Christmas presents

Today I wrapped all the Christmas presents. This year's wrapping paper and accessories are brown and red.

I am particularly fond of these Christmas ribbons.

And those of you who follow my blog knows that I have a thing for felt.

What is it about snowflakes that make people happy and smile? I love snowflakes. I think I could have snowflakes on just about everything during winter.

I hope that you are all done Christmas shopping, because Christmas is soon here. Unless, of course, you depend solely on Santa:)

Doctors and dentists give out candy

The pediatrician always wanted to give the little one a lollipop when we left after an appointment. Sigh. When I tried to explain that I don't do candy weekdays, the doctor stopped offering lollipops. Almost anyway. She would instead, always, take out a lollipop, showing it to the little one, and then, suddenly remembering my preferences, withdraw her hand saying: "Oops, your little one does not eat candy, right." Only, then Irene had already seen the lollipop, so guess what happened? No, she wouldn't get the lollipop, and argument would ensue. This happened every time. But not anymore. Because we have a new doctor now. No lollipops, just pure medical treatment:)

Oh, was I glad that that episode ended. Only last week I became a bit concerned, because I went to our dentist last week and found something that I did not want to see in dentist office. Now, I will not change my dentist. They are extremely professional and I like them a lot. Them means two. I have two dentists:) 

This is what I found in their office. I hope this Christmas tree is only going to stay there during the holiday season.

Anyone else being offered candy at their doctor or dentist?

Pepparkaksbak

The following picture has been circulating on the web the last week or so. I cannot help but find it a little bit funny, mainly because of the word "pepparkaksbak" which in Swedish means "to bake gingerbread cookies." However, in the context of this picture it can also mean "gingerbread butt."

Have you baked yours yet?

Picture from Pettersons blog.

Lucia

It is dark and cold outside this early morning on December 13. My oldest daughter has just left for school, and the house is quiet since no one else has woken up yet. I am laying the breakfast table and preparing the IPad for a little Lucia viewing on YouTube with the little one before she is off to Kindergarten.

Tonight we will celebrate Lucia properly with Santa Lucia music and typical Lucia snacks, such as Lucia buns and gingerbread cookies. And we will welcome Christmas into our house by playing one of my favorite Christmas songs, Jul, jul strålande jul.

Picture from Microsoft Office images.

All numb

Today I spent nearly two hours at the dentist's removing three old childhood fillings and having new ones done. My dentist is fantastic, but I realized booking a time at 11:30 was not such a good idea.

Now it is 2:30 pm and I am sitting in the kitchen trying to eat with half my face and one nostril all numb. Not fun.

And when I laugh it looks like the most fake smile ever. Better close my mouth for another hour or so until I am back to normal again. Whatever that is...

A visit to World Market

I sometimes visit World Market which is a retail store that sells imported products such as food, wine, and furniture.

This store was founded in San Francisco in 1958 and today has 259 stores in the US.

The main reason that I visit World Market is for its food and to buy gifts. Here I can buy salty licorice for my husband and Swedish Christmas soda.

The other day I brought the little one with me and she was fascinated by some of the things that they were selling. Well, which kid wouldn't like to lay their hands on one yard of bubblegum:)

A bit of my Kirkland

I regularly take morning walks in Kirkland. Sometimes with a friend, sometimes on my own. A brisk morning walk is a wonderful way to start a new day.

Today I took some pictures that I would like to share with you.

I usually start off in downtown Kirkland and walk to Carillon Point located in the southern part of Kirkland. Christmas decorations are up early here; already at the end of November.

I like Carillon Point with its marina, several restaurants, and a hotel. Hidden behind the hotel is a small stream.

Kirkland has many sculptures spread out across its city. Here is the Leap Frog sculpture.

Houghton Beach is popular during the summer, but now it looks deserted and cold.

Two birds are killing some time by going for a swim.

It is easy to slip inside the Beach House restaurant for something warm. However, stick to the drinks. The food is not that good here. A nice cup of tea with a view over Lake Washington will do just fine.

Children can look forward to a new playground at the popular Houghton Beach.

As I stroll along Lake Washington Boulevard, I admire the British looking houses of red bricks. Not so common in this part of the US.

And now I am back in downtown Kirkland. There are plenty of restaurants and a few boutiques for women who like to dress up for an evening out, but I lack a men's clothing store, a women's clothing store for everyday clothing, a paper store that sells pens, personal calendars, stationary, and such, and a shoe store.

Via Lago sells women's clothing.

I have yet to visit Herban Wellness, but it looks nice from the outside.

Simplicity Decor sells home decor and is located on our quaintest street, Park Lane.

Sweet Cakes is another cute little store that sells cupcakes. They have a large assortment of gluten free cupcakes as well.

And as I pass the little boy who has got his holiday outfit on, I am content after an hour's walk in my Kirkland.

Have a good day everyone!