Playing with my mom's yulelad statue collection. As many icelandophiles know, we have 13 yule lads instead of Santa Claus.
They are Sheeo cote clod, Gully Gawk, Stubby, Spoonlicker, Potscraper, Bowllicker, Doorslammer, Skyrgobbler, Sausage swiper, Windowpeeper, Doorway sniffer, Meathook and Candlestealer. Their parents are Grýla and Leppalúði and they have a cat, called the Yule cat. I'll leave it to you to figure out who is who. These statues are made from designs from renowned illustrator Brian Pilkington.

Tags:   iceland christmas holidays decorations ornaments christmas tree yulelads yuletide

© All Rights Reserved

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around me. Gave my mom a christmas star (a literal translation of the icelandic name, the plant is actually called Poinsettia as far as I can tell [Euphorbia pulcherrima]). The lighting is a bit off, maybe I need an external flash, something to put on the Christmas wish list?

Tags:   christmas flower plant potted plant christmas star poinsettia euphorbia pulcherrimal red iceland reykjavík indoors still life lights advent

© All Rights Reserved

This ice lantern was made by placing a balloon full of water outside overnight in minus temperatures.

It was supposed to freeze over 24 hours or so but I nudged it the morning after I put it out and the balloon burst, leaving this beautiful ice shell with delicate frost crystals inside.

I made others which were more solidly frozen but this one's my favourite, I'll be sad when it melts next week.

The idea I got from this facebook page: www.facebook.com/snowlanterns/?fref=ts

Tags:   dyi italla candleabra candle christmas ice lantern frozen crystals frost iceland reykjavík

© All Rights Reserved

A funny jar of pickles in the Budapest Market Hall, the Hungarians are crazy about their pickles but I preferred their fresh veggies...

Tags:   budapest hungary europe market hall market place market vegetable pickles

© All Rights Reserved

These lovely seashells on the beach at Grótta, Seltjarnarnes. Of all sizes and colors. I took a few and played with them.

Tags:   shell seashell conch shore beach iceland seltjarnarnes grótta reykjavík

© All Rights Reserved