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

Advertisement
Travel

Valencia

The beautiful cathedral

It’s surreal with the corona virus situation where Spain experiences a complete lock down and isolation. I visited Valencia 2 weeks ago, when first cases had just been explored there. As I walked down the streets, I noticed an alertness and afraid of being exposed. But still it didn’t stop me from exploring this beautiful cathedral. Neither could I help myself eating delicious food. My worries were long gone.

Churros! Couldn’t miss that when I had just arrived Spain
Dulce de leche everybody

This place was just heaven on earth! I mean look all the desserts displayed on the counter, how could you possibly choose just one thing? I told myself I have to come back one day and keep trying everything haha. It was a difficult choice, but the winner in the end; the banana bread.

Looking back, it makes me reflect on how privileged we are to travel around the globe, what a freedom we have. Being in quarantine makes me appreciate the traveling even more, in addition to move and go wherever we want to. My advice is to use the quarantine time to charge batteries and being grateful for have lived the way we do. It’s time to take care of our health and the world, and things will fall into place, they always do. With a little faith and trust, stay calm.

With love & care, Melanie

Ps: another café worth visiting with cool vibes, healthy food and yummy cakes, cookies and milkshakes: rawcoco!

Travel, Well Being

Road trip to Ronda ~ España

On a sunny Sunday, me and my best friend decided to seize the day by taking the car from Marbella to Ronda, taking us only 1h to reach the place. I realize it’s so important to unfold your creativity and live life to the fullest! And what better way than putting the music on high volume, dance and sing in the car and just feel the good feels! Also the scenery around us as we drove up the curvy roads up through the mountain hills, was absolutely beautiful.

The stunning viewpoint from Ronda

I believe these days where you have the opportunity to disconnect, find new inspiration and strength to keep moving forward in your craft is really necessary for you to endure the everyday life and challenges you face. It’s a great idea to escape for a day, explore and enjoy the gift we’ve been given called life! And, share it with someone you love and care about, the experience is forever memorable.

“Stay close to people who feel like sunshine”

From this viewpoint we walked around the park, noticing beautiful, blooming peonies flowers welcoming us. It was also magical as the sun stroke light through the palm trees. As you walked from the entrance gate towards the view at the end, it was almost as a dream walking on a staircase to heaven. Taking you to a beautiful place where worries, evilness and destruction didn’t exist, only a kingdom of beauty and peace.

Beautiful peonies in its glory
Sunlight striking through the garden at the center of the park
Fountain spot where you’ll find tranquility

I highly recommend to unleash your creativity, to be around people who makes you happy and share the moment with them, which will be a memory for life, an affirmation that you are living out your gift during your time on earth. Oh, and embrace all the beauty life offers you!!!

With love and care, Melanie