Suvi Ainoa

a short break

2012-02-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

My dear friends, I will take a short break from this blog, a lot of new things are happening with Suvi Ainoa and our life. I am going to use this time to welcome changes and work on the tasks one by one.

Will still stop by to visit your blogs, they have became a special part of my life...

Take care, we will talk soon.

Yanyan

image is from Suvi Ainoa's new Spring Summer Collection

a day in museum

2012-02-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

We have a great children's museum here San Diego. We like it so much, we got a national membership so we could visit their sister museums everywhere we travel within the country. The one in San Francisco is smaller but also very nice. Nea is finally in an age that she can start playing together with her brother. Even though it often ended into some dispute which required mommy's arbitration. But I still love looking at them playing together (happily), no matter it lasted just one minute or five minutes.

China town

2012-02-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

When we visited the San Francisco China town, it was already the second day after new year, the remains of the firecrackers were everywhere on the street. I have not heard the sound of the firecrackers for many years.

I don't know for the locals there, if china town is more a tourist attraction or everyday life hub.

San Francisco

2012-01-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

I always liked San Francisco, actually we even tried to move there, I was so sure that one day it would be my city.

This time we spent almost a whole week in the city, up at the nob hills, I still liked the city so much although San Francisco is quite different with two little people. We didn't do much what we used to do in the city, this time we did mostly things to make the kids happy. We went to the ferry building, had 'the best breakfast ever' according to Landon, played at the parks, looked at the cable cars (they were not ready for a ride), visited the children's museum and pushed the double stroller up and down the hills... one thing I know if we ever live there, there is no need for a gym membership, those hills and my legs!

2012-01-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

I know I can't walk in this but it is sure beautiful to look at it.

Image from LN-CC.com

We are back

2012-01-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

We are back, it has been a wonderful trip but I have to say, home sweet home. This is the longest time Miss Nea was away from home, traveled to so many places and met so many families was a bit overwhelming for her, poor thing was tired...she tried to nap whenever she could

春节好

2012-01-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

Heading to San Francisco for the Chinese new year, see you soon.

祝龙年吉祥，天赐平安

Hello Shiso

2012-01-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

Hello Shiso is a San Francisco based design studio which makes the most adorable kids accessories. I especially adore their hair accessories.

I bought these hair pins for Nea, Nea's hair is so fine and few (I 'blame' it on her Finnish gene :) it often stands high like a little dandelion.

Take a look at their sneak preview of the new collection. For sure I am going to get this candy pin for my Nea, how sweet is that.

Pom pom factory

2012-01-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

This cheers me up

via here

2012

2012-01-01T00:06:00.000-08:00

We went to Legoland today, I looked at the children running, laughing and playing. Can't help thinking, when did our Landon stopped looking like a baby? And oh Nea, daddy used to call you 'little meatball'...

Tonight I opened my photo archives, looked at their pictures taken on the same day a year ago, Nea was doing her belly time and Landon was learning how to ride his first bike. What a difference a year make.

May 2012 be a wonderful year.

3 more days

2011-12-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

I want to use this illustration by my very talented, dear blog friend Maia to celebrate the end of year 2011.

3 more days to the new year, I feel the energy of 2012, it makes me restless in a nice way...

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas my dear friends, another year is passing by, what a special year!

Thank you all,

Much love, Yanyan

artwork by Landon

Dust in the air

2011-12-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

I have been absent from my blogs for a while, there are many things happening, like dust in the air, blends with sun light, many many of them but nothing is settling down. Today I decided to stop waiting for things to settle down, I need to breath, with or without the dust in the air...

Went to Landon's school today, the children had a wonderful winter celebration for all the parents, I brought my camera, my husband had a video camera. The children sang and danced, Landon got his groove on, I laughed so proudly, I got tears in my eyes.

Kids grows too fast, our Nea turned 15 months a few days ago, sometimes when I hold her in my arms, I can't believe she is mine. How can you love those little person so much?

Blib Blob, the bright eyes baby doll from Line+Liv has arrived in our house, she actually came to the US twice, for some reason she got sent back to Germany, poor thing, what a long journey it has been. Thanks dearest W for sending her twice, now she is home and Nea loves her.

All you wonderful ladies I met here on the blogs, oh how I wish I could meet you one day in person, just to have a cup of tea together...

Suvi Ainoa Spring Summer Sneak Preview

2011-11-29T15:54:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to share with you what we been working on in the past months. Here is the sneak preview of my next collection. Hope you like it.

And we have done a little collaboration with one of my favorite kids, my dear friend Alliot's talented Iza. They are such inspiration!

Thanks Katelyn, Amanda and Bailey. You are amazing!

Tuesday

2011-11-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

1. amazing bib by Lieschen Muller at Line+Liv

2. Lovely Kenzipoo is wearing Suvi Ainoa's 2 tone Pullover

3.Suvi Ainoa is having an awesome autumn cleaning to make the room for the new spring

ordinary beauty

2011-11-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you don't need to travel far to search for beauty, sometimes beauty is within the ordinary objects we often overlooked, sometimes when you looked at things from a different angel, you will see beauty is really just next to you.

I am waiting for my copy of this lovely book

images are from its edition

Sweater

2011-11-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

If they make it in adult size, I would like to have one for myself, would be so cozy for the autumn weather

Images from Thumbeline

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

Nea was a cupcake this Halloween, a home made cupcake, went trick and treat door by door, but all she wants was just one candy to hold in her hand

Landon was a superman, a superman who turned 3 today, who was a little grumpy because he wanted to go home with mommy and daddy after the school halloween parade in the morning, who didn't want to go for trick and treat anymore in the evening because he got scared by a masked fishman in the afternoon, who drew this pumpkin

Birthday

2011-10-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday, I took a day off from my every day routines, I had a little car ride to the north, went to the shopping center where there are many good looking snobbish people, browsed through racks and racks of pretty clothes, wasted my time at the cosmetic counters, bought my husband his favorite diptyque cologne and a pair of cashmere socks for my mum, had sushi and sashimi for lunch, watched a movie at a fancy movie theater where the chairs are made from leather and the waiters brought wine to your seat, the movie turned out to be a great one and Ryan Gosling, thanks for showing me your pretty face in my birthday, I never get tired of looking at you. And thank you Antti K, you are the best husband in the world, without you, my day couldn't be as fabulous as it is.

Tomorrow my Landon turns 3!

nadadelazos

2011-10-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

I like this new Spanish Children's brand by German designer Tina Laux. So fun and so comfy, what else can a kid ask?

images by nadadelazos

Green in autumn

2011-10-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

We received this lovely wool dress by my blog pal Fei An during the weekend. I absolutely adore it. The color, the material, the craftsmanship... Fei An is wonderful in mixing the Chinese elements into modern design.

I tried it on for Nea this morning with the new hat her grandma knitted for her. She looks so adorable but boy how she doesn't want to wear her hat. My Californian kids are so used to the warm climate, hat and layering are not their favorite things. I wonder how they will survive in Finland if we ever move back?

板凳

2011-10-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

I feel nostalgic when I saw those stools. There was always one like that in a Chinese household. My grandma has sat on one like this in her kitchen, cleaned up the vegetables from the basket next to it, prepared for lunch, my mum has sat on one like this in her kitchen, I have sat on one like this next to them in the kitchen when I was little, sometimes being helpful, often not...

From roomculture in Stockholm, I wish one day I could visit their store

Bodebo

2011-10-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

I am such a fan of Bodebo. I truly love everything they do. So original and pure genius.

You can find them here, here and here

nice room

2011-10-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

It took forever to put Landon to sleep tonight. I was sitting in his room, praying he will sleep soon and looking at the huge train table my uncle bought for him. Both Landon and Nea likes that table, they plays there all the time, just it is so big and doesn't really go with my deco. But this is his room, the table will stay...

But if it is up to me, I would love to have a room like this

Landon's story 2

2011-10-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

My husband has been traveling every week after the summer holiday. We all miss him so much. Every time when Nea saw my phone or laptop, she would say: 爸爸，爸爸 Baba, Baba. Thats where daddy is during the week, over the phone and skype.

Today during lunch, I was feeding Nea and Landon was playing with the spoons, he holds a dessert spoon and an ice cream spoon in each hand. And was telling a story to himself:
This is daddy ( the big spoon) and this is baby (the little spoon).
Baby says : I miss you daddy
Daddy says: I miss you too son
Baby says: I love you daddy
Daddy says: I love you too

I got tears in my eyes when I heard his story... daddy would too if he hears the story.

Because of you

2011-09-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

You makes me happy,
you makes me proud,
I am happy doing what I do,
because of you

Thank you dear Paloma, Jiwoo and Lili.

Peacock vs horse

2011-09-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

I bought two Mini Rodini's new items for Landon and Nea from Thumbeline , another new retailer for Suvi Ainoa. I like all my retailers. I think they have really good taste :) Not just because they choose Suvi Ainoa but all the other amazing clothes they have there. It is hard not to buy anything when you browses their stores.

The horse is for Landon and the peacock is for Nea. This morning I tried to put on the sweatshirt for Landon, and he didn't want, he said I want the peacock one. I said, that is for Nea, he said no Landon wants. I said, that is for girl, you are a boy. Boys can't wear that. He asked why?

Hmm, that is a good question. In his eyes they are just pictures of animals he likes, today her prefer peacock over horse. And in my eyes and my mind, how many predefined rules are there? are those rules good boundaries or just limitation?

The end: Landon still wears the horse shirt, because he realized the peacock T is way too small and he didn't want it anymore.

Landon's story 1

2011-09-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

I want to share a few stories of Landon, one is I found them rather amusing and second is I want to write them down so I won't forget as time goes by.

Here is the first story...

One of his pre-school's admission rule is the children must be fully potty trained, so we took his potty training pretty seriously and always praised him for every little success.

One day we went to Nordstrom. I went to the ladies room which is next to the stores elevator, after I came out of the door and there were many people waiting for the elevator, and here came our Landon, clapping his hands and cheering loudly: Hooray! Mummy, you did it!!! You did it!!! Good job!!! Potty Power!!!

p.s. I asked him if I can take a picture for him, he said... ok if you take a picture of my car first. He loves his cars.

Life is amazing

2011-09-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

I am reposting this from my friend Yoli's blog. She always has something positive, meaningful and inspiring to share. Thanks dear!

Wish you all a wonderful week. I am looking forward to mine!

Warehouse 11

2011-09-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Warehouse 11 is another new home for Suvi Ainoa's AW collection. A beautiful store to explore, love everything about it, so inspiring to see how each outfit has been styled. Each product page could be an editorial of a chic children's magazine! Thank you!

I am 1

2011-09-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Nea turned 1 on Tuesday. Can't believe a year has passed.

Happy birthday Nea, much love to you my baby.

Blackout

2011-09-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

We had a blackout last night, among the rest 5 million people who lost their electricity, totally caught off guard. It was unusually hot for San Diego. We were hiding in our air conditioned house until, puuh, lights off. No electricity, no internet, not even phone coverage and daddy was away for business...Totally unprepared but also realized how spoiled we are to the modern life.

The kids were excited, they smell something unusual in the air and that must be fun. We all came out of the house in the evening. Landon was running after the bigger kids in the neighborhood, Nea was excited to see so many people, first time I met and talked to so many of my neighbors. I guess there is always something positive, even during the darkest night.

Little artwork

2011-09-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry bored you with all posts about Landon's first school week. It is such a big event in our family and I can't stop talking and thinking about it.

Today he brought home a little folder with his name on and inside there is this artwork. Until you have children, it is hard to understand how parents felt about their children's drawing, in their eyes, they are all brag-able art :)

The kissing hand

2011-08-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Today is the 3rd day since Landon started his preschool. The morning drop off has been harder and harder. The first day he only cried when he saw I was leaving, was proud and happy wearing his backpack, The second day he only wanted to wear his backpack with one arm and cried when we were approaching the school gate. Today, the third day, he asked me to carry his backpack and started cry when we were leaving home. He told me his hand hurts, his neck hurts, the school is closed and he doesn't want to go to school.

My friend Tania recommended this book to me: The kissing hand. I bought it on my way home and what a sweet story. A baby Raccoon was afraid to go to school, he cried and wanted to stay home with mom. His mom kisses his hand and then he puts it to his cheek where he feels safe the whole day at school. Baby Raccoon then got to do that to his mom and kissed her hand as well so she could put his kiss next to her cheek. I am going to read the story to Landon tonight and kiss his little hand tomorrow when I drop him off so he can put next to his cheek when he is afraid and sad.

Love you so much baby

First school day

2011-08-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Landon starts his school today. He was rather excited and told our nanny he won't be joining her at the park anymore and he was so proud when he put his backpack on and didn't want to take it off.

Waiting in the garage and saying good bye to our neighbor's cat - Emma

Daddy dropped him off at the curb side of his new school

In his new classroom with his teacher Miss Brooke. Thats when mum knows Landon is a bit sad, he walks with his head down

No more photo after this, after I took the next picture, he turned his head and saw I was leaving, he started cry and wants to run to mum.

Have a good day baby, mum heard your crying but you will be fine. Mum is crying too but she will be fine too...

...

2011-08-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

I turned my face for ten seconds then I saw this little face, it makes me laugh, Landon was feeding his sister some Nutella he no longer wants, or maybe he was just wiping his fingers on her face. Poor little sister...

La Petite Magazine Issue 5

2011-08-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you dear Rachelle. I love the latest La Petite Magazine. Not just because the wonderful editorials you did for Suvi Ainoa but also every single amazingly chic page of this issue.

Finnish-Chinese collaboration

2011-08-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Via Kasino

Books of Faces charts Finnish-Chinese collaboration fuelled by the Shanghai expo and leading the way to world design capital Helsinki 2012. 42 Faces, 21 from China and 21 from Finland - including artists, architects, businessmen, promoters and general visionaries, who give you an idea of all that the Finns got up to at the expo. So much. This 200 page passoort-like wonder is available online, here

Babiekins Issue 6 is out

2011-08-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest issue of Babiekins Issue 6, another beautiful issue.

Thanks for featuring our Suspender pants

Finn Fest

2011-08-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

There were a Finn Fest this weekend here in San Diego. We were so looking forward to it and then all four of us got sick right before the weekend, Landon and daddy were feeling much better already, so they went and Nea and I stayed at home.

I find it rather interesting to see what souvenirs the boys brought home, if I went myself, most likely I will get something Marimekko, Iittala etc. Here are what they brought home:

- Two pins, one says in Finnish ' Finnish boy', another is 'Finnish girl'

- Two vintage style apple and lingonberry soaps. I like everything about them, they feel and smell so authentic and Finnish to me. I don't know if people are still using them in the cities?

Karelian Pie . They are not really a pie, more a salty pastry I think. Super yummy. Antti was already eating it before I shouted, let me take a picture first! That explains why the bread has 1/4 missing

Of course, Rye bread. He found a Finnish bakery in Georgia that makes authentic Finnish rye bread and they even ship within US. That was such a great news to my husband. Now we don't need to bother all our friends and families to 'smuggle' those bread into US custom anymore.

In addition to those, he also brought some brochures of a Finnish Sauna maker here in US, who makes authentic Finnish prefab sauna. Now Antti has his rye bread, if we could have a sauna one day in our house, I think this Finnish man will be very very happy.

11 months

2011-08-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast time goes, Nea is 11 months old today, 11 months, what have we been doing during these 11 months?

A few days ago, we were playing in a park, Nea was crawling on the playground, a little boy came and asked me if she is a puppy

Toothbrush

2011-08-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

I am a person who is guilty of often buying things only because of its beautiful design or sometimes just nice packaging.

But one thing I never thought about design matters is toothbrush. I guess there are people who thinks differently

Kanelikauppa

2011-08-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

Looking for posters for our home, love those prints

Images are from Kanelikauppa

Thanks RTIF for recommendation

sun rise sun set

2011-08-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is already August. I don't remember how my July has passed, what we have done, I guess it is a good thing, slow living.

Landon was having some plum this morning and I asked if I could have a piece. He didn't want to share but he didn't want to say no directly either. So he told me: Not now Mama, wait until the sun come out in the night. I guess that is his version of No. But my boy, you have not visited daddy's country yet, there is something called mid night sun during the summer! May mum have a piece of plum then?

7.28

2011-07-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Landon asked something unreasonable from me tonight, before I replied, he said in perfect Chinese grammar: Mama, I know you will say 'not allowed', BUT I want you to say YES. He is not even 3, already a big negotiator. Nea is still a little munchkin, doesn't yet argue, lets me kiss as much as I want. One thing in common as her brother though, they are tired of mummy constantly taking pictures of them...

She is wearing a lovely lovely dress by my dear friend Justine( Une Sardine a Rio)

2011-07-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be absent for a while, lately one sad news after another, the shooting in Norway, the train accident in China, the unbelievable US debt drama. Last night after I heard Boehner's speech on CNN, I switched off the TV. I try not to bring my political view to this blog, I want this blog to be a place for love, beauty and inspiration. But these few days, my heart and mind are full of those heaviness.

I saw this picture on my desktop, his smile lights up my heart, his smile makes me smile. Hope the world will be a better place for our children...

Summer

2011-07-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

These images are from lovely Isa, I love reading her blog. Her images are so enchanting and her words are often humorous. Her recently posts of the Finnish summer really makes me miss the summer there. I think Finnish summer is one of the best in the world.

Isa's daughter is wearing a little dress from Suvi Ainoa.

Thanks...

Look

2011-07-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

Landon was playing with my sunglasses before we heading out of the door and I asked (almost 'begged') him to let me take some pictures. Thats the look he gave me. Is he giving me some attitude?

Finally I managed to get a smile before the game is over

Have a lovely week my dear friends.

Park

2011-07-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

We went to the park this morning. Nea tried swing, slide and even got some sand on her little feet

time off

2011-07-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

We started our July by taking some time off at a resort near by our house, only 15 mins away but felt like a true getaway. These purple flowers, you saw them everywhere here in San Diego, we also have them in our garden.

Kids spent most of the days at the children's pool. Like two little fishes

Tomorrow back to work...

Suvi Ainoa AW 2011/2012

2011-06-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

It will be a busy week for me, I am going to mail all my AW 2011/2012 orders to our stockists. I know my husband will be very happy about it. Our house has been invaded by my AW collection, our dining table has been my work desk, full of fabrics, samples. walk-in closet is no longer walkable because it is now used as my 'warehouse'. I have been ironing and packing, my legs are sore, my fingers are burned and my eyes are blurry. But I am happy, here they are, my new collection

Accepting pre-orders

Happy father's day

2011-06-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Happy father's day!

racers

2011-06-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Weather has been so nice, not too warm, not too cold, just perfect. Landon and Nea went to have a little 'race' at our yard. Nea might be a Tom boy one day since the toys she has been playing are cars, trucks and trains...

p.s. Thank you so much 'Road trip in Finland' and 'Kenziepoo' for blogging our new collection

Tonic

2011-06-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

I discovered Tonic via fabulous a merry Mishap some time ago. Today I went to take another look. Love the looks in chic grey with a hint of bold red lip color

9

2011-06-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

Miss Nea Lumi, 9 months old, 41/2 teeth, laughing, 'talking' and 'standing' (briefly)

One year old

2011-06-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

Today Suvi Ainoa turned 1 year old.

Our AW collection is coming soon to the store

Thank you for all your support and friendship.

Much love,

Yanyan

Happy Feet

2011-06-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

I have two very happy feet, bought 3 new pairs of shoes for them (not for me). They are not only pretty, they are SO comfortable.

1 Melissa by Isabela Capeto, two of my favorite brands from Brazil. They have the pretties soles, makes me feel guilty for stepping on the dirt.

2 A pair of boutique 9 comfy, laceless summer everyday oxford. I could run in them, I think I did, ran after Landon

3 And this one, you should see my smile. never owned anything from Celine in the past, but since Pheobe Philo joined Celine, I think she is doing an amazing job. This pair is just...just so me. I even went for a pedicure to welcome them

Even better, they were all on sale.

p.s. 9th is the one year birthday for Suvi Ainoa, check out with the code: Happybirthday to receive 40% off. Happy shopping too!

Today

2011-06-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

7 years ago,
I married my best friend

Happy Anniversary my love...

Jake

2011-06-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Jake, my little client from Korea in Suvi Ainoa's linen blazer. How perfect he looks and how stylish I must say, the hat, the scarf, the blazer, the harem shorts and the sandal... You are one handsome little man, going to be a heart breaker one day, mummy be prepared :)

Thank you dear Soyun for sharing the pictures with me. It made my day!

June 1st

2011-06-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

June 1st is the Children's day in China. I was always looking forward to this day when I was a little girl. Often the weather was warm enough to start wearing dress for the first time since the new year, and got to put on makeup for the school performance. Often the teacher would put way too much blush and lip color on us. But I liked it, I thought I was so pretty, for the rest of the day, I would hold my lips to the shape of the letter 'O' because I worried the lip color would be gone too soon if I let my lips relaxed.

Just finished knitting a cotton vest for Nea, remember the headband I blogged earlier, this vest is inspired by that wild headband.

Happy children's day!

2011-05-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

I love to look at my kids eyes, they are so bright, clean and full of stories

Have a great week...

Yaeca

2011-05-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Saw some beautiful serene images while browsing Japanese label Yaeca's website.

You can find their design in LN-CC

images are from Yaeca

Make your own Marimekko

2011-05-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the absence. Work has been busier than I expected. On top of that Landon was ill, high fever for three days. We also have families visiting from Finland this week. They brought me a gift I absolutely adore, a book by Mari Savio & Kati Rapia: Surrur, make your own Marimekko. Can't wait to start making my own Marimekko now when Landon is better.

2011-05-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder, what is she thinking...

Have a great week, my friends! It is going to be a busy one for me, but when I look at my kids faces, the tiredness often fades away...

Making a statement

2011-05-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ek Thongprasert's bold necklace

And this red cord one from Project No.8

What about this one? How wild is that?

My mum

2011-05-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

妈妈的生日是农历7月，外公说，那天，门前小河里的荷花都开了，放眼望去，像飘着的云，‘莲'云’便成了妈的名字。
照片里，我3岁半，妈妈刚30，我第一次去北京，妈去开会，我硬要跟去，在火车站还咬了我爸一口，要他放手让我跟妈一起走。

妈妈，母亲节快乐。

My mum was born in the summer, my grandpa said the day when she was born, all the lotus in the river in front of their house were bloomed, looked just like a cloud, 'cloud of lotus' became her name.

I was 3 and half in this picture, mum was 30 years young, my first trip to Beijing.

Happy mother's day.
Happy weekend.

Isaac Reina

2011-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

'I'm trying to make very simple goods, so normal, without any pretention. Almost industrial, mass market shapes... but handcrafted, giving priority to the quality. I'm trying to forget the traditional iconography used for luxury. A beautiful material, a beautiful manufacturing and the right proportions! (so elementary principles, essential ones, but too often forgotten) Only the details we need. Nothing else. (the hard task to always simplify, again and again) Maybe a non-design concept, almost invisible. (like taking time to get some rest, to take a breath of fresh air) No innovation at any price. (trying to avoid too much effects, to keep the essential: the fonction) Looking for a type of natural and unsophisticated beauty.'

-- Issac Reina

Babiekins Magazine Issue 5

2011-05-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

Issue 5 of Babiekins Magazine is out. 300 pages of fabulous and inspiration.

Thanks for the lovely interview of Suvi Ainoa

Bless

2011-05-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

If someone ask me my wishes for Suvi Ainoa in the future, I think I would like to be a similar brand like this one - 'Bless', a project based brand from Germany. It explores everything from music to performance to publishing and fashion.

Their fashion is available in one of my favorite shops in LA: Creatures of Comfort

images are from creature of comfort

two teeth

2011-04-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Nea has two teeth now. She looks so cute with those two little white thing. I have been trying to take a picture with the teeth shown without success. I tried it again this morning and finally we got it for the last shot

Happy

2011-04-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

I am happy today, my mood is like the pink cloud hanging in Nea's room, in my eyes, today, all the clouds in the sky are pink too!

My autumn/winter lookbook is almost ready, I can't wait to share it with you. This collection is special to me because I almost skipped this one. I was tired and feeling a little blue, the only time I could work is when both kids finally went to bed and often I was too exhausted to think or do anything. I decided to put the collection on hold until I was ready to work again.

Now it is finally ready and I am pleased with it...

Egg hunting

2011-04-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

This was the first egg hunting for Landon, he was so excited everytime when he found one egg. Then he gathered all his hunts, guarded them like a hen waiting for the eggs to hatch, even brought his chair and sat next to them

Ready steady go!

2011-04-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

We bought a bike for Landon already for sometime, he hardly ride it because he refused to wear any helmet, until I found this helmet, we went for a bike ride last night...

p.s. Almost forgot this is the Eastern weekend, wish everyone a happy easter weekend!

Marimekko fever

2011-04-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

My mother in law brought many beautiful Marimekko scarfs, I wrapped one on Nea's head, she looked so cute, ready for a day's work at Miss Nea's farm

Nea's room

2011-04-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

Nea's room has the best light in the house...

This 'Love' banner with subtle dusty pink letter is made by my sweet blog pal Michelle, she even named it 'The Nea' in her store. Thank you so much dear, for your gentleness and warmth, everytime I look at it when the sun shines on it, I thought about you.

2011-04-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

I am a person who feels the most comfortable in black, white and grey, although I am secretly in love with all the new color combination this season.

Creature of comfort SS 2011

Have a colorful week

dinosaur

2011-04-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

Conversation between mummy and Landon:

'Mama, what is this dinosaur ?'
'Hmmm, this is a long neck dinosaur'
'No, it is 'Brachiosaurus'
'Mama, what is this dinosaur then'
'Hmmm, sharp teeth dinosaur'
'No, it is T-Rex'
'Ok mama, what is THIS dinosaur'
'Hmmm, BIIIG dinosaur'
sign, 'No, it is spinosaurus'
...
Landon is 2 1/2, mummy is 36 1/2

p.s. Thank you, Planetawesomekid

ihaaaa

2011-04-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

I like so much little Varpu's Heppa, as soon as Landon's grandma arrived, I asked if she could make a horse for Landon. Look at this beauty, it is made by love, grandma did all the work, daddy transferred a stairway spindle into a child-friendly stick by cutting the hard edges off and sanding it, and mummy, well mummy did a little bit of art directing, ha! :)

Monday

2011-04-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day

Balboa Park

2011-04-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

When I looked at the thumbnails on my blog, I see flowers blooming all over the world. Spring has arrived. We went for a walk today at the Balboa park, what a lovely day, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, I can't stop taking pictures of the flowers and Nea's smiling face

Happy Weekend

2011-04-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day today, Landon and Nea's grandma and uncle are visiting us from Finland. Felt like Christmas when we were opening all the presents. I need to take some pictures later to show you what we got :) It is so sweet Nea smiled when she saw her grandma and uncle, it is the first time they met and normally Nea would reject the unfamiliar faces since she now started to have some stranger anxiety. I guess she knew they are family. And Landon LOVES his uncle, he kept telling him in Finnish: Uncle Tuomas, I love you. I am going to take some credits of Landon's not shy of showing his feelings side, something not very Finnish :)

Finally both kids are sleeping. I did a little shopping at my favorite Line+Liv, can't resist the Happy weekend sale. Now I am waiting for my 'favorite place pillow' from Luckyboysunday and a Kristina Klarin's necklace that I blogged a while ago

Happy!

Image is from Line+Liv

Then and Now

2011-04-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

I rarely think what I should be wearing nowadays, I am still vain, just don't have much time nor needs, my uniforms consists flat shoe, sweat pants or any kind of comfy pants, Tshirt and cardigan, my hair style is wash and go, my bag needs to be easy to carry (better hands free), big enough to fit into diapers, wipes, toys, change of clothes (for kids) and better to be washable.

I went into my closet this morning, most of the clothes there I have not touched for a long time, feel a bit nostalgic to be frank, took these few pictures, one thing in common of my style then and now is still my comfort zone in black and white.

then vs now

2011-04-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Had to repost this, first saw it here, originally from here

Purity

2011-04-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

Via design relevant , glad to discover Tze Goh. I get goose bumps when looking at his collections.

2011-03-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

I didn't go for denim shopping after all. Landon is ill, even has some fever. Mummy was worried but Landon is still as playful as always. Daddy made a little 'tent' for him with all the pillows, sofa cushions and even a bed spread, two of them were 'hiding' inside peacefully, reading books and playing with tractors and trucks, until mummy walked into the room with her camera...

denim

2011-03-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

I am going denim shopping tomorrow. I am fed up of assuming I will soon fit into my pre-baby jeans, this day is farrrrrr away.

I like this look from a new denim label R13. Although this silhouette won't work for me right now. But what silhouette will work for me now? wish I had not have so many cakes during the pregnancy :)

黃鸝

2011-03-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

This morning, it was still a bit grey, even some shower in the air but in the afternoon, the sun came out, it was warm and bright, spring is in the air, this is our dearest Iza in the warm olive ruffle dress, she reminds me of spring, a poem by Xu zhimo. I couldn't find English translation of the poem and I dare not to translate it myself...

徐志摩

黃鸝

一掠顏色飛上了樹。
    “看，一只黃鸝！”有人說。
    翹著尾尖，它不作聲，
    艷異照亮了濃密——
    象是春光，火焰，象是熱情，

    等候它唱，我們靜著望，
    怕驚了它。但它一展翅，
    沖破濃密，化一朵彩雲；
    它飛了，不見了，沒了——
    象是春光，火焰，象是熱情。

images are by Izakoo, thanks dear Alliot for letting me using your beautiful pictures.

Besos

2011-03-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

They are the sunshine today! They put a big smile on my face. Thank you dear Yoli. Muchos Besos :)

Spring coat and linen shirt: Suvi Ainoa

Grimms

2011-03-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

It is raining and dark today, love those colorful wood puzzles from Grimms at Sweetwilliam. Hope sun will come out soon.

非梧桐不栖

2011-03-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

My hometown is Nanjing, a direct translation would be 'Southern Capital', a city known for its culture heritage, ancient history and trees named 梧桐 (wu tong). In legends, it is the only tree that the phoneix bird lands on (非梧桐不栖). People from Nanjing have special feelings for these trees, it is one of the symbols of the city, it reminds them of home.

I was saddened, angered when I read the news that the local government is cutting down hundreds of these trees again for the subway construction. Since 90s, over 20000 Wu Tong trees have been cut due to the fast development of the city. The city I remembered has long gone...

Finally this time the people in my city are no longer quiet about the ignorance and ruthlessnes to the nature and our heritage, they tie green ribbons on the trees, they raise their voices on the blogs, they protest with a smile and patience.

I don't know the future of our Wutong trees, I don't know the future of my city, my country. I pray for them, for my city, for my home.

Google image

For Japan with Love

2011-03-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Starting today until March 31st, Suvi Ainoa is offering 20% off on everything your purchase when you check out with the code : HelpJapan

We will then match your 20% donate towards helping Japan's emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies via Shelterbox

Thank you

yporqué

2011-03-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

I first knew Yporqué from Mrs Agatha's blog. She always has so cool picks for boys, her little man dresses like a rock star!

So besides Bobo choses, another great label from Spain. I ordered for both Nea and Landon. They arrived yesterday. Fabulous! Especially the Race Car Tshirt with a stylish sound bag attached, when you press the sound bag, it has the cool sound like a race car just passing by. How cool is that!

Sunday at museum

2011-03-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

I really like the children's museum in San Diego. Besides the weather, the ocean, the zoo, for me this is one of the best thing San Diego has offered to us.

While Landon and daddy were exploring the rain house. Nea and I paid a visit to the teen studio. There is an exhibition where local teens repurposing trash into thought-provoking art

I picked a piece of cardboard in the studio and put a brush into Nea's little hand, this is what Nea has created. Her very first piece of artwork.

Park by the sea

2011-03-12T22:15:00.000-08:00

Weekend is the happiest day for Landon, weekend means parks, zoos, aquariums, weekend means don't always have to nap, don't always have to eat, weekend means daddy is home, weekends means time with daddy, weekend means FUN.

As for Miss Nea, whats better than testing the strength of her first tooth by chewing her hat string in daddy's arms , at the park by the sea

Happy weekend, Suvi Ainoa's Spring Sale starts this weekend

Color

2011-03-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

Love these colorful creation of the season. Black, white and grey are my comfort zone, I admire so much those who are bold with color.

Kristina Klarin necklace from Line+Liv

Everything of BodeBo's new collection

Everything of Maan's new collection

it is storytime

2011-03-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

Nea is helping mum spread the happy news...Remember Miss Q's pink wovenplay swimsuit that Maia searched all over the world, and found it in a HK based online boutique 'Storytime'? Suvi Ainoa is joining Storytime! Thank you dear Chiharu. It is Storytime!

And thanks Beck for having our polka dots jacket in your (another) fabulous issue, check out the latest Papier Mache

from a short break

2011-03-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

I took a short break from my blog, what have I been doing? We had a little trip, we saw cactus, we saw snow, grandma went back to China after the trip. I was home alone with two kids, Landon was ill and therefore cranky, I was late in delivering my spring orders because the only time I could work is when both kids went to bed... I am exhausted. Part of being a mum I guess...

We had another not so smooth day, it was hard to put Landon to nap. I finally gave up. Daddy came home early from work (thanks god!) They are playing downstairs, Nea is napping. I soaked myself in a warm bath, oh heaven!

Found this new Finnish brand Eelovi from a wonderful blog RTIF. I can't wait for our trip to Finland this summer. I think I will go crazy in shopping.

I would love to have those storage boxes, many of them

♡

2011-02-13T22:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Finally the spring summer collection is in the store now!

5 months old

2011-02-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

Can't believe how fast time goes, our Nea is arleady 5 months old. That little chubby sleepy Nea turns into a happy, funny, full of personality munchkin!

Spring will arrive soon

2011-02-10T07:55:00.000-08:00

The Spring Summer collection will be in the store this weekend, can't wait to share with you a few looks

More to come...