Everyday life of Luise Vindahl

I live in the Södermalm district. My favourite part about it is the vibrant atmosphere and the mix of trendy shops, cafes, and cultural diversity. The waterfront views are stunning, and I love the sense of community here. When I walk the streets of Södermalm I feel at home, it is a small neighbourhood in the middle of a big city. This area has many locals, who have lived here for a long time. Just like us, we have lived here for 16 years. The area has a special atmosphere with its old building style and colourful facades, many trees and flowers, and open outdoor spaces that invite socialising.

My journey here began when I decided to relocate because of love, as I moved from Copenhagen to live with my future husband, making the experience even more special and memorable. We met in Rome the year before and both knew we wanted to live together in Scandinavia. I fell in love with Stockholm's rich history, beautiful architecture, and overall quality of life. One of the aspects that captivated me about Stockholm is its unique setting, surrounded by water and the archipelago’s stunning islands, incredibly close to the city.

I think the biggest contrast between Danish and Swedish people, in my experience, lies in their approach to social interactions. Swedes tend to be more reserved initially, while Danes are often perceived as more outgoing and direct. However, both cultures share a deep appreciation for nature, design, and a high quality of life. And maybe we’re more alike than we think.

Weekends are precious family time for us. We often explore local parks, visit art museums, usually Moderna Museet, or enjoy a stroll through the streets of our neighbourhood. Cooking together is another favourite activity we cherish, experimenting with new and old favourite recipes from Green Kitchen Stories.

A typical day for me starts with an early coffee with cashew milk at home and getting our 3 kids ready for school. I might spend the morning working on different projects, followed by a lunch-hour pilates reformer session. I eat a nutritious breakfast and lunch at home, often incorporating ingredients from the local farmer’s market. Somedays I catch up with a friend at a local coffee spot after I leave the kids at school. On other days I work in the delivery ward as a midwife at a hospital where I do my clinical internship. Evenings are reserved for quality family time. 

Farmers market: Bondens marked in Södermalm on Saturdays, are our go-to market for vegetables, fruit, and local honey.

For breakfast: Pom & Flora in Södermalm or Vasastan creates delicious, innovative, and healthy options.
@cafepomflora

For coffee: Drop Coffee Roastery in Södermalm and Pascal in either Södermalm or Vasastan are my go-to favourites for their artisanal coffee and local atmosphere. Pascal has the best sourdough bread too. Another colourful and delicious coffee place is Lykke Kaffegårdar in the Södermalm Sofo area close to beautiful Nytorget.
@dropcoffeeroasters, @cafepascal & @lykkegardar

Weekend family lunch: We love to visit garden cafés for family lunches on the weekends meeting up with friends and family. Rosendal Trädgård garden café or Vintervikens Trädgård café are two of our favourites. 
@rosendalstradgard & @vintervikenstradgardskafe

While each season has its charm, I particularly thrive in the arrival of spring and summer in Stockholm. The city comes to life with blooming flowers, outdoor activities, and a lively atmosphere. In July the city is empty and most locals are escaping to the countryside or the archipelago. The longer days and warmer temperatures create the perfect backdrop for exploring the beautiful parks and enjoying boat trips outside the city. Stockholm has a vibrant cultural scene as well and it's worth visiting one of the many museums located at Djurgården island.

Mosebacke viewpoint: Mosebacke Theater offers a breathtaking view of Stockholm. It's a perfect spot to enjoy the city, especially during sunrise or sunset. Mosebacke also has a shoe-box café open during spring and summer.

Monteliusvägen: This scenic walking path along Södermalm is a stunning panoramic view over the city, including Lake Mälaren, the Old Town, and City Hall.

Vasaparken: A peaceful oasis tucked away in the Vasastan district, Vasaparken offers a lush greenery park and a great playground and is a perfect spot for a quiet escape from the urban hustle.

Ceramic Potter Shop: Experience the artistic side of Stockholm by visiting local ceramic shops. My favourite potter shop is Erika Pettersdotter at Sankt Paulsgatan near the beautiful Mariatorget.

2 cups cashew nuts
½ cup desiccated coconut
1 pinch of sea salt
1 pinch of ground vanilla powder or ½ tsp vanilla extract
4 cups water 
Optional to add 1-2 soft fresh dates, pitted, for a sweeter blend 

Soak cashew nuts and coconut in water overnight. In the morning, discharge the water,  and add to a high-speed blender together with sea salt, vanilla, and water. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and frothy. Add more water if you prefer it thinner, I prefer mine creamy. Pour into ball glass containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. It heats and foams very well in a milk frother.

Content by @luisegreenkitchenstories