Ah, May! The month when nature truly awakens, bringing back the buzzing bees, blooming flowers, and, of course, the beloved stinging nettles. Yes, you read that right. While most people run in terror at the sight of these prickly plants, I'm here to tell you that they're actually your new BFF - especially when it comes to taking a relaxing, rejuvenating nettle bath.
And trust me, I know what I'm talking about. Every May, I hit the woods armed with gloves, scissors, and a canvas bag, ready to pick up some fresh nettles. It's a ritual I look forward to every year because because it's a perfect excuse to get out in nature, bask in the sunshine, and perhaps enjoy a little al fresco dining ;)

As soon as I get home, I start boiling water and prepare a big pot for the nettles. I steep the nettles in the hot water for a few minutes before letting them simmer. I prefer not to add any essential oils, but feel free to jazz things up a bit if that's your style. The scent alone is enough to make me feel like I'm floating on a cloud.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "A nettle bath? Are you out of your mind? The last thing I want is to bathe in a plant that stings me!" Believe it or not, the heat treatment removes any stinging sensation from the nettles. And even if it didn't, it's totally worth it! Nettles have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties, and taking a nettle bath is one of the best ways to reap the benefits.

After finishing up my bathing preparations, I'm finally ready to take the slide into a steaming bath of nettle-infused goodness. I usually soak in the mixture for a good 10 minutes before adding a bit of hot water to maintain the temperature for another 10 minutes. The bath is incredibly refreshing and revitalizing. The nettle scent is unlike any other; it's definitely nothing like flowery perfumes. It's the true scent of nature.

And now the word of advice:

• The best time to harvest young nettles is in the early spring when the first leaves appear. It is recommended to wear gloves and use scissors or shears to cut the top 2-3 pairs of leaves and stems.
• Also, I choose wild nettles over garden and park nettles. When picking nettles, it's important to look for clean places that are free from pollutants and toxins (and dogs' urine). 

​My first encounter with cold showers was when I was about three years old and my grandmother treated me with alternating cold and warm showers. The idea however at some point could have led to a family strife, so it was abandoned altogether. 
Later on I wasn't particularly interested to embrace the idea of cold showers. I have always enjoyed a hot and long shower. The idea of having a cold shower was never sought after even if I must have been hearing about its amazing benefits here and there.
You know, listening about the benefits and even understanding the principles behind them doesn't necessarily translate in adopting certain practices.
Until ...

​I guess when our bodies manifest they are not entirely happy with the way we treating them it is a good time to look for solutions. We are more attentive and eager to change.
A good few weeks ago, my blood pressure, which had always been low, dropped drastically. I felt awful. My energy level oscillated around 0 and the dizziness was unbearable. In times like these I try to look for natural remedies and solutions. And voila - there it was - a cold shower. 
But I didn't try right away. First, I had to get familiar with as many aspects of this treatment as possible. I read different articles, watched testimonies of other people and ask for doctor's advice. 
Then I tried ...

The first time was horrific. I could barely last 15 seconds, and after the shower, I had to revisit all the resources just to remind myself why on earth I had decided to subject myself to such discomfort.
Personally, I believe that  when embarking on new routines like this, our mindset requires an extra boost and encouragement.
So, fuelled by the inspiring words of others, I pressed on.
I'm still a newbie here but after 3 weeks of having regular cold showers I can definitely tell the difference. I feel more alive, my mood has has taken a turn for the better, and my batteries are fully charged. I want to carry on. I want to reap the benefits of this simple, yet effective method. 
I can tell you that after these three weeks cold water is still cold. It's  just as frigid and unwelcoming as before but I have already managed to prolong my initial 15 sec to about 2 minutes, usually twice a day. I listen to my body; I haven't resigned from the comfort of hot showers and I take it easy - one step at the time. 
That's my testimony.
Below, I leave you the links to  the materials that really helped me in this pursuit.

Gaz Okleay - my favourite vegan chef and his recorded experience of having ice baths.
Dr Berg - medical insight of what is happening to our body when we take cold showers.
and finally
Wim Hof - extremist but with loads of good pieces of advice and a living example that cold showers rule. 

Let me sum up with giving you a compiled version of cold showers benefits.

1. You'll save money on your water bill, because no one wants to linger in a cold shower!
2. Cold showers give you an instant jolt of energy, like a slap in the face from a friendly polar bear.
3. You'll become a master of self-control, because resisting the urge to scream in a cold shower takes serious willpower.
4. You'll boost your immune system by subjecting your body to a mini Arctic blast. 
5. You'll become a fearless warrior, because after surviving a cold shower, nothing can bring you down.

Ah, spring! That magical time of year when the earth awakens from its slumber, the birds start chirping again, and everything turns green. It's a season of renewal, rebirth, and... sneezing? Yes, unfortunately, along with all the joys of spring comes the dreaded allergy season, but let's not focus on the negative. Instead, let's celebrate all the wonderful things that make this season so special.
First and foremost, let's talk about green. Everywhere you look, there's a sea of vibrant, verdant hues. It's like the world has been given a fresh coat of paint, and it's glorious. Sure, you might have to mow the lawn a few times a week to keep up with the growth, but that's a small price to pay for such beauty.

Then there are the birds. Oh, the birds! They're back and they're singing their little hearts out. It's like a symphony of tweets and trills, and it's enough to make even the grumpiest of people crack a smile. Of course, some birds can be a little annoying (I'm looking at you, woodpecker), but let's just focus on the positive for now.
And what better way to enjoy all this natural beauty than by taking a stroll? Whether it's through a park, a forest, or just around the neighbourhood, there's nothing quite like a leisurely walk to clear the mind and connect with nature. Just make sure to watch out for all the dog poop that has been accumulating under the snow all winter. Fun times.

​All in all, spring is a time of hope, joy, and new beginnings. It's a season that reminds us that life goes on, and that even after the coldest, darkest winter, there is still beauty and wonder to be found in the world. So, go outside, take a deep breath, and revel in the glory of spring. Just don't forget your allergy medicine.

I am generally quite capable of sinking into despair but what I have experienced with this tiny plot is simply beyond my imagination. I try to joke about it, but the painful truth is that I am one lousy gardener. I tell you this story from some time perspective and my emotions are rather settled at the moment. However, then the mentioned below events were taking place I could hardly see any positive outcome.

It must be said that the list of my gardening mishaps is endless and just for the purpose of this post I have chosen the most spectacular ones. And as the modern approach to psychology and development encourages as all to see our failures as our successes I am going to present the events as such.

Success Number 1
-reduction of fish population in a garden pond by 50% 
Success Number 2
-creation of a weed plantation almost in every flipping corner 
Success Number 3 
- designing a new style of cutting hedge by depriving it of any green leaves 

All of these have no real happy ending. Thankfully, we managed to sort out the pond problem and no further deaths are expected. When it comes to weeds, I am afraid the problem is evolving; even though I have spent hours on weed whacking, laying geotextile, and following other permaculture ideas (like for example using cardboard). And finally the hedge. Here the situation is quite simple - I can either wait for a miracle to happen or plant a new one.

The good news is that I haven't given up yet. And there are small marvels that make this whole experience a little bit less bitter. I got a patch of sunflowers - selfseeded and a bed of lavender and herbs. I know it's a little comfort but the journey continues. 

My top three priorities when looking for a summer holiday destination would be
1. scorching hot - so that I could complain about the heat 
2. touristy - so that I could go on and on how crowded the place is 
3. with little opportunities to speak English - so that I could keep on whining about the impossibility to communicate

And Venice almost ticks all the boxes.
The temperature in the summery Venice is incredibly high. However, it's not the days that are the worst but nights. Strolling through the city, even in the middle of the day is okey for me - perhaps thanks to the shade offered by narrow cobbled streets -  but the stuffiness of the night is quite unbearable - it makes you feel weak and weary.

I guess, Venice attracts a huge number of tourists all year round. No wonder as the city has a lot to offer. Anyhow, the peak summer season is when you can really feel the hustle and bustle of the city. And don't worry, even if my pictures don't show it, believe me - loneliness will be the last thing you experience. ​

And finally English. And here, I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed as I had been expecting almost zero engagement in this matter. And I was wrong. In most places people speak basic, communicative English and you don't feel stigmatized for wanting to use it. Of course, it's much better when you try to charm the locals with your few well polished Italian words but still I had a feeling that English is maybe not appreciated but definitely recognizable. 
​Here are a few highlights from my Venice experience - scroll, enjoy and veni, vidi.. Venice. ​

And finally a glimpse from my Instastory ;)

This year, I came into possession of a small allotment. Well, I say small, because it's not particularly big in square meters but if I were to comment on the amount of work it needed, needs and will be needing I could risk saying it's enormous! ​