SWEDEN THROUGH A LENS

I am enchanted by Anders Mohlins photographs! Mohlin works for the Swedish Public Service Broadcaster SVT, but it is his private photos that manage to capture "my Sweden" the way I see it before my inner eyes. He offers glimpses of the rural countryside, the urban capital, and small towns. Browse the public albums to see more, or if you're Swedish, go directly to the album Summer for a nice dose of homesickness.
IMAGE: TORVSÄTTER NOVEMBER 2011 BY ANDERS MOHLIN, VIA FLICKR, CC SOME RIGHTS RESERVED

FINALLY!

Smoke detectors are not optional in Scandinavia, they are legally required. Life savers, but eye sores all the same. Until now! What took everyone so long? 

Harry Koskinen of Block lamp fame, has designed a great looking smoke detector available in  5 colours from Jalo Helsinki. In Sweden you can get it at Hemtex, but expect it to pop up in a store near you soon! 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE HEMTEX 

MY KIND OF RETRO

Petite tray with floral motif from the guest chambers of the Gripsholm castle. I bet you know someone who'd love this as a Christmas gift. Me, for instance.

Available at Kungliga Slottsboden in Stockholm.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE KUNGLIGA SLOTTSBODEN 

TENN LYS

Yesterday morning when I turned on the TV, I learned the news about the attacks in Paris last night. I have to admit, Christmas blogging feels petty and self absorbed. Attacks on civilans, a full blown refugee crisis, and an escalating hostility in Europe, and here sit I, blogging about dinnerware, music and gifts.

At the same time I feel as if it compels me to continue. Because if we keep changing our lives out of fear, fear being the purpose of such attacks, then we have admitted defeat. Yet, that sort of shallow defiance makes little difference to those who suffer now.

I will celebrate Christmas, and I will make sure that I make it an inclusive one, extending friendship beyond my present comfort zone. I will celebrate a simpler Christmas, donate more and spend more time involved with charity. I will sing, I will pray, I will light candles for a season of peace.

Better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.

AND SO IT BEGINS

This is the first weekend after Allhelgona, and my christmas preparations can officially kick off. No, I will not pop the julmust bottles, or turn to a christmas playlist. It is too soon to actually celebrate christmas. This weekend is dedicated to replacing old lampshades, reorganising bedrooms, and purchasing new lighting for the living room. We've stocked up on fire wood, and it's time to restock on candles, tea lights and greenery. Even the boys are looking forward to it since they get to bring home a small (fake) tree that will be theirs to decorate come December.

Europe and the Middle East are facing a troublesome winter, reminding us that decorations, toys, gadgets and most things are nothing, but making memories with family is everything.
IMAGE: DANISH CHRISTMAS PHOTOGRAPHED BY SVEN TURK, THE ROYAL LIBRARY OF DENMARK