I'm going on my third week of being in Finland, and I have already found myself a favourite store. It really didn't take long- I was a regular customer within the first week and a half, but who can blame me, it's a store we don't have in Canada, plus they were having a sale. You throw those two things together, and I'm all in. The store is called COS, and it quickly captured my heart (and the 50% off sure helped..). They have a lovely selection of classic pieces, with a unique edge to them- very minimalistic as well. I have been quite impressed with the quality of their pieces- everything is either made of wool or silk (with the exception of the odd polyester item) and is reasonably priced for the luxurious fabrics used.
     Not only have I ventured into COS (many times), I also checked out Zara conveniently during their 70% off sale, because I am a sucker for sales and hate paying full price for things.
     I must say, I am quite pleased with the fashion here. Compared to Vancouver, it seems everyone dresses up... even when it has snowed the night before. I mean, the streets could be covered in a sheer layer of ice, and you will still see a woman wearing some type of heel. WHY DID I NOT MOVE HERE EARLIER! Anyways, the cold weather and unbearable wind is putting my layering skills to the test and making me channel my inner Olivia Palermo. If you want to know how cold it is here, think New York City 2013 Polar Vortex and multiply that by at least 20. THAT cold.
      Regardless of the weather, I love it in Helsinki. And to be honest, I enjoy the snow- there's something magical about it, especially in the evening- and I'm Canadian so snow's kind of our thing. I love getting to pile layers of clothing on here, not only to stay warm, but to cater to my love and need for layering- it's testing my fashion abilities (and I've already worn my winter boots here... but there are no photos to show for it thank god).

I'm also very excited to share with you that in 14 days, my blog has been viewed another 1000 times and is now up to 11,030 views! THANK YOU! I'm very flattered!

Moi! 
This is my first blog post in my little studio apartment in Helsinki, and I am excited to share that this little blog I started just under a year a go has been viewed approximately 10,350 times!! SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING THIS! 

I have settled in to my apartment quite nicely, and it is starting to feel like home, thanks to IKEA. It is bright and colourful, and much of my personality is shown throughout the decor! It's not much, but it's enough for me to feel cozy! Being raised in a very modern lifestyle back in Canada, it's quite a unique experience living in student housing and boiling my water for tea/coffee on the stove. No, it's not primitive here, kettles are just super expensive..

Anyways, I feel like I'm getting to know the city of Helsinki really well, and I find it so enjoyable to just walk down the streets and take in the beautiful scenery surrounding me.
If Helsinki isn't on your bucket list, put it there, because it really is one of a kind! Before having this experience to go on exchange, Helsinki was never on my list of places to go, and now I can't even imaging missing out on an opportunity like this!

As promised, I have a vlog for you! (I think) I have a YouTube Channel now where I can post these vlogs, as well as share them on here! I hope to capture as much of my experience as I can to share with you, as well as look back on in the years to come!

Enjoy a little taste of the numerous airports I was in over a span of 3 days: