Home – Blue Moment

Day 218: Comics and Animation

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Activities, AlannaTagged 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Black&White, Home, LearningLeave a comment

Alanna started a comic school this fall. She is beyond excited. Comics are her obsession. And more than just reading them, they are also her preferred way of expressing herself. Alanna has a very observant drawing style, and she tells a story with every image she draws.

The course also goes through the basics of animation. This has been a totally new discovery for Alanna, and it has been interesting to see how she has already learned to adjust her drawing style. Her animations are – by necessity – much simpler than her other drawings.

Where are the beginner comic book courses for adults?

Day 215: Super-Teddy

September 25, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Everyday objects, Family, HomeTagged 365 Project, Children, family, History, HomeLeave a comment

There are a few fluffy friends that have remained the girls’ favourites throughout the years. Eddie (the teddy) is one of them. He has been Alanna’s favourite since before she learned to walk and is still a main character in whatever adventure is happening. In fact, he has travelled the world more than most adults.

The girls are not even aware that Eddie is special to Stuart and me as well. Eddie joined our household in 2012, accompanied by my engagement ring.

Special in all ways.

Day 213: Little Gardener

September 23, 2026September 24, 2026Posted in 365 ProjectTagged 365 Project, Activities, Home, Kiara, NatureLeave a comment

Possessing a love for flowers and no green thumb can be… aggravating. Especially in Finland where the season for natural flowers is short.

Occassionally, I give it another go.

Kiara helped me pot some Erikas. A special favourite of mine – for obvious reasons.

Day 201: Progress

September 11, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Espoo, Home, NatureTagged 365 Project, Espoo, History, Home, NatureLeave a comment

About six months after we moved to our house, a new metro station opened 700m away. Since then – over 4 years – nothing has happened in that area as the city plans have been challenged in different courts.

But we all knew that there was no scenario where a metro station this close to Helsinki would remain surrounded by forest and a few old houses. So they have now started felling the trees and tearing down the old single-family houses.

We all knew, except my girls. They are horrified that someone would destroy nature just to build houses. Why can’t they build houses where there are no trees, bunnies or squirrels?

How right they are.

Day 196: Minimalism or Less

September 7, 2026September 7, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Everyday objects, HomeTagged 365 Project, Everyday objects, HomeLeave a comment

I am not a big admirer of minimalism. It looks great in photos, but it just feels impractical – unless you have enormous, hidden closet spaces. But is it then minimalism, or just good cleaning skills?

And while we are talking about this… I never understood the logic behind Marie Kondo. My clutter is exactly those things that bring me joy – little mementos, photos, cool kitchen gadgets, one-too-many scarves, etc. Throwing away my gardening gloves (not a big fan of gardening either) is unlikely to improve my life.

With all this said, with two 8-year-olds in the house, I could do with some less-ism.

Day 187: Kiara’s Day

August 27, 2026August 27, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Home, Kiara, TraditionsTagged 365 Project, Home, KiaraLeave a comment

Ever since I was a kid, we have celebrated special days by waking the star of the day with a song, breakfast and presents in bed. The unintended consequence is that if the person is the first one to wake up, they need to stay in bed until they are woken up.

In case you wondered why Kiara is in bed fully clothed for her name day.

To honour the occassion, she got a few small presents – including a capybara eraser and a lip gloss I grudgingly got her after a month-long full-on campaign – and a trip to an indoor playground with Alanna and another friend for 6.5 hours.

Fun day for me.

Day 153: Mugs Galore

July 20, 2026July 21, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Everyday objects, HomeTagged 365 Project, Everyday objects, HomeLeave a comment

Mugs have a mysterious ability to multiply in the cupboad. Years ago, I got tired of million different mugs cluttering the kitchen and donated everything but the matching set that goes with our plates – and, of course, my Moomin mugs. (Every Finn living abroad has at least a few).

Since then the mug situation has stayed pretty much under control. We still have the “adult set” and the Moomins. And a few that are perfect for soup. And my hot chocolate mug (perfect for wrapping both hands around). And the one a dear friend gave me. And the one my colleagues got me when I left. And a few smaller ones for the girls. And…

Day 148: Crafts

July 14, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Home, KiaraTagged 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Home, Kiara, LearningLeave a comment

Kiara, especially, is obsessed with crafts. We buy sellotape in bulk because – and I am not exaggerating at all – she uses five or rolls per week. She comes up with very practical and innovative designs and can surprise me with real out-of-the-box ideas – some of which really work.

Alanna does crafts when the mood strikes, but she is more interested in drawing – comics especially.

To build on this, I dug out my old sewing machine and we spent a happy few hours testing it out. Alanna made a beautiful dress for her doll. Kiara sewed a little pouch and a pillow.

I was just proud.

Day 139: Bedtime Disco

July 5, 2026July 7, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Alanna, Home, KiaraTagged 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Home, KiaraLeave a comment

Alanna and Kiara are at their most creative when it comes to inventing reasons to postpone bedtime. More often than not, giving in to one extra thing helps to move things along.

One of the favourite distractions is listening to “just one last song” before brushing their teeth. It’s a great and joyful idea – if you can actually stop at one.

Day 137: Moment of Rest

July 3, 2026July 4, 2026Posted in 365 ProjectTagged 365 Project, Espoo, Home, Nature, OutdoorsLeave a comment

The girls stayed at the summer cottage with ukki and mummi for extra two days while Stuart and I headed home to tackle their rooms.

Years ago, I realized I can only declutter the girls’ rooms when they are away. It is virtually impossible to throw anything out – not even old socks – when they are “helping”. I never imagined how many uses an old sock could have: a sleeping bag for a doll, a cover for a toy phone, a Barbie shopping bag…

As much as I applaud their creativity and commitment to sustainably, regular de-hoarding is necessary if we want girls to still fit in.

After 10 hours of sorting through tiny doll accessories and random drawings, a short bike to the beach felt absolutely amazing!