Copenhagen day 2 and 3

Our second day in Copenhagen,and surpringly another sunny and warm one. After a bit of breakfast of another pastry and latte, we got on the metro to Kastrup.

Copenhagen is a fairly easy city to transverse, Matt and I each got a 3 day travel pass which covered all of the buses and trains, including our travel to and from the airport, for DKK 190 or about £20, and although we mostly walked everywhere, it was still worth it for journeys like this.  First up on our list today was the Blue Planet Aquarium.

As Northern Europe's largest, the aquarium situated next to the harbour features an amazon rainforest, sea lions, and over 20,000 fish in a sweeping swirl of over seven million litres of water which is divided up into various regions.  As a beach girl at heart, there's nothing more relaxing for me than wonder around for a couple of hours and watch all the fish swim by, passing under the underwater tunnel.  By my standards it was a pretty impressive aquarium although I was disappointed that we only caught a few fleeting glimpses of the sea lions.  

After a morning spent under the sea, we headed back downtown for some lunch.  When we were doing a bit of research before we left, I had read rave reviews for Grams Laekkerier, and they were not wrong.  A little off the beaten path, the sandwich shop is the perfect place for lunch with good prices and amazing food.  Matt went for the smoked salmon sandwich while I still can't stop thinking about the amazing chicken and mango I got.  The portions are massive and on very fresh dark Italian bread and there's a nice selection of teas and juices to wash it down.  

After lunch we headed over to Christavn to explore another area of the city, taking in the picturesque canals that run through the city and took a walk through Copenhagen's alternative community Christiania, which was a weird insight into alternative Copenhagen, but it was a bit, well, hazy there.

For dinner we decided head up to the top of the Tivoli Hotel to Sticks in Sushi.  The sushi was amazing and sitting at the bar looking out over the lights of Copenhagen was a great atmosphere. The bad thing about having incredible food on holiday is you end of craving it later, but luckily there is currently one Sticks in Sushi in the UK and it happens to be right down the road from me in Wimbledon (with a new branch opening in Covent Gardens next month I've heard). I'd highly recommend their soft shell crab rolls, perfection! 

Our third and last day we still had a lot of options as to what to do and thought about heading over to Malmo, Sweden which is just a short train ride away, but with just 3 short days, it didn't feel like we had really seen all we could of this great Danish City.  Pastries for breakfast were beginning to become our Copenhagen routine and easily the best we had was on our last morning at Andersen Bakery near Tivoli gardens.  I think my favourite part was that they do a large selection of mini pastries, I  case you can't decide.  Needless to say we ended up with some great lattes and a few pastries each.

We decided to spend a bit of time wandering around Europe's longest walking street, Strøget which has an incredible selection of shops and bakeries.  I did a bit of souvenir shopping and headed into Pandora (which began as a Danish company) and got a fairytale book charm to remember the trip by. We decided to stop for food at the Royal Smushi Cafe. This place is famous for its miniature take on the city's famous open sandwiches, smorgasbord, which has a 'sushi' feel to it, so smushi.  We both went for the 'shooting star' (with plaice and topped with cavier), Parisian Beef (which featured steak tar tar) and the old fashioned chicken salad, which might have been my favourite, all washed down with a pot of earl grey tea.

After we made a quick stop by the national museum of Denmark for a bit of a wonder, which features some great exhibits about the country including Viking exhibitions,

we had to switch hostels and headed down to drop our stuff off at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel.  It was in a good location like Danhostel, but it definitely had more of a youth hostel vibe, whereas Danhostel was a bit more like a hotel.  If you are a student travelling with a few friends, this is the hostel for you, but I think for me and Matt is was a little too hip (and this is coming from someone who still thinks they are about 21). There were bunk beds, people making communal meals, and a foam party at about 3am, which is awesome, if you don't have a 6:30 am plane to catch.  But the bar is a really social, cheap place to have a couple of drinks which we did do (and felt just a bit old).

I once again was reminded not to trust my poor bf with times when I let him set the alarm for the flight since he was sleeping on the bottom bunk, his phone hadn't changed time zones and we woke up an hour later than intended and had to make a mad dash through the still drunk streets of the city and on to a metro full of people in lasts night clothes to get to the airport, fleetingly saying goodbye to one of my new favourite European cities.

Copenhagen, day 1

With its picturesque canals, one of the longest shopping streets in the world, and more Michelin starred restaurants in Europe, Denmark's charming capital is a Scandinavian gem with a little something for everyone.  My boyfriend and I were searching for a mini break that was romantic yet manageable in the short three days we had to spend for our one year anniversary. 

Day one

Morning: We touched down on Danish soil after a bleary eyed and rather hectic morning where I was once again reminded of Matt's non-existent timekeeping skills and nearly missed our flight, but a run to the terminal and a two hour flight later I was on my first holiday in ages and my first mini break with Matt.  We checked into Danhostel, Europe's largest hostel, where we'd be staying for the first two nights of our stay.  Conveniently located in the centre on Hans Christian Anderson Boulevard, Dan Hostel was really more of a hotel with a cheap price tag, we had a spacious room to ourselves and a large ensuite bathroom.  The hotel prices in Copenhagen are a bit of a splurge, so if if you are travelling on a bit of a budget, like we were, hostels can offer the best value here, and aren't as unglamorous as you might think.

As much as I wanted a nap after our five AM Gatwick south terminal dash, I was more excited about getting out and seeing the city.  And what's the first thing we wanted to do in Denmark? Have a Danish of course! Of course they aren't called that here, and the selection of sticky sweet pastries at the many bakeries dotted around the city.  We stopped into Lagkagehuset on Strøget for a strawberry jam Spandauer which is what is commonly known elsewhere as the Danish, but nothing can compare to the real thing.  We turned it into brunch by grabbing a freshly made sandwich before heading off to check out the city.

The weather was luckily much nicer than the drab, cold start to fall back in London so we did get some nice sunshine nearly the entire trip, apart from being caught in a bit of a brutal (but brief thunderstorm en route to Rosenburg palace. Apart from the lovely grounds and gardens, the 17th century palace houses a museum as well as the royal treasury, including some of the Crown Jewels.

One thing that really struck me about Copenhagen is how friendly the people are, it's not hard to find someone to offer a recommendation or to help you find your way around, especially since nearly everyone speaks fluent English. This is what Matt and I discovered on our stroll toward to find the little mermaid as we walked down lanes full of cafes and families out for a bike ride (bicycled being the preferred mode of transport here, and a great way to get around, although I don't think Matt was so keen to jump on this bit of Danish culture).  

Of course, one of histories most famous Copenhagen residents was the master of fairy tales, Hans Christian Anderson, and references of his whimsical stories are a proud part of the city.  Millions of tourists each year flock to the bronze statue of the little Mermaid perched on her rock in the sea.

It wasn't to crowded in the early evening when we went (although we did enjoy sitting on the rocks making faces while passing tour boat passengers snapped away at the statue)

Its a fitting city to be home to some of the worlds most famous fairytales. Although we are talking about the original version and not the disneyfied one, I couldn't help but be reminded by the park and lake near the statue's similarities to the "kiss the girl" scene out of my favourite childhood film.

London Days Out

Things are definitely starting to get busy in my life, I started my new job this week, (yay!) and I might be moving into a new place soon (kind of bittersweet), but my highlight of last week was my best friend from university came to visit London for the first time for a holiday! 

I love acting like a tourist, and I even got to do a few things I hadn't before in London, like go to Kensington palace, and a few I hadn't done in awhile, like go to the Tower of London, which I haven't done since I was 14!

She came with her grandparents and brother, and it was kind of interesting to see some Americans getting to know this country I've become so familiar with (plus hearing accents from home was pretty refreshing!) and it was great watching people experience some things about this country I've come to love.  Perhaps none of us enjoyed the weather, but the food we had was definitely good! We ate a few lunches in South Kensington, where they were staying.  I'd definitely recommend the  Anglesea Arms there and Maggie Jones for some delicious but decently priced food!

Rachel and I both love to shop, so of course we headed to Oxford Street for a look around and I introduced her to some of my fav high street shops over here.  I couldn't resist picking up a new spring bag from new look.  It's a gorgeous coral and very spacious (of course!), perfect for summer!

A Sandy Bit of Home

I absolutely love living in the UK, especially so close to London. But there comes days when the weather is just starting to feel springy that I get a pang of homesickness for white sand beaches on a Carolina coast. In the dreary rain today, I can't help planning my next trip home.

Moving to Surrey marked the first time since I was 8 that I've lived away from the beach. I grew up there and ending up attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington just down the coast. after that it was grad school in Swansea, one of the closest Uni's to the beach in the world. I haven't quite adjusted to the absence of salty sea air or the fact I struggle to think of things to do around here on a sunny day.

I grew up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a chain of barrier islands famed for their amazing beaches. At home you won't find high rise hotels and it's easy to find your own spot on the expanse of beach. It's a place where flip flops are the most acceptable forms of footwear, where everyone lives for summer. Winters are quiet and dull, with barely a shop open, but come summer the islands are buzzing with life, even if it is hoards of vaguely annoying tourists.

A winter sunset on the Outer Banks

I'm not sure if it's just the weather, or the simplicity of life in general there I'm missing a bit. In the seemingly endless struggle of trying to make it as a journalist, it doesn't surprise me that a part of me misses mornings spent in the sun followed by a cushy job at a clothing and gift store (the type of place that sells miniature lighthouses and wine glasses painted with fish, massive stuffed dolphins and hundreds of sweatshirts and t-shirts all emblazoned with OBX). I wore flip flops and sundresses and the sting of summer on my skin and did a job I knew like the back of my hand.

I'm (hopefully) planning a big trip home in September and hopefully bringing my boyfriend with me for his first USA adventure (which should be very interesting indeed!) I'm excited to get to eat at my old favourite restaurants and introduce Matt to the weird yet wonderful place I grew up. (And get in some beach and surfing time of course!)

The road home

One dress, 3 ways to wear

Last weekend I went to Southampton to pick up my surfboard that has been in storage there and decided to do a little retail therapy after. I picked up this amazing black and white striped skater dress from Republic while I was there.

 Unless you've been hiding under a rock from the fashion world, you probably know that monochrome is super hot for spring and summer.  I'm loving the trend, especially when mixed with a few unexpected pops of colour with shoes and accessories.  My favourite thing about this dress is the skater silhouette which is the big shape for this season. I can see why, it is super flattering on almost any body type and feels very 50's ladylike. Whether you are petite like me, curvy, busty, or pear, this dress brings out the best.

I love a great wear anywhere dress and this is definitely that, wear it for a date, lunch with friends, even work. Not only am I going to wear the heck out of this all season long, but Republic has some wicked good deals on at the moment in their sales, well worth a look if you like it!

Striped Skater Dress, Republic

Date Perfect

Brunch with the girls

Working it

New Glasses!

I stopped wearing glasses for years, my contacts became the first thing I put on and the last thing I took off, but after injuring my eye around Christmas (seriously don't ask, I'm the clumsiest person in existence) I had to wear my old glasses I hated for a few months. But today I got some new ones!

I was really after a purple pair and fell in love with these Roxy ones from Specsavers (£125). I needed a square shape to balance out my round face and a pair with frames that weren't too large or thick because I'm so small. I loved the fact they were Roxy as well, definitely appealed to my inner beach girl! They also have just a touch of sparkle were the logo is, which isn't too overtop, I don't really like glasses that scream what brand they are on the side. Specsavers had a really wide selection and a good deal where you could get either another pair free or the really good lenses free, which is what I got because I don't think I'll need two pairs once I start wearing contacts again. Oh and they also do a 25% student discount, and ok I'm not a student anymore, but I'll admit I still use my student card places, after all I'm much poorer now than I was as a student! (Oh student loans I miss you)

I'm loving these new ones right now and I'm even happier because I can see properly again!

Roxy 05 Glasses, Specsavers, £125

Favourite Things: London Calling

It's no secret that London is my favourite city in the entire world. I can't get enough of it. With one of my best friends coming to visit me in less than a month all the way from the states (yay!) and getting to see London for the first time, I went a bit London crazy with this post. Our house is bad enough as it is, Matt has gone for a very British theme in the decor here, from framed London print tea towels on the walls to this decoration in my room:








I've put together this little wish list of some of my favourite items showing some love for London online:

Accessorize Love London Weekender, £39
Uunique London Union Jack IPhone 4/4s case, £19.99
TopShop Ritz London Afternoon Tea Book, £6.99
TopShop Hello Kitty Mug Set, £9
Pandora London Bus Charm, £40
Paperchase All Stops Square Scrapbook, £10

Jewellery Corner: Pearl and Blue Swarovski Bracelet

I've been making and designing jewellery since I was in high school. It started out as a creative outlet and since I love to match my accessories, it was a great way to create a custom look.

I moved on and started to give them as gifts and then started selling pieces in a local art gallery back home. I hadn't made much in awhile but I grabbed out my beads the other day and made this little pearl and Swarovski crystal bracelet.


The pieces I will be featuring on jewellery corner feature posts are for sale, so feel free to get in contact if you see something you like.

Fresh Starts

I've always loved Spring, not just because of the promise of warmer weather (which I'm still desperately waiting for) but also because it has always felt like a time for fresh new beginnings and de-cluttering my life.  For most people that mean having a big spring clean or clearing out your wardrobe of those why-the-hell-did-I-buy-this purchases but for me it meant letting go of things that weren't making me happy.  And that was my job.  I don't even know how to explain it, maybe it was that the company was disorganised or the area it was in, or maybe it was that the whole office had been under construction for the last month and paint fumes, hammering, and a lack of fridge were starting to get to me. The commute didn't seem worth it, especially for the pay.

It was scary leaving a place, but it was definitely time, I was really worried I wouldn't find anything else for awhile, but I got an internship FINALLY working in journalism paid and FINALLY in central London, I think a happy dance is in order here. It just goes to show where taking big scary risks can lead to really great things. I took a definite risk moving back to the UK last fall without a job or even a place planned out to live. Sometimes I didn't even know WHY I did it, originally I had planned to move back due to an relationship that didn't work out (thank god for that), but all I knew is I needed out of my tiny beach town. As lovely as it is where I'm from, it's one of those places where nothing moves forward, a place where you try and ignore reality. I end up moving in a house with two guys I didn't know (I felt like Jess in the first episode of New Girl) but risks have paid off, those guys turned out to be the best housemates, and one is now my boyfriend, and I'm finally going to be using my two degrees. It just goes to show that some of the best things happen if you just take a few risks.

Work Outfits From H&M

At my last internship the dress code was very casual, but now I'm looking for something wear Ill be dressing a bit smarter, but not boring. And anything i buy needs to be on a budget of course. I've always loved H&M for that, great prices, spot on trend, and a lot of great work pieces to mix and match. These were budget friendly but super stylish work outfits I picked out:

I took these pictures while still in the dressing room, the light and mirrors are a bit better than at my house.

I got the button down ages ago from H&M, but this new navy pencil skirt is my favourite wardrobe. It goes with almost anything and looks especially fab when paired with some of this seasons pastel colours like rose or cream. I love the way it creates an hour-glass shape, and its just £14.99.

The pink top is part of the store's new conscious line which uses greener, more sustainable fabrics. Based on the stuff I tried on, I really liked it. A lot of the fabrics are very lush and super soft. The printed skirt is really fun and flows and another piece that will go with just about everything.
Top: £14.99
Skirt: £19.90
The only downside to H&M is how teeny the waist of their clothes fit. I take my normal size in tops, but about 2 sizes bigger in bottoms. Just something to keep in mind if you order something online or don't have time to try on.

I ended up loving this dress as well, even if it was quite similar to the skirt, it just had such a nice fit.

Dress £29.99

Lemon Drizzle Cake

I've been super busy with work and lately it seems like the last thing I want to do when I get home is do more work on the computer, so I've gone a little MIA lately. I was thrilled to have a few lazy days catching up on everything. I also got do do some baking which I haven't had time for since i first moved in our house ages ago, it was Matt's birthday, we've both been a bit strapped for cash, I had really wanted to take him out for a meal. We ended up being a bit thrifty and going for a little day out and a coffee date and I made a first attempt at a lemon drizzle cake ( his fav) which is super easy and it turned out amazing (it's nearly gone already and I just make it last night!) But every recipe, and Matt, all seem to differ on the best way to make it. The one I based mine on is this one I found here:

http://www.theextraordinaryartofcake.com/2010/05/nigella-lawsons-perfect-every-time.html

Nigella Lawson - How To Be A Domestic Goddess

Lemon-Syrup Loaf Cake
125g unsalted butter
175g caster sugar
2 large eggs
175g self raising flour
pinch of salt
4 tablespoons milk

For the syrup:

juice of 1 and a half lemons
100g icing sugar

For the glaze:

juice of 1/2 a lemon
150g icing sugar

cook about 45 minutes at 180 degrees C or 350 F or until golden and cake tester comes out clean, then poke a few holes in it and slowly pour over the syrup, I used a bit less than the recipe said so it wasn't too overwhelmingly lemony or soggy.

It's turns out nice and moist, though I altered it the slightest bit. I coated the bottom of a glass dish with a layer of lemon curd (about the same amount as if you were putting jam on some toast) and I substituted a tablespoon of honey for a few grams of the sugar (mainly because we were nearly out of caster sugar, but I think it gave it a little something extra). I think Matt really enjoyed it. Plus it's super cheap to make since I had all the basics already and only had to get the lemon curd which only 60p, so it's a great dessert if you need something last minute.

I didn't really know what to get him, but since we haven't had much time for dates lately and have been stressed, I thought a day at Thorpe Park would be perfect, but this weather's been so cold we're saving it for some hopefully warmer days ahead.

Surviving a Commute: it's in the bag

I've been commuting from Surrey to London everyday for the past month now with a commute that takes exactly 2 hours from my door to my desk. During that time I've discovered a few things: That if my bus, train, and the underground line are running a good service it's like winning the lottery, that any usual British politeness completely disappears where train seats are involve (oh no worries, I've been standing here first for 15 minutes in the rain and in heels, but feel free to all but push me under the train for a seat), what it would feel like to be in a clown car, and that I'm roughly armpit height (Ew...just...Ew). So I've been coming up with ways to make a commute a little less miserable. The best way I've found to keep your journey from slowly crushing your soul is to have the right stuff with you. Here are my top commuter essentials:

1. A good-sized, structured bag:

I can't seem to survive my commute without a bag that's both big enough I could fit my dog in (not that I ever would, I'm not one of those people) and organised enough I don't lose everything. I could probably survive a zombie apocalypse for a week on the amount of stuff I shove in my bag every morning, so having a good one is so key.

I have my fair share of handbags, but this one that I got from Accessorize right after Christmas is my go-to bag for work. It's big enough to fit anything I need (including lunch and sometimes even an extra pair of shoes) plus it stays super organized. In every other bag I own, whatever I need automatically sinks to the bottom leaving me constantly rummaging for my phone, train ticket, ect. And making me either late, or run into things (oh, hello there wall, nice to see you). Look for a structured bag with lots of pockets. This one has two massive pockets on the outsides, one which is a padded tablet pocket (my iPad is loving it).

2. Hand sanitizer

I don't like to think of how many germs I come into contact with on public transport every day, but a mini bottle of hand sanitizer helps me fight them off. My favourite is the Pocket Bacs from Bath and Body Works, but I can't find them here in the UK. So I've been looking for something similar here (if anyone has some favs let me know). I don't like the ones that smell like alcohol but go for a scent that is clean, light and not overpowering so you aren't gagging your fellow commuters.

3. Cosy shoes

Maybe it's because I spent most of my youth in flip flops, but I can't seem to get through a day in work appropriate shoes without some blisters. For rushing around some comfy shoes are a must, but I can't bear to be one of those people in trainers and and suit (shudder). They may have the right idea, but I need to be a little more stylish. I think a pair of Toms might just be the Cinderella slippers of my commute. Comfy, but look a bit like flats, come in tons of colors, plus they are a feel good purchase since the company gives a pair of shoes to someone who need them. All around win.

4. Healthy, easy to eat snacks

Pick something that isn't messy so you don't get it all over you and the train and go for something fairly odorless, because there's nothing worse than having to sit next to someone eating stinky food. I usually go for a granola bar, dried fruit or nut mixes, all which are easy to eat on the go and full of fiber to keep you full. I also really like graze.com which delivers a box of healthy snacks to your house or work, they all come in their own punnets so it's easy to toss in a bag. Just avoid the dips for commuter time.

5. A tablet

No they don't come cheap, but my iPad has been my sanity saver. I've got a library, notebook, TV, music, game centre, ect without weighing down my bag (especially since I love a good thick book). I do a bit of blogging, watch a film, read the latest issue of Cosmopolitan, and next thing I know I'm there. Yes you could bring a laptop, but I find even a netbook is too heavy and cumbersome for public transport. Make sure it has a sturdy cover as it will probably get knocked around a bit in the rush hour hustle and bustle.

6. Travel umbrella

Especially if you live in the UK. Unless you enjoy being soggy at work. The smaller the better so it fits easily in a handbag, although I guess you could get a full-sized one and use it to fight your way onto the train, the choice is yours.

7. Mini Emergency kit

I keep a little coin purse with some little emergency items in it like plasters (bandaids), a nail file, paracetamol, eye drops, cotton buds, ect. Whatever little mini things might come in handy. Some other things I usually make sure I have: tissues, dental floss and a mini toothbrush, Berocca, and a travel sized deodorant (here's to wishing other London commuters would bring is along with them).

8. A leak proof travel mug

I love my morning Costa latte, but getting one everyday would cost me a fortune. But I need that bit of caffeine and something warm to keep me going in the morning. Getting a good coffee mug is better for your wallet and the environment. Try finding a leakproof one (amazon.co.uk has a few) so you can just toss it in your bag.

All my essentials! Ready for another long day!

Manicure Monday

Nothing brightens up a dull Monday for me like having a fresh manicure.  Today my tips are typing away painted up in pastel blue with silver.

I picked up this Barry M polish in Blue Moon as a little Friday treat on my way home from work. It's a gorgeous colour, but you definitely need a base coat with it as its really sheer and I used a few coats to really get the most out of the robin's egg blue shade.

I like to add a little something fun to my nails, but i cant stand over the top or cutesy nail designs, so an accent nail is perfect. To me a good silver nail polish is like a little black dress for your nails.  Classy, goes with everything, just the right amount of dressy, and perfect no matter what season.  My absolute fav is Maybelline express finish 40 second in Silver Speed. It has just the right amount of shine and some subtle shimmer, and its perfect if you're like me who can't sit still long enough to let your nails dry.

Derry, Northern Ireland

I haven't had much of a chance to travel lately, but I did get a chance to go see my granddad in Derry earlier this month, so I thought I'd tell you a little bit about my trip.

Derry is not somewhere I'd normally pick for a city break, so the main reason I went was just to visit.  But the city ended up surprising me.  Northern Ireland's second largest city certainly has a reputation for its troubled past, but signs of a new unity and rejuvenation are everywhere, like the new peace bridge representing a new connection between a historically divided city.   It has certainly come a long way in recent years and has even been named 2013's European City of Culture.

It is definitely worth taking a look into the history of this city. There's quite a few walking tours you can do of the bog side, murals and Bloody Sunday, ect. I did the one of the murals, which was pretty cool to learn about, two of my second cousins took me, which was quite cool because they knew quite a few facts having lived in Derry all their lives.

No trip to any part of Ireland is complete without a trip to the pub for some traditional music and a cold pint. There's a great place called Peader O'Donnell's that is worth a visit that usually has some live music on and a pretty good atmosphere.



The city is also a great base for exploring nearby Donegal, including the fabled Giant's Causeway or a day trip to Belfast. Unfortunately it was a bit too cold and blustery for the causeway this time around and I ran out of time to go see Belfast, so maybe next time!

One of my favourite parts of Derry is the Craft Village.  It so quaint and quintessentially Irish (There's even a thatched cottage).  It's a great place to get something unique and grab some lunch.  Both the Boston Tea Party (try the apple pie!) and Cafe Mondo have great light lunches with sandwiches and homemade soups (yum!).  If you're wanting to bring back some souvenirs, there's a great little Irish shop, a place to buy Derry crystal, and my favourite was a little shop selling all sorts of things from local artists.  

There are many more glamorous cities in Europe, but Derry is definitely worth checking out if you haven't before as its definitely full of some surprises.