lohas christmas gifts all the way, baby

This Christmas I went all LOHAS with the few gifts I gave away - organic, sustainable, high quality, durable, vegan and animal rights-ish. It felt good to give away extra thought through, kind gifts for a better world and I do believe the gift recievers appreciated them lots too.

Fjällräven Kånken backpack - isn't the colour gorgeous?! - and a membership in the fantastic Swedish animal rights organization Djurens Rätt (of which I've been a member since pre-school ie forever).

Planting trees on Borneo via Save the Orangutang-organization and a cutting board from Djurens Rätt.

Organic cotton, fairtrade shopping bag with a cute animal print from Djurens Rätt.

Favourite socks from Braintree Clothing in bamboo and organic cotton. I think they are fantastic, so much airier, softer and comfier than any other socks I've ever had. Lots of sweet colours and patterns, onesize for men and onesize for women. Plus really affordable. Ie great gifts for anyone.

How was you LOHAS giving/receiving this Christmas?

carrot cake smoothie

Could there actually be such a thing as a carrot cake smoothie? And if so, why haven't I known it until now?

Because it is really, really, REALLY good. Just like a liquid and all healthy carrot cake. And oh so simple to make. Recipe came from the same vegetarian magazine Vego, as the fantastic vegan, glutenfree banana pancake recipe, but from their Instagram feed.

I was a bit sceptical at first, but as soon as I had a first sip I knew the world would be a much better place if everyone drank carrot cake smoothies at least once a week - preferably while wearing Moomin sneakers - it was delicious. And I even forgot to add the walnuts, but it was still amazing.

For one big or two smaller glasses you need this:

1 carrot
1 banana
2,5-3 dl oat, soy or almond milk
a handful of walnuts - can be omitted
1/4 tsp grounded cinnamon
1/4 tsp grounded cardamom

Peel the carrot and banana. Put everything in the blender and whizz.

Enjoy!

sustainability engagement mapping 2015

Today the report Sustainability Engagement Mapping 2015 was released by Whispr Group and Sustainable Brand Index. It's a study of the formation of opinion in Sweden regarding sustainability. I got information that I was on this mysterious list and was invited to the breakfast seminar. 

My first reaction was, oh another one of these lists of everything, of which I'm number xxx thousand or so. But then I decided to attend the breakfast anyway just because it's a topic I am very interested in of course. I didn't feel too good when I woke up this morning and reluctantly decided against going.

When I later saw the report and the list I really regretted I was unable to attend. Because I'm so happy and proud to be not a xxx thousand or so on a long, blah list but in fact rated number 62 of the 100 "Most influential opinion-makers in Sweden within sustainability with the highest engagement and credability in social media" - it's a list full of amazing people and organisations. A lot of them after me on the list - the fact that Johan Rockström, award winner and internationally acclaimed expert on global sustainability issues is right behind me as number 63 is pretty darn mindblowing!

Together we can make a difference. We need to.

And since I as number 62 also am Prosit Ord & Bild AB, this commitment is of course what you get when you work with me - feel free to get in touch.

You can read the report here (only in Swedish) - http://bit.ly/1NPjTE9

vegetable balls from ikea

In general I stand by my view of not being a fan of IKEA. But I'm also aware of the fact that they've come up with many cool and useful sustainability initiatives and projects these past few years. Of which I'm certainly a great fan.

One of them is the launching of these climate smart vegan veggie balls, which they both serve in their restaurants and sell frozen in big bags.

I only tried them yesterday and I thought they were quite nice, if lacking a bit in seasoning. But definitely something I will buy again! They've also a little freebie recipe brochure which is full of interesting and mouthwatering green, climate friendly recipes and ways you can use the veggie balls. And the pictures are gorgeous - much like the IKEA bake-book.

Have you tried the veggie balls?
What did you think?

the bumblebee's last rest

At least this little fuzzy fella got a very lovely last resting place.

There are quite a few bumblebees around still, which surprise me since it's awfully late in the season. And from what I learnt by the bumblebee book - A sting in the tale by Dave Goulson - that's not a common thing in the very short life of bumblebees. Oh what have we done with the world...

I'm 1/3 through the book and while it certainly is an easy read, fascinating subject and a new learning experience I have to say that the first chapter about his childhood days and excessive animal hoarding without, obviously, parental guidance has left me with a really bad aftertaste. And sorry, but that feeling lasts no matter how well meaning and responsible the rest of the book might be.

So any animal lover out there who's thinking about reading the book, do skip that first chapter. And possibly the one where he talks about his efforts in taxidermy too.

recycle bins, please

For so many years now I've found it absolutely ridiculous that there aren't any 'paper' bins in the city that offers recycling possibilities. Because sorting your waste and recycling is so very important and Swedes are in general very  good at it. 

But as soon as you have something to eat and drink on the go (without a keepcup and such) there are no possibilities of sorting plastic, glass, tin, paper and waste. Everything gooes into the same bin. What a waste, on many levels.

Recently visited the city of Örebro (remember the big yellow rabbit?) and was so very pleasantly surprised by the fact that they had these simple, clever recycling bins: four compartments for respectively paper, glass, plastic and waste. Great!

Why this isn't obvious and obligatory in every city already, stupidity.

the rhubarb planting inspector

Every home and garden should have one. They're very efficient and helpful. Really.

let there be light

happy to report my lovely solar bird lights have finally begun to shine in the dark again. which is another sign of spring. which also make you think about how dark our days have been for a long winter season up until now. 

the days have seemed light enough for about a month now, but the truth is there hasn't been enough sun to power the lights. 

but now there is, hooray!

the reusable keepcup

finally i got me a reusable, biodegradeable keepcup. in brilliant colours - red, pink, orange.

it seems ridiculous to keep buying the takeaway soy lattes in paper/plastic cups which you mostly can't recycle because there are no recycle bins available out and about.

i'm not a very regular drinker of these takeaways, i mostly sit down at the cafe for them. but still, too many papercups for comfort.

so meet my new clever cup, which i simply must remember to take with me whenever there's a slight chance the day holds a takeaway coffee. 

every little step for a better world helps. and why not make those steps colourful?

banana pancakes, i think i love you

A year ago the first issue of the Swedish vegan food magazine Vego was released. Finally a food mag you could actually enjoy every page of and not having to flip pass pages of dead animal pieces or ads for yet another unhealthy and unsustainable meat product. At last.

The photos are gorgeous and mouthwatering, the recipes are simple to follow. First I admittedly found the recipes a bit off putting since there's a lot of dairy free but contain palm oil ingredients (not the sustainable kind). But if you can look past that and find the recipe that actually works without those ingredients or hold none of them, the magazine is full of great tasting and kind recipes.

The guy who started the mag is apparently a Swedish food blogger. I hadn't heard of him before, but then again I admit to not being an avid blog reader and certainly no reader of Swedish blogs in general. He has since also published a great vegan cookbook, from which I've also enjoyed several fab recipes.



One of my absolute favourites so far (from the latest issue 1/2015) is the recipe for banana pancakes. Who knew they were so simple to make, without eggs, super tasty and healthy. Plus gluten free if you chose oats that is. The small pancakes are absolutely delicious, filling and satisfying without leaving you feeling bloated. I've tweaked the recipe slightly.

Banana pancakes

2,5 dl rolled oats
2 bananas (perfect to use up frozen or very ripe ones)
1 dl buckwheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
3,5 dl oats milk (or soy etc)

rapeseed oil for frying

Put everything in a food processor and whizz until a smooth mixture. Daub small pancakes in a fring pan with the oil. Fry until golden on both sides.

Serve with fruit salad or your favourite jam and whipped soy cream. 

the cat who loved organic tea

oh what is this? 

tea you say. 

organic tea.

something nice to drink you say.
would i agree you think?

oh organic tea i think i loooves you!

- and yes it is quite a lovely tea, for humans too. from one of our major grocery store chains ica. their own organic brand, i heart 3 eco. Black teas with arctic berries, lingonberries and bramble resp sea buckthorn and forest berries. Very fine Swedish flavours indeed.

hello there green and blue boots

It was a luxuary problem, I admit, but I couldn't decide on green or blue. And since it was a good sale on the El Naturalista website and the only size left in both colours was mine I took it as a sign. 

They should both move in with me. And actually, they're kind of three and not two pairs because obviously one can wear them as an odd pair too.

When they arrived today the cats were almost as excited as I. (Some more than others.) And a thorough inspection began.

I think both the blue and the green hues are gorgeous. Plus the cute pattern on top of the boots' shafts looks very similar to the classic Swedish Lovikka mitten embroidery. 

To be honest the cowboy boots style has never been my cup of tea, but colours and comfort (and sale) made me do it. And I think they're a lovely two (three) pairs and perfect for winter/spring. 

Can't wait to begin experimenting with different stockings and socks. It's going to be a colourful, invigorating spring indeed!

kind eggs 2015

It's that time of the year again, when kind eggs enter this house. I've stopped using eggs in my cooking and baking altogether, when I don't have these at hand. The free range organic eggs layed by family members pet chickens. It's surprising how easy it is to cook, bake and eat food with no eggs in it.



When I'm eating out I shy away as much as possible from food containing eggs. It isn't always possible if you don't follow a strict vegan lifestyle. But, easier than one thinks. Most often than not we chose food in a routine-like way and opt for a simple choice.



But we can all think. Well, most of us anyway. And we can all make better, kinder choices. It's easier than you think. And thinking is easy. The doing is the trickier thing. Or not.



I wish the whole world was a place for small-scale business and production. Where care, concideration and compassion was a natural part of running a business and not something and someone you carelessly sacrifice for ridiculous profit margins.



I treasure these 30 kind eggs and I will bake lovely cakes with them. And enjoy eating them I'm sure. When the eggs are all used up for this time I will return to my no egg baking and cooking again. And the world is a better place for it. At least some chickens world.

And if more people chose wisely and cared about the lifes that's sacrificed for the food they routine-like eat the world would be an even better place.

say hello to the earviator

Or, you never get too old for wearing a cat hat!

When The North Circular - you know, the company who knitted the darlin' innocent bobble hat - announced 40 % sale on Instagram the other month I knew I had to get this fabulous cat cap. Or as they brilliantly call it, earviator hat. Needless to say it was the cat ears that called my name. I've always wanted a cap with ears, but have never found one that's more stylish than childish. Not to mention I've not managed to knit one that doesn't look silly.



I'm so happy I chose it in red (it comes in off-white, black and electric purple too), it's such an uplifting colour - and no I don't think it makes you look devilish. Just like the innocent bobble hat, the earviator is handmade with love by gran Shirley of Devon.



I also bought the knitting book "A good yarn" which apart from lots of inspiring patterns (for different levels of skill) and lovely photos also tells the story of The North Circular brand, the women behind it and their values. Obviously I had to get my copy signed.



Shopping at its best, handmade, quirky, slowfashion far from the cheap, massproduced wear and tear stuff you find in the high street stores.

Knitting brings the world together and soothes the soul.

yellow lemon heart

What do you do when life hands you organic lemons?
Well, colour match them with bobbaloos of course!

Also I read such an interesting piece - on LinkedIn of all places, it's in Swedish but I'm sure you can get the same info by googling - about the benefit of lemons and lemon water. And since I do feel a bit blah, pale, listless and frumpy - yup that too - at the moment despite good food and my supplements - it has indeed been a long dark winter and it's far from over... - I thought I'd give it an organic go.

Heart bowl by ceramist friend Lena

hello there morning juice 2015

A year ago I got the fabulastic juicer. I made and drank so so many freshly made juices during 2014, during some periods one per day, but usually it was about 3-4 per week. Then during the last few months of the year I admit I slacked. Badly.

I hope I will be able to rectify that and get back into that great habit of very regular juicing again. Because it is awesome. Both for body, soul and planet.

My favourite combo is still carrot - apple - ginger and that's what I thoroughly enjoyed this morning. Looking forward to many many more of those to come this year.

What's your favourite juice combo?

waste sorting for biofuel

This week my community association (samfällighetsförening) will begin the waste sorting with a separate waste bin for us to throw our separate food waste. Some tenements buildings in my municipality have already been doing this for some years but during 2015 most households in the municipality will be commited to this.

Most likely most of us who live in our own houses have composts, but for people like me who don't  - though I still fertilize my flower beds with veggie peels and juicer waste, just not in a very organized compost way - it's a great way to contribute to a greener, better world with the opportunity to finally turn the waste into biofuel! Better late than never and one good way to start a brand new year.

Along with the bags and bag-holder came the information leeflet, with the most befitting title "Hur svårt kan det va'?" (How hard can it be?) - something more people on this planet should ask themselves really. In so many ways and areas of life.

How do you sort your waste?
Do you have a private compost or
are you offered biofuel-waste management?

the kånken backpack save the arctic fox special edition

My mother is far from the only one who loves the classic Swedish Kånken backpack, but as it happens this mini version is her Christmas gift. The size is for small children, but since it's a versatile design it's also a practial handbag for grown-ups who, unlike me, enjoy the concept of a backpack.

Yes a backpack is a practical way of carrying things but a) my back and shoulders actually hurts from using it and b) it's terribly impractical and unsafe when it comes to carrying the wallet, phone etc. I do use my Kånken backpack when I have to carry heavy stuff and the computer but to be honest I try to use it as rarely as possible because it quickly becomes pretty painful to do so.

Kånken comes in a multitude of colours, but I quite like the two-coloured ones and this one came with the bonus of an additional 10 euro on the price going to Save the Arctic Fox-campaign. The arctic fox being the model for the Fjällräven logo.

How's your relationship with backpacks,
love, hate or indifference?

kränku christmas tea

Apparently you can't have too many Christmas teas. Thus this lovely package with teas from Swedish tea company Kränku, based on the island of Gotland, arrived the other day. Just to make sure we really really hopefully are all tea set over Christmas. The package smelled fantastic when opened and it's filled with four teas - organic Rainbow tea (a blend from the Pride festival) with currant, corn flower, apple, sunflower, orange and strawberry ; rooibos Christmas tea with spices, green Christmas tea with spices and rooibos Hot chocolate tea. They all sound amazing, I do hope they taste as wonderful as they smell!



The big bag with pink text is Kränku's own coffee blend with chocolate and cardamom flavour, it's a gift and it sounds lovely. Hope it'll be appreciated by reciever.

Also, if you are interested in getting or swapping Christmas cards, please let me know. I plan to send the last ones this weekend. They most likely won't arrive before Christmas if you're outside Sweden/Europe, but New Year's cards are special too!

two hours of sun

It's official. The month of November has so far only offered 2 whole hours of sun in Stockholm. Two. Hours. Sun. And not even cohesively. Although in this case I'm not sure that would have been better or worse.

The lack of sun and natural vitamin D was an issue in October already. It's really really bad for the mood and the overall well-being. And given I'm eating vitamin D supplements and other stuff plus overall decent food I'd hate to know how it'd feel if I wasn't. Another depressing effect of climate change.

Two months ago the sun was still generous. Not to mention four glorious months ago... Everything feels better with a reasonable amount of sun. There's sadly only so much cat cuddles and good cups of teas can do for the overall mood when the body and soul scream for sun.

How do you survive reasonably intact during this time of the Scandinavian year? Or wherever you might live with similar dark, glum weather?