How to Rent a Spot at Sep�naukio

So if you live in Jyv�skyl� during the summer months - there's an outdoor market on the weekends at a popular skate-board/hang out spot with a couple water fountains, called "Sep�naukio" or "Smith's Square".
It's about 5 minutes from downtown, near an �O school and lots of space to spread a blanket or bed sheet - and sell your stuff.

It's 3� from about 8am-12pm and it's a great location because there's lots of traffic there.
People only deal with cash - so if you're going to sell - make sure you have lots of change!!
You'll see a few people wearing bright neon yellow vests walking around to all the vendors...they are the people in which you pay your rental fee to.  They'll provide a receipt as well!  The last two times I've been there, they were Scouts and that's where the rental fees went to - so it's a great cause and you can sell your stuff!

Bargaining/bartering is not very common with Finns - but slowly is becoming popular.

Today I set up "shop" with my Bubba's Bites, but because there were so many vendors today (compared to a week ago) - not as many people brought their dogs and there wasn't as great of an interest.
After a couple of hours - I walked around on the hunt for little things we could use at home, and I ended up getting a little toy for my son and a nice Finland-made fleece sweater for him.

Some things I found are:

• Lots of clothes for all ages


• Cloth diapers (my first time I found some but not this time around!)


• Foot wear


• Dishes


• Decorations


• Linens, towels, blankets etc.

And that's only a fraction of what I've found!

Oh and no, it doesn't cost anything to go "in" to the flea market, as it often does in North America!

**WARNING FOR DOGS IN KORTEPOHJA AREA!!!**

HEI KAIKKI KETK� ULKOILUTTAVAT KOIRIAAN KORTEPOHJAN ALUEELLA! Joku Uuno on levitellyt lihapullia maastoon, jotka on myrkytetty!!!!! mm. Em�nn�ntien leikkipuiston viereen!!! Yksi koiranpentu ja kissa on jo kuollut, ja kaksi koiraa on vatsahuuhtelussa... :( Levitt�k�� sanaa...


In English:


There's somebody going around the Kortepohja area (specifically near the Em�nn�ntie Children's Playground) leaving meat balls for dogs to eat.  The problem with this is that they are poisoned.
There has already been an a couple deaths (1 puppy and 1 cat) and 2 dogs are currently seeking medical treatment.


PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR DOG-LOVING/WALKING FRIENDS IN JYV�SKYL�, FINLAND.


It's awful that this is near a playground and I apologize this is coming a couple days after having received the message myself through a friend.

Yet another butchering of Pikkulinna

Last week, I had the pleasure of hanging out with a great friend who loves crafts as much as I do.  She's also my Cross stitching magazine supplier...:-)

I had previously mentioned my experiences at Pikkulinna and decided to show her in person what I meant.  That, and I needed some book mark sized fabric to make my husband some nifty book marks for Christmas.  We walked in together (and yes she's Finnish) and a couple ladies in the back were doing paperwork, both smiled at me and said "Hei" (hello).
That's fine - then there's the girl at the front again...the one that loves to jump me as soon as I walk in.  She greets us and asks if we need anything.  I immediately state I need book mark material and she quickly and efficiently helps me measure what I need.  Fabulous!
While she's measuring and cutting the fabric length I wanted - I go over to the DMC embroidery floss stand and remember that I need gold metallic thread.  (Why? For some stars on a cross stitch project that will be for one of V�in�'s little friend's birthday gift...there's about 4 kids including him, that have birthdays within 2 weeks of each other!)
Remember the lady in the back doing paperwork?  (Or at least I think that's what she was doing).
Well, she ran out to see me and I just smiled and said I was looking.  I asked for the metallic thread and she kindly pulled it down for me (very handy as I am "vertically challenged"....and get a little nervous when I feel like I'm being accused of stealing...which seems to happen frequently - due to the whole foreigner thing).
I reach into my bag to pull out my box of colored threads I already have, as I stupidly forgot my chart at home.  She instantly whips out a DMC color chart book and asks what I need.
Well, I don't know and don't really need anything - hence why I'm "just looking".  I of course do not say that but the thought repeatedly is played in my head.

My friend in the mean time - is happily looking around and probably in a state of shock over 2 store reps assisting me.  I'm not the demanding type like you see on American rich-people television shows...I'm just your average person trying to spend some time with a friend and looking at colors.
I don't know what I want - I'm just looking.  If I see a color I KNOW I don't have (and can confirm this by looking at my organized threads holder or chart) or that catches my eye - I'll get it.
I won't steal...there's 0 need to stare me down or stare daggers into my back...or to tag team me with your full staff of the day.

When we leave - I look at my friend and asked her, "So - what did you think of that?"
She merely shook her head and said she found it very uncomfortable to try and shop in there to begin with - let alone to have 2 people help me with such small tasks.

But perhaps she's also right in suggesting that the staff really (if I could underline this 5x I would) just want to help you pick colors.

2nd Finniversary

Can you believe it?!

It's been 2 years that we've been living in Jyv�skyl�, Finland and I wouldn't change it for the world.
Well, I would change how we got here...

1.  We flew through the USA (before the full body scans took place) and got re-routed to Connecticut because JFK was shut down...(or maybe it was Newark - either way stop overs in the US seem to screw us over a lot)...
2.  We missed our flight to Helsinki and had to wait 45 minutes to get our dogs, take them out for a pee then re-check them in...and then wait a few more hours for our next flight...
3.  When we finally do get to Helsinki - we ended up getting on the wrong train (I was 26 weeks pregnant) and finally ditched our dogs' kennels, beds and water bottles at one of the stops...whoever has them - I hope you're using them well!
4.  We woke up at 4am the next morning because of the sunshine...which was so weird.  But this part I would not change - it's just a funny thing I remember.

Of course, I  miss family and friends back in Canada - but to be able to live a stay-at-home mother lifestyle and see my son grow (and get in so much trouble) and experience another world altogether - it's priceless really.

To celebrate (actual date was August 13, 2009 and we happened to have our Finniversary party that day as well - who knows what date stamp will post on this post...) we invited our friends over for a potluck and if the weather was alright - a bbq in the back.
Thankfully - the weather was awesome!  Not too hot and no complaints!

I of course, made way too much food....but I was always told it's better to have too much than to not have enough for a guest!
The spiral cake on the left and the pasta salad I did not make.  Both were delicious however!

I shockingly, didn't take as many photos as I thought I would...I think because we were running around a lot with moving things outside and then keeping up with our son once he woke up from his nap!

It was great being able to be with our Finnish friends, who we all think of as family now...especially with the school/work year starting fresh now - it'll be harder to meet with folks and some folks we rarely see as it is!  Plus several of our friends are having their first (or second) babies in the next few months...so as a fellow mom, I can remember appearing "anti-social" for the first couple of months - trying to get used to being on someone else's schedule, changing multiple diapers, attending appointments and so on!

Here's to many more in Finland!
Suomi - you guys rock.

**Disclaimer: "Finniversary" is not a real word.  I created it to combine our anniversaries of living in Finland.  But you have to admit - it's catchy!**

What's In a Kela Maternity Box?

Finland is the only country in the world (as far as I know) that has something called a "Maternity Box".
A Maternity Box is free to a parent who is having a baby (or adopting) in Finland and is a permanent resident or citizen of Finland.  To qualify for this, you have to provide a document from your Neuvola nurse confirming that yes, you are expecting (not sure how it works with adoption) and fill out the proper paperwork.  When you fill out this form, you have the choice of the Maternity Box or 140� (which I believe is tax-free).
I did not qualify for this when I came to Finland at 26 weeks pregnant with my first born, because you have to have spent a certain amount of days of your pregnancy in Finland and have visited your Neuvola for so many appointments (I believe as early as your 4 month prenatal appointment).

If you're having a multiples pregnancy (i.e. twins, triplets etc.)  you can have more than 1 box.  Or choose how many boxes or how many monetary compensation you'd like.
The box is worth more than 140� and because it's free  - if you can sell any of these items when you are done- you're guaranteed profit.  I see lots of these items at the second hand store all the time!

It was all super great quality - bear in mind, Finns pay a lot in taxes to get their benefits and/or this box!
Most parents I've spoken to get the Maternity Box for their first born and then the money for the 2nd child, and re-use their Mat. Box items for the second child.  You don't have to buy as much and they do try and keep it gender neutral.
This year their aim was more organic cotton...:)  I believe you can buy a box through Kela's site- especially handy if you do not qualify for one!

(Sizes are in cm - about 51cm is newborn/premie and 74cm is about 6 months)
Clothes
8 onesies 50-70cm
5 romper suits 50-60cm
4 leggings (pants) 50-70cm
3 stretch suits 50-70cm
1 wool-mix suit 70cm
1 light quilted suit (like for fall) 70 cm
1 play suit 70cm
4 hats (one winter, one balaclava thing and 2 hat-hats)
1 pair of socks
1 pair of mittens/scratch mittens
5 cloth diapers (the gauze sheets you can fold like freaking origami) - but are also commonly used as burping cloths or receiving blankets - as they DON'T SELL THOSE HERE!
2 sets of reusable nappies (one pocket diaper with liner and the other is "all in one")
1 hooded towel
1 undersheet
1 duvet cover
1 blanket
1 sleeping bag/quilt
1 snow suit (it's so thick and soft!) 68-74cm
1 pair of insulated bootees and mittens to match snow suit

"Other products"
bib
mattress (aka a piece of thick foam lines the bottom of the inside of the box - which can act as a make-shift crib until you choose to purchase one)
mattress cover
toy (I didn't see one - however I did see a chewing teething ring - perhaps that is what they mean?)
tooth brush
Hair brush (wooden handle!)
nail scissors
bath thermometer
body lotion
condoms (6 pack...ha)
nursing pads
flannel wash cloth (they're big on hosing the kid down in the shower/sink instead of using wipes)
hard covered book of Finnish songs/rhymes

Here's some photos - unfortunately I can't put them all on here...but you can find every item on the Kela website every year!  Every year it's updated with the exact things that will be in your Maternity Box!

It is very large and has a blue carry string on the outside...not overly heavy - but just awkward to carry.

It's packed!

Fall suit

Teething toy

Thick foam lines the bottom so you can use this as a make-shift crib!

Cloth diapers, changing sheet, bib, and all-in-one diaper..oh and socks.

Flannel cloth, hooded towel, bed sheet and gauze-like material for inside the diaper.  Some parents use those tied up cloths (far left) for burping cloths as opposed to using them as diapers (then you would put wool or fleece pants on the outside or a plastic cover).

Winter suit with insulated boots and mittens!

The non-clothing items

Re-usable nursing pads, bath thermometer, tooth brush, 6-pack condoms, cream, children's book, nail scissors and some information...and the hair brush!

The list (which I had typed up above)

I finally got my GREEN CARD!

Oh no, I'm not thinking of going to the United States or anything like that...no, not that kind of "green card".

I'm talking about the S-Card!

Okay, let me rewind.

There are two very distinctive types of grocery stores here, "K-Market" and "S-Market" stores.  The K-Market card accepts a "points card" called a "Plussa Card".  This card is free, allows you to get discounts in store and the more often you use it at a certain location - you receive coupons for that store!  Very handy.  As well, you can accumulate money onto your account and it is directly deposited to your bank account!  (If I remember correctly).  But it can take quite awhile - unless you always shop there and spend quite a bit of money.
This Plussa Card is also accepted at Antilla, which is one of the major chain department stores in Finland.

Then there is the "S Bonus Card" which is, yes you guessed it, green in color.  The S Card can also be a bank card - however, I have a bank card already and have opted just for the bonus card myself.
There is a 20� start-up fee and you have 2 years to pay back 100�.  This is a one-time fee and considering the benefits of the S Bonus Card - a very cheap fee!
I paid my 20� start-up fee immediately and you can opt to pay more towards the 100� or accumulate the funds via your grocery shopping.  So I'll be doing the latter - I'll just use my S Card where accepted and as I spend, the money I earn will automatically be deducted from the initial 100� I owe.
To obtain a S Card (of any style) - you must be a permanent resident or a citizen of Finland.  Bring your ID and your Kela card, that shows your Finnish Social Security Number.
Some popular places to use your S Card would be at Sale (smaller grocery store), S Markets, Rosso Pizza, Hesburger and SOKOS (Antilla's rival department store and a bit more upscale than Antilla).

So your "S-Points Account" (seeing as I don't have the bank card version) will be credited on the 10th of every month.
Here's a little bit more information in regards to how much you need to spend and what kind of percentage you get in return: (Copied from the booklet from SOKOS)

Amount Spent Per Month              Bonus %                    What You Earn (per month) 
900�                                                      5                                        540�
800�                                                     4.5                                      432�
700�                                                      4                                        336�
600�                                                     3.5                                      252�
500�                                                      3                                        180�
400�                                                     2.5                                      120�
300�                                                      2                                          72�
200�                                                     1.5                                        36�  
50�                                                         1                                           6�

So after you pay your 100� membership fee (this is per card - so if your spouse or kids want one - this fee is for each person who carries an S Card) - the money is just added to your S account and -you go from there!

I know of people who have saved up their funds on their S Account and bought themselves brand new washing machines!!!

As well, several restaurants and other locations, provide a discount on your meal or services!

So needless to say, I am thrilled that I have one now.  I was long over-due and I mostly didn't have one for the last year or so - out of pure shyness.  I didn't want to go to someone and apply because their applications are all in Finnish!

But I did it today and the lady I dealt with spoke English and filled out the form for me!

I am one step closer to being "Finnish"!

Furnished or Not?

Last night we had our friends over for dinner - whom we happen to be renting from.
We discussed a wide variety of things, ate an awesome dinner (if I do say so myself!) and a delightful dessert! (Am I being too honest??)
(In case you're wondering, I made a roasted chicken and vegetable dinner with mashed potatoes, cheesy garlic bread and a blueberry/raspberry/cinnamon cheese cake with a butter cookie crust and topped with dark chocolate).

We learned a few things during that chat and I thought I'd share with you!

The biggest thing we learned (this is entirely based on where you live and whom you rent from) - is that if an apartment you're renting is not furnished - it's usually more expensive!  As opposed to having a partially or fully furnished flat - it's cheaper!  How odd.
In Canada - or at least in NS for sure, typically something that is fully furnished is a bit more expensive - because it acts as an extra fee for any potential damage to the furnishings (i.e. dishes, furniture, bed sheets etc.) - on top of the security deposit - which is typically for the flat itself.
I love learning about stuff like this - because it helps to prepare us for the next time (if there is a next time - we'd love to live here long term) we have to move.
Our last flat was partially furnished with furniture, but we needed to get our own dishes and silverware etc. (near the Central Hospital in Jyv�skyl�) and because it was significantly smaller - the rent was much lower.  It was a 1-bedroom flat, 51 meters squared.
Now we have a 2-bedroom flat, 71 meters squared, if I remember correctly.

Another thing you should note when apartment hunting!!! 
When it lists the total amount of rooms - usually the bedrooms are listed with the living room.  So what looks like a 2-room flat - may really be a 1-bedroom with a living room!  Just a very important FYI!

Okay, and onto what else we learned.
There's some apartments that you can own, as long as you have the 15% deposit.  (15% of the total cost of the flat).  So with you owning the flat - you can have pets, parties, decorate it whatever way you'd like - and when tax-time comes around, you can claim some of the interest on your loan or mortgage.
Oh and if you decide to sell that flat - the 15% you had deposited kind of ensures you are able to get another place.  Instead of getting a guarantor to sign for you, this 15% deposit acts like a guarantor!

There's straight-forward renting agreements too (like what we have had since moving here) - and then there's another tricky one - I'll try and explain it the best way I can.

You can invest into an apartment, live there - do as you please...and when you leave, you get a portion of your investment back!
So lots of people pay into their flat (either rent or ownership - I think it can go either way), and when they sell or move, they get a portion of the money back - because the flat is considered an investment, or like a stock!

A security deposit is typically 1.5-2 months worth of rent...very important to know.  If you trust the person, you can put it straight in their account.
However, we have had issues with our first landlord when we first came here - the landlord tried to keep our security deposit and find any way possible to not give it back to us in full.  It involved a month's wait, which was awful as it was quite a bit of money, and we needed it to make a deposit onto our current flat.  We ended up threatening legal action (in which if we won the case, which we surely would have - she would have to pay our legal fees as well!).  And a friend had suggested in future, to set up a separate bank account with your landlord - so that the money can not be touched unless both parties are present at the bank.

Happy flat-hunting!!!  (September is the worst time to flat-hunt, just like any other place with a university or college nearby....so start a bit early if you can!)