Open Allotment Day

Today was open allotment day here in Visby. Hadn't it been for my adorable neighbour who has her own plot I wouldn't have known, but now I got a personal invite! 

Geared with my old but loyal camera I criss-crossed the paths alongside the different gardens, sneaking up on bumblebees and butterflies, doing my best to take only pictures and leave the berries ...

Due to the water shortage on the island people here are only allowed to water with a watering can, not with a hose, so the fact that so many flowers survive is the result of true love and dedication :)

I came home with a little bouquet of flowers and kale that is now on my kitchen table 

Some days you don't need much more than this to be happy :) but God do I miss my greenhouses!

Staycation

I've posted photos of limestone quarries before, as there are quite a few here on the island and definitely more enjoyable to swim in than our algae-riddled Baltic sea, but none are as amazing as the one we found last weekend. 

Look at those colours!!! 

When you live on an island like Gotland it's almost considered a crime to leave during the summer months,

so when Jonatan and I both had 4 days off we decided to explore some more of the island, by bike! 

Isn't mine just a beauty? It truly is the best health-investment I've ever made. My old one didn't have gears which used to be my main excuse to take the car instead. Now I just need some winter tires so that even snow won't be an issue. (I'll let you know how that goes :p)

Since I went to a screening of the documentary Bikes vs Cars here in town this spring (and downloaded the tracking app with the same name) I've biked 350 kilometers, saved 22 liters of oil and 45 kg of CO₂! We also sold one of our cars since we moved into town and put a tow bar on the one we kept so that we can take our bikes with us when we want to go explore a bit further away from home.

So now, what are your excuses for taking the car?

How about leaving it at home and biking/walking/inline skating/carpooling?

Why not today? ;)

Your health and/or the environment will thank you for it!

xxx

Aina

Sleep

The fact that sleep is important for our health and wellbeing is nothing many people will argue against.

Many things that we take for granted are affected by sleep.

Sleep affects our quality of life!

What I find especially interesting is that sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same sectors in the brain: the hormones that are released into your blood when you are sleepy are the same ones that drive appetite. Getting enough sleep is therefore especially important for those who want to keep their weight in check.

On top of that, sleep lowers stress levels and increases emotional stability.

Plenty of reasons to make sure you get enough zzz's! 

Nothing new, but worth reminding yourself (myself) of.

Feeling a bit down, stressed or craving unhealthy foods?

Why not switch off your tv, computer or smartphone an hour earlier and treat yourself to an extra hour of restorative sleep?

I bet you can hear me coming ... Why not today?

Hint: a clutter-free yet cosy bedroom and an inviting bed definitely help!