Tag Archives: hygge

Hyggeligt Winter

January 6, 2017 theprobingwife Leave a comment

Oh well, it’s winter, and you live in Denmark, the wet and windy land of the Vikings. It’s so dark and gloomy outside, and you think, there are probably thousands of white walkers ready to eat you alive. But in reality, you really just don’t feel like going out. But you want to avoid winter depression, so what will you do? You can’t go all Elsa and say ‘the cold doesn’t bother me anyway’ because it does and it will bother you.

Don’t worry, I got your back. This bubbly and loud little Filipina will teach you how to survive winter in Denmark, the Danish way. How? Well, it’s all about the word ‘hygge’. (Please don’t ask me how to pronounce it. I can barely pass my Danish language class.lol) There will be extremely no need for you to go out and risk having frost bites.lol

How to have a hyggeligt winter.

Wine and cheese on a candlelight eve. On a night when my husband and I want to distress, we sit on the sofa or just in any corner of our house and just have an amazing time drinking wine and having cheese. This gives us the time to talk about our day, which means mostly me ranting about the weirdest and smallest thing possible. My husband finds it cute, so it okay.

Movie and Popcorn. But most likely Netflix. We catch up on our favorite series together. If you are a deeply emotional person like me, though, be warned and choose carefully what you want to watch this winter. I always end up crying and getting really sad. I mean, Ragnar Lothbrok died, Glenn’s eyes popped, Monica died, etc. etc. Will that not make you cry and depressed more? sigh.

Candles and soft music. This really relaxes me and my husband. We just lay on the couch and just talk. Talking to someone you are really familiar with can make you really cheerful and excited about everything. Candles and soft music can mean sexy time for some…sooo… ermm… do whatever you please.lol (NOTE: this is a wholesome blog)

Snuggling/Cuddling the dog/husband. Whichever is applicable. 🙂

Invite friend over for some drinks in your place. Don’t worry, they will always think that this works for mutual benefit. They will NEVER think that you are inviting them over just because you are too lazy to go out, but you also want to have fun. Although if they are really your best friends, they probably already know that just don’t want to go out in the cold winter night.

Whatever you choose to do, always remember that hygge is about the atmosphere. (Or so I was told) Remember to create an atmosphere that is warm, cozy and really just fun. You do not have to go overboard with the music, the food, and wine. Hygge is not about being fabulous and loud, it is about being chill, calm and just the feeling of warmth radiating from the hearts of the ones you love and want to spend time with. ❤

Have a hyggeligt evening everyone. 🙂

NOTE: If you have more tips to share, feel free to comment. ❤

Blogs, Uncategorized

Living like a Dane

May 11, 2016 theprobingwife Leave a comment

I have often wondered why the Danes are considered the happiest people in the world. Why is Denmark the happiest country to live in? Having been here for quite some time made me realize the answer is just right in front on me.

The Danes gathered in the park for picnics, the Danes lying the beach sunbathing during summer, the Danes staying at home having simple dinner with their friends, the Danes walking or jogging every day, the Danes biking going to work, all these things contribute to their happiness. “Hygge”, a Danish word which apparently has no direct English translation, (yep, it is certainly a Danish thing.lol), healthy lifestyle, a government that gives people what is due to them and a simple uncomplicated life. Those are the things that contribute to the happiness and contentment that Danish people have.

My husband and I have adopted some of these things. We bike all the time, walk everyday and go to picnics. And truly, these things made a huge difference. It made us happy and somewhat, at peace. Maybe another factor to consider is the fact that we both lived in Manila where one feels like they are hanging for dear life every time they go out of their house. Walking around the city is a luxury, much more looking for a park to have a picnic. Chilling and “hygge” in Manila can be costly. Yep, it may cost a lot including your safety. I hope Manila can be as safe as Copenhagen. The Filipinos are lenient and hard working people and they, just like us, deserves to live a good happy life.

So it made a huge difference when we are here in Copenhagen. We can go to parks and beaches without breaking the bank. We can walk around the city without the worry of being robbed. We can bike around the city without the fear of being sideswiped by crazy drivers. Living here, our life became much more simple. Much less complicated. We are happy with the little things that we have. We are happy because we decided to live in Denmark and live like the Danes.

Blogs, Travel

Cherry Blossoms in the Cemetery

May 4, 2016 theprobingwife 2 Comments

Spring is finally here! I am so happy that the long winter nights are finally over. Gone are the snow storms and the very dull and dark season. I am not exaggerating when I talk about winter because winter here in Denmark is the worst. It is super cold and super windy! Imagine Westeros in Game of Thrones, that is how cold Denmark feels in winter.That is why spring really makes me happy. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Flowers are blooming everywhere, the weather is perfect and of course, my favorite cherry blossoms bloom once more!

I was looking forward to going to the Little Mermaid because I know that they have plenty of cherry blossoms there. But a friend recommended Bispebjerg Kirkegård instead. I was so shocked because I know that kirkegård in Danish means cemetery. The Asian in me could not believe what I am hearing. I mean, in my country, visits to the cemetery is always sad and heart-breaking.I thought it was a joke so I searched it online. And “Lo and behold, there are really cherry blossoms in the cemetery! So my husband and I wasted no second and went there that very same day.

Apparently, going to this place is a “Danish” kind of thing. The place was packed with people going for a picnic or sunbathing. This is indeed a perfect place for the Danish”hygge”. My husband and I love having picnics so we came ready. Not to be disrespectful, but I wasn’t at all bothered by the gravestones around us. The beauty of the cherry blossoms totally made me forget where I was. Needless to say, my husband and I enjoyed our visit to see the cherry blossoms in the cemetery.