Summer, Cider and the Swedish Way

Summer to me is all about enjoying the best of life, long days, good conversations, warm evenings, coastal walks, picnics, eating al fresco, festivals and finding lots of down time to spend in the garden with the boys, taking it slow and savouring a summery afternoon drink.

Growing up in South Africa meant very long hazey summers, people seemed more laid back there, life in the UK certainly feels very fast paced and hectic in comparison which is probably why I feel drawn to the Swedish concept of Lagom and for those who don't know what that is it's all about the concept of "not too much, not too little just finding the balance" and creating a happy life.

As you may know I am only a minimalist challenge and attempting to declutter my life and lagom fits into that perfectly with the theory that just enough is perfect with lack of fussiness being key. So I'm excited to pair up with Rekorderlig Cider which I love (cider is my go-to summery drink) who are encouraging people to #StartTheSwedish way this summer and embrace a little Scandinavian culture, drink and lifestyle. 

For me this summer is all about being more mindful and simplifying my life, so I thought I would share 10 small things, a bucket list of sorts of what I plan to do this summer that encapsulates what Lagom means to me and my family. 

1. Pack simple lunches for summer adventures each day

2. Buy local, enjoy slow cooking and embrace each taste

3. Spend as much time outdoors, away from parks, just simple hikes.

4. Lots of picnics and eating together

5. Go wild swimming whether it be in a lake or the sea

6. Find time to read a book or two this summer.

7. Sit, breath and enjoy time in the garden wit a refreshing drink and some nibbles.

8. Reduce my wardrobe to only clothes I love and make me feel good.

9. Enjoy some electronic-free adult time with John to talk through the day

10. Embrace sleep, work and chores can wait, when tired hit the pillow.

Rekorderling, the fourth generation Swedish Cider are champing the Lagom lifestyle and are launching a 28 day sampling tour and visiting over 20 locations including Cardiff! Made with the purest Swedish spring water they have some mouthwatering flavours with my favourite being the Wild Berries or Mango-Raspberry, just add to a big glass of ice with wedge of lemon or lime and there you go you have summer in a glass.

The Rekorderlig Cider Sampling Van will be on Cardiff Queen Street on the 6th of July so why not head down and get a little bit of Lagom into your life and try out all the different summery cider flavours. I know I will be there and it's sure to be a fun way to get into the summer mood. The sampling van will also be visiting other cities across the UK and here are a few of the dates

High Street, Birmingham – 24th June, 12 – 6pm
Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth - 30th June, 12 – 8pm
Jubilee Square, Brighton – 1st July, 12 – 8pm
Rose Lane, Canterbury – 2nd July, 12 – 8pm
Queen Street 3, Cardiff – 6th July, 12 – 8pm
Crown Square, Spinningfields, Manchester – 21st July, 12 – 8pm

In collaboration with Rekorderlig