Copenhagen {Nyhavn}

Friday morning we bundled up {the high of the day only got up to about 25F!} and headed out to explore Copenhagen.  We first needed breakfast but after seeing the line at Cafe Atelier September {a fave from the last trip} we decided to continue on, stopping in at the much quieter Kaf Bar that had cozy tables and delicious coffees and breakfast sandwiches that totally hit the spot.  Afterwards we were off to the Christmas markets for our morning glögg, then ventured along to Julemarked Kongens Nytor, another Christmas market near Nyhavn that was full of crafts, food, and Christmas trees.  We meandered along the icy canals at Nyhavn, admiring how different they looked from the last time we were there, and even though it was absolutely freezing, the sun was shining and it was one of the most beautiful winter days - one of my most favorite of the trip!

icy streets and the warmest boots

long lines

i loved these little underground restaurants - so cozy

breakfast

glögg

christmas tree stands in the middle of the city

had to give the viking blood glögg a try

the coldest looking cruise

 i think my eyes were almost frozen shut at this point

cutest coffee carts

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Copenhagen {Day 1}

I arrived in Copenhagen Thursday afternoon sleepy and jet-lagged but so excited to see my honey.  Christian met me at the airport and we immediately took the train into the city and to our hotel {which we conveniently booked just a few blocks from the train station this time}.  After dropping off our bags and knowing daylight was fleeting this time of year we headed out to make the most of the day and our short time in the city.  We headed towards the Strøget, the walking street filled with shops and restaurants {that were all closed for a holiday last time we were in town} and immediately stumbled upon the HC Andersens Julemarked {Christmas Market}.  We had our first glass of glögg of the trip {warm spiced wine spiked with a shot of rum and filled with raisins and almonds} to warm our hands and bellies, then continued walking along the Strøget towards the even larger Julemarked Højbro Plads.  After checking out the market we continued on our walking journey towards TorvehallerneKBH, a favorite food hall from the last trip where we replicated our lunch from the last trip of smørrebrød {open sandwiches} at Hallernes Smørrebrød washed down with some Danish Christmas beers.  From there we walked over the frozen canals towards Pompette, a cute natural wine bar I had heard about in Nørrebro that was cozy and perfect to warm us up after a long and cold walk.  After drinks we were getting hungry and decided to have dinner at Bæst, the most amazing pizza place where we dined on our first night in CPH in 2019.  The restaurant had just opened for the evening so we were seated right away {next to my favorite Obama poster} and proceeded to order cocktails and some of the most delicious pizzas I've ever had.  Seriously - if you're ever in Copenhagen you must go to Baest.  After dinner we started the long, cold trek back to the hotel, watching locals getting off of work flying past us on bikes on the icy and freezing streets.  Back at the hotel we had one more glögg in the hotel bar before passing out after a long but wonderful day.

walking through the train station

glögg!

glögg stands everywhere

so many christmas decorations all over the city

smørrebrød

frozen canals

the cutest little wine bar

a little snow and ice won't deter danes from bike riding

bæst

'nduja, smoked mozzarella, and red onion

smoked mozzarella, brussels sprouts, and sausage

tired and happy

a final glögg of the night

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{waiting for dinner in the rain}

{the best nashville hot chicken in seattle}

{saturday snacks}

{making chicken soup for the sick bf}

{breakfast}

{donuts + the hawks are going to the PLAYOFFS!!}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve was a bit different this year in that I didn't stay up until midnight for the first time in my entire adult life.  We were still battling jet lag so per tradition decided to keep the day pretty low-key by running errands during the day and staying in at night.  Christian whipped up a delicious pot roast for dinner along with his famous mashed potatoes and gravy while I contributed some roasted carrots and salad to the meal.  Paired with yummy cocktails and champs throughout the night, we tried to stay up and watch a movie but by 8:30 C was ready for bed.  I stayed up a bit later watching my Bravo shows but when I realized at 10pm that I had fallen asleep on the couch, I decided to call it a night and head to bed before the fireworks.  We were both so exhausted that whatever celebrations were happening outside didn't wake us at all, but I like to think of it as not going to bed early but starting the new year well rested and ready to take on anything.  That works, right?  :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Merry Christmas!

There are so many pics to go through from our holiday trip to Europe, but for now I'll share our Christmas celebration at home with the parents.  The Friday after we returned Mom & Dad made the trip down to Seattle to see our house decorated for the holidays and have a small celebration just the 4 of us.  We ordered pizza and sat around catching up on our trip and their holiday adventures, then opened presents and stockings around the tree.  It was a small celebration but the most important part is that we were able to spend time together for the holidays which was all that mattered to us.  Cheers to another successful Christmas celebration!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  After a few weeks away I'm back and ready to conquer 2023.  It’s going to be a busy and exciting year around here and I’m looking forward to soaking it all in and having a fabulous time. I’ve been thinking a lot about resolutions and goals as this season is always such a great time to pause and reflect on the things that are going well, the things that are no longer serving you, and the things you are ready to welcome into your life. Instead of the usual eat more veggies, work out everyday, read more books, etc {which yes, I still want to do}, I want to take a more wholistic approach to my goals this year. The word that keeps coming to mind is ‘intention’ - I want to be intentional about spending time with those I love {inviting friends over, going out to more spontaneous dinners} and about what kind of exercise my body needs rather than forcing something that won’t serve me at that time. I want to be intentional about the content and media I consume {hello well written newsletters and bye bye Facebook} and about the food and drink I put in my body. And I want to be intentional about visiting places on my lists {both near and far} and giving myself grace when I need a lazy day or when I need to say no to something for the sake of my mental health. Time is flying by faster and faster every single day and if we don’t spend that time doing things we love and things that will make us happy and healthy in the long run, then what is the point? I’m so excited about the year ahead but also so appreciative for the life I've already built that has gotten me this far. I’m going into this new year with the intention of being present, being mindful, and being grateful for all of the things big and small, and so very thankful that I’m surrounded by some pretty wonderful people to be on this adventure with :)

Happy New Year friends - let’s make this year the best one yet!

xoxo,

stephanie marie