the beauty of a simplified life.

'"Why does everything have to be so...unsettled?"

The other day I saw on the cover of an IKEA catalog this quote: 

"Live smart, not big." 

What does this mean to you?

Here in Sweden, people live extremely practical, clean, and efficient lives. As a born and raised American girl, I know that sometimes it isn't so simple in our 'All-American' lifestyles. 

I have integrated my life into the Swedish culture, and with that, I have created order in my world. It is extremely liberating and now I finally feel at peace and not at war with my surroundings.

Here's how to simplify your world

Get in Sync. Hopefully, if you've realized this is 2012, then you have your own laptop, smartphone, iPod, and maybe flat screen television. And if you do have these gadgets, you need to stop fumbling around with them, or switching from one to the other, and create a "smart home." All of these machines are designed to work together and sync up. So take a weekend to watch the 'How To' videos on YouTube and start living in an efficient household. If you simply cannot comprehend this advanced technology, then I suggest calling your best "Techy" friend and ask them to help you out.

Everything has a place. create storage containers and shelves to organize your closet, desk space, and overall home. A bigger effort would be to conceal these extra organizers with curtains or drawers. Most importantly, get something to put all your important documents in! I know most of us are still students and don't have 'grown up' lives yet, but you need to start being responsible for your information. Such as W-2 slips, pay stubs, car insurance, and God forbid parking/traffic citations. When my younger sister just started college, I bought her a filing folder. She still uses it today. I personally use the pink one you see here. What? Who says you can't have fun being responsible? ;)

Filter and refine. Before I moved here to Sweden I had SO many clothes and just "stuff" in my room. I took my spare time and went through my entire closet, dressers, and edited my things. I made a "trash" pile, "giveaway" pile, and "keep" pile. Before I knew it I had 6 garbage bags full of things to donate. After that, I had a clean, and tidy space that I was proud to call home. 

Be sentimental, but not a hoarder. I know when I was in college there were so many amazing memories I made. And to hold on to those memories, I thought I had to hold onto the 'things' that came from them. Like an old flyer, a silly hat, or a huge obnoxious stuffed animal. But then I had an epiphany, you can keep these memories and be organized! It's what I like to call being "Systematically Sentimental." Instead of keeping those dust collectors, take a photo of them, or scan them into your computer so you can always come across it, without having to physically trip over it.

5 things your man will love.

As a loving girlfriend, I am learning that my Swedish man loves when I do these 5 things in no particular order. So for all you dating gals, this post is for you.

 "Man time." As long as you're not with a "needy" guy, you probably have a self-sufficient man that works hard daily. Now what us females need to understand, even if your man is madly in love with you, he still needs his "Man Time." This could make up a variety of different activities. Maybe reading up on the latest technology gadgets, or fixing those shelves that have been wobbly, or just watching the latest episode of two and a half men, your man just needs his outlet, his moment to recharge his "man batteries," if you will. So just give the cuddle time a rest, and get out of the house or go in the other room for a while to give him space. This will be healthy for both him and you. After all, a gal needs her independent woman time too. ;)

Acts of service. When studying for my degree in Communications. I read the novel Five Love Languages. These are: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Every person usually speaks 2 or 3 love languages. We can all assume that physical is most likely one of a mans dialects, but what some girls don't know is that a guy really values acts of service. So instead of writing another love note to your man, try showing him you love him by washing the dishes, taking out the trash, or helping him with yard work. And if there is nothing you can see that needs done, just ask, "Can I help you with anything babe?" and watch him smile with appreciation.

Max burgers, the delicious Swedish version of McDonald's!

A good meal. I know its cliche, and extremely traditional for the woman to cook. And here in Sweden it is all about gender equality, which means my boyfriend and I typically cook together, unless of course we treat ourselves to a Max meal. But every once in a while, I like to surprise my boyfriend with a hot meal right when he gets home from work. One of my specialties is Quesadilla night. But the best part is he never expects it, which makes me want to surprise him again and again. I believe a partner should give everything they have, and not expect anything in return. That way, you both get spoiled naturally. :)

Thrifty-ness. Hopefully you are with a somewhat responsible man, where he is smart with his money. One way to really impress your man, and also keep him happy, is being a smart and thrifty lady. Although not all of us girls are shopoholics, I believe we all like to treat ourselves to a new blouse or boots every once in a while. The key is ladies, to shop around and find the very best deal. Do not be that girl that starts to look like a border-line "sugar baby" and asking for the latest designer this and top-of-line that, All this does is add unnecessary pressure to the relationship, and stresses your man out. Instead, get excited about saving money!  Which means do your research before you pull out the credit card. Also, why not strive for the ideal, which is a professional coupon queen! This step is challenging for me at the moment, as all the coupons are in Swedish, but I am learning. So ladies, shop away! When you are financially smart, your man will gain a whole new level of respect and admiration for his thrifty lil' girl.

Spoil dates. Why should it just be the girl that always gets spoiled? Sometimes I like to switch it up a bit and do a boyfriend pamper session. Because my boyfriend likes being well-groomed, I do spa treatments for him full with a mani/pedi foot massage date. Or we watch a movie of his choice and I'll sneak off to come back with yummy coke floats. Because my man treats me like a princess, it's nice to show him that he can relax and be a treated like royalty too. 

And we all know Valentines Day or Alla hjärtans dag is coming up, so go ahead and make your Valentine fall in love with you all over again. 

Change of pace? Change your place.

I have been here in Sweden for about a month now, and because I now live in a  super small town, my life was starting to feel a little...stale. Then I got an invitation from my girlfriend that lives in another city to come and visit her. I thought to myself, why not go and visit my girlfriends for the weekend and switch up the scenery a bit? So I did. It was the best time. 

The girls and I on our way to the city center for some shopping and a warm fika.

Although the comfort of your home or "usual" places like Starbucks or that same restaurant is natural for you, you may be feeling how I felt which is slightly un-amused and looking for something "more." I say, just GO for it.

Try to Avoid excuses. If you are thinking, "Well, I didn't get any personal invites to a new town..." Take the initiative! and contact an old friend, see if you can't make plans to visit. And if you can't go to them, for financial or other reasons, see if you can host them visiting you. It is a refreshing experience  when you get to show someone around your town, makes you appreciate and feel proud about where you are from.

Typical Swedish sandwiches and pastries at "Viskan," voted best cafe in Boras.
Where we had  our Fika.

I had a great weekend in Borås, Sweden. I took a train and bus to get there, and the journey was just as amusing as the destination. 

But the best part is I was so happy to come home. After a long weekend of catching up with friends, shopping, dining, dancing, and travelling, I was completely content with coming home and laying on my couch, having some pizza and watching the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a Swedish original film.