Little Scandinavian

It’s still holiday and as we are enjoying those lazy mornings where you are slowly woken up by the sunshine.
As a holiday treat we made Norwegian waffles today. Served with home made strawberry jam, recipe here: Strawberry Jam

Scandinavian style waffles are thin, made in a heart-shaped waffle iron. The batter is similar to other varieties. The most common style are sweet, with whipped or sour cream and strawberry or raspberry jam, or berries, or simply sugar, on top. In Norway, brown cheese is also a popular topping.

This is our favourite recipe

Ingredients:
2 eggs, beaten
1 dl sugar
2 dl buttermilk
1.5 dl whole milk
1 dl water
350 g flour (strong white)
1 tsp. salt
1 tbs vanilla sugar
0.5 tbs cardamom
1 tbs baking powder
125 g melted butter

Method:
1. Make a smooth batter with all the ingredients. Set for 15 minutes before cooking in a waffle maker -Enjoy!

Like a proper old fashioned marked with lots of individual stalls, where local craftsmen display and sell their gods, Norwegian online site Epla is the viritual version of this.
Founded late 2009 the online marked is already well known within Norway and Scandinavia. It seems like high quality homemade products, often made of recycled materials, are increasingly popular. And I’m amazed how many people who are back to their roots in front of the sewing machine or with knitting pins in their hands!

Have a look at “Barn og Baby” to see unique clothes, accessories, toys and furniture for your little one.

Pic 1 shows a top and trousers set by BraWo Design, made off 100% recycled fabrics. (In this case old curtains!) £50
Pic 2 shows retro wallstickers by Snuffle £52
Pic 3 shows the Maja retro dress made of recycled fabrics and buttons. Choose between a variety of colours and patterns as you can have this simple apron dress made to order. £28

Visit www.epla.no

Norwegian label MeMini have launched this Play Safe collection which consist of highly durable outer wear for active children, suitable for all weather. Available in several independent stores around UK.




Photo: MeMini

Owls had their big comeback as a design trend in 2006 and it appears that the wise little creatures have some staying power.
Norwegian Blafre Design summer news as shown here.

I don’t know what you think but I find owls both interesting and calming.
Owls may seem like a rather random design trend, but actually, the wise motif goes back several decades to the 1960′s.

Owls, retro colours and prints -who can resist these lunch boxes?
Oh, and there is matching water bottles too!

www.blafre.no

Did you know that most children in Scandinavia would wear proper rain gear like waterproof dungarees and jacket or a all-in-one combined with wellington boots and Souwester hat. Children seldom wear a raincoat and a umbrella. Like how would they be able to explore that muddy puddle then?

Norwegian wellington boots for children and adults from Moose Reflex are the worlds first approved reflex rain boots. Made of superb high quality natural rubber and it comes with a pair of welly socks in soft wool that will keep you warm and comfortable.

We like the stars that are not only fashionable and fun but also very practical, as you will easy be spotted in the dark.

They launched their first collection this year and has so far been well received in Scandinavia. Hope to see some Moose Reflex out in Europe and in the UK as well!

Photo: Moose Reflex by Shabby.no

Aksel, the chair from Norway, is simple, pure in style, traditional & elegant. Handcrafted from the finest natural materials since 1938, is carefully built to provide you a lifetime of enjoyment.

Choose between the Aksel Children’s Chair, the smallest one. Delivered with or without arm rests and as rocking chair or Little Aksel, children’s chair for the dining table, for the ages 1-3 years. Delivered in beech wood, stained or painted design. Seat made of plaited sea grass or the Aksel Junior, suitable for children from 3 years up to 10 1/2 years. Seat made of plaited sea grass. Excellent for children in a period when other children’s chairs are too small and a normal chair is too large.

Visit the UK agent M & I Agencies for more information and details.

Photo: Aksel Hansson

My dear friend and talented Norwegian artist Annika is having a give away on her blog in order to celebrate her blogs 1 year anniversary!

Help her celebrate by not missing out on this great opportunity to win a piece of high quality contemporary art. Visit her blog annika.no and follow the simple steps to have a chance to win.

Oh… Last day tomorrow -so hurry up!

Photo: Annika

This comforting and snuggly blanket from Norwegian designer Lilleba has a beautiful design, choose between pastel blue or pink.
It’s made of Bamboo and it’s breathable, it’s absorbent and it’s naturally antibacterial and as a bonus it’s super soft to touch.
We think this makes the perfect blanket!

Contact the UK agent M & I Agencies for more information and list of retailers.

Photo: Lilleba

What a wonderful afternoon!

As soon as they came home from school the girls quickly changed into their new summer dresses, from Norwegian designer Dundelina.

The girls ran outside into the garden whilst I made some Norwegian waffles. The picnic bag, filled with treats, was then sent carefully down from our balcony with a rope. The fabulous picnic feast were held underneath the garden table covered by a woolen blanket. -What a great way to start the weekend!

Spring is here, and hopefully there will soon be a Tiny Doe on it’s way over the pond, from Norway.


Photo: Tiny Doe

Moods of Norway is combining a strong Norwegian heritage with International trends, and intend to tell the exotic Norwegian tale through inspired and cutting edge designs.
Both the Scandinavian Dad and myself have Moods of Norway in our wardrobe.
I’ve heard rumors that they do children’s clothing too, but have never seen it. However, I came across this picture on Facebook today, clearly showing Moods of Norway children’s clothing! The picture is from their concept store in Stryn, Norway.

I’ll be looking out for more information and pictures of this funky and glamorous Norwegian fashion brand!

Photo: Moods of Norway, Facebook

Dr.Lipp is an amazing multi-purpose balm especially created to relieve extra dry and chapped skin, which can help to reduce skin roughness by up to 40% in only one hour. Made from Medical Grade Lanolin, a dermatologically recommended ultra effective emollient.
Originally used by midwives to relieve dry and sensitive nipples due to breast feeding. Dr.Lipp can also be used on any dry or sensitive skin areas and is fabulous as an ultra hydrating lip gloss. Tasteless and odourless Dr.Lipp is so pure and safe -even for new born babies! 100% organic, hypoallergenic, NO PARABENS, tasteless and odourless. A pure skin essential. For fast relief apply day or night onto any dry skin areas including lips, nipples, cuticles, knuckles, elbows, knees and even split-ends.

Dr.Lipp is also reputed to help relieve eczema and make-up artists swear by it as a long lasting lip gloss. Dr.Lipp was created by luxury designer Pontine Paus who first heard about this ancient remedy in her home town in Norway where many people suffer from dry skin patches due to the long, dark and cold winters. Pontine and her friend who was head of marketing for Stella McCartney at the time launched Dr.Lipp in 2004. Since then Dr.Lipp has become a cult beauty essential and a favourite of the London Fashion Set. A precious essential in the make-up case of international make-up artists Charlotte Tilbury, Pat McGrath, Charlotte Blackeney, Sharon Dorsett, etc… It gives a glowy cheek-shine on models during photo shoots and is fabulous on top of lipstick for an extra long lasting natural gloss effect.

Who would have thought that a balm for nursing mothers could be so diverse, such a sexy product and so kissable!?

Available at Space Nk

Photo: Pontine Paus

Dundelina‘s summer 2010 collection is finally here. Nautical is one of the hottest themes for spring summer 2010. However Dundelina have taken the nautical theme a bit further, as always in their playful and childlike way. Without compromising on high quality fabrics and romantic look. Dundelina clothing is available for girls between 3 and 10. The accessories, soft toys and books can be enjoyed by people of all ages. All items are available online from their webshop.

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Lille Barn (Little Children) has managed to create yet a lovely collection in organic merino wool, organic cotton and Bamboo. The London based Norwegian talented and most charming Reidun Oliveira is the head designer behind the brand, and for her the quality of each piece and the love and comfort the child will experience by wearing it is what’s important. She has also chosen to have all her garments produced in Europe, and yet they are still surprisingly affordable.
Lille Barn is clothing for babies and children up to 6 years. Her knitted winter collection in the softest Merino Wool is what the customers really love. But I must admit, this summer collection can not be a disappointment for all Lille Barn fans. Many items like the all in one suit shown to the left is the typical Lille Barn signature style. There is also some lovely fabrics and romantic summer dresses to be found. And many items are mix and match.
But what we are especially impressed about is the boys collection. Chunky knitted organic cotton sweaters in different colours. Comfortable shorts for those hot summer days. And we simply love the reversible jacket with matching bucket hat! Don’t miss out on this one!
Online boutique is to be launched this spring. Meanwhile there are several lovely shops that stock Lille Barn; Kidsen, Cute U Look, Squibbly Biskit, Little Bou and Yellow Lolly




Photo: Lille Barn

On my way walking up Bogstadveien, one of the main shopping streets in Oslo I spotted a new brand with it’s own shop; My Cinnamon Girl.
The designer Kari Thomassen creates romantic and nostalgic children’s clothing, all designed and produced in Norway.
The inspiration of the collections is sweet childhood memories. This is combined with soft fabrics and subtle colours. With details like patchwork and embroidery these items stands out and is very desirable for young princesses and princes.
MyCinnamonGirl