This week Liz + Lina, big beer lovers, interview Per-Erik Alm, the brewmaster at Bryggeriet Ångkvarn in Uppsala, Sweden. Per-Erik got into the business by marriage and a love of beer. He and two great-grandchildren to the original brewery founder, H.W. Söderman, teamed up to create a family-run brewpub in the same place as the original steam mill brewery. Listen to hear more stories + info about the brewery and our love for beer!
My Morning List
February 15, 2017
When do you get up?
On weekdays, I usually set the alarm for 06.30 in the morning, however, I’ve gotten into snoozing a lot, so it ends up being more likely around right before 7. I start work at 8. I used to be able to snooze for at least 45 min (BUT, I set my alarm earlier as well then..). I love mornings on the weekends, and I really wanna enjoy them as much as possible, so I always ask Liz to make sure I’m awake at the latest 08.30.
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
Check my phone, then go to the bathroom, either take a shower and get ready or just get ready. Afterwards, I head to the kitchen, and grab a cup of coffee, and try to decide what to wear. Once that’s decided, I usually sip on my coffee until it’s time to walk to work, which is usually around 7.50.
How much time do you spend in the bathroom every morning?
If I take a shower, it takes around 45 min to an hour. If I’m not taking a shower, around 30min – with clothes issues, 45min though.
Is breakfast important?
Yes. Since I’m only working 2 hours in the morning, I usually eat it when I come back home from work, around 10. If for some reason, I have been extra fast, I might eat breakfast before work.
What do you eat for breakfast?
Two sandwiches with butter and cheese, coffee, and a glass of juice. Sometimes, one sandwich and yogurt with müsli.
Are you tired in the mornings?
YES.
What kind of alarm do you have?
I use my iPhone and wake to the beginning of the song Glory Box by Portishead.
What does a perfect morning look like to me?
At home: To wake up with Liz by my side. It’s summer and we’re both off from work with no specific plans, so we’ve got the whole day together and can just do whatever we feel like. Perhaps take the short train ride to Stockholm for shopping, dinner, and beer. But the feeling of knowing we’re together with no specific plans.
At the beach: To wake up, with Liz by my side (but she’s usually already up, though, which is fine!), the sun is shining and I know it’s a hot and humid day. I grab a cup of coffee and walk out on the deck with an ocean view. Family members are already sitting there, sometimes reading a book, sometimes chatting, and I’m joining the crowd. We eat breakfast, change to bikinis, and then walk the short way to the beach for a relaxing day, together.
What’s the best with mornings?
You have the whole day in front of you with endless possibilities.
How are you dressed in the morning?
PJ’s and then my kimono or cozy clothes, which is soft pants and a big t-shirt or a tank.
YouTube Video
February 13, 2017I made a video the other day where I’m doing an unboxing, and talking about my eating disorder. Check it out ↓
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe ♥
Don’t forget to fall in love with yourself first!
February 11, 2017Screw the traditional Valentine’s Day talk! While we are talking all about love today, we decided to give it a little Liz + Lina twist. Tune in to Episode 19 of the LIZ + LINA podcast to hear how we both struggle with loving who we are, plus some of the strategies we use to help us learn to better take care of ourselves. Remember… it all starts with you. So, love yourself!
It was that kind of day
February 9, 2017When you walk and suddenly it’s just there. A sweater, a dress, a notebook, or a bag. That happened to me the other day. I found an awesome bag, and just because I love it so much, I’ll show it to you here too. Sorry, but not sorry.
18. This or That?
February 5, 2017Would you rather eat out or have delivery?! Liz + Lina draw some fun, random questions in this week’s episode so be sure and listen to learn a little more about the girls, enjoy a few laughs at their expense, and try to guess what they will say. (Hint: Liz + Lina are not exactly on the same page about everything). And of course, get an update on how things are going with their lives + their weekly challenges.
My debut on American TV!
February 2, 2017
Hey! Long time no see, but here I am. Gosh, once I really sit down and blog, I realize how much I actually miss it. Anyhow, as the title of this post says, today is the day. Liz and I are going to be on Home & Garden Television (HGTV) on the show called, House Hunters International. Yep, that’s right! The channel found Liz’s blog back in winter of 2015, but we weren’t ready to move to our own place then. However, HGTV told us that they still really wanted to film an episode with us, and that they would wait until we were actually gonna buy a home. Life happened and the time came for us to purchase a place, we contacted HGTV, and we filmed a day in Asheville, NC in the States this past summer, and then filmed four days here in Uppsala, Sweden. Intense days but so much fun!! The time has now come and it’s gonna air on TV TONIGHT in the States!!
So if you have HGTV, our episode, “Swinging Back to Sweden”, will be on at 10:30PM Eastern time.
You can read more about the episode here which will take you to the website of House Hunters International, and basically what you see down below.
Liz and I have, of course, a lot of footage from summer and fall, when we filmed, which we will post on our YouTube channel (which I’ve forgotten to mention on the blog yet, but in our latest podcast!). However, if you would like a little taste of it, you can watch the Casting Video we filmed. Even though the show hunted us, we still had to go through all the paperwork and process of being casted. Check out the casting video here below. Also, for future references, we will post, as I said earlier, more video footage later on, so hit the subscribe button on YouTube, and tag along on this TV adventure of ours!
Search liz+lina on YouTube or click on this direct link here in order to get to our channel.
A couple of American papers have also written about us and the upcoming show as well, which you can find here. Mountain Xpress, here, and Citizen-Times, here. We’ve also been interviewed by the local paper in Uppsala, but when I’m typing this, it hasn’t been published yet (if it will?!).
So, I believe that’s it for now. I’ll post, once the episode has been aired, a bunch of behind-the-scenes pictures, a little more info, and videos. It will probably end up being several parts because we have so much fun material to share with you! What a crazy and amazing adventure this has been and still is!
17. Liz + Lina have a YouTube channel!
January 28, 2017The day has finally come! Liz + Lina have been hinting at a big announcement/project for months – and today they are sharing all of their exciting plans! Tune in + find out why are starting their own YouTube channel. And then… go and subscribe!
16. BIG NEWS + other stories of triumph
January 21, 2017Liz + Lina have lots to share with you today – everything from our response to global news to personal triumphs to some VERY EXCITING upcoming events + plans. We’d like to think that today’s podcast is just one of the ways that we raise our voices, challenge the status quo, and make a difference in the world. Tune in + hear how 2017 has been shaping up for us so far! (Pssst…. We’re sharing some BIG NEWS!).
Welcome, 2017!
January 1, 2017
I feel so ready for you, 2017.
It’s New Years Eve, around 10PM here on the East coast of the US. Sweden has already lived in 2017 for some hours, and we’re about to enter it as well, and while we’re waiting I thought I could share some of my thoughts abut how to improve my life in order to live it to the fullest.
I have a few things I’ve thought of, changes I wanna make, improvements, healthy choices, and a desire to live life like I’ve never done before. Let’s organize it a little bit better:
Health
Make sure I drink as much water as I need every day, sleep enough hours every night, eat good food that I’ve also cooked, and take walks in order to get fresh air, every now and then.
Weekly luxury stuff
To do something for myself every week, along with doing something together with Liz every week. It could be, for example, to go to the movies on a regular Tuesday night. Grab a glass of wine downtown on a Friday after work, buy a sweater or something for home, fix my nails, get massages, treat myself with some lattes and juices etc. out, take away food on a weekday night…and so forth.
Travels
To have a few ideas/plans for possible trips. It could be a day in Stockholm, a long weekend in Ireland, a London trip…Just a few things, something special, to look forward to.
Creativity
Learn more about video editing, do paper art, take more pictures, film vlogs, and work on Liz’s and my new projects. Continue with our podcast and perhaps improve it even more.
Friends and Family
Meet up more with friends and family. More spontaneity in life.
Life in general
Try to clean out my life and by that I mean, live a more minimalistic life… think through once and twice before a purchase. Just because something is really cheap, I might not wanna stand behind the values of how it was produced; for example, avoiding fast fashion. Also, to organize and go through our storage units. I don’t need as much stuff and clothes that I already have.
Lastly: To worry less and live more.
A New Year’s Greeting from Liz + Lina
December 31, 2016Happy New Year!! This week we share how we’ve been spending the holidays and send a great big bunch of love + magic to you as we begin 2017!
The top 9 posts on Instagram 2016
December 31, 2016
Starting from the bottom right!
9. Me at the beach in South Portland, Maine, USA.
I had this picture taken the other day and it made it to the top nine list, pretty cool! A day when Liz and I decided for a little photo session since the sunset was so nice.
Ocean love. An open sea feels like an open book, with endless possibilities, a connection to the world, and uniting love. The fresh air, the beautiful view, and the horizon touching both earth and sky. Love it.
8. Me with the New York City skyline.
This past summer when Liz and I spent a couple of days in NYC, we stayed at an awesome airbnb apartment in Williamsburg, and explored new areas in NY.
I freaking love NYC ❤️
7. Me sitting on the floor in our living room.
I decided to film my reaction of playing the classic Nintendo I just had gotten.
6. Phone with our podcast playing.
We took a picture of a phone on the desk, playing our latest podcast episode.
It’s podcast day + Episode 14 of the LIZ + LINA podcast is ready!! This week we’re highlighting some of our most memorable moments of the past year… tune in to hear about some of our experiences + what word we decide to use to describe 2016! // Find us on iTunes podcasts, Soundcloud and Acast!! // Link in profile!
5. Podcast and a heart made of tea lights.
We created a heart made out of tea lights in the honor of our friend who had passed away the day before we recorded the podcast. The episode was a tribute to him.
We’ve created a special LIZ+LINA podcast for Episode 10 this week – where we process some of the tough things in life and how life just isn’t fair. Tune in + pass it on // Find us on iTunes podcasts, Soundcloud and Acast!! // Link in profile!
4. Williamsburg bridge.
Again, a pic from this past summer when we walked around in Williamsburg and realized how beautiful the sky/sunset was, so we just had to capture it on camera as well.
From last night ??
3. Liz and I outside the City Hall in Norrköping.
On our 7th wedding anniversary, I posted a picture from when just just had gotten married, back in 2009.
We’ve been married 7 years today and we’re still going strong! Gaaah, I love her so much ❤ ((The picture above is taken on December 26th, 2009, right after we’d said yes ?))
2. Me drinking coffee
We were at the airport, heading to the States for 4 week vacation during summer. I needed coffee, and bought some ridiculous expensive AND crappy tasting coffee. However, I was happy about going to the States.
Just bought an expensive and disgusting coffee at the airport… ? But hey, I’m excited and happy anyway because we’re about to board our plane to NYC! ??✈️
1. Liz and I at Rockefeller Center
Again, we’re in NYC, but this time during the holiday season and we got to see all the Christmas lights, tree, skating rink, etc. It felt like I was in an American holiday movie. Checked one of the things off of my bucket list: to experience NYC during Christmas time.
New York, together with my amazing wife ❤
If you would like to follow me on Instagram, just search for liersees
2016
December 31, 2016
What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before?
Bought an apartment in Uppsala!! So we’re homeowners now, woo hoo! We also filmed for a TV-show that’s gonna air in just a few months as I’m typing this (the end of December 2016)! Went in an ambulance to the emergency room. Not good, not good. Went to a Håkan Hellström concert along with more than 70,000 other people. That was amazing. Started a podcast together with Liz. Premiered with my longboard, but have to say that I didn’t really longboard that much do to fall weather and lack of company longboarding with me (yes, I’m that girl that wants to do it together with other people and not all by myself). Hung out in Williamsburg, NY. Love it!
Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did! Or I thought of some wishes that I was gonna work on in 2016, and I have. I usually don’t make any resolutions, but I will again, write down some wishes for myself that I’m gonna work on!
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, several friends ♥.
Did anyone close to you die?
Yes… ♥ ♥
What countries did you visit?
USA twice. A month in summer and two weeks over Christmas and New Years. Finland when we went on a little cruise to celebrate my sister’s birthday, and France.
What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?
Even better health, more mental strength, and more creativity. Energy!
What days from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory?
The day we got the keys to our new home, when our friend passed away, along with my grandmother. Also when I got really sick and had to go in an ambulance to the emergency room. My grandma’s funeral. The days at the beach in North Carolina, USA. When we were filming the TV-show. The Paris trip!
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
When I made the decision to step up a level in my recovery. More about that in another post.
What was the best thing(s) you bought?
Our apartment, furniture, and fun technical things. Also the trips we did to the States and within the States along with the trip to France.
What was your biggest failure?
The sickness, to have to go in the ambulance to the emergency room.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes, Anorexia Nervosa along with anxiety…BUT I haven’t had any colds or anything during the whole year so that’s a major plus. Knock. Knock.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine and Liz’s. Along with a friend of mine who helped me getting to the hospital when I needed it. Also some other fighter-friends, facing sicknesses as well. My parents.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Too private.
Where did most of your money go?
Our home in Uppsala, Sweden, furniture, technical things, and flight tickets.
What are you really, really, really excited about?
To travel to some new places in the world, watch the TV-show we’re in, perhaps renovate our kitchen, to visit our dear friend in Ireland in February, and to go to our friends’ wedding in Germany in May!
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Been in contact with friends more. Blog posts, podcasts, and perhaps even some vlogs. Creative stuff.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying and feeling anxious about stuff.
What song will always remind you of 2016?
» Adele’s All I Ask & When We Were Young
» AURORA’s version of Life on March
» Hulls Loney Dear
» Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox’s version of Creep
How did you be spend Christmas?
In South Portland, Maine, USA. Together with Liz’s family! Cozy and relaxed.
What was your favorite month of 2016?
July – spent some time in the archipelago and we also went the States.
Did you fall in love in 2016?
Even more with Liz, my wife since seven years ♥.
What was your favorite TV program?
Historieätarna. However, I’m not really watching that much TV. Mostly TV-series on Netflix and HBO Nordic.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don’t do the hating.
What was the best book you read?
Haven’t read that many books. But I liked Arvet efter dig by Jojo Moyes and also Min bror tog drogerna by Frida Jonsson.
What was the best serie(s) you watched?
The Walking Dead, The Affair, Bron, Outlander, Sons of Anarchy, Graceland, Stranger Things, and Homeland.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Saw them live in Stockholm and they inspired me on so many levels. Loved it.
What did you want and get?
Better health and my life back a little bit more!
What did you want and not get?
Some trips and to longboard as much as I wanted.
What was your favorite film of this year?
The Danish Girl.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 32! Ate dinner with Liz at Stationen in Uppsala and then met up a bunch of friends at Katalin for drinks. So much fun.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To be more healthy and have more energy.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?
Black pants, cozy cropped sweaters/ long t-shirts, and sneakers.
What kept you sane?
Liz and the amazing friends I got to know more and more during the year, my therapist, and a new friend I got to know. And then to listen to music, create, take pictures, play video games, hang out with friends and family.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Beyoncé – such an awesome way to release her new music.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Donald Trump along with Putin…and then the whole refugee situation in the world. Aleppo…gaaah, so depressing.
Who did you miss?
Friends and family…♥
Who was the best new person (people) you met?
Denise and new co-workers!
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016
Don’t waste your energy on some people who you’ll never get energy from (the same as last year and the year before that..hehe) and to get healthy and free will take its time. I am the only one who can change my life. I can get support from others, but the change will, at the end, depend on one person – me!
14. Our most memorable moments of 2016
December 17, 2016This week Liz+ Lina look back over a crazy, and sometimes chaotic, year… sharing stories of their highs + lows, and everything in between. What were your most memorable moments?!
13. Why we said no to the holiday hustle + bustle
December 10, 2016This week Liz + Lina share with you their thoughts + tips on how to say a big, fat NO to holiday stress and instead create a meaningful season – just the way you want it to be. Why? Because you are worth it!
12. Q + A with Liz + Lina
December 3, 2016We’re answering your questions on this week’s episode of the LIZ+LINA podcast! And we’ve covered everything from favorite Christmas traditions to depression. You guys are so awesome – thanks for sending your in questions + congrats to Gesine for sending the first one!
11. We’re back – and we have a lot to talk about (plus a competition!)
November 25, 2016Liz + Lina are back with a new episode after very long + unexpected, but much needed break. And, in this episode we cover everything from tears to Christmas music. Find out how life took a turn for the worse, but how we are still celebrating + moving on. Plus… listen through to the very end to find out about a surprise that involves YOU! (lizandlina@gmail.com)
Liz + Lina spend this week talking about, reflecting on, and processing their feelings about how, sometimes, life just isn’t fair.
9. Just roll with it
October 21, 2016Some weeks you just roll with the punches, ya know? Listen this week as Liz + Lina free-chat (we made up that phrase) about whatever comes to mind – find out how you can be part of an upcoming podcast
8. No, we do not feel guilty about our tv.
October 14, 2016What, if any, tv series are you into right now? Listen to Liz + Lina discuss a few series tips, share some of yours with us, and get an update on how things are going in their lives this week!
7. To unplug or not to unplug… that is the question.
October 7, 2016How do you feel about going off the grid? This week, Liz + Lina swap ideas about how they believe that it just might be possible to stay plugged in + be unplugged all at the same time.
Favorites at home at the moment
October 1, 2016
A newly bought “Cheap art manifesto” poster from Bread and Puppet Press in Vermont, USA.
A plant in our hanging crystal planter from Bean and Bailey Ceramics in Tennessee, USA. We bought it at The Big Crafty in Asheville a few years ago. Pretty much love all their stuff. Check their business out, here.
Various vases on the window sill. These ones come from Clas Ohlsson (surprise!) and from the Danish brand, Bloomingville.
A print, ordered from Gallerix, of a picture I took at the beach in North Carolina, USA, this past summer.
6. Well, we’re definitely not camera shy
September 30, 2016Is there something you’re dying to do, but you just haven’t… yet?! Liz + Lina tell stories about their experiences of being in front of the camera + behind the camera, and how trying new things most definitely keeps life interesting!
5. What we do when we’ve got a really good secret…
September 22, 2016In this episode, Liz + Lina share a secret about their crazy, busy, family-filled upcoming weekend. What do they have going on?!
4. Old habits die hard. (But, so will we if we don’t change them).
September 16, 2016In this week’s episode, Liz + Lina get personal and talk about letting go of what doesn’t work in order to move forward… to a life that feels good in all the right ways.
Thursday thoughts
September 15, 2016
I woke up with a pretty heavy feeling inside of me today. My energy level is pretty low nowadays, due to new routines/changes in my life.
Once I had gotten up to a higher energy level, life changed, and I need to face the exhausted feelings again. But I know it’s worth it. Because this is life, not where I was a year ago, five years ago, or even ten years ago. However, there’s so much going on right now, things I cannot control, fun stuff, tough stuff…and where am I in all of this? I have no idea. Who am I? How do you figure out who you are? How do you know your identity? What is identity? How would you describe yourself? I don’t know. I feel pretty lost right now. But perhaps, time will show, ride this wave, and I will explore more and more. The hard part, though, is to have patience enough, to let this take its time.
Why LIER?
September 13, 2016
So why do I call this website LIER? It’s based on the first two letters of my first name (Lina) and the two first letters of my last name (Eriksson), so it’s totally based on my names. Therefore, the social media platforms are also based on LIER, along with another word, that refers to what kind of platform it is. Ok, let’s check it out a little bit closer.
Pinterest → lierlikes
Because I save pins I like.
Instagram → liersees
Because I post stuff I see.
Twitter → liersays
Because I say things.
Are you using any social media platforms? If so, where, and what’s your username(s)?
New week, new energy?
September 12, 2016
This past weekend hasn’t been the greatest one in history. I haven’t stepped outside at all, not wanted to show myself for anyone, and just felt anxious and bad. I truly hate when those days come, and I’m not that great at taking care of me/them either. Basically, I just wanted to sleep all the feelings away, which isn’t really good since I probably need to take care and face my emotions/feelings. So I’m gonna try to change the thoughts now…because they’re still there.
Hope you’re having a good beginning of the week ♥
A life goal
September 10, 2016
3. The courage to live a creative life
September 9, 2016In this week’s episode, Liz and Lina share some personal stories about courage – and challenge you to find your inner bad ass.
