the swede life in toronto

This year, I’ve been honored to review the Oscar-nominated Swedish film directed by Hannes Holm, A Man Called Ove, based on Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel. It stars veteran Swedish actor Rolf Lassgård and Swedish-Iranian actress, Bahar Pars in a delightful film that reminded me so much of my own experiences with the Swedes. Ove, the […]

TIFF 2015 is truly an exciting time in Toronto! Celebrities abound, the cool, crisp air signals Fall and there is an excellent selection of Scandinavian films that will stimulate you intellectually as well as emotionally. I truly love watching films from different countries. It gives you a sneak peek into the cultures around the world. […]

Our PROMO video! I have to plug my event on this blog, as I am bringing a sensational Swedish act to Toronto, ITALOVE!! I am excited to announce this event and hope to bring even more Swedish artists. Please come and relive the 80s!!! Revival Music presents A Totally Rad Throwback Thursday Retro 80s Party, […]

The long awaited SWEA Christmas Fair and Market is quickly approaching and I wanted to give you a summary of all the great stuff you can find there. Besides the beautiful Swedish design, Christmas decorations and food, there is the highly anticipated Mathörnan or Food Corner, as many of you are eager to purchase all […]

As the season for all kinds of Swedish celebrations is fast approaching (think midsummer, Herring and Shrimp parties!), I wanted to share some North American substitutions for Swedish products. It has been a lot of trial and error finding the right things to use here in Canada. Fortunately for our American neighbors, they can get […]

I was amused by these interviews of average Swedish guys and gals on the streets of Stockholm by NewLondonerTV. Asking everything from “Do you believe in God?” to “Which country has the most beautiful guys/girls?” to “What is missing in your life?”, they seem to be quite content with their lives and their looks, which […]

Spring is in the air and many Swedes are starting to thaw from the bitter cold. It’s almost time to play outside and listen to some sweet sounds of music from Swedish artists coming to Toronto! One Swedish artist who I have come to admire is Vide Geiger, an accomplished guitarist and singer/songwriter who resides […]

You probably won’t see most of these foods at a Swedish restaurant or in a cookbook, but it’s food like this that make many a Swede excited to travel home just to get a taste of it. Although not as bizarre as eating toasted crickets in China, live octopus in Korea or boiled eggs with […]

Here’s another excuse to eat sweets before Lent… Swedish semlor! This traditional Swedish sweet roll spiced with cardamom and filled with almond paste and whipped cream is the ultimate Easter “fika” (mandatory Swedish coffee break). It sometimes is eaten in a bowl with warm milk and consumed before the multiple Easter holidays. I am not […]

Sorry I have been out of commission the last week or so since I was traveling to Texas to meet my family. I feel like a fish out of water here, as I traveled from an arctic -15C to a balmy +28C with nearly 70% humidity within a day! My skin feels great, but I […]