3 Things That Makes Copenhagen Perfect

So I’m back from my little wander to Copenhagen and I have to say, I can see why it is that they top the polls when it comes to the happiest nations.
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I’m going to be sharing a few more nuggets from my trip (including some recipes) over the next few days but for now, here are the three things that I think makes Copenhagen the perfect City.
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They offer SUPER healthy fast food.
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Before I went to Copenhagen, I was slightly concerned about the price of things over there. I was told by various people that it was an incredibly expensive city so my plan was to live on the famous open sandwiches for the entire time. But I didn’t find it that expensive. Certainly no more expensive than London. However, I had no idea that the food on offer would be so healthy. Let’s take the offerings in 7-11 for example, raw cakes, paleo salads, raw juices – all at extremely low prices. And that’s just in 7-11 – think about your local spar – the gingster pasty alternative isn’t really the same is it?
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There were juice bars and healthy eating joints dotted all across the place which made eating well really easy. And most shops sold little apple and ginger tonic shots for around £1.20. Joe & The Juice bars were EVERYWHERE too, including 2 in the airport. Raw and paleo restaurants are also not uncommon, basically, whatever your dietary need – Copenhagen can serve it up.
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Bike lanes are extensions of the pavement, not on the road – and they work. I’m not a natural bike rider. As much as I love the idea of getting on my bike, it’s not really for me (unless it’s a spin bike or the stationary bike at the gym). But a lot of that is that I just don’t feel comfortable on the roads. My boyfriend used to cycle back and forth to work and have to tackle some of the main roads in Cardiff and that was bad enough. But, the Danes have it right. There are 249 MILES of cycle lanes in Copenhagen and they are safe – no worries a bus or erratic driver will knock you off. Plus, the Danes follow the rules of the road. I think we’ve all seen cyclists run red lights or not stick to the rules of the road, but they’re strict over there and it works. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a traffic jam of cyclists! And believe me when I say EVERYONE cycles, it’s not just for mamil’s (middle aged men in lycra), I saw one lady in a fur coat and heels whizzing around on her bike. It’s the norm.

They have a lot of access to green space. The local government have a policy that all residents must be able to reach a park or beach by foot in less than 15 minutes. Of course, it’s not possible to build great, big parks, especially in the middle of the City so they have ‘pocket parks’ which are small, green spaces for City residents. The hope is that this will keep residents fit and help the environment by reducing traffic and pollution. #LOVE

There are a whole host of other reasons why it’s a great city (environmentally friendly, they’re socially connected, they have a good work/life balance etc) but these three are really what I noticed in my time there.

Have you been to Copenhagen? What did you think?

5 Things to do in Wales this Autumn that are good for the planet

I love Autumn. And I think it’s the perfect time to get out and explore. And if you want to make your exploration footprint a little lighter, you’re in luck as here are 5 of my favourite things to do in Wales that are also, would you believe, eco friendly.

Take a walk along the Llandegfedd reservoir trail
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If you’re a local and haven’t been to Llandegfedd for a while then you’ll be pretty surprised to see the changes. Back in the Easter they opened a new visitor’s centre and cafe as well as a new six and a half mile, scenic route around the reservoir. The circular trial will have walkers going through woodland, pasture, a conservation zone and a golf course, where you’ll see loads of wildlife and be treated to wonderful views over the reservoir. And don’t worry if you don’t fancy a six mile jaunt, you can just do parts of it as it links in to other footpaths along the way.

Take a trip to the Senedd (The National Assembly for Wales)


If you’re planning to head down to Cardiff Bay, then do stop in the Senedd whilst you’re there. It is one of the most environmentally friendly parliament buildings in the world and made from traditional Welsh materials such as slate and Welsh oak. You can go in and have a wander around, grab a cup of coffee and go to the public galleries where you can observe Plenary in the Siambr, which is the Assembly’s debating chamber.

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Continue reading “5 Things to do in Wales this Autumn that are good for the planet”

London: Sky Garden

I like heights. I especially like to see big cities from above. There’s something magical about looking at grand old buildings look so small and actually seeing how the city fits together.

So I LOVED my visit to the Sky Garden in London. Unfortunately it was raining so I didn’t manage to get outside (or get any really good pictures) but here are a few snaps I managed to take…

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London Sky Garden Continue reading “London: Sky Garden”

2 Amazing New York Inspired Summer Cocktails

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One of the things I love the most about New York City is the cocktails -my boyfriend would argue it’s actually all about the craft beer – but he’s wrong.

Luckily, on my recent trip to New York I managed to sample a few – all in the name of research obviously – and I’ll do a few New York guides (if you’d like?) on the best places to eat/drink/play. But for now, here are two new favourite cocktails that I wanted to share with you – hopefully, these will make a great addition to your summer BBQ’s and parties.

Lady Liberty Cosmo – The Heartland Brewery.

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1 ½ parts Grey Goose vodka
½ part Cointreau liqueur
1 parts cranberry juice
¼ part fresh lime juice
Cubed ice

Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and double strain into large cocktail glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

Blue Hawaii – Flatiron Lounge

1 1/2 parts White rum
1 1/2 blue curaçao
1 tsp coconut cream
2 parts pineapple juice

Add all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake then strain into a glass. Serve over ice.

What cocktails will you be drinking this summer?

Hotel Mela, Times Square, New York

I absolutely LOVE hotels.I’m genuinely fascinated by them, always have been. I love the smell, the bustle, the feeling of one room living. I’m also deeply interested in what goes on behind the scenes in hotels (have you been watching that Richard E Grant series on Sky Atlantic about hotel secrets? If not, Series 2 is on NowTV – well worth a watch). So many weird things happen and strange behaviour played out – it’s enthralling.  But all that is another story… I was chatting with someone on Twitter last night about my stay in New York, they have booked the same hotel and I couldn’t praise it highly enough – which then reminded me that I hadn’t actually blogged about it.

So if you’re on your way to New York then check out Hotel Mela a fabulous hotel that’s right in the heart of Manhattan…

5218578632_d5ba46d98b_z Hotel Mela located 120 West on 44th Street. Right in the heart of Times Square this  hotel has defiantly got the home from home vibe down. 5217993513_df946f9a28_b     Large, memory foam beds with plenty of pillows and thick black out curtains to hide the noise and bustle of Times Square – I can honestly say i’ve not had a better night sleep in years (and bear in mind I was in a car accident the day before!!).

The Hotel Mela really is the perfect place to base yourself, especially if you’ve never been to New York before! It’s tucked up a side street so you have a moment to catch your breath being entering the fray. The hotel is less than two blocks from all the shopping on Fifth Avenue, within five blocks of the New York Public Library and the Rockefeller Centre, and  Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art are within 15 blocks.

We managed to walk EVERYWHERE from the hotel so it really is ideally situated. OH and free wi-fi so you can update all your friends back home of the wonderful time you’re having… 20140512-174812.jpg images of hotel mela via crshotels on flickr

Stylish Cow: The Lazy Cow, Warwick.

The Lazy Cow SalisburyLast weekend I finally got the opportunity to stay at The Lazy Cow in Warwick. Somewhere I’ve been desperate to stay for quite sometime.

We got an absolute bargain with this room. The usual price is around £150 a night but we managed to get a Luxury Kingsize Moo Room for just £50 by visiting the lazy cow website directly.  We didn’t have great service at the hotel and there were some issues with the room which I won’t bore you with but there’s no disputing this is one stylish hotel. It’s also right in the heart of Warwick, perfect for exploring.
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Definitely a design hotel; The lampshade was made up of lots of little, retro milk bottles – funky.

The Lazy Cow, Warwick

The Lazy Cow in Warwick, great to look at but the important details are overlooked…All style and no substance does not make happy travelers. Continue reading “Stylish Cow: The Lazy Cow, Warwick.”