Sue's purchases and travels

Celebrating the Presidents today at the shop with 17% off one (non sale) item of your choice.  Just thinking about my favorite president.  Probably Lincoln.  The presidents of my lifetime seem so flawed but I wonder if that is simply a reflection of the changes in society.  I wonder if Washington or Lincoln could be elected today?  Did they have too many skeletons in their closets?  Did they lack the wealth needed?  Lincoln probably did but Washington was quite wealthy.  How do we know that there isn't a Lincoln out there who can't get the backing needed to be heard, let alone make it to the top?    Just some thoughts this Presidents' Day.

Labels: election reform, George Washington, klaradal, presidents' day, swedish antiques Abraham Lincoln

Long before we had Idol there was Eurovision.  Today the first Swedish entrant in the Eurovision contest died.  She was 90 years old and her name was Alice Babs.  The search is starting for Sweden's next entrant for Eurovision.  The purple horse we carry represents the Melodifestival which is the stepping stone to the Eurovision contest.   There is a wide assortment of singers participating but the young woman shown here, Elisa Lindstrom,  in blue dress,  seems closest in spirit to Ms. Babs.  If you want a better idea of the importance of music in Swedish life be sure to visit the Abba museum.  It has a great display that allows you to hear music from each decade.

Labels: Alice Babs, Elisa Lindstrom, Eurovision, klaradal

I have been walking up a storm and schlepping things everywhere (such as the heavy typewriter carried 2 blocks) yet I am sure I have not lost weight and the reason is THE LURE OF THE PRETZEL.  My Philadelphia relatives might think this signs MEANS pretzels but in fact it signals a Konditori aka bakery.  The candles outside already make it appealing but what is inside is even more special!  Sweden, despite it's lack of religion( I read that only 5% go to Church) really gets into the pre-lenten foods.  The problem is I have been here during Lent and the special foods are still being offered.  In Pennsylvania we have something called Faschnaut Tuesday which is the day before Ash Wednesday.  It was said that people would use up all fat and sugar in the house to prepare for the fasting of Lent and thus came up with these yummy deep fried donuts called Faschnauts.   In Sweden they also make a donut but they fill it with Almond paste and whipped cream AND serve it throughout spring.  It is called a Semla and it may as well be named Heaven.  I have only had one Semla thus far this trip but have had numerous Bullar...usually Kanal...cinnamon.  Everyone, even the 7-11 and McDonalds has these hot and ready.

Labels: Bullar, klaradal, klaradal swedish antiques, Konditori, Semla, Stockholm

Yesterday was my fourth full day in Stockholm and I would like to say I did a ton of shopping but, alas, that is not the case.  The first night that I stayed at the cousin's flat someone backed into my rental car at the driver's door.  It was easy to see who had done it given that the snow showed tire tracks from a reserved space to my car.  The trailer hook hit the door at the hinge.  It was difficult to open and close so I had to exchange it.  Not something that is quickly done.  (Luckily the cousin contacted the  person who owned the space and his wife came forward and admitted the damage) So....
Let's talk about the Swedish Gift Show.  I saw a number of things that I liked.  Shown to the left is a photo of the designer of some wonderful trays that feature Gothenburg, Stockholm and Helsinki.  I asked if she had an Oslo image but she did not...perhaps next year.  These will be coming in my summer container along with a fresh collection of Moomin cards and trays. The fellows shown below make clever 3-d cards of Dala horses, Midsommer poles and even an Eiffel tower.  These, also, will be here late summer.

The show was refreshing after the mega gift show in Atlanta.  This had just a few sections and was easily seen in my two days there.  My favorite area was Nordic design.  There were so many bright and happy items from which to choose.

Labels: Formex, klaradal, Stockholm Gift Show, swedish gifts

The week before I left for Stockholm NPR ran a piece on Sweden, the game of Bandy, and Somalis.  It seems that Swedes are working with Somali youths to teach them Bandy, a classic Swedish game played on ice, in an effort to help them assimilate into the culture.  I had never heard of the game before.  Imagine my surprise when I learned our young relative, a twelve year old girl, plays on a Bandy team!  Tonight I went with her Grandfather to watch her practice.  Their drill included having everyone lie on the ice and then get up quickly and skate to the other side.  There were lots of practice shots and a few of the Bandy balls (hard plastic and often pink) came very close to hitting us.  (no protective glass between the rink and sidelines)  It was a delightful cold crisp evening!

Linda in uniform on the bandy rink

Linda in a practice drill of Bandy

Uh...no thanks I'd rather stand!

Labels: Bandy, klaradal, Sweden, Swedish Antiques, swedish gifts

The flat where I am staying my first five days does not have internet connection.  I am, however, able to come to the cousin's place and sign on to her internet.  This is the first chance I have had to write.  Stockholms these past few days has been like the Holiday song...."In the Bleak Mid winter - Snow on Snow on Snow"  It has been snowing non stop yet there is not so much accumulation.  Despite the snow I headed to Hortorget Sunday Morning knowing that a few die hard vendors would still be selling there. Not only were pickings slim but there were also snow covered!  Stellar shopper that I am....I was still able to snag a few fun items:  A tomte flask, great vintage tins, and a small tobacco holder among them.  The rest of the day I spent at the local auction house picking up previous wins (lots of Art) and bidding on their next auction.

Labels: flea market, Hortorget, klaradal, klaradal swedish antiques, Stockholm, swedish gifts

The DC area is expecting record warm temperatures this weekend....darn it!  All of our snow has melted.  It's too hot for Glogg.  I just went back to the photos of when Peter and I visited Rattvik one January.  Every inch of our charming hotel was decorated for Christmas and every bit of ground was snowy white.  I remember our drive there.  Neither Peter nor I speak Swedish and it normally isn't a problem....unless the radio is warning of a blizzard and you don't know what they're saying.  The snow started about an hour out of Stockholm and  quicly reached blizzard proportions.  Luckily our rental volvo had studded snow tires so we were able to finish our trip...in 5 rather than normal 3 hours.  I remember being so happy to reach the hotel, have a hot cup of glogg, and sit by the fire.  I hope YOU have a white Christmas!

Labels: god jul, klaradal, rattvik, Swedish Christmas gifts, swedish gifts

Today I am off and plan to make the dough for gingerbread cookies.  The shop keeps me so busy these days that I told my husband and son to each pick a favorite cookie they wanted me to bake.  My son picked Chocolate Chip (a little boring but, hey, who doesn't love chocolate and nuts) and my husband picked Piparkoogid which is the Estonian word for gingerbread cookies.  (Peter's parents were both born in Estonia but met and married  in Philadelphia)  This cookie also plays a big role in Swedish Jul celebrations.  Tradition has it that on Christmas eve you should place one cookie in the palm of your hand, make a wish, and then with finger of opposite hand press down on center of cookie to break it.  If it breaks into 3 pieces your wish will come true...if it doesn't I say you should keep trying (and eating the results) until it does.  I wish you calm and happy days leading to Christmas.  If you don't feel like baking Klaradal sells Lar's Own ginger cookies...as close to homemade as you can get without pulling from your own oven!  We have boxes or a tin featuring a gorgeous Stockholm skyline.

Labels: ginger snaps, holiday shop, klaradal, Lar's Own ginger snaps, marabou, maryland holiday shop, Pepparkakor, Piparkoogid, swedish candy, swedish foods, swedish gifts

I love the Christmas Carol, The Holly and the Ivy.

The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.

Refrain:

Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer,

The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir.

I guess that is why, years ago, when I was aware that Portmerion had a holiday china pattern of that name it became a frequent entry on my Christmas List.  Now we have enough to serve the whole extended family on Christmas Eve.

And today there is enough snow that I opted not to open the shop.  I am, instead, home finishing my Christmas decorations and switching out my Portmerion Botanical plates for the Holly and the Ivy.  There is not running of the deer in our yard...just a gently falling snow and occasional appearance of Tillie, our neighbors sweet Cocker Spaniel!

Labels: best gift shop 2013, holiday gifts, holly and the ivy, klaradal, klaradal swedish gifts, maryland gifts

Labels: christmas shop maryland, holiday shop, klaradal, Swedish Antiques, Swedish Christmas trees, trees stolen

Treated myself to a slice of Almond Kringle this morning.  We sell them at the shop in three flavors:  Almond, Raspberry, and Apple.  They arrive frozen and we keep them in the freezer at the shop so they are always fresh. I buy one for the house for special occasion...could eat it every day but then I wouldn't fit through the door!  Our Kringles come from Racine Wisconsin and they claim that the Kringle is the official pastry of Wisconsin.  Do other states have official pastries?  These Kringles are yummy and a lot easier than making one yourself.  My husband is first generation Estonian American and tradition requires a birthday Kringle: A large pretzel shaped pastry filled with almond paste, cardamom and gold raisins.  It is so fabulous and my sister in law has taken over the job of baking them now that my mother in law, who is 96, is no longer up to the job.  I have pictured the kringles we sell ($8.95) and one made by Tina....an all day effort.  

Labels: almond kringle, cardamom, estonian american, Estonian Food, holiday gifts, holiday shop, Holiday shop Maryland, klaradal, klaradal swedish gifts, kringle, racine kringle

Klaradal now stocks these Sweet Cardamom Almonds.  Just another cardamom fix for those of us who aren't inclined to make a loaf of bread. Plus..don't they keep telling us that nuts are healthy?  So an apple a day along with 6 sweet cardamom almonds.  mmmmm

Back to baking before I head into the shop.

Labels: cardamom, holiday gifts, holiday shop, klaradal, Swedish Antiques, swedish antiques maryland, swedish candy, swedish treats, sweet cardamom almonds

Everytime I attend a Scandinavian bazaar I always buy a loaf of cardamom bread.  I cannot get enough of that spice which is why I was thrilled to find Cardamom Ice Cream in the local Organic Market.  It is made by a company called Three Twins and the ice cream is named Dad's Cardamom.  It's fabulous. 

Labels: cardamom, cardamom ice cream, holiday shop, klaradal, Swedish Antiques, swedish food, swedish gift, Thanksgiving, three twins

This year we will be serving spiced apple martinis prior to Thanksgiving dinner.  This recipe, from Marcus Samuelsson, Top Chef winner and well known Swede is a proven winner.  You can watch him make it on the Rachael Ray Show-link provided below.   We will end our meal with some of Marcus Samuelsson's Ambessa teas...available at www.klaradal.com


http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipe/13091_Marcus_Samuelsson_s_Spiced_Apple_Martini/index.html

Labels: klaradal, Marcus Samuelsson, Spiced Apple Martini, Sweden, swedish gifts, Thanksgiving Cocktails, Thanksgiving Teas

One of my favorite things about Stockholm is the abundance of flower shops in the city that have racks outside of wonderful blossoming plants.  The springtime always offers a profusion of tiny pots of  narcissus and grape hyacinths.  This original watercolor, in the shop now and priced at $65 brings back such memories.  It is of a group of crocus and brings with it the promise of spring on the coldest day of winter. It also makes me remember a house in our old town of Wayne PA that would have a front yard that read "wow it's spring!" in crocus.  (By the way...the painting is still available as of this writing...it is about 8x10 and we could easily ship to you.  Just drop us an email...klaradal@aol.com)

Labels: crocus, fine art, holiday gifts, holiday shop, Holiday shop Maryland, klaradal, Stockholm, Swedish Antiques, swedish gifts

Today is my 27th Wedding anniversary.  (No we did not purposely plan to be married on the anniversary of JFK assassination :(     though everyone asks!)  We were married in the chapel of Main Hall at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster PA.  My parents lived in Lancaster and I am an F&M graduate class of '78.  Shown in the photo is the Irish Catholic Priest (Father Sullivan from St. Leo the Great Church) and  Estonian Lutheran Minister Pastor Rudolf Kiviranna of NYC who married us.  Little did I know that about 10 years later Peter and I would be adopting a baby from Estonia (a country I knew little about until meeting Peter!) Nor that 10 years after that I would be running a Swedish Antique and gift shop! As to the wedding.... I remember that the Estonian Minister spoke of the fact that Peter's paternal grandmother and Aunt had survived decades in Siberia.  The catholic priest quoted "Fiddler on the Roof" with the line "Goldie do you love me?"  Very interesting mix of cultures!  At the reception the Estonians gave lots of toasts and my Mom's family did the mummers' strut.  (Still love the Mummers and every year Peter gives me tickets to the parade--did so again this year!)  Here's to 27 more!

Labels: Estonian Minister, F&M, franklin and marshall, Gifts, Holiday shop Maryland, klaradal, Mummer's strut, Old Main, Pastro Kiviranna, Swedish Antiques

This year for the first time in many years I am hosting Thanksgiving.  I always try to be a little creative with my place cards and want to do so now.  I usually use mini pumpkins but they all seem to be gone so I  headed to Michael's to see what ideas they might offer.  Answer:  None!  Thanksgiving was gone!  It was Christmas everywhere.  Klaradal has fallen to the pressures (economic) of starting Christmas early but we still have an area reserved for Thanksgiving decor and paper products.  We also, always have some Ekelund linen that while not specifically a fall item will fit the bill nicely.  When hosting dinner I need to use a large tablecloth but always use an Ekelund linen on my front hall table.  These two would be perfect candidates to indicate the joy of autumn.  The darker runner is called Mustiga and the lighter is Astrakan both are under $45 and available on our site.  (or will be, an Ekelund order is expected in the next week)

Labels: astrakan, ekelund linens, ekelund runners, holiday gifts, klaradal, mustiga, olney md, Swedish Antiques

Wednesday morning and the deer continue to eat and sleep in the yard but right now I have my thoughts on chess.  I just heard on NPR radio that a young Norwegian man, Magnus Carlsen has been determined to be the best chess player EVER.  That's pretty awesome....and he's pretty cute too!  So much for the image of a chess nerd.  Brains and Brawn and Norwegian...Oh My!

Labels: ekelund linens, free gift wrap, holiday shop, klaradal, Norway, Norwegian chess player, swedish gifts

 The photo on the right is a recent view from my kitchen window.  We live in the suburbs of Washington DC (just outside the much mentioned beltway) where deer are a quite common occurrence.  Some neighbors hate them because they eat plants BUT I just love to see them grazing and sometimes sleeping in my yard.  I guess that is why I love the Deer Head vase shown below.  It is just $20 an provides seasonless design.  This photo shows it with evergreen.  I show it at the shop with bare branches(lower photo)   It would be fun to hang a few small Christmas balls from the limbs of the branches.
It would look great in the spring with forsythia or cherry blossoms.  You also could, for Easter, add feathers to the branches as they do in Sweden.  Unlimited choices!

Labels: danish gifts, deer head vase, finnish gifts, god jul, holiday gifts, klaradal, norwegian gifts, Swedish Antiques, swedish gifts

Just learned that the game Candy Crush is by Swedish Gaming company King AND that King is Sweden's best workplace.  I first heard of this game when good morning America did a piece on how it had many women gambling.  I guess I should have vowed to avoid it but instead tried it right away.  The game is really addictive and you can easily waste an hour playing it.  The gambling part is that you are offered, for 99 cents, the chance to have 3 more tries or get a boost that helps you finish a level.  I am pretty frugal so was not about to spend any money but can see how easy it would be to do so.  I finally deleted the game from my kindle and cloud....no more temptation to chew up time.  It's the holidays!  There is no time to spare!

Labels: candy crush, holiday shop, king gaming company, klaradal, maryland holiday shop, Sweden, Swedish Antiques