What's a Hagabullen?

 

In Sweden, Cinnamon buns or "Kanelbullar" in Swedish, are a bit different than the North American Style Cinnamon buns. While the Cinnamon buns in North America are gooey and often topped with glaze and sometimes nuts, the Swedish version is not as sticky and has the added flavor of cardamom ("Kardemumma" in Swedish). The buns are also spinkled with hard sugar on top (like salt on Pretzels).

There are a various versions of the Swedish pastry depending on where you get it (or if you make it), of course. You can find Kanelbullar in cafes, bakeries, grocery stores, even 7eleven or Pressbyrån (the convenience stores in town). They are a perfect snack for Fika (Coffee break), breakfast, or dessert. The best is if they are slightly warm and enjoyed with a nice warm drink too.

So what's a Hagabullen??

The Hagabullen is basically the Extra Large version of a Swedish Cinnamon bun! Great for sharing or have one on your own! Delish!

"Authentic Hagabulle only at Cafe Husaren"

Swedes celebrate food holidays for different desserts. Ok, so you don't get a day off or anything, but on that day, people celebrate by eating that pastry. For example, recently on March 25, it was "Waffle day" in Sweden. Check out my Waffle day blog!

October 4 is "Cinnamon Bun Day" in Sweden. Cinnamon buns are ordered from bakeries and eaten all day long. My past post on Cinnamon bun day! 

Cafe Husaren

Cafe Husaren is in the neighbourhood of Haga in Gothenburg, Sweden. It's also where you can find this special Cinnamon bun called "Hagabullen". Cafe Husaren makes these cinnamon buns Vegan, along with many other Vegan and Non-Vegan snacks! It's a really great place for fika indoors and (especially during the Pandemic) outdoors as well.There is another cafe called Cafe Hebbe Lelle that is just down the street on Haga Nygatan. They also have a Hagabullen, but they sell the Hagabullen at a higher price and it's not Vegan. Cafe Husaren is featured on my Top 3 cafes of Haga.

Don't forget your snacks!

Cafe Husaren

Haga Nygata 28, 411 22 Göteborg, Sweden 

Read more about the cafe on their website

The Swedish Tradition of Saturday Sweets

Saturdays in Sweden are for godis (sweets!)!! Parents take their kids to a candy store for a bag of candy. This Swedish tradition, called "Lördagsgodis" in Swedish, started as a way to encourage kids not to eat sweets everyday but instead just have them once a week. This tradition started in the 1950s according to Wikipedia. 

This probably explains why bulk candy is super popular in Sweden, it's in 7eleven, Pressbyrån (Swedish corner store), and even all the grocery stores. When we first moved here, we really didn't get it. Now that we know about "Saturday Sweets" or Lördagsgodis, it makes sense why they are so popular. There are also so many different candy stores around the city. One of the candy shops in Gothenburg with a grand selection of treats is called, Sega Gubben (not affiliated with the video game maker Sega).

This is an older photo and the bear isn't out there right now.

Sega Gubben, a candy store in Gothenburg. "Gubben" is like a term of endearment for an old man, or even a little child. I'm not sure if there is an english equivalent.

Sega Gubben can get quite busy during the weekend. Now during the Pandemic, there is usually a line-up outside of the shop on weekends since only a few are allowed in at a time. It's nice to have a store with not only candy but other treats like ice cream, different soda and drinks and even chips. It's a great place to stop by for some weekend (or weekday) movie snacks! *Update: Now more people are allowed into Sega Gubben since Covid cases have been down in the city and some restrictions have been lifted.

Sega Gubben also stocks Snus, which is popular in Sweden. "moist powder smokeless tobacco product originating from a variant of dry snuff in early 18th-century Sweden." from Wikipedia. And Sega Gubben is also one of the pick-up places for DHL. Pick up your package and some snacks!

Grab a shovel and start shoveling into your bag ;) you weigh it at the cashier.

So much candy to choose from!!! 

We haven't actually started this Swedish Candy Tradition with our family. The kids are a bit young for that many sugary sweets (although I've seen friends' kids getting their Saturday treats when they were 3 years old). We don't want them having a whole bag of sweets each week. Once in awhile, the older one gets a gummy or chocolate but we don't want her having so much sugar every single Saturday. It's her teeth I worry about and I find it makes her a little hyper as well.

But it's not like Swedes don't care about their kids teeth. In Sweden, Dental is free for kids until age 25. Kids go to the Dentist as soon as they turn one. They actually mail a toothbrush and toothpaste around 6 months to encourage parents to start the brushing routine.

During the very first Dentist visit, the dentist will start by just counting their teeth and talking to the parents about their meals and habits. It's not until they turn 3 years old, that they sit in the Dentist chair and the dentist actually really looks at the health of their teeth. They also apply fluoride if you want. 

In Sweden, they say parents should continue to help kids brush their teeth until they are older. We have been brushing our daughter's teeth, but recently she started to want to do it herself. She understands about germs on her teeth, and is willing to use toothpaste now. It's such a HUGE improvement. She used to hate the taste of any toothpaste and make a fuss about brushing. Kids grow up so fast!

Have a Friday and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Sega Gubben
Övre Husargatan 10, 413 14 Göteborg, Sweden
Check out their website

And my past blog on Sega Gubben 

The Next Time Kids Want Attention

* This post was originally written during the Pandemic.

My kids have been home since there have been Covid cases at their daycare here in Gothenburg, Sweden. I recently asked a friend who has older kids for any tips on what to do when little ones wants constant attention.

She told me that I was lucky that my daughter needed me in that way. Her kids are focused on their interests and no longer on her. They actually avoid her attention! She seemed to really miss having them need her. 

"I think you could just enjoy this moment. It won't be too long."

A stroll through the forest for some outdoor play.

What she said really resonated with me. I was maybe expecting some other advice. It's nice to have this reminder once in a while that the kids won't be this little forever. That they won't need my constant attention forever. And I won't hear on repeat "Mommy, look at me." anymore. And just like my friend with the older kids, I will probably miss these times too.

I will try my best to remind myself to enjoy the moments as she says, even if it can be difficult at the time. The kids change everyday and are growing so fast. 

Here's some highlights from one of our busy working from home with kids day...

My daughter learned to say the word "Experiment" after I told her we would do an experiment this morning.

And we made "Moon dough" with 2 ingredients (1 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup of conditioner). 

Our "Experiment" for the day.

Ours came out a bit firm, not that gooey and smelled like conditioner ;) 

Of course, there was a lot of pretend play (like everyday) and we had some more quiet time working on some Easter Crafts (being Easter week and all).

Easter egg painting is one of our favorite Easter activities! 

Of course, one got dropped accidentally ;) 

It doesn't matter what the weather is like, we also make sure to get some outdoor time and fresh air everyday. The kitchen is open all day long and we always have snacks, to prevent the kids having tantrums due to being hangry.

The days can be busy and feel so long, but the months seem to just fly by. 

Remember to enjoy the moments, stay safe and don't forget your snacks!

Gothenburg's Popular Theme Park Liseberg

I recently read an article that said Liseberg, Gothenburg's popular amusement park, has permission to reopen sometime in the Spring possibly May 1st. After they closed for the Christmas season in 2019, they weren't allow to open in 2020, after the Pandemic started, so there was no Halloween fun or Christmas markets at Liseberg.

View of an empty Liseberg in Fall 2020 from Gothia Towers skybridge.

Liseberg, located in Gothenburg, Sweden, is the most visited theme park in Scandinavia and for good reason! There are rides for the big and small, yummy theme park snacks, a ferris wheel, and games including many Wheels of Fortune ("lyckohjul" in Swedish) try your luck at winning a huge box of Candy (filled with smaller chocolate bars haha ). You bet some money (Swedish Crowns) and see if the wheel lands on your number(s).  This game is one of the most popular at the park and there are many different brands of giant boxes of chocolates or candy that you can win. One year we were really lucky (actually my co-pilot was lucky) and we won a KEX box! Kex is a Swedish chocolate bar - a wafer covered in milk chocolate.

That Kex box is so huge under my friend's grumpy cat stuffie!

Liseberg is entertainment for the whole family! Pre-kids, the first time we went was for the amazing "Julbord" (or Christmas buffet) at Hamnkrogen restaurant. After kids, we got a year card so I could take the little one to Liseberg whenever we wanted.

Just one of the thrillrides at Liseberg. This one's called Valkyria!

Liseberg is all outdoors, except for the restaurants and the huge Arcade area, so as long as people keep distance, it could be a nice welcome activity for everyone. Especially since we've missed going and used to go once a week at least (with our year card).

Magic show for the kids!

We actually spent a lot of time at Liseberg in 2019. I was pregnant for most of that year so I took the toddler there. She loved the playground, fishing game and one of the kid's ride she was tall enough to ride alone. The outdoor Rabbit shows were her facorite, especially giving the Rabbits a hug afterwards. During the Christmas season there's even an Ice Performance with different themes each year. In 2019, the theme was Scrooge.

This was from 2018 when the Ice performance was Swan Lake.

My little one memorized the kids area of the park and would often run off (I know, that's scary). Thankfully the area she ran around in was small and I ran after her (with the pregnant belly and all). I also really appreciated having the restaurant right by the Rabbit stage so we could get our snacks or a hot drink! So many great memories of Halloween and Christmas at Liseberg!

During the Halloween season, there were pumkins decorating the park, a little hay maze, and after dark, you could go to the haunted houses and people would come out 

and scare the Adults in a separate area of the park.

I haven't heard any updates about how Liseberg plans to keep everyone safe once their re-open this Spring. Maybe limited tickets will be sold? But what about lineups at the rides and coasters??

Amusement Park snacks are available all over the park like these 

Delicious churros topped with Nutella! 

Enough to share  but to be eaten while they are hot!

Visiting Liseberg was always a fun thing to do. It's of course very kid-friendly. There is a building for parents to change and feed babies inside away from the cold which I used often when I had a newborn. Sometimes the toddler would even nap so I could grab a coffee and sit and relax until she was ready to run around the kids area again. Ahh, the memories..Thanks for reading, stay safe and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Check out My past blog on Gothia Towers (right across the street from Lisberg, making it a great place to stay if visiting Gothenburg for Liseberg post-pandemic).

Liseberg
Gothenburg, Sweden

Check out their website!

Saw something else interesting on their website, a Lisepedia! All about Liseberg!

Hamnkrogen 

One of the many restaurants located in Liseberg.
Check out more information on this restaurant on their website

Celebrate Waffle Day on March 25

 

March 25 is Waffle Day ("Våffledagen" in Swedish)

Apparently, this holiday was originally called "Our Lady's Day" or "Vårfrudagen" in Swedish. Then it became slurred and changed to "Våffledagen". It became the day that just about every Swede takes out his/her waffle iron and celebrates "the day of the waffle". Waffles are either topped with sweet (chocolate, nutella, syrup or jam) or savory (cream cheese and salmon) toppings. The waffles come in various shapes, from heart shaped waffle or rectangular to thin round or clover-shaped waffles.

Where to go if you're in Gothenburg for Waffle Day? 

Våffelcafé Soldattorpet

There is a cozy little cafe called "The Waffle Cafe" (Våffelcafé Soldattorpet) at the top of Skansberget. It's right next to the Skansen Kronan (see my past blog). They offer hot coffee and fresh homemade waffles. You can eat there or take it with you as your explore the grounds around Skansen Kronan or check out the views!

Waffles 

Another good waffle place is a small cafe at Vasaplatsen called "Waffles". They offer various toppings from Chocolate and fruits to even a scoop or two of ice cream on your waffles! Smells delicious everytime you walk by. Only indoor seating is available but you can always take your waffles with you and sit on a bench nearby.

Mmmm Nutella!!

Egg & Milk

The American style diner, "Egg & Milk", serves delicious breakfast/lunch options with a few Vegan options too. They offer North American-style pancakes and  Do-it-Yourself waffles! There is a covered, outdoor seating area infront of the restaurant. This place is very kid-friendly with high chairs available for little ones to use inside or outside. Note: During the Pandemic, you need to wait outside until it's your turn to order. 

Egg and Milk Waffles Do-it-Yourself Waffles! They also offer it Vegan!

Whether you enjoy a waffle from the comfort of your home, eat outdoors at a cafe, or just get a take away, enjoy your waffle today! Many cafes all over the city offer waffles and they make a great snack. :) Happy Waffle Day! And remember, don't forget your snacks!

Våffelcafé Soldattorpe
Haga, 413 07 Göteborg, Sweden
Check out their instagram

Waffles
Vasaplatsen 11A, 411 26 Göteborg, Sverige
Check out their website

Egg & Milk
Övre Husargatan 23, 413 19 Göteborg, Sweden
Check out their website for their full menu

Helpful Tips to Soothe your Sick Child

(Bamse comic at the clinic which talks about Washing hands, covering up when sneezing/coughing and staying home when sick!)

You pick up your kid from school and they have a stuffy nose and the sniffles. Oh no.. not again.. they are sick ;( and it's especially worrisome during this cold season.

If your little ones are in daycare or just starting in daycare, be prepared for them to get sick once a month at least. Kids are super spreaders, which is why many of the teachers in their groups are away sick too.

In Sweden, during the Pandemic, daycares and schools remained open (except for older High school aged kids who for some period had digital learning).

Here are some things to remember to help soothe your sick child. Oh and be prepared for some sleepless nights. I often have to wake up multiple times when they have trouble breathing through their nose.

* Make sure they get lots of fluids. We actually called the clinic and they gave me the advice that, it's ok if it's juice or ice cream, whatever helps them get some fluids especially if they don't want to eat/drink anything. My kids like smoothies, juice boxes and juicy fruit like Watermelon, strawberries, mango and grapes (cut into quarters to prevent any choking). Juice Popsicles are a huge hit at our home.

I sometime pre-cut watermelon so it is prepared ahead of time.

* Chicken Soup
Easy to eat foods in case of a sore throat, like soups and porridge.

Boiling chicken for homemade Vietnamese Chicken Pho!

* Humidifier

Our friends gifted us the humidifier before they moved away from Sweden. The most recent bout with illness involved a bad cough and this humidifier really saved us. The white noise also helped my daughter sleep through the night, which in turn helps her body heal and recover.

Humidifer on the floor by the bed on the lowest setting.

* Organic Chest Rub
We found that using chest rub on their backs and chest before bed, helps them breathe.

* Have a Kleenex box or a cloth handy to wipe their little noses. 

* Water bottle is useful to keep near them while sleeping when they cough and throat gets dry (for older kids that can drink by themselves).

* You can also try Elevating their bed with extra blankets under the mattress to help them breathe.

* No need for cough syrups. Several times we've been told by nurses/doctors at the clinic that they don't really work to help loosen the phlegm and most have side effects like the cough syrup, Mollipect.

A juice popsicle (you can even water it down) really helped get my little ones 

to have something when they were super cranky.

I called the clinic about testing for Covid after my daughter got sick and they said if she wasn't in direct contact with someone infected then it's not necessary. The new rules at daycare are they can come back if sympton free for 2 days, or after 7 days if no new symptoms. However, we usually keep kids home as long as they still have their coughs so that's often a few weeks. And these days, they've been home after their daycare reported more Covid Cases.

* Take a break or Tag team with your partner

And remember, it's ok to take a break when taking care of sick kids or kids in general. Leave the mess, it can wait. Get some food delivery if that would help you as a parent have a break from worrying about cooking and it's treat for the sick little one too!

Happy meal makes kids and parents happy ;) We ordered McDonald's delivery and the little one had most of the burger, fries and carrots! Nice to have a toy surprise too.

It's never easy taking care of sick kids. It's definitely not easy to work from home during this time either. But this won't last forever! Thanks for reading and remember, Stay safe and stay home if sick!

Don't forget your snacks! 

Rock your socks World Down Syndrome Day

I actually only heard about this holiday recently when I saw the sign at the library bus. Not only is March 21st the first day of Spring, it's the date when the world celebrates, "World Down Syndrome Day".

Why is it celebrated on March 21st?

A person with Down Syndrome is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21 or an extra 'sock', this is why it's other name is Trisomy 21. That's why one thing you can do on this day is wear some cool colorful socks!!

During pregnancy in Sweden, it's standard to get two ultrasounds. You can request that the baby be checked for any signs of down syndrome. This test is free for women over 35. They can apparently see whether the spinal fluid is a certain thickness then it's a higher probability to occur. This test is called the measurement of nuchal translucency. Folic Acid supplements have been said to help reduce the risk of Down Syndrome (which is why as soon as you get pregnant, you are told to take these supplements).

What does it mean if the baby is born with an extra chromosome 21? It just means that some things can be a little harder for them to do. Early medical care can help them develop their skills as fully as possible. Babies with Down Syndrome can still grow up and live a full life and many do!

On March 21st, celebrate the first day of Spring and wear some colorful socks to raise awareness for Down Syndrome on World Down Syndrome Day 2021. 

Don't forget your snacks!

Read more about 

Down Syndrome on the National Down Syndrome Society website