Iittala & Arabia design centre and second-hand stores in Helsinki

 Yesterday I went to Iittala & Arabia design centre. This was my first time visiting the place despite living in Helsinki for over 10 years and in Finland for almost 14 years in general. I felt like I was in a candy store with all colorful Iittala glasses as well as homy Arabia interior collections. The building also has many other stores like Pentik, Villeroy and boch… and the display of Fiskar products which I found very interesting.

                                                                    Arabiaranta library

I love second-hand stores in Finland. In my free time, you whether see me wandering around the kitchen, the forest, the park, or the second-hand stores. The second-hand stores in Finland sell almost everything. You can find clothes, shoes, accessories, home decorations, kitchen appliances, kitchen wares, electronics, furniture, bedding…mostly in very good condition with affordable price. Sometimes if you are lucky, you will find the branded or brand-new stuffs. I bought my fuchsia pink bicycle last year in Kierrätyskeskus (recycling centre) which I definitely love. 

I remember around 10 years ago when I came to Helsinki in summer, every weekend on Saturday or Sunday morning I would get up early to visit a big flea-market in Vallilla which is unfortunately closed by now. 

Some second-hand stores that I like to visit are: 

UFF Punavuori (Bulevardi 30) it sells many vintage clothes where I bought my favorite pink dress during the sale week for 1 euro and my favorite skirt also cost 1 euro.

 

My favourite vintage plum dress

My favourite vintage skirt

UFF Hakaniemi (Hämeentie 4) 

UFF Kamppi (Fredrikinkatu 36) 

Fida Hakaniemi (Hämeentie 5) 

Pääkaupunkiseudun Kierrätyskeskus near to Kalasatama (Kyläsaarenkatu 8) 

Since I live in Oulunkylä which is near to Malmi, I often visit UFF Malmi Ala-Malmin tori, and Fida Malmi (Ylä-Malmin tori 6) 

Relove Freda (Fredrikinkatu 25) 

Frida Marina (Kaarlenkatu 10) 

Last but not least is that we have Kierrätyskeskus in Ogeli. It is so near to my house, that’s why whenever I go to S market for groceries, I stop by the Kierrätyskeskus to see if there is something interesting. 

Or Viirin Kirpis in Klaukkala (which is a bit far away from Helsinki) 

I believe that Helsinki has many other amazing stores that I haven’t known or visited yet. For me shopping in secondhand stores is a wonderful way to shop, not only because you can find amazing products with cheap price but also reducing waste for our planet. 

I bought these bowls and cake stand all together for 10 euros.

Angel wings and spring cleaning

I'm so proud of my angel wings. When I was given the plant on May 26, 2020, it had only 4 leaves. After almost a year from that time it has grown into such a big plant with prominent leaves with beautiful color. I put it next to the kitchen window and water it with rice water.  

Angel wings March 28, 2021

Angel wings March 28, 2021

I have been using vinegar for laundry instead of liquid fabric softener for almost half a year now and I love it. I feel that eliminates unpleasant smells and electricity very effectively. Some materials suggest not to use liquid softener so I started to use vinegar for that, it is suitable for all materials and it makes my laundry softer, brighter with delicate scent. One of the brand I love is Ole hyvä from Finland. I'm currently using the vinegar with peppermint scent. 

Easter is coming soon in 1 week. Today the clock change again and I feel the spring is coming. 

Bulevardi street

Bulevardi is my favourite street in Helsinki in summer. It is so lovely and green with the park, the church called Vanha kirkkopuisto or Rutto puisto and café Ekberg which is the oldest cafeteria in Finland.