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The Scandi Lover Gift Guide | Christmas

scandi lover gift guide showing variety of books on Copenhagen and ScandinaviaThe Scandi Lover Gift Guide

If you’re anything like me you’ve probably spent the last few weeks window shopping – both physical and online – for potential Christmas gifts. I don’t like to make it easy for myself though. I enjoy visiting as many shops as possible, so I can make sure I get a good idea of what’s on offer this year. But that’s time consuming and if I can help anyone save time, or recommend something they haven’t thought of, then my blog’s work has been done. So without further ado, here is 2018’s ‘The Scandi Lover Gift Guide’. And I’ve made sure to pack it full of my favourite products from the year. Enjoy!

The Scandi Lover Gift Guide

As you can see I’ve focused on brands and products from a range of price points. I’ve included items I have in my own home, so you know that I can vouch for their quality and assure you that they are worth purchasing.

I included three of my favourites books this year, as I think they fit perfectly into any Scandiphile’s lifestyle – you have interior design tips for the home by Bungalow5DK, timeless fashion advice by Pernille Teisbaek, and a tour of Copenhagen with recipes by Trine Hahnemann.

I also added some bits for the home, to create that perfect ‘hygge’ feeling. What better way to do that than with a glass of something delicious, some candle light, and a mini urban jungle? And who could forget the accompanying Christmas food? Liberty has such a beautifully packaged selection this year, I couldn’t resist suggesting them.

If you enjoyed The Scandi Lover Gift Guide, check out the rest of my Christmas Gift Guide series.

scandi lover gift guide scandi lover gift guide with whisky glasses on natural wood chopping board scandi lover gift guide

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24 Hours in Stockholm, Sweden | A Travel Guide

24 Hours in StockholmIt can be pretty tough visiting a new city, or country. You’re not sure where to eat, what to see, or even where to stay. Well I’m here to change all of that with my handy guides! They’re full of tips, tricks, and the best places to go. So stop worrying about how you’re going to make the most of your time in a new place; here are my recommendations for spending 24 hours in Stockholm, Sweden!

24 Hours in Stockholm

  • Stay at Hobo Hotel
    • The modern, design-centric hotel is placed directly in the centre of Stockholm, making it a great hub during your stay.
  • Breakfast pastries
    • You can hardly visit Sweden without sampling some of their famous pastries. Bröd & Salt bakery has stores across the capital, and offers some of the most delicious. My tip: try Mandelbulle – it’s like a cinnamon roll had a baby with an almond croissant.
  • Visit the museums
    • Most of the museums are conveniently located next to each other in Stockholm. Skansen is an open air museum which offers a glimpse at Swedish culture – including lots of cute animals – whilst the Moderna Museet includes the works of Dali, Matisse…and Beyonce?
  • Stroll through old town
    • Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s old town, and it’s full of picturesque buildings and streets.

 

24 Hours in Stockholm

 

  • Go local for lunch
    • You have to try the local delicacies whilst in Sweden. My recommendations are the bountiful seafood, and the open sandwiches, or both! There’s Drop Coffee Roasters, Green Rabbit and B.A.R to name a few.
  • Shop Scandinavian
    • The Swedes are known for being stylish, so why not shop at some of the best designers out there? Lifestyle stores such as Grandpa are aplenty, but for those who prefer their designers all in one place there’s NK Stockholm and Åhléns.
  • Splash out on dinner
    • Where better to sample Neo-Nordic cuisine than Stockholm? Kagges offers a reasonably priced tasting menu made with local, seasonal ingredients. The flavours are stunning, as is the presentation and care that goes into each dish.
  • Have a nightcap at Hobo
    • Hobo hotel have a cool bar with a DJ, which is frequented by Stockholm natives, as well as guests.

24 Hours in Stockholm

Hints & Tips for 24 Hours in Stockholm:

  • Don’t bring cash!
    • Stockholm is a cash-free society, so much so that you’ll find ‘card only’ signs in most restaurants and stores across the capital.
  • Reserve a table
    • Like most capitals, Stockholm has a thriving restaurant scene, so it’s best to try and make reservations before you arrive.

Well there you have it, my travel guide to 24 Hours in Stockholm!
Feel free to check out the my other 24 Hours In… guides.

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Stockholm on Film – Shooting with a Superheadz Toy Camera

Superheadz Toy CameraStockholm on Film: Shooting with a Superheadz Toy Camera

For years my DSLR was attached to my hip. I couldn’t be without it. It got to the point where I would shove it into the tiniest of bags, just so I could ‘get the photo’. Around a year ago that all changed. I became tired of carrying around such a heavy camera, not to mention the time it took to set up a shoot just for one Instagram photo. The thing is I wasn’t tired of taking photos, I was just tired of the relationship I had with photography. It seemed like my creative spark had gone, and my ‘work’ didn’t feel genuine anymore.

A few months ago I was invited to spend the day with VSCO, and it changed everything. I was reminded of my love for photography, the community, creating, shooting, even editing. The spark had been reignited and I knew exactly what to do with it. It was time for film to make a comeback.

Superheadz Toy Camera

After discussing this with Yasumi – someone I trust and often go to for photography advice – she suggested I try out a toy camera. So I quickly snapped up the Superheadz Tomodachi 35mm with wide angle lens, on her recommendation.

My mini-moon was the first holiday I’d been on where I traded in my DSLR for a film camera. I didn’t want to spend ages setting up photos. Instead I took my toy camera and decided I would take it out at random times. Whether it was to try out something new, or when I spotted something interesting. The results are what you see before you here.

I’m glad I swapped digital for film. It allowed me to enjoy the process of taking photos again, as well as the excitement of not knowing how the photo will turn out. And I don’t think this signals the end of my relationship with my DSLR at all, it’s just a new chapter.

Read more of my photography posts 

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24 Hours In Copenhagen | A Copenhagen Travel Guide

copenhagen travelOne 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!

copenhagen travel

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!

copenhagen travel

  • 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.

copenhagen travel

  • 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!

copenhagen travel