dressed for happiness success

Earlier this year I decided I'd post outfits more regularly on Instagram - despite hating to post pictures of myself, other than shoe per diem ones - to inspire people to dress in colours more. The world needs it. Colours equals happiness. And hopefully kindness can tag along there too.

Regularly for me means about once or twice per month. Since I find vegan food, cats and such more fun to photograph than myself. And I'm really not keen on seeing other people obsessively posting selfies either - thank goodness for the new IG mute-button... You can unfollow without unfollow, now, how brilliant is that? - so why should I contribute to that I wonder.



But then sometimes I'm pretty pleased with a particular outfit. And I'm even more pleased when I'm able to thrift something in my own wardrobe that match, the idea I have in my head.

So when my two year old budgie skirt from Palava was finally altered last week I couldn't wait to take it for a spin of course. And this is what I came up with day one.



The blouse is about eight years old, organic cotton in a folklore model, with little birds embroidered at the neck, from Gudrun Sjödén. Haven't used it for years because one of the cats tore a hole in it and I being lazy as usual when it comes to mending, altering and such only just recently mended it. (I will never be a pro on mending, but at least I can wear it now.)

The blue organic cotton cardigan I got in the Marc'O Polo store in Berlin 2011, since I tore a hole in another cardi I had with me, and it has been a faithful, much worn summer companion ever since. It's such a lovely blue hue. And I love how there often are endearing memories attached to specific garments. In this case a bit wistful, I miss Berlin and I miss M, but it was a lovely trip with good memories, as always.



And the shoes are one of my favourites, the yellow El Naturalista Tesela mary-janes from 2010. At least I can never be accused of not being consistent in style. And how utterly fab is it that these shoes, eight plus years later, still are great to look at and walk in? Quality and comfort trumps everything.

Never mind my messy hall, cat food bags and heaps of paper recycling is life too.

In 2013 I bought the Impi dress from Marimekko. I still think it's one of my best garment purchases ever. It's such a carefree and happiness instigating dress - and being very A-line you can indulge in how many cakes your heart and tummy desire without the dress showing, if you are so inclined - which I've had so much fun in over the years.



And since I happened to wear it when I stepped in to the Marimekko store a while back and their new fitting rooms are perfect for outfit selfies I snapped one. Same cardi as above, sandals of 2015 from ART shoes (still super comfortable too) and obviously the Re-Kånken. It's so sweet how no matter what colours you choose you can match everything with that dress.

Since I think it's a perfect summer dress (and yes, it has pockets) I've been meaning to turn that model into other dresses with old, pretty fabrics. But well, since I wasn't able to alter the above budgie skirt until two years had passed that is a major project I don't see come to fruition any time soon...



And since all good things come in three, here's a third outfit that makes me happy - apart from that time an idiot (clearly) snapped a selfie of himself and the seminar audience in which I looked like a super-sized, striped and unflattery fluffy pastry. And posted it on LinkedIn. Oh the joy - the fabulous Marimekko Tasaraita dress, a classic pattern from the 1960ies which is a symbol for equality. It's a very Little My-esque power dress in cotton poplin, and I hope and think it'll be an awesome dressy companion for many years to come.

Even if one of the features that makes it special, the drawstrings, gave me a slight headache a while back. One day I noticed that one of the strings had mysteriously disappeared in to the waist tunnel. And then the other one did too. I couldn't for my life figure out the construction, so I ended up having to go back to the store asking for help. Where I was fortunate enough to stumble on a clerk that had experience with the same issue.



Turns out the two pesky little strings go from left to left side and right to right side, meeting inside the waist tunnel. Which is elaborately designed below the button-up chest part of the dress. I thought the strings where one front and one back. But no, the dress is designed like those ol' gymbags with drawstrings you had in school.

Well-made and interesting, but not the easiest concept to grasp at first. In hindsight it's very logical, but not there and then. Now I can at least sort the issue myself, if it would appear again.

So at the end of this post, my question is of course,
are you already dressed for happiness success in colours or 
are you now inspired to?

goodbye june, welcome july

Time to say bye bye to June as well as another cosmo geek week. With plenty of cat cuddles. Given the amount of oxytocin I constantly get refilled like this, one might think I should always be happy and content. Alas, life isn't as simple as that. But as with vitamin D supplements, who knows how I would feel without it?



:: I really enjoyed the Lars Lerin art exhibition at Liljevalchs. But as brilliant as he is as a painter, and award-winning writer, with a sweet and very likeable personality, I'm really glad Mondays are free entrance to the museum. Because unlike the Spring Art Salon, where you could spend hours, this exhibition is a rather quick thing to walk through. And 20 minutes were spent listening to an introduction. I do recommend a visit, his art is fantastic, but I would not recommend paying a hefty entrance fee for it. So go on a Monday.



:: Since the exhibition was a rather quick thing we could leisurely enjoy one of my favourite transportations in Stockholm on our way back, the Djurgårdsfärjan ferry boat. On a day with perfect summer weather it's such a mood lifting treat.



:: Followed by vegan lunch at a favourite place, Légumes, which has opened up on a new location, super conveniently located near the commuter train station. And we caught a ride home well before rush hour. It was such a lovely, unpretentious way to start a new week.



:: I had the second interview for the job that sounds great. It was a really nice ambiance and I felt it went very well. But as always, who knows who I compete with. What's meant to be will be. If it was up to me, I'd love to get the position, it still sounds amazing in so many ways. You know, that delightful blend of being able to contribute lots as well as learn plenty and have a very varied role. I will know this week. So, once again, fingers firmly crossed, dear internetz.



:: On the not so bright work front is the fact that one of my coaching participants has turned out to have a really troublesome attitude. I guess that was bound to happen sooner or later, but it's exhausting and infuriating and I don't get paid nearly enough to put up with things like this. So I've decided this will be my last round of coaching, it doesn't give me that warm and fuzzy feeling no more and I've helped several individuals already. And learnt a lot. There's a time and place for everything, and my involvement in this has come to an end when this round is over (with a last meeting in November).

The face of Ztina above is a perfect illustration about how I feel about this right now.



:: A well-known fact is that the Swedish summer begins with the season premiere of Midsomer Murders - unfortunately it ends with the last episode too... - which happened this week. I also stumbled over the perfect new flavour for it, the classic vegan Singoalla biscuits (now sans palmoil, so I can actually enjoy them) with strawberry-rhubarb cream. Perfection with a cup of tea.

Alas the episode itself was a really bad one (The Ghost of Midsomer Abbey), I do hope it picks up for next week. After all these years the plots get more and more strained, but I guess most of us watch for the picturesque settings and quirky characters not because it's a clever story.



:: A couple of years ago I wrote this guide to Stockholm. I've edited it a few times since, and it's still a work in progress obviously. But if you're coming to Stockholm this summer it's worth a read and keep for smultronställen not to be missed!



:: Almost two years ago I bought this beautiful budgie skirt in organic cotton. It didn't fit as expected alas. But I decided to keep it and alter the waistline because of its dreamy qualities. It *only* took two years but now it's done! With the help of a neighbourhood dog lady the skirt is now finally wearable. And the pockets are kept so it's perfect in every way. Now I just have to decide what to wear with it, perhaps a yellow blouse - which will pick up on the yellow budgies - or just a plain white T-shirt. Such a happy birdy skirt!



Current music crush is this - I'll be there with Jesse Glynne. What an amazing voice. I don't like the video (apart from the pink water) though. And doesn't it look like there's something wrong with a couple of the horses legs? That's just saddening, I hope I'm mistaken.



Thank you, June, you ended on a better note than you started. You certainly have been eventful, enlightening and helped me grow, and for that I'm grateful.

Hello, July, let's be awesome together, okay? 
Thank you kindly in advance.

we are

You know when your professional life has turned into a reality show full of drama, secrets and lies, truths and semi-truths, misinformation, misunderstandings and unexpected let downs? No? Well, me neither until this past week when it seems to have gone down a new path of... interestingness.

The truth is out there. As we are. And most likely it's, as usual, hidden somewhere between the different stories I've been told. I'm still an outsider looking in, and to be honest I think that's for the best. One of the reasons I started my own business was to not have to deal with workplace dramas. Yet, it has been full of it these past months. And I find it a bit sticky and quite uncomfortable.

We all come from different paths of experiences, and I do try my best, from my experience, to not judge people for how they now and then behave - apart from when animal cruelty and other violence is involved, then naturally I'm both judge and jury all the way - even when I initially feel very hurt by it. There's probably more than meets the eye.

Still, an unexpected let down by a team member isn't a nice thing at all. Whether the reason was stress or otherwise, the trust has been seriously chipped. But when someone goes low, I try to rise above it. Not an easy thing always, especially not when you feel like a pawn, a hostage in a situation out of your control. But I find that the best thing is to not blurt out any harsh words immediately, words that can't be taken back. Write by all means, but sleep on it. And mull it over back and forth.

What I've also learnt from all of this, this week in particular, is that I possibly need to chill a bit. In the most intellectual zen sense of the word. It's interesting how every setback, every drama turns into another important life lesson, it's never the hassle free rides and successes that make you into a better, wiser person.

When younger I was much more inclined to see things as either black or white, not in all shades of grey that most things are painted in. That has changed with age, and a certain portion of wisdom acquired. But I'm also aware that I'm not really interested in being involved in basically other people's drama, not having all the information needed to base my own opinion, but desperately trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together from the odd word here and there. Being an unwilling mind reader is also one of my new skills apparently.

As I can't be relying on other people to get to the point where they sort the/ir mess out, neither from an emotional, professional nor financial point of view, I've put other professional wheels in motion. It's never good to put all your vegan eggs in one basket. So on Monday I'm going to a job interview. Yes an actual job interview. It's part time, but still, a job. A new position as communicator in a company with a very high sustainability profile, where my background as a lawyer is perfect. Sounds great on paper. I do hope it will be irl too. Fingers crossed we click.

I've also shamelessly offered my services to another company/organisation that I've only recently come to be completely smittened, impressed and inspired by. Such an amazing why story. Everything we do set things in motion, it may not be exactly the things we expect, but nevertheless I believe it's important to be active and open, never settle or just wait for others to get their things together. Maybe they do, maybe things will work out alright, but wait only, never.

Add to that the distinct feeling of being an odd figurehead and pawn with no information and influence, not to mention not really getting credit for all the work done. And here we are. Who knows what will happen next, what's meant to be will be. And that's the amazing as well as annoying thing with life, you can plan as much as you want, you can't control everything anyway. Life happens as life is meant to. However ungraspable and meaningless it seems at times.

As for music I'm still in love with Haevn, looking forward to their first album to be released in March, and Where the Heart is is now very much my new theme song. Both wistful, soothing and empowering. Listening to it I know everything will be alright.

I've also had a lot of enjoyment from the TV-series Younger, currently streaming on TV here. Smart, funny and relatable.

So conclusions from the week that was -

- A reminder that things are rarely black and white. More greys, pinks and sometimes there are even unicorns.
- One might think that men are more straight forward and problem solving, than they in fact are. It's probably good to get those reminders that gender stereotyping isn't very nice. But I have to say, it would have indeed been very nice to have seen a lot more straight talking and problem solving these past few months, from those who (ought to have been) in control of situation.
- I need to curb both my enthusiasm and disappointment a dash. But all the emotions from highs to lows are the prize you pay AND reward you get for having a passionate nature.
- The best way to not dwell too much on disappointments and nuisances out of your control is to keep busy with things that are within your control.
- When you have impromptu fika it can end in seeing something truly magical - an Eurasian Eagle Owl perched on a high building in the middle of Stockholm. None of us had the big gals' cameras with us, and when it comes to that kind of photography an iPhone is just a poor poor substitute. But trust me, it was an amazingly, heartwarming experience shared with a few die hard bird watchers with supersized cameras and binoculars on a backstreet a chilly January Friday. Such a perfect and beautiful way to end the week of both highs and lows.

Welcome February,
you know I expect greatness from you,
please do your best. And I'll do my mine.

hello august

To be honest, it has not only been a Lovely Day, but a lovely week. Keep going in this awesome way, August, so far you've rocked!

Monday: started the week painting circus nails (it's been far too long) and I think the colour combination is just spot on adorable - from left Essie Lilacism + First Timer and Chanel May + Mimosa + Coco Blue.

Tuesday: had a great vegan lunch with a friend at a vegetarian/vegan/raw place I hadn't tried before (Hälsocafét). This is a delicious plate of noodle salad with pulled VegMe (a new Swedish soy protein brand) and peanut sauce. The iced oat latte on top is also from that day. Loved all the colours and our good chat. (Although that picture was taken about 5 seconds before the rain just poured down.)

That day I also got a call from a recruiter wondering if I'd like to come for an interview for a position in a fun startup. Of course I would! So that's booked for Monday. Full-time position, but flexible and independent work so hopefully I would be able to shape my role so it suits both them and me well. Fingers crossed for good vibes Monday.

So now I'm looking forward to not only one, but two interviews, for in their own different ways, awesome jobs. Lucky me.

Wednesday: I've been looking forward to a really great pedicure for so long now. It has been too long since last. This was bliss. My mum got M and me pedicure gift cards for Xmas - we used them for this more than well-deserved treat, mum and I. So if not there in person, M was with me in thought.

Afterwards we had planned to see an exhibition at the Modern Museum, which is now one of the museums with free entrance in Stockholm. But for some odd reason this exhibition had a hefty price and no, no I'm not that keen on seeing it. So we settled for a walk around the regular exhibitions and most of all a really memorable lunch. 

The fab museum restaurant serves a daily soup which is always vegan (I'm still amazed how fairly easy it is these days to find good plantbased food eating out. And even more amazed when it's not an exception but the rule. *Insert lots of hearts*). This day it was carrot and coconut, with a topping of croutons and roasted seeds. It was absolutely delicious. Spot on flavours and satisfying. The view that came with it didn't really hurt either. Such a wonderful summer Stockholm day it was. (Nb my Accidental Colour Coordination Syndrome showing again.)

Thursday: 99,99% of my time in public I use dresses or skirts. I feel restrained, uncomfortable and awkward in trousers. But since there would be quite a bit of heavy lifting and garbage recycling on Friday I took this ol' pair out on a test ride. I own 3 pair of pants, but the other two are in light linen so these are the only pair suitable for some kind of semi-hard labour. It was a reasonably painless experience wearing trousers again, but it's not something I'll do regularly ever again. Funnily enough though, my goal for the wee trousers outing was to pick up a skirt at the post-office.

Remember I wrote about a fantastic budgie skirt I'd seen, but that was out of my current price league? I've saved for it and when summer sales (at Bryony & Co, amazing vintage style clothes with lots of animal prints) came I went for it. Actually I wanted the navy one, not the pink but this was the only one sale so I went for it. It's absolutely gorgeous. 

But, a big but, the waist is much smaller than expected which makes the skirt much shorter on me so alas it needs to be amended to fit as I want (no larger sizes to chose from). Such a nuisance when sizes aren't what you expect, it's one thing when you can easily return it to the shop and it's a more average garment, quite another when it's a beauty like this plus a more hefty return fee. I'm really not capable of making the amendment looking professional myself so I guess I'll have to get it to a tailor asap. So despite the sales it will be a bit costly, the budgie skirt. But it'll be worth it. Isn't there a saying that the best things in the wardrobe don't come easy? And if there wasn't I've just coined it.

Friday: finally I got help transporting all those big, black garbage bags with mainly garden debris and the old kitchen sofa etc to the recycling station. The fact that I couldn't do it myself since it demanded a car, a trailer and an extra pair of willing hands has really been weighing me down. I have zero interest in socializing with my neighbours, saying hello passing by on the street is the only social level I'm fine with, so that wasn't/will never be an option. And finding friends that have a car/driver's licence, willing to add a trailer, living reasonably nearby, have the time, or for that matter inclination, to help that has not been easy. 

And yes, I don't like to ask for help, I want to be able to do everything myself. Having relied on M for things like this all these years, now not having that natural and obvious help anymore, has really brought out the Must. Do. Myself-feeling in abundance. In parts ridiculously so.

Independance is all good in general. But sometimes it also gets you stuck because once in a while you are not in a very practical way able to do it yourself. And then the seemingly insignificant things that are actually easily fixed can grow all out of proportion and laying themselves like heavy, wet blankets on your mind.

In the end I asked M's brother and he was happy to help. Which kind of surprised me given the aftermath and strange and unfair behaviour after M's passing... But I'm grateful for it and it felt incredibly good to get this done and removed from my back garden, from my life. That rubbish was so much connected with anger, resentment, sorrow and abandonement. Be gone.

And yes I'm still very much clueless, angry and sad that M's family - of which I'm apparently not considered a part after +26 years together... - have continously ignored my feelings and what M would have wished for me, kept me out of the loop. He would of course never ever have left me without a reasonable financial stability. 

The fact that I myself could have, should have made different choices now and then during all these years doesn't really help now. It only serves as a very important life lesson and promise to myself never to let that happen again. Which isn't as 'only', just not a practical solution here and now.

And even if there are a lot of exciting, promising things happening now, by my own doing, it would be such an incredible relief having that buffert sorted already. Garbages bags gone. Worries not yet. 

Friday was also the last day I had to take the replacement bus home. I celebrated that with a soy latte. And on the last little bit of regular bus ride from the station I noticed that that bus was a brand new biodiesel bus with both clever little smartphone chargers as well as free wifi. Better late than never, that's awesome. 

Then coming home to this sight is also soothing for the soul and mind. Cats, the poster beings for mindfullness and the everything will be alright-attitude. I'm blessed to be seriously surrounded by that.

Thank you for giving me such
a generally great first week
of your month, August, please
continue to be kind and awesome,
yours gratefully P.

meet cute of paws and feet

When the cats are not out to play apparently the birds (blackbirds most likely, since they are the most frequent visitors to be fed) are strutting their stuff on the snow covered terrace when noone is looking.

The cats who love birdwatching would be terribly disappointed if they knew. And I will not tell.

the peacock island in berlin

I firmly believe that every holiday and/or trip should hold at least one visit to a world heritage site. It's usually a good reminder in this bleak world that the humankind can accomplish beautiful and keep-worthy things too.



This time in Berlin we visited the lovely nature reserve Pfaueninsel (Peacock island), which is a 67 hectares island peacefully situated in the Havel river in the outskirts of the city. It's an absolute idyll which can be reached with a tiny ferry only. On the island you're only allowed to walk, so no vars or bikes allowed. Bliss!



This time of the year the whole island smelled gorgeously of mock orange and there were a very limited amount of visitors so the whole experience was very serene without one feeling alone. Yes there are free roaming peacocks on the island, but fewer than I expected. And also other birds, sheep and horses. There were signs for buffalos, but we didn't see any alas.



There are also a sweet, little (wooden) castle and other castle-like buildings for different purposes on the island, as well as a fountain, temple, rose gardens and a cute cafe situated at a large meadow which I can imagine is full of visitors in high season.



We shared a apricot cheesecake there and it without a doubt the best dessert/cake I had in Berlin this time. Such loveliness. Befitting the overall experience. It was such a nice walk around the lush, pre-holiday season island - the perfect place to wind down, relax and get out of the busy city mode.



Very well worth the visit if you're looking for peace and tranquility. A very modest 4 euros for a ferry-ride (which takes about 2 minutes) and then you can spend as much time there as you like. I'd imagine it's a very popular place to visit in peak summer season though, so slightly less peaceful then perhaps.

the little feathery pie thieves

Visited one of my favourite cafés, Tant Brun in Sigtuna, today. And as usual, this time of the year when you take your fika in the garden there are a gazillion little, chirping birds who want to share your food.



Today they were extra bumptious. Or perhaps they've just learnt to take advantage of people who are engulfed in their smartphones. Because this was the sight when I lifted my head from the iPhone display:



Those tykes! The camera missed the third one taking a bite of the uneaten raspberry pie. After having finished the pie I was however looking forward to seeing them feast on the leftovers. I didn't have to wait for long. Love such meet cutes and shares!