Author: Bianca Wessel

Christmas Smoked Salmon in London

The guests are already at the door when you are still in the bathroom, applying the finishing touches of Mascara… Nevertheless you feel totally relaxed and excited about tonights party. Not only are you wearing your favourite dress and there’s some lovely friends arriving. There’s also a nice bottle of bubbly on the chill and a serving platter filled with exquisite smoked salmon from Hansen Lydersen on wafer thin crisp bread from Neils Yard, topped with a light dash of creme fraiche and decorated artfully with a couple of chives for added colour and taste. All made well in advance of the party!

And if there happens to be any smoked salmon left after the party, why not go for a light lunch option? It takes less than 15 minutes to throw a healthy and delicious smoked salmon salad together. Use avocado, eggs, beetroot and lots more.

© Hansen & Lydersen. Smoked salmon with goats curd, roast baby beets, dashi jellies, kikones and pomegranate, by chef Peter Gordon.

As well as selling at several London Food Markets during the weekend, Hansen Lydersen also supplies some of London’s finest dining rooms. The salmon has a sublimely delicate flavour after being smoked in the London based smokehouse, less than 48 hours after being fished from sustainable stock, over Danish juniper and beech wood. Visit hansen-lydersen.com

Happy Sequin Christmas!

The sequin craze is still going, lots of sequins in stores now. Giving everything a fantastic shimmering effect, the sequin pattern really adds a touch of sparkle to any outfit (and party). Get glam this Christmas with our pick of the best sophisticated sparkling style from Denmark: By Malene Birger, 2 DAY by Day Birger, Sofie Schnoor and ONLY.

© Go Scandinavian via Polyvore

Nordic Spa By Nord from the Nordic Nature

By Nord has developed the Nordic Spa range around the four elements Earth, Water, Air and Fire, each with its own scent and unique ingredients. A combination of natural plant extracts, organic oils, herbs and 100 % pure essential oils from the Nordic nature. What could possibly be better elemts to create your very own home spa this winter?


All products are unisex, multifunctional in use and manufactured in Denmark according to environmental standards. Naturally there are no added parabens, silicone, mineral oils, petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances. Perfect as a gift to someone you love or perhaps time to treat yourself?
The first two elements Earth and Water are available in stores now. We recommend creating your own home spa with the Earth Body Scrub a great exfoliator that will leave your body looking buffed and polished, throughout cold and dry winter months. The soap, shaped as a piece of rock, will also look really cool in any bathroom! By Nord Nordic Spa

Bestseller press event: Preview Spring Summer 2013

The Danish family-owned company BESTSELLER represents fashion brands like Only, Vila Clothes, Selected and the popular accessory brand Pieces. All labels have a clear fashion forward approach with promising collections for SS13.
We went along to BESTSELLER’s press event taking place at their fashionable London HQ in Bedford Square. As it happened to be Vero Moda’s 25th Anniversary it was a rather festive event with glittery cupcakes and lots of ballons.

Vero Moda, featured by Alexa Chung over the last few seasons, is the brand for the fashion-conscious woman who wants to dress well and pay less. Vero Moda consists of three lines: Vero Moda, Vero Moda Very and Vero Moda Intimates.

Selected is inspired by independent and strong personalities, embracing the look of a cosmopolitan woman with a significant identity and courage to create a personal style within the modern look. The style is feminine, cool and chic. selected.com


Vila Clothing design is a mixture of fine prints, delicate cuts and feminine details. Inspired by street style, fairs and trend forecast, Vila Clothing is always updated regarding style, qualities, colors and patterns. And there’s an adventures mix of prints and colours with lots of details for Spring Summer 2013. See more at vila.com

Pieces offers contemporary accessories collections with bags, belts, jewellery, scarves, shoes, basics and seasonal featured products to a reasonable price. With pleasing design and and great quality, what’s not to like?! Visit pieces.com


Only, also know as a denim brand, includes some fab styles for SS13 with a modern and feminine look. only.com

See more Bestseller news and updates at bestseller.com

Winter holiday? Rent a cabin in the Norwegian mountains

When all you’re longing for is the simple life; Unspoiled nature, fresh mountain air and a cozy cabin to take shelter in.

© Photo: Sverre F. Hjørnevik Photography

Norway has deep dark fjords surrounded by white mountain peaks stretching up to the light green northern lights flickering over the dark winter skye. I’s snow storms, it’s arctic wind and freezing temperatures followed by amazing sunshine. It’s nature and it’s the sort of nature that makes you feel alive.

Where to stay? Here’s a quick guide on websites, offering cabins for rent in Norway
visitnorway.com
fjordnorway.com
finn.no

Norwegian adoration of nature is a vital ingredient in the country’s national identity. Over half of the population have ready access to a cabin, the schools arrange annual obligatory ski days, and most postcards produced by the tourist industry depict nature scenes rather than cultural attractions. See the full article about Norwegians and Nature here.

Classic style this winter with Margit Brandt AW12

This to me Margit Brandt Autumn Winter 2012 is fashion as its best; Great tailoring, attention to details, trendy colours and cut with a classic approach, all made in superb quality. Effortless chic! Find your nearest retailer at margitbrandt.eu


And did you know Margit Brandt’s daughter, Julie Brandt, has launched her own label? More about that to come!

Watch The Killing 3 in Style

Finally hitting the British screens, the first episodes of the long-awaited third series of cult Danish detective drama is here!
Sarah Lund and The Killing Series 3 Episode 1 will be on BBC Four this Saturday 17th November at 9pm.


The Killing (Danish title Forbrydelsen) is a Danish television drama series created by Søren Sveistrup, first broadcasted in Denmark on 7th January 2007, and has since become a worldwide success.
The series is set in a fictional Copenhagen police department and revolves around Detective Inspector Sarah Lund (played by Sofie Gråbøl) and her team, with each season series following a different murder case day-by-day and a one-hour episode covering twenty-four hours of the investigation. The series is noted for its plot twists, season-long storylines, dark tone and for giving equal emphasis to the story of the murdered victim’s family alongside the police investigation. It has also been singled out for the photography of its beautiful Danish setting, and for the acting ability of its cast.
The Lund Jumper has also become a big success, even having a Sara Lund Sweater website dedicate to it. The original sweater, as worn by series heroine Sarah Lund, was chosen despite the jumper being decidedly unpolice-like. “The reason it’s so perfect is because it tells so many stories. It tells of a person who doesn’t use her sexuality – that’s a big point. Lund’s so sure of herself she doesn’t have to wear a suit. She’s at peace with herself.” the actor Gråbøl explains.

Now, regardless of hos devoted fan I may be, I do not own a Lund Sweater. But there’s plenty of other cozy knit jumpers that will do! Like this beautiful, also danish design, in a Nordic knit style.

© Photo Ganni Sweater dress £110 available from Wild Swans.

This final series of Forbrydelsen explores the global financial crisis as the ostensibly random murder of a sailor leads Sarah Lund through the financial community.
We’ll be cuddling up in the sofa, wearing cozy knitwear, with our favourite wine in the glass, and of course following the hashtag #thekilling3 on Twitter. Roll on Saturday!

Also, check out the review of The Killing 3 at the Telegraph; “British audiences are in for a genuinely rare treat when it comes to BBC Four in November.” More here

Scandinavian Christmas Markets in London

The Scandinavian Christmas Markets happening in London this November is a must visit for everyone with a hint of Viking blood in their veins. If you can’t go to Scandinavia pre Christmas, this is as close as you get to the real deal. Unleash the Scandinavian in you, and sink into a traditional Nordic Christmas spirit with fellow Scandi lovers.

© Lev Landlig

Danish Bazar kicks of their annual Christmas Bazar in leafy Hampstead, just a short tube ride up from the city. Sink into a traditional Danish Christmas spirit with everything from wrapping paper and Christmas decoration to yummy cookies and Christmas brew. Don’t leave without picking up some fresh pine tree branches for decoration.

Danish Christmas Bazar London takes place on the 24-25 November 2012. Find out more here

The Swedish Christmas Fair is hosted by the Swedish Church, centrally located close to the Baker Street tube station. This fair is renowned for their delicious gingerbread men cookies and the Swedish mulled wine, glögg. There’s also lots of decoration like “Tomten” (Swedish Santa) and other necessities you would need to get ready for the coming holiday. But with live music and stall women and men dressed up in national costumes, this is the place to get a feel for the true Christmas spirit!

The Swedish Christmas Fair in London takes place on the 22, 24-25 November 2012. Find out more here

Skiing in the Alps of Norway – Ski and Sail

In the last few years, Ski and Sail has become increasingly popular. Sail from place to place on the fjord and explore the mountains on each side of the fjord. And stay at places like the Sagafjord Hotel, situated by the fjord in one of the most spectacular mountain areas in Norway, the Sunnmore Alps. The extraordinary fjord and mountain area makes the perfect frame for a variety of activities and a once in a lifetime unique experience of the nature of the North.


© Visit Norway

About Skiing in Fjord Norway
Suitable for experienced skiers, you’ll climb the mountain with a guide, enjoy the view on the top before skiing off piste down hill, straight toward the boat and the deep blue fjord. Find out more on fjordnorway.no ski and sail


© Sagafjord Hotel in Hjørundfjorden. Fjord Norway Photo: Sverre F. Hjørnevik Photography

About Sagafjord Hotel
Sagafjord Hotel welcomed guests the first week of July 2012, after a extensive restoration and refurbishment program. The hotel now consists of 34 rooms with up to 74 beds. In addition, the hotel offers a self catering Norwegian cabin sleeping 6. The old wooden walls that are found in parts of the building are more than 200 years old, adding a lot of history to the place.
Enjoy the amazing view from our restaurant, treat yourself to some refreshments from the bar after a long and active day, or chill out by the fireplace in our lounge area.
sagafjordhotel.no

How to get there
The hotel is situated 1 hour and 40 minutes car journey from Ålesund Airport, with direct flights from cities like Copenhagen and London. The city of Ålesund is known for its architecture in Art Nouveau style, its surrounding fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. Visit Norway How to get there

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