I have only known a handful of people from Norway...they all profess the same mantra..."there is no bad weather, only bad clothing." Being a born and bred Canadian I was confused by this saying. All we do is complain about the weather? If is wasn't for "bad" weather we would have nothing to converse about! After having kids, my opinion changed. Kids don't care what the weather is, they love all types of weather...snow, rain and sun. I quickly realized that I was going to have to rediscover the joy of playing outside.
This week I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine who doesn't mind a little snow either. In fact, she embraces the weather. My friend Kari is a Norwegian mother, with 2 young children, who is changing people's attitudes about getting outdoors.
Q: Tell me 3 things about yourself.
A:
- I'm a love refugee from Norway. I moved here 5 years ago because of my American/Canadian husband who wanted to get his career as a filmmaker going. (Now I'm pursuing a career as a producer for children's television, any broadcaster here?) Add one more child, a house mortgage and we are still in "Toronto the Good".
- You might have heard the term "Tiger Mom". I'm the opposite...I'm a Polar Bear Mom. When I'm not outside, I'm connecting children and adults with the outdoors through play, lifestyle and cooking at my website ActiveKidsClub.com. We also inspire parents in the US and Canada to start outdoor playgroups where they live.
- I kicked the Crown Prince Haakon, of Norway, out of my kitchen when I was a professional chef.
Q: Are you for, or against, small appliances on the kitchen counter chronicles?
A:
Against, just because I have too much on the counter as it is.
Q: Name 5 things that are on your counter right now.
A:
Laptop, Bodum coffee press, Scandinavian designed thermos, mail, pen, birdseed and coffee
Q: What, if anything, would you change about your kitchen counter?
A:
Everything! New kitchen!
Q: What is your favourite thing to do on your kitchen counter?
A:
Cooking with my kids, entertaining, writing and using my laptop. We are also enjoying growing veggies and herbs on our kitchen window.
Awesome...kicked a Prince out of her kitchen...that sounds like a story that needs to be explored further! Kari is a truly impressive force. Take a look at her website and you will be amazed at the number of people across our Country, and beyond, who have been inspired by her to start outdoor playgroups for children. On her site you can find everything from how to dress for all types of weather, how to build a fairy house to how to bake traditional Norwegian treats. After all...there really is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
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March break blog sneak peak - kids craft extravaganza!!
Monday - rainbows and shamrocks
Tuesday - bust out the glue gun for some rock art
Wednesday - egg carton seed planting
Thursday - St.Patrick's day surprise
Friday - kitchen counter confidential gets a little spicy
tabletop fridge says
I just stumbled across your blog and I love it.