This novel by Swedish writer Lena Andersson is a whirlwind of intense and all-to-real emotions. Though I am not usually a fan of novels, this book — translated from Swedish — jumped out at me (literally, it fell off the bookshelf as I walked by) when I walked into a bookstore while travelling in Sweden this past summer.
Read MoreThe "Book Flood" Hits Iceland: The beautiful Icelandic tradition of giving books as gifts during the holidays
I recently learned about a beautiful Icelandic gift-giving tradition that takes place every Christmas. During the holiday season, the country celebrates Jólabókaflóðið (meaning "the book flood of Christmas"), when publishers release new books. And, there are A LOT of them.
Read MoreThe Best Subscription Boxes to Give As Gifts For Any Occasion
Are you travelling and want to send a unique gift to someone at home? Does your friend live on the other side of the country? Or, are you fed up with paying huge shipping fees? AGiving a monthly subscription box is the perfect solution! Not only is it unique, but who doesn't love getting something other than bills in the mail?! Subscription services can get pretty pricy, but there are a lot of really fantastic, affordable options out there. Here are a few of my favourite subscription boxes for men and women.
Read MoreThe History of The Swedish Dala Horse
Have you seen those white and black wooden horses you can get at Ikea?
You know the ones — they are next to the vases and fake flowers, right before you hit the warehouse area.
Ya, those ones.
Read MoreReads For The Road: "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafron
I started reading this book because it was recommended to me by a friend that I met while travelling. He pulled it off his bookshelf and told me that it was one of his favourite books in the world. When someone goes to the trouble to tell me about a book that matters to them and recommend that I read it, I do. I find that reading things that people that I know have loved helps me to get to know them better, and the fact that they want to share that with me is pretty darn cool.
Read MoreWhy Do People In North America Wear Poppies in November?
November 11, known as Remembrance Day in Canada and the other Commonwealth Nations of the world, is a day that has been observed since the end of World War I to remember the men and women who died in the line of duty. (Many non-Commonwealth Nations, like the United States, also treat this day as one of remembrance, as November 11, 1918, was the day when hostilities officially ended in WWI.)
Read More8 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Halloween
Did you know that Halloween is actually an Irish holiday? It comes from an ancient festival called Samhain that marks the day when the undead are thought to walk among the living. It also marks the end of long, sunny days and the beginning of the darker half of the year. The holiday was brought to North America by Irish immigrants in the 1840s.
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