2013 IS SO THE FUTURE!

Has the thought ever occurred to you that we are totally living in the future? I mean, 2012, 2013; how sci-fi doesn't that sound? I think it's weird that a year like 2012 will soon even be the past. When I was a kid for example the 1950's were only thirty years away, now they are, well, you know, twice as long gone.

Even though the year 2013 may sound (or may not, perhaps you're all 2525, wahtever) futuristic and even though that future is only a couple of months away, it can be a rather nostalgic such - which would be if you keep the Fintage calendar on your wall.

Fintage is a Finnish community for vintage enthusiasts, for which I have made some work for. I also collaborated by making the layout for their calendar.

The vintge inspired calendar is called "Postcards From the Past", with photos shot and planned by member and photographer Jirina Alanko. The whole community has been working together, posing and participating.

The photos are coloured from black and white, inspired by how it was done back in the days.

The calendar is international so to say; in Finnish and English and without any national bank holidays or so marked in order not to confuse anyones schedule elsewhere.

I have one copy up for a giveaway, which I will send out anywhere in the world!

In order to enter you do the usual: leave me a comment on this post, and make sure you are reachable to me trough that comment in one way or another. Seriously, double check. The winner will be drawn randomly, so please make sure you also only leave me one comment in order not to mess things up.

If you however link and share the giveaway you can leave me a new comment (one per share) telling me where you've done so. You know the deal.

Time to enter is until Sunday, November 18. Good luck!

PS. this week's give away on my Facebook page is for a set of high end organic sulfate-and parabene free hair care. Go and grab it until Sunday evening!

SMALL AND BIG EMBROIDERIES

When Dag got his name he was wearing the same frock Eddi and his family has received theirs in. The tradition is also to embroider the name of the new family member into the frock. A very nice tradition yes, although the embroidery part has given me a wrinkle or two between he eyes. Not my favorite thing to do, as I hate to have to be so precise.  Which is something that works fine for me when drawing on the computer, but less fine with anything by hand. Although, I did do some nice butterflies in different coloured yarn with pearl applications on some of my dresses and pockets back in the days when I was 17 and an art school hippie girl. But that was then and back then was a long time ago.

Quite suitably, I received a present - an embroidery inspiration book by Karin, crafting glady extraodinaire. I remember visiting her blog earlier and being impressed by her cute and pretty embroderies applied to all sorts of things. "Små och Stora Broderier" is her second book, and as the name says, it consists of ideas and how-to's for both small and bigger embroideries.

This was sent as a personal gift to me but I was later contacted by her publisher with a copy and asked to review it.

 (Bonus baby feet)

 The book features decorating traditionals items like cushions as well as more modern and funny items too.

 If you do not want to draw the patterns yourself everything featured in the book is available for copying.

And also explanation to how the stitching is done. (See, this is what I need! I only ever knew how to make those loop-stitches. And had sort of forgotten about them too. Not that this will help me get those name letters any more precise or neat, but at least now I have more ways to try out now:).

I mainly thought the book would be enjoyable from an aesthetic point of view for me with nice pictures and so (which it is and it has, with a clean and pretty layout) but it actually made me want to try and do some embroidery too...that also is one of the ideas of the book; to serve as ideas and inspiration both for those who have never touched a needle and a thread, and those who already know their way around decorating items with those, but mostly to awake the lust to start doing something with your hands.

So, to share the joy I have another copy to give away for one of you!

I will ship the book anywhere to whoever wins, but note that the book is in Swedish, being of most use for Scandinavians. However, the pictures and instructional drawings also take you quite a long way even if you would not understand the text.

To enter, it's the usual : leave me a comment on this post. (You don't have to be a follower of this blog, but then again, isn't it a little, well, embarrassing just wandering around the internet participating in giveaways?) I will draw the winner randomly so please leave me only one comment. Really, one. It will screw things up otherwise. And, make sure you are reachable to me trough that comment, as in trough a blog or (working!) link, contactable profile and so on, or leave me your email. 

If you share this you can get another entry by commenting again and leaving me the link to your post.

You can enter until next Tuesday; September 18! I will draw the winner shortly thereafter.

THE TABULALAND DRAWING

The Tabulaland art give away is over and the person who will win a print of Saara Salmi's artwork is Agnes! Check your email for info!

I SEE TALL, DARK ART! - TABULALAND

More art posts coming up!
-because we need more art in our lives, more art on our walls, and art should be easily accessible.

Those were the thoughts of two of my friends, comic artist, illustrator and gallerist Aiju Salminen and producer Saara Konttinen, who thus opened up their own gallery. Online. They wanted to make a gallery with art by contemporary artists, a gallery that would not be the kind that you might dread stepping into, but accessible by anyone anywhere and with art that could be described as strange and fun and easy to approach. So Tabulaland was born. I’ve said it before, I love it when I see talented people I know have a great idea and are able to make it happen just the way they want it!


So what to put on my wall then? Let's look at a few different works.

Ilkka Luttinen: Graveyeard, oil on canvas (300x197cm) 

 

Sami Viljanto: What Would George Lazenby Do? Poster.

Suvi Aarnio: Brainwashed. Stichwork.

Katri Sipiläinen: Snall as Blood, water-colour on paper.

Tabulaland is both an online gallery and art store with the occasional real life pop-up exhibition here and there, that exhibits and sells art by both underground artist and already well established ones. The gallery covers pieces from big paintings to sketches and tattoo flash art. Prices in the shop ranges from 20 euros to over 8k, so there is indeed something for everyone.

I don't own any pieces from Tabulaland but I do have the I See tall, Dark Art! -Tabulaland T-shirt made by Aiju.

The store and gallery has been up and running for about two months now and an international version of the site (in English) will be available soon.

In honour of the launch of the international site being just around the corner I have the chance to give away a signed art print of Saara Salmi’s limited edition work done exclusively for Tabulaland; the Revelation of Paula!

To enter the give away visit Tabulaland.com  and leave me a comment on this post, telling me which piece from Tabulaland you would like to have on your wall. Or which piece is your favourite -  when it comes to art I often find I like many pieces without necessarily being able to picture me having it on my own walls or in the house.

Note that if you do not have a site or account linked trough your signature you must be sure to leave me your contact details so I can readh you.
I will draw the winner randomly on the last of this month; November 30!

(On a side note, my skirt is made by me and the shiny heart shoes are by Frollein von Sofa).

THE SEQUIN BOMB! / PALJETTIPOMMI GIVEAWAY

Last weekend we celebrated a sparkly launch of the first Finnish Burlesque-zine, Paljettipommi (the "sequin bomb"). It's created and edited by fellow performer Kiki Hawaij and has small fun contributions form most of the active performers that were around when the scene over here was created, as well as a few longer text on the subject what burlesque really is, and can be at it's best.


Tinker and I, as part of the Rubies, have our own recurring column there on wellness showgirl style and a Q&A section. As it is us, it is of course very tongue in cheek, as you may notice. Here we are demonstrating our so called pin-up abs.

You can read the digital version for free online at issuu.com/paljettipommi.

Among the ones commenting on this post I will draw one commenter who will receive a printed copy of the magazine! I will send the copy worldwide but note that the articles are in Finnish, so it will probably bring most joy to one that understands the language...

MONDAY PREP OF SPLIT SUITS

I have dug out my wool skirts from their summer hide-away again!
The skirt is vintage, originally part of a suit, and the blouse again is part of the silk combo I was given from Sheinside.

And a little add here, I have a winner for you from my Years Since Yesterday giveaway!
Lady Luck landed on commenter no.3, which means Georgia will get the gift card to the Years Since Yesterday-etsy shop. Congrats!

VINTAGE ETSY GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

My friend Ina who owns and runs Years Since Yesterday and I decided it was time for a little give away to her vintage etsy shop again!

Ina collects vintage items that can be labelled "americana" from her stays in Texas to put up for sale on YSY, as well with some Finnish vintage pieces scouted at home. For the moment she has more items for men than women, which is nice as it's most often the other way around. So something for the guys this time too! Or, you-know-what season is approaching so why not get your Xmas gift  for some special guy in time?

(Btw, read a short article on the fact that not the shopping but "search" for Christmas gifts online starts now already, searching for items for men and children. "Christmas gifts for women" were most frequently searched the last two days before Christmas. Hehe. Not surprised.)

Well anyway, the winner of give away will receive one gift card of 25 euros to use in the shop.
To enter, like the Years Since Yesterday Facebook page (if you don't already do) and leave me a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item in the YSY-store is.

The give away will run for one week; so participate before Wednesday October 30!
I will draw the winner randomly so one comment per person as usual, unless you share this post, which will give you one more entry per share.
AND, you know, make sure I can reach you trough your comment! Seriously.
I will announcec the winner shortly thereafter, which will give him/her time to shop and receive the item(s) before Ina closes her store on December 10 for her few months trip to the US again.

POLKA DOTS, WINNERS AND DEALS

I haven't worn a polka dot dress for a very long time. I think I've felt they are too, umm, dotted (well, duh!). But then again with one of those magical black berets you can calm a lot of those dots down I think. There are very few things a black beret won't make better I think - slap that black piece of wool on and you've either toned down or dressed up your outfit. Still, I feel a bit on the verge of being a little bit all dotted up. The dress has a great cut though, and - I'm probably repeating myself here once again but yes - it also stretches. Happy joy! Well anyway, this polka dot dress is from King Louie and the shoes are all soft and comfy, from Stockmann's from last winter.

I've bought my King Louie dresses straight of their site but you can also get some of them, like this one, from Zalando as well.  Which brings us to the next subject:  the winner's of my Zalando gift card giveaway!  (Yes I did a little -as we say in Finnish and Finnish Swedish, aasinsilta, åsnebrygga- "donkey bridge" here ; meaning steering a subject into another, sometimes more sometimes less smoothly :) And so, here we have it: the two happy readers that were drawn randomly among those who commented are Katja R and Liz ! You will receive mail from me soon!

The last part here is made in collaboration with CupoNation.fi,  and will hopefully come in handy for my fellow Finns at least;  CupoNation has a set of discounts and codes to use at Zalando, like an exclusive 10% off code. They have a lot of deals for many other online stores too. (For possible discount codes in your own country, you can check cuponation.com.)

BRING IT ON VOL.2

This post is made in collaboration with Zalando.

My autumn stocking up continues; I got myself a warm soft wool cardigan. I haven't had a proper warm knit for a couple of years; my old ones have thinned out, gathered holes here and there or become just generally floppy.

I suitably was offered a gift coupon from Zalando, (which I think most of you here are familiar with. Zalando is one of those virtual malls with a crazy big selection of brands an items. Deliveries and returns are free which is a bonus, making shopping rather easy.) I decided to go smart and not settle for summer dresses and heels in my usual fashion but picked up some autumn-y items instead.

So here I am all set for autumn - knits, booties, cosy cats and toddlers and red wine an everything!

Cardigan - mint&berry from Zalando.fi, dress - KingLouie, booties - Inspiré (from Citymarket)
And that beret... this is the shabby one I found when I was 16 which means I've had it half my life by now.


But. Let's not end this one here quite yet, so - how would you like to do some bonus shopping yourselves?
I have the opportunity to handout two giftcards of 50eur for two of you to spend at Zalando!
The give away is open to anyone that lives in the countries to which Zalando delivers (which are: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, France, Poland an Austria). All you other lovelies elsewhere will have to wait for the next one.

To enter, leave me a comment on this post - make sure I can reach you trough that comment in one way or another! The winners will be drawn randomly so leave me only one comment per person in order not to mess up the odds, But as usual, if you link and share this post you can enter with another comment.

The giveaway is open for ten days, until  Sunday Sept.15!

LULUS IN AZUR BLUE

So, whatever was in the bag peeping in one picture from a few days back?

These ones! Azur blue Lulu-heels from Minna Parikka.

Some may recall me saying that I'd get a pair of Parikkas after giving birth. And I got a little gift card to the Parikka shop from my sister last Christmas. So now almost one year later I kept the promise to myself and settled for these true blue ones. 

And, more on the shoe front still: the Reina Muerte wedges that Freestyle Xtreme was giving away has found an owner!
Dum di dum...

In the drawing luck was on Dita von Grué's side! So off we send a pair to France then :)

SUPER HIGH AND ADORABLY TINY REINA MUERTE WEDGES (FOR ME AND FOR YOU)

I have a new pair of yummy summer wedges that are a bit over the top (they way some things should be sometimes), super high and makes my feet seem oh so tiny.

As they are rather light they are pretty easy to walk in regardless of their height which also makes them surprisingly comfy. At least for a while, if you intend to wear them a whole evening out after a very warm day filled with dancing and workshops your feet might get a little, well, painfully tired (of course...).

The wedges are by Iron Fist and I got the from FreestyleXtreme, with whom I am doing a little collaboration.

So, how would you like to win yourself a pair  for yourself?



Yup that's right, it's give away time!

Freestyle Xtreme is a family run business with a huge selection of clothing from action sports through to lifestyle (and as you can see even with something for me too :) - you can read more here- and they are now giving away one pair of Black Reina Muerte wedges to one of you!

(Fashion blogger posing photo totally being owned by sudden cats and babies.)

To enter the giveaway (hands up if you've read this before...) :
Leave me a comment on this post. Easy.
But, make sure I can reach you via that comment either by a (visible, available; as in non-private. Seriously.) profile of some sort or, link or an email. (Apparently not always so easy, but please try :)
I will draw the winner randomly so leave one comment per person only, as that equals one entry!
And per usual you get another comment for each share+link that you make out there.

The give away is open to anyone, anywhere and will run for ten days, until June 8!
Good luck :)

AND OH YES WE HAD OURSELVES SOME WINNERS

Because I have a little less time on my hands than I'd like to I just realized I have yet to post the winners of the Guitar Art Print -giveaway! The following three won the $50 in store credit for the Guitar Art Print-web store or etsy shop: Bettie Boo, Minka and Elli!

THE ARTFUL MUSICIAN

Some of you may remember the giveaway we did last year with the Artful Musician NY?
The Artful Musician is fine arts photographer and musician Thomas Roberts Meyers who creates art prints of music instruments and equipment. You can read more about it here.


He has now opened up a web shop of his own too, Guitar Art Print  with art prints and t-shirts, as well as started selling music themed pendants in the Guitar Art Print- etsy shop.

So, in honor of that not only one or two but three readers here will have the chance to win $50 in store credit!

In order to enter  we do as before; leave e a comment on this post and make sure I will be able to reach you trough it! And as usual: if you share, you get one more entry per share. The give away is open until Sunday, April 28 and the winners will be announced the day after. Good luck!

TURQUOISE AND ROSES

Our little Best Of 2012-competition is over and the winner of that one is Rockabilly Redhead!
(Her fav was the belly triptych.)

 She will receive a vintage toiletry bag I picked up at Hoochie Mama Jane.


Plus a jar of my coco-cocoa balm (an updated version of this balm).

Have a great weekend all of you!

THE YEAR THAT WAS

These photos are from a summer trip to a nearby town we took when Dag was five weeks old. It was pretty much the only really hot day of summer last year.  It never made it into a post then though. Feels like forever ago... but then again I wonder how the hell it can be such a long time since that day already, and summer in general. Which only can mean it should be summer again in no time!

Before life goes all back to normal here again after the festivities, days off, munching, gift unwrapping and learning to write a number three at the end of dates instead of two I thought we'd throw in my annual best of-blog post giveaway!

So, what was your favorite post here of 2012?
Link it to me in the comments! You can of course also say why you liked it best.

The winner will receive a small surprise gift (which as usual is also a surprise to me at this point as I haven't come up with the price yet) and will be drawn randomly a week form now; on Thursday the 10th.

The competition is open to everyone, anywhere. But if you're not a follower at all and just pick out the first post here on the main page in order to win just whatever or promote you handbags or women's wholesale clothing or what you folks usually try to sneakily advertise miss Fortuna might have another round, just sayin'. Make sure you are reachable to me trough your comment. I say this every time and there's always someone with a hidden profile or anonymous comment... but then again, your loss in that case, someone else's lucky day :)