As I landed in Denmark several years ago for a very special music conference, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of warmth from the people, in the restaurants and bars, with a general feeling of wellbeing.
As I strolled along the canal on a freezing January afternoon, the sheepskin rugs that adorned every chair outside the bars and eateries, and glow of the outside log burners and heaters filled the air with a feeling of comfort and welcome.
So when I started to learn about Hygge, which is the Danish way of keeping that feeling of warmth and security, in spite of the temperature outside, it brought back all those memories.
It is not surprising therefore that Denmark has again been voted one of the top three countries for happiness of its inhabitants. This is not to do with money, and in fact Denmark has a stable government but very high taxes. But the people are happy to pay, as they feel it will just add to their own economy and provide even more security and comfort.
After some research, the best summary of this philosophy is depicted in Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness by Marie Tourell Søderberg. As one great review says ‘Others books will tell you how to be hygge. This is the only book that will show you’ and this is true. Read on to discover the outline of the book in a nutshell, as the description does not disappoint the reader, and I fully recommend that as we are struggling to find solace in these post festive Winter months, there is a way of overcoming and even relishing the colder climes without drinking too much wine or spending too much money with retail therapy.
‘Though we all know the feeling of hygge instinctively few of us ever manage to capture it for more than a moment.
Now Danish actress and hygge aficionado Marie Tourell Søderberg has travelled the length and breadth of her home country to create the perfect guide to cooking, decorating, entertaining and being inspired the hygge way.
Full of beautiful photographs and simple, practical steps and ideas to make your home and life both comfortable and cheering all year round, this book is the easy way to introduce hygge into your life.’
So are you ready for a big hygge, I know I am, and I am going to make it my business to try it for myself, and bring some joy into my home this Winter – the Danish way!
We can’t think of anything quite more essential on your summer holiday than having a swimming pool.
In fact, holidaymakers gravitate towards the water for all sorts of reasons from dawn to dusk!
Active adventurers arise early for leisurely lengths, whilst sun seekers are intermittently drawn from their loungers for a refreshing dip.
Children splash and compete for their favourite pool float as the designated grillmaster keeps the barbecue stoked.
Finally, once the sun has set, parents can sit and listen to the crickets with a poolside nightcap before bed.
It’s hard to imagine your stylish Spanish finca, rustic Italian farmhouse, or modern Croatian villa without the holiday hub that is the pool.
So where to start? A visit to NOVASOL Holiday Homes’ website is a great idea to help you plan your next self-catering holiday. With 50,000 holiday homes across Europe, many with either a communal or private swimming pool, you’re bound to find the ideal property in the perfect location for you.
For many, a private pool signals splashing the cash, but NOVASOL have an incredible affordable range with prices starting from as little as £299 per property, per week.
Check out their latest video and if you feel just as inspired as we do, head to www.novasol.co.uk to book your next villa holiday.
If you are a bit of a film and food buff, then why combine them both and make it a night of nirvana.
A recent discovery is an excellent award winning indie film, made and distributed back in 2009, and now on Netflix, called Today’s Special.
It tells the story of Samur, a sous chef with great aspirations who works in an upscale New York restaurant, but comes crashing down to earth when his father becomes sick and he is forced to take over the family business.
Samur, beautifully portrayed by Aasif Mandvi. reluctantly rebuilds his family’s old run down Indian fast food café, and bit by bit rediscovers himself and achieves critical acclaim for his new venture. He has a romantic encounter and fierce opposition as he fights his way to success, but this makes the storyline even more exciting, not to mention the mouth watering recipes that are portrayed to the audience so a pre-prepared meal is a must whilst watching this film, otherwise you will pass out with starvation.
We have helped you here by offering you an authentic dish which is easy to prepare and even more inviting to eat.
So happy feasting – it is guaranteed to achieve complete nirvana.
This is an authentic recipe that you will enjoy and relish whilst witnessing traditional cooking with all its flavours and colours as defined in the film.
October 15, 2026 1881 Sir PG Wodehouse 1920 Mario Puzo 1938 Marv Johnson 1937 Barry McGuire 1944 David Trimble 1946 Richard Carpenter 1947 Chris De Burgh 1958 Sarah, Duchess of York 1965 Stephen Tompkinson
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