5 items to bring to the beach for kids

 

We had some beach time during our recent Fall trip and it was so great to just watch the kids enjoying themselves.

One loved the water (running from the waves) and the other loved the sand! The Mommy just sat and took photos, had snacks and got some sun.

Our hotel was just a few minutes walk to the beach, so I brought a small bag with just a few items. There were also some restaurants and supermarkets along the boardwalk. It wasn't a remote beach we had to trek to.

We didn't need sand toys, the kids just enjoyed digging in the sand with their hands.

Here are 5 items to bring when spending some time at the beach with kids:

* Water bottle

* Sunblock 

* Snacks

* Sarong or towel to sit on

* Change of clothes for kids

If you have a bag, add some,

Waterproof bandaids

In case kids are worried about their "Ows" before splashing in the water.

I limited the time out at the beach since the sun was so strong. I didn't want the kids to get overtired and need me to carry them up the hill back to our hotel.

We rinsed before going inside and then kids both wanted a warm bath in the tub ;) 

If you're planning to escape winter with a trip to a warmer place, enjoy your beach time!

Don't forget your snacks!

Marzipan Pig

Marzipan pigs are traditional to see in Scandinavia countries during the Christmas season. It's also in German and Dutch traditions. Marzipan is made out of almond so its unfortunately not for those with nut allergies.

In Sweden, a game they have is with eating rice porridge or risgröt with a hidden almond in the pot. If you end up with the almond, you are awarded a marzipan pig or "marsipangris" in Swedish.

The marzipan pigs come in different sizes. This one is a large sized Mama pig with babies, as my little ones pointed out. Check out the price tag...995kr!

There are mini marzipan pigs as well, like these found at Magnus Johansson Bakery. So cute!

You can find Marzipan pigs at various cafes and even the grocery store during the Christmas season.

Have you tried this Christmas snack?

Don't forget your snacks!

IKEA Julbord Stockholm

We have been to IKEA julbord a few years ago and decided to try it again this year. Kids love the kids area "Småland" and it's always interesting to see what's new for the festive season at IKEA.

Julbord literally translates to "Christmas Table" in English. It's a classic buffet that features traditional Swedish Christmas items like pickled herring.

The Julbord menu items may vary each year and this year they had traditional Janssen potatoes, herring, crackers but also meatballs, ribs, 

Plant options available and there are lots of options for kids as well.

For dessert they offered crumble, cheesecake, and mousse. For any other desserts, it was extra.

Drinks weren't included and if you wanted lingonberry or gravy for the meatballs, this was also extra. You needed to order this at the IKEA restaurant. 

Julbord at IKEA is a nice family-friendly option but it felt like it was better years ago and prices have gone up. 

It's 199kr for IKEA members (299kr without) and 49kr for kids (Dec 2023)

If you're planning a trip to IKEA and get hungry, or just want to try some traditional Swedish dishes, the julbord could be worth a try! IKEA Julbord is on until Dec 23rd.

Don't forget your snacks!

IKEA

Ekgårdsvägen 2, 141 75 Kungens Kurva, Sweden

Mr Cake Stockholm

Located in the neighborhood of Östermalm, in Stockholm, Sweden, if you're looking for a cafe to stop by, check our Mr Cake!

We have visited the Gothenburg location of Mr Cake plenty of times before but it was our first visit to Mr Cake in Stockholm!

 

It's always nice to find a place to grab a coffee on a walk. It's also lovely to just relax indoors at a cafe, especially in the winter. Mr Cake offers a variety of sweet and savory breakfast and lunch items and plenty of sweet snacks for Swedish fika too.

American-style pancakes and cinnamon buns (with glaze!) are some unique items on their menu. The American Cinnamon buns are pretty good!

There are always seasonal menu items like their Christmas cakes - try a slice or take a whole cake!

Vegan items are also available. We have enjoyed their vegan semla (read more about Vegan Semla on my blog) but there are also other vegan cakes to try!

If you visit during the Christmas season, the cafe is decorated beautifully, you'll also be sure to hear some Christmas music during your fika :)

Stocking stuffer ideas are their chocolate covered almonds, caramel popcorn or Fudge bars!

If you're in the neighborhood of Östermalm in Stockholm, stop by Mr Cake for a delicious fika, breakfast or lunch.

Don't forget your snacks!

Mr Cake

Rådmansgatan 12, 114 25 Stockholm

Check out their website for online ordering

**Mr Cake recently opened a new location near Kungsträdgården! The beautiful cafe is open early so it's a great place for morning treat and coffee!

Little Britain Shop Stockholm

Do you have some British snack cravings or need some tea and cookies for fika? Little Britain Shop in Stockholm is the place to go!

Located in Gamla Stan in downtown Stockholm, the shop has a wide variety of snacks for all your cravings. Whether it's something sweet like chocolate bars and cookies, or a savory snack like chips (or crisps) and meat pies, Little Britain Shop is well-stocked for all your snack needs! 

Their inventory can change, so if you can't find what you were searching for, feel free to ask! The staff are very helpful and the item you're looking for might just be out of stock!

For the Holiday season there are decorations and cards, Advent calendars, Mince pies, Christmas crackers and of course plenty of stocking stuffers!

Maybe some tea or a mug for the tea lover on your gift list? There is always delicious shortbread and mince pies to bring to a holiday gathering or a snack for yourself.

Why not some breakfast cereal to snack on? 

Kids books, Mr.Men and Little Miss are also available!

If you're in Gamla Stan, old town, Stockholm, stop by the Little Britain Shop to pickup some British snacks!

Don't forget your snacks!

Little Britain Shop

Lilla Nygatan 11, 111 28 Stockholm, Sweden 

Their website is currently under construction but check out their instagram.

Happy Lucia!

Happy Lucia Day! Glad Lucia!

In Sweden, December 13th is the traditional Swedish holiday of Lucia Day. It's meant to bring light to the dark winter. It celebrates Saint Lucia. 

Kids dress up as Lucia with a crown of lights on her head, a Santa, Gingerbread or a star boy. They form a Luciatåg or Lucia train, a procession with candles.

The little ones sing Lucia songs and parents wake up early to watch them :) 

There are competitions to see who will be crowned Lucia in their town! Lucia performances can be seen all over Sweden, in schools, churches, workplaces, outdoors at a park, anf even at the shopping centre!

Lussekatter or saffron buns are eaten today along with Gingerbread! Read more about Lussekatter on my blog post.

Will you be seeing Lucia celebrations today?

Don't forget your snacks!

Timanfaya National Park Lanzarote

 

While visiting the island of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, we decided to take the kids to Timanfaya National Park. The road to the volcano park is bumpy and a bit windy, so unfortunately they weren't so happy in the car (they get carsick).

When visiting Timanfaya, you first pay (card or cash) for tickets, then you park your car at the parking area. 

Tour

There are buses that you board which take you for a tour around the park. You can download the tour guide on your phone, otherwise try to listen to the speakers on the bus. It's not so easy to hear through the bus speakers however, especially with people chatting and the bus noise.

After the tour, which was around 20-25min, you can see a demo of the geyser right outside the restaurant.

Food and Drink

For those who get hungry, the restaurant is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the amazing views.

The cafe offers sandwiches, dessert items and drinks. You can order and sit down in the self-serve area. To sit at the tables by the window, you order from the restaurant menu.

There was a Volcano BBQ grill just nearby the restaurant as well. That day, we watched the chef who was grilling some chicken! The heat from the air vent is hot enough to cook the chicken!

How long is this activity? 

Visiting this volcano park is an activity that can take a few hours since it depends on the wait to take the tour bus and how long the wait is to buy your tickets for the park. There is also a center with more information on the volcanoes and even a simulation room. We didn't stop here because kids and grandparent were ready to head home but it seems like a nice addition to your visit to the volcano park.

Souvenirs

There is a souvenir shop near the restaurant  where you can buy magnets, volcanic jewelry, soap, and so many other things to take home with you from Lanzarote! Kids enjoyed choosing some souvenirs by themselves and parents found some nice items too!

If you're visiting Lanzarote and looking for some good family activities, consider checking out the Timanfaya National Park. The ticket cost was reasonable and we all had a pretty nice experience (even the kids who get a bit carsick on the windy route). 

Don't forget your snacks!

Timanfaya National Park

Lanzarote, 35558, Las Palmas, Spain

For more info check their website

Gingerbread Day Sweden

In Sweden, Gingerbread Day or "Pepparkaksdagen" is celebrated on December 9th! Celebrated since 1996, Gingerbread has existed for a very long time in Sweden. 

Gingerbread is a classic treat during the Christmas season.  It's flavored with cinnamon, ginger and cloves.

During the 14th century, nuns often baked gingerbread for medicinal purposes. Cinnamon, ginger and cloves were considered to be easy on the stomach.

You can find gingerbread dough or pepparkaksdeg that is soft and easy to bake at different cafes and even some grocery stores. Vegan options are often available too.

You can bake them longer for cookies that are crisp like ginger snaps. 

Gingerbread Day can also be a day to start making a Gingerbread house! Kids love this activity. Read more about this activity in my blog post. 

You can also find Gingerbread flavored coffees during the winter season! Why not enjoy one on Gingerbread Day?

Whichever way you celebrate Gingerbread day, hope you enjoy!

Don't forget your snacks!

IKEA Christmas Snacks

 

It's that time of year where everyone looks forward to the holidays and preparations include shopping for decorations, gifts and snacks. We always enjoy going to IKEA during the festive season to check out what they have this year.

We picked up an Advent Calendar and chocolate bar with gingerbread!

At IKEA in Sweden, you can find Swedish glögg or Vintersaga drink, pepparkakor or ginger snaps and everything needed for some Gingerbread house building!

It's always nice to browse IKEA to see the decorations and decide if you need more candles, napkins, or plants ;)

Then after shopping, maybe grab a snack at the IKEA restaurant or Bistro. 🎄 

IKEA also offers a "Christmas Table" or Julbord during the winter. Meatballs, potatos and different salads are available for you to try.

Have you enjoyed any IKEA Christmas snacks? 

Don't forget your snacks!

IKEA 

Ekgårdsvägen 2, 141 75 Kungens Kurva