Stockholm ~ Sweden

The castle

I love the nostalgia when walking past historic buildings and monuments through a city. I’ll tell ya, Stockholm’s old town still got it, with charming streets paving the way with old bricks, walls painted in warm orange and attention to detail of craft work. That made it all so magical. To be truthful, it was hard not to stop taking videos and pictures! There is always something eye catching, which takes your breath away, that makes you curious and excited about what’s next around the corner. You will spot tiny, narrow streets, antique shops and bakeries for a traditional “fika”. The experience was beyond my expectations, a new breath of life fueled me as I made my first touristic visit in Stockholm.

The the eye catching church

As I’m gazing up with awe, these historical monuments leaves me speechless. They remind me that we all share some greatness in us. We only need to take ownership of it and find that drive to show up each day to be our greatest self. That can be as simple as smiling at a stranger, giving thanks, being supportive and loving, living aligned with your purpose and goals so that you unleash your true potential! We are all great, just look back at history and what mankind has been capable of, cause you’re no different. You are significant, you play an important part, remember that.

Feels like being brought back in time!

If you pay attention to details, you’ll stop every second on your way through the old town…

Don’t you want to just step inside by how cute this entrance is presented?!

The city has so much to offer. Look at these classical sailboats at shore, since there is a river running through Stockholm called Söderström. I didn’t get the chance to be out in the waters, but that’s one of the tourist attractions. My recommendation is to go on a boat sightseeing and you will get the chance to see the city from a different view than by land.

So take the trip to visit Stockholm, not easy during these corona times though. But when you do, I hope the magic will spark through you the same way the old town in Stockholm did to me.

With love and care, Melanie x

And stay safe ❤

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Vischans bageri ~ Lidkoping, Sweden

It’s so cozy here!

I absolutely adore bakeries and cafés that are authentic and original. This is one of them. They make everything themselves with passion and only using local produce! The people working there are also so warmheartedly, kind and positive, making sure you will have an enjoyable time.

They make all kinds of pastries, biscuits, cakes, breads and sandwiches. A perfect place for “fika”, a concept in Swedish culture with the basic meaning “to have coffee”, often along with eating something sweet. In addition, they serve a satiated breakfast and I got to know that they use locally produced eggs and vegetables, which just makes a huge difference! To know where the produce is from and when made with love and care, that deepens the connection and touches my soul.

My breakfast plate: plant based yoghurt with their homemade granola. Bread with Brie, honey, spinach and cucumber slices.

Their baked pastries!

Loving the old interior and materials that resonate with their originality

Feels like a different space and time right?!

You can find this café at Kinnegatan 27, Lidkoping.

May you have an enjoyable fika time there or be inspired to implement this cultural tradition to where you’re at.

With love & care, Melanie x

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