Finally, party land has arrived!

At last! after a long absence, I am returning to my blog. Strange how the enthusiasm wears off after a while and more exciting projects come along. Well, something tells me it's time to get back into the swing of blogging once more.

Let's start with some party news. Now, having spent many years in the States, I was spoilt for choice when it same to shopping of course. Anything, anywhere, 24 hours a day. Some of my favourite stores where those that catered to throwing parties. The atmosphere was always fun, shoppers were always in a great mood and very friendly. Of course, why wouldn't we be? We were all there for one reason - there was a party to host and we wanted the best paraphernalia to ensure our own party was talked about long after the event.

The party stores in the U.S. are at big as supermarkets. You could find every decoration you could imagine, in every colour, for every theme. From tombola drums to pinatas, goody bags, stickers, masks, helium balloons to the crowning glory, the cake itself.

Now, something amazing has happened here in southern Sweden. An all-american style Partyland has hit the high street in Malmö. The shop I had missed, the items I had searched for in vain since moving here, have finally arrived on my doorstep. OK, so here's what an American kids party is all about. Choose your theme and lets go shopping. And for goodness sake order your kid a CAKE! Let's banish pancakes and even ice cream if it helps. But a kids party isn't a kids party without the 3-storey high cake in all colours of the rainbow with your child's favourite movie character or story book hero perched on top.

And let's talk about those (horrid) candy bags we give out here. Let's me honest, most children throw away most of the candy that is in them. Especially that disgusting scummy stuff. Instead we put together party favours for the children to take home (all following the party theme, naturally) and offer game prizes. Much more fun and much healthier!

Guess who be throwing the best kids' party in town this year?

Remember the Semla

Fastlagssöndagen. The translation is literally Shrove Sunday. Or Quinquagesima, which means the beginning of Lent. This year in Sweden, fastlagssöndagen is 26th February. Since the Reformation, this time of year is more about festivities than privation. Whilst still marked on our calendar, for most of us this is a meaningless day as we don't change our eating habits at all.

Apart from one thing. Almost irresistable here in Sweden are Semla. These Lenten buns are a traditional dessert at this time. Years ago, the sweet buns were served in a bowl of hot creamed milk sprinkled with cinnamon. Today we're more practical - after all some of us like to eat them out of a paper bag while sitting in our office working. So now, you buy the soft, sweet buns (without the milk), that have been scooped out and filled with almond paste and topped with lots of fresh, whipped cream. They don't sound particularly special, but trust me, they are quite delicious and you will want more than one.

So delicious in fact, that they changed the course of history here in Sweden. In 1771, King Adolf Fredrik gorged himself to death, partly on these Lenten buns and partly on too much champagne.

So there, you are warned.