home at last!

Okay, so we've really been home for 12 days, but if you just came back home after being out of the country for 7 months, writing a new blog post wouldn't exactly be the first thing on your list of to-do's, would it?  Didn't think so.

I can't even express how good it feels to be back in the USA.  Where we can understand people around us.  And communicate without difficulty.  And eat the food that we're familiar with.  And..... well you get the point.  I've already told my husband countless times that he will probably have to drag me kicking and screaming to the airport come time to go back next season, and I've threatened to tell the customs officers that my husband is making me leave the country against my will.  (Okay... maybe not that dramatic, but as much as I like Finland.... it really just doesn't compare to home)  I'm just trying not to think about it for now and enjoying going to Target once, sometimes twice, a day.  That is what the offseason is for, isn't it? :)  (speaking of that... I thought it was time for a break from hockey?  Why does my hubby feel the need to torture me with watching NHL playoffs when it's supposed to be the 'offseason'?  If it's going to start consuming every aspect of my life again in AUGUST, I don't know if I can stand having to watch until mid JUNE!  Sorry, a month just isn't a long enough break for this girl!)

The weather here has been fantastic for the most part... for Springtime in Wisconsin that is!  We hit 80's last Sunday, and the past 2 days have been 60's and 70's.  J and I even enjoyed a nice bike ride around the lake yesterday.  Much better than that 20's and 30's crap we were having in Helsinki.  Hopefully it's starting to warm up a little bit over there for our friends... no one deserves that kind of weather in April! 

Of course, now it has cooled down here a bit and is rainy, just in time for our move this weekend.  Since I was stuck doing our last 2 moves by myself (compliments of dear ol' hockey) this time it's hubby's job to take care of all that crap.  I told him I'll still unpack and organize stuff, but that's mostly because I'm very anal particular about where things go.  In the meantime, we've been staying with my in-laws, which is really nice to be able to spend some extra time with family.  But I've gotta say, I cannot wait to get settled into our place and we finally get to unpack and use all of our wonderful wedding gifts!  It's going to be like getting new stuff all over again.  Who wouldn't enjoy that?  :)

We've got lots of other exciting stuff going on and coming up also.  Since we're home with many of our family and friends (and I have a little more stuff to do than winter in Helsinki), I probably won't be updating the blog as much as I have in the past (okay, I haven't been consistantly great about it anways... but I'll be happy with once or twice a week) with updates on what's going on, along with some informational posts as always.  I see lots of you have been looking for information on traveling to Europe with dogs... and I hope that you're finding your answers!  It's a piece of cake once you get the hang of it, really  (I've added info on traveling back to the U.S. from Europe also.. :) ) 

Happy Thursday! :)

moi moi finland, hello america

Well... for those of you who don't know, the team lost in game 7 of the quarterfinals on Monday night, putting and end to their season.  It was a little earlier than hoped and it was too bad they couldn't pull out a win and keep going.  But, on the bright side....

WE'RE COMING HOME TO THE U.S. of A.!!!

(nope, no excitement in that or anything... not one bit ;) )

I wish it was as simple as heading to the airport and jumping on the next flight, but unfortunately, it's not.  Stuff has to be packed up and moved to the rink for storage.  The apartment needs to be cleaned out.  Laundry has to be done.  Our car needs to be returned.  Maddie needs to go to the vet to get her papers for back home (this is about the only thing we have completely done so far... haha).  Keys to our apartment, cell phone cards, TV card, have to be returned to their proper owners.  Hubs has team meetings.  Planning a time to see our friends here before we take off.  Tickets have to be booked (...minor detail).  All of that wonderful, fun stuff that is even more fun and wonderful when it stands in the way of getting home!

I despise packing and moving (someone remind me again why I picked a lifestyle that requires I do this twice a year again?  oh, that's right, a cute boy brainwashed me into thinking it'd be fun ;) )  but I'm keeping my eye on the prize:  4 wonderful summer months spent at home, with family and friends, eating all of my lovely American foods, trips to Target whenever I feel like it, drying the laundry in a ¡dryer!, driving a car (warning to those of you I will be sharing the roads with back home: this girl hasn't driven in 7 months!) buying milk by the gallon so we don't have to go to the store every. single. day.  Don't get me wrong, I like Finland a lot, and I'm sure come July I will be more than excited to get back.  But no matter where you're from, I think we all can agree.... There's no place like home!

We don't have an offical date of arrival set yet, but it will more than likely be sometime this weekend or early next week.  The hubs is acutally at the rink right now for meetings and figuring all that good stuff out and we hope to have our flights booked by tonight.  I know I kept talking about our European trip we were going to take at the end of the season, but, for several reasons, it's just going to have to wait :)  We may decide to take a trip somewhere warm once we get back, but we'll see how we're feeling.  Right now we need to just focus on getting home first. 

So, off I go to continue packing and cleaning.  I'm still waiting for my personal assistant to come and help me.... but she just never seems to show?  Not sure what's up with that ;) 

Moi Moi Finland, see you in 4 months :)

Hello America, can't wait to see you!!

packing for a season in europe... dun dun dun

As I'm sure many of you remember, a while back I wrote a post about How To Move to Europe With Your Dog.  I got a lot of positive feedback about it, and I'm so happy that I could pass the info on to those needing it- hopefully it can help some more of you along the way, too!  In that same post, I also promised I'd write a post about packing, what to bring, etc. and I'm finally getting around to posting it.  Hopefully it will come in handy for any of you hockey ladies heading over to Europe next season, or at least make you a little less clueless (like I was) about the whole process.  [Though, it's definitely not just for hockey ladies.... Students, travelers... anyone moving to Europe for a several month period of time will probably find this information useful as well :)] 

When I came to Finland this year, I checked 4 bags and brought one carry on.  Since I was traveling separately from my husband, some of the stuff in these bags was his, but I'll admit... most was mine.  I think I did pretty good though... I use pretty much everything I brought and don't think I've really ever thought of anything that I left at home that I wish I had here with me (guess that means it's time to get rid of some of that stuff sitting in my parent's basement!) 

I think the general consensus is that hockey bags are the easiest to use for your move to Europe.  They're lightweight (well, at least before you add the clothes, shoes, makeup, etc) and you can fit a lot of stuff in them.  You just have to be very careful to keep them within size and *weight* restrictions.  Don't just go buy the biggest ones you can find.  And most people would agree, the ones with wheels make life much easier! (your significant other will probably give you crap for wanting a hockey bag with wheels.  If he does, politely remind him how much work you do for him, and that you'll probably be making a move with these bags on your own at least once.  I don't know about you, but I'm NOT carrying 4+ bags through an airport, up and down apartment stairs, etc. by myself).  As far as how many bags, that's up to you and how much stuff you feel you need or want.  Remember, when you head back home at the end of the season, you'll definitely be coming back with more stuff than you came with (ie: my husband got four winter jackets from the team this year.  FOUR!!  That's like, 3/4 of a suitcase right there!)  And if you're like us and spending multiple seasons over here.... well, let's just say I don't even want to know how much stuff we're going to have by the end of our time here.  But, it is nice to be able to buy some stuff to make our place a little more "home-y" and know that it will get more than a few months use out of it.  We'll probably end up either donating a lot of it or passing some of it on to other teammates or friends over here.
(TIP: If you're so lucky to have visitors at some point, send some stuff home with them!)

So... getting down to the biggest question.  What to pack?  Let's break it down into these categories:  Clothing, Accessories, Shoes, Health & Beauty & Misc. Goodies.

CLOTHING:
*Jeans - wear 'em almost every day
*Leggings - a close 2nd to jeans, especially when comfort is my priority!
*Dress Pants - I brought a pair or two of nicer dress pants for anything I would need to dress up for.  They have come in handy once.
*Sweaters - pretty much my daily go-to.  It's freeezing in Finland, so lots of layers is the key!
*Tee's - long sleeve, short sleeve... anything I can layer with the sweaters!
*Blouses - a no brainer
*A nice dress or two.  We had to dress up a few times this year for team events (Christmas party, etc.) or just going out with friends.  This is where the LBD comes in handy... so versatile! 
*Socks, Undies, etc. - I probably have 2 weeks worth... maybe a little bit more of socks.  They're fairly easy to squish in between things (or put in shoes) when packing your bags!
*Workout clothes - I have probably 5 or 6 different "outfits" and just mix & match them.
*Pajamas & lounge clothes - I brought a few sets of each
*Jackets & Coats:  I have lived in my black North Face Metropolis parka this winter.  Also have my long pea coat and several other jackets & coats - Finland is COLD so I didn't want to be lacking in the coat department!

I guess the general idea is to pack stuff that is logical.  The other ladies (here in Finland at least) do not get all dolled up to go to the games like many back in North America do.  You can if you want, but you might get some funny looks.  I also know that many arenas in countries like Germany, France, etc. aren't fully closed in, making for a rather cold environment in December and January!  Plan accordingly.  And even though it may be Summer & warm when you're heading over, don't waste a bunch of space packing tons of summer-y clothes.  You won't use them more than a month, and it won't be warm enough yet in the spring time to wear them.

ACESSORIES:
*Jewelry - cover the basics first.  Simple stud earrings, & a pair of hoops or 2.  Simple necklaces and bracelets that will go with everything.  Your favorite watch.  Once you've got those covered, start adding in the extras as space allows.  If you have a different pair of earrings or watch for every outfit... good luck! try and narrow it down to the most versatile  pieces.
*Purses/Handbags - Bring a couple of your favorites, but leave the rest behind.  Take the biggest one as your carry on so it doesn't take up suitcase space.  Bring some sort of satchel/crossbody bag, as it will be perfect for traveling around & sightseeing.
*Scarves - I don't think there's a day all winter that I didn't wear a scarf.  They're lifesavers in the bitter cold, and a cute accessory to the perfect outfit.  I have probably 12 here, some that I bought here & some that I brought from home.  As with everything else, just go for versatile- what will go with the most stuff?
*Mittens/Gloves & Hats - In the bitter cold of winter, mittens were not optional!  Bring a couple pairs.  Same goes for hats, though I'm not a big hat person.  I usually just used my hood on my North Face to keep my head warm but my hair in somewhat decent shape!  I also brought a couple casual hats as outfit accessories and a baseball cap or two for when I run outside in the sun.
*Belts - Bring a couple of your most versatile (starting to notice the trend yet...? :) )

SHOES:
*Sneakers - one or 2 pairs for working out, walking around, etc.
*Flats - one or 2 pairs.  They're perfect for fall and for walking around, and you'll be excited to pull them out again in the Spring (if it gets warm enough before you leave!)
*Dressy - one pair, 2 max.  You'll probably only be needing them a couple times, don't waste the space in your suitcase (and don't say I didn't warn you!)  Make sure they're ones that can be worn in Summer and in Winter.
*Boots - aside from my actual winter boots, I lived in them.  I have a few pairs of flats and some that are higher.  But let me tell you... with all of the ice & snow, the flats have moved to the front of the closet.
*Winter Boots - I LIVED in my Ugg Adirondack boots this Winter.  They were so perfect for walking around in the snow and ice (as I've mentioned before, they don't do a great job cleaning off the sidewalks & roads)  and were so warm and comfy.  If you think you'll make it all winter without a pair of (cute) winter boots, I suggest you think again :)
*Summer-y - one or two pairs of your favorite summer sandals will do.  They're small enough to fit easily in your bags, but won't get used past the first month or two (at the most). 

HEALTH & BEAUTY:
*Medicines - I made a kit of the basics - cough & cold medicine, ibuprofen/tylenol, airborne, vitamins, benadryl.  Take them out of the boxes if you can so they fit easier.  If and when you get sick, have a headache, etc. you'll be glad you have something to take that is familiar and that you can read the label of! 
*Cosmetics - I decided to bring 1 or 2 of everything so I had enough to get me through the first bit and get a sense of what I could find around here.  The department stores have most major cosmetic brands - MAC, Clinique, Dior, Chanel, Clarins.... etc.  as well as the smaller drugstore brands like Maybellene, Cover Girl, etc.  I personally use Bare Minerals, which is, of course, like the one brand that isn't big around here.  You can find it, but it's really expensive (a regular size foundation powder is 56 euros compared to $25 at home!)  so I ended up having my mom send me some more in a package mid-season. 
*Hair Products -Same as the cosmetics.  Bring enough to last you a month or two, and after that you should be able to find what you're looking for.
*Hair Styling - As far as hair dryers, straightening irons, curling irons, etc. go, in my opinion, your best best is to invest in some European tools.  If you're going to be spending more than one season over here, it's definitely worth it, and you won't risk ruining your stuff from home.  If you insist on bringing your stuff from home, you will need a special converter (if it's not dual-voltage) so make sure you get the right one (I believe it's a 2000 watt converter, but don't quote me on that) but keep in mind that it won't work the same.  My fancy schmancy straightener from home would only heat to one temperature (Fry!) and blow dryer only had about 1/2 the power as it does at home.  Not to mention I've heard stories of sparks flying out of them and stuff....  Save yourself the trouble, packing space, and fried hair... invest in some inexpensive but decent styling tools over here.  (one thing I should note though... I have had an impossible time trying to find a regular old curling iron in Finland.  I plan to buy a new dual voltage one at home this summer to use in both places.  In the meantime, I use my straightening iron to curl :) )

The general rule of thumb I use for this stuff is that if it's a European-produced product (Kerastase/L'Oreal, Chanel etc), it will be cheaper here (or the same price)... if it's a USA produced product (Clinique, Bare Minerals, Redken, etc) it's better to stock up on at home.

The key is to be flexible.  If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, there will most likely be something similar.  If there is a product or two that you know you cannot live without, bring a little more of that and a little less of something else.

MISC. GOODIES:
There are tons of gadgets and things that will make your life in Europe easier & more enjoyable.  Bring or invest in what you can, or what you think will be the most important to you.  I'm sure many of you already know about a lot of these things, but every now and then I run into someone who has never heard of something & really wished they would have known, so bear with me! 

*Computer/iPod/iPad etc. - self explanatory
*Digital Picture Frame - the perfect way to have lots of pictures of family and friends with you without actually hauling them all around.  One simple frame and you've got them all right there with you in your new home!
*DVD's - we brought some DVD's with us and are lucky to have a DVD player that will play them, but from what I understand not all DVD players over here will play American discs, so pack them at your own risk.  You may be better off sticking with the Sling Box (below) and renting/buying movies on iTunes.
*Skype - no brainer.  Video chat with family & friends back home.  Skype to skype calls are free, or you can call landlines or cell phones for a really low cost.  You can even set it up so that you have a North American phone number for family and friends to call you guys from their cell phones or landlines without long distance fees. 
*Amazon Kindle - I'm a person who likes to have a book in my hand, but the Kindle is very logical in this lifestyle.  You can download pretty much any book in the palm of your hand.  A selection of books in English vary depending on country/city (some have none)  and packing a bunch of books in your suitcase takes up extra space that could be used for something else (like another handbag!)
*Camera - another obvious one.  We just invested in a good SLR.  A decent camera is a must have when you're traveling the world!  You'll have wonderful pictures of all of the places you have been, plus family & friends will probably be wanting lots of updates and to see what life is like in Europe!
*Sling Box - Your tv channels from home... on your screen in Europe!  You'll be able to watch every single show just as you would at home.  You connect it to your cable box & internet in North America, and can log in online to watch your home tv from anywhere in the world.  Get the adapter to plug your computer into the television & it will be just like you're on your couch in North America.  Don't worry about the time difference - you can still DVR and everything just as you would at home!  You can also watch on iPads, smart phones, etc. when you're on the go. Here's the website to find out more about it (*note: those of you who have lived over here are aware that most American shows are blocked from watching online over here... so if you were planning on foregoing the Sling Box and just watching online, unfortunately you won't have much luck)
*Google Talk - most of the same features as Skype, but I found that I can use it to call phones in the U.S. for FREE.  I also use it on my Android phone to text friends and stuff.
*Face Time - similar to Skype and Google Talk, but for Mac/Apple users.  I don't know much about it because we haven't made the switch to Mac yet (will be this summer though!) and have Android/Blackberry phones, not iPhones.  But, from what I understand... it only works Apple to Apple.
*Phone apps - Kik messenger uses your data plan to text anyone, anywhere in the world (they must download it also, it may only work with Androids & iPhones, not sure).  Skype Mobile works similarly, but you can call also.  Google Talk can be used to text, too.  TuneIn Radio lets you listen to any radio station in the world on your phone.  Google Translate comes in handy when you're out and about (think: grocery store!).
*GPS - If you don't have some sort of GPS program on your phone over here, getting an inexpensive European GPS might be a good idea.  Navigating the streets of a foreign country are hard enough with the road signs, manual cars & different rules of the road... you'll find your way around much easier & be more comfortable driving here if you have something to give you directions along the way.  Wait and get it over here though... it will most likely be cheaper than the ones with European maps at home.

I'm sure there are tons more gadgets I could add to the list... but these are the main ones in my mind.  If you have another favorite, please share! 



So, that's my take on packing for a move to Europe.  Surely everyone is different and might prioritize different things, so take or leave whatever you'd like :)  Hopefully it's not too intimidating or confusing.  Feel free to let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to help in any way I can!  If you have any tips to add to the list, or a list of your own to share, please leave a comment and share your ideas! :) 

(I will also be posting this information in my "Moving to Europe?" tab at the top of the page for easy access) :)

wednesday's words to live by / hockey update

Happy Wednesday!

________________________________________________________________________

Hockey Update:  The guys won Game 2 on Saturday to go up 2-0 in the series, but lost on Monday.  They're still up 2-1 in the series and play Game 4 at home tonight, which will either put them up 3-1 (meaning they'd only have to win 1 more game) or the series will be tied 2-2.  It's been a very physical series and makes me cringe watching a lot of it.  J has come home with many battle "wounds" (bumps & bruises) over the past few days (I would post a picture but I don't think he'd be too pleased...).  Hockey fans may like lots of hitting and physical play... but not this girl, not when my hubby is the one out there!

(some pictures from Game 2... from my

phone so they aren't the greatest quality!)

game 1 down, game 2 tonight!

A quick update for family & friends (and anyone else who was curious):  The team won their first playoff game last night 1-0.  Since it was an "away" game (even though the arena is right next door) I did not go.  The game was sold out, not many (if any) of the other wives & girlfriends go to away games, and I figured one night this weekend was enough hockey for me :)  

Game 2 is tonight at home and it looks like this one is sold out too (13,500 seats... that's pretty big for over here!)  I'm sure it will be a rowdy and intense atmosphere, since it is playoffs, sold out, and against their biggest rival team..... and seeing as it's Saturday, and boy these Finns can DRINK!!   Looking forward to a fun night of hockey, hopefully the boys can pull off another W :)   For those of you who aren't aware, you can check the live updates of the game here (I even already google-translated for ya, beware though... some of the names/penalties etc. translate pretty strange!)

Check back soon for more updates and some new (hopefully more interesting- sorry, my life's just not that exciting right now!) posts :)

wednesday's words to live by

Happy Wednesday!

a big win & a nice relaxing weekend

Well, the guys did it!  They won 4-1 Thursday night, finishing the league in 6th place out of 14 teams and securing their spot in the playoffs.  That gave them a week off before their first playoff game on Friday the 18th.  It's a best of 7 series, and the way that the standings work out they play their big rival team (same team they played in the Winter Classic game) which will make for some very interesting and exciting games, and hopefully some great crowds.  With both teams being located in Helsinki and their arenas being 5 minutes from one another, the travel isn't too bad either! ;)  Nothing like sleeping in your own bed every night (well, in our case, I use the term "own" very loosely). 

After securing the playoff spot, the guys were given 3 full days off to rest.  Friday they all went bowling and to "sauna together" (yes, that is acutally a proper term here)  along with some other team activities.   I went to see the movie Burlesque with one of the girls.  It was cute, and left us wondering exactly how old Cher is.  We knew she definitely doesn't look as old as she actually is (thank you plastic surgery) but she can definitely still sing!  (She's 64, for the record)

The rest of our weekend has just been relaxing.  Yesterday, we went to the Sokos Flamingo hotel & entertainment complex.  They have a Spa & Wellness center, indoor waterpark, bowling alley, movie theatre, mini golf, lots of restaurants & shops (it's attached to a mall) among other things.  We thought a nice relaxing day at the spa sounded good.... you can buy a 4 hour pass and use all of their warm water pools, saunas, etc.  There are restaurants and bars inside the waterpark area & spa area and it's a nice place to hang out, kick back & relieve some stress.

    

Flamingo Spa

Today includes grocery shopping & some other errands.  Nothing too exciting going on here (as you can tell) and just wanted to write a quick update about the game, but I promise to post something exciting soon!  Hope everyone is having a great weekend!