Make a change this Christmas

Christmas time is a time to give and love, right? Or not? Are we taking time to think about the ones who have little or nothing at all, or are we just rushing around spending money on things we and our family mostly do not need?

If you want to do something different this year, try Kiva. Kiva is an online lending platform, and on the Kiva website you can make a loan to an entrepreneur somewhere in the world for as little as $25. You choose to whom you want to lend money and then just sign up. You can sign up through your Facebook account as well. It is really easy. And this is a great way to get your family and kids involved.

Hang in there George Michael, Praying for time.

Welcome December

The only time of the year when I want snow is in December, in particular around Christmas. There is nothing that can bring the same kind of Christmas feeling as large fluffy snowflakes falling down from the sky.

If I want snow, it is actually here already; at least up in the mountains less than an hours drive away from Seattle. The ski season has started, and I can see several of my friends posting pictures on FB of their snow adventures in Snoqualmie and Crystal Mountain.

At the moment, though, I am quite content staying put here in Seattle waiting for the snow to arrive just in time for Christmas. Wishful thinking perhaps, because it does not snow that often here.

But I can hope:) Until then, welcome December.

Pictures from Microsoft Office images.

A little gem in Kirkland

I am happy that a new store, Unique Plus, has opened in Kirkland. They sell organic children's clothing and carry sizes from 0-12 years, shoes, and toys among other things. They have a bigger selection for kids 6 and under, but that might change depending on demand I guess.

Unique Plus also has kids events and classes. For December they have:

• Holiday Giving Program where participants will receive a $50 gift certificate from Nikki Gale Photography.
• Classes & Kids Night Out with some exciting holiday classes and parents night out.

For details of their offerings, you can visit their calendar: http://www.uniqueplusplus.com/events-workshops/

When Irene and I visited the store, we picked up a really soft and nice pajama for her.

After counting sheep each night, she has become good at counting and then sleeping:)

Renovation time for fireplace

Just in time for those cold winter months, I decided to renovate our fire place. I wanted a minimalist style that was a bit more in line with Mies Van Der Rohe's "Less is more" aphorism.

Fireplace before renovation:

Fireplace during renovation:

We now have a new fireplace. Gray and in stone. A bit to shiny finish for my liking, but I am happy. However, the gray does not really go well with the brown on the wall, so looking for a white or gray white color for the walls. A friend suggested I just paint the wall above the fireplace to minimize the work of painting the whole living room. If you have other suggestions, please let me know.

Twitter, here I come

Just want you guys to know that I have joined Twitter and I like it!

Hope to see you all there.

@Kickiluran

Naming my company

As most of you know by now, I am planning to start my own company selling Swedish food and Scandinavian design. I have been thinking a lot about names that say something about what I am selling. I would like a name that has some connection to Sweden (and perhaps me).

I think Nordic Delight is a good name, but unfortunately it is already taken.

I would be so happy if you could help me and give some good suggestions.

Thank you!

Ban gasoline powered leaf blowers!

I just want to say that I detest gasoline powered leaf blowers.

The noise they make, the pollution they let out, and the harm they do to the person holding it.

Is there anyone else out there who feels the same?

Microsoft free images

What's wrong with raking, or just letting nature take care of it?!