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Family

  • Family, Lifestyle, Tips

    Digital organisation – 5 tips to share your life

    Lately I’ve been brainstorming a lot about how to truly help and support people to thrive and live a life that’s calm, enjoyable, meaningful, and fulfilling. My mission is to help you get there, by simplifying, decluttering and organising every area of your home, business, and life so that you can design and create your own ideal way of living. This all becomes one step tougher being an expat without a support network.

    Yes, it for sure takes time for most of us to figure out how to thrive and what our true purpose in life is. What is absolutely certain, however, is that it cannot become clear if we hide behind our past, our physical stuff, our digital clutter or excuses of any sort. Physical or mental clutter, visual or hidden…it’s all the same block hindering us seeing the forest for the trees.

    What I’ve learned from many of my expat friends and clients (and from myself too!) is that sometimes after a huge effort, like settling into a new country, exhausted after a big move and all that it entails, we experience analysis paralysis. Instead of organising ourselves, taking action to move forward towards that joyful and meaningful life, we do nothing. Nada. Zip zero. And that’s totally OK! Accept it, acknowledge it and embrace it. Once this period of recovery is over, however, it’s time to get out there.

    Digital organisation
    Tip 1: Find your tribe away from home

    Community is one of the most important, if not THE most important aspects of expat life. Find your tribe, big or small, as long as you have someone to share life’s ups and downs with and get you out of the house locally. If you’re new to Switzerland, check out a few of the below amazing expat initiatives:

    Firstly, there is our own Coffee with a purpose organised by Pragati and My Swiss Story. The objective is very simple – every month a small group of women will come together over a cup of coffee and practice meaningful networking.

    Another community initiative is The Happy Hub (of which I’m a happy sisterhood member too!), where you can connect and meet (online and/or in-person) with like-minded women.

     

    Tip 2: Explore, create memories, take pictures

    Creating memories is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Memories are what we cherish the most and keep with us in our hearts, no matter where and how far away we are from our loved ones. With today’s tech overload we’re able to take pictures just about anywhere and anytime.

    Explore your surroundings, take those pictures, and make sure you’re in some of them too! It’s also a digital legacy we leave for future generations and this legacy needs to be taken care of with respect, care, and some discipline. Why discipline? Well, read on.

    Tip 3: Digital organisation made simple

    If you think about future generations, are your digital files and photos organised so that your loved ones are able to access your precious photos and important documents? Or are they just left unorganised on a hard drive behind unknown passwords? Have a think about your current digital organisation systems and storage solutions. 50K+ pictures “just stored” on your phone do not serve anyone, do they?! Thousands of emails in an overflowing inbox, a desktop with hundreds of files on top of each other…a phone with so many unused apps and clutter that you’ve given up on where to start.

    I know, it makes you feel anxious and overwhelmed. I know, because I’ve been there. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

    Ultimately, in order to keep your digital files organised, you will also need cloud syncing, a backup system and preferably an external hard drive too. And PS: Just ask for help if this sounds like an obstacle you are unable to get your head around.

    Tip 4: Share and create

    Your family and friends living far away from you want to hear from you. They really do! There are so many options and possibilities you can do these days, the list is indefinite. However, what many of us underestimate is the power of physical photos. Have the best ones printed and send them off, or make a photo book for Christmas or as a gift. It is truly an expression and gift of love.

    Examples of how to share your digital photos:

    • Email/messaging/social media
    • Print outs
    • Online family galleries
    • Digital photo frame (you can upload new ones remotely)
    • Photo books (monthly, yearly)
    • Printed photo calendars
    • Photo products (mugs, pillows, key rings, etc.)

     

    little girl with her grandparents
    Tip 5: Delete, maintain, organise

    If you want your digital photos to stay organised the first thing we need is a change of mindset and daily habits. What is that supposed to mean? Well, rather than scrolling social media when you pick up your phone for the 256th time during the day, go into your Photos app and DELETE anything you don’t need from the previous 24 hours! For most of us 5 mins per day is enough and you’re done. Choose a timing, set a reminder, sleep and repeat.

    Delete ruthlessly and fearlessly the following:

    Duplicates
    Bad/blurry shots
    Screenshots you no longer want/need

    If you have an iPhone select ONE out of 100 bursts pictures and make sure to choose a ‘key photo’ of any live photos you’ve made. They will be taking up so much less space than the tiny live photo videos do.

    This way your photos are always updated, chosen with joy, and already selected as top ones for potential future photo books. And your phone memory will thank you.

    Do you feel overwhelmed and anxious when thinking about your digital files?
    Make sure to download my app and get started with the digital decluttering challenge!
    The goal is to regain control over your tech and feel peace and calm within.

    LET’S DO IT

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  • Family, Home, Lifestyle

    KonMari your relationship

    The moment you choose to discover and accept your most authentic self, magic happens. You will liberate yourself, peel off the inessential, and become free to fully own your life. So what does it have to do with your relationship? Well, it all starts with loving yourself. Without self love, there is no capacity to genuinely love another.

    Remember, when we were still able to travel by plane….? Put on the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others. Or, putting it in KonMari and decluttering terms: you can’t KonMari anyone else before you’ve KonMari’d yourself.

    When it comes to intimate relationships, knowing what does and does not spark joy isn’t as simple as it is for objects, but the KonMari philosophy is the same.

    MARIE KONDO

    Introspection – happiness comes from within

    Taking care of your inner world is crucial for achieving happiness. According to positive psychology researcher Sonya Lybomirsky, “happiness is the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile”. External factors also shape the way we think and feel about life, ourselves, and our partner, especially now, having lived with a global pandemic for a year.

    So what is the reason we should look deep within ourselves first before looking after our partner? It’s not uncommon that we project our feelings and see our own flaws in others, resulting in unfair criticism. Yeah, most of us have done it at some point in time. So go back, look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if there are areas within you needing some (more) decluttering, love and care. Here’s how:

    Take care of yourself

    Spend time in nature. Exercise regularly. Eat healthy and nutritious food. Make time for yourself and spend time doing what you love, also alone. Be grateful for what you have and exercise mindfulness in a way that resonates with you. Rest and sleep enough, it makes all the difference for your mood and mindset (especially if you have kids!). A healthy body leads to a healthy mind which also reflects in your relationship.

    Detox your life from anything that doesn’t serve you

    Just like you would KonMari your clothes and any other belongings, take a look at all areas in your life with the same spark joy mentality in mind. Surround yourself and your partner only with people that support, uplift, and nourish you. Assess your home, health, relationships, purpose and work life, finances, commitments, lifestyle, consumption, fun, and values. Letting go of anything that drains you of energy, toxic even, will create more space for you and your partner to live with less stress and enjoy more tranquility and quality of life.

     

     

     

     

     

     


    Invite fresh joy into your relationship with these 4 tips

    Whether you feel like embarking on a joint decluttering journey or just wish to communicate better make sure to discuss your vision, ideal lifestyle, and common goals. Listen, learn and care about your partner’s dreams, hopes and wishes – you might be surprised at what you hear and it might just be the motivator you need to start that long due project.

    1# Prioritise by creating uninterrupted date space in your diary

    No more excuses. In other words, ruthlessly declutter your calendar from insignificant commitments that you simply don’t enjoy but feel you need to attend for various reasons. You actually need to invest time in your relationship and prioritise your partner if you want your relationship to work! Schedule a regular weekly date, whether you stay home for take away dinner or take a walk around the block. Take turns in organising something fun for each other, be creative. Try a new hobby together. Make it simple, especially now when options are limited anyway, it doesn’t need to be complicated to spend quality time together, as long as it’s without any distractions.

    #2 Declutter your bedroom

    Maybe you would be keen on more romance but your partner’s clothes are piled up all over the bedroom? The bedside tables full of visual clutter? You may not even realise how much this affects you subconsciously by increasing your stress levels. If you want your bedroom to feel calm and be an inviting place where you can rest and recharge the most powerful thing you can do for yourselves is to tidy up. Fold that laundry, clear those surfaces and wash those sheets and bedding on a regular basis. Make your bedroom your own, fresh haven of harmony and happiness.


    #3 Unplug from your tech devices

    The wasted time scrolling on social media is never coming back to you. Maybe those messages and emails can wait until tomorrow? One of the most appreciative and caring things you can do for your partner is to turn off your devices at a certain time each day (unless you’re expecting an important call/message) and be available and present in the moment.

    #4 Surprise your partner

    Do you know what your partner likes? What makes him/her tick? Surprise your partner from time to time by doing just that. Whether it’s cooking an amazing meal, hugging, kissing, wearing sexy underwear, or leaving hidden love notes for your partner to find. Whatever you do, never take your partner for granted, stay positive and grateful, always. That is truly attractive.

     This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me.

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  • Family, General, Home, Lifestyle

    2020 – A LEGO kind of year

    Dear 2020,

    THANK YOU for showing us so many new ways to grow, to do things differently and to be there for each other.
    I’M SORRY you brought with you so much pain and suffering.
    GOODBYE. We’re done with you now and wish to move forward towards new beginnings.

    2020 was very LEGO like. You stepped hard on it and it hurt your feet so badly you wanted to SCREAM. If you’ve ever stepped on a LEGO brick (is there anyone who hasn’t?) you will know exactly what I mean. On the other hand, what seemed impossible before quickly became possible. We had no choice but to start building amazing things from those broken LEGO bricks. Impossible for many turned into I’M POSSIBLE. And that’s something we should cherish and be immensely grateful for.

    What are you grateful for looking back at 2020? Let’s look back at some of my 2020 reflection highlights and take a sneak peek into 2021…!

    #1 Creativity, blogging and My Swiss Story

    I had always dreamed of blogging but never dared to start. During the lockdown in spring I stumbled upon a few online courses, one about writing and one about photography. I got an urge to start writing and boy, that felt amazing.

    As if all the stars in the Universe were aligning, later in spring I was asked to start blogging for My Swiss Story and become part of the new editorial board as Home and Lifestyle Editor. What a privilege it’s been and an absolute honour to meet and work with these talented ladies! I’ve found my creative vein again (which had been buried somewhere deep under the other LEGOs for too long) and started to truly enjoy myself writing, photographing and creating meaningful and valuable content.

    #2 Family, time, calm and nature

    How precious wasn’t this spring to our family! We will never forget how calm and relaxed our empty diaries made us feel. We suddenly had time for all those long hikes both near and far in the mountains, the bike tours, the board games and movie nights, all spent together as a family.

    But there was of course also a downside to this amazing LEGO brick called family: being an entrepreneur, having 2 small kids at home 24/7, homeschooling them, and a previously frequent traveller husband who suddenly works from home 100% and spends 90% of his days on the phone. We cried, we laughed, we argued, we hugged, we kissed and made up, we danced, we worked out together and we were frustrated, worried and angry. The whole spectrum was there.

    And lastly there was the additional constant worry about our family members’ and friends’ health back home in Finland. We just had to make space within us for all these feelings, whether we wanted or not. And we all just had to learn to let them be there, observe them and let them go again when ready. Thank you technology for making social distancing bearable. Frequent video calls with friends and family were and still are a lifesaver. Going back home over Christmas is sadly not an option this year.


    #3 Keep sane and exercise!

    It is no secret that exercise keeps you fit and healthy both physically and mentally. This year has shown me more than ever that exercise is a total MUST in order for me to keep my sanity! Even a short walk or burst of activity makes all the difference, especially in the morning. This. Is. The. Ultimate. Self. Care. LEGO. Starting the day right.

    Some days you just want to stay in bed but the days you go out for that run, or do that short but sweet morning yoga practice or meet likeminded friends at your favourite Mom in Balance outdoor class (even in the pouring rain and with Covid-restrictions obviously!), is when you feel most alive and energised! Not sure many of you even know this, but besides being an entrepreneur I work since several years for this amazing women-only fitness concept to support and keep women and mothers of all levels fit and healthy. And it sure feels good and right to do that. Balance is key.

    #4 My Happy Home – celebrate the sanctuary you have created

    My Happy Home, my entrepreneurial baby, came to a crossroads this year. Covid interrupted all home visits in one go and forced me to look into new ways of working with clients. At first I was so upset, but looking back now it was actually a very productive, hugely positive business LEGO building break I had. Many creative parts of my business were born or refreshed: my blogs, my Newsletter and my IG, as well as introducing online coaching and workshops. New beautiful collaborations and connections have started to form. My coach told me to celebrate, all of it – and she’s so right! We are not always good at celebrating ourselves as women, too often we put others before ourselves..!

    CHRYSALISM
    It is that relaxed, calm feeling you have when you’re inside and it’s storming outside.

    What I have learned to appreciate more than ever is our curated home and our simplified lifestyle that brings us calm, balance and comfort, especially in times of uncertainty. My sanctuary is my KonMari world of joy and harmony, where less really is more, in all life areas. And no, my home is not picture perfect at all times, far from it, we just have an easily tidied mess.. ;)

    Hello 2021 – you are my year of mindful and intentional visibility

    It is not with a heavy heart I’m saying goodbye to 2020. It’s with a heart full of hope, light and excitement! I challenge and promise myself that

    • I will be kinder to myself
    • I will be enough no matter what I do
    • I will celebrate more, even tiny wins
    • I will be more present in the now
    • I will show up more in life, every day
    • I will continue to inspire and support
    • I will continue to love, do and simply be me

    Will you join me in the challenge to becoming mindfully and intentionally visible?

    “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do, and mostly live.”
    DALAI LAMA

    Happy Holidays!

    Stay Healthy And Safe.
    2021 – We Are Ready For You!

    This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me.

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  • Family, Lifestyle, Organising

    Photo books. Organise your photos and create a gift of love.

    This year many of us might not be able to travel to see family and friends over the end of year holidays. Maybe you think this strange year’s photos are not worth showcasing? Well, they are! If you ask me I think everybody should make a photo book from time to time. Wouldn’t it be amazing to make something with your own hands and see a huge smile or tears of happiness on loved ones faces? Not only as a quick fix holiday spirit boost but for long lasting enjoyment! And no, you don’t need to be a professional photographer to do this, your own smart phone pictures are more than enough! They show authentically and genuinely you and your (family’s) journey.

    Why should you make a photo book?

    It’s one of the most thoughtful, unique and personal gift ideas you can have. And it’s made with love. I have only made a few photo books myself over the years. Then life and 2 kids happened and my photo book inspiration ended with my daughter’s first year photo book. This was almost 8 years ago. We all LOVE looking at her photo book, especially the lady herself. The feeling of holding a physical book with magical and precious moments is something completely different than just looking at pictures on a smart phone or on a computer display. This year I’ve promised myself to make a family year book. Are you ready to try it together with me? And yes, let’s break it all down into smaller parts. One task per day or per week. The choice is yours – depending on when you want the gift to be ready.


    #1 Organise and sort your digital photos into a single place

    If you’re anything like me you probably have tens of thousands of pictures in your photo archive. Don’t despair, you’re not alone and we’ll get through this together! If some of them are currently stored on different devices, the first step is to bring all your photos into one place. Smart phone pictures, camera pictures on memory cards, pictures received on email or WhatsApp…the list is endless. Move them to one single place you feel most comfortable with. This can be an external hard drive, a folder on your computer or an online cloud service. The first time you do it, it will require some time and effort but once the system is in place you will only have one place you need to back up and it will stay organised when you commit to it.

    By sorting and organising your pictures into one place you will eventually save time, energy and ultimately, receive joy.

     

     

    #2 Develop a filing system and folder structure

    The truth is, there is no ‘one size fits all’ system and structure. The filing system will reflect you as a person and photographer. Your needs are as unique as you are. Here below I’ve made a list of some easy guidelines to get you started on your filing system:

    1. Create folders by year

    2. Within the year folder, create chronological sub folders:
    months, occasions, seasons, holidays, whatever feels as a logical timeline to you.

    3. If you take pictures of different themes, make sure you have corresponding sub folders for them. Think family, food, nature, sports etc.

    4. Organise your favourites in folders also by person (ie. grandparents, siblings, friends etc.) if you know that you wish to make personalised gifts during the year.

    5. Create a separate project folder, ie. Photo Book Christmas 2020. Within this folder you can break it down into further sub folders, as needed.

    How do you NOT get overwhelmed with all the pictures being taken every month?

    As a rule of thumb to always stay organised, happy with and in control of your pictures is to make use of this action list:

    * Think twice before shooting yet another picture, it will save you lots of time later on

    * At the end of each month: go through the past month, delete duplicates , blurry ones and all others that don’t pass your joy check

    * Optional: edit pictures to be kept

    * Add all the chosen photos into the right folders at the end of each month

    Speaking with my professional organiser hat on and from experience: the key is commitment and sticking to your system, once it’s up and running.

    #3 Curate your photo collection ruthlessly and realistically

    Once you’ve started decluttering your photos every month you will soon be a total decluttering photo guru! Be ruthless as well as realistic. You cannot fit all your favourite photos into one book. Unless you’re making a book series of them! Make joy based decisions and only choose the Best of the Best, the ones you truly love the most. Here too, less is more and around 150 photos is ideal for a photo book. It will be tough to get down to this number, but it will be worth it and you will feel like a champion!

    Start copying your chosen photos into the project folder and sub folders. Make sure you only COPY the pictures into your Photo Book folder, if you make a mistake and delete something you’ll still have the originals safely in store in the original folders. Once your project is done you can delete the project folder.

    Remember to check that the resolution for your chosen pictures is good enough for printing. The recommended resolution for most photo book developers is 300 dpi (dots per inch). Even if you have photos with a lower resolution they might be ok too, but maybe just in a smaller size. Usually the photo book editing software will also tell you if your picture is of a high enough quality.

    #4 Why are you making this book? Tell Your story

    When you’re creating your photo book, think of it as telling a story, Your Story. Some of these questions might be worth considering so you know what kind of story you want to tell, to whom and in what context.

    Who is it for? Grandparents? Children? Potential clients?

    What is it about? Is it about your family, important events or about a passionate hobby?

    Where will it be seen? Does the text/images need to be larger for older eyes to see? Or is it to showcase your art pictures on a coffee table?

    Why are you making this book? Is it a personalised gift? A memory book for your kids? A book to keep on display in a public space?

    Once you’re clear on the purpose of the book, you’re ready to write your texts. If you prefer texts. Some books work perfectly well without any added clarifications. Always keep your audience in mind and think about what kind of story they’re interested in hearing.

    #5 Create your photo book

    Now when your photos are in order it’s time to get creative! Choose a photo book provider based on location, quality, personal preference, budget.. Before I have also chosen a provider in my home country when making books or calendars for relatives, it’s much more cost efficient, quicker and it’s being mailed locally. Win-win. Ifolor may not be the top of them all quality wise, but a really good and affordable option if you want a provider with many different country options to send out locally from. If you’re based in Switzerland you may want to look into this family owned local Swiss company called Bookfactory. I teamed up with them because they are offering amazing quality products (their yearbook featured below) and Bookfactory have been so kind to offer our readers, that’s YOU, a 20% discount for any photo book product with the code BFXMYHAPPYHOME (valid until 31.01.2021)!

    And finally, if you get really into creation mode, I recently stumbled upon Neveo, a service where you can create and send out a monthly photo journal to grandparents or other relatives. But that’s for the next level book makers..

    Have fun creating and gifting love!

    This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me.

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  • Family, Home, Lifestyle, Organising

    The art of letting go – 4 ways to live a lighter life

    Have you noticed the gloominess in the air yet? If not straight in your own feelings and body, most certainly outside of it. Covid numbers are skyrocketing here in Switzerland. Everyone you speak to is dead tired of the virus and seems they’ve started living in some sort of limbo, like a waiting mode. A few weeks ago my body started reacting to all of this external insecurity, literally making me feel super uncomfortable in my body. I have a stress belly, and when I get stressed, I react with getting stomach issues. Pain, swelling and just pure discomfort. So what did I do to help myself? I was lucky enough to be able to take a break from it all. Since my kids were also on school holidays, it coincided with us going away for a few days to visit the beautiful southern Switzerland. I didn’t open my laptop once. I deeply reconnected with nature and started observing and copying nature’s behaviour. So what did and does nature do?

     

    Simply dropping the extra weight. Because it’s time, time to change. The gorgeous poet Rumi says it perfectly, and this simple truth is so incredibly powerful:

    BE LIKE A TREE AND LET THE DEAD LEAVES DROP.

    Rumi

    Letting the dead leaves simply fall off of you will make a massive change in how you feel overall. If you start letting go of things that no longer serve you, you will notice how much lighter you suddenly feel. Carrying all that extra weight on your shoulders and in your heart is a heavy burden. Let’s look at some helpful tools to drop that extra heaviness.


    1. Let go of any physical possessions that don’t spark joy

    If you’ve read any of my previous blogposts, you know by now that I’m a certified KonMari Consultant to my heart and soul, and I just love helping others achieving a simpler and more enjoyable life with the help of the KonMari Method. Start with your clothes, move on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous) and finally sentimental items. Hold each item and ask yourself if it speaks to you and your heart and if it helps you achieving living your ideal life? If it does, keep it with confidence! If it doesn’t make the cut, thank it for serving you and let it go gracefully (without forgetting the environmental side: reuse, recycle, resell, donate).

    Always focus on what you want to keep, not on what you want to let go of. At the end of the journey you will be surrounded only with items you truly love and cherish, to serve the person you are (becoming) now.

    2. Live in the now – gently let go of your past

    I know, I know, it’s easier said than done to live exclusively in the now. But you can work on it! When you start letting go of your physical clutter, as described above, you will almost automatically start processing your past. This in turn helps you let go of past events, relationships and eventually lets you live and enjoy the now far more without all that luggage to carry around. You are not the person you used to be, and things or people that used to be important in your life might no longer have that position. Embrace your past for all it was. Accept your past with all its faults and mistakes. Forgive yourself for any wrongdoings and forgive who and what needs to be forgiven. Finally, let it all go. You are working on the person you want to be(come). Right here and now.

    Try my top 5 daily tools to keep yourself grounded and enjoying the now :

    1. NATURE. Just go out for as long as you can, every day, to get some fresh air and feel the sun, the wind or the rain on your cheeks.

    2. EXERCISE. Walk, run, bike, do a fitness program. Whatever it is you enjoy, keep doing it, even if it’s only 10 mins you are able to spare. A healthy habit needs repetition in order to stick.

    3. KEEPING A GRATITUDE JOURNAL OR MEDITATE. A few mins every morning or evening will do. It sets the intention and your mindset for the day to come.

    4. LAUGH. No holding back!

    5. CHOOSE TO SEE THE GOOD in (almost) everything. Actively look for the bright side with no judgment. What can you learn, what can you gain?

    3. The key to change is letting go of fear

    In order for us to reach our dreams or goals, no matter how big or small these are, we must teach our minds and hearts to not be afraid of change. Fear is the biggest force holding us back from achieving what we want. How can we do this? There are many tools out there but let’s try a few tiny, easy steps we all can do in our own way, in our own pace which may possibly result in huge leaps. Make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible. Like having tea instead of coffee or vice versa

    •  * Just for today – choose to LET GO of fear.
    •  * Just for today – choose to try something NEW.
    •  * Just for today – choose to try something DIFFERENT.
    •  * Just for today – choose to SEE the world around you with different eyes.
    •  * Just for today – choose to SEE, FEEL and ACKNOWLEDGE your life differently.
    •  * Just for today – choose to be KIND in all you do. Towards yourself and others.
    • *  Today, I AM different. I have changed to be a better version of myself.

    How does change make you feel? Just by trying these out you are a WINNER.

    4. Make YOUR life your best life, letting go of all that’s no longer serving you

    We only have one life. There’s no need to fake it until you make it, you are already living it! We all get mental blocks, and sometimes they turn into physical issues, and we need these too. They’re like small lessons in life. Otherwise there is no development! And as already mentioned above oftentimes the solution is to totally let go. Let go of any possessions or relationships, self-limiting beliefs, ill working old habits, fear and old ways of doing and thinking that just no longer serve you.

    There is nothing that is a more certain sign of insanity than to do the same thing over and over and expect the results to be different.

    EINSTEIN

    You don’t need to do things the “right way”, you need to do them YOUR WAY! Isn’t that what Covid also has taught us? There are other ways of doing things, not necessarily new, but different ways. And often we sabotage ourselves by comparing us to others. There is nothing worse than comparison. Make sure you welcome only good, positive vibes and people into your life. The rest you can let go of confidently and quickly. And the truth is, YOU are uniquely YOU, nobody else can offer the world what YOU are able to.

    This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me. 

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  • Family, Home, Organising

    Organising and simplifying with kids: 4 tips on how to tackle artwork and paper crafts

    The simple truth is that our kids are, well, messy. They usually have the most stuff in the household, and as long as they are living under our roof it’s a never ending story of growth: in and out of clothes, shoes, toys, crafts, games, gadgets etc.. However, whenever I work with kids, I’m always positively surprised by their ability to find creative solutions, their willingness to help and share, and their natural need and feel for order. Some more, some less, but they all have it in them. You might just be in for a big surprise by how much they actually want to be involved and how eager they are to learn how to be(come) organised. All they need is a little help and guidance.

    So how can we help our kids? By teaching them these 3 simple things:

    1. reducing
    2. setting limits
    3. designating a home for all things

    The best part is that we as parents are actually able to give our kids a gift for life! The gift of teaching them how to appreciate and care for their belongings. Now and forever.

    I’ve recognised the worst 3 clutter culprits with kids, I bet you know too which ones these are…My top 3 list includes: clothing & shoes, arts and crafts, and toys. Clothing is no surprise, since kids might be going through 2 sizes in a few months, depending on age. But since I’ve gotten so many questions about what to do with the piles of artwork and paper crafts the kids are bringing home from kindergarten and school every single day or week (and some kids additionally creating more at home on a daily basis!) this is the category we will tackle now with our kids’ recent return to (art production) school.


    Decluttering alone or with kids and for how long?

    If your kids are over 5 years old I would suggest you do it together with them, if younger than that you can do it on your own (after they’re in bed!). Start with this project fresh on a free (weekend) morning, and depending on the age of your child(ren) try not to spend more than max. 15-30 mins in one go, since that’s usually how long kids can focus on decluttering. Remember that it takes a loot of energy for a tiny human to make so many decisions at once. My tips below might help you find your own unique way of dealing with your family’s artwork and paper craft mountain.

    TOP TIP! The more often you declutter this category, the quicker it goes! And I’m sorry to say, but it won’t be enough with one session per year! If you want to keep on top of the artwork and paper clutter, it has to be made into a fun habit and done on a regular basis. I try to do this with my kids  (pre-schooler and 2nd grader) every month.

    1. KonMari your artwork

    Decluttering artwork and paper crafts the KonMari way consist of three steps, as follows.

    Step 1: Gather all your artwork and paper crafts

    Like with all other KonMari tidying categories we start with gathering every single piece of artwork and paper crafts in the house and bring them to one place. A large floor space is all you need for this purpose. Before you start going through it all piece by piece, you might want to separate the artwork by year or month, depending on how much you have.

    Step 2: Does it spark joy – what does it mean to a child?

    Now comes the hard part. The only self evident thing is that you can’t keep it all! But what should you keep and what should you confidently let go of? When doing the joy check with kids ask them to hold the item close to them and feel if they like it. You might need to find some alternative ways to ask them what a certain piece of art means for them. I’ve put together a handy list of questions you can use when going through each item and find the gems truly speaking to their (and your) hearts:

    Comparison questions: 

    • * do you like this one or this one more? Why? 
    • * you seem to really like blue, is this blue drawing maybe your favourite?
    • * use the artwork the child seems to like the most as a reference when comparing with new items
    • * is this one so beautiful that you would like to give it to someone special (family, friends)?
    • * let’s hang your 5 favourites on your wall. Can you please show me which ones you like the most out of these (max 15 alternatives)?

    Fact based questions (mainly to help the adult guide the process):

    • * are there duplicates or even several of the same kind? Are they broken?
    • * does it represent an age/milestone/certain stage for your child?
    • * does it show a personal bond? Ie. pictures of your family, grand parents etc.
    • * did your child spend hours on something or only a few seconds?
    • * what does your child want you to save? 
    • * did you receive the artwork as a gift?

    Even if your child offers you every single drawing they make as a gift, it doesn’t mean you need to keep them all. Thank them for the gift, show them love and appreciation and they’re probably super happy with the attention. Keep only 5-10% of the best of the best, and keep them with joy and confidence.

    TOP TIP: Remember to choose what you want to keep, rather than choosing what to get rid off! Always keep an OUTBOX (paper recycling) handy so that your kids know where they can independently put artwork they’re ready to gratefully part with.

    Step 3: Find a home for each item

    Once you’re done with the selection process you have one more job to do – organising and storing, meaning deciding where these jewels should live going forward. You might have a shelf or a drawer where you keep favourite things until the next decluttering session. Or for the true gems you might want to look into one of the options below.

    2. Organise a pop up exhibition

    Do you have an empty wall at home or in your kids’ room(s)? Why don’t you make it into an art wall where your kids can exhibit their creations for the next month, and then exchange the art, like a rotating pop up exhibition?! Using a simple clothesline with some clothespins will do. Make sure the artwork is placed on a child friendly hight too. You can even invite your friends and family over for an opening apero. Make it fun! Perfectionism has no space or place in this.

     

    3. Make a memory box for each child

    My first and most important tip for working with kids is to create a large enough memory box for each child. This box is only for very special emotional belongings, milestones and memories from their childhood. Examples of items to keep in this box could be a completed baby book, the first shoes, a special occasion dress, their birth certificate, special photos and artwork, a special soft toy etc. You’re the designer and creator of this box.

    When it comes to artwork, why don’t you ask yourself this: did your parents save your old artwork and did you like getting this collection as an adult? If you did enjoy it, maybe your kids will too. But chances are they don’t want it and then you might as well consider the next option, a digital book. This is a topic with so many answers, and remember that there is no right or wrong – only what feels right for YOU!

    4. Create a photo book out of the most precious artwork

    This is a lovely idea, however, it requires you to keep track of which child did what and when. You can also choose to take a picture of the child(ren) together with their masterpiece so if you choose to make a photo book you don’t only have the masterpiece featured but also the child. There are also a few options specialised in kids’ artwork and memory books, you might want to check out Doodlenest or the Artkive app.

     

     

    Have you organised your children’s artwork yet?
    Let us know and comment below with your best tips!

     

    Best of luck and enjoy decluttering!

    This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me.

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  • Family, Lifestyle, Travel organisation

    How to pack your suitcase the KonMari way – and leave out the stress

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    I must admit two things before I even begin getting to the bottom of this joyful topic! I used to be absolutely terrible at packing. For years I used to pack too much, every single time, only to return home and realise I only wore roughly half of what I packed! Secondly, my closet used to be made up of somewhat neat piles, and I couldn’t believe people were actually folding their clothes, the KonMari way. Becoming a certified KonMari Consultant literally changed my life. Now I swear by file folding because it’s simplified my life, as a mom enormously. Therefore also packing has gotten a complete revamp. My kids travel with only a carry-on suitcase each and both of us adults have a mid-sized suitcase in addition to one piece of hand luggage each (for any trips longer than a week). Travelling light is such a game-changer, for both packing, travelling and unpacking!

    If your closet is organised, your mind and suitcase can be too!

    Travelling is an amazing adventure but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. I’ve put together 12 tips to help you pack intentionally and take the mental stress out of the equation. Enough time and an organized closet will be your best friends in preparing for your trip. If you in addition love to fold your clothes the KonMari way it will help you get a complete overview of what you have, at all times!

    Some closet prep work tips include:

      • When you fold and see everything at a glance it saves you time when choosing what you need
      • You save even more time by only owning favourites
      • If your wardrobe has a common color palette you don’t have to worry about items not matching
      • Are you a list person? Having a packing list might be helpful, especially if you pack for kids too

    Where shall I start?

     

    1. Plan ahead, mix and match and pack only the essentials

    Start planning early to avoid any last-minute stress and potential wrong decisions. Try to plan outfits in advance if possible – take with you only what you need. If you know what kind of events you will be attending, plan the outfit and check if it can be mixed and matched with other outfits too. Be honest, if you’re not sure if you’ll really wear it, leave it at home. Avoid overpacking

    2. Lay everything out on a flat surface

    You will need space to fold and get an overview of all your items to pack. Whether your closet is readily organized or not you should simply just pick out all the chosen items and hanging clothes and place them next to each other.

    3. Categorise all clothing by type

    Put all same category items together on your surface and evaluate honestly how many items of each category you will be needing. Maybe it’s enough with 3 white T-shirts instead of 6? Think about your destination and any particular local circumstances: will you be able to do laundry at your destination? Do you need to prepare for all weather conditions?

    4. Fold what you can as small as possible

    Vertical folding saves a lot of space, also in a suitcase! Roll thinner fabrics, for example, summer dresses, to prevent wrinkles. Delicate items and potential suits might be better off laid flat on top of everything else or carefully folded in the special hanging/folding compartment included in many suitcases. If you need any help with folding, please reach out!

    5. Use packing cubes (optional)

    When I found packing cubes a few years ago, it changed my family’s whole packing business for good. Packing cubes come in different sizes and are usually ca 10 cm high which means you can simply transfer your readily file folded items from your closet directly into a packing cube and the clothes stay neat for the whole duration of your trip. They protect the clothes and are see-through so you will easily be able to see what’s in them too. For this reason, I tend to keep storing the clothes in the cubes during the whole holiday! If you don’t want to use packing cubes you can of course also place your folded items directly in the suitcase. My favourite packing cubes are from Swedish Organista! Psst…by using the code HAPPYHOME15 you will get them with a 15% discount!

    6. Make up, toiletries and jewellery

    Use your usual makeup pouch, leaving out the non-essentials and any old or expired products. If useful, exchange it for a smaller travel pouch. Jewellery can be packed in a small jewellery pouch or any tiny pouch you might have at home. Pack all toiletries together in a toiletry bag, if possible pour the original product into smaller reusable travel containers to save some more space. Leave the hairdryer at home, in most places you will be able to borrow one anyway ?

    7. Devices and electrical cables

    Pack all electrical devices in your chosen piece of luggage/hand luggage, together or separately. All cables and chargers are best packed together in a dedicated pouch. Finalise by wrapping each of the cables individually with a rubber band, hair elastic or velcro band to prevent tangles.

    8. Shoes

    Shoes are bulky, so be mindful of how many pairs you will really need. On holiday we tend to first and foremost dress comfortably and pretty similarly, so go for comfort and practicality when choosing shoes. Use separate shoe bags for all your shoes to keep everything else clean in the suitcase. Pack the shoes facing each other, like they are placed in new shoe boxes, so they can easily be used to fill the small gaps that tend to emerge on the sides of a suitcase.

    9. Underwear & socks

    Underwear and bras should ideally also get a separate pouch – you can even put your panties inside the bra cups if you want to save even more space! A tiny sock pouch might also come in handy, except if you travel somewhere hot and don’t need any.

    10. Bulky items

    Try to wear any large items when traveling. The bulkiest shoes or boots in winter, that thick winter jacket, etc. The more you wear, the less you need to fit into your suitcase.

    11. Hand luggage

    Organise your backpack/handbag so that everything has its own home and can be easily found. I love using a bag organiser inside my bag so that when I change handbags I just easily move the organiser from bag to bag. Win-win

    12. Unpacking

    Unpacking couldn’t be easier if you’re folding your clothes the KonMari way also prior to your return trip back home. Using the same process as when packing – simply lift out your neat packages from the packing cubes or straight from your suitcase and return them to their home in your closet or place them in the laundry basket. It is seriously as simple as that.

    I hope I have managed to inspire you too to find ways to pack smarter and lighter and transform your travel experience with these tips! If you have any questions or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out. I too will soon be busy packing for our holidays in the Finnish archipelago, my childhood paradise. Head over to my Insta for more inspiration over the summer!

    Happy summer (travels) and stay healthy!
    xx
    Helena

    This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me.

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  • Family, Home, Lifestyle

    8 Easy Steps To Win Chaos and Enjoy Harmony In My Happy Home During Quarantine Times And Beyond

     So we’ve all been at home with the family for weeks in a row now, some enjoying it enormously while others are going nuts. The Internet instantly got inundated with funny videos about moms getting grey hair in no time and drinking wine for breakfast. How were we, over night, to cope with working from home and at the same time becoming teachers, IT support, chefs, housekeepers, fitness instructors, nurses, coaches, mediators not to mention remembering there might also be a partner in the equation? Is there a way to truly enjoy the quarantine instead of getting on each others’ nerves every 5 minutes? I believe so.

    Honestly, there is no right or wrong. The simple truth is that both of these worlds and feelings are profoundly ok, even if they some days might take us by surprise and happen all at once! The most important thing is to acknowledge them and at the end of the day, accept them for what they are. Feelings. We are not our feelings. Let’s allow them to come and go. Just like the waves of the ocean. You create your own haven of harmony.

    I have 2 young kids, who are now 7 and 4. I love them to bits but with those two a beautiful chaos called life moved in too and hasn’t left since! However, these kids are the purest of joy gifts, and they’ve taught me more than anything that less is more, on so many levels. In the past few years I’ve decluttered our home and my life so thoroughly that I found my missing peace of the puzzle, became an entrepreneur as a KonMari Consultant & Lifestyle Coach in one go and I now support others choosing joy, organising and creating a home they truly love by simplifying their lives too. And I absolutely love what I do. 

    What does it mean to simplify?

    Simplifying and decluttering your life is like an artichoke. Little by little you peel the layers away and with time you reveal the heart of it all. The things that truly matter in life. Are you able to see beyond what you already have in life? Gratitude goes such a long way and being able to cherish, appreciate and enjoy what is already there in front of our eyes. I’ve put together an introduction to simplifying your life, with small, easy manageable steps, doable during a quarantine or after. Whenever you feel the time is right.

    1. Take down the expectations a level or two
    You can’t expect as much from yourself and each other as before the lockdown. You still only have 24 hours in a day and one pair of hands. Relax and take a break. You’re perfectly imperfect just as you are.

    2. Presence & grounding
    To reduce any potential stress levels the first step for you to do is turn off your phone and decide what kind of (stay-at-home) life you really want and need right now. Sit with the thought and let the answers come to you. Your intuition will help you find the most important things for you. Invite your kids to do the same during a quiet moment. The next step is to take out everything that isn’t what you want right now. And I don’t mean physical items only. We’re talking about social media, TV, the flow of (bad) news, junk food, negative people…you name it.

    3. Minimise your to-do list
    It’s not the end of the world if you haven’t finished your never ending to-do list or that the kids’ homework is not perfectly done every single day. Do me a favour, cut down your to-do list to only a few carefully selected items for each day. You will notice how much more feasible it feels and maybe you tick them off quicker than you’d expected? Regardless: you are still enough even if you don’t finish a single thing.

    4. Gratitude and togetherness
    It’s really helped my family to hold regular family gratitude moments to share and truly listen to each other, even if the needs are quite basic for the small ones, they might mean the world to them! The biggest wish for the kids has mainly been about doing a small activity together, all 4 of us. It’s the little things that matter most.

    5. A tidy home truly equals a tidy mind
    Clutter is simply anything that stands between you and your ideal lifestyle. Your home can be perfectly tidy and still filled with clutter. Or it can also be filled with things and still provide an ideal source of growth. We’re all unique and one size does not fit all of us. Simplifying is not about minimalism, the amount of belongings or how it looks. What matters is how all these things help and support you move towards your ideal lifestyle. Think about how your home and environment make you feel? If you could get from feelings of overwhelm, maybe even hopelessness to light, happy, airy and joyful…would you do it? Lead by example for your family and start with any small (or big) tidying project that support you feeling amazing in your home. Tidying is contagious, you might be surprised…

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    6. Be more with less
    Be mindful about what comes in to your home. Shop less if you can, and if you do need to shop, be aware, do some research on the origin, material of the items and working conditions. Make sure you choose well, long lasting and environmentally friendly. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Repurpose is a concept that works perfectly well in any household, especially when you don’t have direct access to shops right now. And honestly, the less material possessions you own the easier your home and life is to manage and maintain.

    7. Tidy tips and slow living
    When your home gets (too) messy invite your kids and family to take responsibility of a task or area, share the tasks and be involved. Let each family member visualise their ideal home and make a list of the most important organising goals for everyone. Make a visual list if helpful. Make sure that all things are returned to their homes after being used. As soon as people start leaving things around it will quickly get untidy. Ultimately the aim is to have less to do and to do more of what makes everyone happy!

    8. Find your inner Sisu

    Sisu is Finnish and has been defined as the word almost describing Finland. It has a vast amount of different meanings, from having guts to strength of will, determination and perseverance to sustaining courage. Sisu is in my Finnish DNA, it’s almost magical to us. Whatever your worries may be, find your inner Sisu – it will encourage and help you face your challenges.

     

    For more tips on home organising, a well balanced happy home and nordic living head over to my blog, visit my website and/or follow me on Instagram.

    Stay healthy and happy in your homes!

    xo,

    Helena

    This article was first published in a new, inspirational online magazine called Rich Woman Magazine. Take a look! 

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  • Family, Home, Lifestyle

    5 tips to keep your family home organised during lockdown

    Our new normal is anything but normal, but also different depending on who you talk to. Is it possible for a family to keep a home tidy and organised during a lockdown? Yes! With a positive mindset and a ‘we can do this together’ attitude anything is possible.

    Even though, being a KonMari Consultant and Lifestyle Coach myself and a fond advocate of the huge benefits of the KonMari Method®, I would always suggest that everyone should start their simplifying journey with reducing the amount of their belongings, I’m not asking you to do that. If decluttering is indeed something you do want to embark on, get started with joy checking your clothes and keep going, I will cheer you on and support you in any way I can! But if you feel that even thinking about a decluttering project is too overwhelming right now, let’s just focus on realistic, small and manageable steps to do as a family.

    To reduce stress levels the first step for you to do is decide what kind of stay-at-home life you really want and need right now. Sit with the thought and let the answers come to you. Your intuition will help you find the most important things for you. Invite your kids to do the same during a quiet moment. The next step is to take out everything that isn’t what you want right now. And I don’t mean physical items only. We’re talking about social media, TV, the flow of (bad) news, junk food, negative people…you name it.

    Here’s what you can do:

    1. 1. Hold a family meeting about your ideal organised home life and commit
      Let each family member visualise their ideal home and make a list of the most important organising goals for everyone. One goal per family member is enough. Keep the final list visible at all times and respect each other’s wishes at all times.

      An example list could look something like this:
      * Make your own bed every morning
      * Hang jackets and put away shoes to keep the entrance tidy and clutter free
      * Put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher straight after use
      * Tidy away school books/work items straight after having finished
      * Tidy all toys back to their homes before dinner
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    1.  
    2. 2. Lead by example
      Kids naturally love order, but they need help with learning HOW to be orderly. Show them how to be tidy and organised. Start by tidying yourself. Maybe fold your clothes the KonMari way and save tons of storage space would help your daily routine? If your kids are anything like mine they will ask what you’re doing and want to have a tidy closet, toy basket or room themselves. It’s so much fun to tidy together – make it into a game and you will find that you’re actually starting to enjoy tidying together!

       

    3. 3. Make sure that all things are returned to their home after being used
      This is the Ultimate Tidy Tip. As soon as people start leaving things around it will get messy and untidy. Help the family by identifying a home for all items. Store likes with likes and label your shelves, boxes and baskets if you’re into that kind of thing. For small kids a picture on a box will help them recognise the right home for their different toys and makes it a fun task instead of a boring chore.

       

    4. 4. Responsibility
      Make every family member responsible for a task/room/a small area to keep tidy on a daily basis, depending on age. This makes children feel responsible and they will feel so proud being able to manage their own task. If needed and age appropriate you can add a daily reward chart to follow how well the tasks are going and maybe pay a small salary for a job well done at the end of the week. At the same time you teach your kids how to work smart and earn money. Win-win.

       

    5. 5. Personal space & power spot
       Make sure all family members have their own working space during the day, even if you all sit around the kitchen table, as well as their own power spot. A power spot is a space where everyone can go to find peace and get some important me-time, surrounded by a few of their most cherished belongings that bring them joy. When the favourite items are always kept at the personal power spot they will a) always be easily found and they will b) not be floating around the house either and needing to be tidied away.

     

    My final tip is my personal favourite. Simple yet so enjoyable. Bring in fresh flowers if you are able to find any! They will brighten up any space and make it look lighter, happy and updated.

     

     

     

    For more tips on home organising, a well balanced happy home and nordic living head over to my blog, visit my website and/or follow me on Instagram. And please don’t hesitate to share this blog with anyone you think might like learning more about these topics.

    Stay positive, stay healthy!
    xx
    Helena

    This article post was first published on My Swiss Story, where you will find amazing resources and stories about expat life in Switzerland!

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