All The Small Things

What would it look like if we lived for the small things in life?  Or do what we love without fear, pressure or striving for acceptance?  These little blessing in life are visible to us in our homes, in nature, and even in daily routines.  See what you can find around the house that gives you joy.

Stay in your pajamas the whole day!

This is one of my favorite cups surrounded by genuine letters from the 1930s.

I found these baby shoes at one of my local antique stores here in town.

Hippity-hoppity Easter is on it's way.  I've shared this belly bunny before.  He never gets old!

I'm hoping to start growing my own food pretty soon.  I live a plant-based lifestyle, so we'll see how that unfolds.  

Somnium Cafe Bar, Krakow Poland

One of the great things about the coffee culture, especially in Europe, is that it's often associated with community and social gatherings. The Third Wave, or specialty coffee movement has swept into parts of Europe in recent years and has cultivated many destinations such as Berlin, Amsterdam, and more recently, different cities in Poland. The Third Wave movement takes an interest in the entire coffee-making process, from cultivation to import, roasting to brewing; and especially in the economic and environmental impact of the organic {green} farms located mainly in Central America.

Krakow is different than many of the "touristy" areas of Eastern Europe.  It occupies its historical features while retaining a finesse and character that is unique only to them. It's coffee mirrors that same unique personality.  During my travels, I discovered Somnium Cafe Bar, which specializes in the art of coffee and is located in historic Kazimierz just south of Old Town Krakow.

I love European coffee venues because many of them are small and seat maybe seven people at most.  This tells me that I am going to receive some wonderful personalized treatment while experiencing craft coffee at its best.

My barista was extremely knowledgable and professional and talked with me about what kind of roast and brewing technique would be best for me.  We decided on the Colombian roast by Audun Coffee Roasters, a small-scale company based in Poland, brewed in the Chemex.

Taste Notes: Chocolate, bourbon 

Acidity: Low

My pour over was served in a corked carafe with a pink ceramic mug, and a side of woda {water}.  One of the things I look for in a coffee house is its unique style. Everything from the way the coffee is presented and served to the the seating arrangements to the art on the wall makes a difference in how the experience affects me.  Somnium has all kinds of little quirks strategically placed through out the shop.  I like to spend at least two hours even in a small venue because I see new things as I look up from every sip. My coffee was divine and exactly as the barista had described. 

Somnium had a good vibe and a laid-back feel.  The music was moderate but not over powering with a touch of modern to classic Indie. I watched people come and go as the afternoon ticked away while being inspired by the European architecture that surrounded my body, soul, and spirit.

I chose the small cobalt-blue tufted chair on the first riser next to the staircase. This gave me one of the best views of then entire rustic building including the outside.  After my pour over, the barista asked if I wanted something for lunch.  He made me a custom dish {not on the menu}containing a ham omelette over a field of greens. Thank you!

Their coffee portfolio includes various espresso-based options as well as alternatively brewed ones: cold brew, V60, Chemex and AeroPress. It might seem like the standard for speciality places, but in Krakow, these brewing methods are an art form unique to each designer of the craft.  The attention to detail and artistry varies person to person and day to day.  And that's what makes Somnium stand out in a town that already possesses so much character while offering a wealth of pride and joy to its community.

A Day of Simplicity

We live in a world that encourages busyness and non-stop activity.  In fact, many boast that working eighty hours a week, and getting only three hours of sleep is a sign of strength and will win them some sort of trophy.  I get that we need to work for the present and the future but sometimes we not only forget how to live, but we forget the basics like how to breathe.  And if it's not breathing...then it's not alive.

Try to enjoy the small simple things in life.  In a success-driven society, choosing simplicity may be a brave move.  I believe we are stronger when we go against the grain of the world and do our own thing.  I'll be the first to admit that many times I feel like I need to always go, go, go or I'll be wasting the day.

Here are a few items you can do {or at least think about doing} in order to help achieve simplicity, even for just a fleeting moment:

1. Choose a small meal.  A simple salad. Rather than the smorgasbord.  

2. Take a digital sabbatical instead of being overwhelmed with information.  Write in a journal. 

3. Be "unproductive" today instead of trying to get it all done.

4. Read past journals or letters.  

5. Choose a few minutes of solitude instead of trying to navigate through the noise. 

6. Give more, take less.

I know it's easier said than done.  But remember,  you need to take care of yourself.  Don't feel guilty about it.  You are the only you that you got!

Fika Coffee, Krakow Poland

It's a cold rainy Sunday morning in Krakow, Poland.  Walking the empty streets, you can hear church bells in the distance with the occasional train moderately passing by as the wind nearly blows my hat off my head.   Fika Coffee is a hidden gem located on a quiet sleepy street between Kazimierz and Old Town Krakow.  After attending Sunday morning mass at St. Mary's Basilica, I arrived at Fika at opening.

This place is way cute! I hung my scarf on the hook and immediately claimed my window seat.  Like most craft coffee houses in Europe, it only seats about seven.  But don't let that fool you...Fika has a ton of character packed into its distressed walls.  Everything from the 1940s-style floors to the attention to detail around the shop. {And did you notice the coffee cup creating the letter "A" in Fika?}

Fika features Rocket Bean, a roastery located in Latvia that buys their beans from a bio-organic farm settled within a pine forest in Central America.  My barista recommended the Honduras for my pour-over.

Taste Notes: Fudge, prunes, hazelnuts

Acidity: Low

My barista put her heart and soul into creating my craft.  She took into consideration the weight, temperature, and added her own artistic flair.

The final product was served in a Kinto beaker with a hand-made ceramic cup with no handle.

The menu contains standard drinks as well as craft.

I was fascinated by this hallowed cubby within the distressed brick wall.  It reminded me of something out of an Edgar Allen Poe story.  I took the time to browse some of the literature that was provided.

My window seat was warm as the radiator heated the quaint venue.  I spent over an hour at what had become one of my favorite spots in Krakow.  It almost felt like the place existed just for me.  A few customers came and went during my stay.  I will always remember the joy and good vibe that was created within the walls of a true European experience.  You guys are the best!!