YsGCV5g/UP6c2uPR6II/AAAAAAAACds/V4Uq5DYW4E4/s640/cf6eeec82b5511e2bf6922000a9f1404_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hanging out at toby's.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k5QS_F8fTjI/UP6c2qt2rpI/AAAAAAAACdw/VHLjP1V4FmQ/s1600/2c1a9b40277811e2934a12313813213d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k5QS_F8fTjI/UP6c2qt2rpI/AAAAAAAACdw/VHLjP1V4FmQ/s640/2c1a9b40277811e2934a12313813213d_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caf%C3%A9-El-Beit/344929228819">el beit</a>.<br />
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another small coffee shop where i liked to sip a hot drink and read my book was on bedford. perfect indie soundtrack, organic teas and beautiful fresh cakes, like my pear and ginger loaf served in an urban rustic setting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fiveleavesny.com/">five leaves</a>.</div>
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for breakfast there is nothing more incredible than their ricotta pancakes. everything else is good, too. getting in for brunch on the weekends may take up to five hours, but is probably worth the wait – if you cannot make it in during the week, that is.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijU8vMFIcws/UP6dGzOZVUI/AAAAAAAACeU/98y69CmQqQw/s1600/66055fa82dbc11e2b3ea12313813ff36_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijU8vMFIcws/UP6dGzOZVUI/AAAAAAAACeU/98y69CmQqQw/s640/66055fa82dbc11e2b3ea12313813ff36_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the ricotta pancakes. the size of the banana halves give you an idea of the portion. the dollop on top is maple butter. i am serious: this is heaven on earth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eggrestaurant.com/">egg</a>.<br />
<br />
for the perfect brunch that soothes every nerve in your body. organic and local, carefully prepared. served with a calm. and they give you crayons if the smoothness of everything gets a little too balsamic for your taste. just grab a color and go crazy on the tablecloth.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Orjt_dYCFW4/UP6dPvmH-wI/AAAAAAAACeg/tdsWPAyduyA/s1600/b5bf3e26290a11e294d322000a1f8c09_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Orjt_dYCFW4/UP6dPvmH-wI/AAAAAAAACeg/tdsWPAyduyA/s640/b5bf3e26290a11e294d322000a1f8c09_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eggs rothko.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtTUBvownMY/UP6dPg2u2RI/AAAAAAAACek/uPJlI0lKO68/s1600/637bc72e290a11e2818012313b0748b4_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtTUBvownMY/UP6dPg2u2RI/AAAAAAAACek/uPJlI0lKO68/s640/637bc72e290a11e2818012313b0748b4_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrBLK437gKI/UP6dPla_x3I/AAAAAAAACeo/_aCCRehGuJU/s1600/8c262c50290a11e29ca422000a1faf19_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrBLK437gKI/UP6dPla_x3I/AAAAAAAACeo/_aCCRehGuJU/s640/8c262c50290a11e29ca422000a1faf19_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.brooklynlabel.com/">brooklyn label</a>.<br />
<br />
another great brunch spot is up in greenpoint. the chipped paint, the crammed bar and lines of locals who just grab a coffee to go make it homey even for a visitor. definitely not touristy, yet, the wait is still about an hour on weekends. a good tip is to walk in for the waiting list and stroll down the street to <a href="http://www.wordbrooklyn.com/">word</a> for a great book.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g0675VsuhSs/UP6eODVSlgI/AAAAAAAACgQ/PQKdmDFaw4o/s1600/7cb174402c3a11e289dc22000a9f12b0_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g0675VsuhSs/UP6eODVSlgI/AAAAAAAACgQ/PQKdmDFaw4o/s640/7cb174402c3a11e289dc22000a9f12b0_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QjD8Ym-ZfI/UP6dY6WrgAI/AAAAAAAACe4/jjX-JonN-8Y/s1600/e215b1bc2c3e11e2a9dd22000a9e29a7_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QjD8Ym-ZfI/UP6dY6WrgAI/AAAAAAAACe4/jjX-JonN-8Y/s640/e215b1bc2c3e11e2a9dd22000a9e29a7_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">artichoke mash and veggie sausage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.newmshanghai.com/">m shanghai</a>.<br />
<br />
for dumplings, there is really no need to go to chinatown. dough-covered yumminess is available right on grand, in the new location of m shanghai just a block from their original spot. the indie diner vibe is still there, as is the tattooed staff, and the food as sumptuous as ever.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GX5hoUqgwd8/UP6degr7mGI/AAAAAAAACfA/_0mjHNFHyaQ/s1600/1a2afb042f0311e2b5291231381b30be_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GX5hoUqgwd8/UP6degr7mGI/AAAAAAAACfA/_0mjHNFHyaQ/s640/1a2afb042f0311e2b5291231381b30be_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.samuraimama.com/">samurai mama</a>.<br />
<br />
nothing makes me feel better jet lagged that a hot bowl of soup. udon with a fully flavored broth might just about cure all your ailments. no, actually, i am sure it will.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8DCj-BQr0U/UP6dkln_UtI/AAAAAAAACfI/7NkdiA1w3jg/s1600/caa0e22e269c11e2b62322000a9f12da_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8DCj-BQr0U/UP6dkln_UtI/AAAAAAAACfI/7NkdiA1w3jg/s640/caa0e22e269c11e2b62322000a9f12da_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sansai udon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oR5QzW0JaPI/UP6dkqa2NXI/AAAAAAAACfQ/mbZoDZitOsA/s1600/f5eb7110269c11e29b9b22000a1f96c5_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oR5QzW0JaPI/UP6dkqa2NXI/AAAAAAAACfQ/mbZoDZitOsA/s640/f5eb7110269c11e29b9b22000a1f96c5_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.esquinabk.com/">café de la esquina</a>.<br />
<br />
although nowadays you can get decent mexican street food in helsinki, too, a proper fish taco experience is something i truly cherish on my trips to nyc. this old, glitzy diner brings simple and beautiful mexican tacos and quesadillas to the table. fresh and lovely.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwJ5khvY4sc/UP6dqWIoRzI/AAAAAAAACfY/POC9AMrCHz8/s1600/e0ca5ea22a3111e282761231381b75ef_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwJ5khvY4sc/UP6dqWIoRzI/AAAAAAAACfY/POC9AMrCHz8/s640/e0ca5ea22a3111e282761231381b75ef_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pescado a la brasas taco.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<a href="http://lobsterjoint.com/">lobster joint</a>.<br />
<br />
forget hotdogs, it's time for a little more elevated street snack. everyone in nyc seems to have been <a href="http://nymag.com/guides/summer/2010/66749/">raving about lobster rolls</a> for a couple of years now, but i finally had my chance with the scissory suckers. it is slightly more pricey than your average meat-in-a-bun, but here the value for money is definitely at its best: lots of lobster, fresh herb mayo, fries and a pickle. served fast, hot and to be eaten standing up. serious business, i say.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Oq7jjpfycM/UP6dvMz9JZI/AAAAAAAACfg/o7kCqc863Uw/s1600/e7c417ba2a7811e2912322000a1f933e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Oq7jjpfycM/UP6dvMz9JZI/AAAAAAAACfg/o7kCqc863Uw/s640/e7c417ba2a7811e2912322000a1f933e_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new england lobster roll.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.themeatballshop.com/">the meatball shop</a>.<br />
<br />
don't let the name fool ya, there's plenty for a vegetarian to enjoy at the meatball shop. they serve great veggie balls, sliders, smashes and a mouthwatering selection of sides. and if you visited linnanmäki <a href="http://www.linnanmaki.fi/index.php/ravintolat-ja-kaupat/kattila/lihapullabaari-kuula/">kattila</a> last summer, you'll see where the inspiration for their meatball menu came from... imitation is the highest form of flattery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbBf3xjBF7A/UP6d3Kw4z-I/AAAAAAAACfo/Q1wDs4i1Y3E/s1600/502b0996295511e2b82c22000a1fbca3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbBf3xjBF7A/UP6d3Kw4z-I/AAAAAAAACfo/Q1wDs4i1Y3E/s640/502b0996295511e2b82c22000a1fbca3_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we stumbled in during the blizzard and secured a seat without waiting. probably the only night out in brooklyn when everything was almost empty... perfect weather for some hearty food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.thebluestove.com/">the blue stove</a>.<br />
<br />
i hardly ever eat dessert. my sweet tooth got snatched by the tooth fairy around the time i turned 22, and it's been awol ever since. however, on my trips i seem to get beside myself thinking about pie, cakes and donuts. especially pie. american bakeries and diners offer the most amazing pies with crusts that are never too sweet and where the fruit is tart and fresh. and then there is blue stove with a gazillion huge pies just waiting for me to turn into jabba the hut. decisions, decisions. i dare you to leave after eating just one slice...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1oLUsqr_WU/UP6d_dFtWtI/AAAAAAAACfw/jWMEMoogSaM/s1600/726020ce29d111e2bf9022000a1fb723_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1oLUsqr_WU/UP6d_dFtWtI/AAAAAAAACfw/jWMEMoogSaM/s640/726020ce29d111e2bf9022000a1fb723_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pumpkin pie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekDI_bwYyDE/UP6d_a-XMKI/AAAAAAAACf0/oxHX8xoGpoo/s1600/28ab79da29d411e28dc022000a1f8c21_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekDI_bwYyDE/UP6d_a-XMKI/AAAAAAAACf0/oxHX8xoGpoo/s640/28ab79da29d411e28dc022000a1f8c21_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSa6-ndcGPw/UP6d_fbhH-I/AAAAAAAACf4/btfI_z5Bf0o/s1600/361439ac29d111e2b85522000a9e28f2_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSa6-ndcGPw/UP6d_fbhH-I/AAAAAAAACf4/btfI_z5Bf0o/s640/361439ac29d111e2b85522000a9e28f2_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://milkbarstore.com/">momofuku milk bar</a>.<br />
<br />
when sweet is not sweetness enough, there is crack pie. a heavy slice of sugar, butter, more sugar, more butter, some cream and milk and some more sugar. and a rather heavy pinch of salt, just to perfect it. once you have a taste, the name will seem natural. trust me.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzkJuiI_mYA/UP6eG1g4gZI/AAAAAAAACgI/ev-3Dk4oTbs/s1600/1b308f6e2c5611e29d8c22000a1fbd8b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzkJuiI_mYA/UP6eG1g4gZI/AAAAAAAACgI/ev-3Dk4oTbs/s640/1b308f6e2c5611e29d8c22000a1fbd8b_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U63pzKyESs8/UP6guH_k4VI/AAAAAAAACgg/g6AUIvkA02A/s1600/kuva.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U63pzKyESs8/UP6guH_k4VI/AAAAAAAACgg/g6AUIvkA02A/s640/kuva.JPG" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">do not let the looks deceive you. this is crack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
well, it seems ate my way through brooklyn.</div>
stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-88067757800570094382013-01-22T09:38:00.005+02:002013-01-22T16:51:44.229+02:00neighborhood recommendation #23: bar.ok, here's the news: i have finally found my bar.<br />
<br />
when i moved to helsinki, my drinking dive of choice was slowly being strangled out of business. although the rumors were around, erottaja bar still closed abruptly and many of us felt stranded and without a base.<br />
<br />
the worst thing still: nothing appeared to replace it. sure, we hung out at bars and met friends at various places. but nothing felt like home. none of them was quite right.<br />
<br />
since i moved, i was aware of vaasankatu, a street of dread and debauchery. with its girl bars, massage salons, sex shops, etc. it had a reputation. i have a fairly low tolerance for the grimier things in life – i've talked about gentrification here <a href="http://outrageousoutings.blogspot.fi/2010/10/make-it-to-greenpoint.html">before</a> – but also firmly dislike nimbyism in both its elitist form and as a means of romanticizing slumming it. since i have actually lived in the bronx, it takes more than a few sex shops, winos or meth heads to unsettle me.<br />
<br />
moreover, i did not realize the street was located so incredibly near my new apartment. and there it was: <a href="http://barmolotow.posterous.com/">molotow</a>.<br />
<br />
it is a bar with comfortable collection of haphazard recycled furniture, oddities and the perfect soundtrack of new wave and britpop. beer is 3.80€, always, but they also offer an impressive selection of small brewery brews – in case you wanna splurge. the clientele is as eclectic as the interior, no attitude, no sneering, just a cosy place to sit down and have a drink or two.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AewWqPYMaY/UP08Wn-q9eI/AAAAAAAACdA/RauG8mx2tsA/s1600/fa34f1bc5d9a11e2890322000a9e48f1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AewWqPYMaY/UP08Wn-q9eI/AAAAAAAACdA/RauG8mx2tsA/s640/fa34f1bc5d9a11e2890322000a9e48f1_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<br />stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-121007275386281652013-01-21T16:54:00.001+02:002013-01-21T16:54:52.768+02:00neighborhood recommendation #22: lowkey eats.with the new neighborhood come new recommendations. although my new hood was not a primary choice of location for me, but somehow just happened, i've tried to familiarize myself with its potential. so far, it's looking good.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
it seems that wherever i go, some restaurants follow. first, there is tori – a recommendation i talked about <a href="http://outrageousoutings.blogspot.fi/2009/02/neighborhood-recommendation-3-hangout.html">here before</a> – that opened a new establishment at the same time i packed my moving boxes. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
their new place serves pretty much the same menu as their punavuori location with the exciting bonus of being able to serve alcohol. while <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ravintola-AlppiTori/217939628218200">alppitori</a> isn't a bar, i myself do enjoy a mimosa with my brunch or a beer with my burger. most of the fare is simple home cooking, real and honest food that leaves you satisfied.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zcjxgt_K1As/UP08WsXKRDI/AAAAAAAACdE/N-j5sQBEs8w/s1600/63894438349711e2ad6922000a1fa410_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zcjxgt_K1As/UP08WsXKRDI/AAAAAAAACdE/N-j5sQBEs8w/s640/63894438349711e2ad6922000a1fa410_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fried baltic herring, beets and potato mash with sour cream. perfection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
my favorite is their veggie burger with avocado. there has to be something special there because my carnivore friends also prefer it to the meaty version. although they have the unfortunate habit of serving raw avocados (in small slices, thankfully) rather than informing you that there aren't any ripe ones available – happened to me at both their restaurants and several times –, the burger itself is a small wonder when the ingredients are as they should be. i've just acquired the habit of asking if the avocados are alright, and been able to avoid the situation since. sometimes i girl has to make a bit of an effort...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opHtZs08aFM/UP1A8FJ7m-I/AAAAAAAACdY/gBR6OksHm20/s1600/417423_10151076945396438_1467652992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opHtZs08aFM/UP1A8FJ7m-I/AAAAAAAACdY/gBR6OksHm20/s640/417423_10151076945396438_1467652992_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">veggie burger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
the place has become a regular lunch joint for me on days that i work from home. they welcome dogs, too, which makes it even better. </div>
stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-9076263168480472592013-01-09T13:33:00.001+02:002013-01-09T13:33:16.308+02:00invasion.my new, tiny apartment has something i fondly refer to as the non-kitchen.<br />
<br />
for someone like myself who likes to cook (in order to eat well, mind you, not for the pleasures of chopping, sautéing or doing the dishes) and enjoys a well-equipped area for anything daily, it has come as a shocker to realize that a small dining table acts as my kitchen counter and that i had to extend all storage of utensils, dishes and such to my already small living area.<br />
<br />
let me be clear: we're not talking about an open plan kitchen. it really is a nook with a sink and a half of a stove with a cupboard on top.<br />
<br />
as i do consider my living arrangement of the moment rather temporary, i did not want to invest into custom furniture or anything disposable. <a href="http://www.ikea.com/">ikea</a> all around was not an option although i did pick up some beautiful things from there, too. it was, nevertheless, important to have a space that i felt comfortable living in aesthetically and functionally: i still want and need to cook even with these challenges in mind. i also did not want to give up or store away most of the items i had accumulated throughout these past years of building a home.<br />
<br />
thus, i looked towards <a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/">finnish design shop</a> and ordered a pretty little set of <a href="http://www.muuto.com/">muuto</a> shelving for my kitchen-out-of-the-kitchen. when i am done with this place, they will serve well as a bookshelf or even to divide space between areas – if i get to such a grandiose apartment as to need a divider.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://hayshop.dk/">hay</a> flower pots act as utensils storage. little boxes from <a href="http://www.ferm-living.com/">ferm living</a> and ikea keep order near the entrance.<br />
<br />
it turned out to be a rather subtle invasion, after all.<br />
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<br />stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-63533305229608426462013-01-04T12:37:00.000+02:002013-01-30T15:24:10.300+02:00here.i took the two required minutes to read my blog posts of last year. 19 in total; more pictures than text, so unlike me.<br />
<br />
i was not here. i was hardly present anywhere.<br />
<br />
2012 started in the limelight at the senate square and my year was boosted and shadowed by the blue ball wherever i went. a rewarding ordeal of a year workwise. the hours put in taught in many ways more than the miles of books i read for my dissertation: if i ever was, now i am pragmatic and practically prepared for any ordeal to come.<br />
<br />
otherwise i shattered, collected myself, crumbled again, reassembled what i could find of myself with a clingwrap that muddled with its thick layers but still managed to reveal everyone around me how broken i was.<br />
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pieces are lost forever. new ones will surely caulk even the most gaping holes.<br />
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nonetheless, there were moments of happiness, many of them. i traveled, alone and with friends. i shared meals and moments of drunken exhilaration. i read books on which i wasn't able to concentrate for the past years. i danced for hours.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RG_yIiVV5QM/UOQqHJBtcTI/AAAAAAAACZE/FKa8xHsGma0/s1600/IMG_7829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RG_yIiVV5QM/UOQqHJBtcTI/AAAAAAAACZE/FKa8xHsGma0/s640/IMG_7829.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blowing off some steam.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvm67SZOwjc/UOQqNLZJo7I/AAAAAAAACaA/wvDBJFWAMi8/s1600/IMG_9622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="643" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvm67SZOwjc/UOQqNLZJo7I/AAAAAAAACaA/wvDBJFWAMi8/s640/IMG_9622.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">midsummer and one of the best guarded secrets near my summer cottage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SiwadyBrPc/UOQqOJwwz_I/AAAAAAAACaE/XWvegEFsZAY/s1600/IMG_9814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SiwadyBrPc/UOQqOJwwz_I/AAAAAAAACaE/XWvegEFsZAY/s640/IMG_9814.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ruisrock with <a href="http://blogit.stara.fi/silver/">silver</a>.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLoR4BqkCiw/UOQqO9FGK5I/AAAAAAAACaQ/1JMKq7dMKHI/s1600/IMG_9882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="403" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLoR4BqkCiw/UOQqO9FGK5I/AAAAAAAACaQ/1JMKq7dMKHI/s640/IMG_9882.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sleepyhead.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqw67S2J4CA/UOQqQjdB1EI/AAAAAAAACac/QqHKIIf_e6c/s1600/IMG_9954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="643" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqw67S2J4CA/UOQqQjdB1EI/AAAAAAAACac/QqHKIIf_e6c/s640/IMG_9954.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">boldly go wherever i want.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FLf4mw1ZPk/UOQp3lzL1xI/AAAAAAAACWk/zhgbxwCNnJU/s1600/IMG_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FLf4mw1ZPk/UOQp3lzL1xI/AAAAAAAACWk/zhgbxwCNnJU/s640/IMG_0132.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lavender in stockholm.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q130JyaMUio/UOQp4kBOgcI/AAAAAAAACWo/K4PeKlF2lh8/s1600/IMG_0218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q130JyaMUio/UOQp4kBOgcI/AAAAAAAACWo/K4PeKlF2lh8/s640/IMG_0218.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roxy in stockholm with <a href="http://svartattsaganej.blogspot.fi/">bff</a>.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOdUAmXPkEU/UOQp5I8-ksI/AAAAAAAACWw/4rr4Rh_tjkU/s1600/IMG_0301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOdUAmXPkEU/UOQp5I8-ksI/AAAAAAAACWw/4rr4Rh_tjkU/s640/IMG_0301.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kumpula.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L199_fvHpUs/UOQp6ILnlNI/AAAAAAAACW4/fte8AmAB3ng/s1600/IMG_0387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L199_fvHpUs/UOQp6ILnlNI/AAAAAAAACW4/fte8AmAB3ng/s640/IMG_0387.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reminders, part one.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvdzOViqP0U/UOQp6qf73MI/AAAAAAAACXA/is5uzY_G3Ys/s1600/IMG_0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvdzOViqP0U/UOQp6qf73MI/AAAAAAAACXA/is5uzY_G3Ys/s640/IMG_0451.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fountain and flow festival.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfsgdo9Dbf8/UOQp7RYzcFI/AAAAAAAACXM/oxRwfLaz6Vc/s1600/IMG_0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfsgdo9Dbf8/UOQp7RYzcFI/AAAAAAAACXM/oxRwfLaz6Vc/s640/IMG_0479.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flow festival.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cevWjOPCow/UOQp8-TIVwI/AAAAAAAACXY/DZE2Fd05whw/s1600/IMG_0569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cevWjOPCow/UOQp8-TIVwI/AAAAAAAACXY/DZE2Fd05whw/s640/IMG_0569.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">restaurant day and hillbilly haystack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mA3JBv-A2wg/UOQp99gNlVI/AAAAAAAACXg/OQeGJieluR0/s1600/IMG_0598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mA3JBv-A2wg/UOQp99gNlVI/AAAAAAAACXg/OQeGJieluR0/s640/IMG_0598.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reminders, part two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEJIItos0eY/UOQp-tY_sRI/AAAAAAAACXo/2FYRFmlMu9E/s1600/IMG_0647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEJIItos0eY/UOQp-tY_sRI/AAAAAAAACXo/2FYRFmlMu9E/s640/IMG_0647.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new pups.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6ZqvIxj6-o/UOQp_kVQxRI/AAAAAAAACXw/y9lIg1-lnDA/s1600/IMG_0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6ZqvIxj6-o/UOQp_kVQxRI/AAAAAAAACXw/y9lIg1-lnDA/s640/IMG_0656.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">city happenings: laughs, speed and tight curves. this time with my little sis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9OHsC8QJVs/UOQqASscf-I/AAAAAAAACX8/A8y77XuqgIc/s1600/IMG_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9OHsC8QJVs/UOQqASscf-I/AAAAAAAACX8/A8y77XuqgIc/s640/IMG_0673.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crazy, impromptu fun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xO-tEuQHoJw/UOQqBKEFWSI/AAAAAAAACYE/TOZxnX8a7Ac/s1600/IMG_0687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xO-tEuQHoJw/UOQqBKEFWSI/AAAAAAAACYE/TOZxnX8a7Ac/s640/IMG_0687.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new puppies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMcqGez0CAk/UOQqCCNZSNI/AAAAAAAACYM/K1PeXlI0m2Y/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMcqGez0CAk/UOQqCCNZSNI/AAAAAAAACYM/K1PeXlI0m2Y/s640/IMG_0888.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">everyday discoveries at suvilahti.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PmKtB4Z7G0/UOQqCx2v7QI/AAAAAAAACYU/e8BUqqkP1DM/s1600/IMG_1109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PmKtB4Z7G0/UOQqCx2v7QI/AAAAAAAACYU/e8BUqqkP1DM/s640/IMG_1109.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">farmers' market at teurastamo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSxxn62Mn5E/UOQqDUwazeI/AAAAAAAACYc/PpA410VDxuY/s1600/IMG_1531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSxxn62Mn5E/UOQqDUwazeI/AAAAAAAACYc/PpA410VDxuY/s640/IMG_1531.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.issues.fi/">lovelies</a> moving to their dream home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWHEDBevVDo/UOQqEPxBDnI/AAAAAAAACYk/0gMx12K0zqs/s1600/IMG_1894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWHEDBevVDo/UOQqEPxBDnI/AAAAAAAACYk/0gMx12K0zqs/s640/IMG_1894.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">london. sitting in a fountain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrvDhNDIWdo/UOQqE3yAjGI/AAAAAAAACYs/iY2Q-wTRtIg/s1600/IMG_3387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrvDhNDIWdo/UOQqE3yAjGI/AAAAAAAACYs/iY2Q-wTRtIg/s640/IMG_3387.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dear friends getting married. love.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPqOu1ed4S0/UOQqPvZT57I/AAAAAAAACaY/i7rmt7bgoDA/s1600/IMG_9915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPqOu1ed4S0/UOQqPvZT57I/AAAAAAAACaY/i7rmt7bgoDA/s640/IMG_9915.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iceland. a dream come true. freezing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-daAYDpJkNss/UOQqRaENMuI/AAAAAAAACao/_KkIz-IAnDk/s1600/_Q0A8716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-daAYDpJkNss/UOQqRaENMuI/AAAAAAAACao/_KkIz-IAnDk/s640/_Q0A8716.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">muru pops down in tytyri and finlandia vodka platinum launch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZfFJYn1EnE/UOasoh04GWI/AAAAAAAACbA/QcpYjSd8zw0/s1600/20abde0054f911e2b42122000a9d0ed9_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZfFJYn1EnE/UOasoh04GWI/AAAAAAAACbA/QcpYjSd8zw0/s640/20abde0054f911e2b42122000a9d0ed9_7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">williamsburg, brooklyn, right after sandy.</td></tr>
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<br />
i did not make promises for the new year.<br />
<br />
i decided that i would just concentrate on being. being present. being here.stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-32630400636461563552012-12-11T11:53:00.001+02:002012-12-11T11:53:28.406+02:00soon we'll be enjoying breakfast again.well hello again.<br />
<br />
it's been a while.<br />
<br />
i am in the middle of a countdown.<br />
<br />
4 to go.<br />
<br />
see you soon.<br />
<br />
in the meanwhile, enjoy this amazing little song.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/g72AaWagoLY" width="550"></iframe>stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-87813260146022794952012-09-25T09:37:00.000+03:002012-09-25T09:37:32.630+03:00popping down.tonight i will experience a little something special. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuruPopsDownInTytyri">down down down below</a>. more to follow...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y0VD5ymiG3g" width="550"></iframe>stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-61779895934113921162012-09-24T08:38:00.001+03:002012-09-24T08:38:23.001+03:00throb and swoon.alien alien is a sideproject of rodion and hugo sanchez, casiotone and italo house masterminds. their ep came out already over a year ago, but somehow i missed it.<br />
<br />
its b-side is a low, sleazy and lazy sort of a tune that can fill the dance floor at the very late hours, get an afterparty going towards the execution of ideas that make people blush in the morning (or late afternoon) or just the perfect sunday morning workout song.<br />
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the video reminds me of early mornings in nyc after a queer warehouse party in a derelict space somewhere in the meatpacking district or just walking home through the desolate streets of brooklyn 5 am... the boys in the video – fierce.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JFNg97D6aiw" width="550"></iframe>stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-65353694664815315092012-09-21T11:05:00.000+03:002012-09-21T11:05:21.032+03:00echoes of a life elsewhere.since my writing tends to be more sporadic than i intended, there are other ways to know what i am up to.<br />
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first, there's instagram. you can find a link on the right column. follow, if you wish.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KBU5qVqwxY/UFwfUEO_OMI/AAAAAAAACWM/5TSKmR51OdQ/s1600/roadkill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KBU5qVqwxY/UFwfUEO_OMI/AAAAAAAACWM/5TSKmR51OdQ/s640/roadkill.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fake lashes in the tram on a monday morning. tagged #roadkill in my instagram.</td></tr>
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second, my best friend started a blog a few months ago. she is a globetrotter, a foodie and mingles naturally in the art world. although differently emphasized than mine and often both more mainstream and more upscale, her insights, recommendations and gossip are definitely worth getting familiar with – so follow her at <a href="http://svartattsaganej.blogspot.fi/">svårt att säga nej</a> (in english despite the swedish title). and quite often i am hanging along with her since we travel, dine, booze, dance and get into all sorts of shenanigans together.</div>
stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-73734036872212058852012-09-21T09:16:00.000+03:002012-09-21T09:16:00.003+03:00saved by sustenance.moments with friends become all the more precious the more fragile your foundation is.<br />
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i have been allowed to sit silently, forget what i just said, change the topic, mumble inexplicably, and everything and anything that can be expected from someone barely solid.<br />
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most importantly i have eaten with friends.<br />
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sharing a meal is an intimate gesture, a kindness that requires very little but nourishes by filling whatever gaping holes require a fix for another day. sometimes that little makes a tremendous difference.<br />
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even before i uttered words of finalization to anyone, my somber being was unquestionably welcomed at communal tables. after it all poured out, i was handed a piece of bread to nibble to sooth me.<br />
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one of the people who has always cleared a place for me in her table is <a href="http://chicling.blogspot.fi/">hanna</a>. we do not know each other well enough to be in tune with whatever goes on in either of our lives, but there's warmth and caring extended in our sporadic catchup meetings.<br />
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in addition to a glowing presence, hanna loves her food passionately. talking about it, sharing it, getting excited about it, talking about it a little more.<br />
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now she has shared her passion in a book written with her husband. approachable, easygoing and flavorful recipes – just like the people behind them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I08NlKPyLjM/UFwEIxx88pI/AAAAAAAACVw/NT9x-nejYJg/s1600/safkaa+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I08NlKPyLjM/UFwEIxx88pI/AAAAAAAACVw/NT9x-nejYJg/s640/safkaa+2.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shared. chanterelle and aubergine pasta at <a href="http://www.maxill.fi/">maxill</a>. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYdfj_cpnoo/UFwEKGk1uxI/AAAAAAAACV0/-Tm0INbxLkI/s1600/safkaa+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYdfj_cpnoo/UFwEKGk1uxI/AAAAAAAACV0/-Tm0INbxLkI/s640/safkaa+3.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">alone. avocado pasta at my new home.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/safkaa1">safkaa</a> is out and available in bookstores and <a href="http://www.otava.fi/kirjat/tieto/2012/fi_FI/safkaa/">online</a>.<br />
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<br />stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-42561639324810394722012-09-13T09:20:00.000+03:002013-09-02T14:43:44.330+03:00new horizons.my morning view has changed.<br />
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not only did i let go of a life once so stabile and precious, i had to abandon the neighborhood i so dearly loved.<br />
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had to? well, no. not exactly.<br />
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i was offered a rope and i jumped: my sister's other apartment was free and she suggested i take it. a natural leap towards something familiar in a novel environment.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvwf1qI5EZw/UFF6OzspozI/AAAAAAAACVc/11NHJCvt5Qw/s1600/view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvwf1qI5EZw/UFF6OzspozI/AAAAAAAACVc/11NHJCvt5Qw/s640/view.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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it's a view of lush green with fall foliage just creeping in, open skies and a landmark that seems almost like a beacon to guide me towards the new.</div>
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i guess this means my neighborhood recommendations also need a new chapter. ok then.</div>
stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-17496110310223545542012-08-28T12:25:00.000+03:002012-08-28T13:14:10.173+03:00transformation.two and a half years ago i shaved my head perhaps for <a href="http://outrageousoutings.blogspot.com/2010/03/olive.html">the last time</a>.<br />
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since then there's been the reappearance of pixie cut, the helmet head, the justin bieber bob and several other stages of growth that sort of went unnoted even by my friends. just recently when i started wearing my hair up and actually doing it, it has been obvious what i am aiming at: a long mane.<br />
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moreover, it's been over two decades since my coif was its natural color.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">wait, how old does that make me sound, huh?</span><br />
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it was long and black (with a white shaved section on both sides, go figure...) for a brief time about a decade ago, but has mostly been very short throughout my adulthood.<br />
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don't get me wrong, but i tend to associate long hair with the sort of timid femininity that i find annoying and, quite frankly, boring. the longer the hair, the more certain i seem to be that there is a serious lack of personality going on.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">obviously, my future as a psychologist might fall short because of unjustified generalizations.</span><br />
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another part of me obviously refuses to think that an undercut somehow is a sign of personality or the edgier the hair, the more impressive the quirkiness inside. such evident failures need to be tackled if not just inside my little head. thus, going long and <i>au naturel</i> was the thing i needed to try.<br />
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and there are perks:<br />
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at shoulder length i am starting to like it. it's a hassle sometimes, but quite a bit of fun to work on. i can actually have it twisted in more ways than one.<br />
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moreover, i like the way it allows me to go further into the depths of masculine styles – and have found myself wearing increasingly many garments from the men's department. androgyny has always been a thing i'm attracted to, but personally i need to keep a glimpse of the femme there somehow to balance things out for me.<br />
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last, but so definitely not least, it gives me the freedom to stop worrying about whether it is manageable at any given time in the future. there is no root to color, no form that is lost, just a bunch of hair ready to be wrapped up and go. which is mostly what i do.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuKIqg7HFF0/T04X9l8LP4I/AAAAAAAACSg/lTFpKIOF5cU/s1600/kiemurat-440x293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuKIqg7HFF0/T04X9l8LP4I/AAAAAAAACSg/lTFpKIOF5cU/s640/kiemurat-440x293.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.issues.fi/">inke</a> and i going amish.</td></tr>
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let's see if i can hold on to the positive note. my goal is still quite far away, but here is where i am at at the moment. freaky, huh?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UykzKduewPc/UDyL70GgHGI/AAAAAAAACVI/IesgiLcv7_c/s1600/hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UykzKduewPc/UDyL70GgHGI/AAAAAAAACVI/IesgiLcv7_c/s640/hair.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leather necklace from <a href="http://www.cosstores.com/">cos</a>.</td></tr>
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<br />stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-7135529918505207852012-08-24T08:21:00.001+03:002012-08-24T08:21:45.633+03:00fluttering foretaste.actresses turning singers is a phenomenon that disappoints more often than not, but this particular spark has me eagerly awaiting. the first glimpse and flickering suggest much to anticipate.<br />
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there's a particle of light and it makes things right... it just don't behave like a wave.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sYDycQtTNDY" width="550"></iframe>stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-21244298115759786502012-07-13T10:08:00.000+03:002012-07-13T10:08:01.604+03:00light feet.my bday last fall was a day of warmth. a beautiful brunch arranged for me, friends and loved ones around, and a night that turned into soft sleep in a hotel suite. waking up to room service. bliss.<br />
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my presents were as warm as the day. a trip to soak in the sun to leave my hectic work behind. my favorite scarf. many more.<br />
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and a gift card to <a href="http://www.gaudete.com/">a store</a> i love, but realized i had never – no, not ever – bought anything from.<br />
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sometimes it is quite strange to note that things slide by you but nevertheless leave a marking: i was quite sure i owned items from there. i had stepped in enough times. the stuff resonated to me. even my friends thought it was a place i frequented...<br />
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i made it a point to spend my gift wisely. it proved to be a long endeavor, but finally this spring i managed.<br />
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there they were: the softest and lightest pair of shoes. to ease the heaviness of my steps.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21cKOz9vAhs/T__Hj4BpKEI/AAAAAAAACU8/Wfum0pm9VGE/s1600/samuji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21cKOz9vAhs/T__Hj4BpKEI/AAAAAAAACU8/Wfum0pm9VGE/s640/samuji.jpg" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">moccasins by <a href="http://www.samuji.com/">samuji</a>.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.olivialehti.fi/paras-aika-vuodesta/">thank</a> <a href="http://mikkorasila.blogspot.fi/">you</a> <a href="http://www.outsapop.com/">my</a> <a href="http://www.issues.fi/">dears</a>.stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-80015500209105955822012-07-12T14:22:00.002+03:002012-07-12T14:22:58.389+03:00moving on.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KUkZpQbSug/T_v_vEig9-I/AAAAAAAACUo/YmSQMuvnNBk/s1600/mukit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KUkZpQbSug/T_v_vEig9-I/AAAAAAAACUo/YmSQMuvnNBk/s640/mukit.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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wrapping a material life in obituaries puts perspective into how things could always be more definite.<br />
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at times like these, i can be obstinate in thinking that causally explanatory traces can and must be found before turning pages in my own life. the sort of stories that make sense, have culprits, actions that lead to reactions and a sense that folds neatly into boxes.<br />
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my perseverance in trying to find meaningful paths unfolds as an almost infinite understanding that slowly eats me inside leaving behind an echo of a motion fueled only by caring and worrying. overwhelmed, things shut down around my little universe only to whisper in muddled thumps as if reminding me that there is a world outside my preoccupation.<br />
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nevertheless, in order to move on, i am trying to learn to live by the surrealism i so dearly embrace otherwise. letting the crickets walk on empty plates.<br />
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it takes an eternity to fill a box after box.<br />
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it is a relief to realize that unwrapping feels – if only ever so slightly – less of an ordeal.<br />
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it all takes time.stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175865105322722836.post-3956559736127173032012-06-13T12:55:00.003+03:002012-06-13T12:55:28.472+03:00beautify.i have assumed several healthy habits in the past months. without delving too deep into details, i will reveal one – and the most superficial – of them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lp5dPsNL5m8/T9hilOOD5uI/AAAAAAAACUM/gqS9A7izsp4/s1600/IMG_8814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lp5dPsNL5m8/T9hilOOD5uI/AAAAAAAACUM/gqS9A7izsp4/s640/IMG_8814.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roses.</td></tr>
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i have started buying flowers. just because they are beautiful. just for the enjoyment of me, myself and moi.<br />
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sure, it is not a spectacular habit by any means. it goes without saying that the other ones are not all that extravagant, either, but that's kinda beside the point.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcWflo8VZc0/T9hims2XcRI/AAAAAAAACUU/dOFOzr-h0wg/s1600/IMG_9087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcWflo8VZc0/T9hims2XcRI/AAAAAAAACUU/dOFOzr-h0wg/s640/IMG_9087.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peonies. vase from <a href="http://www.habitat.co.uk/">habitat</a>.</td></tr>
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they make me happy. in an unassuming way, a few fresh blossoms provide a fragile enhancement to the everyday environment where routines and chores dull your mind.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDOGULJJsb4/T9hioOx34PI/AAAAAAAACUc/6F0FbvEI9S4/s1600/IMG_9282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDOGULJJsb4/T9hioOx34PI/AAAAAAAACUc/6F0FbvEI9S4/s640/IMG_9282.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">forget me not. i have not forgotten you.</td></tr>
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luckily i also found some forget-me-nots at the cottage. my favorites.stellageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407829443083884985noreply@blogger.com0