Little Scandinavian

Happy Norwegian Constitution Day!

Scandinavian mum — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:24:03 +0000

A year ago we wrote about the Norwegian Constitution Day, a celebration taking part in Norway and in all Norwegian communities around the world. The Norwegians celebrate their independence with a non uniform parade filled with flag-waving children and brass band music. We’ll be joining the festivities in London, taking place in Southwark Park at 1pm. For more information about the event, head over to London 17.mai.com

© Photo Ole Friele Backer. Children celebrating Norway’s Constitution Day, 17 May 1942, in Trafalgar Square in London.

Pitti Bimbo Apartment, luxury lifestyles for the youngest set

Scandinavian mum — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:01:47 +0000

The Apartment, an exclusive village of collections located in the Lyceum at the entrance to Pitti Bimbo, is a dedicated space and a art installation creating a unique sphere for those who are seeking to experience the luxury lifestyle of children’s fashion.
Apartment represents a sophisticated selection of international clothing and accessory collections, the eight edition showcases carefully selected names in children’s fashion and contemporary luxury; Amelia Milano, Leoca Paris and Pale Cloud.
The architect and designer Ilaria Marelli has created a village in the halls of the pavilion, creating alleyways and shops as visitors move from one room and collection to the next.

© Photo: Micro Macro by Ilaria Marelli for Pitti Immagine Bimbo, as featured in Plusmood.com

“Micro Macro” was the second installation by Ilaria Marelli for Pitti Bimbo, presented 25-27th June 2009.
The next Pitti Bimbo takes place in Florence, Italy 28-30th June 2012.

Winner of the Little Kid in Me photo competition

Scandinavian mum — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:34:14 +0000

Thank you to all that entered our photo competition Little Kid in Me. KIDSEN, Little Scandinavian and Photographer Sophie Lechner King have made the final decision. The winning picture will win the grand prize of a FREE professional photo shoot and a fabulous parent and child outfit from Kidsen’s gorgeous Spring Summer Collections. And the winner is (drum roll please) Me & My Girl – Congratulations!

© Kayt, London

The 4 runners up, in no particular order, (more drum roll please) are

Look Into My Eyes & You Will See A Father’s Love

© Darren, Stoke On Trent

Mummy & Caspar Enjoy A Picnic

© Amy, London

Just The Two Of Us

© Karina, London

Wheelie Fun

© Amelia, London

The winner and the 4 runners up’s photos will be exhibited online and in store at Kidsen as well as here.
Thank you to all that participated, voted and supported our photo competition.

Useful Links
Kidsen

Giveaway: Nordlys design by Holmegaard -100% recycled glass

Scandinavian mum — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:35 +0000

Reduce, repair, reuse, redesign. Upcycling is trendier than ever. Inspired from spectacular Northern Lights, Nordlys (Scandinavian for Northern Lights) is an exciting new series created by award winning designer Peter Svarrer. Made by hand from recycled glass, Holmegaard upcycles jam jars into unique contemporary glasses, bowls and tealight holders.

The Holmegaard Nordlys series comprises tumblers (25 cl), bowls (12.4 cm in diameter) and votives (H: 5.5 cm), available in soft cool Scandinavian shades of lagoon, spring and white.

Giveaway Prize

The giveaway prize by Holmegaard includes a set of 100% recycled Nordlys lagoon water glass and bowl. Value £27.

How to enter
Enter this Giveaway Competition by answering the below questions by using the comment field.
Q: What does recycling means to you?

Share it! Invite your friends to join too through Facebook and Twitter!
Giveaway competition is open to international entrants and ends Monday 21st of May 2012.

Useful Links
Holmegaard

Photos from our Family Mountain Hike in Norway

Scandinavian mum — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:04:16 +0000

We’ve regularly enjoyed Norway’s majestic mountains as a family. All four seasons have their own charm, with the Summer being the most attractive season as the weather is more stable. Our favourite is probably early Autumn, from August when the green landscape turns bright orange and red.
These photos are from one of our hikes, in Hardangervidda. Little b was 5 years and Little A was 1 year old. We had one mountain hut as a base and went on day hikes in the surrounding area. Being a bit more flat and not so stoney Hardangervidda is probably a bit more child friendly and better suited for families with younger children compared to the area mentioned in an earlier post Hiking with kids in Jotunheimen National Park. Other tourist attractions like Rallarvegen and the beautiful fjords of the Norwegian West Coast are reachable by car. If you manage to leave this stunning scenery…

Useful links
Hardangervidda National Park Route
Flåm – historical place between the mountains and the deep fjords
Rallarvegen – The Bergen Railway Line Construction Road

Wildlife at IKEA

Scandinavian mum — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:13:04 +0000

Celebrate nature and bring the wildlife in to your home, with these cute creatures from IKEA. Soft toys from £3.99

© IKEA

The most trendy cookbook of today, Frøken Jensen Kogebog d. 1901

Scandinavian mum — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:00:18 +0000

So excited about the ScandinavianDad’s find at the Summer Fair at the Danish Church in London yesterday; A traditional Danish cookbook, by Frk E. Mertz Nielsen, Frk Joh. Rasmussen and Chef C. F. Hansen. The tiny book contains everything from starters to dessert and also a guide on seasonal products.

It’s in fact very similar to the more famous Frk. Jensens Cookbook. Kristine Marie Jensen worked as a housekeeper and cook during the 19th century in Denmark. During her career she noted down and collected all her recipes and experiences as a cook and a housekeeper, which was in 1901 publsihed as “Frøken Jensens Kogebog”. The cookbook was published in 27 editions before she died in 1923 and more than a million copies has been sold since. It’s in fact one of the the best selling Danish cookbooks to this day.
Now available on your iPhone! Get 200 free recipes from the original “Frøken Jensen Kogebog” dated back to 1901. This is traditional Nordic recipes with a international influence, the most delicious and nutritious family meals cooked from scratch with seasonal locally sourced products. More than a hundred years later it’s arguably once again become the most trendy cooking style. Search by the following categories; Breakfast and Brunch, Starters, Nibbles and Eggs, Soups, Meat, Cakes etc. Recipes you like can then be added to favourites. From what we know the app is only available in Danish, for now.

Perhaps you know of similar historical important traditional cookbook authors from Britian? Try searching to see if they’ve been published as a smart phone app. If not, they really should! Time to dig out those brilliant recipes and make some proper food!

Pale Cloud, a story of Love and Passion

Scandinavian mum — Sat, 12 May 2012 08:11:01 +0000

Pale Cloud is a shining new star in the world of designerwear for girls, run by husband and wife team Marion and Ian Reynolds. And it all started with a story of love and passion…

© Pale Cloud, India

Marion was born and raised in Norway. She graduated from the French Design University, Esmod in 1999 being honored with first prize for her final catwalk project. After graduating, her first position was with Denmark’s largest fashion house. After 3 years designing in the Danish studio, Marion moved to Shanghai to be closer to the supplier’s latest fabric qualities and manufacturing techniques. While in China, Marion was approached by a UK Fashion House and shortly after that, moved to India with them where she was designing and sourcing production for luxury Danish brands.

Then, by chance, Marion and Ian met in New Delhi through a mutual friend. Marion had by then been in India for 3 years and was soon due to return home to Norway. Ian had only just arrived after being appointed Managing Director for the retail arm of Porsche India. And Ian was instantly most intrigued by this stunning beautiful and talented Norwegian designer and he secured Marion’s number from the mutual friend the very next day. Marion, a creative and busy girl got back to him… a month later!
But they managed to arrange to meet up again, and when seeing her for the second time Ian became convinced that Marion was the girl for him. In a bid to win her over he invited her to a romantic trip to one of the finest hotels in the world, The Oberoi Wildflower Hall in Shimla. And being the perfect British gentleman he booked separate rooms at the hotel, a fairytale luxury resort situated 2,500 m above sea level in the Himalayas.

© The Oberoi Wildflower Hall, Shimla

Marion accepted the invitation and casually added that since her cousin Helene had just arrived from Norway, she wanted to come along. Even though, the trip wasn’t exactly how Ian had planned, it still resulted in a strong relationship between Ian and Marion. And a lovely time followed for the pair, attending Delhi’s best parties and enjoying the fantastic choice of restaurants and bars one of the world’s largest cities has to offer.
Then came the dreaded day that Marion had her return flight and it was with great sadness they had to say farewell. But after only a week apart, Marion had no other choice but to return to India -and to Ian. Their new adventure led the pair to London, were they married in Nov 2008.

© Pale Cloud. Mr and Mrs Reynolds, on their wedding day, London 2008

Their beautiful daughter Freya Catriona was born in Oct 2009, and soon after, inspired by the love for Freya, combining Marion’s experience from high end fashion, Ian’s background in the luxury retail market and both with a strong link to India where it all began -the brand Pale Cloud was formed.
In 2010 Ian was offered the position of General Manager for Bentley, Aston Martin, Bugatti and McLaren for Dubai & Abu Dhabi. This dream job came with an apartment in the Dubai Marina and a healthy tax-free salary. By this time, Ian and Marion’s plans and expectations for Pale Cloud had grown. A tough decision had to be made; do they move to Dubai and enjoy all it had to offer while growing Pale Cloud gently or do they commit fully to Pale Cloud where their passion really lies?

They decided to decline the Ian’s job offer and instead they moved to Marion’s parents summer house in Sweden so they could both commit fully to their new brand.
The first collection, for SS11 proved to be a huge success, snapped up by fashion editors in the most prestigious magazines, web magazines and blogs around the globe before hitting the stores. The second collection was no disappointment, with both cashmere and silk pieces beautifully tailored together making this a firm favourite among industry professionals, parents and children alike.
The family is now on the move, but have chosen to stay in Sweden, to focus on developing the brand.
The Pale Cloud Autumn Winter 2012/13 Collection has a strong colonial feel with 19th Century India opulence at its source. This is the 3rd collection from the Swedish based design house and it includes; beautifully tailored coats and blazer, slim low crutch pants, highly detailed dresses & tops with both chunky and delicate knits using only the finest of wools. Heavy embellishment on delicate sand washed silk, pleating detail and leather trim are combined with peacock feather prints and fur for a luxurious look of statement dressing. Finish the look off with hand knitted cashmere accessories and semi-precious jewellery to create a true high luxe elegance.

© Photo Sigve Aspeland for Pale Cloud

Pale Cloud is available from leading department stores like Illum Copenhagen, Barneys New York and Harvey Nichols Kuwait for girls size 2 – 12 years. The AW12 will be available from several London Boutiques.
When experiencing couture like Pale Cloud, so feminine and beautiful, carefully tailored with fantastic details, I can’t help thinking; My size, pretty please!? But on the other hand I’m fortunate to have two girls that can enjoy it. The look and feel of these garments are so luxurious and a pure joy for the girls to wear. Pale Cloud is sophisticated clothes and true couture for children. We absolutely love Pale Cloud for it’s genuine passion for fashion and the love of life.

Useful Links
Pale Cloud
Little Scandinavian

Fruity News, Children’s clothes from Villervalla

Scandinavian mum — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:21:06 +0000

Villervalla is all about colour and playfulness, good quality and comfort. The founder of Villervalla, Hanna Håkansson had been a children’s clothing shop owner since 1999. Based on her experience she started designing fun unisex children’s clothing in 2005, with a fun unisex-concept for newborn and up to 8 years. Villervalla is based in the picturesque old town of Gothenburg, with a design and product development studio, an office, an outlet and one of the concept stores situated here.
This week Villervalla Spring Summer 2012 collection seem to have popped up in many independent children’s clothing shops around the world. And we are absolutely delighted that’s it’s become available in the UK too!

And we especially love the organic line including some “kind to skin and nature” baby essentials, colourful basics to the children and most of all we would defentely consider getting hold of the organic junior bed set, bright and beautiful bedlinen available in 4 colours, hot pink, deep blue or as shown here lime green or sunshine yellow.

With a focus on sustainability Villervalla clothes are produced with concern for children’s health and the environment, including a organic cotton range. Clothes with minor flaws are sold at their outlet or sent to orphanages where needed.
As they say in their slogan;

Villervalla -happy clothes for happy children!

Useful Links
Villervalla
Visit Sweden / Gothenburg
Love it Love it Love it online shop
Hei Moose online shop
Imp Kids online shop
Mash n’ Gravy online shop

Family and kids photo session available in London – One day only!

Scandinavian mum — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:01:30 +0000

One of our favourite photographers Silje Glefjell, known for the successful Little Scandinavian and Rockefella shoot in London’s Brick Lane. She has since then relocated to USA where she’s continuing her career, specializing in children and family photography, capturing the beauty of childhood and family life.
But there’s good news! A little bird whispered in my ear that she’ll be visiting Wimbledon, London this summer. And she’s fully booked for family and kids photo sessions during her stay -almost. There’s one available slot; Sunday morning, 1st June. Price £155. If interested contact Silje: silje@glefjell.com

© Silje Glefjell Photography