Friday, December 2, 2011

And the secret is out...

It's about time for me to write again! I have been busy working on my plans and attending events and seminars related to entrepreneurship. This is very exciting time and also a bit tiring, but the idea of actually making my dream come true gives me delight and energy beyond belief! 


I'm also very happy to announce that my store Janssi&Minssi has finally found a home! Next February I will open the doors to a very special lifestyle store located on Eerikinkatu 1, Helsinki. I can't wait to welcome you all to Janssi&Minssi! :) 


In the honor of December, I will now reveal a product that you will find from my store next February. I plan on doing so until the store is open, so that the selection will be familiar to you when you come shopping! ;) 


The first product to be introduced is by an Australian company called Apple&Bee. I fell in love with their collection right away! 



This eco shopping bag does not only look good, but it also has a message! It has a biodegradable lining, so it is easy to keep clean and it’s the perfect size for any shopping. Here's the company's ideology: 

At Apple&Bee our aim is to make the most beautiful cosmetic, tote, fashion, kids and baby bags without harming the environment. We have now extended our line to include stationery and an all-natural skincare range. We use the finest materials such as certified organic cotton, jute, hemp and calico... and we use no nasty chemicals or preservatives in our skincare. We’ve built our products to last, and we wouldn’t mind the planet being around for a while longer too. 

Sounds great, right? :) I'm definitely welcoming Apple&Bee to Janssi&Minssi with open arms! 

Monday, October 24, 2011

Attention to details

Before I'm able to reveal the brands I have chosen for my store, I thought of going through my closet and introducing you some of my favorite pieces that I use to spice up an outfit! 



I love hair accessories!

Grey by Stylesnob, black and red from Pico



With the same scarf, but different purse and accessories, you can create a totally different look!

Scarf by Dhipt, black leather purse by Pura Lopez, hair piece by Pico (above),
men's watch by Guess and grey suede purse by Carmen Paya (below) 




A pop of colour brightens up the day!

Scarf from Hobbs, taupe leather purse by Abro, green bracelet found from a marketplace in Croatia (above);
red leather purse by Carmen Paya, long necklace by Thomas Sabo (below)



Scarf by Stylesnob, chestnut leather purse by Carmen Paya, bracelet by D&G,
chestnut leather belt from the 70's given to me by mom :) 


Scarf by Twist&Tango, taupe leather purse by Abro, red hair piece from Pico



I just love the little mirror inside the purse!

Scarf from Marc O'Polo, midnight blue suede purse by Renato Angi,
midnight blue big pearls with ribbon by Pilgrim



Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Paperwork and pleasure

Exhausting, but rewarding month behind me. After contemplating long and hard, I have now made my decision of which brands to have in my store when starting out next year. I'm super happy and content of everything I picked out, but oh boy, what a grueling process it has been! 


While working on the paperwork and other necessary matters for my company, I also had time to visit Stockholm and Formex, the largest fair of interior design within Scandinavia. The trend theme this autumn was cosy minimalism. I truly enjoyed the atmosphere at the fair, and I hope you do too after taking a good look at the well selected pictures... :) 










Even though my trip to Stockholm was mainly business, I had some time to spend wandering around in the city center. I particularly fell in love with a cafe called Muffin Bakery. A counter filled with gigantic sandwiches and salads, and dozen or so different kinds of muffins, it was a perfect place to have lunch at. I just had to have a delicious cheesecake-brownie muffin with a latte! Yummy! 





Lastly, here's some evidence of the beauty of our neighboring capital Stockholm! 



Tuesday, August 16, 2011

I have a Vision!

Copenhagen Fashion Week is behind now, and oh boy, it went better than I could have hoped for! I visited two fairs in two days and was exhausted afterwards. To give you an insight of the general vibe at the fair, take a look at the pictures. Isn't it just lovely! 










Of course, my visit to Copenhagen was not only pure work. I had time to relax and enjoy the sunny late summer days in the city. City I love to go back to time after time! 


If you'll ever have a chance to explore Copenhagen, I recommend to stop by in the Royal Cafe next to Amagertorv. The food, both savoury and sweet, is delicious and the atmosphere truly delightful! 



One of many clever Danish business ideas worth mentioning is Joe & the Juice. A bar-like juice and smoothie spot makes your mouth water, I can guarantee! All of the products are made in front of your very own eyes. Nothing but fresh ingredients are used, and you can definitely feel refreshed after only few gulps. My favorite is Sports Juice! ;) 


I also had time to visit Danish countryside, more specifically Fakse Ladeplads. I was amazed to find a cozy lifestyle store in this little and picturesque town. A store like this can really brighten up your day! 




Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Tripping away

Some of you have probably wondered where I disappeared and thought that 'was this it?'! I apologize for not letting you know that I allowed myself to have a little vacation. Alright, I have not been at work since the early June, but only for the past three weeks I have mentally given myself a break. Makes any sense? 


Anyways, I've got some great images to share that I was snapping away while attending Irish wedding, visiting ever-so-bustling London and enjoying a boat trip to Åland Islands and Hanko. All this time the weather has been amazing! That's a bit of a miracle, since usually the weather turn out crappy when you have your vacation! :) 


I like staying at a hotel. Clean sheets, white towels, not having to worry about not tidying the room... For me, though, the best thing about staying in a hotel must be the breakfast. Especially when it's organic, like during our stay in Ireland. Lots of fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, organic yoghurt, perfectly toasted bread and a big pot of coffee. Why not treat yourself every now and then and do the same at home!



Not only was the breakfast great, the hotel itself was incredible. Every room and lobby were different, which made this hotel truly exceptional and unique. If you ever consider visiting Ireland, I recommend staying, even if only for one night, at the K Club in Kildare! 



After Ireland came England. A visit to London, that is! Five days of exploration isn't much, but definitely paid off. Most interesting and relaxing areas of the city must be Camden. In Camden Lock we spent hours just walking around and browsing through the shops. What an incredible place for inspiration! 





From city to sea... Last week we spent boating in Finland's archipelago, visiting the beautiful Mariehamn and picturesque Hanko. It was truly nice to be out at the sea, enjoying the scenery and visiting little harbours and coves. We also enjoyed of some great food, which in my opinion can make or break a trip! ;) 




Next week I will be going to Copenhagen for the fashion week and visit few fairs. This means that my plans of opening a lifestyle store of my own are proceeding! 

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Something salty and a little bit of sweet

Although cooking is not one of my strengths, I appreciate good food. Living in the city center doesn't come cheap. I have to admit that eating out is more normal to me than preparing food at home. Call me lazy or crazy, I wouldn't want it any other way! 


I have a few regular places that I can always count on, but I also like to visit new restaurants to see how they function and whether they are potential to be my new regular spots. I was pleasantly surprised by a new place called Bravuria. Even though it belongs to a chain, the concept was refreshing. And the prices very affordable! 




I also enjoy having a glass of wine or champagne with my food and analyze how it can change the taste of the food. I have come to a realization, though, that it is not only the drink that makes you all bubbly, it is the company you're in! 


(Check out a new bar on Korkeavuorenkatu called Latva!)


When having something salty, I definitely need to have something sweet as well. I'm the kind of girl who chooses the dessert first and only then the appetizer and main course. I'm pretty sure I am not the only one who prefers a chocolate dessert over anything else... Hello, my name is Kati and I'm a chockaholic! 


(To treat your chocolate addiction I recommend visiting Petris Chocolate Room on Museokatu!)