SWEDISH GRACE

Louise Adelborg has designed the porcelain that has been gracing Swedish dinner tables since the thirties and our christmas table since, well, 2011. The colour "sky" (top left) is being discontinued which naturally makes me crave that particular colour more than ever before...

IMAGE: PRESS IMAGE RÖRSTRAND

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE GOT 'TIL IT'S GONE

A few days ago it was a sunny winter wonderland, but then the clouds rolled in and warmer degrees turned the crispy white into a slush of gray. And as usual that turned to ice that melted a little during the day. Slippery? Ask the bruises on my hip, knee, elbow and ankle. Ouch.

THE BEST DICE GAME EVER

This is the perfect ace up your sleeve for impromptu game nights, a sleepover, youth activities, family reunions, or the event that usually involves all of the above: Christmas at your house. Works equally great with a big bar, pralines, wrapped pieces, or a pile of M&M's. Try it tonight and thank me later.

Supplies needed: chocolate stash, five dice, a pen.

Play Yahtzee according to your regular rules, but the player with the highest score per set (house, straights etc.) gets one piece of chocolate. If players get an equal score in a set, neither gets chocolate. The final winner with the highest score, gets what's left of the chocolate pile.

It sounds ridiculously simple, and it is! But because you can play strategically to limit the other players' gains (by aiming for equal scores as someone else) it quickly becomes a lively competition for chocolate!

IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER HANS OLOFSSON VIA FLICKR

WHEN THE CHILDREN HAVE GONE TO BED

"When the children have gone to bed" by Carl Larsson. Exchange the book for an ipad and there's the scene in this household after 8 PM: parents negotiating with themselves between the pile of "things-that-need-to-get-done" and the list of "things-I want-to-do-instead".

BRAID ME

This largecandle holder BRAID from Indiska must have been made for those of us who don't have the time to source unique ceramic items in dark corners of flea markets. Would look good next to pumpkins as well as small juniper trees. 

IMAGE: INDISKA WEBSHOP

A HAPPY ENDING

Needed a tin box for gingerbread cookies 2011. Bought a box from Nyåkers beacause of its Scandi-christmas-feel. Brought the content to a church fika, and replaced it with the homemade creations of 3-year old son. Spent two holidays annoyed at myself for being annoyed by the ridiculous fact that the red colour of the tin doesn't match the red that I've chosen for holiday decorations.

Yes, I'm aware that it's a little alarming that this is on the list of things that annoy me in the world. This year, discovered that the bakery makes a larger box that come a lot closer to the right colour.

Happy endings are great.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE NYÅKERS

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

2,5 weeks until the 1st of advent and I'm ordering gifts, preparing menus, and making lists. The soon-to-be 5 year old has proudly announced that he'll be in the Lucia processional at kindergarten. Today I will attempt the first batch of saffron buns. I'm testing at least two different recipes this year to see if we can find the ultimate bun and be well stocked by the time Lucia comes around to wake us up.
IMAGE: SWEDISH ORIGIN, PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN, VIA BRITT-MARIE SOHLSTRÖM ON FLICKR

5 X-MAS DO'S AND DON'TS FOR BEGINNER SCANDINAVIANS

DO

1. Decorate trees, spruces or large bushes with strings of white lights.
2. Embrace advent! The weeks leading up to Christmas is part of the celebration. 
3. Share your own native christmas traditions with others. 
4. Try to score an invitation to some form of local festivity, preferably a family christmas celebration.
5. Expect to see Santas wandering about town on Christmas Eve delivering gifts.

DON'T

1. Decorate the whole exterior of your house in multicoloured lamps. It's considered extremely tacky.
2. Expect stores to be open during the holiday. This is particularly true for Norway.
3. Mistake frowns and silence for lack of holiday cheer. It's cold and we want to get indoors, that's all. 
4. Believe that the celebrations you attend are the ultimate blueprint for ALL Scandinavian christmas celebrations. Some have a tendency to claim any and all traditions hail from the vikings. Not true. 
5. Go on and on about your discomfort with seeing Rudolph on a plate. We ate reindeer long before that silly song was invented. Get over it. 

OUR DAILY BREAD

A given for Swedes travelling abroad for Christmas is bringing knäckebröd, or crisp bread from Leksand. These tin storage boxes offer some protection and can double as gift boxes. Visit the bakery shop in Leksand or the webshop.

IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES LEKSANDS KNÄCKEBRÖD

CRISPY WHITES

It's november, and only three more week until the first Sunday in advent. I'm not quite ready to bring in the poinsettas, greenery and bublbs, but a few delicate orchids to tie us over for a few more weeks would be nice. That is if I can bring them home without risking their lives in the wintry cold weather.
IMAGES: SLOTTSTRÄDGÅRDEN ULRIKSDALS HANDELSTRÄDGÅRD, RAPPNE.NU, USED WITH PERMISSION 

BIRDIE NAM NAM

I adore the products from Swedish garden company Wildlife Garden. Their hand crafted wooden Deco Birds have secured a special place in my heart ever since I first spotted one at Skansenbutiken a decade ago or so. I have no idea why they are so appealing to me, they just are. 

IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES WILDLIFE GARDEN

WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND

Despite my love for beautiful things and all things christmas there is something about holiday consumption that is off putting to me. Anna at Annas Jul is attempting a more environmentally conscious celebration this year and so are we. Though christmas is certainly no askesis in our household, I try to rein in expectations before they become overwhelming. In addition to our attempt to cut back on unnecessary frills, we are also prioritizing local meats and vegetables when possible. This year we're also considering gifting tickets, season passes and experiences, rather than piles toys for the children.

All of your additional suggestions are welcome.

TRAY BIEN

I'm old enough to prefer the original Moomin illustrations over the later Japanese manga renditions. This tray evokes the adventurous moomin spirit and its muted colours feel right this time of year. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN CENTER 

FOOTLOOSE

Finally! Shoehorns that look good enough to be on constant but discrete display! Thank you Norrgavel! 

And such a perfect gift for Father's day that is celebrated this coming Sunday in Scandinavia. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE NORRGAVEL

48 HRS WITH SMALL CHILDREN IN STOCKHOLM

FALL WEEKEND EDITION

I love to visit Stockholm with kids. Sweden has a special place in its heart for cultural experiences created just for children. Because of the paid maternity/paternity leave it's big business to cater to young audiences. Art events, plays, comic book libraries, and museums galore! But if you only have a weekend in the city, and young children to entertain, which are the sights you don't want to miss?

SÖDERMALM
Don't miss: I thought it'd be a hit with my 3-year old, but I didn't know I'd have to drag him out of the Spårvägsmuseet (Street car museum) a whopping 4.5 hours later. If your kid loves to climb in and out of vehicles, as most preschoolers do, this is your Mecca.
Eat: The museum has a cafe, including a nice area for those who want to bring a packed lunch.
Bonus: Catch the small ferry from Slussen to Djurgården (30SEK for adults) if that's where you're headed next. Even short boatrides add to the adventure.

SÖDRA DJURGÅRDEN
Don't miss: Junibacken, a storybook playhouse for children with an exciting story ride, 2 plays and singing time every day. Well worth the hefty entrance fees. You're even allowed to leave the museum for a couple of hours and come back for more play the same day. Perfect, since this island has a lot to offer, or if you want to take a lunch break elsewhere. Skansen is a large outdoor museum with plenty to discover for those with high energy levels. One of the few museums where you can run like the wind between sights for hours! The newest addition is a spacious mini-zoo for the youngest visitors.
Eat: Either at one of the museums, or at the charming Rosendahl's garden café. If temperatures allow, the island offers plenty of picnic spots.

SKEPPSHOLMEN
Walk (or run) to the petite island Skeppsholmen on the tiny bridge that leads to it. Check out the old boats along the walk to Moderna Museet. Family Sundays with tours and workshops for ages 2-6 and 4-7.  
Eat: The top floor of the museum has a great view and its lunch restaurant a family friendly menu.

GAMLA STAN
Don't miss: This part of the city is a fun walk in itself with winding streets, candy stores and passageways, and can begin or end with the change of the royal guard (Mon-Sat 12.15, Sun 13.15) outside the royal palace. Check the schedule to see if the guards are on horses or whether they'll be performing music. At Polkapojkarna you can watch as candy canes are made by hand, and shop canes in just about any possible size. The perfect little pit stop along the way.
Eat:  Under kastanjen, a decently priced café serving an uncomplicated menu, and plenty of options suitable for children. It's in a quiet neighbourhood, off the main tourist streets. Tell the kids to be on the lookout for a large golden Pretzel (Kringla)!

NORRMALM
Don't miss:  The great outdoor playground in Humlegårdsparken, with swings, play houses, sand boxes and more. Staff, bathrooms, bicycles and toys are available 11-17 on weekends.
Eat: NK Lunch in the shopping centre NK serves regular Swedish lunch dishes (maincourse, salad buffet, bread) fast and easy. Perfect for a late meal is Sweden's favourite hamburgerchain Max, where patties are 100% Swedish beef, and dieting parents can choose no carb burgers or grilled chicken salads among their many options.

IMAGE: BY BOTAN (OWN WORK) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

LIGHTEN UP

Did you know that Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson now sells Liljeholmen candles, low torchlights and tealights? Available at great prices in stores as well as through their webshop in Sweden, Norway, Finland, the UK and China. Hooray! No more stocking up on candles every trip to Sweden!
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE CLAS OHLSON.SE

WHAT MARTHA STEWART FORGOT TO TELL YOU

You know those insanely lengthy Christmas-count-down-calendars that magazines publish every year? Here's one item they always forget:

Book the family's December appointments with your hair dresser in October.

If this seems too soon for you, just trust those of us who never do and end up begging for an appointment by late November only to find out that the stylist will be spending the holidays abroad, and is fully booked until the moment of take-off.

PRE-WINTER FAVORITES

Toadstool ornaments Snömys from IKEA, plate Taika from Iittala, brass tealight holder Kin from Skultuna, Salad servers Alfredo from Georg Jensen, metal basket from H&M Home, bowl Skål 2,5 L from Höganäs Keramik, knitted cushion cover from H&M Home. 

IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES IKEA, IITTALA, SKULTUNA, GEORG JENSEN, HM HOME, HÖGANÄS KERAMIK 

SKIDFINT

And the snow just kept coming. Fall with its earthy muted tones feels far away. Winter (and christmas!) is a-coming. Two family members are preparing their skis for their first tur of the season.
Above: happy skiers on the ferry to Tromsdalen.
IMAGE: PERSPEKTIVET MUSEUM VIA FLICKR

THE ARRIVAL OF WINTER

The old Scandinavian calendars runstav or primstav were shaped like modern rulers, with symbols or runes marking important days. One side of the calendar represented the summer months, and the other side winter. The last end of summer marked the end of the harvest, and the beginning of slaughter season.

The day of demarcation between the two sides was October the 14th (or 28 days after the fall equinox). The day is called vinternettene, and marks the date of one of the ancient major quarterly sacrificial rites, höstblot.

A blot was usually performed in a building dedicated to sacrificial and ritual purposes, a hov, and involved a sacrifice of food and animals. Blood from the animal was sprinkled on participants, walls and inventory of the hov. A feast followed the sacrifice.

And today we received the first snow, how appropriate.

CHILD LABOUR PERFECTION

 I loved chopping wood as a child and would have loved to wear real gear when helping clear the woods at the cabin. If we were remodeling, renovating or constantly working on home projects these clothes would be the perfect incentive for children to get involved, instead of parking themselves in front of  a screen. I love the dress above, and the pink overalls. 

BCWW stands for Björn Christiernsson WorkWear, the company that design durable work wear for children to be used outdoors. Available in sizes 1-6 years in the BCWW webshop and at Inreda.com among others. 

IMAGE: INREDA.COM

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS, AND KIDS WHO DEFEAT THEM

Is there anything more intriguing and wonderful than the world of princesses for little girls? Or as fascinating as dragon slaying for little boys? Even the most politically-correct-gender-aware parents have to surrender to the knights and princesses phase at one point or another. Which is why I want to recommend this awesome reinterpretation of the dated medival theme by Christina Björk and Eva Eriksson. Seven fun stories about knights or princesses that don't bear any resemblance to the traditional narrative of young maidens rescued by princes who live happily ever after. The characters are children, not sexualized tweenies, have spunk and attitude, aren't well behaved at all times, and handle dragon encounters themselves. Read an excerpt about the princesses, or an excerpt from the book about knights (in Swedish). 

The seven princesses are also available as activity book, paperdolls, and a Lotto game. The books come in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and German. 

IMAGES: PRESS IMAGES RABÈN & SJÖGREN FÖRLAG

PICK ME UP

This basket looks like its waiting for Little Red Riding Hood's walk to grandma, and I think it might be the perfectly sized picnic basket for children who want to venture out in the backyard or nearby woods. Basket for mushroom picking from Åhléns.

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE ÅHLÉNS 

ROTVÄLTA

Forest in Södermanland, October 2011.
IMAGE: ANDERS MOHLIN VIA FLICKR

OH DEER.

Do you know the difference between elk, moose, caribou and reindeer?

Those four names refer to three different species in the deer family, but which is which depends on where you are in the world, or more specifically: whether you are North American or not.


1) The animal called elk in most parts of the world is called moose in North America. This is the equivalent to the Scandinavian älg or elg. There are subspecies of elk/moose in different areas of the world, with differences in size and colouring, but it is the same animal. It is generally the largest of the three and its horns are distinctly different in shape.




2) The North American elk is a whole different type of deer (Cervus canadensis), and known by its Native American Shawnee name wapiti in the rest of the world, which means "white rump". It is native to North America and East Asia. Nowadays it is also raised on ranches as semi-domesticated deer.



3) The animal named reindeer is known as caribou in North America, but both names refer to the same animal (Rangifer Taranbus). There are subspecies that differentiate the two with differences in size and colouring, but they are considered to be the same animal. It is the only deer where both the females and males grow antlers.


Still confused?
The difference between the 1) elk/moose and 2) elk/wapiti is explained here.
The differences between the 2) elk/wapiti and 3) reindeer are somewhat detailed here.
IMAGES: Moose by Richardfabi, ALL IMAGES PUBLIC DOMAIN VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

OSLO AT DUSK

Stortinget, Oslo.
IMAGE: BY IGNAZ WIRADI [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

LEAN ON ME

I'm guessing this is the brain child of a tall person. Our present couches were purchased pre-marriage by petite moi, and tagged along into our common quarters. Comfortable in many ways, but my (tall) husband lacks some neck support from time to time. I imagine these leather pillows will only get more comfortable with use over the years. Produced and sold by Norrgavel. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE NORRGAVEL

THE BEST BUNS

When it comes to cinnamon buns, the true test for me is day 2. All buns are soft, chewy and lovely when they're fresh out of the oven. The great ones stay delicious for another 24 hours stored in a plastic bag. Tried a new recipe yesterday, but didn't want to share it unless the buns could stand the 24 hour test.
Bingo! They did.

Cinnamon buns by Linda Lomelino in Swedish or in English.

I've been using Leila Lindholm's recipe for a couple of years, and while those are yummy, these came out just a tad less sweet, which I prefer. If you have the option of weighing the flour, do! It takes all the guesswork out of aiming for the right consistency of the dough when trying a new recipe. Half of this batch was butchered and manhandled by two 4 year olds, and their...well... creative buns still turned out pretty perfect. A new family favourite.
IMAGE: BY LINDA LOMELINO,  USED WITH PERMISSION 

GRANIT'S NEW WEBSHOP

GRANIT, the Swedish storage solutions company, has opened a webshop. Their products always strike me as borderline boring, but irresistably basic, functional and useful. The neutral palette makes for an understated impact as well. Lanterns (above) are among their fall news, but I'm looking forward to their christmas collection. Of course. 

So far domestic deliveries only, but they are working on an international solution to be presented within a year's time. No shipping on orders over 500 SEK.

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE GRANIT WEBSHOP

A FUN WAY TO LEARN

Perhaps it requires the sensibility of a carpenter to notice details of beauty in nature that the rest of us easily overlook. Lars Klinting is a talented, self taught illustrator whose depictions of Scandinavian nature are as educational as they are inviting. In his rendition, nature is kind, interesting and full of life. A good selection of his memorygames are available in the Swedish webshop Naturbarn.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES FROM NATURBARN

OCT 4 - THE DAY OF THE CINNAMON BUN

It certainly isn't the most important day of the year to observe, nor the most charitable cause to support. But my son is grateful that I make cinnamon buns at least one day each year. Not that my baking compare to grandma's, he's made that pretty clear.

I DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES TWICE

Last year Jessika Gedin tweeted: "That's when you realize how you want your Christmas - when you're done celebrating" (Det är ju nu man vet hur man vill att julen ska vara - när den precis är färdigfirad). I made mental notes last December about what needed to be done differently the next time around. Some are listed below:

• Yes, it feels too soon to start in October, but do it anyway! The family will be sick all of November, and most of December. At least cross most of the baking, gifts, and cards off your list. Freeze cookie dough so half the job is done come December. Even rolls of gingerbread dough.

• Prepare activities for the children and think of ways to involve them in preparations during the day. A Norwegian Christmas Eve is a pretty boring day of waiting since the actual celebrations start by late afternoon unless there's a graveyard or church service to visit (and neither of  those are the most exciting activities for children). 

• Make a playlist/CD with Norwegian and Swedish music and the childrens' favourites, or you'll be forced to endure the kids' holiday playlist during most of December...

• Get lots -LOTS- of vegetables to steam for the leftoverbrunch on the 25th. You'll long for vegetables after all that sturdy Norwegian Christmas Eve fare.

What are you doing differently this year?

A NEW TAKE ON BESKOW

Catharina Kippel has interpreted Elsa Beskow's storybook characters into charming patterns. I am completely smitten with the collection. The colour scheme, and the whimsy of the illustrations work surprisingly well in both modern and country style Scandinavian interiors. Available through Designhouse Stockholm among others. 

IMAGES: DESIGN HOUSE STOCKHOLM 

AHA!

Came across this photo of girlfriends taking  a coffee break while hiking in Tromsdalen. Have I stumbled upon the secret of the ubiquitous Norwegian fjell-hikers? It's not their healthy way of living, viking genes, or heroic stamina that help them conquer the mountainsides. Apparently, it's a huge pot of coffee. Per person.
IMAGE: PERSPEKTIVET MUSEUM VIA FLICKR

IT'S NOT HOW YOU START, IT'S HOW YOU FINISH?

The rain is pouring down outside, and though it's too soon to start the christmas crafting, I'm digging out the emboidery box in an attempt to whip together the projects that never made it past the finish line last year, or the year before that, or before that..., well, you get the idea.  

The cross stitch patterns above comes from Korsstygnsbolaget, my favourite site for tiny patterns that can be finished in less than an one hour. Which seems to be the time span I should be aiming for with my unimpressive track record of completed needlework. 

IMAGE: KORSSTYGNSBOLAGET, USED WITH PERMISSION

WANTED: POT

Last year we received two beautiful large poinsettas, but had nothing equally beautiful to place them in. I searched high and low in the stores the days before the holiday, but couldn't find anything that didn't look tacky. If the shape and glaze isn't good, it's going to look cheap, regardless of what the pricetag says. So I'm opting for unglazed versions until I find the right match. My favourites so far are (left to right) Mandel from IKEA and Erika Pekkasaaris flowerpots for Svenskt Tenn, though neither are available in this region so the search continues...  

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGES FROM IKEA.COM, TINNA.SE

SHEEP TRICKS

Fårikål season is upon us. Scandinavian comfortfood in the form of slowcooked mutton (or lamb) and cabbage. Nowadays a rarity in Sweden, the dish is still going strong in Norway. Traditionally eaten on the last Thursday of September, and throughout October. Read more and find a recipe at My little Norway or visit Fårikålens Venner.
IMAGE: AWESNES VIA FLICKR, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; USED WITH PERMISSION 

WELCOME BACK!

I know, I know, it always feels too soon. The golden hues of the forests and mountains, the crisp autumn air and the calm blue fjords are lingering this year. We don't mind. Winter can wait.

But we are prepared, make no mistake about it. We've brought our gear out from its storage, we've stocked up on vitamins and tea lights, wool socks and mittens, we've cleaned the ski boots, and brought all plants indoors. Winter can wait, but it won't catch us off guard!

PS. The first snow has been sighted on the mountain tops...

GONE FISHING

Thank you to all of you who keep visiting us off-season. We'll be back when winter returns.
Until then, vive le été! Enjoy summer!

VALBORG

My supersticious tendencies are underdeveloped but my father is quite the closet pyromaniac, so I blame my genome for delighting in Valpurgis Night bonfires every year. But this year spring needs all the help it can get from the rest of you as well. 2013 is not the year to skimp on choirs and fires people!
IMAGE: SAPERAUD VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS