Home Posts tagged 'Family'

Family

  • 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, 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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  • General, Home, Lifestyle

    Meet Helena – The Founder of My Happy Home

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    Hello friends, I’m Helena Zachariassen, a certified KonMari Consultant and Lifestyle Coach and founder of My Happy Home. I was born and raised in Finland, the Nordic country of pure, quiet and beautiful wilderness. I’m a total Scandi girl at heart, with a long and difficult-to-pronounce Danish surname, nevertheless loving and embracing all of the opportunities and life lessons living abroad offers. Growing up in the north and spending all my summers on a lonely but beautiful island in the archipelago made me become deeply inspired by nature, beauty and simplicity and learn to respect and honour our precious environment.

     

    Since 2011 I live in beautiful Switzerland, close to Zurich, with my husband and 2 young children. Before that, I used to live in 5 other European countries and I believe I have a wide understanding of most expat challenges by now… ?

    Q: Tell us about your work

    After spending most of my adult life in the corporate world of international business consulting supporting people in their professional development I became a mom and life changed over night. In the following years navigating a new world abroad, with two small children and no support network at hand, I was turning inwards to find my own life mission and purpose career wise. I discovered the KonMari Method® in 2016 and within a few years from this first discovery I got to meet Marie Kondo, became a certified KonMari Consultant and I was able to combine my passions and finally become an entrepreneur doing what I love!

    The KonMari Method® is all about getting to know your ideal lifestyle, and let this vision guide you in choosing joy, not only with regards to your belongings, but in all areas of life. As a Lifestyle Coach I’m passionate about supporting, empowering and inspiring people of any walk of life to simplify and transform their lives by organising their living spaces according to the KonMari Method®. If you feel overwhelmed with stuff and chaos, in other words mental and physical clutter, and you don’t know where to start or are longing for a place to call your own haven of harmony I’m your go-to person. I will hold your hand, lovingly curate and create space for a home and life you’ll love. In our individual in-home sessions (or alternatively virtual sessions!) I will teach you how to minimise clutter and maximise functionality, forever. In addition I consult you with decorating any space you feel needs a face lift or simply just re-arranging or re-purposing what you already have.

    The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.

    MARIE KONDO

    Q: What’s a day like in your heels?

    I used to wear heels to work daily, I even cycled to work in heels when I was living in Copenhagen, a true bike heaven! However, as a mother of two running around from hobbies to playgrounds and nowadays as an entrepreneur having a very hands-on job, I mostly wear flats and comfy shoes, that I totally love.

    No day is the same in our busy household. Usually my husband travels a lot, and I’m the one juggling and managing the daily home life as well as my business. Some days I have half or full day client sessions and some days I work behind the scenes creating content, photographing, writing and learning new skills for myself and my clients. Other days I spend my time as full time driver, teacher, coach, nurse and chef to my tiny humans.

    To add some more fun to the weekly puzzle I also work part-time as Community Manager for Mom in Balance Switzerland, whose mission is to keep women and moms (to be) fit and in great shape through challenging and fun outdoor workouts. Such a fun and energising concept I can hardly believe I’ve been part of it for almost 7 years already.

    My kids are my biggest joy as well as my daily teachers. I love spending time with them, but I equally love getting some needed me-time, no matter if it’s work related or simply talking to a friend over the phone. We’re so lucky to have found some lovely Au pairs, who have helped and supported our family through these busy years. What’s essential to me is that I’m able to be flexible with my work and be at home when the kids need me, especially if their dad is travelling.

    Q: What can our readers expect from you?

    I love to share ideas and inspire! Especially on all things home related, may it be tidying and decluttering, organising, simplifying, beautiful interior ideas or simply some life coaching tips for a happy home or a joyful thought. I truly hope that you as my readers will get inspiration from me and my own experiences in simplifying, juggling work and family life as well as find beauty, harmony and joy in your everyday lives. 

    Q: Tell us some fun facts about you

    • * As the only girl with 3 brothers, I wished I was a boy too and refused to wear any dress when I was little. Later on I actually really missed having a sister!
    • * I love my morning coffee, even if I rarely manage to drink it warm
    • * Red wine and salty liquorice chocolate are my real treats
    • * I used to be a gymnast and later on a gymnastics coach for young girls. I can (almost) still do the split! 
    • * I used to be cabin crew for one summer for the Finnish airline Finnair
    • * I used to sing in the Helsinki University female voice choir Lyran for 10 years
    • * I speak about 6 languages (Swedish and any Scandi language, Finnish, English, German and French).

    Q: What do you do when you’re not working?

    Being with kids is amazingly rewarding but also exhausting and without sports and exercise I couldn’t function properly.

    Whether I do a sweaty workout (which I love!), take a walk or run in nature, a hike in the mountains or a ski day out on the slopes, I’m in my element. I also love spending time with good friends, sharing a meal, a deep conversation, laughter and a glass of bubbly or two. And if I really want to wind down, I start folding clothes or I start an organising project, which are both amazingly therapeutical and I can lose myself completely in it.

    Through the right amount of tidiness both in our homes and in our minds together with healthy nutrition, exercise to keep you fit and enough rest, I strongly believe that you will have more energy and be able to live a happier and lighter life focusing on what matters most for you.

    “Tidying your home and life is like an artichoke.
    Little by little you peel the layers away and with time you reveal the heart of it all.”

    Helena Zachariassen

    Are you enjoying my tips? Sign up for my Newsletter to read more about simplifying, home organising, a well balanced happy home and nordic living or head over to my Instagram.

    xo
    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

    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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    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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  • General, Home, Lifestyle

    4 simple things that make a Happy Home

    I’ve wanted to write a book for as long as I can remember. But life happened and my writing never even started properly. I didn’t even know in which language to write! My third language feels so natural now I guess it’s fairly safe to start. One of my biggest inspirations is our kids’ former granny nanny Enni, a dear friend, who during her nanny year with us started blogging, at the age of 60. She’s still my every day heroine and oftentimes I find myself thinking, what would Enni say or encourage me to do now. I think she would love reading this blog, my blog.

    In these turbulent coronavirus times of staying at home, I needed a change. Just a small one, something realistic, inspirational and joyful. Something for me. So I decided to give blogging a go! I will share my thoughts about the big and small things in life that inspire me. Home, family, my work as a KonMari Consultant and Lifestyle Coach, things I love from my Scandinavian and Nordic roots, sports, wellbeing and other stories..

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    Mobile book case

    What makes a Happy Home?

    Health, Love, Laughter and Simplicity. Seriously, it is that simple. It’s not stuff, it’s not clothes or designer furniture or a fancy car or any of the things we’re being urged to buy everywhere. All. The. Time. Somewhere in the race we’ve lost the fundamentals. The essentials of being human. If this crisis has brought us something positive it’s exactly this. Time for people to re-examine their lives and what matters most.

    1. Health
    We have only one life. Be gentle and kind to yourself and others. Be bold, take chances, dare to live and love and make mistakes. We all do, that’s human.


    2. Love

    Love is all around us and within us. Just breathe, still yourself and quieten the chatter in your mind. Look around you and you’ll notice. It’s the magic of life and love out there. The more generously you give out, the more you receive.

     

     


    3. Laughter
    Laughing is honestly so good for you. Research shows that laughter, especially in a group, decreases our stress levels and boosts our immune system. What easier and better way is there to boost your health? 


    Humour is mankind’s greatest blessing.
    MARK TWAIN

    4. Simplicity

    Do you see beyond what you already have in life? Gratitude goes such a long way. The simple truth is that the less you own the easier your home and life is to maintain. A tidy home truly equals a tidy mind.

     

     

    WELCOME to my blog dear reader and friend. I’d love to hear any feedback you might have and any topic ideas you would like me to cover.

    Read more about me here or follow me on Instagram.

    Stay Safe, Healthy and Happy in Your Homes,

    xo
    Helena

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