Puzzles and Meows
What's your name?
Sandra @puzzlesandmeows
Where are you based?
Åhus, Sweden
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
I fill my regular day with cuddles, playtime and snacktime with my cats. And the rest of my time I spend with my puzzles.
I grew up with a variety of health problems, doctor visits etc. I never felt like I belonged cause my body was broken and it tore my mental health to shreds. As I grew older I realized that trying to be "normal" and hide my illness would never make me happy or fulfilled. It was a long journey but today Im happier than ever. Puzzles and my cats are a big part of that.
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
I've always liked putting things together. As I grew up I puzzled with my mother and always wished for 3D puzzles at christmas. But for some reason I forgot my love of puzzles. That love was ignited again when I accidently found the livestream for the World championship 3 years ago. I started doing a puzzle here and there. Then I found puzzlegram in March of 2024. That's when the passion really got intense and now I puzzle every day.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
For one I love pretty puzzle images but I've also noticed how much better I feel when puzzling. My mental health has never been better and I've also experienced less pain. I puzzle every day, some days it's just a couple of minis and other days I can almost complete a 1000pc!
What is your favorite type of puzzles?
The last few months I've been trying to expand my puzzling but my favorite still is colorful illustrations or gradient puzzles. I prefer standard cut but also very much enjoy random cut and I am also getting into wooden puzzles.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
Most often, I watch YouTube. I enjoy listening to speed puzzling competitions or watching other people puzzle. I also enjoy watching true crime documentaries or following live trials. Puzzling while listening to something makes it easier for me to focus on the story without my brain wandering to other things!
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
Happiness and serenity
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
I like crafting things. I love to keep my hands busy and if Im not puzzling Im probably crocheting, doing Diamond art or taking care of my big collection of plants!
Do you have anything you want to share?
Do more puzzles! See it as time to work on self care. I believe everyone can benefit from a nice puzzle and that is what my puzzlegram is all about. Sharing my love of puzzles so hopefully someone else can find the joy that I get when puzzling!