Arabia Home Town Edition Mugs

Arabia Home Town

The mug collection is based on Kaj Franck’s minimalist, and for its time, radical design of 1952. Miira Zukale, who graduated from the School of Art and Design in 2007, designed the decorations, reflecting the cheerful, cosy atmosphere of Arabia’s home town. The mugs have four themes (Park, Sea, Block, Downtown), reminiscent of Helsinki’s architecture, coastal landscape, parks, markets and best means of transport – trams and bicycles.

Photo: Internet 

A Collection of Espresso Cups

The very first tea cup I ever had was a little espresso cup made in Japan with Scandinavian folk art flower prints.  My neighbour when I four, a sweet older lady named Rita read tea leaves and also told fortunes for a living.  I would run over to her house everyday for tea and a visit.  I do remember her showing me how to slightly tilt my glass as the tea was finished and she would look deeply into my little cup and tell me stories of what it was going to be like when I grew up.  I do not remember the stories however, I do remember the moment in time very clearly.

The Ukrainian cup was given to me by my best friends, she saw them and new I would fall in love with them.  As  Ukrainian/ Canadian decent I do collect the odd Ukrainian art piece or dish wear. 
-Made in Canada

I picked up 2 of the Sail Boat Cups from a antique shop in Kelowna, originally for a friend, but fell in love with them myself and kept the two.  
-Made in England

The white espresso cup with no handle I picked up from my last trip to Stockholm from Åhléns the Swedish department store

The Pretty white, blue and gold and the plum and gold cups where my latest find at a local thrift here in Vernon BC.  They were marked $20 and $10 and I was in the store the day they had 5 items for $25 so it was a steel of a deal.
Blue and White Made in the US
Plum and Gold Made in England

The green little cup with the village boat scene is Danish Design one of my favourites was also found here in Vernon at a thrift.  Later that month my friend, not knowing I had bought this cup found a little dish with a lid matching to this exact collection.  I was floored to have another matching set of this lovely design.

Now to get my Espresso Machine up and running again and have friends over for afternoon fika

Swedish Chocolate Balls

Chokladbollar is the first Swedish Dessert kids learn how to make.  Perfect for an afternoon Fika.

 Recipe

7 Tbsp butter

2/3 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp strong coffee (liquid)

2 Tbsp cocoa

1 1/3 cups quick oats

1/2 cup coconut for coating