My November Favourites '23

Hi, friend.

As we approach the end of the year, I am excited to share with you some of my favourite things from November. From a new gadget that has transformed my mornings to a delicious recipe that is a staple in every Polish home. I hope this month's newsletter provides you with some inspiration and ideas to try.

I hate alarm clocks!

I usually set my alarm for 7 am. The sound is so startling that it wakes me up abruptly, and I hate that feeling. To avoid this, I have set my alarm to vibrate only. Even with earplugs in my ears, a slight vibration is enough to wake me up without causing any disturbance.

If you're a light sleeper, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered this light alarm clock. I just had to try it out!

I don't even want to think about leaving my warm and cozy bed in the cold and dark winter mornings. So, having a light waking me up just makes those gloomy mornings a little more bearable!

The light turns on 15 minutes before the sound (depending on the settings) and I usually wake up before the sound of a bird singing.

I know it might sound a bit silly, but I just have to share how much my new clock has changed my mornings for the better! Small things can make a big difference in our lives, and this clock is a perfect example. I couldn't be happier having a more peaceful and natural way to wake up (almost like waking up with the sunrise.).

PS. The alarm clock comes with a bed shaker. I tried it once, and it almost gave me a heart attack because I forgot I had set it to wake me up. But I can see that it can be a helpful gadget for heavy sleepers (I must try it on my husband 😉).

Phones out!...side the bedroom.

I'd not expect that, but this alarm has helped me create a new habit.

Sleep is my number one priority when it comes to self-care. It's my #1 SPA. I place great importance on the quality of my sleep because it is essential for my overall well-being.

But recently, I've started scrolling through my phone before going to bed, even though I know it's not a healthy habit (guilty!). However, simply being aware of the negative effects of the blue light from my phone on my natural sleep cycle is not enough to stop me from staying up late. It's so challenging to resist the temptation to look at my phone before sleeping (can you relate?).

Anyway, the alarm clock turned out to be my saviour! Who would have thought? With my light alarm on my nightstand, I didn't need my phone alarm. I took it outside my bedroom, and it made me realize that I had not slept without my phone near me for a long time. A very long time.

Initially, I found myself reaching for my phone out of habit, only to realize it was not within reach. However, I must say that it has been quite pleasant to disconnect from my phone and experience a more restful evening with a book in my hands.

Confession: Of course, I can't live without my phone, so I am not super strict with my new habit, but I will continue building it. Anyway, I highly recommend giving it a try!

Ok, let's move on from the sleepy topic and dive into something delicious: the recipe! 

Kapuśniak

This dish has been a delicious and flavorful dish enjoyed in Poland for centuries. Despite being made with simple and affordable ingredients, it is not only tasty but also packed with numerous benefits due to sauerkraut's incredible nutritional value. It's loaded with vitamin C, which is excellent for the cold winter season. 

Besides, like every fermented food, sauerkraut is rich in probiotics, full of beneficial bacteria that can help to improve digestion and boost the immune system + it is a great option for those looking to lose or maintain a healthy weight as it's a low-calorie, low-fat dish.

I add extra ingredients to the soup to make it even more delicious. 

• 1 cup of green or brown lentils

• 1 tsp caraway seed

• 1 tsp of black cumin seed + lovage leaf (I usually add both to most of the soups I cook).

And here is a link to the recipe. 

I absolutely love this soup! Not only because it's delicious but also because it saves me a ton of time in the kitchen. It's so easy to cook. So, if you're looking for a new recipe, I recommend giving this soup a shot and enjoying its incredible benefits.

Thank you for your continued support friend, and I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. And let me know how was your November.

Alla Lily

And some photos from November.

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