Happy New Year

This year is almost over and I notice myself to think about how the year has gone and what I want to achieve during next year. I don’t usually make any New Year promises but I think this year I’m going to make few of them just to see if I can achieve them during the year. 

My New Year’s Eve tradition is to do tarot card reading with friends and see what new year will bring to me. So far years have been like a roller coaster: I’ve been busy with my studies and Etsy businesses, life has thrown me a lots challenging moments  and I’ve learning a lot. As a regular person I usually tried to hide my problems and share them only with my dearest friend who is my unpaid therapist for over 20 years. I’m so thankful for having her in my life. I believe that I wouldn’t found myself without her help and tried all the things that I’ve done. Also without my friend I wouldn’t go through my interior design school since it’s was hard time to time but with help of my friend I finished it.

As we move towards a whole new decade I can’t help to think what I’ve done past 10 years. I started my Etsy businesses, I started exercise more to lose weight that has came secretly, we bought most adorable and wonderful cat boy, Liam, that has melted my heart completely ❤️ It’s always so wonderful to come home even after hard day because I can hug our cat boy which purring so nicely that even worse day started to be more brighter. We moved to new city and I got training  place to study my dream job — interior designer. So much has been happened in my life past decade that I cannot mention them all. 

I hope that your New Year is full of joy, success and happiness. I hope that we all have good health and have all the love ones near us and hopefully we also make new friends ❤️

~ Minna 

PS. I’m opening soon my little Etsy shop and new jewelry line is coming up soon too 😉

Getting Prepared For Xmas, Part 3

Can’t believe how fast this December has gone. Next week is long waited big Holiday at least for me. I love Christmas time — all the beautiful Christmas lights, snow ☃️ Candle lights, candies, yummy foods and decorations.

My Christmas foods are very traditional Scandinavian foods. In Christmas morning I always make rise porridge in the oven 🥣  I find it very easy to make in oven since it rarely burn. I also love to

make different casseroles like rutabaga casserole, sweet chili potato casserole and carrot casserole.

Quorn is a perfect choice if you’re vegetarian  and still eat 

milk products and eggs

Many years I made with my roommate mashed potato casserole but it wasn’t our favorite so we made only for tradition until I decided to replace it with sweet potato casserole with some chili 🌶 it’s very yummy with ham. My roommate have been vegetarian past five years now and she had to replace the ham with Quorn roast which taste pretty good actually.

In this post I liked to share recipes of my Christmas foods and hopefully it will inspire you to make and try something new this year 😉

Oven Rice Porridge 

1. Heat oven up to 200 Celsius (325 Fahrenheit)
2. Take bowl that tolerate the heat of oven
3. Spread lightly margarine or butter in bottom of the bowl and edges too
4. Measure 2 deciliter (0.85 US cup) porridge rice in the strainer and rinse the rices under hot water until the water is clear
5. Pour the rinsed porridge rices in the bowl
6. Add 1 teaspoon salt
7. 1 liter (4.5 cup) of any kind milk and pour it until the milk is cover the rices (you can also replace few deciliter/cups with water too if you need to save milk)
8. Stir the rice, salt and milk with spoon and put bowl in the oven

Stir the porridge about every 20 minutes. Be careful so you won’t burn your fingers!

Rice porridge is ready when it’s have been in the oven about one hour and milk is completely absorbed.

Serve the rice porridge with some cinnamon and sugar. You can also pour some milk too in the porridge if you want.

Rice porridge in the oven saves time when you don’t need to be in the kitchen all the time and stir the porridge since all milk based foods usually burn easily if you don’t stir them constantly. The rice porridge is good for breakfast and dinner too. Many eats this near in Christmas time but it can be eaten around the year too.

Sweet potato-chili casserole 

This casserole has become our favorite Christmas food. It’s new food our Christmas table but I love

how it taste first bit sweet and then chili kicks in and aftertaste is nicely chili but not too much. I want to share this recipe with you and I hope you enjoy this casserole 😛

1-2 sweet potato that weight about half kilograms (it’s okay if they weight little more than that)
Water
Salt
1/2 deciliter light syrup
3 deciliter cream, any type that suit for food making. I usually use one whole package
2.5 tblsp breadcrumbs
1-2 tblsp Margarine
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp chili
1 egg

🍠 Peel sweet potatoes and cut them in large pieces so they will cook faster
🍠 Boil sweet potatoes in salty water
🍠 Combine cream & breadcrumbs
🍠  Pour carefully water out from sweet potatoes & mash them
🍠 Add margarine, egg, breadcrumb-cream mix and seasonings
🍠 Mix all together & check the taste

🌶 Take oven dish and spread margarine all over it lightly including the edges too. Pour small amount breadcrumbs in the oven dish and spread it all over the dish

🌶 Pour the sweet potato-chili in the oven dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs in the surface. Take tablespoon and press lightly some patterns in the surface

🌶 Heat oven in 175 Celsius degree (350 Fahrenheit degree)

🌶 Casserole is ready after about 1 - 1.5 hour

I hope you enjoy these Christmas foods and feel free to leave your comment or questions about recipes. I’m happy to help you anyway I can.

~ Minna

Getting Prepared For Xmas, Part 2

Christmas is always the busiest time of the year. I always feel like first there’s plenty time to do everything and suddenly the Christmas Eve is just around the corner and need to multitasking everything. Does this sound familiar to you? If yes, continue to read how to avoid Christmas hustle and stress.

In my childhood, my mother were always so stressed out because of Christmas especially if relatives were coming visit. She had to cook all the Christmas foods, clean whole apartment, do grocery shopping, wrap all the gifts etc. I usually tried to helped her with everything that I can. I loved to baked gingerbreads and edges of star tart (I literally translated the word from Finnish language). Our star tart are usually pinwheel shape tarts that have plum jam in the middle. Really tasty 😋 

Nowadays, I don’t have Christmas hustle because I plan everything in forehead. So how you can avoid Christmas stress and spend it more relaxing way?

1. Keep your home basic clean

I know this sound so simple but many start to clean more better when year’s biggest Holiday is coming. Vacuum daily especially if you have pets and even if you don’t have any pets. Those furry friends leaves mess of their own behind. My cats always like to dig up all wooden pellets out from their litter box. Wash floors once in every month and take your rugs outside to tamp them. I don’t how common this is elsewhere but here in Finland we like to tamp our rugs and leave them little while cold weather so they will more fresher when you bring them inside. Also if you live in place where snowing, easy way to give quick refreshment to the rugs is throw them in the snow and cover the rugs with snow and brush them. The rugs are much refresher afterwards. This is old Finnish way to clean rugs during Winter. 

2. Start putting Holiday decorations earlier 

When December start, I always look for our Christmas decorations. I plan what curtains I like to put this year and do I need to buy some new Christmas decorations. Changing curtains takes unbelievable time especially if you wash the windows in the inside like I usually do. In my sofa table I have tea light candles that usually have small seashells within in the Summer but when Christmas time is coming, I like to change it too and put there fake snow with some glitter coated pine cones. You don’t need to put all Holiday decorations in place but some that are also suitable for Winter season too ❄️

3. Shared grocery shopping list 🛒

If you need to do every year same Holiday time shopping, it’s more time saving to save the shopping list than write every year new one. Once you have written it, you can printed it out and laminate it. That way it cannot get wet if there’s rainy weather. I’m not usually use my iPhone for any notes but last couple years, I’ve saved our Holiday time grocery shopping list in the phone. It’s so handy especially when you can share it between your family. That way, the Holiday time shopping isn’t just your responsibility and whole family can buy thing or two from the list. 

4. Buy Holiday foods earlier 

I usually do this every year. I buy frozen things as soon as they arrived in the grocery store. Usually it’s end of the November and people haven’t waken yet for upcoming Christmas so you buy frozen pastries etc. in time without rush. When buying things earlier than needed, make sure they will preserve until you need them and you don’t need to worried if they are gone. 

5. Saving money and wrapping gifts

If you have big family and lots of friends who you need to buy a gift, you can save money by buying gifts around the year and keep an eye when stores have good deals  like Black Friday or Cyber Monday or any other offers. If you like to stay organized, take cardboard box and put name label on it, so you can gather gifts there for specific family member or friend. Also plastic bag will work too if you attach name tag in it. That way, when it’s time to wrap the gifts, you don’t need to sort them out and worried later if you accidentally mixed them. 

If you have a lot gifts, it will be exhausting to wrap them all in once. So I highly recommend that you start to wrap as soon as possible one or two peoples gifts per day that will leave you time to do other things and more important, time for yourself too. 

I hope my five time saving tips will help you to have more relaxing Holiday time and time to enjoy the Holiday itself 🎄

~ Minna

Getting Prepared For Xmas, Part 1

❄️ Happy December 🎄

Can’t believe that final month of this year just begun. Here in Finland haven’t snow much yet and some weather forecasters have been predicted that there isn’t going to be any snow at Christmas time but whether there’s snow or not, the Christmas time itself is lovely time of the year.

🎤 Just before Christmas, I had my own tradition for several years that I went to see my favorite singer. I loved to bought ticket at her Christmas time concert and she sang very beautiful Finnish Christmas songs. As a fan, I loved to took picture of us and usually I bought her new cd. Unfortunately, the concert timing haven’t been good for me lately so I listen her songs at home while I’m making Christmas foods.

This time year is usually busiest time of most of us. Finland’s Post were strike about three weeks so had to close my little Etsy shop for end of the year but I’m using this “vacation time” for creating new jewelry.

I’m hooked on crocheting and tried first time ever to crochet earrings. Long time I searched the tutorial and finally found it. Had to admit that first it was so confusing to crochet because I had no clue which part I’m making so had to blindly follow the tutorial.

First almost finished crocheted earrings.
Love the shape and in the end it was pretty easy to make

Second one was little more quicker to make since I felt like I know what I’m doing and in the end I made a pair for my friend too. She love everything pink so naturally I made her pink earrings. These earrings are so lightweight to wear and love the teardrop shape too. I’m going list similar earrings in BlueBellJewelry as soon as possible.

First one is my friend’s earrings that I made for her and second one is mine in black 

Because my Etsy shop is under vacation mode, I’m attending couple local Christmas sale event. One is already behind but two more is coming up consecutive Sundays. Love these sale events where you can meet people, hear their thoughts, comments and wishes about jewelry what they wish for. I’m happy to develop my jewelry and without people’s feedback I wouldn’t know if I’m going to right direction. 

I took short video of our sale table which was end of the November. My friend kindly shared her table with me and we broke our personal sale goal 🥳 My friend is making all kinds of pouches, baskets and bags from recycled fabrics. Her shop is currently on vacation but she will be back in beginning of January so check her shop out for unique bags and pouches by visiting at AnnikaLDesigns on Etsy. Annika is friendly shop owner who can also make custom orders.

~ Minna

Pairing Perfect Necklace With Different Necklines, Part 3/3

Welcome in my last part of how to choose perfect or right necklace with different necklines. Today I´m going to tell you five more necklines and how pair them with perfect necklace. 

This week I´m going to tell you more of following necklines:

• Boat Neck
• Jewel
• Illusion
• Square
• Scoop

Necklines from left to right: Boat Neck, Jewel, Illusion, Square and Scoop

BOAT NECK NECKLINE:

With Boat Neck neckline clothes, choose necklaces that are collar, bib, long beaded or beaded necklaces.

If you want to skip the necklace, choose a pair of sparkling studs.

JEWEL NECKLINE:

With Jewel neckline clothes, necklaces that are choker or short beaded necklace will look best.

ILLUSION NECKLINE:

With Illusion neckline clothes, necklaces that are short and shape matches with neckline will look best.

SQUARE NECKLINE:

With Square neckline clothes, necklaces that are choker, long chain, have angular pendant that fall on the collarbone work well.

SCOOP NECKLINE:

With Scoop neckline clothes, necklaces that are long or short, have large pendant or multiple strand beaded. Also shorter statement necklace and round short necklace will look good with this neckline.

I hope this inspire you to try more necklace styles with your wardrobe. I would also love to know which of these necklines you wear most. Leave your comment below.

~ Minna

Pairing Perfect Necklace With Different Necklines, Part 2/3

Welcome in my second part of how to choose perfect or right necklace with different necklines. Today I´m going to tell you five more necklines and how pair them with perfect necklace. If you can´t now find yours, have a look next week post.

This week I´m going to tell you more of following necklines:

• Off shoulder
• Queen Anne
• High Neck
• Halter
• Halter Strap

Necklines from left to right: Off Shoulder, Queen Anne, High Neck, Halter and Halter Strap

OFF SHOULDER NECKLINE:

With Off Shoulder neckline clothes, choose choker, asymmetrical, short beaded or long beaded necklace.

QUEEN ANNE NECKLINE:

With Queen Anne neckline clother, choose pendant necklace, short necklace, short pendant necklace or round beaded necklace.

HIGH NECK NECKLINE:

With High Neck neckline clothes wear large pearl necklace, long chain necklace, long pendant necklace or multiple long chain necklace. It´s important that necklaces have simple and clean design.

HALTER NECKLINE:

With Halter neckline clothes wear V shape jewelry, necklaces that have large or slim pendant, choker necklace or short necklace that matches the shape of the neckline.

HALTER STRAP NECKLINE:

With Halter Strap neckline clothes wear long necklace, small pendant necklace that have sharper end, choker or short beaded necklace.

If straps have visual details, pair with large stud earrings instead of necklace.

I hope this inspire you to try more necklace styles with your wardrobe. I would also love to know which of these necklines you wear most. Leave your comment below.

~ Minna

Pairing Perfect Necklace With Different Necklines, Part 1/3

I hope your November has started well I´m pretty excited this month posts that will come up. 

During November I´m going to write how to choose perfect necklace with your favorite blouse or dress. This series consists of three parts and each part I will present five different necklines. So if you can´t now find yours, have a look next week post.

This week I´m going to tell you more of following necklines:

• Sweetheart
• Straight across
• Semi-sweetheart
• V-neck
• Asymmetric

Necklines from left to right: Sweetheart, Straight Across, Semi-Sweetheart, V-neck and Asymmetric

At first sight, it might seem like sweetheart and semi-sweetheart necklines are same but actually sweetheart neckline go little bit deeper than semi-sweetheart. Also straight across different from these two. The neckline is literally straight. So what kind necklace is best combination for each of these?

SWEETHEART NECKLINE:

With Sweetheart neckline you can wear bold pendant necklace or necklace that have curved beads or pendants that will end just above neckline. Look for shapes circles, teardrops and ovals.

STRAIGHT ACROSS NECKLINE:

With Straight Across necklines, choose choker necklace that have simple design or made of beads. Also long chain necklace will work too.

If you want to skip the necklace and wear earrings instead, choose statement looking earrings.

SEMI-SWEETHEART NECKLINE:

With Semi-Sweetheart neckline clothes you can wear choker that have simple design or made of beads. Also long drop chain necklace, short beaded necklace and necklace with curved beads or pendant will look good with this neckline.

If you want to skip the necklace and wear earrings instead, choose statement looking earrings.

V-NECK NECKLINE:

With V-neck neckline clothes you can wear long or short pendant necklace, longer beaded necklace, drop chain necklace or angular shape necklace. Simple necklaces like one bead necklaces are best choice for this neckline. Also necklaces that have similar V shape will work too.

ASYMMETRIC NECKLINE:

With Asymmetrical neckline clothes you can wear long or short beaded necklaces, chokers, asymmetrical necklaces, long chain necklaces and necklaces that have big pendant work best with this neckline.

If you don´t want to wear necklace, choose statement style earrings or long earrings and combine them with cuff or bangle bracelet. That way you let the neckline speak for itself.

I hope this inspire you to try more necklace styles with your wardrobe. I would also love to know which of these necklines you wear most. Leave your comment below.

~ Minna

Earrings For Different Face Shapes

Happy November!

This week´s blog post is all about earrings and how to choose perfect earrings for your face that will compliment to your outfit as well.

There are 6 major face types which I will represent more closely in the below:

• Round
• Oval
• Heart
• Square
• Diamond
• Rectangular

But first you need to determine which face type you are. It´s very easy to figure out which face shape you have.

Simply tie up your hair and stand in front of mirror straight without leaning towards it. Use lipstick, soap or any other non-permanent marker that will be easy to wipe clean from the mirror and draw your face lines by following your hairlines. DO NOT include your ears!

After you have figure you which is your face type, read below which earrings will be perfect for you and you don´t need to struggle anymore in order to get right earring pair for you that will fit perfectly to your face and not just to your outfit.

My friend draw for me this face shape illustration. Below is more explanation of each face shape 

ROUND:

Characteristics: Your face shape is round when drawn outline resembles a circle. Your face is widest at the cheekbones and you have round chin line. Your face is close to same length from tip of your nose to all sides.

Earrings: Drop, chandelier or long dangle earrings. Avoid any round hoop or button earrings because these will highlight the roundness of your face

OVAL:

Characteristics: Your face shape is oval when drawn outline remind like an egg. Your forehead may be slightly wider than your chin. You have rounded jawline to chin. Oval shape face is slightly longer than they are wide.

Earrings: Long, teardrop, pearls, studs and triangular earrings are best choice

TRIANGLE:

Characteristics: Your face shape is triangle when face width measures about two thirds of the length of the face. Triangle face shape have broad jawline with narrow forehead.

Earrings: Favor chandelier or teardrop shape earrings

SQUARE:

Characteristics: Your face shape is square when drawn outline is not tall but wide wide at all points. Your forehead, cheeks and jawline have similar widths. 

Earrings: Long round earrings, hoop earrings, oval shaped earrings or medium size round earrings. Avoid square shape earrings which will highlight the squareness of your face

RECTANGULAR:

Characteristics: Your face shape is rectangular when drawn outline is longer than it´s wide. Your forehead, cheeks and jawline have same width.

Earrings: Favor stud, teardrop shape, long narrow earring or irregular geometric earrings. Avoid earrings that will add volume to your jawline like some cluster earrings or dangle one pearl earrings.

DIAMOND:

Characteristics: Your face shape is diamond when drawn outline is narrow from forehead and chin. Diamond shape face widest part is your cheekbones. Your forehead and chin are narrower than your cheekbones.

Earrings: Dangle, long or small stud earrings will look good. Make sure the earrings will end before your jawline because that way the dangle earrings will balance your diamond shape face. Avoid wide or button earrings.

In addition there´s also heart shape face which have narrow chin and broad forehead. If you have heart shape face like Reese Witherspoon, wear earrings that are rounded at the bottom. Also chandelier and teardrop shape earrings will work too. Avoid wearing slim drop earrings because it will draw attention to your narrow chin.

I hope you have fun time to figure out which face shape you have and find now perfect earrings for your face shape that will flatter your face and your outfit too. I would also love to see your face shape comment below.

~ Minna

PS. If you like the earring at the end, head to my Etsy shop BlueBellJewelry

Size Guide - When Size Is Everything

I´ve been worked as seller in different store. Being seller in a grocery store is not so hard than being seller in the cloth store.

I never thought that being seller in the cloth store can be any different than being seller on a regular grocery store. I love customer service and highly valued it. 

I learned a lot when I was a seller in a two different cloth store. When customer walks in, I try to serve her/him best possible way. I must admit that most of my customers were women and beside being seller you also are temporary friend for them. Some customer may tell you most painful things when they coming to buy new shirt for parties or special occassion that they have and my job was to figure out what size cloth they were use. Of course, back then was Winter so I always had to ask it. Some customer told directly what size they were using and some whispered it to me like it was big secret or they might shame the size they will need. Can´t wonder how big value the small tag is for some people but it also goes for jewelry too.

I personally haven´t trusted the size labels for years now. I consider them more like guideline and they do not define me and the size label shouldn´t define you either. It doesn´t hang there to tell you whether you are good or bad person. 

Good thing about the jewelry is that there isn´t hang any size tag to let the world know what length necklace you wear, what´s your ring size is etc. So take a honest measure of your ring size, wrist size or anklet size. Choose the necklace length that is most comfort for you.

Cheating about the size does only hurt you and I personally think that too small clothes or jewelry will not look as good as the right size.

~ Minna

Gift Guide 3/3 - Perfect Bracelet

Finding perfect bracelet could be difficult especially if you are going to buy it as a gift but also finding perfect bracelet for yourself that fit fit perfectly can be challenging.

Bracelets are available so many different variations ⎯ with clasp, stretchy ones, with charms or without charms, different beads and pearls, leather ones etc. 

What should you know before searching bracelet that will fit you? 

Firstly, you need to know your wrist size or if you buy the bracelet as a gift then recipient´s wrist size. The wrist size you can measure yourself at home, you just need couple things to do that.

Measuring your wrist size:

- Take pencil or marker

This image shows how you should measure your wrist size with strip of paper

- Take non-stretchy string or narrow piece of paper (it´s important that the string or yarn what you use for measuring your wrist size is non-stretchy because otherwise the measuring result can be wrong)

- Wrap the string/paper around your wrist and mark where ends meet or hold it with your other hand.

- Take a ruler and measure the result against the ruler

- Add half or one inch measure result so the bracelet what you are going to buy have some room move and you can also bend your arm normally

The perfect size bracelet is too big, if it fall out from your hand when you face it towards the floor. Bracelet is also too big for you if you flew out from your wrist when you gently shake it.

Perfect length bracelet should be snug fit but not squeeze from anything or feel otherwise too tight. Make sure you have enough room to use your hand normally (that´s why I personally recommend to add half or most often one inch more in the measure result). 

 Above image works on bracelets which have clasp but how you measure if the dream bracelet you want do not have any clasp?

Image on the left works for bangle bracelets and also cuff bracelet which do not have any clasp. They are meant to slide through your hand. The image have detailed instruction how you can measure if you are going to buy bangle or cuff bracelet.

Some bracelets are stretchy which will "forgive" minor measuring errors but if there are missing several inches or centimeters the stretchy bracelet will not look good in your wrist. Buying stretchy bracelet, I will recommend to use method that I have represented on the first measuring photo.

The stretchy bracelet can have snug fit or little bit loose but it shouldn´t be too tight. How you know when the stretch bracelet is too tight? Well, the beads or pearls doesn´t go evenly around your wrist. Most stretchy bracelets are made of strong elastic cord (usually translucent color) and if this is visible, your bracelet is slightly too small for you. Another good thing is to keep in mind when your stretch bracelet might be too small is when you take it off and pattern of the beads stays on your skin little while.

Cuff bracelet is like a bangle bracelet but

isn´t closed. Cuff bracelets are meant to

fit tightly on the wrist. Adjust the cuff so

it doesn´t pinch.

Finally few bracelet length that might help you buy perfect bracelet.

• Standard women´s bracelet length: 6.5 - 7 inches (7 inches is most common)
• Standard men´s bracelet length: 7.5 - 9 inches (8 inches is most common)
  
  Above measurements are only average lengths what women and men usually use but every people´s wrist size vary like ring size.

I hope you find your dream bracelet that pleases your eyes or when you look at the specific bracelet, it immediately remind someone close to you. I hope my blog post help you determine which length bracelet you should buy.

~ Minna

PS. Feel free to comment or share my blog post on your social media 😉

Gift Guide 2/3 - Buying Necklaces For Her

It´s middle of the October and more and more Holiday stuff are arriving in the stores.

Many haven´t yet awake for buying Christmas gifts for friends and family. If you planning to buy gifts for friends and family on Etsy, take note where the store is locate. Just before Christmas when last shipping days are approaching the Postal system have rush and delivery may be delayed week or two.

Avoiding Christmas hustle, shopping online at home is most relaxing. You don´t need to wait to pay your purchases but buying online is also difficult when you don´t see the actual product. It´s important that the seller provide all the size and measurement so that you can decide.

Today I´m going to tell you how to buy necklaces for special woman in your life.

Before you run to buy expensive or less expensive necklace for her, take a note what kind of jewelry she normally like to wear.

It´s also good to pay attention does she like to wear silver, gold, rose gold, bronze or copper jewelry.

Rose gold offer alternative choice for usual gold jewelry and women who like to normally wear gold jewelry also likes the rose gold ones.

After deciding necklace color, take a moment to think what length the necklace you would like.

I have used this image to shows different necklace length where different length necklaces approximately will fall.

Of course, it can vary too since our neck circumference vary from
each other but the image gives good guideline.

Most common length are Princess and Matinee length necklaces that usually fit most of us.

If you don´t know what length you should buy, take your favorite necklace and measure it against the ruler or if you don´t have any favorite jewelry that you can measure, stand in front of mirror and take non-stretchy string/cord and place it around your neck. adjust it until it looks good to you and then measure it against the ruler. That way you have the measure in order to buy proper length necklace.

As you may know, necklaces comes nowadays so many different kind variations.
Now you have decided the chain color and length you want. Let´s think next what kind of necklace you like.

Collar and choker necklaces are usually between 12 - 16 inches and very popular among the young people. Both of these kind necklaces goes just around your neck. The necklaces can be crocheted, different types chains, with or without charms, leather string or piece of velvet fabric. Collar and choker necklaces can be wear with jeans and formal dress. Events: Cocktail party, formal casual party, business meeting.

Princess and Matinee necklaces are usually between 17 - 24 inches and necklace goes on your bust. This length necklace is most popular one because the necklace won´t tangle up. Princess necklaces can be wear with open collar shirts, cozy sweater to boat necks and evening gown. and Matinee necklaces can be wear with turtle neck tops or tailored shirts. Events: Wedding, office, business, casual and evening out.

Opera necklace is usually between 28 - 34 inches and necklace goes on your bust or inch or two below that. Opera necklace can be wear with any high necklines or evening dress. Events: Formal event, night out, opera or other similar events.

Rope necklace is usually over 45 inches. Generally rope necklace will fall somewhere around your waistline. Rope necklaces are ideal for those who wants to stand out from crowd. Rope necklace can be wear blue jeans and t-shirt to elegant gown. Events: evening out, everyday, formal events.

Choosing right necklaces for you, is also good to know your face shape, what kind of body type you have and even your height.

I bet none of these things didn´t across your mind that these things can affect what kind of necklace is right for you.

Sounds too hard? It actually not. Most of time people automatically choose things that naturally suited for you. Like specific colors, clothes and even jewelry.

Face Shapes

If you have round or oval shape face ⎯ choose necklace that is between 20 - 26 inches. Necklace will elongate your face.

If you have square or oblong shape face ⎯ choose necklace that is between 14 - 16 inches or 17 - 19 inches long. Necklace will make your face look longer.

If you have heart shape face ⎯ choose necklace that is between 12 - 13 inches or 16 - 18 inches. Necklace will soften your face angles.

Height

Short – If you have a shorter frame of 5'4” or below, then look for necklaces that help elongate your frame, but not hang too low. If you are looking for a shorter necklace try the 16”-18” length, as this should fit your proportions correctly. When looking at longer necklaces, try between 20”-24” as this will hang effortlessly.

Regular Height – Luckily those that are between 5'4” and 5'7” can wear any necklace length, but remember to consider your face shape and body type before you buy.

Tall – With a taller frame you can usually wear any necklace length, but longer styles will work particularly well as they will accentuate your height. When looking at shorter styles, ensure that the necklace size complements your face shape before you buy.

Body Types:

Pear shaped – As your body is smaller on the top then it is at the bottom, look for necklaces that help broaden your shoulders. Necklaces that are 18”-24” work well as they sit just above your bust and draw attention towards your upper body.

Athletic – Those that have an athletic shape can typically wear any type of necklace, although longer necklaces can help elongate your body more.

Hourglass – For an hourglass shape, try a necklace length that just sits on your décolletage to help accentuate your curves.

Inverted Triangle – With broader shoulders, longer length necklaces will help bring the eye down to your waist, highlighting the smallest part of your body.

Now that you understand what necklace suits you, it’s time to explore the wide world of necklaces. 

~ Minna

Gift Guide 1/3 - What to buy as a gift?

Can´t believe it´s October already and in the stores has arrived little Christmas stuff. I know it´s too early for someone and some even irritate to see Holiday stuff so early in the stores but I think it´s because of economic situations.

People has less money to expense and stores wants to extend biggest and short Holiday time so it starts earlier and earlier every year. I know some people might be precise where to use money and what to buy, some people won´t even noticed Holiday stuff in the stores and some might woke up that he/she needs to buy something for family and friends. Christmas is after all such a short Holiday season so everyone tries their best to get customers buy from them and lure them with special offers.

I personally love Christmas time although my childhood Christmas never was so happy but as a adult I have found it´s warmth and love. Love to spend it with friends, eat good foods and watch Christmas related movies but I´m here to actually represent to you 30 + 5 gift ideas what to buy when you don´t know the recipient´s size.

30 + 5 Gift Ideas For Everyone

1. GIFT CARDS
Buying gift cards is more stylish way to give a gift than money. In Finland we most often give money as gift in the envelope when we don´t know what to buy. This way, the recipient can decide where to spend it but buying nowadays gift cards can be bought so many different stores and with gift cards can be buy also services like Spotify and Netflix.

2. CANDLES

Who resist beautiful good scents candles? Candles are wonderful gift idea especially  when daylight hours are so minimum. Here in Finland we have few daylight hours and rest of days are usually dark so personally I love to burn candles in the evening. They bring such a warm light in the room and creates cozy feeling with warm blankets and hot chocolate. If your friend is too sensitive for scented candles and tealights, you can still buy nice candles that do not have any scent.

3. COFFEE OR TEAS

Coffee and teas are excellent gift choices if your friends and family love to drink one or both of these regularly. I´m coffee lover and I once bought for my grandma special coffee mix which was Vyborg mix since she was from there originally but moved with time to Finand. So go for barista and make some special coffee or tea mix for a friend or for your family member. This way you can tell simply how much she/he means to you.

4. BOOKS

Books are easy gift to give any book lover friend and they are also easy to wrap. You just need to know their favorite author or what kind style books your friend or family member love to read. Books can be novel, cook book for culinarist friend, hobby related books or travel book to friend who like to travel some special place.

5. NOTE BOOKS

My dearest friend love note books. She got plenty but always want more. Note books are also easy gift idea since note books are empty and your friend or family member can decide what to write in there or maybe draw some sketches. Some note books have dot lines, other just lines and some note books have empty pages so these will go for friend who love to draw.

6. FRAGRANCES & PERFUMES

Fragrances and perfumes are pretty easy gift choices too. I love to buy perfumes for my friend but we have known each other over 20 years so it´s easy to know what kind perfumes other will mostly like. Before you run to buy a perfume or any other fragrance have conversation with your friend or family member what kind scent she/he like. Most certain choice is some light scented perfume that usually go for work or daytime use. Stronger scented perfumes and fragrances goes more night time use.

7. SELF MADE TREATS

Self made treats are good and special gifts. If you recognize yourself little baker, you can easily made yourself special decorated treats as a gift. These can be self baked cakes, cookies, buns or even homemade candies are easy to do. Just Google a recipe and try to do some treats.

8. SOCKS

Wouldn´t you guess that socks are actually pretty easy to buy as a gift? They actually is. Socks are usually based on shoe size (at least here in Finland) so you can quickly peek your friend´s shoe size without she/he noticed it and buy pair of socks. I personally love fuzzy and soft socks that you can wear in home when floors are cold. Socks are also most wearable thing that quickly worn out. Out there is so many socks and styles. Some of them have humor text in the bottom like "If you can read this, bring me glass a wine" etc.

9. MUGS, WATER BOTTLES, COFFEE CUPS

Mugs, water bottles and coffee cups are also great choices as a gift because they are usually something that everyone of us uses daily. 

Mugs with some cute picture or fun inspiring text are always lovely gift and makes happy in the morning. 

Water bottles also comes as personalized options. Many water bottles have some beautiful picture or inspiring text on it reminding that drinking water during day. Some water bottles even have flashing light to remind that is time to take a sip of fresh water. Water bottles are also great gift for sporty friend who always love to grab water with in the workout.

10. PETS

Pets may not come first in your mind but they are actually cute gift idea. They cannot wrap like other thing I mention here but you can put some nice bow in their collar or around their neck. Before buying a pet, you need to know if the recipient have any allergies. Many people are allergy for cat or dog hairs but maybe small aquarium works.
 

11. PECIL CASES

If you can sew, pencil cases are pretty easy to sew yourself. Sewing yourself is beneficial especially when you want to create something unique that store do not have. Also pencil cases can be used as a make-up bag too. In the pencil case fit example lip gloss or lipstick, eyeliner and small mirror. Any student would probably appreciate pencil case since pencils goes so handy in the case and found in one place whenever needed.

12. STATIONERY STUFF

I must admit that I personally am little obsessed with stationery stuff. I love to go bookstore and see what new stationery stuff they might have. I love to found new pencils or special design pencil holder or cup. So if your circle of family friends have enthusiastic office worker, focus the gift idea into office supplies and stationery stuff of which he/she might get excited or like. 
Calendars are also great gift idea and also meeting folders.

13. NECKTIES

Neckties and bow ties and wonderful and easy gift ideas when you don´t know what to buy for him. Neckties and bow ties comes so many variations where to choose. There are even funny ones which have lights or even music. Make sure your if you buy amusing necktie or bow tie the recipient will think same (inner circle joke).

14. CAMERAS
Every family or friends have at least one enthusiastic photographer who always love to take photos of family event, parties etc. Cameras are wonderful gift idea for those who prefer take their photos with actual camera and not with their cellphones although they have pretty good cameras too. If you happen to find vintage camera for a camera collector friend, I´m sure she/he will excited about it. 

15. LAPTOPS
Laptops are expensive gifts but so handy. Many uses laptop daily for scrolling internet, to pay their bills, explore social media, look for jobs etc. Many of use laptop during studies or work. Laptops are often use also connection between family and friends.

16. HANDBAGS, PURSES, BACKPACKS, BELT BAGS

Different bags are pretty easy gift ideas. Handbags, purses, belt bags and backpacks comes so many variations and different labels. Most important thing when you select handbag as a gift is to focus how the recipient would carry it - in their hands or does she/he like to carry it on their shoulder. Also how tall/short the recipient is could affect the size of the bag. For small and short people you should buy prefer small handbag since too big bag doesn´t look good. Also choosing any bags is good to consider what kind of stuff the recipient most likely would carry example if she/he carry most often work papers and laptop, then you should choose bag for them. 

17. COSMETICS

Me and my friends are so called "cosmetic monsters". We love to give and receive any cosmetic related gifts. I´m currently planning cosmetic gift basket for my mom. She love to use them but doesn´t know which are suitable her anymore so I thought to collect nice basket with basic cosmetics. Good cosmetics gifts can be buy as a set example shampoo, conditioner and some leave-in treatment for hair or hair mask. Good set can be also consist of day cream, night cream and eye gel/cream. Set doesn´t necessarily include any eyeshadows, liquid foundation or lip glosses where you need know the shade.

18. TOWELS

Who wouldn´t love nice, thick soft towels? These are lovely gift idea especially if your friend or family member love to take baths. Soft and thick towels makes luxury feeling and they are also warm to wrap around your body after the relaxing bath. If you want to create home spa feeling, buy also good scented candles and soft slippers. After the long bath the stressful day is forgotten and weekend can be start in most relaxation way.

19. SCARVES

Scarves are classic gift idea. They come in silk, knitted, crocheted, cotton, fur, faux fur etc. Nowadays, scarves can be oversize so it can be wrap multiple ways around your neck. Some scarves are tube scarves which are easy to wrap around your neck or if they are short tube scarves, they can be just slip through your head. I bought one of these kind scarves for Winter. It have faux fur in the inner side and outside is looks like knitted. It´s easy to slip it just through your head without thinking what kind of scarf knot I want today. 

20. ACTIVE WATCHES

For active and sporty people always love to receive sport related things. My friend cave me couple years ago Swarovski crystal decorated sport watch which I love. It´s feminine and it can be use otherwise too, not just when I go jogging. Sport watches have so many different features and styles so before buying any sport watch, try to figure out what the recipient wish for it. Also prices vary from each other. I recommend to start something simple active watch which shows you time, steps, calories and how active you were today in percentage.

Some active watches can also show blood pressure and heart beats. Of course these are not 100% certain but shows guidance.

21.WALLETS
Wallets are easy gift ideas too. Some like to real leather ones, other faux leather and some fabrics one. Wallets comes so many different design and variations. It´s important to know the recipient little more closely so you can decide which kind of wallet is best. Nowadays, most of us don´t have money, all paid with cards so keep in mind when buying wallet which feature is most needed - places just for cards, places for cards and cash or just for cash. Wallet can be made for yourself if you are crafty person or buy it from store.

22. ONE SIZE GLOVES

Surprisingly many things comes nowadays in so called one size. This usually means that the material is flexible but not endless flexible so one size is good choice when you don´t know the recipient´s hand, head or foot size. These kind product usually go for almost anyone even adult. One size gloves are usually light and machine knitted gloves which goes well for Autumn time and in the Winter, you can use these gloves also underneath some gloves to keep your hand warm. Some one size gloves have touch-screen finger which is ideally good but when I tested these at the store and they didn´t work for my Iphone so test the touch-screen finger at the store before buying. Some might work but don´t rely on the tag completely.

23. SHAVERS, TRIMMERS & BEARD ACCESSORIES
So you have proud beard friend or husband who like to take care of his beard. All kind of beard trimmers and shavers are probably most welcoming gift idea for this fellow. Also there are available beard waxes, balsams and conditioner oils, shaping scissors, different kind combs and brushes. If you beard friend love to braid it or decorate it with something, there are also available different kind beard beads.

24. BED LINENS
Bed linens are quite popular gift idea here in Finland. I bought last year for my friend bead linens when I happen to find beautiful Vallila (Finnish family business which sells interior fabrics carpets, curtains, wallpapers etc.) duvet and pillow cover set. I also bought pink sheet since she love everything pink. Before buying bed linens, all you need to know which size bed the recipient have (single, twin/double, king). 

25. BROOCHES 
Brooches are nice gift idea and I´m not talking about just traditional brooches. Brooches comes nowadays with crystals and rhinestones which are excellent choice if the recipient love sparkling jewelry. Some brooches are made of different gemstones or resin. Brooches are also made from photo or have some other picture in the under of the glass dome. In my Etsy shop I have bronze brooches which have different butterfly picture. Brooches can be use in the jacket, blouses, bags or hats. Many also use brooches as a scarves too to hold up two ends together.

  
26. KEYCHAINS
Keychains are good gift ideas too. The key chain can be inspirational quote, initial letter, made from different beads or simply have some metal charm in it. Also keychain can be a tag where is engraved the recipient´s name, calendar, latitude/longitude in some special place. Keychains are good gift idea for couple, pet lover or enthusiastic car friend who surely love to receive keychain with his dream or favorite car model logo.

27. LIGHTERS
Smoking is a bad habit but still lighter with engraved name is popular. Lighters can be also have some logo or other picture. Most unique lighter is shape of bullet which can be found on Etsy. Also lighter case is nice additional gift idea.

28. FOR SPORTY PEOPLES
For sporty and active people gift ideas are easy when you can buy something that they can use in their hobbies. Yoga friend would probably will delight of new yoga mat or yoga clothes. Also yoga strap, ball, blocks or circles are good gift ideas that can be used during yoga practice. A friend who like to jogging would probably love to receive new running sneakers, new sport pants or shirts. So think about some hobby and try to figure out what you would need if you go to do  the same hobby.

29. COLORING BOOKS FOR ADULTS
I´m sure you probably laugh when you read this title or think whaaat, this is childish but it actually not childish at all. Studies have shown that stress level will decrease when adult is using coloring book. Coloring images is stress relieving therapy. My friend bought for my coloring book for adult and I love to color it time to time. I find it so relaxing and after coloring I can focus more important things better.

30. PICTURE COLLAGES
Picture collages are wonderful gift idea. In the collage you can gather your favorite photos in one place. Happy memories are always nice to hang on the wall. I made for a friend picture collage of inspirational quotes. Just needed to save images from the internet and printed them out. After buying suitable frame, I planned the picture collage and wrap it. So picture collage can be made several things, let your creative side step forward.

And I promise to you 5 more gift ideas what to buy to family, friends, boss or co-workers when you don´t know what size they will use.

1. DVD:S & CD:S
Does someone in your friends or family collect dvd:s or dc:s? These are easy gift idea when you know what type movies she/he likes to watch or listen. Buying movie from favorite actor can´t go wrong or buying new cd from her/his favorite artist is most likely welcome gift. My friend have actually bought for me my favorite artist cd and must say, I love to receive it and every time I listen it, I remember that it was gift from my friend too.  

2. BOARD GAMES & JIGSAW PUZZLES
Board games and puzzles are good gift ideas too. Buying broad games will bring friends and family close and everyone have good time. Out there are so many different kind board games example for couples - Relationship building games, quizzes like who wants to be a millionaire or trivial pursuit. Puzzles are also good gift ideas. I´m not just talking about traditional 1000 pieces puzzles. Nowadays, you can buy puzzles that are 3D, glowing in the dark or have metal glow. Some places you can design your own jigsaw puzzle from your favorite photo.

3. JEWELRY TREES
Does your friend or family member have a lot of jewelry? If so, buying jewelry tree can be good gift idea. Usually trees are meant to hang couple necklaces and earrings but if your friend or family member have a lot of them lying around table, you should buy bracelet racket, necklace hooks or earring racket where can be hung several jewelry. That way she can keep her precious jewelry in organize and found them whenever she needs them. I bought for my friend bracelet racket although it can be self made too if you are crafty person but buying them in ready are usually more sturdy. 

4. SHIATSU MASSAGE
Having a back pain and no time to go for masseur? Consider to buy a shiatsu massage chair or pillow which can easily use whenever suits for you. My friend bought to me shiatsu pillow. It´s handy because I can place it anywhere near wall plug and enjoy the massage when I read or watch my favorite movie. Shiatsu chair is also comfortable. There´s available separately shiatsu chairs but also seats that can be place any high back chairs. Shiatsu massage is very gently massage method which works well is the pain area is very sore.

5. TECHNIQUE ACCESSORIES

Do you belong those people who always look new technique accessories? If yes, these gifts are for you. Technique people would love to receive any portable charger for their phones, cordless headphones, USB devices etc.Also Ikea offers work lamp which have wireless chargers so you´ll get a lamp for reading or studies and charge your phone at the same time. There´s also available all kinds of safety glasses, solar chargers, waterproof cover bags for phone, wireless speakers and USB plugs where you can charge three or more device at the same time. I´m sure any technique accessory lover would be happy to receive any of these kind gifts.

I hope these tips will give you guidelines and ideas what to buy for family, friends, co-workers etc. Love to hear your comments too so feel free to comment and tell more good gift ideas. 

~ Minna