Posts in hisandhertaste
Staycation at Kurhotel Skodsborg

In collaboration with Kurhotel Skodsborg

 

den gode gave

Sidste weekend i November var dedikeret til at fejre min Kenneth. Han er ikke typen der går så meget op i fødselsdag modsat jeg selv. Og i min bog så er fødselsdage vidunderlige og det er hammer vigtigt at fejre eksistensen af ens elskede.

Når det så er sagt så kan det hurtigt blive svært at finde den gode gave eller arrangere noget når man ingen ledetråde får. Kenneth er typen der aldrig ønsker sig noget. En problematik som jeg tror de fleste kan genkende her omkring juletid med familiemedlemmer der aldrig har nogle konkrete ønsker. Sødt, men også mega besværligt. Min strategi ved Kenneths fødselsdag er derfor at tænke i små pakker, der kan pakkes op ved det morgenbordet, og ellers fokusere på mere specielle oplevelser vi ikke når i hverdagen eller økonomien ikke rækker til i tide og utide. I år bestod det af godt selskab, ekstra lækker mad og spa-ophold.

På dagen bildte jeg ham ind at vi skulle på kurophold på Skodsborg. Vi pakkede bilen og han glædede sig til afslapning. Men et par minutter inden forventet afgang lavede en gruppe af hans nære venner en surprise entré. Forvirringen var stor og glæden lige så da det gik op for ham at han var indlagt til at bruge aftenen i venners lag og i stedet skulle mod Skodsborg dagen derpå. Fuldkommen perfekt at have 110% afslapning på programmet en træt søndag efter festivitas.

 

the good gift

The last weekend of November was dedicated to celebrating my Kenneth. He is not the type that gets exited about his birthday as opposed to myself. In my book, birthdays are wonderful and it is super important to celebrate the existence of loved ones.

That being said, it can easily be difficult to find the good gift or arrange something when you get no clues or pointers in terms of wishes. Kenneth is the kind of person who never has a specific wish. A problem that I think most people can recognize especially during these christmas days with family members with no whishes. I think it's sweet, but also makes it a bit more complicated. My strategy at Kenneth's birthday is therefore to think in small packages that can be opened at the morning breakfast table, and otherwise focus on special experiences. This year it included good company, extra delicious food and a spa stay.

I told him were going to the Spa Hotel Skodsborg. We packed our bags and he was looking forward to a night of relaxation. But a few minutes before the expected departure, a group of his closest friends made a surprise entrance at our flat. The confusion and the joy was big when it darned on him that he was going to spend the evening in the company of friends' and instead to go to Skodsborg the following day. Which showed to be absolute perfect to have planned for110% relaxation on a slow Sunday after festivitas.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

lys, vand og saunagus

Skodsborgs smukke faciliteter og badetraditioner tager sit udgangspunkt i 'det sunde liv', med fokus på elementerne lys, luft, vand, kost, motion og hvile. Et fokus jeg personligt synes gennemsyrer den fysiske ramme, men også stemningen blandt ansatte og gæster. Og jeg fyldes af en langsomhed og velvære i sådan en grad, at jeg faktisk vil sige, at dette sted er mit absolutte favorit spa i Danmark.

Vi var så heldige at opleve den specielle finske saunagus, som inkluderer en æterisk tjæreolie, samt 'piskning' med birkeris. Det lyder umiddelbart ikke så rart, men i virkeligheden var det en autentisk, rensende og super fed oplevelse. Jeg har lidt et had/kærlighedsforhold til saunagus, fordi det på en og samme tid er hårdt og vidunderligt, men jeg vidste hvad vi gik ind til. Kenneth var på ingen måde tiltrukket af tanken forinden, men efter at have vekselvirket mellem at være inde i den 80-100 grader varme sauna, chokolade scrub og et dyb i det iskolde havvand fra den private badebro, så var selv Kenneth fan af saunagus og helt høj på endorfiner. 

Light, water and sauna gus

Skodsborg's beautiful spa facilities and traditions are based on 'the healthy life', focusing on the elements of light, air, water, healthy diet, exercising and resting. A focus I personally think pervades the physical setting, but also the ambiance of employees and guests. And I am filled with a well-being to such an extent that I will actually say that this is my favorite spa in Denmark. We were lucky to experience the special Finnish sauna gus, which includes an essential tar oil, and 'whipping' with a bundle of birch branches with leaves. By the sound of it this doesn't sound like anything you would ever want to try. But in reality it was an authentic, cleansing and therapeutic experience. I've always had a hate/love relationship with sauna gus because it's exhausting and wonderful at the same time. Kenneth was not at all drawn to the idea, but after having been in the 80-100 degree hot sauna, chocolate scrub and jumped into the ice-cold sea just next to Skodsborg, even Kenneth's loved it and was completely high on endorphins.

 
 

Overnatning

Vi havde fornøjelsen af at overnatte i en luksuriøs spa suite der bød på den blødeste king size bed og et kæmpe badeværelse med fritstående badekar.

Lige siden mit første besøg på kurhotellet for et par år tilbage har jeg drømt om at vende tilbage og inkludere en overnatning. Det føltes som den perfekte fødselsdagsfejring ikke at skulle ud i kulden og køre tilbage til byens larm, men i stedet kunne trisse gennem hotellets gange i badekåbe og synke ned i den store seng efter timevis i spaen. Vi lå der for en kort stund inden vores dinner reservation i The Brasserie, da blev vi enige om at dette måtte være noget nær det ultimative og at livet var en taknemmelig størrelse. 

Staying the night

We had the pleasure of staying in a luxurious spa suite that offered the softest king size bed and a huge bathroom with free standing bathtub.

Ever since my first visit to Skodsborg a few years back I have dreamt of an overnight stay. It felt like the perfect birthday celebration not having to get out in the cold and drive back to the city noise, but instead tiptoe through the hotel's hallways in bathrobes and sink into the bed after several hours in the spa. We layed there for a short while before our dinner reservation at The Brasserie and agreed that our life was something to be very grateful of.

Alona Vibe Photography Skodsborg Kurhotel Spa retreat
 
Alona Vibe Photography Skodsborg Kurhotel Spa retreat breakfast in bed

Morgenmad på sengen

Om morgenen havde vi mest af alt lyst til at blive i tosomheden og den store seng så vi bestilte morgenmad til vores værelse, hvilket jeg vil anbefale alle der bliver natten over. Croissants, kanelrolls, palæobrød, avokado, æg, kaffe og juice i rigelig mængder. Det var så fint og indbydende, at vi blev nødt til at lave lidt billeder af det, inden vi smagte på sagerne (se BTS i K's vlog). Jeg elsker morgenmad på sengen og tror simpelthen at det er noget af det hyggeligste jeg ved, hvilket minder mig om at det ville være en god julegave idé ønske mig en bakke til formålet.

 

Breakfast in bed

In the morning we wanted to enjoying be just the two of us so we ordered breakfast to our room, which I would recommend everyone to do. Croissants, cinnamon rolls, avocado, eggs, coffee and juice. It was just so nice that we couldn't resist taking some pictures of it before we tasted the goods (see BTS in K's vlog). I love breakfast in bed and it really does say downtime more than anything else which reminds me that a tray for that occasion might be a perfect Christmas wish.

 

 

Alona Vibe Photography
 
 

En autentisk oplevelse

De ansatte havde opsnappet at vi fejrede Kenneths fødselsdag og overraskede os ved at servere den mest overdådige og chokoladerige konditorkage med tre forskellige lag af mousse. Vi fandt senere ud af at de har eget konditori og sælger både skårne stykker og hele kager i The Lobby. Det var umuligt at klemme mere ned end et enkelt stykke og kagen kom derfor med os hjem til Nørrebro i den fineste konditoræske.

I denne forbindelse må jeg give stor cadeau til teamet hos Skodsborg, som gjorde en dyd ud af at lave et autentisk samarbejde med høj opmærksomhed og nærværende service, der havde vores private situation in mente. Som skrevet tidligere, var vi inviteret af Skodsborg-teamet. Derudover skød jeg billeder til det engelske printmagasin Condé Naste Traveller som udgives i foråret 2018.

Det er vigtigt at sige at denne post, samt Kenneths vlog fra vores ophold er lavet på eget initiativ uden aftale herom. Fordi vi ikke kunne lade vær og fordi vi elskede oplevelsen og oprigtigt vil anbefale enhver et sådan ophold. Hvis du elsker spa, har brug for et pusterum eller står og mangler en god idé til at luksuriøs oplevelsesgave, som jeg selv. Et lille tip er at overnatte fra søndag til mandag hvor der er en anden ro end eks. fredag-lørdag.

 

An authentic experience


The staff had found out that we celebrated Kenneth's birthday and surprised us by serving the most lavish and chocolate cake with three different layers of mousse. We later found out that they have their own confetionery and sells both slices and whole cakes in The Lobby. It was impossible to squeeze down more than a single piece why the cake came with us home to Nørrebro in a cute pastry box.

In this regard, I have applause the team at Skodsborg, who made it such an authentic collaboration with much attention and concious service suited our personal situation. As previously stated, we were invited by the Skodsborg team. In addition, I shot pictures for the English magazine Condé Naste Traveler, which will be published in Spring 2018.

To situation this recommendation this post, as well as Kenneth's vlog from our stay was made on our own initiative. Because we could keep ourselves from doing it and because we loved the experience and sincerely would recommend such a stay to anyone. If you love getting spa treatments, need a space to breath in slowlu or is in need of an idea for a luxury experience to give as a present, like my case.

 

 

 
Happy birthday my love

Happy birthday my love


Se Kenneths uhøjtidelige vlog hvis I har lyst til at se lidt bagom og se os te os i badekåber.

 
Notem Studio
 

Launch

This morning I was invited to breakfast and launch of the new stationary / paper goodsbrand, NOTEM Studio, at a habour front in Nordhavn. It happens rarely that I end up sharing photos from an event in this journal, but today is an exception.

NOTEM Studio creates beautiful and functional products rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition. It's products that make you want to drop whatever smart digital tool you are using and enjoy the slower pace and the tactile sensation of using paper.

The reason why I write this is because of the founder Signe Birkvig. I have met Signe once before, but never with a real handshake. I said yes to the invitation because she is good at her craft. What motivated me to write was her welcoming speech to the attendees. As she spoke to us next to the water, with her products displayed around the venue, her voice was real and quivering. She was moved by the launch and excused herself.

 

Alona Vibe  Notem Stationary
Alona Vibe photography  Notem Stationary
 
Alona Vibe  Notem Stationary

 

The excuse reminded me of dreams. How they are often the beginning of something. How they can completely take over ones life when we dare to act upon them. How fear of failing in the process can be very present. And how the sensation of realizing a dream is greater than the most. Moving.

How we all have dreams. Some are still hesitant and contemplating. Some have reached a turning point and sprung into the crazy ride. Family, friend, aquaintance or stranger. Little is as great as celebrating dreams coming true. This morning was such a day. Congratulations on making NOTEM studio a reality.

 

 
Alona Vibe  Notem Stationary
Alona Vibe  Notem Stationary

Signe Birkvig, founder of NOTEM studio.

Alona Vibe photography Notem Stationary
Social Foodies: Chocolate and social awareness

The business model of tommorow?

It took me quite some time to find out how to tell everything that is needed to be said in regards to my encounter with the wonderful and visionary company Social Foodies. I hope you will take your time to read and consider. 

Social Foodies sells eg. icecream, chocolate, nuts and seeds, of a high quality in terms of taste and 'pureness' of ingredients, but... Here's the twist that makes this story important for me to tell:

 
 

VALUE FOR MANY

Social Foodies is a private social business which means that it is earning money in alignment with regular market conditions but uses its profit to create jobs for vulnerable social groups or create a solution to other social or environmental challenges. Hereby following a sustainable and circular oriented business model. This means value for many and not just the owner of the company. Social Foodies' chocolate is not only the richest product I've had, but it is also produced socially responsible by considering the local farmers in Africa and the production in Denmark. But This basically means that you become more than just a consumer, you're an active participant in a circle of development work when indulging in your sweets. Seriously, isn't that amazing? 

THE BRIGHT HEAD BEHIND IT

Meet Thor Thorøe, founder of Social Foodies. He is also founder of the big ice cream franchies Paradis Is, that he chose to leave after 10 years, because the business was heading in a direction of prioritizing profit and commercial upscaling over the social values that it was originally founded upon. He therefore started Social Foodies after several visits in Africa where most of the ingredients are grown and produced at the chocolate factory Cocoafair. I had an hour long talk with Thor a day I visited the store at Gl. Kongevej and the conversation, the visions and ideas was echo-ing in my thoughts many days after. I think I got a dreamy glimpse of how the world would look if all businesses were based on and considering the same values as Social Foodies'. Thor is full of incredible stories that many could learn from and he actually reminded me a bit of my amazing father - the definition of a driven human, with a kind heart and everlasting energy.  

 

.. the visions and ideas was echo-ing in my thoughts many days after.

Social foodies - Alona Vibe
social foodies alona vibe

Bounty bars and diagnoses

After an hour of talk Thor got restless and stood up. He quickly went behind the counter and started to make these coconut 'bounty' bars - one of my personal favorites! All of the products are handmade and mostly done in-store as seen on the pictures. The other practicalities in the production in Denmark (for instance transportation or packaging) are done by employees with different diagnoses such as ADHD, Aspergers or Down's Syndrom.

 
Social foodies Alona Vibe
Social foodies Alona Vibe

 


 

Social foodies Alona Vibe

'Flødebolle' workshop

Social Foodies kindly invited me and a couple of friends for a cream puff 'flødebolle' workshop and I couldn't say no as they took the prize for the best cream puff in CPH 2016. We had so much fun that afternoon with Thor hosting the workshop! I sucked, my friends Sophie & Jesper sucked, while Kenneth took the 1st prize with his experience as soft-ice maker back in his teen years. Cool fact: one cream puff pays a daily salary in Africa.. Puff!  

 
Photo: Kenneth Nguyen

Photo: Kenneth Nguyen

Photo: Kenneth Nguyen

Photo: Kenneth Nguyen

 

Because Its important

Why do I want to use my space to tell this? Because it's important. The majority of companies today only prioritize the social aspects and potential of their business when they reach success on the bottomline and only after that they spend big money on CSR work. Don't get me wrong, CSR is better than nothing, but in my opinion the problem is that the above mentioned way is like buying a good consciousness and it is doing things backwards. 

I really do believe that social businesses are the businesses of the future. It is what our society and environment need in order to change for the better. Therefore Social foodies is a concept that more people need to know about because it serves as the perfect example of doing good better! This is really no false advertisement (and this is not a sponsored post either): Not only is the idea and vision good, but they execute the idea and they create straight up amazing products. I got so happy to know that when I need my chocolate I don't have to settle with a purchase that doesn't serve a greater purpose than consumption. We as consumers hold a lot of power which shapes the market. A power that we're not always aware of. We need to demand this power and the change we want to see through our consumption.

Thanks to Social Foodies,
for expanding my horizon and my awareness of the options I have.
Thanks to you for reading this story!  

 

Social Foodies
COPENHAGEN. 
Gl. Kongevej 115
Photos and words by
 Alona Vibe & Kenneth Nguyen


Photo: Kenneth Nguyen

Photo: Kenneth Nguyen

 
 
 

his & her TASTE
Wondered what this is all about? Kenneth and I decided to join creative forces by creating this concept of stories of the best places or experiences we meet on our way. Wether it's at home in CPH or out in the big world. For us it's about sharing gems and spreading the word to all of you. We combine art direction, photography and writing and all content of 'his & her TASTE' is created in collaboration between the two of us unless something else is stated. 

Sounds tasty?