Posted on

Hockey-wife

Have you always been this passionate about hockey? you might ask when you spot me in the stands every Sunday, surrounded by snacks and a blanket.

Another Sunday in the stands!

Surprisingly, no! I was completely green on hockey before I met Devin. To begin with, it took YouTube videos and studying up on some rules (mainly to impress my guy), but now I know a decent amount. I’ve learned that the speedy prison-striped ice princesses raising their arms so often are called “refs,” and that you’re allowed to give a punch or two (just to give the game some extra “crunch,” I guess…btw, am I the only one who didn’t know that a fight is not just allowed during a professional hockey game but totally normal and scarily common?!)

What, exactly, is a hockey wife? Have you heard the expression “dance mom”? If not, I’ll explain: I’m referring to those moms who show up to every competition with extra hairspray and a “Let’s go Maddie!”-poster –the ones so dedicated they’ll threaten to punch a judge if results are disagreeable. I found out this is me… except I’m not a mom, obviously… and Dev isn’t dancing (I mean, it sure looks like it), and that’s what makes me hockey-wife. 

The fact is I married into a Canadian-American Hockey Family. Devin had experience on the ice since age 2 (just imagine those precious toddler feet in tiny skates!) and his mom spent years on the ice as a figure skater. 

And yet my man has still not seen me in skates. Not because we don’t want to, but, you know, COVID and all. The only hockey I’ve ever played is the PE kind on wooden floors. It was actually super fun back in middle school, with a yearly tournament dressed up in costumes… boy, I was dedicated. And even though I’m no Bambi-on-Ice, I also know I’m not some graceful ballerina, either….


Hockey (or ice hockey, as we Danes call it) seems to combine several elements from different sports: 

1) One of those ball-in-the-net-games that we all know and love.

2) Ice skating as the mode of transportation.

3) A fencing match using sticks almost the size of the players. 

4) With the pressure and the adrenaline rushing, it can (and will!) turn into a little boxing match, and the stripes won’t stop it before it leads to bigger injuries. A black eye or a little “kæberasler” (jaw-rattler, I guess I’ll translate it as) is just good TV.


It makes sense then why I always get a little anxious when Dev’s on the ice. (He’s there mostly for fun these days, considering the 6 diagnosed concussions he earned pursuing a collegiate hockey career + a much needed hip surgery.) To make it clear, he’s not the one rattling jaws; he’s a goalie who, unfortunately, has taken a few pucks to the head. 

So many sports in one is really impressive! And also really freaking EXPENSIVE!
Having danced competitively for so many years, I thought I knew what “expensive” meant. We’d attend tournaments at least once a month and Coach would send links to full outfits and then I (okay, let’s be fair: my parents) would have to pay for a new set of clothes and pair of shoes that would last, if we’re lucky, maybe one year.


But when I heard the cost of a complete hockey setup? Probably the feeling of getting a puck to the face.

Check out the equipment list below–a bunch of stuff I never would’ve thought of. This includes the specific items a goalie needs, such as goal pads, chest and arm protectors (which will make you look like a fluffy marshmallow), and some pretty thick gloves to block and catch (and lessen the chance of your fingers being chopped off with razor blade skates).

  1. Compression pants: $60
  2. Jock/cup: $70
  3. Socks: $25
  4. Knee pads: $100
  5. Pants: $250
  6. Chest protector: $450
  7. Jersey: $40
  8. Mask: $500
  9. Stick: $200
  10. Skates: $350
  11. Pads: $900
  12. Gloves: $350
  13. Blocker: $250

Total: $3,545

But don’t worry, maybe you can do without the bag, which will save you about $100, and see if you can find an alternative bag big enough to carry another human in it.

The cost of entrance can prevent a lot of people from starting the sport. But I know that some organizations (LA kings as an example) offer a gear starter pack and cheaper practice (also called clinics or workshops) to less privileged families. Hopefully this will open up hockey to more kids and diversify the scene. If you know any kids who are interested, you can read more here.

I’m so happy that Devin’s getting back into hockey! It makes me joyful to see him joyful. I love cheering my hubby on (half under my breath, because I’m trying not to embarass). And for financial reasons, I’m certainly ecstatic he already had all required gear.

But most of all, I’m proud! Seeing my little blue Michelin marshmallow dancing around in his goal. See you Sunday at the rink? I’ll bring my blanket. You bring the snacks.

Kys og kram,
Victoria Liv (the hockey wife)

Posted on

How we optimized and personalized our tiny apartment

Before I moved to The States, I was renting my own apartment in a Danish city called Randers. I lived there for about 2 years at a monthly rate of $380 (2500 kr). I know: that’s approximately what you’d pay for parking in downtown LA. It was a tiny yet cozy space around 322 ft² (30 m²). Back then I had a hard time fitting all my things into just a kitchen, a bathroom and one main room (which doubled as ¼ bedroom, ¼ living room, ¼ dining room and ¼ dance studio).


Or at least I thought I had a hard time because all that seems pretty luxurious now that I’ve experienced life in LA.

To my and Devin’s luck, we did (and still do) pretty well as two people (both with an abnormal amount of clothing and knick knacks) squished into a smaller amount of square feet (during a pandemic, no less). It definitely helped that we had a very cute backyard and gym (that was only closed 7 out of the 8 months we were there). But was the $1500 (10.000 kr) in rent really worth it? Now you might be wondering, “Were they living in Beverly Hills with rent like that?” Nope, even better –we were located in the gorgeous area between Koreatown and Downtown Los Angeles; our view included humongous hills of trash (before the homeless set those on fire to stay warm, ofc) and included the lovely soundtrack of police choppers overhead.
I haven’t given a single thought to how we could be living in a spacious, two-bedroom modern townhouse in Denmark for that price. No, never, not one thought given…

  • Assembling bedframe
  • Moving to DT LA

Now time to “turn that frown upside down,” as Devin might say. I DID love our apartment in DT LA because it was ours. It was the first place we got to choose together and make homy and hyggelig (from the Danish word hygge, which I’ll need a whole post to explain).

For those curious about how we navigated a small space in a big city, I’m happy to share how we personalized and optimized. Also, I’m here to brag about my handywoman work (when it comes to assembling IKEA, I definitely wear the pants. Or shorts, it’s pretty hot here in Cali).

Don’t be afraid of mixing his and mine

While living with my significant other, I quickly discovered there’s not really a “his” and “mine”–and I love it. This means I get a closet double the size and Devin’s face is always moisturized: isn’t that great?!


Naturally, we’re not separating the closet, the shelves, the cupboards, etc. Not only do we optimize space, but also we learn to compromise. By combining my graduation hat (a very traditional thing in Denmark) with Dev’s Florida seashells, we learn to accept (and appreciate!) each other’s differences.


Figure out how to use the walls

Don’t underestimate YouTube! I’ve watched so many handyman videos during these 8 months in that studio. The main thing Devin and I learned: when hanging anything on the walls in an apartment complex, be sure you know what kind of walls you’re dealing with. We put up a few pictures and a little kitchen rack for spices and paper towels. All went smoothly and we felt unstoppable. The bliss was short-lived, though, when we went to hang some wooden shelves Devin made (with help from his big bro). The drillbit went directly through the wall and we were left with a hole the size of a pencil.
With anchors (suddenly) way too small, the only option I saw was covering it with a poster (preferably Justin Bieber or Zac Efron ofc), but compromise…  This wasn’t in my lovely husband’s plans, so we came up with an alternative.

Did you know that there’s an invention called “flip toggles” that can hold up to 106 pounds (48 kg) in drywall/hollow wall? I do now! Thank you Ultimate Handyman on YouTube!

Since our discovery of flip toggles, we hung 3 wooden crates and 3 of Devin’s shelves. Immediately the room felt bigger, the furniture more evenly-spaced. You could barely tell that the last shelf was tilted enough to be a ski slope for the cockroaches who occasionally came to visit. So yeah, open up YouTube and put on that Bob the Builder safety helmet!


Reuse jars and cans

If you, like we did, have a tiny kitchen (*I’m pretty sure ours was built for clueless cooks, the kind who have never seen a measuring cup), then I have a few useful tips. I’m not reinventing the wheel, or as we say in Danish “inventing the deep plate,” so if you’re already doing this, super! If not, stay right here. 

I’m a sucker for reusing jars and cans (especially when I know the recycling here isn’t always guaranteed in apartment complexes) and I love to put them to use after finishing whatever deliciousness was in them. On top of our cabinets we placed a bunch of cute glass jars filled with a variety of seeds and nuts, saving us the hassle and waste of plastic bags (not to mention essential cabinet space).
Old cans are perfect for repotting plants. The Don Francisco’s Coffee Dev drinks has a perfect-sized tub for basil and other herbs (basil is definitely the easiest one; cilantro, however, won’t stay alive for more than 2 weeks).


Make the best of it

So, sure, you might be living in a spot like our old place, one that earned just 1 out of 5 stars on Yelp. But this doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t make it feel cozy and personalized. A home is were the heart is, so we continued to take the negative in stride (cops walking in and out of the complex, police helicopters whirring at night, the all-too-often dumpster fires).
All until we found health threatening fungus-mushrooms growing in our shower, we ain’t bout dat… but that’s a whole other convo.


Maybe your default now is to see the negative: about your apartment, your neighborhood, your roomie. But my advice to you would be: create a place where you can go “offline” and be YOU. Maybe it’s Christmas lights in colors to hang over your “hygge-corner.” Or maybe it’s a stick of Palo Santo lit beside your yoga mat, filling your spot with zen. 


Kys og kram,
Victoria Liv

Posted on

I am plant-based (and happier)

See, if I had written “vegan,” half of you would probably think, “What a preacher!” But now that I’ve got your attention… I am vegan. 

According to Wikipedia’s definition, “Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.” 


Veganism is (in my opinion) a lifestyle that one can choose and adapt in many ways. My veganism has roots in my family and upbringing.

My mom barely ate meat when I was born and slowly turned away from it. When my older sister Tatiana became all 100% plant based, my mom followed. Not long after, my little sister Kat became vegan (she was only 13 at that time; she’s so freaking bad ass!). Although half of my family wasn’t eating meat, including my mom, she’d always make two dishes for dinner. We’d have a choice between one with meat and one without. Can we just take a minute to praise that lady?! I know how time-consuming it can be to cook for only two, and she cooked two meals every night for 5-10 people…!

Vicki the Meat Eater

As a picky and stubborn kid, I’d always go with the “easy” option: the meat dish. If you ask my siblings or parents today, they’ll tell you I was the one who consumed the most meat (and just food in general!). So, what happens when someone tells you something a countless number of times? You start to believe it. 

I saw myself as this kid who could, and would, eat the most. At restaurants, I’d go out of my way to pick the plate that sounded most extreme. Combo plate with chicken, meatballs, and steaks? It’s mine! There was this strange pressure to maintain the image that my surroundings created. And I’m just now realizing how unhealthy this relationship with food was. I never knew how it felt to be simply full because I kept eating past that.


I’ll bet a dairy-free pint of Ben & Jerry’s you’re imagining a very fat kiddo–but that’s not completely true. Yes, I was a little chubby, but all my dance classes helped me stay within the normal weight class.

During boarding school in 9th grade, my parents were no longer paying for dance classes. I gained a few pounds and topped 165 lbs (75kg), but in another post I can tell you how I lost 33 lbs (15kg) in a couple years.

2015/2018

How and why did I become vegan?

Let’s just say my family was pretty surprised. I mean, I was working at an American-themed restaurant called BONES.


One night my older sister of two years, Josephine, and I talked about how we felt like we were vegans “in the closet.” We admired our sisters and mom for making the change, and we knew that it was (in our opinion) the best thing to do. But we also agreed that we couldn’t take the step; it was just too much of a sacrifice.


Something changed in me during the summer of 2018, however. I was 19 and had just returned from a dance competition with my four best friends in the world, my dance crew Selection. After that trip I was feeling super motivated and confident. That was when I travelled to London (solo) to take dance classes. 


My parents will often joke how it took an amazing boy to finally convert me to veganism. And I can’t argue there.

Devin had been plant-based for 2 years when he met me. He took me to Wild Life Cafe on our second night together. At that point in my life, I was completely open to letting everything in. People, ideas, inspiration. I was ready to eat up the world.
Coming home from London, I continued to eat meat when it was served, but I stopped buying it. Ditto milk, eggs and cheese. When I found out Devin was going to fly in just two weeks later, I started experimenting with veggie-packed meals (and bombing my vegan family members with questions).

I went from thinking explicitly “vegan food” to just cooking creative dishes that happened to have no animal products. Way easier than expected, surprisingly! 

November 4th, 2018 was the day Devin arrived in Denmark and the last day for me as Vicki the Meat Eater.

My whys might be different from other vegans you know. It took a boy and my health to go cold turkey (from, well, turkey). Is that selfish? I sometimes think so, but my motivation has since expanded. I’m much more aware of the profound impact it has on animal cruelty and the environment.

Lately I’ve followed the new Danish political parti Veganer Partiet and they’ve opened my eyes to the brutal reality of how animals are treated (even when the farmers are following the law).
I’ll leave you with this link in case you wanna look more into the amazing (and much needed!) work lead by Henrik Vindfeldt.

My relationship with food now

No more chunky monkey (as Dev would have called me, out of love of course). Food is way more interesting now, to be honest. Freestyling (Click here, to check out my favorite recipe) in the kitchen is a newfound passion, and I’m in love with the challenge of working from scratch. When you can’t just pull a ready-made meal off the supermarket shelf, you get creative! I’m not picky anymore (besides pickles, remoulade–a Danish thing, made out of pickles, so don’t bother to look it up–and olives. Oh and artichokes actually).

Some might think “vegan food” will make you either super skinny (because it’s all veggies) or terribly unhealthy (because a lot of alternatives are processed). It’s a fine balance between veggies providing all your necessary protein/vitamins and substituting meat alternatives in your favourite dishes. I’m sure some (me!) would worry about saying goodbye to pizza forever. I have to tell you, though… damn do I love my vegan pizzas loaded with greens and Daiya cheese.

BBQ cauliflower wings on cashew cheese and onion
topped with home grown cilantro!

In the beginning, I told myself that I could start eating roast and drinking cow’s milk whenever I wanted, and that the switch to veganism was just to challenge myself. Being vegan, I feel far from restricted. Instead I would say enlightened, just probably not in the half-religious way you think. It’s not about giving up a big part of your plate. I found out that a dinner can be so much more than the basic 3-part meal: potatoes with sauce (we Danes really love our potatoes…), rosa steak, and a side salad.

Do I miss eating meat? No! Do I miss the social traditions and freedom to order everything on the menu? A little. But I’ve enjoyed so many amazing meals (with surprising ingredients and new spices) all because I’ve opened my mind to other options (PLUS restaurants are proving that plant-based is kinda trendy).

I will continue to encourage everyone to be open-minded when it comes to food, to discover new recipes and to accept lifestyles different from their own. We’re out here doing something that we know is right for us, for nature and for the future.

Still, I’m in no way saying this is what you need to do. Truthfully, I’m sick and tired of “meat eaters” sticking an equal sign between “vegan” and “preacher.” 

I remember how my mom would try to convince me (often!) to pick whatever meat-free option she made for dinner, and I would feel like she was coming across as pushy or a know-it-all. It didn’t feel good. But she wasn’t wrong. Her food was and still is delicious, more varied, and for a lot of reasons more ethically right. Now I see my resentment: she was trying to change my perspective before I was ready to.

Veganism is at its core about compassion–for animals, yes, but also fellow human beings.

Would I love for you to join me on this vegan journey and experience all the wonders of tofu scrambles and black bean burgers? Of course! It’s awesome and it has made me happier! But I also fully respect that these journeys take time, that our positive memories are intertwined with our meat, and maybe even part of our identity.

Any questions, comments, or delicious vegan recipes (yes, please!) are very welcome down below.

I’ll give you three of my favorite recipes:
Thai Peanut Lettuce Wraps, but with rice noodles and less oil (with the peanut butter and that amount of oil it can be a little too greasy).

Tira Misu, takes a little more time, but worth the extra effort. I promise!

Mac and Cheese, I usually boil and blend a carrot together with the potatos and the cashews sinse it’ll give the cheese more of that caracteristic cheese color.
ENJOY!

Kys og kram, Vicki the Plant Eater,
Victoria Liv

Posted on

COVID: I guess I’ll start another puzzle…

The first one was taking up half of our floor space, and I think Devin wasn’t too thrilled about the mess, but I reassured him that the 1000-piece Monet painting would only take a few… weeks.

Everything about COVID-19 has been confusing, frustrating and depressing. Although I am fortunate enough to say I’ve had it easier than others, it’s been a dark time for me too. No, I didn’t lose my job (because I didn’t have one…),and Devin is able to pay rent, and no one in my close circle has been ill (knock on wood/“syv, ni, tretten” in Danish), but the entire situation is still terrifying.

So what do we do? 
We stay productive. The rock-solid answer when people are asking “How are you holding up?” is a short and simple: “I’m good, just trying to stay busy, you know.”The alternative would be slightly TMI: “I’m mildly depressed. Went through four shows on Netflix, I’m baking cake like crazy and spending at least two hours a day on Candy Crush” — clearly not the most interesting and Insta-worthy response.
I have, like so many others, felt the pressure from people preaching about productivity and the 1001 challenges that formed on social media in the beginning of lockdown. Push ups on one finger, knit a wedding dress, write a book, idk it got pretty wild. We feel guilt and feel like we need to reinvent the wheel so at the very least we can come out of this pandemic with something to show for ourselves (5 months at home and all you did was…cake?)

My solution

(BE AWARE: I haven’t tested this on anyone other than a 5’5’’ blond Scandinavian, but it should be applicable on anyone with an open mind).


I won’t try to make this something it’s not. We’re living through a worldwide pandemic, which means businesses shutting down, families stressed, severe suffering. Okay, that got a little dark, but I promise I’ll brighten it up again now…
Point is, stay positive and busy, but be gentle with yourself. Avoid needless pressure to spend every second of quarantine wisely.” No one needs extra weight on their conscience during an already heavy time like this. 

If you feel like blaming the virus, I’d say go for it. For me, blaming Covid has been a way to accept limitations and vulnerability. I gained 5 pounds: “COVID.” I finished Sweet Magnolias in one week: “COVID.” I’m broke: “COVID!”
Dealing with the situation in quarantine is, for me, about finding a balance between absolute zero productivity and maintaining health (and sanity).
I’ve watched shows that I would never “waste” my time on before and it feels great. On the other hand, I’ve experimented with at-home workouts and made sure not to eat pancakes every day. 

Let’s backtrack a bit actually. I say Stay Positive, and you’ll be like, “Is the recipe for that linked somewhere or something?” I’m still working on it, but for now I’ll give you a piece of advice: Make sure to mark the good days. On days when I actually succeed in crossing items off the To Do list (whether it’s just groceries and cleaning, or an X number of finished blog posts), I’ll thank myself (and Devin!) for a great day. It sounds a little bit religious as I type it out now, but that’s my honest way to find some joy. It reminds me that there are good days to break up the bad, those afternoons where I seem to be eating too much cake and finishing too many crosswords…

A day at a time

No one can tell exactly how long it’s gonna take for COVID to die down or for someone to find a vaccine. Maybe you are waiting to travel somewhere or aching to get back to normal school and not these virtual lessons. And trust me, you’re not alone. We need to take one day at a time. Mark the good ones, and stay strong on the not-so-good ones. Every day is a new day, and let yourself recharge in between each of them.

We’ll get through this together (with a mask, hand sanitizer and physical distance). Have a good day. Stay safe and sane. 

If you’ll excuse me, I have a puzzle to start. 

Kys og kram,
Victoria Liv