LET’S HYGGE February 2025

[definition of hygge]

a quality of cosiness and comfortable living that engenders a feeling
of contentment and well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

Add a little hygge to each month

I hope this little greeting finds you well. This month, I’m sharing a slightly larger creative project: a very special gift I received for my 50th birthday, which we’ve just completed – a memory bench. Below, you can see how it turned out!

Additionally, I’ve included a quick and easy recipe for some healthy crackers. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing movie or some music, I have a recommendation for you as well.

Last but not least, if it’s summer where you are and your garden is bursting with lavender, here’s a link to last year’s post filled with ideas for all the wonderful things you can create with it. I hope this greeting brings joy and smiles to your February!

Living so far from Denmark, I missed having a place to reflect and think about the relatives we’ve lost. For a long time, I dreamed of creating a bench around a beautiful, large native tree near our house. The tree overlooks the valley and feels like the perfect spot for reflection.

As a surprise for my 50th birthday, my husband collaborated with our local joiner to create a five-sided bench around the tree. It was the most thoughtful gift! I’ve since had small plaques made in memory of our departed relatives. During the Christmas holidays, we all gathered by the tree to attach the plaques.

I ordered the signs online in aluminum (70mm x 30mm) from Signomatic. We used Sikaflex glue to attach them – it was simple and worked perfectly.

Let's Hygge Lindbjerg Graphic Journal Blog

I love making these crackers – they’re easy, delicious, and versatile. You can change the flavour by adding crushed fennel seeds, rosemary, oregano, paprika or pepper to the mixture.

HEALTHY CHIA SEED CRACKERS

INGREDIENTS

Makes about 20

1 cup flaxseeds
1/2 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups water

Preheat the oven to 150°C (302°F). Add all the seeds and salt to a large bowl. Pour in the water and stir. Let the chia and flaxseeds absorb the liquid for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper using a spatula. Score the mixture into squares with a knife or leave it as is to break into rustic pieces after baking.

Bake in the middle of the oven for 1–1.5 hours. In my oven, it takes about 1 hour and 20–25 minutes. Check the center to ensure it feels crispy.

Remove from the oven, let cool, and carefully lift the crackers off the parchment paper. Break into pieces and store in an airtight jar or freeze.

This month, I wanted to share a truly inspiring film, JOY The Birth of IVF which I recently watched on Netflix. It’s a heartfelt and beautifully crafted documentary that tells the story behind one of the most incredible medical breakthroughs of our time – the creation of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

The film takes you on a journey through the challenges and triumphs of the scientists and doctors who made this life-changing innovation possible.

If you’re looking for something to watch, I found this film uplifting, thought-provoking, and a lovely reminder of how determination and compassion can change lives. I hope this little recommendation brings you joy!

I have fond memories of watching the film Jonathan Livingston Seagull with my father as a young girl. I vividly recall traveling by train to Copenhagen to see it at the alternative cinema “Klaptræet.” The film left a big impression on me—I adored both the story and the music.

The Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack, written and performed by Neil Diamond, earned both a Grammy and a Golden Globe Award. I have been playing it while writing to you! If you’d like to explore the album you can listen to it on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Music!

If it’s summer where you are and your garden is bursting with lavender, here’s a link to last year’s post filled with ideas for all the wonderful things you can create with it. Enjoy!