The xx

"The xx" is an English indie rock band formed in London 2008. They released their debut album "xx" in August 2009 which was recorded in a small garage that was part of XL Recordings studio, often at night which contributed to the low, whispery nature of the album. My step-brother introduced The xx a couple of years back when we were on holiday in Spain and I have loved it ever since. There is something hypnotizing about their voices and instruments that take you out of this world and into another. It is ideal for a warm summer night in the company of good friends and a 50/50 G & T. I am looking forward to hearing "Islands" & "Heart Skipped A Beat" while I sit on our terrace in Malaga with a drink in one hand and the world in the other.  

I highly recommend the album to anyone who is in need of a little magic.  

xxx 

  

How to say goodbye, again.

Fairy Cakes from my manager

Today was my last day with Byrne Bros for whom I've been working for 9 months of my residency in the UK. Basically this means: no more issuing of references, no further liaison with applicants, no more struggling with the stupid timber report or weekly labour. No more work for 2 friggin' months! Which is a pretty decent amount of time. Holiday... To be honest with you I think I might have a not-working-50-hours-a-week-anymore-issue-kind-of-thing? And that's kind of ridiculous! I should be out celebrating right now. Dancing and jumping around. I mean, I do feel relief in some way but at the same time giving up so much hard work and hand it over to some else in only a week is a bit harsh and saying goodbye to all my lovely colleagues was really very challenging. I've grown very fond of these people and it's going to be weird not having them around every day. Crazy and silly as they may be I still love them to bits. Earlier today my manager sneaked up on me and went: "Laura, do you have a minute?" and pointing me into the small meeting room aka trouble with a very serious look on his face. He sat down, looked at me and then this huge smile appeared on his face! And he went: "So! How's your day been so far?" and I could finally release the tensions and worried wrinkles on my face... We chatted away and all of a sudden he hands over this huge box of chocolates and "fairy cakes" and goes: "Here you go! Thought you could hand these out to your colleagues if you'd like. And also, when can you pop out for lunch?!" I was way confused by the whole situation but after I had some time to think and got over my blonde moment we went out to the local pub The White Horse where he had a lovely "Sleezie Cheesie" Burger and a nice long conversation about life and... divorse?! Anyway, I had a really lovely day thanks to my manager and wonderful colleagues!

...

I remember when I left Denmark in September and I thought: "This must be the hardest thing I've ever had to do." And maybe it was. Back then. But now I've made a living for myself here in London. And I've loved almost every minute of it! So going back to Denmark is not as easy as I thought it would be. 

So I have come to say... These 9 months have been the hardest, most challenging but none the less the most amazing months of my life! ... at least so far! 

 ♥

I wish everyone a lovely weekend! 

ALL my love 

xxx 

Lana Del Rey

I bought Lana Del Rey's newest album Born To Die a couple of weeks ago and I complete fell for the 25-years-old American's strong and emotional vocal. Here are some of my favorites from the album: 

This Is What Makes Us Girls 

 Summertime Sadness  

Dark Paradise

xxx

Stonehenge

Don't speed - pigs ahead!  

Pav's dad playing cricket 

The Bath Arms 

From sunny to grey 

  

Happy arrivals

Up close  

A wonder in the middle of nowhere 

When hangovers make you silly 

Recovering pint(s)... 

After a fun night out Saturday with the girls and Paul where we went on a cruise down Thames with the 'Royal Princess' accompanying a few hen dues and other social events Pav and I drove 118 miles the following day to Horningsham where her dad plays cricket with a bunch of other guys. We decided to go along so we could visit Stonehenge which is no more than 30 minutes away by car. It was absolutely amazing seeing this wonder of ancient achievement. Built about 5000 years ago (also the period of prehistory known as the New Stone Age) and the temple was meant to be a place of ceremony, of burial and celebration. It was incredibly fascinating standing right in front of what has been a mystery for man kind in hundreds of years. "How did they transport the stones, which weigh up to 45 tons, over 300 km to the site it was built?" And "HOW did they actually build it?!" A lot of questions and myths about this wonder of English heritage remain. And I guess that's what makes it so unique? It sure made my day and not to mention the beautiful landscape around Stonehenge. I would recommend anyone going there to put on some proper trainers, pack a bag with a lot of supplies - because you are not going to be able to get anything to eat within miles and miles in this deserted place (trust me, I talk of experience) and go for a long walk on this amazing site of history. 

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend just as much as I did. 

xxx  

Party Cruise on Thames

Big Ben 

London still fascinates

Random hugs 

Going on board 

Happiness on a boat in a bottle 

Wonderful people 

Because the stage "normal" was hours ago 

Hen dues rocking the dance floor 

Brides to be 

Thames view on Big Ben 

Beautiful London Baby 

Blurry view (tipsy much or is the boat just rocking?!) 

Statement in the dark 

Late spring or is summer around the corner?

The sun finally made an appearance after hiding away for 2 long weeks - it felt absolutely amazing feeling it burning slightly on my skin. I was actually able to sit in our little back yard after work at 7pm with my coffee reading a Danish novel called "Kald mig Prinsesse" by Sara Blædel - which I can highly recommend to my friends back home! -(since it hasn't been translated yet) I wasn't able to enjoy it for more than an hour because the wind was getting a bit too chilly when the sun chose to disappear again. But definitely made my day with a bit of "sunshine honey"! Hope you all had a wonderful week ♥

xxx 

ICEBAR LONDON

ICEBAR LONDON 

I would definitely recommend this extremely cool and really cold bar in the heart of London. 16 quid for at visit of 40 minutes (that's all you need unless you want to exit the bar as an ice cube!) inclusive 1 drink - remember to book in advance! I would suggest booking a table in one of the Italian restaurant just next to the Ice Bar to enjoy a lovely meal after the bar visit. My friends and I suddenly felt really hungry after a couple of drinks... and the -5 degrees issue! lol 

You can find the bar here: 

31-33 Heddon Street, London, W1B 4BN

The nearest tube stations are Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. We got off at Piccadilly Circus and simply just walked down Regent Street, left at Heddon Street and arrived to the bar after just 10 min!

Good Luck & enjoy!