Didn’t I just write a Monthly Note? I can’t believe February is almost gone alas it’s time for this month’s favorites. The February Note featuring Madeline Rae – a lovely Canadian blogger living in Sweden, a book I keep browsing through over and over again, my latest lunch obsession that’s surprisingly healthy and filling plus my favorite soft pink blush since I can already smell spring. What about you?
Favorite Music
Frankly, I wasn’t listening to a lot of music this month. I don’t really know why, I go through phases, but I listened to mellow Bossa Nova music in the background while working which is very soothing. On my walks, I was catching up with my favorite podcasts – Paul Rudd on Armchair Expert was a highlight for sure!
Favorite Book
Finding new-to-me books is one of my favorite past-times. I once read that one shouldn’t feel bad for not reading a new book right away, but rather look at books like fine wine in a wine cellar. You’ll get to it eventually when the time is right! I love that thought, sadly it doesn’t really help with my book-buying tendencies.
The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down is a rare gem that has its special place on my nightstand. It’s not one to read through in one sitting but rather pick up when you feel like it. The first chapter is called Rest and about being busy and mindful. In general, it’s all about how to be calm in a busy world, and how to find back to your inner stillness, if that makes sense.
Favorite Recipe
This recipe is quick, delicious, and versatile and therefore checks all my boxes. I am talking about this Salmon Soba Noodle Bowl by Half Baked Harvest. The original recipe also adds roasted sweet potatoes which I haven’t tried yet. I usually keep it simple and go for a handful of kale (totally new to me, never liked it and now I am craving it), cucumber, red pepper, soba noodles or chickpea pasta, and some quick salmon from the oven, topped with lemon pepper. For the dressing, I mix some teriyaki sauce with water, lemon juice, sriracha, and garlic. See? So easy and filling, the perfect meal for lunch!
Favorite Beauty Product
Ever since the pandemic started, I barely use make-up anymore. I don’t really know why. It’s usually CC cream, brow pencil, and lip balm. Done. My skin got way better because of it and my eye infections stopped ever since I don’t bother with mascara anymore. For spring, I like to add some color though, maybe a lip tint from time to time when the mood strikes but some blush for a fresher look is a spring staple. My favorite soft pink non-glittery blush is Benefit’s Dandelion. It is the perfect cool shade of pink that works for fair and tan skin alike and just adds some spring vibes without effort. Have a look!
Favorite creator
Picture this: a Canadian girl is traveling the world, meets a Swedish boy while in New Orleans, falls in love, and ends up moving to Malmö, Sweden to be with him. That’s a very short summary of what happened to Madeline Rae and how she ended up living in Sweden and blogging about it!
You might have heard of her blog Madeline Rae Away or her equally stunning Instagram account, I wasn’t aware until a few months ago when I actively searched for all the information about Malmö – where to eat, what to do – when my boyfriend was about to move there for a job. I learned so much from her experience, even though the cultural differences coming from overseas are much bigger than what I as a European experienced so far.
I like Madeline’s laid-back style, non-fussy fashion choices, and impressive Swedish skills – let me tell you, it’s not an easy language to learn! If you could use some travel inspiration, want to learn more about the expat life in Sweden, and see all the food, look no further and check out her site.
What’s in Your February Note?
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