You know you're happy when you......

<3  find yourself smiling most of the day even though you're alone

<3 get told by your most unemotional friend (Eve;) that you seem really, really happy

<3 know that your parents are proud of something you've achieved

<3  have less than a month for thesis deadline and don't feel a bit stressed

<3  know so many of you're close ones are in a really good place in their lives right now

<3 are more excited than ever of the future

<3 are eating more chocolate than ever and not even feeling bad of it

<3 think you are blessed with the best bunch of friends and family <3

What are your reasons to be happy?


I took these pictures today on my way back to my parents place from my sister's place. You also know you are in love with your home town when running is not possible because you want to shoot every 50 meters. :-D I love power walking in the fresh air, it is usually the time that best ideas flow in mind :)

<3 Coco

Destination: Hong Kong

I got thrilling news last Thursday as the results of our uni's exchange application were announced. I could not be more excited of the destination I am heading for Spring 2014:

That is, Hong Kong and HK University of Science and Technology! This university was a last-minute decision on my list before submitting the application form. Now, I could not be happier :).

Rankings of the university et cetera were not the main criterion when I considered my options. However, the more I explore facts of this university, I cannot but feel proud and grateful of getting the chance to attend this highly respected university for a semester. HKUST is ranked #33 at world top universities and #1 in Asia. This proves me that everything is possible if you truly want something and are willing to make an effort towards it. 

I have always dreamt of campus life and it seems like HKUST is going to offer me this:

Life is full of wonderful opportunities if you open your eyes and go towards your dreams. A month ago I never would have seen myself living in China. Now, I could not be more grateful of this amazing opportunity. I truly encourage everyone to go towards their dreams: ultimately, they will become true if you truly focus on them. :)

<3 Coco

I have borrowed the pictures from Google and the Facebook page of HKUST.

Mexico in my heart p. II

My everyday "morning meditation" place

Now that it's freezing cold and snowy in Finland, it warms me to browse through Mexico pictures. The beach of Tulum is considered as one of world's most beautiful (all other pictures except for the wooden hut:). I agree. Turquoise water, white sands and palms, here and there some tail boats and a mild wind. Not too many people or sun chairs. Perfection!

"Sometimes the cure for restlessness is rest."

The quote of the title is something I've been obeying this weekend. I'm a pretty restless person, always scheduling in my head and worrying of not being effective enough. I'm making an effort to obsess less and instead live in the moment. Life is now, not in the past or future. A good mantra to keep in mind :)

<3

It is incredible how much the weather can affect in your mood and energy level. I have enjoyed the endless sunbath that Southern Finland has offered us this weekend by power walking, skiing and lazily sitting on the terrace, both in Helsinki and Espoo.

Raclette Wednesday - luxury!

Feeling grateful of my neighborhoods...

Incredible skiing "track" today at the ice

Friday night salad (+ wine and chocolate) dinner with lovely girls <3

Wishing everyone a great week <3

Good life and Mexico part I

Hello beauties!

I have been passive with the blog in the past months, but I am planning this to change, as I have missed writing and sharing my experiences here. :)

First I want to share some photos from our amazing trip to Mexico few weeks ago. It was my first time in Central America and the experience was unforgettable. Thank you Mom and Dad for an amazing trip <3 I felt grateful to get to take part to such a trip with my parents, still at this age. I guess they saw my pain and felt that I needed some energy and motivation for the upcoming spring including completing my Bachelors thesis!

One week however, was not nearly enough. This trip whet my appetite to go and explore Mexico and the nearby countries more some day.

Every day treat <3

To die for -brekkie

Overall, Playa del Carmen was one of my favorite travel destinations so far. Not to mention, it definitely gave enough energy until next upcoming trip (which is going to be the most exciting journey in my life so far)!

A lot has happened in a short time and right now I feel really grateful and happy. I've worked really hard lately, which is finally paying off and many exciting things are coming up in the near future. For a long time, I have wanted to live some time abroad and finally these plans are becoming concrete, of which I am happy and excited about.

Last fall was time of a lot of stress and uncertainty to me. I had to work very hard with my studies which made me anxious and distressed. Right now everything is falling in to place and I feel more alive than in a long time. I truly enjoy my life right now and feel grateful of the people and opportunities I've got in my life.

I've made some new friends in the past year whom I love and could not be more grateful of. One of my best friend moved back after studying few years abroad. I recently got a new room mate of an old friend of mine and we have became really really close. I miss like crazy my close ones living abroad right now, but knowing that they are having the time of their life makes me so happy. <3

More pictures from Mexico to come :)

<3 Coco