Category Archives: Family & Life

Happy Half Term



Little A playing this morning, dressing up in my ski jacket. Now off to London Museum. Wish you all a lovely day!

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Gallery of memories for inspiration

This darling toddler is not me, but a dear friend, captured one lovely summer back in the early 80′.
I simply adore images like this, with fond memories, great (well, maybe not always) fashion and last but not least the quality of the photograph in itself.

We were wondering if you wanted to send us your picture, from a summer holiday with the family, first day at school or in the push chair or any occasion, but a picture of you that you treasure?
It would be lovely to do a gallery of you all, for us to enjoy and to be inspired by!

So it’s time to get your favourite picture down from the shelf or out of the drawer and scan it -if it’s not already digital, and send it to us.
All photographs can be sent by e-mail to post@littlescandinavian.com by 1st of April.

I will display a gallery as soon as I have enough and then rather to more if you lovelies are all sending in your contributions. All qualities, b/w or colours will be much appreciated.

Looking forward to receiving your email!

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Seven simple tips for a stress-free morning for the family


Photo: Lille Lam

We have an old expression in Scandinavia “Morgenstund har guld i mund” which means that it’s important to get up early in the morning in order to enjoy it. This is still very true, especially for a family that are off in different directions for nursery, school or work.
In the latest edition of the Danish parent magazine “Vi forældre” I came across a guide that is quite similar to how we do it in the morning in our home and I thought I would share it with you:
Our 7 simple steps for a stress-free morning, the best way we can start our day together as a family

1. Get up early.
There is no way around this. Go to bed earlier as well if you are tired in the morning. Get up 20-30 minutes before what you usually do.

2. Wake up slowly.
As a child I remember always waking up to the sound of my mum listening to the radio in the kitchen and the smell of coffee. This is lovely memories I have even though I’m sure we had our share of stress too.
Some people will just get out of bed and the day will start in an instant. In my case that’s not how it works. I need to lay in for a while. Same thing with Amélie. I would usually go into her room, say good morning with a smile, open the curtains and talk a bit without asking her to get up straight away. I’ll make sure her clothes are available, leave the room to do something else and then return after a few minutes.
I know some parents put on a audio book or even read a book in the morning.
Waking up with the TV is not recommended by most experts. And my experience is that it actually makes the children grumpy.

3. Have the clothes ready.
If it’s all there the evening before there will be no panicking over a missing sock or a dirty uniform skirt in the morning.

4. Have the school bags ready.
Pack their bags before they go to bed and place it next to the shoes in the hallway to avoid searching around for reading books 5 minutes after you really should have left the house.

5. Eat breakfast.
A slice of bread or traditional oat porridge (it’s prepared in 10 minutes while you wake up your kids and it’s probably the best food you can have for breakfast.) Make the children sit to eat their breakfast. We usually lit candles as well. Breakfast in this house lasts usually 20-25 minutes and is probably the most important meal of the day as we are all gathered together around the table.
Snack or packed lunch is quickly prepared whilst sitting around the breakfast table.

6. Let the children help out.
The children can do a lot more than dress themselves. In this house the girls set the table and sometimes tidies away too. The girls enjoys the responsibility and also being a part of what’s happening in the house.

7. Say goodbye with a smile.
If one has a bad start even after following the previous 6 steps, whatever you do, say goodbye with a smile. There is nothing worse than saying goodbye after having had an argument and then wait until the afternoon or evening before it can be sorted out.

This is the simple steps we try to follow to make our mornings as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Do you have any other tips for a stress-free morning so please share them with us by commenting below. We would love to hear from you, what you do in the mornings.

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London with Kids Museum of Childhood

Living in London with kids is in many ways a great pleasure with a variety of places to explore. There is always a new area, exhibition, a play or a cafe you haven’t yet tried out.
The girls loves exploring London and last year we’ve made an agreement that we would go on a weekly outing. We have a wish list over things to do, then choose one from the list and go straight after School once a week -on our very own little adventure.

One of our favourite museums in London is The V&A Museum of Childhood located less than 5 minutes walk from Bethnal Green underground station. Open from 10:00 until 17:45 every day with free entry this museum is very much about exploring. The girls loves it as it’s so much to see and do. They have various of exhibitions and events to which is worth checking out when you plan your trip. There is a cafe if you get hungry and also a lunch room where you can enjoy your packed lunch. And a small museum shop on your way out with lovely little gifts for your child (or for their friends coming birthday parties)





Here are some of the ideas we had last year, on what do do in London with kids.

I’ll definitely try to share more of our kid friendly urban adventures with you this year. And if you have any cracking good ideas of places, galleries, activities or events in London this year that shouldn’t be missed -please do let us know!

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Traditional children’s party

Amélie had two birthday invitations for this weekend. Yesterday’s party was a traditionally pass-the-parcel-birthday party. Amélie wore a traditional smock dress by Powell Craft yesterday. And with her she brought a little present wrapped in simple wrapping paper made beautiful when themed with a greeting card from Belle & Boo. Both British brands worth checking out.


Today’s party was a football party, so all beautiful party dresses were left in the closet whilst little fashionista left the house wearing Nova Star from top to toe.

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Todays inspiration: a smile from Littlest B

Littlest B is mostly a thinker and a listener and quite a unique little fellow. He has the most extraordinary smile. It’s like the sunrise; genuine, promising and warm. Littlest B is still very little but very much his own person with a big personality.

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Sweet memories of Summer



Sometimes it can be quite nice to look through the photos from previous summers, especially on a cold January day.
Beatrice 5 years old in 2006 is wearing a classic short sleeved polo dress by Ralph Lauren. Beatrice loves wearing sporty and feminine clothes.
Ralph Lauren is available in the UK at alexaandalexa.com

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Merry Christmas and God Jul!

Merry Christmas from frosty Norway!


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The view from my room this am

I’m currently staing at a familyplace in the countryside. You must be thinking I’m travelling a lot, which I am. But Oslo, the mountain lodge and this country retreat are all within 1 hour driving distance. So not to bad.
I got some excellent news! TheScandinavianDad and the two Little Scandinavians have boarded a plane, and I’m hoping to see them in only a few hours! I still hope all travellers will be reunited with their families for Christmas.

This is the view from my room this morning.

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All I want for Christmas

It’s currently -21 outside, but warm and cozy inside.

Checked the latest update from British Airways telling me that 2 out of 4 flights will be flying from Heathrow to Oslo tomorrow -and finally some good luck! Their flight is apparently still operating! So all fingers crossed now!

All I want for Christams is being with my family!

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