Swiss Export shopping

It is common for expats to develop quirks about favourite foods and other items from their home country. If you have ever lived abroad you know the feeling.

Strange shopping habits can be spotted before leaving home and returning to an expat destination. Our family calls it Export shopping: it results in a family shopping spree around the Coop (sometimes Migros) stacking the trolley with our favourite food which has now become our comfort food. 

These items cannot be found in the host country and may or may not have actually been part of the expats' lives in their home country but which given half a chance - and with some luck a car rather than a suitcase to fill - will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of being back home. 

A bottle of Ramseier Apfelsaft, a Branchli or a Ragusa, an Ovo crunchy spread or Champions Birchermuesli will make us feel just a little bit better when we get hit with homesickness or nostalgia. A glass of Dole Blanche or a moité-moité cheese fondue will certainly hit the spot. And nobody makes bouillon cubes like the Swiss. NeoCitran, a widely-used cold remedy, will do the job in case of sickness, and the earplugs that come in a pink box let me sleep through thick and thin. And don't get me started on the chocolate... cooking chocolate, white hot chocolate, dark powdered chocolate, marzipan chocolate tablets, nutty chocolate bars and chocolate pralines!

We LOOOVE the COOP!

Nor can we resist a Swiss bakery

Suntigszopf im Ussland

Familia Birchermüesli with Hirz Yoghurt... a champion's breakfast!

Le Chiacchiere di Carnevale... bring back sweet memories of Lugano

Ramseier or Rivella?

A typical Swiss Export shopping bag

Christmas market at St. Edward's Church

Get ready for some Christmas spirit in the festive setting of Casa Benson these next two Sundays. Coffee and light snacks will be on sale after the service since the St Edward’s Church community love to socialise.

Enjoy a glass of mulled wine in a Christmas atmosphere whilst browsing amongst a selection of stalls with homemade traditional specialities such as cakes, puddings and preserves.

Venue: Christmas market of The Anglican Church of St. Edward
Where: Casa, Benson, Via Clemente Maraini 6, 6900 Lugano
When: Sunday 20th and 27th November
Time: 12:00 to 15:00
All proceeds go to the ministry of St. Edward’s Church

For more Information visit: www.stedwards.ch

BE, an unusual poem

“Be” is a poem constructed from corporate brand mottos.

You might be into brands or marketing or just feel like spending some time guessing who's who... in any case this motto manifesto should keep you busy. It's amazing to see how many slogans the kids recognise!

Enjoy!

Never pay for overweight suitcase again...

Every once in a while I come across a totally cool product which fits right in with my lifestyle. I do not receive any endorsement or free products, I just like to share practical tips to make life easier and more fun.

Now here is a fun suitcase named Raden. Not only does it come in funky colours it is also really smart. How many times have you had to weigh your suitcase in order to make sure easy jet would not charge you a bomb for overweight? Well, this one does it all by itself. It has an integrated scale, will also let you know its exact location so it can alert you via Bluetooth when your bag is coming down the carousel AND it has a built-in charger for your phone or tablet!

The design is rooted in all things simple, smooth and smart. The cases come complete with the latest tech-enabled features and they all connect seamlessly to their mobile app. They are super light and incredibly strong, gliding smoothly across airport terminals and city sidewalks. Oh, did I tell you it will even let you order an Uber?

Sounds enticing, doesn't it? Just take a look at their video, it is just as cool. I have not bought one myself yet but it is on my birthday wish list... in pink of course!

The only hitch? The 22-inch carry-on bag costs $295.

You know you are in Switzerland when..

One step into Manor - Switzerland's leading department store with 61% of market share - and you'll know you are in the country of chocolate heaven. See for yourself:

Chocolate galore: where to start?

How many bunnies can I catch?

Latest novelty in the chocolate market by Favarger

A real Swiss secret: Ragusa

One of Switzerland's most recognised brands worldwide: Toblerone

A Swiss Easter classic by Lindt

The real thing: coloured eggs for the Easter egg hunt

Export Shopping

Every time we travel back from Switzerland to Paris, we go "Export shopping" to the Coop supermarket before we hit the road. Each family member is entitled to fill their basket with their favourite comfort foods. Ski break might mean a long drive to the alps but driving allows us to fill the car to the rim on our way back without worrying about overweight luggage. Trust me there was not much space left for us by the time we finished loading the car this morning...

My kids' Export shopping

 My Export shopping

Lugano's biggest Family Fun Fair 2015

It will be the biggest family fun fair ever organised in Lugano. No matter if you are expat, local or just visiting the area. This is an event NOT to be missed. Meet new people, make new contacts, discover new tastes and sounds, encounter coaches, teachers, artists, writers and entrepreneurs of all sorts. Who knows you might make a new friend or two? Spread the word and bring your friends along too.

On the day be entertained by: 
International School of Ticino www.isticino.com ongoing activities
Kids' Klub www.kidsklub.ch offering ongoing face painting, bouncing castle and the possibility to discover and try
instruments under the supervision of wonderful music teachers
Art4life www.art4life.ch
Daniela Puggioni kids craft: www.dpuggioni.tumblr.com
Kelly Fisher www.ktf-writers-studio.ch

Meet, Sample or Buy:
TASTE OF AMERICA www.tasteofamerica.ch
Rapelli www.rapelli.com
Egle Berruti Photography www.egleberruti.com
JEUNESSE Sparkling: www.sparklingdonatella.jeunesseglobal.com
Lphpannolinoteca.com www.lphpannolinoteca.com
All For Kids Catalog www.allforkids.ch
Nice Jewerly www.niceglobal.es
Benefit: www.facebook.com/BodyBeneFitCoaching
ilseS.eu Jewelry www.facebook.com/IlseS.eu
Internations www.internations.org
IWCL www.iwcl.org/IWCL/Home.html
ACCD IWCL charity 2015 www.ccdlugano.wordpress.com
AWOT www.awot.ch

Check out the food court: 
Indulge in Asian Fusion delights (www.vgcatering.com). Ogle over
Columbian food & Cupcakes and sweet (www.facebook.com/pages/Guilty-Pleasure-Cupcakes-Cakes-Desserts/205770926165610?fref=ts). Enjoy homemade sandwiches & more by St. Edwards Church (www.stedwards.ch/) and take home some Indian food.

Last minute tip:
If you contact Norma from Taste of America and order beforehand, they'll bring the products to the fair. You'll have cans of Pumpkin Pie Mix and bags of Cranberries just in time for Thanksgiving!

Generously the International School of Ticino and many exhibitors are offering special discounts to IWCL members.

Venue: Family Fun Fair 2015
Where: Hotel Pestalozzi, Piazza Indipendenza 9, 6900 Lugano
When: Sunday, November 22nd, 2015
Time: 11:00 to 17:00

If you want to know more please write to iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com

Switzerland's Cupcake café online

Swiss National Day is around the corner and Back-Art have a great range of Swiss themed products, including these cool cookie cutters, toppings and cupcake cases.

Back-Art have been actively promoting creativity and art in baking and cake decorating since 2005. 10 years ago in Switzerland cupcakes were known as a type of muffin; food colouring was usually in thin liquid form; edible decorations on celebration cakes were often just a few icing flowers, Gummi bears or Smarties. Roll-out icing was only available in large buckets to professional confectioners and bakers. Cookie cutter shapes were limited and usually only found during the traditional baking season from October to December.

Enter back-art.ch who saw no reason why professional quality ingredients and cake decorating equipment could not be made readily available to private households. They pioneered the introduction of home cake decorating in Switzerland. Thanks to the 2006 Football World Cup this little company received a considerable breakthrough in their brand awareness; the press caught wind of Back-Art and their football themed products were all the rage.

In 2013 they even opened up a showroom in Zurich. So, pop by or send them a message anytime. They love to hear of our reasons for baking and are happy to share tips and tricks to ensure your project is a success!

In the meantime, happy baking in preparation for August 1st, Switzerland's National Day.

Natale in Piazza - Christmas cheer in Lugano

Did you see that yesterday at 6pm in Piazza Riforma the Christmas tree lights were lit by the Mayor Marco Borradori who was accompanied by a gospel choir.

This is an exciting moment especially for children: the lighting of the city’s biggest Christmas tree marks the beginning of Natale in Piazza. The City proposes a magical world for young and old and which features 37 very special days in the streets of the city centre so that the Christmas season can reach out to everyone.

First and foremost the skating rink is back in town at Piazza Manzoni. You'll be able to skate for over a month! The skating rink is open every day until January 6th, 2015. Entrance is free and if you don't have your own skates, you can rent them right there for CHF 5.–.

During Advent, Piazza Riforma will feature gastronomic chalets that will delight both adults and children offering sweets, vin brûlé, pretzels and lots more. Gourmets will appreciate a very special chalet with dishes prepared by the most renowned chefs of the Canton. Until December 24th  you can find all sorts of Christmas specialties in the charming little wooden huts such as decorations and original gift ideas.

24 days before Christmas, the market will take over the pedestrian area of the town centre as well, with stalls, which will offer a rich ware of goods such as gastronomic specialties, arts and crafts items, precious fabrics, oriental scents and charitable initiatives.

During Advent, every Saturday and Sunday afternoon fun activities for the whole family.
Monday 8.12, at 03:00 p.m. | “Piccoli Cantori di Pura” ’s Concert
Saturday 13.12, from 05:00 p.m. | St. Lucia’s Day  with a Swedish Choir
Saturday 14.12, from 04:00 p.m. | Kolping Singers Lugano’s Concert
Saturday 14.12, at 04:30 p.m. | Arrival of the Peace Light in Lugano
Sunday 21.12, from 02:30 p.m. to 04:30 p.m. | Outdoor Soap-bubbles activity by the group InBolla!

And don't forget the Christmas Mass at San Nicolao’s Church in Via Mons. Angelo Jelmini 4, Besso on Wednesday 24.12, at 10.00 p.m.

Eataly is only one hour away!

Feeling adventurous? Pop cross the border to Milano...

Destination: Eatlay, Piazza XXV Aprile, 10, 20124 Milano

I have been hearing from my friends across the globe about this a high-end Italian food market/mall chain comprising a variety of restaurants, food and beverage stations, bakery, and retail items. Driving into the city trying hard to remember (after having left the city 14 years ago) which road to take, I recognised the site where once the old Teatro Smeraldo stood. Honestly, I actually preferred the theatre.

However, as a tribute to this historic Milanese location, Eataly hosts a huge stage and offers a totally free season of music, which includes all the genres, from pop to rock to opera, as well as hosting recitals, readings, cabaret, theatre, ballet, meetings and art shows and naturally gastronomic ones.

My description would be: much todo about nothing. Eataly might make sense in New York, Dubai, Istanbul or Tokyo but in Milano? Admittedly, it is a treat and fun to browse around the 5000 m2 devoted to food and the best, locally sourced products spread out over 4 floors but most delicacies can be found around the corner... if you know where to find them! Or just walk down the road to the open markets of San Marco or Piazzale Lagosta!

Taste of America at your service

Look what I found in my inbox this morning just in time for Thanksgiving?!

We are happy to announce you that tasteofamerica.ch is back in business. Take a look at the redesigned online shop with new payment possibilities and an easy product search function for your preferred AMERICAN groceries.

Register now and … Enjoy the taste of AMERICA!

Jell-o as of CHF 1.50! Kraft's Macaroni & Cheese only CHF 3.20. Arm&Hammer Baking Soda 1lb for CHF 4.-. These are only a few offers they have in store for you!

Cruise over to their site and take a look at their breakfast assortment, your kids will love you for it! ;)

Furniture stores around Lugano

Are you feeling the spring coming? Reckon it is time for a little redecoration? Have the latest fashion colours inspired you? Or are you simply relocating and searching for furniture stores?

Following is a list of furniture stores that will keep you busy for the next few weekends, should you consider a relook of your living quarters:

Salvioni in Lugano: http://www.salvionilugano.ch (via Ferruccio Pelli 2, 6900 Lugano)
Interni Arredamenti SA in Lugano: via Pioda 14, 6900 Lugano
Kartell in Lugano: http://www.kartell.com  (via G. B. Pioda 9, 6900 Lugano)
Ikea in Grancia: (www.ikea.com)
Interior in Contone: (http://de.interio.ch)
Pfister in Contone: (www.pfister.ch)
Delcó Mobili in S. Antonino: (www.delcomobili.ch)
Lipo in Grancia and in Contone: (www.lipo.ch)
Conforama in Grancia: (www.conforama.ch)
Toptip in Bioggio: (www.toptip.ch)
Expo Arredo in Mendrisio: http://www.expoarredo.ch (via Vignalunga 2c, 6850 Mendrisio)
Grancasa in Mendrisio: www.grancasa.it (Via Francesco Borromini 5, 6850 Mendrisio)
Bernasconi in Mendrisio: http://www.arredamentibernasconi.ch (via Borromini 3, 6850 Mendrisio)
Abitare in Giubiasco: http://www.abitare-arredamenti.ch (via Baragge 13d, 6512 Giubiasco)
Arredopiu in Varese: (http://www.arredopiu.net/ita/index.php)
Mondo Convenienza in Como: (http://www.mondoconv.it)

Carnival outfits for kids

Are you ready for the most important event of the year? You knew Brazil has a carnival tradition and that Basel and Luzern have a long-standing love affair with Carnival but did you know that the Ticino also has its history with this annual festival?

Well, Soazza started celebrating last Tuesday, while Goss Lostallo starts today. "Rabadan", Bellinzona's carnival, starts on February 27th and is Ticino's biggest event. Lugano's "Ul Sbroja" kick-off date is February 24th, 2014.

The local schools usually celebrate Carnevale and your kids will not want to miss the fun of dressing up and walking around town. If you are still searching for a costume, here are some places to shop:

L'Allegra Bottega in Tesserete: http://www.allegrabottega.ch/bottega.htm
Patchwork in Bellinzona: http://www.gate24.ch/de/patchwork-bellinzona-2199

Or else, the online option is: http://www.rambazamba.ch/Fasnacht/Kinderkostueme/

For a list of all Ticino Carnevale dates click here: http://www.carnevali.ch/carnevale-in-ticino.

Swiss handmade online markets

Every once in a while I come across a product or a service that tickles my fancy to the point that I decide to post it on my blog.

This weekend I came across a Christmas Survival Kit card by www.lulaloo.ch. The designer started brainstorming with her kids about things they love about Christmas and this is what they came up with.

Check it out here: http://www.lulaloo.ch/category/more-celebrations/christmas/.

If you are an avid internet user as myself and with an Anglosaxon background, you will problaby have heard of a site called etsy, an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items, supplies, as well as unique factory-manufactured items.

Switzerland is big on arts and crafts. Here a few sites similar to etsy that sells handmade or vintage items but are based in Switzerland/Europe:

www.ansalia.ch/

www.bellis.ch/

www.werkhandkunst.ch/

www.de.dawanda.com/ (German site in Euro)

www.fait-maison.com (French site in Euro)

Advent market in Lugano

Today, the first Advent Calendar window has been opened and therefore the countdown towards Christmas has officially begun.

To celebrate the first of Advent, head down to Piazza Riforma at 17:00 this afternoon to see Lugano's official Christmas tree. Accompanied by music, Julie Arlin will host the lighting of the city's tallest Christmas tree. A really exciting event, especially for children.

After, also check out the Advent market starting today. During all of Advent, Riforma Square will be populated by charming wooden houses, where you can find all sorts of Christmas specialties, decorations and original gift ideas.

A magical world for children, which even adults love to partake in. The joy of being together, without necessarily having to stay in one's home living room. The pleasure of buying presents at the market or in boutiques. This is the kind of Christmas that the city of Lugano proposes and which will feature 37 very special days in the streets of the city centre so that the Christmas season can reach out to everyone.

Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Sunday 1.12.13 at 5.00 p.m.
Riforma Square

Advent Market
Sunday 1.12.13 at 5.30 p.m.
Every day until Monday 23.12 from 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Tuesday 24.12 from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Christmas markets in Lugano

It's Black Friday in the United States and therefore the busiest shopping day of the year. However, this weekend will be busy in Ticino....

Enter into the Christmas spirit at the Chritmas Fayre of St. Edward's Church in the festive setting of Casa Benson. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine whilst browing among the stalls of homemade traditional specialities, handicrafts and preserves. http://www.stedwards.ch/node/294
The address is: The Anglican Church of St. Edward, Via Clemente Maraini 6, 6900 Lugano

Check out the Christmas Market in Savosa at Via Roncaccio 5, 6942 Savosa with many English-speaking stands. Friday and Saturday morning.

There is also the Christmas Bazar at the Scuola Steiner: http://www.scuolasteiner.ch/2013/10/31/bazar-di-natale-2013/ at Via dei Magi, 6945 Origlio

Please make time for the Christmas Open House at All for Kids on Saturday and Sunday! Stop by anytime between 10:00 and 17:00 either day. There will be simple holiday crafts for the kids and snacks for all. You can browse the vast selection of games, toys & more that make learning fun and inspire creativity. Lots of new items have just arrived! http://www.allforkids.ch/.
 Click here if you need directions. The address is Via Cimitero 21, 6592 S. Antonino, and parking is available.

Happy Christmas shopping!

Expat Store delivers to Lugano

Feeling homesick? In search of some comfort food? Fancy that dish from back home? My Expat Shop solves all your whims and cravings.

From Vegemite to Betty Crocker butter cream icing. From Peri-Peri to Cajun Sauce. From real pork sausages to Ella's kitchen smoothies. From Twiglets to PG Tips. All at the tip of your fingers via e-shopping.

MyExpatshop is the British Food Online Shop delivering over 600 of your favourite British food products to your home in Switzerland.

Fresh products are shipped Monday through Wednesday only so that your order will arrive before the weekend.
For over 5 years, MyExpatShop has followed their basic principles by providing a wide and varied choice or products and first class service.

They have worked to bring you those hard to find items at the best price. Real English Bacon, high quality British Cheeses such as Extra Mature Vintage Cheddar and Christmas Crackers are just part of the growing list.

You can pay either at the time of placing your order, or when your order is delivered to by you using the Swiss Post Office Giro (pink payment slip) that is included in the package.

Getting the munchies? Go ahead and enter your Expat Store here.

For more International food delivery sites scroll down the right sidebar to the Food for the Homesick section.

Candle making for Christmas

When I was a little girl, I used to look forward to December every year when I could finally go down to the Bürkliplatz to make candles out of bees wax. The whole place smelt of it and until today the scent of bee's wax transports me back into that tent in Zürich.

This weekend you have the chance of accompanying your kids to make candles at Piazza Manzoni. A  small workshop for children has been set up for children. Guided by good teachers, they can create  a very special Christmas gift with their own hands. In my days the candles can be colored and shaped to your liking.

Venue: Christmas Candle making for children
Where: Piazza Manzoni
When: Saturday, 15.12 and Sunday 16.12
Time: from 11:00 to 19:00

While you are down town, why not take a stroll through the Christmas market in the main streets of the city? For the next 10 days before Christmas, a market extending to the pedestrian area of ​​the city center will feature stalls selling delicacies, handicrafts, fine fabrics, oriental fragrances and charity projects.

Venue: Christmas market
Where: Downtown Lugano
When: Saturday, 15.12. 2012 to Sunday, 23.12.2012
Time: from 11:00 to 19:00
On Monday, 24.12, 2012 from 11:00 to 17:00

Christmas decoration stores

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. " Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

Running a little late with your Christmas decorations? Looking for a new outfit for your Christmas tree? Or just feel like a stroll through a deco/furniture shop?

The two interior decoration stores Interio and Pfister have kitted themselves out for Christmas. And guess what? It's pink! Not all of it, of course, but if you enjoy the boudoir style it's definately worth a trip to Contone.

Interio

Via Cantonale 10

6594 Contone

Tel: 058 576 71 00

Opening hours:

Mo-We   09:00 – 18.30 

Th        09:00 – 21.00 

Fr         09:00 – 18.30

Sa        09:00 – 17.00

Special openings:

16.12. 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday opening

23.12. 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday opening

24.12. 09:00 – 17:00

Pfister

Via Cantonale

6594 Contone

Tel: 091 851 71 11

Opening hours:

Mo-We   09:00 - 18:30

Th        09:00 - 21:00

Fr           09:00 - 18:30

Sa          09:00 - 17:00

Special openings:

16.12. 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday opening

23.12. 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday opening

24.12. 09:00 – 17:00

Advent Market in Lugano

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air."
W.T.Ellis

During Advent, Piazza Riforma will be populated by charming wooden houses, where you can find all sorts of Christmas specialties, decorations and original gift ideas. In other words, head down town to taste some Christmas spirit and enjoy the festive season, not only the cold December weather!

Venue: Advent Market
Where: Piazza Riforma
When: Every day until Sunday 23.12 from 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Monday 24.12 from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Tomorrow enjoy a special treat of fairy tales and music for children: Gioacchino Lonardo and his marionettes will tell two of the most famous traditional tales: Jonas and the Whale and Robin Hood.

Venue: Marionette theatre
Where: Piazza San Carlo
When: Wednesday, December 5th, 2012
Time: from 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m