Have a nice Sunday everyone!
This week is a long weekend reading. I missed it last week as I was in beautiful Barcelona.
This was our first trip to Barcelona and we booked it as a surprise holiday for Sam’s birthday. I managed to surprise him until just before we got to the airport security gate. I wanted to tell him a few times, but I’m glad I didn’t. It was all worth it when I saw the look on his face when the ticket said ‘Barcelona.
I had a great time in Barcelona, but I have to admit that the weather made me feel sick. I’m not usually one to let the weather dictate my vacation, but it rained all weekend, so I feel like Barcelona would be a much more enjoyable city with some sunshine. But since it’s the middle of winter, I can’t complain!
The main highlight of our holiday was staying at the Cotton House Hotel. Well, it was wonderful. Although it was one of the most luxurious and luxurious hotels, it was actually very casual, but had a relaxed and inviting atmosphere we loved it. Full video review coming soon!
I also have a few posts about flying with a small baby and traveling to Barcelona with a baby. We took Joseph, but left George at home with his parents. Joseph was truly a dream. I really think that the smaller the baby, the easier it is to travel with them. Keep an eye out for those posts next week.
Joseph took his first flight today! As you can see, it worked. He was asleep before takeoff, but he woke up briefly to eat, and then he fell asleep again. This baby was made for travel!
Photo posted by Monica (@themamahack) on January 20, 2017 at 11:26am PST
And this week, while I was in Barcelona, Elle jetted off to Japan for an amazing press trip. You can see some of her tweets here. I was very lucky to get behind-the-scenes updates through her Facebook Messenger during her travels. Most of her messages went something like this: It’s true that there are no beds here. I don’t know what I can touch or what I can wear. You will be instructed to put on a robe.”
I laughed out loud at the thought of Elle trying to figure out how to wear a robe in a hotel room without a bed. It’s true (lol.
But for now, I want to talk about something I’ve been seeing a lot this week. I think it’s going to be a big thing!
Introducing Lagom: Move over hygge, there’s a new Scandinavian buzzword in town
If you’re like me, your social streams are filled with ‘Hygge’ over the Christmas period. A wood stove and mulled wine, chunky jumpers, knit socks, cashmere cardigans, scented candles, and perfectly manicured hands wrapped around a steaming mug of milky coffee. It’s warm, cozy, and very Scandinavian.
If you’re hiding under a rock or don’t follow a single lifestyle blogger (because every lifestyle blogger in the world features a book about hygge on at least one social media channel); If so, I should explain. Hygge is a Danish word that refers to the sense of comfort and well-being we feel when enjoying everyday moments. Sitting by the fireplace with your puppy on your lap, drinking wine and chatting with your best friend is very hygge. (I’m not sure if I used “hygge” in the correct context there. Are you hygge? Are you hygge? Is that hygge? I don’t know.)
I first encountered “hygge” on a winter trip to Copenhagen, and I really feel it when I walk around the city. Peek into the windows of shops, hotels, and homes and you’ll see flickering candles, cozy knitwear, and people putting down their phones and just enjoying the moment. Then I found it in other Scandinavian countries, but I wasn’t sure if it was hygge or if Scandinavians just like candles and atmospheric lighting. They also sell nice lights…
I loved it at first. I admired the fact that there was a word to describe this homely and comfortable atmosphere. Admittedly, I didn’t realize there was a huge hole in my vocabulary, but I was glad to finally have it filled.
And with hygge taking over and flipping it all over the place, I have to admit I’m pretty happy to see a new Scandinavian trend happening.
Apparently hygge was last year’s buzzword and 2017’s buzzword is lagom. And Lagom is something I really like.
Largom, pronounced “rah-gom”, roughly means “just right” and means having a more balanced lifestyle. Goldilocks had the right idea: not too much, not too little, just the right amount. It is important to do everything in moderation and prioritize what is important. It’s important to live sustainably and strike a healthy balance in all areas of your life.
Ramgom also has a frugal vibe and strives to curb wasteful habits.
For me, lagom is about saving money on certain things in order to spend it on things that truly make you happy. That might mean skipping your monthly shopping spree or ditching your expensive gym membership and spending that money on something more meaningful. Something that can lead to long-term happiness, not just temporary joy after buying a new handbag. Well, it’s like traveling….
I think Lagom is the perfect concept for people like me who have completely forgotten about their New Year’s resolutions.
I went all out with my New Year’s resolutions in mind. I was going to cut out chocolate, exercise six days a week, wake up at 6am every morning, and accomplish everything on my to-do list. I was basically going to be a gym addicted overachiever saint.
It lasted about four hours before I got completely overwhelmed and reached for the biscuit tin.
So I think I’ll try to be a little more Lagom from now on. Am I using it correctly?
Rather than trying to do everything, I try to do it in moderation. Instead of trying to do everything on your to-do list, choose one or two things to do each day.
I’m not going to try to travel anywhere. Every year, I choose a place I really want to go to and focus on that. It’s not about taking one grand vacation every year, it’s about breaking up his year with small trips. This is my trip!
Here’s what else I’ve been reading/seeing/loving this week…
Loss of a relatable blogger? Lorna, literally
As someone who has been reading blogs for a really long time, I found this post really interesting. Blogs used to be like magazines written by ordinary people for ordinary people. There is no such thing as a glossy, glossy, perfect airbrushed image. Just ordinary people doing ordinary things and spending ordinary amounts of money on ordinary lives. But now, many of the “big bloggers” are living very ambitious lives. Perhaps it’s simply because we like to read about people whose lives are more glamorous than ours?
5 Tips for Capturing Everyday Family Moments Digital Photography School
It’s really difficult to take pictures of adults. Adults move, look away, or make strange faces. Taking photos of children is about 100 million times more difficult because it does all these things faster. This is a very simple photography guide, but it is very useful for taking pictures not only for children but for everyone. I especially like number 4, which is about making the moment happen instead of sitting around waiting for it to happen.
My minimalist challenge Side street style
I love this challenge that Laura has set herself to live a “less is more” lifestyle. She plans to get rid of 50% of her possessions and support slow fashion and ethical brands. She will streamline and simplify her own life and I can’t wait to see how she does.
Why you should start blogging with New Year Pro Blogger
OK, I’m a little late in sharing this post, but I loved this post for a few reasons. Almost everyone I know who reads blogs wants to start their own blog. If starting a blog was your New Year’s goal in 2017, but you haven’t achieved it yet, read this article to get the extra motivation you need.
10 Family Travel Blogs That Prove You Can Work, Travel, and Parent Travel Break
There are so many great family travel bloggers out there, but here are 10 of the best that you should definitely keep an eye on!
DIY Camera Bag Wallet Travel Fashion Girl
When I read this, I thought, “Why didn’t I think of this!” Kind of a moment. I’ve never tried to find the perfect camera bag. The reason is either the bag is too expensive, too bulky, or just screams “A bag full of expensive camera gear!” But this is a very simple solution to a long-standing problem.
Let’s get started, what are you waiting for? Young adventurer
This is another resolution for people who have made New Year’s resolutions but haven’t really taken it seriously yet. Yes, you know who you are.
As you know, the end of Girl vs Globe Girl vs Globe
Here’s one more thing about sustainability and avoiding this materialistic lifestyle that many of us have adopted. It’s also about ethical travel and recognizing the impact you’re having on the planet by jetting off to the other side of the world. I read it with great interest, but there are some things that have been bothering me lately.