Reconnecting with My Roots

I enjoy living abroad, encountering new experiences, learning new languages and meeting new people with interesting stories. However, sometimes I do get a little home sick and I want to talk Finnish and connect with Finnish people. You know, sometimes it's just fun to share your expat experiences and compare stories of culture shocks that you have encountered in the new country with people who know how things work back home.

Recently I discovered a perfect fix for the homesickness; Populus Café in Neukölln. It's owned by Finns and the best thing; you get to order in Finnish! And also chat with fellow Finns!

But oh my God... Talking at least two languages on a daily basis that are not Finnish and then trying to switch to my native language... Whoa... Not talking it for so long, my speech started out so slow, I forgot words... So embarrassing. Like trying to learn a new language again!

So, I guess the only solution is to go there more often. ;)

Also because the coffee is good and their filled sandwiches - absolutely delicious! 

Smoothies and Bargains

Today I wanted to kick start the morning healthy so I decided to whip up some green smoothies! And coffee. Coffee is a must.

Due to eating vegetarian I'm really trying to add more spinach into my diet to get enough iron. So, a big box of baby spinach happened to find its way into my shopping bag the other day and what's a better use for spinach than a smoothie?!

Usually when I cook or do anything in the kitchen I don't use recipes, I just wing it. And usually it works! For these smoothies I used organic soy milk (trying to consume less dairy) and water (ice cubes would have been my first choice but we were all out).

For 1 pitcher of the Kick-Ass Green Smoothie

1 big handful of organic baby spinach
1 banana
1/2 lemon 
ginger 
1 Tbs chia seeds
1 cup organic soy milk
1 cup water

This smoothie will really give you the kick you need in the morning!

On to other subjects, another thing I love about living in a new city is finding new, awesome places to shop! And let me tell you, I found THE place for great bargains in Charlottenburg. TK Maxx, an outlet for women's, men's and children's clothing as well as home decór, accessories... and the list goes on. It reminded me a little bit of Century 21 in New York.

I just loooove workout clothes and made some pretty great discoveries! And they were 60% off the original price!

Just a little something to help me prepare for the 10K I signed up for later this spring (eeek!). I really need to start training soon... I know, I know, it's only 10km but I haven't been running for a while. And I might be a little bit of a perfectionist (aaand a little bit competitive) so when I commit to something like this, I really want to do my best.

So, if you are hunting for great bargains make sure to swing by TK Maxx!

The VegExperiment

I like to consider myself open-minded and therefore I am one to try out (almost) anything. That being said, I thought I would tell you a little about my most recent experiment – a vegetarian diet. 

I came to try this out after my friend and her boyfriend went full-on vegetarian and were going on and on about how much better AND lighter they felt; I knew I just HAD to give it a try. As it comes to diet, I’m a firm believer of eating healthy but also eating a diet that works for you as an individual since people are different and the same things don't necessarily work for everybody. 

At this point, I’ve been on this experiment for about four months (with a couple of exceptions) and I have to say, I actually DO feel better. That's probably why I have kept this on for so long. 

Also, after watching Leonardo DiCaprio's (Go Leo!) documentary Cowspiracy (on Netflix) has reinforced my decision to keep eating vegetarian. It was a real eye-opener for me as I did not realize the magnitude of the effect that today's agriculture has on the environment. The documentary revealed some pretty shocking truths that have been hidden from the general public until now. I would recommend this documentary to everyone, even for just informing yourself about what's going on. Becoming more aware of my dairy consumption, I've cut down that as well. I've also entertained the idea of going full vegan but at this point giving up on dairy completely doesn’t seem possible for me.

Anyway, when it comes to eating out I have found it pretty easy to find vegetarian options. In Bern, I went to THE BEST vegetarian buffet, Tibits, (maybe twice ;)) because it was just sooo good. The first time it was Vegan Tuesday, which was a new culinary experience for me and exceeded any expectations I had!

Looks delicious, huh?!

Any tips for eating veggie in Berlin? :)

(Almost) Guilt Free Brownies

Since the time between Christmas and New Year's is the time to stuff your face with turkey, chocolate and whatever, I thought I would do a little post about a healthier treat.

I like to try baking sugar free things (I think try is the correct word here). Some of you have been victimized by my not so successful experiments of sugar free goodies, maybe even traumatized to the point of not wanting to eat anything I make. Well, I will let you in on a little success story (there are a few, believe it or not!) that I whipped up for Christmas; sugar AND flour free brownies!

I bet that right now you're thinking; a success story, yeah right, there's no way those can be any good. Well, I would suggest to give them a try before judging! I first made these for my friends on my birthday. Due to my not so successful baking in the past, I had also bought a mud cake that I hid in the freezer but I'm very proud to say that I didn't have to break it out! Or my friends were lying when they said the brownies were good. I guess we'll never know.

The reason I like this recipe is that it's natural ingredients and no artificial sugar or other bs. Oh and they are also raw.




(Almost Guilt-Free) Raw Brownies

1 dl pecans/walnuts
> 1 dl fresh dates (remove stones)
2-3 Tbsp of raw cocoa powder
1 Tbsp liquid coconut oil
a dash of salt

Frosting

0,5 dl dates 
1 Tbsp raw cocoa powder
1 Tbsp coconut oil 
~ 2 Tbsp water 


Blend the nuts into small pieces using e.g. a blender. Mix the nuts, dates, cocoa powder and coconut oil together and blend it into a smooth mass. If you want it to be sweeter, you can add honey or stevia but note, the dates make it quite sweet already. Spread the mass into a dish (rectangular if you want squares) and press to make it compact.

Make the frosting by mixing all the ingredients together with e.g. a blender. Spread the frosting over the brownie and place the dish in the freezer for about an hour to let it set.

Enjoy!

--

We definitely did NOT have an entirely guilt-free Christmas since Lindt chocolates belong to the Swiss Christmas (I'm guessing).


Any other sugar-free baking enthusiasts out there? :D