Stockholm & The States

Over the course of the next few days, Rob and I are going to rack up on travel hours with a weekend getaway to Stockholm and a train ride and flight back to the States.

I am so excited about this upcoming weekend for many reasons. After Rob's teams game on Saturday, we are going to travel to Stockholm for the rest of the weekend. We will then arrive back in Nassjo around midnight Sunday and then leave for our flight back to the States for the holidays around 7:00am Monday morning.

I haven't been to Stockholm yet and am looking forward to a weekend of shopping, sights, dining, and more shopping. Rob has picked out a beautiful and affordable hotel, Rex Petite. We are strongly hoping that the room pictures on the website look like our actually room, it seems a bit romantic!

Rob is looking forward to taking me to "Old Town". The streets are lined with very scenic, old, brightly colored buildings and high quality restaurants and shops. It will so much fun to spend the weekend exploring a new city with my husband!

This weekend getaway will also make the days go by quickly, and in no time we will be back in the States for the holidays. I hate that the total travel time is over 13 hours, but I am thrilled to be spending this time with family and friends. Rob and I have our bags packed and the Hunger Games audio book has been downloaded on our iPhones specifically for this occasion.

Once I have internet access again, I will give an update on our weekend and the trip back to the States. Pray for safe travels!

Slim Down Secrets

Getting in shape is hard to do, and keeping in good shape is just as difficult. As a previous college athlete, when I graduated from school I told myself I was not going to work out for a while! My body wanted time off and to heal from the acquired injuries. This is nice and all, but let me tell you, a year later it is much harder to get back into shape, but I am loving the outcome and how I feel!

There are a couple things that have helped me to get active again:

1. Do Something You Enjoy!
I use to love to go for runs, but times have change. I've gotten a little older and my joints have already started to ache! So when I tried to start working out again by going for runs, it didn't give me much motivation to do it daily. With the help of my sisters, I have really started to enjoy yoga and at the gym I love the elliptical and walking on an incline. And no matter where I am, doing abs always makes me feel like I've accomplished something.

2. Have A Distraction
I wrote in my Bossypants blog that I have been listening to this audio book while I work out. The humor of the book keeps me distracted from consistently checking the time. If you aren't an audio book fan, I recommend having an up beat play list to keep you moving and singing along, which should probably be done just in your head. Some of my favorite songs to work out to right now include We Found Love- Rihanna, Run the World- Beyonce, Hit the Lights-Selena Gomez, and All Night Long- Demi Lovato.

3. Bring A Partner
Taking someone to the gym gives you that extra bit of commitment. You are way more unlikely to say that you just don't feel like going when you've already made plans with someone else. I like going to the gym with my husband because I know he'll push me, and I also like to go with girlfriends to chat while on the elliptical.

4. Like What You Look Like
Sometimes the hardest part of working out is actually making it to the gym. As a woman, I am much more likely to head to the gym when I have some cute work out gear. Stereotypical as a woman but true. I love New Balance, Under Armour, Nike, Lululemon, Lucy, and anything from my favorite colleges: Spring Arbor University and Michigan.

Our Gym in Nassjo

5. Set Reasonable Goals
When you start working out, don't expect a huge change right away! It takes time, so set reasonable goals so that you don't get discouraged. Start by working your way up to an hour at the gym, working out four of five weekdays, and then work your way up to goals related to weight. Remember, its not about pounds it's about being healthy, losing inches, and gaining muscles.

Last Bit Of Advice: If you want to start working out, this is the perfect time before all the delicious holiday meals! Don't wait until New Year's because we all know that resolutions only last for a month!

Travel Tip: Know What You Order

Words of wisdom: when out at a restaurant, and you do not know what the menu says, make sure you clarify what you are ordering before you place the order.

Rob and I have been very blessed to have free meals during the week from two restaurants; Hotell Hoagland and Matlyckan. We have a plan of action at both places so we know what we are ordering. But I am proof that it doesn't always work when you decide to ignore the unknown!

At Matlyckan it is extremely simple. A waitress will ask us... meat and potatoes or chinese food. We give our pick and we are surprised by the specifics, but at least we know we aren't getting fish. It is almost always delicious, and I have to say the service is so friendly. All the waitresses know to bring Rob a Pepsi and me a Sprite right when we walk in!

At the hotel we will usually take a chance at the beginning of the week and Rob tends to be able to determine if a meal is good or not based on the familiarity of the lunch descriptions. Following that meal I will take a picture of the menu and take that home to be Google translated. Google translate is amazing and I highly recommend that if you are in a foreign country that you bookmark the page!

Well today, I didn't love the options because I knew what they were by translating. The back up meal was a baked potato with one word that didn't quite translate. I chanced it, and guessed it'd just be like butter, cheese, and maybe sour cream. Ugh, let me tell you, I was wrong! Baked potato with a million little shrimp in a mayonnaise like sauce with chives. For those of you who know me, you know I can't even stand the smell of shrimp! I wanted to puke, but of course I just pushed the shrimp aside and ate as much potato as I could.

Rob and I laugh about it because it is only our own fault when we don't know what we order. The people are more than happy to explain and I recommend you don't guess, you ask! When traveling, you want to enjoy the food and not waste a perfectly good meal.

Bossypants

When you saw this title, you might have thought I am going to describe myself but in fact, I want to share with you the audio book I have been listening to, Bossypants by Tina Fey. If you are a woman, in the mood to laugh, and looking for a book that is entertaining and in times insightful then this book is worth the read or listen!

I have never listened to an audio book before, but with all the walking that Rob and I have done around town, I decided this would be the perfect time to try. It has been a great distraction for the cold temperatures when I'm walking outside by myself and when I'm working out. The gym is actually a great place to listen because it keeps me from looking at the timer on my machine!

Time goes by quickly because I am literally holding in my laughter half the time so that the people around me don't think that I am crazy. Rob and I have notice people here are still a big fan of the blue tooth devices, and honestly, they really look crazy walking the streets by themselves talking and waving their arms around. I try to avoid looking nuts when I can.

One thing that I really enjoy about this audio book is that it is actually read by Tina Fey. The voices of people reading different books have put me off to audio books in the past, but having her read about her own experiences and crack jokes about herself makes the book that much more funny.

I would definitely recommend the read!

Weekend Fun

Drawing done by Emelinn Heikkinen

What a weekend! We had an incredibly fun weekend here with our friends in Nassjo. On Saturday, Rob's team had a game against Sanda which they won 73-63. That evening the team and friends all got together at David's & Paulina's place.

No matter where you are, interactions between men and women are always the same. At the beginning of the party, the ladies started off in the kitchen and the guys were in the living room. Honestly I was a little nervous to hang out with the just the girls, since I don't know enough Swedish to converse but everyone was really sweet and would let me in on what was going on. We played a game where you had to guess the famous person that another person was describing. The girls decided that if the famous person was in Swedish they would describe in Swedish, since I would have no clue either way, and the others they would describe in English. I had a friend Carolin work with me and we kicked butt...just saying.

As the night went on, the guys made their way into the kitchen and then the ladies made their way in the living room. Two of my favorite highlights from the night were Rob breaking it down to 'Nsync, naturally, and dancing to Footloose with Paulina and the girls.

We all then proceeded to the "club" in Nassjo, which happens to be a part of the Hotel that Rob and I eat many lunches at. The transformed dining room became an extension of the club with its own dance floor. I noticed that the dining room area was where many of the older adults hung out and dance. Paulina and I found her mom there and were able to say hi before she left. The other area closer to the bar with another dance floor was were people closer to our age were. Rob was also thrilled that they had a black jack table with $3 bets! (Usually $5 is the minimum in the States).

It was a fantastic night with friends, and honestly no difference between how we hang out in the States and in Sweden that I noticed. Girls dance the night away and guys are loud and laughing.

Is Santa A Gnome?

Every culture has unique ways to celebrate the holidays and different traditions to share. Christmas in Sweden is no exception.

Sweden differs from the States in many ways. Instead of celebrating on Christmas day, it is actually Christmas Eve when they open gifts and feast on a delicious dinner. Instead of putting up lights all around outside, they put lit candles and illuminated stars in their windows, and every Sunday of the month, they light a candle until Christmas when they can light the final one!

And instead of jolly ole Saint Nick, Santa is a gnome... or at least he looks like one.

All around town, Santa gnomes can be spotted in the windows. I have been enjoying these comical figures very much and have been asking Rob if we could get one to bring home. He agreed that they are pretty cute and then when I mentioned how funny this version of Santa was, he refused to believe it! 

"That is not Santa, that is a holiday gnome!"

I assured him,

"No babe, that's suppose to be Santa."

We asked one of our friends, who confirmed that it was indeed Santa, but Rob decided that this friend just didn't understand the question. When friend number two said that it was Santa, Rob just decided that they were wrong and that was the end of that.

It is funny how traditions become so important to us. We grow fond memories around our childhood and we stick with them. Holiday gnome may be coming home with us, but Swedish Santa will stay in Nassjo.

Fast & Furious- Volkswagen Style

This blog is inspired by one of Rob and my friends in Sweden who just passed his drivers test. Congratulations David! I wish you safe travels in a land full of crazy drivers.

Now if you are reading this in the States, you are probably thinking... David must be a young friend and about 16 years old. You would be mistaken. David is about the same age as Rob and I, but getting his license now is completely typical.

First, I should mention that walking is a way of life here. People aren't lazy and don't refuse to walk into town or the grocery store which is a nice 20-30 minute walk. Not that there aren't those who prefer to take their vehicles, but I'm just saying it is very common to walk or take a bike even in the snow.

Secondly, public transportation is everywhere and inexpensive. In town, the train station is centrally located with trains coming in and out almost every 15 minutes. Right next to the train station, there is also a bus station with buses that run just as frequently. You don't need a car when trains and buses will take you anywhere and you aren't too lethargic to make it to the station. When public transportation is convenient and less expensive than the cost of a car and gas fill ups every week, getting your license isn't needed at a young age.

Another point to mention is that the only driving option is stick shift. I know I am spoiled by American automatic vehicles, but come on, if you're not a young male who loves the sound of an engine and wants to drive really fast, than who really wants the annoyance of driving stick. Sorry, that is not me!

Lastly, I must point out an observation that both Rob and I have noticed. A lot people here drive like they are shooting a scene from Fast and Furious...in their Volkswagen station wagons. Hmm. Not what you would think, but let me tell you, 70mph around town and fish tailing in the snow while still revving the engine is common day driving.

Despite the drawbacks of driving in Sweden, most people get their license at some point. Even though I walk proud here, I won't be complaining when I am back in the States and able to drive my car where I need to go!

Swedish Inspiration- Holiday Gifts

With Christmas approaching quickly, I keep looking online at some awesome gift ideas. Being on a budget I tend to try to keep most gifts under $50. With all the trends I'm seeing here in Sweden, I wanted to share ten of my favorite gift ideas inspired by my Swedish friends!

1. The cable knit earmuffs look so cute and very warm. I HATE when my ears feel cold and since my hair doesn't stay styled easily with all the wet snow coming down, it's usually up in a bun. Earmuffs are perfect for any hair do, look cute, and have many options. A girl walking down the street had a black knit earmuff with a flower detail. I wanted it! (Asos)

2. I've noticed that most of our Swedish friends don't rely on the lights to keep things bright. This candle and holder are decorative and are bound to make the room glow and smell delightful. (Bath & Body Works)

3. These Hunter socks will turn any rain boot into a comfortable, warm, and stylish pair of winter boots. I love the knit detailing for winter! Toasty toes in freezing Sweden temperatures make me happy! (Nordstrom)

4. During the cold winter months, my lips get so dry. These Tarte moisturizing shades will improve your look and improve the health of your lips! (Sephora)

5. These gloves are a lot of fun. I saw a similar pair while I was out shopping today. I have a cream jacket and this pair of gloves would add an extra flair to my classic coat. (Kohl's)

6. I haven't seen these anywhere really in the States, but this is an extremely cute accessory. I actually picked one up myself today. Not all watches work for me because I have extremely small wrists, this watch ring is adorable and fits just right! Doesn't hurt that it doesn't break the piggy bank either! (Amazon)

7. As I mentioned in my Swedish Style Trends, leggings are a staple in ladies closets. These velvet Vera Wang leggings are dressy and would look hot with some over the knee boots and a flowy blouse. (Kohl's)

8. I couldn't help myself. I had to add another pair of Hunter socks. The animal print is very cute and subtle. You don't want to over do animal print or you'll look like you're Jersey Shore bound. (Works for them but not most). (Nordstrom)

9. Scarves are a beautiful necessity here! This black and white scarf has a eye catching design and will keep your neck protected from the winds. The model even looks Swedish! (Nordstrom)

10. Last on my list is something on most women's lists here: Thomas Sabo of course! I hope to add this red lipstick charm to my collection before I move back to the States. (Thomas Sabo)

Happy hunting to all you shoppers still looking for Christmas! Hope these Swedish gift ideas will help you with some winter essentials.... 
and maybe some not so essentials.

All Bundled Up

I had secretly been hoping that somehow this would be that one crazy winter in Sweden where the only time it snowed was when Rob and I were visiting the States for Christmas. Unfortunately my delusional wish was ruined yesterday with the first official snowfall in our little town of Nassjo. I still can't believe that we made it into December when usually the snow starts in October!

Don't get me wrong, I think snow is beautiful and I prefer to have snow on Christmas eve and Christmas day but besides that, I find it hugely unnecessary. I am a petite girl and get cold very easily! During this time of the year, in order to stay warm when the sun is only up from about 9am-3pm, lots of layers are needed and trips outdoors are hazardous!

Also, notice the reflective bracelet I'm wearing. It's so that during the majority of dark hours, a car doesn't hit me while I'm walking to and fro.

For the first snow, I chose to wear a hot pink and black plaid scarf from a small shop found in town, my knit Roxy hat which keeps my ears so warm, a white coat I picked up in Traverse City for a steal, and new boots I bought here in Sweden!

All very functional because let me tell you, when you're walking around town, it isn't like going out for a pleasant stroll all the time. Today we were lucky because it was sunny out. If it is windy and not sunny though, you are best to huddle into your scarf and pull down your hat!

The boots I bought here, I absolutely love. It is important that if you are planning on walking around during a Swedish winter that you have warm feet and a good grip. The roads and sidewalks are very slippery, and to get back and forth into town, Rob and I have to either walk down or up a steep hill. I rather have a flat sole with some gripping then fall flat on my face!

Salt isn't used on any of the sidewalks or roads either for that matter. They instead use small rock and pebbles. I'm not sure the logic, but it seems to help?

As the snow continues, wish Rob and I luck, and pray that neither of us fall!

Also, please notice my husband's long flowing hair. He's determined not to cut it while he is here. I promise to show a before and after picture near the end of our stay.

For similar shopping items check out this Burberry scarf, Roxy hat, Guess coat, 

and these Jellypop boots.

Learning the Language

I'm approaching on living in Sweden for two months, and I have to admit that I have picked up very little of the language. Most people here speak English very well and are eager to practice. Without the pressure to learn, it hasn't become a priority despite the fact I wish I could! Luckily not all the signage requires words to figure it out.

The younger guys speak English the easiest and have little trouble understanding what Rob and I are saying to them. Girls seem to be more timid and speak carefully, trying not to say the wrong thing.

I am just so grateful that they are willing to talk to me in English! I'd be lost without that. Since we didn't have much notice about coming here, we didn't get a chance to try to learn anything before we came.

Rob has picked up on more than me so far. He had a small head start since he spent time here last year, but I have noticed that it also flows a bit easier for him, and he is more brave in trying new words. Just like the Swedish girls, I get shy and nervous when I try to say something. It feels so strange!I've noticed that the Swedish language has a lot more levels than English which I find a lot more one dimensional. Sometimes I feel my head moving up a down as I try to pronounce certain words!

The other night two of my girlfriends here,  Paulina and Carolin, spent part of the evening trying to help me pick up some important and basic phrases. Type A personality girl here, made up a list including the English version, the Swedish version, and then wrote it out phonetically.

Try out a few of the most basic phrases below: 

• How are you? = Hur mår du? (Her more do) 
• I am good = Jag mär bra (J-o-g more bra) 
• Please = Snälla (S-nell-a)
• Thank you = Tack (Tock)
• Bye = Hej dä (Hey dough)

So for now.... Hej dä!

I've Been Charmed

I am currently obsessed with Thomas Sabo’s charm club. A girlfriend of mine here, Paulina, introduced me to Thomas Sabo last year when I visited Rob. I had been searching for a charm bracelet for a while but couldn’t find a perfect match. I knew right away when she showed me a brochure of hundreds of different trendy charms that I myself had been charmed!

Many charm bracelets I looked at previously were pre-made and the charms just didn’t match my personality. In the States, I couldn’t hop on board with the Pandora bracelets. They may be pretty, but they aren’t personalized enough for me.

Thomas Sabo charm bracelets are the perfect combination of style and personal identity, not to mention they come in adorable black and white boxes that you'll want to keep. So far I have purchased or been gifted, a B, an angel wing, a red high heel, a diamond cross, and a pink purse. I have many charms on my wish list as well such as the red lipstick, linked hearts, eternity, and the winged heart to name a few. You can check out the selection on the Thomas Sabo website.

Thomas Sabo also offers charm carriers for necklaces. These carriers allow you to put up to three charms on the necklace. What I love about this is that you can have an ever changing necklace that can be altered with your mood or outfit. I’m currently being shipped one back at home and will update you when I get it!

The bracelets and charms are reasonably priced. The classic silver bracelets are priced from $29-$79 depending on size. I have a small wrist and opted for one of the smaller bracelets. The individual charms range widely in price, starting at $29 and going up to $134. Although you can get lucky on eBay every once in a while if you look often, I have found it is difficult to find these on sale.

Sadly the only official stores in the States are in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Lucky for me there are many stores here that are at least official partners, and luckily for everyone else, there is always online shopping!

Coffee & Cookies

Here in Sweden it is very popular to meet up with friends, drink coffee, and just hang out. It is what you call “fika.” This is one phrase/word that I will definitely take back with me.

As a coffee lover, born, raised, and educated by my father in this matter, a fika is something I thoroughly enjoy. Although they don’t have a Starbucks or Big B’s on every corner, the Swedish realize the importance of coffee and to my happiness usually cookies come with.

I say this with a BUT. To many in the States coffee is used as a “pick me up”. You can’t start the morning without a grande mocha, my favorite, or a tall coffee black. We use coffee for its caffeine to fuel us through the day. Usually refueling multiple times.

Fika here is quite the opposite. It is used to slow things down and to relax, to chat with friends or your dining partner. Fika is about enjoying good company. Even my husband, who is not a coffee drinker at home, enjoys a good fika.

At all of our meals coffee and cookies is included. At lunch today we even had some Santa shaped marshmallow treat! After we enjoy our main course, we are served with coffee, sugar cubes, and cream.

As a typical American, Rob will take four sugars and about a ½ cup of cream, while I go for about two sugars and maybe a ¼ cup of cream, still a typical American. Surprisingly this is the time during the meal that we talk the most, and laugh about the different things that happened during the day.

I can’t say that back at home we will drink coffee and eat cookies as much as we do here, but I hope that we will be able to take the essence of fika time back home with us.

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Checkin’ My List Twice

Christmas time and holiday shopping has to be one of my favorite times of the year. I’d be lying to say that I don’t try to drag out this process as much as possible. Probably unlike many others by dragging it out, I actually mean starting earlier and not waiting until the last moment

Because Rob and I are always on the hunt for deals and steals, we typically take part in the Black Friday madness. In order to be a part of this frenzy, you need to have your lists made prior to Thanksgiving. I would say I started my lists end of October or early November. 

Before I go more into detail there is a confession that I have to make. In earlier posts I shared that I am definitely checked under the Type A personality category. I must admit that part of that means that I am obsessed with making lists. I absolutely love it! I love to make lists and even make the dorky little check boxes next to each item. And I totally get excited when I can cross something off my list!

Okay well now that you all know how crazy I truly am, you won’t be surprised on how I organize my lists. I usually start by making Rob and my wish lists for Christmas. There is a Becca column and a Rob column, and then I mark these items based on whether or not we are going to tell my family or his family.

Then I make the family shopping lists. Each member of our families’ name is listed next to the budget that we have allotted for them. Below each name is a list of a couple shopping ideas. Getting ideas is the hardest part, because usually when I am asking what someone wants for Christmas in early November they tell me I’m crazy, but once I get the ideas I am ready for phase two…. shopping for all the crazy deals!

Even when in Sweden and completely separated from the craziness that is Black Friday, Rob and I participated in the online specials that took place starting the week of Thanksgiving. As suspected the best deals are around Thanksgiving: the 24^th, 25^th and 26^th. I swear we spent at least two days in bed glued to our computers searching for the items on our lists and when and where we could find the best deal using Slick Deals as a reference.

Rob even stayed in contact with his mom as she braved out into Black Friday with his sister and brother in law. Items we couldn’t find online, we had them pick up in stores.

This all may seem a tad nuts but by November 26^th, Rob and I had completed our Christmas shopping. All that awaits us that is yet to be done is to wrap and have others unwrap! Until then, I wear my Christmas pajamas, listen to the greatest holiday CD made, NSYNC of course, and drink my hot chocolate, all without the stress of still having to shop!

Swedish Style Trends

As a lover of fashion, more so than my "newly wed in another country" budget allows, I have been very observant of the trends here in Sweden. I might not be a fashionista, but I do love great style and fun trends.

Nassjo may be a smaller town but that doesn’t mean that the people are any less stylish, both men and women alike. Although much of my time is spent around basketball guys in workout gear, I have taken the opportunities to scout out the best dressed during different excursions.

Here are a few of the trends I have noticed off the bat:

1. Leggings & Tights! 

Coming to Sweden I expected people to be bundle up everywhere they went, but in fact in actuality it is a bit opposite. It might be because this is a unusually warm “fall/winter” or it might be because women here have learned to “suffer for beauty” as my Gran would always say.

The leggings and tights are all very trendy. No one is afraid to wear designs or textures. Fall shorts, tights and layered tops with of course a leather jacket, has been one of my favorite looks. At home I might be scared to attempt, but here it’s a norm. I’m taking notes, and asked for tights and leggings for Christmas.

2. Scarves

I swear they have so many amazing scarves available. The most trendy or practical ones here are the infinity scarves: thick, long, and knit. Guys and girls have embraced sporting scarves. It may be less because of fashion and more because of the cold, but if it looks good then it is still a style trend to report.

I like the bright color scarves and ones with a good pattern, especially when the coat is a neutral color. I also really enjoy the idea of embellishments on scarves such as ruffles, added paillettes for flair, or just something as simple as an added brooch you have to make it unique.

Check out this scarf from Nordstrom. Makes me want to take up knitting!

3. Boots

Last year I visited Sweden for a short period while Rob played here half the season. When I came I brought my warmest clothes, and typical American staples: my North Face and Ugg boots. Not to say I don’t love my North Face and Uggs, but everywhere I went I felt under dressed.

Two of the major trends I’ve seen in town and surrounding cities include ankle boots and boots with stylish socks peeking out. Ankle boots here come in all different forms: classic black, with fur trim, and ones with shearling folds. Usually a tall boot fan, I am digging that these make my short legs look longer.

In terms of the stylish socks peeking from boots, I think this is a fun way to make the same old boots look different. A friend from back at home, Anna Sondergard, has started making and selling her own. She’s posted some really cute designs! Check out her blog to see more pictures than the ones I’ve shared.

More to come the more I see!