Family of four in one room

While we are building our house, my in-laws graciously opened their doors for us. This is not easy by any means, some days I'm just happy I'm super busy most of the time. During school holidays when we are all there, all the time I run my mantra "we will be our own debt free home soon" in my head and it'll make it worth the hassle. Combining cultures, families and generations under one roof can be challenging. This does not change the fact that I am extremely grateful that we can live here during the building process.

We live in one room and I wanted to give props to my minimalism lifestyle for actually fitting in there and not having all of our things boxed up somewhere. The only things that are in boxes are our kitchen stuff (we don't need them now), some house stuff (table cloths, decorations etc) and warmer clothes. Everything else is readily available in our one room. We have approximately 3mx3,5m space to work with. Originally I housed the kids toys in another room, but kept loosing my mind with messy, dirty, broken toys so I moved them into our room. Might I say that not a single toy has been lost or broken since...

When you step into the room first on the right is my newest invention: barricade of things that are waiting to be taken care of. I previously kept these things in a bag hidden under the bed but really it was there for six months and nothing got done. 

Some pillows and other things that need to be taken to a tailor (I need the hubby with me to make sure I'm truly understood). And that small black back has re-usable shopping bags inside that I keep in the car, so that I actually have them when I go buy the groceries. Went to the shop yesterday so that's why they are here now. Hopefully these will be gone by tonight - and truly they will because there they are bugging the hell out of me. :)

To the left is our closet/ linen closet/ and many other things.

Kids each have a shelf for their shorts and t-shirts since these get the most use. They share a shelf for long pants and shirts, school uniforms and pajamas. There is a shelf for water and one for books that I'm trying to keep from getting destroyed. 

I have a shelf for the few items that I'm not hanging, and another one with the white basket that houses my exercise clothes = work clothes. I hang the rest of my clothes. I also keep a sanity shelf that is always organized and pretty for my important things (jewellery, wallet and sunglasses). Mr hangs his suits and the rest of his clothes are on the shelfs (living with a minimalist has turned him slowly into one too). We try to keep a set of clothes that make us happy and are comfortable and presentable in this heat. Towels, sheets and pillowcases are kept on the bottom shelf. The ikea basket under the hangers has belts, ties, my clutches, scarfs and hats. Under the basket the drawers keep our underwear and one has keys, watches and sewing stuff.

On top we have hats, few decorations, and the white big basket has new Legos, books and other stuff waiting for the kids to have a birthday or something else that calls for a prezzie.

Bulk of the room goes for the bed. Then we have a small table that electronics are kept in. The iMac is at the office most of the time, but the tv broke so we are using it to watch movies and YouTube until the tv is fixed. Under the bed and the tv table there are some bigger cars and another ikea basket to keep all miniature things that kids have (minions, fireman Sam, dragons, animals). 

(My coaching gear is ready to go too...)

Next to the tv is the toy chaos. From the bottom: one basket for Legos, one for Dublos, one for train track, one for smaller cars and planes. Second row basket for costumes and other make belief things, then books, and a basket for the superheroes. Then puzzles, drawing books, and other games. The two wicker baskets on the top row have our tools, extra batteries, tapes and the other one has papers. One shelf for toiletries (because leaving them in the toilet is just going to get them broken or shared) and one for books and meds. The drawers have pens and other stationary. On top of the unit in the red box we keep extra bags, and big toys that just don't fit anywhere else.

And that's it. That's all a family of four needs.

Believe me it feels like too much some days, but when the kids have tidied their toys it's not that bad... But I still can't wait to have our house done and actual cupboards and rooms to keep everything in. <3

 

Max’s bday

“My sweet sweet little darling. I can’t believe that your fourth bday came and went. Maybe that’s the reason I kept delaying your party. Four is too much, you’re not my little baby anymore. 
You are full of fire and sun. You love helping with chores and anything that I ask you to do. But boy if you get bored the drama starts. Love you to bits my little man...”

Party at school. Mr. Max was so sweet and shy with all the attention. Luckily big brother was there to help out...

Time for the party... He got a massive Batman cake and all the music in the world to shake his booty to.. Kids were dripping with sweat at the end of the evening. We also had some glow sticks for them -  that was a huge success. Made me remember boat trips to Sweden as a kid..

new year new dreams

It took me this long... Really. To refine the things I want to pursue this spring. We're in March so I think this might carry out through the summer months too. I first did the inspiration board last fall and really enjoyed having as a desk top picture. I actually felt inspired and then of course the sense of accomplishment when working on those goals. This is what I have in mind for this year.

Press handstand. This is one of "ultimate fitness" moves for me. If I can accomplish a press handstand, I fell fit. I set this goal years ago and never worked on it. I'm hoping that getting that daily reminder about it I will keep working on it finally.

Orange Fatboy hammocks. We actually own two of these. BUT they are stuck in storage for now. With our house being built and no privacy on the plot I just can't think of where to put them. This picture pushes me to work hard so we can finish the house and also reminds me to slow down and have a rest, even if it is not in our own hammock.

Two Friendship quotes. Living so far from my friends, and building new connections I wanted to include reminders into my board. I miss my old ones, and adore my new ones. I am so glad that phone calls, messages, sharing pictures and videos is so easy these days.

Minimalism quote and picture. To keep me on course of what I truly love and value. In this world it is so hard not to shop. Shopping is part of our lives. And denying those impulse buys is a big deal. I don't want the stuff but for some reason they still jump into my hands and into my shopping cart. More than once in February I actually did a U-turn before the cash register to return the goods that I don't need. Not easy but getting easier and easier every time.

Healthy choices.  I'm working on making healthy choices when it comes to make up, cosmetics, food, exercise. This is such a big part of my life at the moment, that it is featured in many pictures.

Work. Keeping it simple. Working. Focusing. To do list. Time management. Morning moments. Efficiency. Loving your work environment and what you do. That's what work in 2016 means to me.

Family and travel. Last year I realized that we keep missing the opportunities around us. The goal for this year is show our kids the country we live in. Small trips, small budged, but life experiences and getting out of our normal surroundings.

So simple goals. Nothing major (well maybe the press handstand) but instead creating an inspiration board that is present in my everyday life (digitally, no clutter please) to guide and motivate me in the chaos that is my everyday life.

When wazungus went to Kariakoo

Yesterday was supposed to be an easy day. Easy Sunday. I had agreed with my friend Nina that we go to Logos Hope (without kids, since they went with school) to grab some books. Maybe pass by Kariakoo to find some back bags for my boys, since I've been planning to do so for about a year. For those of you who don't know Kariakoo, it's CHAOS and then some. To the point where most of us with white skin avoid going there.. at least without an escort. But we are brave and usually our outings go nice and smooth... Sunday was not one of those days.

Since I still don't have my Tanzanian licence and this requires driving through the city, we agreed, as usual, that she comes to pick me up with her car at 11. 10:50 she calls. They had just realized that her car is out of oil - this was the first sign to give up. But why, oh, why would we??

She then tried her husbands car, that for some odd reason didn't start. Which resulted in me hopping behind the wheel... We could've understood that this is sign no. 2. But no giving up: we made a plan and we will stick to it. The drive was easy enough, and no one asked for my licence and I even found parking in a second so we parked, locked the car, and headed happily for the shop. I found awesome bags for boys and bargained like a true Tanzanian and was happy with the result. Part 1 done, now lets head to the boat for some book shopping.... Car hadn't been stolen, mirrors were all there, no bumps or scratches. I would call this trip to Kariakoo a success.. Except that when we tried to open it, it didn't. Open. Kabisa. At that point, what else can you do than laugh.... This area which is known for it's car thieves and we can't get into ours.. Luckily this is Tanzania so help is always near - within minutes there were about a team of 7 guys trying to open the lock. We had to endure also seven questions of "did you try the other door???" as if we have no brain, but hey they were helping so I was not going to complain. Eventually they concluded that even if a man no 7 tries with the key we are not getting the lock open. This is where it got interesting...

"mama.." - they start - and continue with swahili so fast that I can't keep up... Slowly please, tell me the plan.

Then this happened:





And about two minutes later we were driving off...

TIA - TIT. Help is always near, and if you have to get locked out of your car, Kariakoo might be the best place in the world to do so..

By the way, we got to Logos Hope in the end and kids got so many books to last couple of birthdays and Christmas.

Not a day I will forget soon. Life is never boring in Tanzania.

This little guy is just too AMAZING

The joy of accomplishing the simplest task. I look at him in awe...

He's on wheels

Mr. J has always been e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y careful, so it didn't come as a surprise that he hadn't mastered the bike yet. Firstly in our old apartment there was very little space to bike, secondly he just wasn't interested. When we went to Finland he tried once (while I was supporting him) and even though I told him he is very close he blatantly said "no, I can't, I won't", and switched back to kick biking.

So we agreed we will practice when we get back to Tanzania. Few days after we arrived he wanted his bike. I gave it to him and told him I'll help once I get back from the shop. I was back within 15 minutes and he happily came to greet me saying he can BIKE! What? You, Mr. "I can't/I won't"? Awesome. He was ready. And he did.

This is from those first special days. We can now go for a bike/run and he can keep going for 10-15 minutes easily (after that mama needs a rest :P)

Awesome my little dude! Could not be more proud of you! Can't believe this is the same guy who learned to turn (read fall) around just yesterday...

Saying Goodbye

One of the hardest things that I have experienced here was losing my grandmother. Not to be able to say goodbye and be there at her funeral broke my heart. That is why it was extremely important to arrange a special moment where we all got to say our goodbyes.

Last Friday, few hours after her funeral we picked up the kids from school and drove to the beach. There is a beautiful location off to the beach where you can stand on the cliff and see the amazing blue ocean in front of you. We each had a rose, said a few words then sent the roses into the oceans while Whiz Kalifa sang on the back ground. Then we came home, ate some Fazer chocolate she bought for us. It was special. Our goodbye. I'm still waiting for a visit though Mummu if you are reading :). She was extremely special and I know she's smiling down on us every single day.

Love the people around you. Love them so hard that when they are gone, you know they felt your love. That is all that matters. Love. <3 p="">

Monday morning

Since we got back I have been struggling with getting back to my early morning routine. So week after week I've been moving the alarm to get up earlier and find "my time" again. Man, it has been difficult. I started with 7 am, then 6:30, 6 and now today finally 5:30. Half an hour to go and I'll be on track.

My eyes might disagree but I love this moment. My soul needs this moment.

I love that the house is quiet (for a minute) and I love how I can just do 'me' stuff for a minute. Check my favorite blogs for inspiration, have a quiet cup of something, listen to me. I also prefer to be ready when it is time to wake up the minions, otherwise I do feel like I'm playing catch up the whole morning.

Now if only I could manage to make smoothie ingredients ready the night before, I'd be in heaven :P.

Happy Monday everyone!

New year, new dreams - but what to dream about???

Stories from last week when internet was not cooperating...


Happy 2016 everyone! I hope your year has started off with a bang. We spent five wonderful weeks in Finland (in the loving care of my mother) and were able to re-connect with some of our loved ones. Sadly the time wasn’t enough – or we were too lazy – to catch up with everyone, but hey, I guess that is a good motivation boost to go back again sometime soon.

I’ve been trying to work on a post that would best describe what I want from 2016. I even started to work on my spring 2016 idea board, but sadly – or not – I’ve hit a slump. Not so much in life, it’s as busy as usual, but more so in my dreams and hopes and plans.

We’ve set a MASSIVE goal as a family to gain some financial freedom this year. Nothing insane like “Let’s try and win the jackpot-bingo-lottery-raffle" but rather in managing our finances responsibly, working on some buffers and clearing some debt that we have accumulated over the years of relaxed consumerism. This also means that I note down every, yes EVERY, income and expense into our home budget app. Still trying to turn it into a routine.

I’m also working on some very personal goals of reaching a massive dream of my own: having my own gymnastics hall this year. While it seems to be becoming reality, I’m struggling to grasp it fully. Somehow, the fact that it is actually happening is making me freak out. While it was just a dream, it didn’t seem so daunting. 

I still want to set some personal goals, and quite surprisingly losing weight is NOT on my list. Yay. I would even call that personal growth. But balance, simplifying, family time, good food and exercise are on my top 10 list. But as most lifestyle gurus say, the goals should be specific and tangible so I will work on these topics once my head clears out.

We lost some loved ones last week, I lost my amazing and loving mummu (grandmother) and Tonny lost a close friend. The emotional roller coaster that I went through last week was not easy. At times I felt overwhelmed with emotions of missed opportunities and regrets and of unfinished business. Saying goodbye over the phone was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I know mummu is now in a happy place, with her husband and watching over me and my family in Africa. But last week I really wished I was able to go back in time, a day, a week, a month. She was a very special person to me, and I hope she knew that. I will miss her dearly.

It's a rainy day in Dar es Salaam today. While in practice it means huge pools of water on the roads and massive traffic jams, I do love the quick break from sun shine and the freshness in the air. It's a perfect excuse to sit down and relax with a cup of hot lemon water and the last rye-cheese-tomato sandwich made of Finnish cheese.