Talk to me about Christmas... Maria of 'Scandie Foodie'

Hello people! How was your weekend? Ours was really nice. We've accomplished very little, but managed to do a lot.. You know, no major achievements or ticks on the 'to-do-list', but fun things; like watching Isabella's very first ballet performance (I die!), unplanned & exploratory walks, meeting the newborn baby of dear friends, watching cozy movies and going to the art museum for some Christmas crafting. Sheer bliss.. and so what I needed after a crazy week!

I feel relaxed, happy and ready to take on another week now. The last 'working week' for me this year. I am just finishing a couple of large paintings for a dear Client in the US.. After that, just R'n'R and a lot of fun prepping for Christmas..! 20 days to go.. can you believe it!?

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to my dear friend Maria of 'Scandie Foodie'. 
She second participant in my little Christmas blog series, and I am thrilled to have her. I have raved about this gorgeous food guru (yes Maria, you are!!) many times - especially at times of detoxing. You all know my habits by now!

Maria was born in a remote town in Finnish Lapland, just South of the Arctic Circle (how amazing!). She grew up, studied, traveled and then settled in Sydney Australia, as far away from the Arctic Circle as one can possibly get. I know how easily that happens.. Ha!

Maria loves food, and pays great attention to raw produce, and to what is good for the body. She cooks, plates up (styles), photographs, and posts all of her delicious creations, for us to enjoy. And we do! As will you, when you visit her corner of the blog world..!

What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas in Finland was always a special time of the year, not just because it was Christmas, but because in my area it is also the darkest time of the year. It was important to spend time with the family, and to visit friends and relatives. Christmas in Australia is very different as we are in the midst of summer in December, but still we try to make the time special and be with our family.

It is simply not Christmas without..?

Snow! Christmas in Australia still doesn’t seem quite right to me.

Your ideal Christmas?

Time spent with all of my family, relaxing, eating well, and enjoying a few days off.

Fave Christmas movie?

I’m really not a big movie watcher hence I can’t think of any..

No 1 Christmas song?

Finnish Christmas songs are my favourite as I grew up listening to them. I still don’t know the lyrics for the English versions so I always get them wrong ! :)

What’s on your Christmas table?

Here in Australia we have to keep things light because of the extreme heat. So lots of fresh vegetables and salads. I like to make Finnish vegetarian casseroles as well, as they are not too heavy.

What would you love Santa bring this year?

We will keep this Christmas quite modest as we will have a big year ahead with a new house and a wedding to come!

Your Christmas message to the world

Have a peaceful and merry Christmas!

 

Thank you Maria for your lovely Christmas post.  I so relate to the vast contrast between a Scandinavian Christmas and that of Australia! Swapping the 'Northern Light' for the Australian sunlight isn't all that easy..!
Have a magic Summery Christmas - let the sunshine wash all the stress away as you enjoy fresh mangoes and seafood! I wish you the best of luck with all the exciting things ahead and hope that Santa brings you a little something for under the tree! Even if you don't expect it! xx

 

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In a couple of days I will introduce you to the divine Louse of 'Lou Boos and Shoes'. This beautiful woman can write like no other, and I adore her blog. And her (!), and I can't wait to share her Christmas post with you.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend to my friends in the West, and Happy new week to my darlings in the East!

Hugs to all

xx Charlotta 

P.S. I just have to share this amazing shot by my very talented husband Marshall ('Treats' to me). He took this from the seat of his airplane window flying back into Sydney having been on yet another long haul business trip. Isn't it just fantastic?!

Photo by Marshall Ward - copy rights apply. Written permission required.

Do check out his Flickr gallery of gorgeous shots from around the world. His work is outstanding and it only getting better. He has been published and awarded nominations form exclusive and high end photo associations. Soon his prints will be sold in very limited edition quantities. Keep your eyes peeled peeps. xx