Some more random things about Finland

Some other things I forgot to mention in the first posting (or you may have forgotten over the last year).  I also apologize if some these are repeated from the last post:

1. Yes we have a McDonald's and a Subway.  We also have a Hesburger which originates from Turku (bigger city - no relation to Turkey) and it's more popular.  We have 2 Hesburgers close to each other and only 1 Subway and 1 McDonald's.
2. Taxes are included in the prices of everything - which is handy.
3. Kela is the health and social benefits program here.  If you are pregnant and having the baby in Finland (or with a Finnish connection i.e. parents of the child) - you qualify for a maternity box.  The maternity box contains a lot of clothing, some cloth diapers, nursing pads, information, a winter suit...the list goes on.  And most people use the box as a make-shift crib until they settle in their new home or pick a crib for their baby.  I did not qualify for this as I had to be here for the 4 month pre-natal check up.
4. Bus passes are quite expensive and they have a scanner - so you just press your pass onto the scanner and it beeps.  Similar system in Hong Kong in case you're wondering...
5. They do not have student bus passes.
6. Some things you can find (like in North America) - although usually only sold in the big stores and quite expensive:
1. Kraft Mac and Cheese
2. Jiff Peanut butter
3. Newman's salad dressing
4. Lucky Charms
5. Pringles (this is found at all shops) in various flavours: Original, Wasabi, Grill etc.
6. Heineken
7. Pepsi, Coke, 7 UP, Sprite, Fanta (orange pop)
7. Things I have not been able to find:
1. REAL maple syrup...there's stuff here that says its real - but it's kind of watery.  DO NOT buy the Pirkka (store brand - K Market) stuff...it's so watery.
2. Not even "fake maple syrup" like Aunt Jemima
3. Crunchy peanut butter
4. Sushi in a restaurant in Jyv�skyl� (it is possible it's sold at some Mongolian restaurant - I have yet to eat there).  There's some sushi in the S Market downtown beneath Sokos...but it's so-so.
5. The blue floss keys...for those with braces - you know what I mean.  The blue loops that you tie your floss onto so you can floss your teeth a little faster and easier.
6. Old Spice antiperspirant for the husband...he's been using "Rexona" which seems to be a standard brand here.  However, it gives my husband rashes...and he's normally not allergic to anything!
7. Intuition razor blades.  Thankfully I don't use my razor THAT much that I can't wait until I go home.  They have lots of disposable razors and electric ones.
8. George Foreman grill....I miss mine.  Enough said.  ** I found one at the used store!!!
9. There is NO Tim Hortons, Star Bucks, Second Cup or Pete's Frootique here.  Sorry folks.
8. In the Chinese restaurants here - you will NOT find:
1. Egg rolls
2. Spring Rolls
3. Wonton Soup
4. Pot Stickers/pan-fried dumplings
5. Dim Sum
9. Whenever you order a stir-fry that says "vegetables" - be prepared for 1/2 your platter to be filled with onions.  Finns seem to love onions - a lot.
10. You do not tip when eating out.
11. Internet comes free in some buildings (cable internet) - so you just have to pay for your modem.  It's reasonably fast....
12. If you have a permanent job - your employer may pay up to 3 months of full salary while you're on maternity leave then it dwindles down to 60% the remaining 9 months (if not lower - depends on your employer).  In NS - it's 60% throughout the whole 12 months of your maternity leave.  60% is the minimum required and some employers (i.e. military) will pay more than that.
13. If you're used to having your clothes washed then dried in a tumble dryer - you probably won't have any luck here.  Dryers are very rare here - because they are somewhat useless with the air being so dry here - clothes dry very quickly!  On hot summer days, I was able to hang a load of laundry outside off my balcony - and it would be dry in two hours maximum!
14. Cloth diapers are very common here.  Some people do use disposables (we use them at night and whenever we go out) - but for the most part cloth is in!  
15. As long as it's not colder than -10*C...parents often put their children in their pram/stroller and onto the balcony or outside in the yard and let them nap outside.  The cooler air soothes the baby (while bundled up) and they often get a longer nap than inside!
16. I've recently been to the Indian restaurant downtown (it's the only one here in Jyv�skyl� by the train station) - and their food is delightful.  Mango lassi drinks are amazing and V�in� enjoys them a lot.
17. Domestic violence is very common here in Finland.  But it's very "hush hush"- so people don't discuss it.  It is ILLEGAL to harm or hit a child (of any age).  Most common situations for domestic violence is alcohol.  The female is drunk and says things and then the male says things back while being drunk...you get my drift.  
18. Beauty products/health - I'm not the queen of fashion (who is when you're an average-everyday mom?) - but for those that are die-hard must-have its....here's a brief list of what I've seen sold downtown:
1. MAX Factor make up
2. Revlon
3. Garnier
4. Lumene (I personally love their body butter/moisturizer - not greasy at all and smells lovely)
5. Colgate tooth paste and mouth wash *** NO CREST***
6. Pepsodent seems to be the norm for dental products
7. Freeman (Barefoot, facial products, body lotions etc.) - I LOVE their Revitalizing Foot balm: lemon/sage...not greasy and not thick!
8. MAC (I think)
9.  :( No Noxzema
10. Clearasil
19. They do sell Nike, Addidas, Reebok, New Balance sneakers
20. Columbia is not as big of a brand here from what I've seen...