Well Being

Lidkoping ~ Sweden

At the moment you’ll find me in a charming , little village called Lidkoping in Sweden. People from here might think it can be a boring place for someone used to living in the big city, but in contrast I find it peaceful, authentic and cute. That’s what I love about having a touristic mindset as you are viewing a place with new eyes of excitement. I encourage everyone to implement this perspective and being an explorer in their hometown. However, there must be balance. I truly believe as well that people evolve when they change environment and get the opportunity to step outside of their known territory by traveling away to achieve new insightful experiences.

Yet, let’s dive into this place and have a look at their treasure spots. Even though it’s small, it’s cozy and has lots to offer. You only need some awareness, an eye for detail, a sense of curiosity and unfold your creativity.

First up, we have their religious center piece, a stunning church named St. Nicolai. It’s outer exterior decorated with rose gold details and a beautiful tower to look up at. You can visit it during the opening hours from 9-13.

The view of the town’s beautiful church ~ ps notice the extraordinary rose gold details! It’s first time I’ve seen this, is it for you as well?!
The entrance
Stepping into holy presence

Let’s move on, next up the square, a five minute walk from the church if you stop on the way like I did and photographed the old historic buildings.

On your stroll, you’ll see an old library with columns, and other old houses in cute pastel colors. Like this beautiful door I spotted.

The town hall at the main square of Lidkoping

And this is where you will find the tourist information office as well as the best bakery in town called “Rådhuskonditoriet”. I must say it’s the perfect place to get the Christmas vibes as you can feel the spirit of the community. They offer lots of activities and events as Christmas is just around the corner. And although it’s not yet December, that won’t stop them from serving already saffron traditional pastries and being in Christmas mood.

So if you’re here during this season I recommend buying their “safran lyxbulla” as it’s one of a kind. If not, there’s no wrong in eating a traditional Swedish cinnamon bun, that’s actually a must!

Make sure to come to the square on Wednesdays and Saturdays, because then you will see the market! Oh and then forget to spot the second hand shops, a very typical Swedish activity to do. Remember the word “loppis” and you might get lucky at finding good bargains on antique pieces or souvenirs to remember this place.

Antique pieces for such a good bargain!

If you continue inwards from the square and into the narrower streets, you will find more bakeries, charming interior shops and a favorite shop I found which sold the most beautiful flowers on display. That totally made me forget about Christmas btw and I daydreamed of a warm, sunny summer’s day.

Aren’t they enchanting?

I hope you’ve found bliss and inspiration when you travel or just wanting to explore and unfold your creativity where you are. It’s a powerful self care practice, to feel recharged, open minded, motivated and inspired. Let’s not forget that it’s an important part of enjoying life cause the world has so much to offer us if we just open our eyes!

With love & care, Melanie x

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Breakfast

Christmas smoothie bowl edition

Gingerbread inspired

Can’t believe it’s soon Christmas! So I’m warming up with some Christmas flavors and making a Christmas smoothie bowl edition in honor of this beautiful, magical and wonderful festive holiday. The season is truly something special, it’s a time which reminds us to be grateful, to be kind, to give and appreciate the present of family and loved ones.

Ingredients

• 1-2 frozen banana

• 1 handful cubes of ice

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp cardamom

• 1/4 tsp vanilla powder

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tbs lecithin powder ~ https://www.super-nature.no/lecitin

• 1 tbs nut butter like cashew or almond

• 50/100 ml Almond/oat/coconut milk (see how much you need depending on your blender and consistency)

The spices I used from https://www.helios.no/produkter/krydder/ which are natural and organic!

Instructions

Blend all ingredients in a smoothie blender until smooth.

Tip and facts to be aware of

The lecithin powder helps to make it creamy so I would definitely invest in buying that product. Also the spices from Helios are with no additives. Did you know that there is two kinds of cinnamon? There is cassia cinnamon, which is the type of cinnamon we find in most store shelves and then the other one is named Ceylon cinnamon. Be aware that there is more coumarin than in Ceylon cinnamon. Coumarin gives taste, but it is also a toxin that in large quantities can damage the liver. Therefore I would recommend to use Ceylon cinnamon as it contains much less coumarin than Cassia.

Add toppings like granola & gingerbread cookies to decorate your smoothie bowl.

I hope you feel some Christmas spirit by making yourself this smoothie bowl and may all your wishes come true.

Merry Christmas & have a happy holiday ahead.

With love & care, Melanie x