Thinking about a trip to Europe? If you're going at Christmastime of in the middle of summer, I must recommend Copenhagen. Not as many Americans visit so it feels very much like you are immersed in local culture. Being married to a Dane has given me lots of time to discover the back streets and fun events for this gorgeous city, housing the oldest monarchy on the planet.
1. Stay at The Palace Hotel
Located in the heart of Copenhagen across from the town square and close to Tivoli it is amazingly absent of American tourists. Get to breakfast early though or you'll find the orange juice rather tepid.
2. Eat Italian food at Vesuvio's
The Danish cuisine is like ours in that they enjoy food from all over. This one is terrific and not overly expensive. I am a huge fan of the calzone but the menu will satisfy any taste. The owners and waiters hail from Italy so enjoy getting another culture imfused with the Nordic feel.
3. Take the train to Bellevue
You'll find a nice beach area with gorgeous sand and sun. An amusement park awaits the kids and an animal park provides a nice walk through the forest.
4. Sit on the dock at Nyhavn
This is an amazing combination of tourist attraction and local hang out. When the weather is nice you'll find locals sitting on the docks with friends and beer. In the wonter, the restaurants provide heaters and blankets to keep you warm while you watch the boats.
5. Nap in the King's Garden
A beautiful park with many families and students awaits you. A small lake provides great scenery for a nice stroll and the grass is wonderfully inviting for an afternoon siesta.
6. Shop at Illum
This is the Danish version of Rodeo Drive. You can find delicious, hand made chocolate and other delicacies along side boutique clothing and even office equipment. Be prepared to spend some Kroner here since it is the most expensive store in the coutry.
7. Have a drink at The Mouse and the Elephant
No tourists here. It is a unique, four story bar filled with people playing chess, sitting on their two patio areas, and drinking beeer poured out of an elephant trunk. When we went it was smoke-filled but new laws should keep the smokers sitting outside.
8. Hear American oldies at Rosie McGee's
If you need a dose of Billy Joel or James Taylor head to Rosie McGee's for some fun. It gets hopping late in the evening. The dance floor is empty most of the time but a brave American could teach some partying Danes how to two-step is she were so inclined.
9. Walk through Tivoli at midnight
Tivoli is a small amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen famous for being the first of it's kind. You'll find lots of great restaurants within the park as well as fast food stands with a Danish flair. Many little shops carry tourist trinquets galore. The real fun though happens late when few park goers remain. Stay fo rhte light show and you wol not be disappointed.
10. Eat a hot dog at the airport
Picking up your baggage has never been more delicious. A Danish hot dog is nothing like our offering. You'll have to see for yourself. Not calorie friendly but well-worth the indulgance.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Your marriage: Instead of buying her chocolate
When I write this column, I imagine a potential reader and most of the time I write for wives and mothers. Today's list is meant for husbands and boyfriends. If your man isn't likely to find this blog, pass these hints along to give him ideas.
In past entries, I have shared stories of my husband Franz's surprises. He is very romantic and thoughtful and I remind myself every day how blessed I am to have his love. He wants me to have everything I want, every day and goes to extreme lengths to make me happy. Sometimes, though, it's not always helpful to get everything. My list today gives ideas for indulgances that are good for you and still fun to receive. If you want to encourage your wife in her quest for health, read on for ways to show her you love her without sabotaging her attempts.
1. Encourage her choices
Notice her workouts, tell her she looks sexy, and make her feel good about taking the time to eat right and exercise regularly.
2. Give her a massage
It doesn't matter if you're trained or not. Low lights, soft music, some scented candles, and lots of touching make for a wonderfully indulged feeling.
3. Paint her toes
I've read about this one several places but have never experienced it. I imagine it as something hilarious more than romantic since Franz thinks my feet could be a scary Halloween decoration. Hopefully your feet aren't so difficult and that his one is sensual instead of scary.
4. Give her compliments
We notice. When you tell us we are beautiful, intelligent and kind, we notice. My heart still speeds up just a little when Franz compliments the shade of my eyes. The European accent doesn't hurt...
5. Hold hands
When you're walking together, take her hand. It shows you want to be close and connected even in public.
6. Read to her
I love poetry and would melt if Franz sat next to me by a roaring fire reading a beatiful sonnet. He could read the Danish newspaper and I would think it was special. It's intimate and comforting.
7. Take her dancing
Dancing with the Stars has made us all want to waltz around the ballroom as gracefully as Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. We watch the stars samba and tango and wish our men would dress up and take us out for a night of dancing.
8. Watch a romantic movie together
Although I am not a movie fan in general, I love sitting together and watching people fall in love. Make some popcorn, put your feet up and remember how wonderful it is to discover love.
9. Play her favorite music
Franz and I like similar music so this one happens more often than not in our household. If you enjoy country and she's rock and roll, give her CD some playing time when your driving around town.
10. Make a list of reasons you love her
My brother wrote this list for his wife on their 10th anniversary. Wow! I cannot imagine anything more romantic. Take time to tell her, in writing, what you love about her. Don't forget to mention the fact that you love that she takes care of herself as one of your items.
In past entries, I have shared stories of my husband Franz's surprises. He is very romantic and thoughtful and I remind myself every day how blessed I am to have his love. He wants me to have everything I want, every day and goes to extreme lengths to make me happy. Sometimes, though, it's not always helpful to get everything. My list today gives ideas for indulgances that are good for you and still fun to receive. If you want to encourage your wife in her quest for health, read on for ways to show her you love her without sabotaging her attempts.
1. Encourage her choices
Notice her workouts, tell her she looks sexy, and make her feel good about taking the time to eat right and exercise regularly.
2. Give her a massage
It doesn't matter if you're trained or not. Low lights, soft music, some scented candles, and lots of touching make for a wonderfully indulged feeling.
3. Paint her toes
I've read about this one several places but have never experienced it. I imagine it as something hilarious more than romantic since Franz thinks my feet could be a scary Halloween decoration. Hopefully your feet aren't so difficult and that his one is sensual instead of scary.
4. Give her compliments
We notice. When you tell us we are beautiful, intelligent and kind, we notice. My heart still speeds up just a little when Franz compliments the shade of my eyes. The European accent doesn't hurt...
5. Hold hands
When you're walking together, take her hand. It shows you want to be close and connected even in public.
6. Read to her
I love poetry and would melt if Franz sat next to me by a roaring fire reading a beatiful sonnet. He could read the Danish newspaper and I would think it was special. It's intimate and comforting.
7. Take her dancing
Dancing with the Stars has made us all want to waltz around the ballroom as gracefully as Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. We watch the stars samba and tango and wish our men would dress up and take us out for a night of dancing.
8. Watch a romantic movie together
Although I am not a movie fan in general, I love sitting together and watching people fall in love. Make some popcorn, put your feet up and remember how wonderful it is to discover love.
9. Play her favorite music
Franz and I like similar music so this one happens more often than not in our household. If you enjoy country and she's rock and roll, give her CD some playing time when your driving around town.
10. Make a list of reasons you love her
My brother wrote this list for his wife on their 10th anniversary. Wow! I cannot imagine anything more romantic. Take time to tell her, in writing, what you love about her. Don't forget to mention the fact that you love that she takes care of herself as one of your items.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Your health: Instead of a another sweater
Need the perfect gift for someone who is working to lose weight? Here are ten ideas that support the healthy lifestyle and still fun to receive. The list is a little different since I have segmented the gifts by relationship.
1. For your co-worker
A pretty lunch bag with matching storage containers. You can even fill it with a lunch food for presentation.
2. For your mother-in-law
A membership to her local gym or a Y where she can stay active in a group setting. She'll also have the guidance she needs to try new things.
3. For your husband
An interactive vaction like biking in Napa Valley or hiking at a state park.
4. For your wife
A set of weights. Women don't do enough weight work outs to prevent bone density loss. Help her get started with some colorful ones. Don't forget to encourage her progress!
5. For your child
Tickets to a local sports team. Colleges and High schools have very reasonably priced season tickets. For a pro event, you might have to make it a one-time thing.
6. For your BFF
A cool gym bag with lots of compartments for storing stuff.
7. For your neighbor
Coupons to watch the kids or run errands so she has time to take a walk or get to the gym.
8. For your local charity
A subscription to a health magazine like Prevention, Shape, or Experience Life
9. For your pet
A polka dot or camoflague leash so Rover can walk with you. Balls and frisbees also promote activity to keep Happy happy.
10. For yourself
A new exercise outfit. Do you know that getting something new will increase your liklihood of working out? You are doing yourself a favor by adding to this wardrobe once in a while.
1. For your co-worker
A pretty lunch bag with matching storage containers. You can even fill it with a lunch food for presentation.
2. For your mother-in-law
A membership to her local gym or a Y where she can stay active in a group setting. She'll also have the guidance she needs to try new things.
3. For your husband
An interactive vaction like biking in Napa Valley or hiking at a state park.
4. For your wife
A set of weights. Women don't do enough weight work outs to prevent bone density loss. Help her get started with some colorful ones. Don't forget to encourage her progress!
5. For your child
Tickets to a local sports team. Colleges and High schools have very reasonably priced season tickets. For a pro event, you might have to make it a one-time thing.
6. For your BFF
A cool gym bag with lots of compartments for storing stuff.
7. For your neighbor
Coupons to watch the kids or run errands so she has time to take a walk or get to the gym.
8. For your local charity
A subscription to a health magazine like Prevention, Shape, or Experience Life
9. For your pet
A polka dot or camoflague leash so Rover can walk with you. Balls and frisbees also promote activity to keep Happy happy.
10. For yourself
A new exercise outfit. Do you know that getting something new will increase your liklihood of working out? You are doing yourself a favor by adding to this wardrobe once in a while.
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