Visit to my family in Sweden

I've done a lifestyle post once before about our trip to Blenheim Palace, and since I got such lovely comments from you I wanted to introduce some more posts like that every now and then, and this week is perfect for that since I've recently been out and about and have something a bit different I'd like to show you.

Those of you who follow me on Twitter may know that I was out traveling last week when I went to spend a few days with my family in Sweden. Since I don't get to see my family very often, it's always really nice to get to spend some quality time with them. Unfortunately Him Indoors wasn't able to come with me this time, but we still went ahead with the things we had planned to do. The first few days we did a lot of catching up, spent time in the garden and went for walks in the area and by the sea. I love being by the sea and I miss it in the UK since we live more inland.

Every time I visit, I always go shopping with my mum, and this time was no exception. We went to one of the biggest shopping centres in Scandinavia where they have a little bit of everything from premium brands to high street shops and of course - SEPHORA, where I spent a good amount of time browsing, and buying some of their wonderful products - the things I do for my blog... hrm... We also managed to squeeze in a little crayfish party, which is a very traditional and seasonal thing to do in Sweden in August or September. Even if I don't live in Sweden I like to keep a lot of the traditions I grew up with alive when I'm in the UK, and next after Christmas the crayfish party is my favourite event of the year.

I enjoyed so much great food when I was over and for one of the meals we went for a traditional French bistro lunch and to play boules in the city. How fun with a little piece of France right in southern Sweden. I've come to the conclusion that my skills at boules increase after a cheeky little Pastis (it's an anise flavoured liqueur, similar to Sambuca), but that doesn't say an awful lot. Afterwards we explored some of the flea markets in town since it was market day, although I didn't buy a single thing - proving to myself that I AM capable of not doing any shopping.

I come from a small village in the countryside, although it's only 10 minutes away from a big city, which is lucky for me since I'm a city girl at heart and if I can't smell the nearest Starbucks I get cabin fever! But when I visit my family I love spending as much time as I can outdoors in the country visiting places where I grew up, and if there's a coffee shop at the end of it with some yummy cakes - even better. After all, calories don't count when you eat them in a different country right?

Last week was so relaxing and it was wonderful going to visit some of my favourite spots. I had such an amazing time with my family and already look forward to when I'll get to see them again - hopefully it won't be too long.