Changes at IKEA

Wah! The iconic IKEA catalogue is being "put to bed"! (see what I did there). ;) Is it ok to be sad about something so stupid?

I really used to love looking through it and tabbing every other page. It was like the poor man's Architectural Digest; you could actually afford the things that they showed. I'm pretty sure that they wouldn't have made this decision if Ingvar Kamprad was still alive, but times move on and I'm sure it was the fiscally prudent move. So boring. 

I want to buy emerald green bucket seats called "Sven", (or at least think that I will one night on the the couch until my husband shoots it down). Ya' know what I mean? 

Here's what it says in The Morning Brew: "While Nicolas Sparks is proof that books can make you cry, turns out catalogs can bring on the waterworks, too. Yesterday, Ikea made the "emotional but rational" decision to discontinue its iconic furniture catalog after a 70-year run.

The backstory: A mainstay of coffee tables everywhere, the notoriously thick lookbook is said to be the most widely distributed publication in the world—even more than the Bible. At its peak, Ikea produced 200 million copies in 32 different languages.

But the Bible doesn't compete with e-commerce. Online sales (up 45% last year) have become increasingly important to Ikea's business, and customers just weren't using the paper catalog as much as they used to."

OK, but really, what else is Corona going to take from us? It was a taste from home, and I'm going to miss it just like I miss going into the store and getting my Christmas supplies this time of year. Of course there are worse things to worry about, but I'm going to salute the IKEA catalogue for now and hope that I can grab 2021 when the virus calms down.

Changes afoot in Sweden

So after months of hoping that "herd immunity" would work the chief epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell, threw in the towel and admitted that it wasn't. Sweden had many more deaths than surrounding Nordic countries from Covid-19 due to their lax attitude toward the disease. It appears that they felt asking people nicely to be smart about Covid would stop the spread, or that the resulting "immunity" would work to stop it. I don't know about you but how can you be so sure how a brand new disease works? And why not have people wear masks when it's shown to work. I am pretty disillusioned about the way the pandemic has been handled in one of my favorite places in the world. I thought that they were more caring than what has been demonstrated. Waiting for "immunity" over 6,100 had to die in Sweden, to date, whereas in Denmark only 789 and in Norway 311 lost their lives to this tragic virus.

Anders Tegnell

It is “futile and immoral” to seek herd immunity as a protection from a pandemic, and the transmission of an infectious disease like Covid-19 cannot be fully halted without a vaccine, Sweden's chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell has said.

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/coronavirus-herd-immunity-sweden-covid-cases-anders-tegnell-b1421541.html 

Stefan Lofgren, Swedish Prime Minister

Stefan Lofgren took to the airwaves to appeal to Swedes to follow stricter messages which was called an "unprecedented" measure deemed necessary curb the spread of the virus. The limit of public gatherings now set between 50 - 300 will be reduced to only eight as of November 24th. (SBS NEWS)

Having older parents that live in Sweden I am glad that they finally made this decision. I only wish that they would require masks like so many other countries, to help stop the spread of the virus until a vaccine is found. It is ridiculous that they do not require masks; people in Sweden simply don't wear them. I wish that they would at least wear them to show concern for others, if not for themselves, but I guess that the kind and generous Sweden that I knew in the 80's has become cold and uncaring. 

I just hope and pray that we all get through this next wave in good health. To the Americans who read my blog I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that you are well and that you stay safe this year. Thankful for all of you! And to you Swedes, be well, be smart and stay safe. Glad 1e Advent! 

Swedish pancakes and pea soup

I enjoy cooking and making Swedish treats that make my kids eyes light up is extra special. I haven't found the perfect recipe for Swedish pancakes, so I won't yet share mine with you, but even if they are not always perfectly formed they sure tasted good! Just roll them up with jam and sugar and you will be eating like a Swede! (Actually if I were you I would head over here and buy a box of this stuff, it's totally foolproof. As a matter of fact I think I will too!) The people in the portraits over the cabinets were the recipients of this yummy treat, and I didn't even make them eat ärtsoppa (yellow pea soup) to get pancakes like a real Swedish mum would have done. 😊 I'm the only one here that like pea soup and that, on the other hand, is a recipe I can give you. Eat it with mustard like a real Swede! It's good. Here's the recipe thanks to the Spruce Kitchen https://www.thespruceeats.com/dried-pea-soup-artsoppa-in-swedish-2952931😋 Ha det så gott!

p.s. If you like art check out my other blog https://tinarawsonart.blogspot.com! I make beautiful paintings and soon will be offering Swedish ornaments for sale :) 

Happy Kanelbullen's Day!!

Yesterday was cinnamon bun day in Sweden, but I say why not celebrate it all week? 😏 This tasty treat is one of Swedes absolute favorites, and although it's quite "vardaglig" (common) it definitely deserves a special day to celebrate and enjoy! The scent alone will drive you mad with desire to add another 5 lbs. to your hips; and the taste with the sweet bread and the crunch of the pearl sugar on top adds just another layer of yumminess. The thing is that a Swedish is actually pretty small so you savor every bite unlike a Cinnabon in the States that will never end, and in my opinion, leaves you feeling pretty gross. 

Here is the recipe I like. If I can buy fresh yeast, then I do because I think it makes all the difference. I hope that you like it too! https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/cinnamon-buns/

(Note: Please allow some time to make these, they need time to rise, but if you are in a rush a little tip I learned while living in Sweden was to turn the oven on very low and let them rise in the oven.)

Mums!

Båstad Tennis!

I've always wanted to attend the Båstad Tennis Tournament near beautiful Torekov in the Bjäre peninsula but now more than ever because Hugh Grant is playing! - Pause for silenced chock - Who knew that Hugh Grant played tennis at age 59, getting on 60, or that he had a house in Torekov, or that he is married to a Swede?! He is married to Anna Grant. Hugh Grant is playing veteran league. He won his first match played last Sunday July 26 at 11 CET against Ferenc Kovacs.

I didn't but I can tell you that I think that he's still a cinema idol whom I have followed since "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (which actually doesn't hold up that well according to my two teenagers who found it cringe-worthy.) Anyway, don't believe me? Check it out here for yourself: Hugh Grant plays tennis. 

By the way, Båstad is known as the "Monaco of Sweden" and has lots to see and do, but the Swedish Open tennis tournament is what really draws the masses. Björn Borg won it when he was 18 and Rafael Nadal won in 2005. 

Swe-Dishes: Swedish Apple Cake

Swe-Dishes: Swedish Apple 🎂

Update: The oven is fixed and I made this cake which came out beautifully, as you can see! The recipe is below if it's easier for you to access it that way, and it's also at the link above. Thanks Swe-Dishes! My mom used to make this cake but I never had until recently and it's delicious. 

I'm making this apple cake as soon as my oven is fixed. Mums as they say in Sweden (means yum!) Can you believe that my dishwasher broke a couple of months ago and the oven bit the dust last week? Perfect timing during a freakin' pandemic! 😉 Well we are getting the goods soon and I am excited to be back in business with clean dishes and apple cake! (It is so much better than apple pie. Yes I said it, sorry.) 😘😂  I do love me some 🍎 cake!

Post-Corona?

Dear friends,
What a strange and solemn world we live in now. We are living in a pandemic. I never thought I'd say those words, and certainly the reality of it doesn't match up with any preconceived notions that I might have had of it. Pre-Covid-19 I would have thought it would be like a horror movie, but actually for me it's like an old-timey dive into being bored and just hanging out at the house. Kind of like "Groundhog Day" on repeat without the part of getting to so things differently every day!

I am very grateful to be able to have the opportunity to explore new things and stay safe here with my family. I appreciate all the people on the front-line - the posters above are headed to the Boston Convention Center which as been turned into a field hospital called "Boston Hope" for those recovering from Coronavirus Disease.

So how are you handling it? What are the good things about it? What do think life will be like Post-the big-C? I teach art and I'm pivoting on a dime trying to make art videos for my students, selling my art and I kind of like it! That's my good thing. (Check ShopVida.com for my collection of which I'm honestly pretty proud.) But I am worried for the small businesses like restaurants, gyms and small specialty boutiques that I love. For example, I saw this little article online about "Bord for En" (table for one - is this the future of restaurants?! https://www.foodandwine.com/news/one-person-restaurant-meadow

Basically you get a one-person table in a field and they deliver delicious food by basket! It is a clever idea but who really likes eating alone? Even if you are in a field. And what if it rains? It rains a lot in Sweden! I am glad that they are taking social distancing seriously, unlike some other places in Sweden, but maybe a bit too seriously? What do you think? I think that no matter how great online teaching and shopping can be it will NEVER replace person-to-person interaction. Tack och hej!

Picture from Bord För En https://www.bordforen.com/

Wearable art with Swedish designs!

Hej Swedish Scarf-lovers! I know you're out there, I am one too! I love to keep my neck nice and cosy! It's not an understatement to say that I probably have about 30 scarves of all shapes, materials and makes and I am soo excited because soon I will get one of my new Christina Rawson (chr) Collection scarves delivered from ShopVida.com! I uploaded my painting entitled "Swedish Bath House" to the site, and voila! A beautiful scarf was made from my work and it's on its way here now with hopefully a bunch of my other designs. It's very exciting to say the least! Please check out my new site here below and enjoy 10% off! And of course I love the name "Vida" 'cause here we live it lagom!

Hello, I’ve created a line of wearable art with VIDA - a sustainable, socially-conscious company - and would like to share my most recent designs with you! Be the first to shop my new designs on my personal collection page by clicking any of the products below. Christina Rawson Newburyport, United States TAKE 10% OFF WITH CODE: EXPLORE10 SHOP MY COLLECTION Swedish Bath House by CHR INFINITY ECO SCARF Swedish Bath House by CHR SLEEVELESS KNIT Marshes by CHR LEATHER ZIP-AROUND WALLET Tree at Maudslay by CHR FOLDAWAY TOTE Tree at Maudslay by CHR TOTE BAG Bird by CHR GREETING CARDS SET Bird by CHR OBLONG PILLOW

Knäckebröd recipe - crispbread the Swedish way!

I love knäckebröd, don't you? It lasts forever so perfect for a pandemic. Maybe making this recipe will help you feel just a little bit more productive and happy. It is so good, and flexible with the types of flours you chose which is helpful given the state of the supermarket shelves. I'm going to skip trying to find "Strong Bread Flour" (?) because I already have a nice white wheat flour, but instant yeast may be tricky. I don't know about you but in Massachusetts yeast is on the list of items that are hard to find during Covid-19. We have been trying for the past two weeks to buy it at Market Basket! Hopefully Amazon will come to the rescue so I can make my knäcke and kanelbullar! (Cinnamon buns). I will let you know! Please take care friends and stay safe. 🌷💐 The recipe is under this cute ad from Wasa that features the song "Strövtåg i Hembygden", enjoy!

From The Local --
Traditionally, Swedes wanted a bread that was easy to bake and would keep well - most therefore chose to bake crispbread. Nowadays it is easy to store in airtight containers, but originally they were made with a hole in the centre so that they could be hung over the oven to keep dry.

These delightfully wobbly crispbreads are irresistible and perfect for breaking and sharing. Serve them simply with good quality butter, cheese and fruit, or elegantly with salmon, cold meats, pâtés and dips.
Summary
Makes 6 large breads
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 25 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Ingredients
200 ml (1 cup) whipping cream
300 ml (1 1/4 cup) water
260 g (2 1/2 cups) dark wholemeal rye flour
320 g (2 1/2 cups) strong bread flour
1 tsp salt
14 g (4 1/2 tsp) instant dried yeast
Topping
1 tsp sea salt flakes
1 tsp sesame seeds
1 tsp cumin or caraway seeds
Method
1. Heat the cream and water together until warm to the touch.
2. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast and stir.
3. Add the cream and water mixture and mix together to form a dough.
4. Using the rye flour for dusting, turn the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 2-3 minutes.
5. Cut the dough into six equal pieces, then knead them into round balls.
6. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet, cover with a cloth and leave somewhere warm for 20-30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 250C (475F, gas 9, fan 200C)
8. Using the rye flour for dusting, knock back a dough ball and then roll it out using an ordinary rolling pin to about 15cm (6in) diameter. Then transfer to a sheet of baking parchment and continue rolling out with an ordinary rolling pin until it is as thin as possible or at least 30cm (12in) diameter. Don't worry too much if the dough does not end up circular. You can trim roughly if you want, but the shape is not critical.
9. Sprinkle with the salt, sesame seeds and cumin seeds. Roll again to help the topping stick.
10. Make a pattern on the surface using a fork or a patterned rolling pin.
11. Bake for five minutes and then turn over and bake for about three minutes or until dry and hard. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
12. Repeat with the other dough balls.
13. When the oven has cooled to about 50C (122 F) pop the crispbreads back in to dry out. This will help to make them nice and crisp.
14. Store the crispbreads in an airtight container.
Tips
- Use any flour you want. If you want to go rustic, use stoneground, and if you want to go healthy, use fine rye, spelt or barley flour.
- Other toppings to try include linseed, sunflower seeds, rosemary or just salt.
Recipe courtesy of John Duxbury, editor and founder of Swedish Food.

Eurovision 2020

Eurovision was cancelled, can't say I am surprised, but still it is a bummer but congrats to "The Mamas" who won Melodifestivalen with Move! They won on 3/7 right before everything got cancelled. I always look forward to Eurovision in May so I am sorry it won't go on.

James Corden enjoys Eurovision too, or as he likes to call it a "techo version of the primaries". He was devastated to hear that Nanne Grönwall was kicked out of Melodifestivalen (can't say that I agree) which is the competition that runs up to Eurovision in Sweden. It's a really funny clip and if you aren't familiar with Carpool Karaoke, well that's a whole 'nother rabbit hole to dive into. Take a listen to Nanne singing Carpool Karaoke, it really is a hoot. :)