bloomzy, Author at Bloomzy

bloomzy / October 22, 2016

24 Hours In Copenhagen | A Copenhagen Travel Guide

One of my favourite travel adventures this year has been my trip to Copenhagen. My first foray into Scandinavia. Well, unless you count watching Scandi-dramas, reading endless design books, and a perpetual desire for Danish pastries. Yes, I was over the moon to finally be here – I’m totally a Scandiphile – and trust me, I had an awesome time. So without further ado, here’s my Copenhagen travel guide to help you through your 24 hours in the City of Cool!

24 Hours in Copenhagen: A Copenhagen Travel Guide

Stay at: an Air Bnb in ‘Indre By’
- Hotels can be crazy expensive in Copenhagen, but have no fear, Air Bnb is here! Prices are more than affordable, and you get to stay with some of the locals – it’s win, win.
- Otherwise known as the Downtown Copenhagen or simply K, Indre By is as central as it gets. Park yourself here and you’ll be right in the middle of it all. We stayed in Strøget – an area with plenty of shops, restaurants and things to do. I’d also recommend areas such as Frederiksberg & Vesterbro.
Have a Danish for breakfast
- Come on, you can’t come all this way without trying one of the countries most famous foods. Trust me, these are nothing like the ones you’ve had at home. They’re found in most cafes, and pair perfectly with a coffee.
- Tip: try the Kanelsnegl from Vores Broed.
Grab a bike!
- Copenhagen is very cycle friendly. Every road has a designated lane for cyclists, with some areas only accessible by bike. It’s safe and easy to navigate, as well as being a fast way to get around the city. I’d recommend Donkey Republic – bikes that you can lock/unlock with your phone, for only £6 a day!

Go up the Rundertaarn (Round Tower)
- This beautiful 17th century tower is only £3 to enter, and features a round “staircase” and a lovely view from the top. The inside is so Instagram-able though, you may not want to leave.
Pop into Trinitatis Church
- Next door to the Rundertaarn is a beautiful example of Danish architecture – Trinitatis Church. It’s free to enter, and open to all.
Have lunch at: Torvehallerne
- This street food market offers up some of the best food in CPH. If you want something entirely Danish, try Hallernes Smørrebrød. These open sandwiches are packed full of ingredients, and flavour. Tip: grab a few and share.
- Stop by The Coffee Collective after for an espresso. You know, to keep you going.
Check out the view from Christiansborg Palace
- The former palace, now parliament, allows you to go up the viewing tower for free. The view is breathtaking, and on a good day you can see Sweden (including The Bridge). The restaurant below offers up delicious food, presented beautifully. Again, with a view.

Take a Boat Tour from Nyhavn
- Nyhavn is probably the most photographed of all Copenhagen. Boat tours run on a regular basis here, but I’d suggest Nettobådene (the small white kiosk opposite Charlottenborg Fonden). They run every hour, and cost only £4.80. Tip: these are half the price of others, but they do the exact same tour.
Shop til you drop in Strøget
- Or at least until you have to catch your flight. Strøget features a variety of shops, all in central CPH, and only 15mins from the airport. You’ll find Danish brands and stores such as Mads Nørgaard, Naked, and Illums (the best department store in the world tbh). The Hay House is also in Strøget, and is definitely worth wasting your time in.
Try the Flæskesteg at Københavner-caféen
- Københavner-caféen serves up traditional Danish dishes, in a relaxed environment. You must must must try the Flæskesteg (roast pork) – it’s super Danish, and incredibly tasty.

Feel free to leave your own Copenhagen travel recommendations in the comments.
And don’t forget to check out my other travel posts – More Copenhagen posts coming soon!

bloomzy / October 19, 2016

Winter Skincare Saviour Routine | Beauty

My Winter Skincare Saviour Routine

Ok, so it may officially be autumn, but I’m already thinking about my winter skincare routine. Winter can be tough on all of us. The combination of lack of sunlight, harsh wind and rain, and cold weather is not ideal. It’s fair to say that we all suffer a little at this time of year. As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always cautious about taking extra care. So I’ve put together my My Winter Skincare Saviour Routine.

Winter Skincare for… Eyes

FaceD – Instant Effect Depuffing Eye Mask | Buy
- One of my favourite eye masks for reviving tired, puffy eyes.
Trilogy – Age-Proof CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate* | Buy
- This caffeine eye roll brightens, lifts and refreshes. It also keeps me going during the day when my eyes need a pick-me-up. A saviour for someone who works in front of a screen full-time.
Ren – Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift* | Buy
- I love eye creams, and I’m always after the next wonder product. This gel-serum not only lifts, but dramatically brightens the delicate eye area too.

Winter Skincare for… Face

Sephora – Precision Pore Cleansing Pad | Buy
- I use this in my daily routine. It works to invigorate the skin and clean pores, helping to exfoliate and soften the skin.
Caudalie – Grape Water | Buy
- I use this as a toner, to set my make-up, and to sooth my skin. Wonder product!
Omorovicza – Oxygen Booster* | Buy
- This oxygen-rich serum works to revitalise, replenish and hydrate lack-lustre skin. This is one high quality product.
Elemis – Biotec Skin Energising Cleanser | Buy
- A gentle, deep-cleansing wash, for refreshed looking skin. This smells amazing, and treats my skin good.

Winter Skincare for… Body

Balance Me – Rose Otto Body Cream* | Buy
- My skin tends to get dry around Winter, and sometimes I suffer from eczema. So this ultra soothing cream for dry skin is perfect.
Pai – Rosehip Bioregenrate Oil* | Buy
- This is the ultimate multi-tacker. Perfect for the body, or face. Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil can be used to improve: dry patches, flaky patches, blemishes, dull skin tone, fine lines, scars, and sun damage.

Winter Skincare for… Hair

Aesop – Nurturing Shampoo | Buy
- Great for dry or damaged hair. I haven’t been let down by an Aesop product yet!
Aesop – Colour Protection Conditoner | Buy
- This conditioner contains UV-protective Sunflower Seed to prolong colour retention and Hydrolyzed Oats to hydrate and soften chemically treated or damaged hair.
Grow Gorgeous – Cleansing Conditioner* | Buy
- Forget shampoo. Forget conditioner. This does it all in one…make that 11-in-1. It combines foamless cleansing and deep conditioning in one step to rebalance the scalp and restore hair. I like to use it once a week.

Leave your winter skincare recommendations in the comments.
Don’t forget to check out more of my Beauty posts.

bloomzy / October 16, 2016

Handmade at Kew x In The Window | Interior

Handmade at Kew x In The Window

Kew Gardens is one of my favourite retreats in London (as you may know). However it’s quite a trek to get there, so I often need an excuse to go. Whether that’s friends inviting me, a photoshoot etc. Last weekend I was given the perfect excuse for my second visit in 3 months. An invite from In The Window, to visit their Handmade at Kew stall.

Handmade at Kew

Meeting designers in person is always eye opening. In The Window’s stall at Handmade at Kew allowed me to meet several of their designers, as well as learning more about their creative process. I met with Daniel Heath, Frame & Cover, and Peaceable Kingdom Cushions. For me, a product/brand truly comes alive when I can feel and see the passion behind it. So I loved hearing the stories behind the designs, products and brands. Of course it always helps if you have the designers on hand to show you.

Live The Story

This time I was able to do some screen printing with Daniel Heath – always a pleasure. As well as Peaceable Kingdom Cushions – gorgeous designs, on organic fabrics. Whilst we learnt more about In The Window’s new Press Spaces (for bloggers & press), whilst lounging in Frame & Cover chairs. Corinne (the founder) is so passionate about organic materials, and UK production. I loved that her outfit on the day mirrored her patterns – now that’s keeping to an aesthetic!

Handmade at Kew really reflected the values and concept behind In The Window, so it makes a lot of sense that the two would pair up. I loved interacting with the designers, as well as learning about all the exciting new projects coming from ITW. Definitely a day worth making the trek for.

You can find out more about all of the designers featured at In The Window.
Follow #LiveTheStory on Twitter and Instagram to find out more.

bloomzy / October 10, 2016

Mads for Minimalist Style | Style (OOTD)

Top: Mads Nørgaard | Dress: New Look* | Chelsea Boots: ASOS | Open Ring: Jessie Harris

This minimalist style thing has been going on for quite a while now, right? I’ve actually managed to stick to a style I love for a couple of years now. That’s pretty impressive for me. My wardrobe used to be a garish sight to behold: predominantly black clothing, varying styles that didn’t match, and a bunch of unloved clothes I never wore. Now you’ll find complimentary colours and curated items that each get their fair share of love. It’s beautiful. Well, in my eyes anyway. But I get a lot of people asking me how I’d class my personal style, and when I reply they’re confused by the concept of minimalist style.

What is Minimalist Style?

For me, minimalist style is unpretentious. It’s basic, but not boring. It’s modest. It says a lot, without really saying much at all.

That’s not to say I don’t appreciate styles which are any less minimalist than my own. In fact I think you can see from my personal style evolution that I love a bit of eccentricity and pattern clashing. It just so happens that I’m at a stage where my personal style fits my lifestyle goals, personal beliefs, and outlook. I don’t feel anywhere near as stressed as I used to when having to put an outfit together. Actually I barely worry now (except for maybe big events) about what people will think of my clothes. For those that have grown up – like myself – sporting various styles and shapes of clothing, you’ll understand. It’s not easy to feel stylish, casual yet smart and confident in your style. Maybe that’s why this particular “phase” of my personal style has stuck around for so long. Which is all well and good really, because it feels right.

Check out my previous style posts here.

bloomzy / October 7, 2016

Cafe Kitsune Paris: A Love Affair Between Tokyo & Paris

Cafe Kitsune Paris | Coffee & Pastries | Metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre | Map

What is one to do with a spare afternoon in Paris? Spend it like a true Parisian of course, and lounge around beautiful architecture and gorgeous people, all whilst sipping on a coffee. That’s exactly what VA (Chopstickpanorama) and I decided to do during our whirlwind visit to Paris recently, at Cafe Kitsune Paris.

Cafe Kitsune Paris

We found the cafe located along Galerie de Montpensier. An old arcade which still has it’s original, vintage shop fronts and fittings. Nestled inside an old fabric shop, Maison Kitsune has found the perfect setting for their oh so chic Paris cafe. We took a seat at their outside tables, as inside is pretty cramped and not really made for sitting in. Everything about Cafe Kitsune Paris has been thought out to the last little detail, from the tree lined park, to the signature tables. If you don’t feel like a true Parisian whilst you’re here, I’ll eat my hat!

カフェキツネ – パリ

The cafe boasts a wide selection of coffees and teas to order. I was so pleased to see London based Workshop Coffee Co being used at the cafe – it’s nice to discover a familiar name when travelling. VA and I ordered a flat white and an iced latte – both which made for a good cup of coffee. Cafe Kitsune Paris also offer the occasional pastry too. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to grab some cake, or one of their iconic fox biscuits, which mimics the brands logo (kitsune is Japanese for fox). Hurry up though, Maison Kitsune’s cafes are known for selling out of their food offerings quickly.

How does the Paris cafe compare to the Aoyama, Tokyo cafe?

I personally prefer it. The location and vibe is much more relaxed, and it fits in with the brands aesthetic perfectly. If you’re looking for somewhere with good coffee, delicious food, and a stylish setting, Cafe Kitsune Paris is it.

You can find Cafe Kistune Paris at Galerie de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France
Unfortunately Filles du Calvaire cafe has now closed, so this is the only remaining Cafe Kitsune in Paris.

Check out more: Travel Diaries & Recommendations

bloomzy / September 30, 2016

Atelier September: The Perfect Copenhagen Brunch?

The Perfect Copenhagen Brunch?
Atelier September Cafe & Interiors Store | Website | Map

One of the first things I do when I spend a long weekend in a new city is find out where I can get brunch. As a fan of Scandinavian food, this task was made even more exciting when I travelled to Copenhagen last week. After consulting several books (500 Hidden Secrets of Copenhagen), my Cereal Guide and a few blogs, I had a decent list at hand. At the top of this list was a creative space with a difference – Atelier September.

Atelier September: The Perfect Copenhagen Brunch?

Atelier September is perfectly located a short walk from Copenhagen’s city centre, and just down the road from the popular area of Nyhavn. The cafe boasts bright, clean, spacious interiors at the front of the store, whilst hidden inside the back is a small interiors store/creative space – for all your Danish homeware needs.

The cafe opens at 9am on a Saturday, and since I’m an earlier riser when I’m travelling, I headed over for opening time. I always think the popularity of a place can be seen through the dedication of it’s customers. We arrived around 9:05am and there were only two tables left at this point. Luckily we grabbed a window seat, so we could people watch…and you know, perfect lighting for blog photos.

The food

For breakfast, you’ll find eggs, rye bread, cheese, granola and fruit on the menu here. It’s simple, but perfect for starting your day on the right note. Lunch time sees a selection of cheeses, hams and breads. Not too different from breakfast, but a great selection none the less.
I went for rye bread and egg. The rye bread was fresh, and the best I’ve had to date. I really loved that the boiled egg was still runny inside, and it complimented the rye bread well. It might sound and look like a simple breakfast, but it was delicious. The perfect start to my Copenhagen travels.

The coffee

As for beverages, Atelier September really excels at bringing variety to the table. Options include fresh pressed juices, matcha, soda, green tea and coffee. I like to start my day with the hard stuff, so I went for a cappuccino (no flat whites here!). I have no complaints.

Does Atelier September offer up the perfect Copenhagen brunch?

Definitely, especially if you’re like me and you don’t always want to over-indulge. If you do, that’s fine too, I’d just suggest you order a couple of dishes. As for value for money, we paid around 140 Krone (£16) for two coffees, and two egg & rye bread breakfasts. That’s not bad when you break it down, and when you consider that you’re brunching in Copenhagen (it’s not a cheap city). The staff here are helpful, and offered us an English menu when I asked about an item on the menu (my Danish is limited to DuoLingo). Afterwards I chatted to the manager about how she wanted to visit London, and how she fell in love with Copenhagen and moved there. If a cafe has good staff, it will go far. And it’s definitely part of the success behind Atelier September. If you want a real Danish experience, head here. It’s a serious contender for the best Copenhagen brunch.

You can find Atelier September at Gothersgade 30 1123 Copenhagen
Check out more: Where to Eat

bloomzy / September 26, 2016

Doing it Danish Style | Style (OOTD)

Top: Mads Nørgaard | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Converse

Danish style. What does that mean to you? For me it conjures up images of tailored clothes, layers, and white sneakers. Washed down with fresh sea air and delectable pastries. All of which – you’ll be pleased to know – I managed to make the most of whilst travelling in Copenhagen last week. Pastries and gorgeous landscapes aside, I was beyond giddy to finally be in the capital of my style-inspiration. I reckon 99% of my Tumblr and Pinterest combined are made up of Danish brands (homeware & clothing). Danish style is the ultimate for me.

Doing it Danish Style

As well as being the land of clean, minimalist style, Denmark has a few other tricks up it’s sleeve. The country is jam packed full of designers you’ve probably heard of/seen, but never realised were Danish. Wood Wood, Samsøe & Samsøe, and Baum und Pferdgarten to name a few. Yep, Danish designers have a pretty strong hold on the fashion industry, and they’re not letting go anytime soon. I just knew my trip to Copenhagen was going to be heavily influenced by my love of fashion, and these brands.

The Mads Nørgaard store was always going to be on my to-do list, whilst travelling to Copenhagen. I’ve been a fan of the brand ever since I discovered it earlier this year. It’s simplistic style appealed to my minimalist palette almost straight away. The Nørgaard store in Copenhagen is also the home of Nørgaard Paa Strøget #101, the award winning rib t-shirt with long sleeves. The t-shirt – which is made in Denmark – comes in a variety of colors and most importantly, in signature stripes. So it’s no surprise that this little number I’m sporting fell into my hands and onto the register…alongside 3 others.

Check out my previous style posts here.