MIDSOMMAR Wreaths & Good HORMONES (June ‘25 Delights)

Every month, I'm rounding up the little joys that made these past weeks extra fun. Cozy, quirky, weird, and wonderful-because celebrating the good stuff (big or small) makes life better. I call them my monthly delights. Here are my June '25 delights.

How was your June? Mine had Swedish pastries, Midsommar wreaths, hormone-balancing experiments, humbling body stuff, happy cats, and so much more fun.

Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

1. BLOOMS: Sweet Peas

This spring, my husband planted sweet peas on the balcony just for me. I had dreamed of them for years-so much so that I wanted them in my bridal bouquet. But since we got married in September, they were out of season and impossible to find.

Now, every time I step outside, the balcony feels like a little love letter: tiny climbing blossoms with the softest vanilla scent, especially sweet in the mornings and evenings.

2. BODY: Humbling Experiences

June reminded me how fragile routines can be. I hadn't had a cold in years, and then suddenly I was out for ten days. For me, movement is more than exercise-it clears my mind and anchors me in my body-so the break felt loooong.

Just as I was finding my footing again, my period arrived, and soon after we left for a family trip to Sweden (more on this below). There was walking and swimming, yes, but it wasn't the workout rhythm I'm used to.

By the time we came home, the gap had grown so wide that I almost didn't want to start again. When I finally tried, my usual strength was gone. It felt like starting over from the beginning. So I chose a gentle 14-day challenge-something doable.

A humbling reminder that what matters most is: Beginning! Again and again.

3. HORMONES: Finding Support

For a while now, I've had the feeling I might be in perimenopause. The signs were there-shorter cycles, heavier bleeding, sharper PMS, stronger cramps. For years, red clover extract had kept things manageable, but suddenly it wasn't working anymore.

So, I started looking for something new and eventually tried a supplement called Phytopower. Three months in, the difference feels almost miraculous: my cycle is steady again, PMS has eased, even the joint aches have quieted. It's a shift that's made a big impact.

Phyto Power

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What I appreciated most is that the company (XbyX) actually takes the time to advise on which product might suit you best. It's female-led, and most of their supplements are vegan. This isn't a sponsored mention-just my own experience, shared in case it helps someone else navigating the same path.

4. COOKIES: Prinzenrolle Vanilla

Last year I wrote about the vegan Prinzenrolle with chocolate filling-a classic.

And now there's a new vanilla version? Feels like a little gift for a vanilla fan like me. They're tasty, of course, but to be honest, I still prefer the organic vanilla sandwich cookies from Bios. They have a cleaner, truer vanilla flavor without the odd aftertaste.

That said, the Prinzenrolle cookie itself deserves a gold star. It's the best vegan "butter cookie" I've found so far-simple, crisp, and perfect for baking projects. Since butter cookies are often called for in no-bake cakes and crusts, I'll be keeping these on hand. You just scrape out the filling (eat it with a spoon if you like, yum) and save the cookies for whatever dessert you're making.

5. TRAVEL: Midsommar in Sweden

Midsommar in Sweden! I've always dreamed of celebrating it - I even put it on my bucket list (do you have one?).

This year, by some happy coincidence, our family trip lined up perfectly with the Swedish holiday.

There were flower wreaths, of course-one of which I made myself and wore with so much joy. Standing in the long evening light, I felt an upbeat, almost surreal sense that every bucket-list wish might come true.

A moment I'll carry with me for a long time.

6. PASTRIES: Swedish Kanelbullar & Co

Besides swimming in the lakes and wearing flowers in my hair, my favorite activity in Sweden was-no surprise-sampling vegan sweets. And Sweden really delivers.

Supermarkets carry all kinds of clearly labeled vegan treats, from cinnamon swirls (even the frozen gluten-free ones were good!) to chocolatey, coffee-flavored chokladbollar.

The highlight by far: Bageri Leve in Malmö. We drove there just for the pastries. Just. For. The. Pastries. Totally worth every kilometer. We plopped down at the table with plates piled high-sweet buns, custard-filled puff pastries, pizza focaccia, all of it-and practically attacked them.

And yes, we left with a giant bag for later. Only regret: The famous Swedish princess torte was out that day. Next time, it's mine.

8. CATS: Automatic Feeder + Great Sitters

Heading off to Sweden with the whole family meant finding someone new to take care of our two cats, Merlin and Mim. Thankfully, our amazing neighbors stepped up-and when they went on vacation, my aunt and uncle swooped in. Truly, we are lucky to have friends and family who love pets as much as we do.

Shoutout also to our trusty automatic pet feeder for wet food by Closer Pets. Total lifesaver. The sitters only had to come by once a day, and Merlin and Mim got their wet food morning and evening like clockwork.

Cat Mate C500 - 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder with Ice Packs for Cats and Small Dogs

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Peace of mind + happy cats = vacation win.

9. FOOD: Pasta Salad & Watermelon Spread

June was a total foodie month.

Before Sweden, I finally shared my favorite watermelon rind spread-yes, savory, yes, amazing.

After vacation, it was all about pasta salads. Easy, fresh, perfect for hot days. Seriously, if you haven't tried a classic German pasta salad yet, you're missing out.

10. MOVIE: Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Since June is Pride Month, I have to share this one: Portrait of a Lady on Fire. It's an intense love story between two young women in Brittany, which immediately had me hooked because Brittany is my forever-place-of-longing. But the story, the visuals, the acting-everything about this French movie is stunning.

Explosive: Adèle Haenel, one of the lead actors, ended her acting career right after this movie "in protest against its 'sexism' and 'patriarchy.'"

If you loved Portrait of a Lady on Fire, give Gentleman Jack. It's a historical drama set in 1830s Yorkshire about Anne Lister, a landowner and industrialist, and her love story with Ann Walker. Mind-boggling what Lister achieved in that time: her courage to live authentically, the wealth she built, and the life she created for herself. A true role model, even today!

Next up: My birthday month of July!

If you're in the mood to chat: What was special about your June?

Wishing you planty of delights,
Ramona

♥

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