All Categories, Slow living

Slow Living for Busy Professionals: How to Find Balance in a Fast-Paced World

Posted on by Lïna

Everywhere I see ‘Back to work’ and back to school’ but does one have to go back to stress and high spead? In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging for busy professionals to find balance in their lives. However, the concept of slow living offers a solution to this problem. Slow living is all about taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embracing a more relaxed and mindful approach. In this blog post, we will explore some tips on how to find balance through slow living.

One of the first steps to embracing slow living is to simplify your life. This means taking a look at your daily routines and identifying areas where you can cut back. For example, if you find yourself spending too much time on social media or watching TV, try to limit your screen time. Instead, focus on activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading a book or taking a walk in nature.

Another important aspect of slow living is being present in the moment. This means focusing on the task at hand and avoiding distractions. For example, if you’re spending time with your family, put away your phone and give them your undivided attention. By being present in the moment, you can fully appreciate the experiences and people in your life.

In addition, slow living encourages a more mindful approach to eating and exercise. This means taking the time to prepare healthy meals and engaging in physical activity that you enjoy. Rather than rushing through a meal or hitting the gym for a quick workout, slow living encourages you to savor the experience and appreciate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

In conclusion, slow living offers a way for busy professionals to find balance in a fast-paced world. By simplifying your life, being present in the moment, and embracing a mindful approach to eating and exercise, you can live a more fulfilling and balanced life. So, take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embrace the joys of slow living.

Slow dyi & projects, Slow home & garden

Easy TV cover up

Posted on by Lïna

In today’s fast-paced world it’s perhaps a bit extra important important to create a calm and peaceful space in our homes. One way to achieve this is by hiding electronics, such as a television, when not in use. Toda I’m sharing a simple and stylish way to cover up your TV using the same method as when you hang a tapestry.

To start, you’ll need a few materials: a decorative tapestry or fabric, a curtain rod, and some hooks or nails. The first step is to measure the width of your TV and add a few inches to each side to ensure full coverage. Then, measure the height of your TV and add a few inches to the top and bottom to allow for the tapestry to hang freely. I used a thick curtain I already had at home.

Next, attach the curtain rod to the wall above the TV using hooks or nails. Make sure the rod is level and centered above the TV. Then, thread the tapestry or fabric onto the curtain rod and adjust it so that it covers the TV completely. You can use clips or pins to hold the tapestry in place if necessary.

Now, whenever you want to hide your TV, simply slide the tapestry along the rod and let it hang in front of the screen. When you’re ready to watch TV again, just slide the tapestry back to reveal the screen.

Not only does this method create a calm and clutter-free space, but it also adds a decorative element to your room. Choose a tapestry or fabric that complements your decor and reflects your personal style. And if you want to switch things up, it’s easy to change the tapestry or fabric to something new.

In conclusion, hiding electronics such as a TV can help create a more peaceful and mindful living environment. By using a decorative tapestry or fabric and a simple curtain rod, you can easily cover up your TV when not in use. This method is not only practical, but it also adds a stylish touch to your space. So why not give it a try and see how it can transform your home into a calming oasis of slow living?

Slow dyi & projects, Slow home & garden

Upcycled rustic wooden bench

Posted on by Lïna

A few monts ago my mum brought me beautiful old rustic wooden bench she had at our countryhouse.
She said I probably would make better use of it than having it collecting dust in the cabin.
It had a cute and actually a bit charming blue color, I had to think a while before I decided if I was going to remove the paint or not. Well I finally decided to remove it. Even if the color was cute it wasn’t really my favourite. The bench is really old and had some charming marks, old wormholes (yes I think those are a bit charming) that I wanted to make sure didn’t vanish in the process. That meant hardly any sanding for this project, instead I used paintremover and scraped/brush it off. Then I let it stand outside for a few weeks, come rain, come shine.

I thougt it looked a bit pale afterwards and I was after a rich and deep brown shade so I ended up giving it a light coat of waterbased stain in the shade ‘dark oak’. I really like working with these stains; they come in powder in small sachets and you mix the powder with water and brush it on.
Since you mix it yourself you can easily adjust the quantity, I usually use onle one teaspon of stain in one cup of coffee with water. This is the result, and I’m really happy with this little remake and how this old rustic wooden bench got a new life.

All Categories, Slow dyi & projects, Slow home & garden

Diy sofa mattress

Posted on by Lïna

I have this old blanket that used to belong to may grandmother and it’s like a comfortblanket, soft and full of memories. Sadly its falling apart so I thougt I make something new out of it.
Lately I’ve seen a lot of thin mattresses (or quilt if you like) on couches in different places and photos and I really love the idea. It sort of makes the sofa more iviting and cozy at the same time as it protects it. Especially when you have a dog (or small children for that matter). Nando has more or less taken over it and he loves the old blanket a lot and he loves lying on the sofa so why not make a mattress out of the old blanket.

I started by simpy folding the blanket in half lengthwise so it became doble, it’s a single blanket with standard size. Then I sew it together along the sides. I then used a thick curtain to make the cover, just straight gems like a pillow case. I see the last short side by hand. Nando was really curious during the whole process.
I read somewhere once that mending the things you have and making them last is good for you. Last night I could really feel that. It sort of releases oxytocin, it’s calming, soothing and comforting. As I was making something new out of old things I already had at home the autumn leaves where falling outside my windows and it felt meaningful some how.

Slow food, Slow home & garden

Creamy chickpea salad with avocado, feta & dill

Posted on by Lïna

This creamy chickpea salad reminds me of late summer days at our grandparents country house in Sweden. I suppose it’s the abundance of dill and it’s vibrant and vigorous scent. It’s just such a Swedish herb. This salad would go perfectly with the traditional Swedish ‘kräftskiva’ I guess. But it’s just as good on its own with a nice slice of bread on the side.
The chickpeas makes this salad a steady meal, the avocado and feta makes it creamy, the cucumber adds a fresh crunch and the dill makes it all come together beautifully. I picked my dill fresh from the garden and the whole kitchen smelled of Swedish summer. This salad is definitely a new favorite on our table. A nice plate to wrap up all those summer flavors. Description at the end.

it’s very easy to make, without any exact measures.. just go with your taste. Add more of the things you like and less of the things you like less or just a lot of everything which is pretty much what I did. Slice and dice, then mix it together with a spoon. Enjoy

  • chickpeas
  • cucumber
  • onion
  • feta
  • avocado
  • dill
  • mustard
  • oliveoil
  • Lemon juice

Credit for the recipe goes to nutritionist Vanessa Perrone, Mediterranéenne

All Categories, Slow home & garden, Slow living, Slow style

A slow September

Posted on by Lïna

September for me is a month of new starts, of organisation, there’s a back to school feeling and always lots to do. The kitchen garden is groaning with all sorts of wonderful produce, not to mention the abundance of sunripe tomatoes. As I hate waste and love the idea of enjoying all the home grown goodies throughout the winter, I am busy making jars of conserved tomatoes and all sorts of sauces and soups for the freezer.  Summer holidays may be over, but there is a sort of excitement in the air and there is a noticeable shift towards autumn. It really feels like a chance to reset and be productive in preparation for winter and celebrations to come. My daughter turned 18 this summer and she just bought a flat and will be moving out in October. A huge change for us as a family and of course very emotional.

Hopefully you’ll find inspiration for a slow and seasonal living in September; Now is the time to collect seeds fom the garden and planting your bulbs for next Spring, I will be planting more Alliums, Tulips, this year in the garden.



I will also contue to work and plan for our new home in Spain, Villa La Romana. We worked so hard this summer trying to get as much done in the short period of summer. we ended up doing most of the work ourself since it was in the middle of vacation time and most companies closes during vacation in Spain. Especially smaller and local contractors. I learned how to plaster, remove tiles and i’m actually very proud of myself for what we accomplished but also that we dared to follow our dream. Even if it scared us.

I will make my best to take the time and ensure that September will a month to enjoy the last of bittersweet indian summerdays. As the days grow gradually shorter and the light shifts ever-so-subtly, the very first hints of briskness in the early-autumn air makes me slow down, reflecting, and contemplating layers for the first time in months as summer turns to fall. 

Have a wonderful month.

with love 

Lina

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