Sue's purchases and travels

Shop was closed for a couple of days due to snow.  Main roads were okay after one day BUT could not get out of my street nor could I find someone to shovel drive at shop.  But we opened Saturday and were happy top help lots of people find Valentine gifts for their loved ones.  I, despite everything, still love snow and will leave you with more photos from my most recent Swedish trip!

Labels: snow, Sweden, Swedish Antiques, swedish art, swedish gifts

There was an article in the local about the ten tackiest Swedish Souvenirs.  I'm pleased to say I do not carry MOST of them.  You can't have a  Swedish gift shop and NOT have an assortment of Dala Horses.  I also offer what was deemed the cheesiest gift:  A Moose shaped cheese slicer!  I guess there is nothing cheesier than cheese.  Good thing they haven't seen the Viking slicer I also offer...might expand the list to eleven items!http://www.thelocal.se/20140115/ten-cheesiest-swedish-souvenirs
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Labels: Swedish Antiques, swedish gifts, tackiest swedish souvenirs

Busy unpacking some of the dala horses I brought home with me.  The LOVE horse is a new one for our shop.  The painted saddle is in the shape of a heart.  Also like the dala designed for the music festival...it is a fun purple color.  Someone once told me that you should have a Dala horse pointing toward your front door to ward off evil.  I have a sweet little red one on the window sill at my house checking out all who approach.  I used to have one on the window near the shop door but think someone stole it!  So much for warding off bad things.

Labels: dala horses, klaradal swedish antiques, love horse, purple dala horse, swedish dala horse, swedish gifts

Home and looking at my photos.  Those I took while on the road around Dalarna are magical!  See for yourself:

Labels: Akersblad hotel, Dalarna, sweden snow, Swedish Antiques, swedish gifts, Tallberg

I must be getting older. There was a time when I could stay away forever....no rush to come home...but today I am ready.  I guess if Peter and David were along it would be different.  I didn't have a chance to get lonely on this trip...lots of visits with family and friends of family AND many vendors who have become old friends but....there is something about being home.  My arrival to said home is delayed.  I have been in Copenhagen airport for two hours and have another one to go.  I spent most of yesterday packing and re-packing and yet still my luggage was 10 pounds overweight...each bag!  Kind SAS guy let it go.  I took photos of the storage unit and auction house so you can see what is coming but....phone and lap top must be fighting because they refuse to share with each other.  I will leave you with a photo of my sights today...airports at Copenhagen and Stockholm!  Come see me at the shop!  We will have a mini reveal and Valentine's party on Saturday Feb. 8!

Labels: arlanda, klaradal swedish antiques, klaradal swedish gifts, Swedish Antiques, swedish gifts

I spent the first half of today with a friend of Peter's Cousin Charlie.  Her name is Marghareta and she and I had never met before but Charlie did a good job filling us in about each other.  She was kind enough to pick me up at my hotel and then we headed to town.  I took her to one of my favorite streets for Antique shops and then she took me to lunch at the Ostermalm Saluhall.  This is a fabulous old market (not unlike Lancaster County's Central Market) which has now also become THE place to dine.  What can be fresher or better than seafood eaten in a seafood market?  We both had baked salmon in the most fabulous vegetable sauce.  Wonderful!  We then walked around the Ostermalm area.  We stopped into the Laura Ashley store where many items (especially clothing) were reduced 70%.  I bought a sweater and then we each bought a pink and white woolen scarf.  We needed it as we walked the town which felt especially cold today.  Marghareta introduced me to a wonderful shop called Garbo.  It was a little bit like garden center meets antique shop.  The shop was lined with pot after pot of bulbs planted in moss and also large glass jars with branches being forced into bloom.  There was also the most gorgeous arrangement of salmon pink Ranunculus and cherry blossom.  Simply stunning and then....amidst some wonderful antiques (even on sale too pricey to buy for the shop) we spotted this dear little boy with a St. Bernard Puppy.  He was carrying him all around the shop and the dog, like most babies, loved it!  We both took turns posing with this bundle of furry love!  When we tore ourselves away from the puppy Marghareta took me to a fabric shop that sells material that is triple the normal width.  Imagine (all you sewers out there) how easy it would be to make curtains, or a table cloth, or a bedspread when no matching or piecing is needed.  We finished our day at one of my usual second hand shops.  Phew...a lot of Stockholm in 4 quick hours.  Not one to call it a day before the shops close...I then headed out solo to the shopping area near my hotel and found some great finds at 3 different second hand shops.  The tough part is figuring out what to carry home with me.  Too many things for my suitcase!  Tonorrow morning is the flea market at Hortorget.. let's hope more vendors brave the cold tomorrow than they did last week.

Labels: Garbo Ostermalm, klaradal swedish antiques, Old Touch, Ostermalms Saluhall, Stockholm., swedish gifts

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

Summer photo of a favorite restaurant:  Agaton

I head to Sweden this afternoon.  I will arrive just in time to attend the Swedish Gift show for a couple of days.  I am hoping to find some new, fun, Scandinavian items for the shop.  I understand it is pretty cold and snowy there but I still am eager to go.  I love the beauty of Sweden in winter.  Yes there is a shortness of light but the candles in most windows and the flames outside restaurants and shops add to a magical experience.  I will be staying with a cousin for the first five days.  I am not sure if internet will be available to me there.  If so I will blog every day.  If not then the next time I write I will be in Dalarna...land of the Dala horse.  The shop remains open in my absence...every day.  So please stop in.  We are expecting new linens from Ekelund and lots of new Scarves and jewelry.

Labels: Agaton, klaradal gifts, klaradal swedish gifts, 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

A customer, with teenage children, first told me about this Video.  We watched it together.  It was so weird and yet so mesmerizing and the refrain downright addictive. Some people still haven't heard of it...here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jofNR_WkoCE

The Norwegian duo that does this is called Ylvis.  They recently came out with a book (which we stock) and said they created the book to make money.  You've got to love their honesty!  The book is a big seller at our shop-I hope I can get more!  What DOES the fox say?

Labels: jul gifts, klaradal swedish gifts, swedish books, swedish gifts, what does the fox say, ylvis

Here is my assembled Kransekake.  Will serve it today at the 10th anniversary and holiday open house at Klaradal.  mmmmmm God Jul!

Labels: klaradal swedish antiques, Kranskake, Swedish Christmas gifts, swedish gifts, Swedish holiday shop

 I love returning to Lancaster PA and my favorite  small shops.  If you head to Lancaster you have to check out Hammond's Pretzels.  No big factory here...just a small row home with a back building where a small group of workers hand twist pretzels for baking.  I always buy the "brokers"...those pretzels that didn't make it off the conveyer belt whole.  Best thing of all?  The pretzels, if you go on a weekday, are often warm.  What follows salty?  Sweet.  Miesses is a Lancaster Chocolate INSTITUTION that's been around since the 1800's.  They are in a new location now, on Water Street, but still have the same fabulous locally made chocolates.  Bonus...they are located next to a craft shop that features the work of disabled adults.  A great day, out with my sister, shopping local.  Pledge to shop local in your hometown..  If it happens to be in the DC area come see us!

Labels: Hammonds Pretzels, Holiday shops, Lancaster PA, Miesses, Olney Maryland, shop local, shop small, swedish gifts, Swedish linens

This book is a favorite in Sweden and so many here were thrilled when it became available in English.  This book...with photos of each cake or cookie will get you in the mood for holiday baking. This book coupled with a Dala horse cookie cutter would be a "Swede Gift"  for your favorite baker.

Labels: Holiday shop Maryland, holiday shop Olney, klaradal swedish antiques, klaradal swedish gifts, swedish cakes and cookies, swedish gifts

Yesterday we had snow...and today is one of the coldest Thanksgivings we have had in over a decade.  This is the last snowy Thanksgiving that I remember.  It was taken at my parents house in Lancaster PA.  They are both gone now and the little guy I am holding is now 6'4".  Times do change.   I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by people you love.

Labels: Holiday shop Maryland, klaradal swedish antiques, swedish gifts, Thanksgiving snow

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

This Thanksgiving my mother-in-law will not be joining us.  She is 96 years old and though pretty strong is not capable (nor comfortable) coming to our homes and doing the long drawn out Thanksgiving feast.  We will, instead, join her at her assisted living location for an early brunch and then have a later Thanksgiving Dinner.  My own parents passed away years ago and so, it seems, that the table gets smaller each year-with no grandchildren in the very near future.  This long preamble brings me to the Swedish All Souls Day tradition of placing candles on graves.
There is no religious connection but rather all individuals gather, with candles, at local cemeteries and place them on the graves of loved ones AND on those graves that don't seem to have someone to visit.  It is a lovely way to remember EVERYONE who is gone from the life.  Not just war heroes, not just the famous, and not just those we loved but anyone who has been in our community.  It's quite special and the imagery is breathraking.  We were once driving through Sweden on November 1 and were told to look out for these and, sure enough, we would see lovely glows, every few miles, at the local cemeteries.

All of this has made me decide that this Thanksgiving I will have a candle lit for those who are NOT at our table...as a way of including everyone who has meant so much to our family.

Labels: All souls day, ekelund linens, sweden tradition, Swedish Antiques, swedish gifts, Swedish holiday shop, swedish textiles., Thanksgiving

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