So, I was asked a lot on Instagram – I’m over at @ellenextdoor fyi if you fancy coming on my travels with me/fancy seeing my everyday outfits/fancy listening to me tell the most ridiculous stories – if I’m going to do a guide to Copenhagen and, in short, the answer is no [insert sad face emoji here]. The thing is, I loved Copenhagen, so so so much. But for me, that trip wasn’t about being a tourist and doing Copenhagen right. I always knew that I’d never do a guide because the purpose of the trip was to chill out with one of my favourite people – Ally – discover a new city, eat all of the fatty carby food but mainly just chill. And that’s what we did. So yes we did some touristy things, but we didn’t do a lot of touristy things, which is why today’s post isn’t a guide, but it is a post about what I learnt on my trip… and for those that have followed my journey *vom* over the last couple of months, I think you might enjoy it even more.
At least I hope you do otherwise I look like twat of the year [insert upside smile emoji here].
WHAT I LEARNT…
I really do love everything chilled and hygge even more than my instagram portrays. I am the self confessed queen of candles and cosy (mainly because I’m boring af and don’t go out) and omg Copenhagen was the perfect place for me. Everything was the definition of hygge. Every restaurant is Pinterest-worthy candlelit and cosy, everybody is chilled and friendly and everything just generally feels so much more laid back and relaxed and coming from the queen of stress… it couldn’t have been more perfect for me.
Time with Ally is the best kinda time. Ally is just one of those people that you love within 5 seconds of meeting her. She’s kind, funny, in fact, scrap that… f**king hilarious, thoughtful, generous, she gives shit hot advice and is generally just the kinda person that everyone needs in their life. Going away with someone for the first time can sometimes be a little difficult/push boundaries, but I could spend every day with that girl and never get tired/stressed out/angry etc. A complete and utter babe!
Danish men are the best looking men. That is all.
I work really hard. And a lot. Copenhagen was one of the most amazing trips but I also woke up at 5:30/6am everyday to work and get as much done as possible before we started our day. And even then I was constantly replying to emails/creating content all day long. It’s funny because I actually said to Ally “this has been the most Holiday-like trip I’ve had in forever” and she was sort of just like “you’ve been constantly on your phone and checking emails all day”. Don’t get me wrong, I am so beyond lucky to do the job that I do, I do not save lives – like Ally does, she’s a paramedic fyi, how frickin cool is that? – and I am very, very fortunate, but sometimes I think it’s important to recognise hard work too. Give yourself a little pat on the back… because let’s face it, 5:30am is vile.
Danes are so happy because they have trampolines in the street. I mean, obvs I’m not referring to all Danes and obvs it’s only a certain area of Copenhagen that has trampolines but we had the best time jumping around on the trampolines and I just feel like if London had these – ignoring the fact that some little gang of gremlins would probably demolish them – it would be such a happier place!
The harbour really is as stunning as it looks on Instagram, and baileys hot chocolates by the harbour really is the ultimate dream day for me.
Discovering I’m stronger than I think I am. The last couple of months have been nothing short of hideous – with lots of fun and laughter and amazing times thrown in in between, but generally, hideous – but some crappy things happened in Copenhagen (in my personal life) and apart from 10 seconds of being a complete psychopath, I think overall, without sounding like a self indulgent knob, I’ve handled it quite well. I am without a doubt, 10,000x stronger than I ever believed I was and I honestly feel like there is not much more that can phase me after experiencing the last couple of months. I also discovered that I can be vulnerable too and that that’s totally OK. There is a fine line in becoming strong and losing the soft, gentle parts of you which make you a better person and I hope that I’ve managed to power on through whilst keeping that vulnerability and kindness also.
My god Copenhagen is full of good cheese and tapas and cocktails and my god did I demolish them all. A little recommendation, Spise Bar Nr 20 is a cute little place for a lot of cheese and a damn good mojito and a good looking waiter and La Valenciana was amazing for gluten free tapas (which was divine) and sangria too. Moller Kaffe and Kokken is THE BEST PLACE FOR BRUNCH EVER and also the most instagrammable food in existence. There, said it.
I’ve spoken about the whole “don’t judge someone by their instagram” thing before but this trip definitely pushed me to feel the need to mention this again. So many people, so many people, commented and private messaged me the loveliest, kindest things… all to do with how happy I looked and how glad they were that I was doing better. And in all honesty, I wasn’t doing better. Copenhagen was so much fun but I was in such a difficult place heartbreak/break up wise [insert yawn emoji here because I’m so bored of it], that yes, whilst Ally is the best person ever and I laughed until I cried 24/7… I just wasn’t in a great place mentally. I was sad, so sad, and deeply hurt and I just wasn’t the happy, glowy, sassy person that I think I came across as on Instagram. I think I’m doing better now. I have a lot of work and more trips coming up and I generally feel lighter, freer maybe. I’m not in any way over anything, but I am happier (than I was) now. But I’m also very, very aware that without turning into Moaning Myrtle, I do need to make my online life as parallel as possible to “real life”. Please don’t think I’ve woken up thinking I’m Zoella/a Kardashian, I am well aware of my place online, but I am also aware that I do have some responsibility to show that life isn’t all fine and dandy and that everyone goes through horrendous times regardless of their job/opportunities/lifestyle etc. But it’s finding that balance isn’t it? Don’t depress the life out of people but don’t also pretend that you’re a sassy girl boss that always has her shit together when actually you’re struggling. It’s a juggling act that I hope I can get the hang of this year.
And finally, the last thing I learnt from my trip to Copenhagen is that *cue drum roll for the cheesiest Pinterest quote that ever existed*… “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. It is cheesy as hell but it’s true as hell. I came away with so many memories that will last me a lifetime, a new favourite city that I’ll definitely return to as soon as possible, an appreciation for a totally different pace of life and an entirely different outlook on life. OK, so maybe not an entirely different outlook, but a lot has changed already in 2017 and, for the first time in a very, very long time… I’m excited for what’s to come.
I know this post basically mirrored my life i.e a completely chaotic mess because it had a few Copenhagen recommendations and lots of personal rambles… but this is sort of just the place I’m in right now. Actually, the exact place I’m in (at 9pm the night before posting this) is in bed, with a Grey’s anatomy, hot chocolate and bowl of cereal and I feel so content. And also stressed because I’m off to Rome on thursday but mainly… mainly content. And that’s always a good place to be in.
I really hope you enjoyed this post. But more than anything, I hope that if you’re in a really horrible position that you have someone amazing to flee town with and create new memories with. Friendship is something I hold even closer to me now than ever before and I just feel endlessly lucky to have found the best people out there to be in my little army!
This makes me want to go to Copenhagen so badly! I'm definitely going to see more of europe this year, I have summer off and no one is going to realistically hire me for a month so helloooo europe! You look fab as always too – so effortlessly beautiful xx
Hi everyone I'm Olivia Hannah and am here to share the wonderful work Dr Raypower did for me. After 5 years in marriage with my husband with 2 kids, my husband started acting weird and going out with other ladies and showed me cold love, on several occasions he threatens to divorce me if I dare question him about his affair with other ladies, I was totally devastated and confused until a old friend of mine told me about a spell caster on the internet called Dr. Raypower who help people with relationship and marriage problem by the powers of love spells, at first I doubted if such thing ever exists but decided to give it a try, when I contact him, he helped me cast a love spell and within 48hours my husband came back to me and started apologizing, now he has stopped going out with other ladies and his with me for good and for real. Contact this great love spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem to be solved today via email: urgentspellcast@gmail.com or Call or WhatsApp: +14243308109.
Hi everyone I'm Olivia Hannah and am here to share the wonderful work Dr Raypower did for me. After 5 years in marriage with my husband with 2 kids, my husband started acting weird and going out with other ladies and showed me cold love, on several occasions he threatens to divorce me if I dare question him about his affair with other ladies, I was totally devastated and confused until a old friend of mine told me about a spell caster on the internet called Dr. Raypower who help people with relationship and marriage problem by the powers of love spells, at first I doubted if such thing ever exists but decided to give it a try, when I contact him, he helped me cast a love spell and within 48hours my husband came back to me and started apologizing, now he has stopped going out with other ladies and his with me for good and for real. Contact this great love spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem to be solved today via email: urgentspellcast@gmail.com or Call or WhatsApp: +14243308109.
I'm so sorry to hear you've been having a rubbish time lately, and I hope you feel better and better as the days go on, and that your heart hurts a little less every day. There's no pain quite like heartbreak.
Copenhagen sounds like a fabulous place, I love the idea of trampolines in the street – we should start a petition to get some for London (and fences to keep gremlins out). You look fabulous in red by the way, the colour really suits you – both he top and the lippy. xx
Girl I literally couldn't love this post anymore, firstly (I've said it before and I'll say it again) I bloody LOVE red on you – it's your colour babes! Secondly, sounds like you and Ally had the best time, I'm so glad it cheered you up lovely and gave you the break you needed. No heart healing happens overnight but you're SO on the right track lady. P.s LOVING the fact that Danish men are hot.. HELLO!
Ahhh you made me laugh so much in your vlog talking about the hot waiter so I'm happy he got a mention here too haha! I know you said you thought this post was chaotic, but I've been loving your posts recently, they're so raw and honest (in a good well written way – I hope you know what I mean!) and just come from the heart while still being positive. I don't know if that made any sense but there is a compliment in there I promise! Heartbreak takes such a long time to heal, but the important thing is it will <3 Amy xx http://www.callmeamy.co.uk
Trampolines in the street sounds insane! I've always fancied Copenhagen it looks so cool but have never really got the chance to go. That shade of red is also gorgeous! Hope you keep feeling a bit better x misszarabelle.com
I LOVE this post. I am so pleased to hear that you took the time off just to hang out with Ally, but still 5:30am – not pretty!! I started following you probably October last year and I have loved following your journey and all of your personal posts since then. You are so strong and so inspiring xx
My love, I am so happy that you are getting out there and having new experiences, I'm not going to say I'm glad you're feeling better because sometimes that just makes it worse when you're actually feeling shit. But as I said before, you're gonna get there and be SO much better for it when you do XXXX http://www.fashionnomads.com
Oh my god the part with the trampolines – how cool is that though? I'm glad to see you so happy but you're absolutely right – things never are exactly like depicted on the ol' gram. I hope your personal life will get better soon – you definitely deserve to be happy – you're such an inspiring and strong personality <3
So obsessed with this sporty chic look! Those leather pants look amazinggggg on you and I would never think to pair them with converses, but I am obsessed!
You're right about the huge disparity between Instagram and reality. Sometimes what you need to get away from it all with no pressure and time with a good friend.
Liking the sound of Copenhagen – I haven't done much exploring in Europe, but I've found certain European cities a little haughty and stuck-up. It would be nice to visit a friendly city. Lots of culture too, judging by your pix 🙂
Love everything about this post Elle: the honesty, the gorgeous pics, the power of friendship and beautiful you. I relate to every word and my recent post on the Pinterest Awards reminded people that just the day before all the fun, was not a great one, that last year was rubbish in many ways despite the amazing work highs etc. I agree, life, experiences, moods, are fluid and not every picture or feed can ever tell the whole story, all of the time. It's just not possible. As a screenwriter and director pre blogging, even working in documentary and news, stories are edited and filtered through the tools you're communicating with. The way people read things are subjective. You know that with your producing background plus people/us are not intentionally deceiving people, it's human nature to want to show the positive most of the time. Thanks for such a thought-provoking post. I know things will feel better, the end of a relationship is like grieving, things will get easier. Big hugs x
I'm so glad you're feeling content on in a happy place right now (physically and figuratively speaking – enjoy Rome!). These photos are ridiculously gorgeous; you really suit a red lip and I adore the shots of you stepping on/off the curb.
Even though you didn't exactly do a guide on Copenhagen you made me want to visit the city so bad. I'm adding it to my bucket list now, as it sounds perfect! BTW red is definitely your colour, it looks fab on you and you look so happy! I hope you're well lovely xox
Elle.. You look freakin' AMAZING and I'm so glad you had a fab trip. You deserve so much good. 🙂 I'm currently halfway through a Hygge book and I;m feeling it and I think Copenhagen would be my kinda place also. I'm all for cosy time in (not much going out.lol) Stay strong, but stay happy. 🙂
What amazing pictures, I'm glad you had a good time! And I totally agree about the Danish men, they all looked like Disney princes!! Have a lovely day 🙂 Rosanna x Rose's Rooftop
Aww your post always make me smile, even though you go through ups and downs – you always see the positive. I'm glad you girls had fun, life is too short to be serious xx
You're gorgeous in this outfit – and I died laughing about the cat snood, because that is totally something I would do. I use cetaphil too! Hope you have so much fun this weekend ;)!
Hi everyone I'm Olivia Hannah and am here to share the wonderful work Dr Raypower did for me. After 5 years in marriage with my husband with 2 kids, my husband started acting weird and going out with other ladies and showed me cold love, on several occasions he threatens to divorce me if I dare question him about his affair with other ladies, I was totally devastated and confused until a old friend of mine told me about a spell caster on the internet called Dr. Raypower who help people with relationship and marriage problem by the powers of love spells, at first I doubted if such thing ever exists but decided to give it a try, when I contact him, he helped me cast a love spell and within 48hours my husband came back to me and started apologizing, now he has stopped going out with other ladies and his with me for good and for real. Contact this great love spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem to be solved today via email: urgentspellcast@gmail.com or Call or WhatsApp: +14243308109.
This makes me want to go to Copenhagen so badly! I'm definitely going to see more of europe this year, I have summer off and no one is going to realistically hire me for a month so helloooo europe! You look fab as always too – so effortlessly beautiful xx
Sam // What I Know Now
Hi everyone I'm Olivia Hannah and am here to share the wonderful work Dr Raypower did for me. After 5 years in marriage with my husband with 2 kids, my husband started acting weird and going out with other ladies and showed me cold love, on several occasions he threatens to divorce me if I dare question him about his affair with other ladies, I was totally devastated and confused until a old friend of mine told me about a spell caster on the internet called Dr. Raypower who help people with relationship and marriage problem by the powers of love spells, at first I doubted if such thing ever exists but decided to give it a try, when I contact him, he helped me cast a love spell and within 48hours my husband came back to me and started apologizing, now he has stopped going out with other ladies and his with me for good and for real. Contact this great love spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem to be solved today via email: urgentspellcast@gmail.com or Call or WhatsApp: +14243308109.
Read more about him on his website: http://urgentspellcast.website2.me/ and Blogs: https://urgentspellcast.blogspot.com/
Hi everyone I'm Olivia Hannah and am here to share the wonderful work Dr Raypower did for me. After 5 years in marriage with my husband with 2 kids, my husband started acting weird and going out with other ladies and showed me cold love, on several occasions he threatens to divorce me if I dare question him about his affair with other ladies, I was totally devastated and confused until a old friend of mine told me about a spell caster on the internet called Dr. Raypower who help people with relationship and marriage problem by the powers of love spells, at first I doubted if such thing ever exists but decided to give it a try, when I contact him, he helped me cast a love spell and within 48hours my husband came back to me and started apologizing, now he has stopped going out with other ladies and his with me for good and for real. Contact this great love spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem to be solved today via email: urgentspellcast@gmail.com or Call or WhatsApp: +14243308109.
Read more about him on his website: http://urgentspellcast.website2.me/ and Blogs: https://urgentspellcast.blogspot.com/
I'm so sorry to hear you've been having a rubbish time lately, and I hope you feel better and better as the days go on, and that your heart hurts a little less every day. There's no pain quite like heartbreak.
Copenhagen sounds like a fabulous place, I love the idea of trampolines in the street – we should start a petition to get some for London (and fences to keep gremlins out). You look fabulous in red by the way, the colour really suits you – both he top and the lippy. xx
Girl I literally couldn't love this post anymore, firstly (I've said it before and I'll say it again) I bloody LOVE red on you – it's your colour babes! Secondly, sounds like you and Ally had the best time, I'm so glad it cheered you up lovely and gave you the break you needed. No heart healing happens overnight but you're SO on the right track lady. P.s LOVING the fact that Danish men are hot.. HELLO!
Hayley xo
http://www.frockmeimfamous.com
Ahhh you made me laugh so much in your vlog talking about the hot waiter so I'm happy he got a mention here too haha! I know you said you thought this post was chaotic, but I've been loving your posts recently, they're so raw and honest (in a good well written way – I hope you know what I mean!) and just come from the heart while still being positive. I don't know if that made any sense but there is a compliment in there I promise! Heartbreak takes such a long time to heal, but the important thing is it will <3
Amy xx
http://www.callmeamy.co.uk
OMG where is your lipstick from Elle? I am in LOVE with it! Also really love the Gucci Bag! Maggie xx
I loved reading this post. It's so clear how hard you worked whilst there. (I also think you deserve a holiday-holiday sometime soon!) xx
http://www.rhymeandribbons.com
Trampolines in the street sounds insane! I've always fancied Copenhagen it looks so cool but have never really got the chance to go. That shade of red is also gorgeous! Hope you keep feeling a bit better x
misszarabelle.com
I LOVE this post. I am so pleased to hear that you took the time off just to hang out with Ally, but still 5:30am – not pretty!! I started following you probably October last year and I have loved following your journey and all of your personal posts since then. You are so strong and so inspiring xx
Frances Kayleigh | Beauty Fashion Lifestyle
And I love how real you are <3 It's comforting to see someone being so honest about what they are going through and extremely refreshing xx
My love, I am so happy that you are getting out there and having new experiences, I'm not going to say I'm glad you're feeling better because sometimes that just makes it worse when you're actually feeling shit. But as I said before, you're gonna get there and be SO much better for it when you do XXXX
http://www.fashionnomads.com
Oh my god the part with the trampolines – how cool is that though? I'm glad to see you so happy but you're absolutely right – things never are exactly like depicted on the ol' gram. I hope your personal life will get better soon – you definitely deserve to be happy – you're such an inspiring and strong personality <3
Love, Kerstin
http://www.missgetaway.com/
So obsessed with this sporty chic look! Those leather pants look amazinggggg on you and I would never think to pair them with converses, but I am obsessed!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Well for me my perfect night in is sitting down with Netflix and something delicious so…I'm right with you there.
You've definitely sold me on Cophenhagen though, especially to see all of those attractive Danish men!
Julia // The Sunday Mode
What a cute top, I love this look
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
You're right about the huge disparity between Instagram and reality. Sometimes what you need to get away from it all with no pressure and time with a good friend.
The trampolines in the street sound intriguing, can't wait to see a pic! Talking of which, these shots by Ally of you are lovely
I love that lipstick! Great post, I need to visit!
Sassyinthecity.com Xx
I love this outfit, you look so beautiful! And anywhere with Tapas and Cheese, I'm there haha! Have a lovely weekend 🙂
tipscapsule.blogspot.com
Trampolines? That sounds so fun! I love this red lipstick on you! Gorgeous!
By Lauren M
Liking the sound of Copenhagen – I haven't done much exploring in Europe, but I've found certain European cities a little haughty and stuck-up. It would be nice to visit a friendly city.
Lots of culture too, judging by your pix 🙂
– Lubna | The Digital Review
I'm heading to Copenhagen next month and I can't wait! I hope even though the ups and downs, you still had a fab time? Frankie x
Joieandthevivre.com
Love everything about this post Elle: the honesty, the gorgeous pics, the power of friendship and beautiful you. I relate to every word and my recent post on the Pinterest Awards reminded people that just the day before all the fun, was not a great one, that last year was rubbish in many ways despite the amazing work highs etc. I agree, life, experiences, moods, are fluid and not every picture or feed can ever tell the whole story, all of the time. It's just not possible. As a screenwriter and director pre blogging, even working in documentary and news, stories are edited and filtered through the tools you're communicating with. The way people read things are subjective. You know that with your producing background plus people/us are not intentionally deceiving people, it's human nature to want to show the positive most of the time. Thanks for such a thought-provoking post. I know things will feel better, the end of a relationship is like grieving, things will get easier. Big hugs x
LOVE how you've co-ordinated your lippy and jumper to the wall! And it's always okay to admit you're not okay, I need to learn that myself.
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Beauty Wellbeing
You look amazing, i love your red top 🙂
LIFE IN PICTURES BY LU
I'm so glad you're feeling content on in a happy place right now (physically and figuratively speaking – enjoy Rome!). These photos are ridiculously gorgeous; you really suit a red lip and I adore the shots of you stepping on/off the curb.
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Even though you didn't exactly do a guide on Copenhagen you made me want to visit the city so bad. I'm adding it to my bucket list now, as it sounds perfect! BTW red is definitely your colour, it looks fab on you and you look so happy! I hope you're well lovely xox
Beauty with charm
Elle.. You look freakin' AMAZING and I'm so glad you had a fab trip. You deserve so much good. 🙂
I'm currently halfway through a Hygge book and I;m feeling it and I think Copenhagen would be my kinda place also. I'm all for cosy time in (not much going out.lol)
Stay strong, but stay happy. 🙂
Caroline.x
http://www.carolineelgeywhite.com
What amazing pictures, I'm glad you had a good time! And I totally agree about the Danish men, they all looked like Disney princes!!
Have a lovely day 🙂
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
Aww your post always make me smile, even though you go through ups and downs – you always see the positive. I'm glad you girls had fun, life is too short to be serious xx
I love your outfit! Your red top is so cute and it looks great on you! 🙂 xx
You're gorgeous in this outfit – and I died laughing about the cat snood, because that is totally something I would do. I use cetaphil too! Hope you have so much fun this weekend ;)!
Hi everyone I'm Olivia Hannah and am here to share the wonderful work Dr Raypower did for me. After 5 years in marriage with my husband with 2 kids, my husband started acting weird and going out with other ladies and showed me cold love, on several occasions he threatens to divorce me if I dare question him about his affair with other ladies, I was totally devastated and confused until a old friend of mine told me about a spell caster on the internet called Dr. Raypower who help people with relationship and marriage problem by the powers of love spells, at first I doubted if such thing ever exists but decided to give it a try, when I contact him, he helped me cast a love spell and within 48hours my husband came back to me and started apologizing, now he has stopped going out with other ladies and his with me for good and for real. Contact this great love spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem to be solved today via email: urgentspellcast@gmail.com or Call or WhatsApp: +14243308109.
Read more about him on his website: http://urgentspellcast.website2.me/ and Blogs: https://urgentspellcast.blogspot.com/