One of the things I love most about creating is inspiration. It can be found in SO many places….in nature, on buildings, on a grocery cart in Norway, while people-watching (one of my favorite hobbies when traveling).
And how often have you seen wrapping paper and art work that you wished were fabric?? Happens to me daily.
And it totally happened when I opened this book. Ahhh! The Scandinavian artwork on the inside cover is amazing, and inspiring. And this is a cook book! Well, it’s sort of a cookbook, meets craft book, meets DIY, and all things beautiful—it’s like all my favorite worlds colliding under one cover.
It’s called Scandinavian Gatherings by my friend Melissa Bahen (who you might know as LuLu the Baker)
I’ve always loved Scandinavian design. When I was in Oslo a few years ago, I felt like I was home. If you’ve ever experienced that, it’s a strange feeling (you can read more about that in my previous post here). Of course in lieu of that, I travel there via IKEA every chance I can get…no passport required and it’s cheaper. Usually!
But there is so much to love about the Scandinavian culture, food, and design. And this book totally captures that. It’s one of those books you just want to crawl into….and smell the beautiful flowers, help set the table, slice off a chunk of the fresh bread.
OK, maybe the bread first.
A few of the recipes I can’t wait to try:
• Cardamom Marshmallows
• Spiced Apple Coffee Cake
• Blueberry Custard Pie (highest on the priority list!)
• Ham, Havarti, and Chive Breakfast Casserole
• Mom’s Maple-Pecan Rings
The subtitle of the book is “From Afternoon Fika to Midsummer Feast: 70 Simple Recipes & Crafts for Everyday Celebrations.” Which is so cool. I love learning more about other cultures and everyday customs….especially when it involves darling little mugs .
And Melissa shows you how to make them yourself. All the templates for the same flowers are in the back of the book—including a template for that amazing tray on the cover. YES.
She also shares how to make hand-crafted candles, coasters, banners and flower crowns. And there’s even a section on St. Lucia day, which you know I love.
Scandinavian Gatherings is one of those perfect gift books, that you want to give to everybody that you know.
And today I want to gift one, to one of you!
GIVEAWAY RULES:
• Leave a comment! That’s it!
• Only one entry per person
• Open to U.S. residents only
• Winner will be picked via random.org
• Giveaway ends Friday, February 3, 2017 at 10pm Central Time
Good luck!
Thanks Melissa, and congrats on the beautiful book!
