I've mentioned it before but there is a hardware store called Din Isenkræmmer (this translates literally to Iron Monger) in the Amager (pronounced Amarr) Centret shopping mall. They have some of the best prices I have found on household electric goods - crockpots, irons, hotpots, sandwich makers, vacuum cleaners, etc. There is always a brand on sale. Just remember they don't take standard credit cards just cash or debit cards. They also sell all manner of household items such as dishes, wine glasses, cutting boards, measuring cups, mops, buckets, and much much more for good prices. They are certainly worth a visit.
Just take the Metro to Amager Centret. Go in the entrance marked Apotek and it's three or four stores in on the left.There is another real hardware store in the same mall over by Irma that sells lamps, extension cords, and real hardware and their prices aren't bad either. If you want to compare prices there is another household store down by Føtex that sells things at normal Danish prices, the difference is huge!
Good shopping!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Bagels, Bagels and More Bagels - An American Lunch in Hellerup
We wandered into Hellerup looking for an affordable (always a challenge) and delicious lunch for two girls on the town. We didn't want to go fancy but we were looking for a treat so we found our way to The Bagel Co. on Strandvejen right across from Running Man Sushi, near the 7-11. What an unexpected treat! I had been there once before but it was just for a quick Chai and I am sorry I didn't go back sooner. Friendly staff, all speak English, American Bagels in a variety of flavors (a very difficult thing to find in Denmark especially if you don't want whole wheat) including PLAIN, sesame, cheddar and jalapeno, everything and more. You can't beat it.
The sandwiches are amazingly affordable, a small is 48 DKK and a large is 52 DKK, the variety is outstanding (pastrami, delicious and fresh salmon, hummus, cheese, tuna, three flavors of cream cheese, etc.) and the vegetables are plentiful and very very fresh. But hold on to your hats - they have fresh squeezed juices and cans of AMERICAN SODA FOR JUST 19 DKK - Dr. Pepper, Cherry Coke, and Root Beer. Nectar of the Gods!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If that isn't enough there are DILL PICKLES (also impossible to find in Denmark) and French's yellow mustard. You can also buy both the pickles and the mustard there and the mustard is less then it costs at SuperBest so one less errand on my list.
On your way out pick up a bag of day old bagels for somewhere around 25 DKK. So so so so so good. Are you getting the impression that we liked it, because we did. No tables just two counters and high chairs so get there first! Surprised my picky eater with a plain bagel and cream cheese for breakfast this morning, it was like being home. Mom wins :)
The sandwiches are amazingly affordable, a small is 48 DKK and a large is 52 DKK, the variety is outstanding (pastrami, delicious and fresh salmon, hummus, cheese, tuna, three flavors of cream cheese, etc.) and the vegetables are plentiful and very very fresh. But hold on to your hats - they have fresh squeezed juices and cans of AMERICAN SODA FOR JUST 19 DKK - Dr. Pepper, Cherry Coke, and Root Beer. Nectar of the Gods!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If that isn't enough there are DILL PICKLES (also impossible to find in Denmark) and French's yellow mustard. You can also buy both the pickles and the mustard there and the mustard is less then it costs at SuperBest so one less errand on my list.
On your way out pick up a bag of day old bagels for somewhere around 25 DKK. So so so so so good. Are you getting the impression that we liked it, because we did. No tables just two counters and high chairs so get there first! Surprised my picky eater with a plain bagel and cream cheese for breakfast this morning, it was like being home. Mom wins :)
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Bare Minerals Beauty Products
Yes, ladies, they have them here! They are obscenely expensive but they have a limited selection including the cleansers and moisturizers. They are in a small section in the Magasin store. You can take the Metro, or Bus 1A to Kongens Nytorv. There is an entrance in the Metro so you don't even have to go outside.
A Bubble Bath and a Bag of Knorr
Well, I've already told you how good some of these Knorr bag meals are. Just add the chicken you stashed in the freezer when you found it on sale and presto instant meal! Now I have waited patiently for someone to try the BBQ one but no comments yet so in a desperate attempt to put something on the table instead of running across the street to the shawarma man (that's for tomorrow) - I bit the bullet and bought the bag of Knorrs BBQ.
I wanted the chicken nugget mix to coat a bunch of chicken breasts but apparently you all took me at my word and you bought all the ones that Netto in Hellerup had. But that's alright because I soldiered on. Knorrs BBQ and the chicken thighs that were the only thing for a reasonable amount of money (who eats chicken thighs, I didn't even know they had thighs). It was tasty good, even better then the Paprika or the Yellow Curry. Delicious, tender and good.
I worked very hard opening up that bag, you have to unfold it and everything, so I believe I will study for my Danish exam and retire early and gracefully. Wish me luck, the exam for my Module 1 is on Friday and I am for no good reason freaking out about it.
Oh yes, the bubble bath - don't mix the Knorr in it, I just meant that I deserve one :)
I wanted the chicken nugget mix to coat a bunch of chicken breasts but apparently you all took me at my word and you bought all the ones that Netto in Hellerup had. But that's alright because I soldiered on. Knorrs BBQ and the chicken thighs that were the only thing for a reasonable amount of money (who eats chicken thighs, I didn't even know they had thighs). It was tasty good, even better then the Paprika or the Yellow Curry. Delicious, tender and good.
I worked very hard opening up that bag, you have to unfold it and everything, so I believe I will study for my Danish exam and retire early and gracefully. Wish me luck, the exam for my Module 1 is on Friday and I am for no good reason freaking out about it.
Oh yes, the bubble bath - don't mix the Knorr in it, I just meant that I deserve one :)
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Awesome Ice Skating in Frederiksberg
That's right there is a rink in Frederiksberg so get up, put your boots on, and take the kids down there. It appears to be open 24/7 if you have your own skates but never fear there are a bunch of friendly people who speak English and rent skates from 11-19 on weekdays and 11-19 on Saturdays and I am not sure of the Sunday hours but I think it is 12-19. The rentals are 45 DKK a pair and you just need to leave an ID card until you return the skates. It is fun, even Mom RELUCTANTLY went. You can also rent these awesome penguins for the kids that don't know how to skate well or at all, they are 50 DKK for each 1/2 hour and they are heavy and solid have little handles that they hold onto as they push them around. When my kids were little they would use chairs to push around the rink, these are much cuter.
Just take the Metro to the Frederiksberg stop, go up the escalator towards the Mall entrance but go out to the street instead. Walk out to Falkoner's Alle and turn right (N I think with my girl brain, so I could be wrong). Walk down (here are girl directions - towards the McDonalds) and in about two blocks it will turn into Allegade. You will walk through a park across from a row of nice restaurants and then you will see it on your right. Remember they only take CASH. I have heard that there is another one in Svanemøllen by the train station but I couldn't find it.
We brought a small lunch bag with PB&J sandwiches, snacks, water and juice but there is a snack bar. They have pølsehornes (the little pigs in the blanket hot dogs), chocolate croissants, and a couple of other snacks. They also have beer, coffee, Chai, cold drinks and hot chocolate for the usual 25-35 DKK: If you have a picky eater DON'T buy the hot chocolate. Word of warning, neither of my kids liked it. It was a dark chocolate tasting more bitter brew :( There is also a Pølservagn (Hot Dog Wagon) across the street for a fun, inexpensive lunch. Of course, after we bought three of the 25 DKK hot chocolates I saw that the hot dog wagon had hot chocolate advertised for 13 DKK so if someone tries it let me know if it is good? There are also a bunch of restaurants and bakeries on your way back to the Metro if you want to stop for lunch.
Keep your eyes open on your way there and you will see a really cool brick tower on your right with what looks like an observation platform on top. The bottom was a Bar and I walked in but couldn't figure out if there was a way to go up to see. It's pretty cool looking so if anyone finds a way up, let us know!
Just take the Metro to the Frederiksberg stop, go up the escalator towards the Mall entrance but go out to the street instead. Walk out to Falkoner's Alle and turn right (N I think with my girl brain, so I could be wrong). Walk down (here are girl directions - towards the McDonalds) and in about two blocks it will turn into Allegade. You will walk through a park across from a row of nice restaurants and then you will see it on your right. Remember they only take CASH. I have heard that there is another one in Svanemøllen by the train station but I couldn't find it.
We brought a small lunch bag with PB&J sandwiches, snacks, water and juice but there is a snack bar. They have pølsehornes (the little pigs in the blanket hot dogs), chocolate croissants, and a couple of other snacks. They also have beer, coffee, Chai, cold drinks and hot chocolate for the usual 25-35 DKK: If you have a picky eater DON'T buy the hot chocolate. Word of warning, neither of my kids liked it. It was a dark chocolate tasting more bitter brew :( There is also a Pølservagn (Hot Dog Wagon) across the street for a fun, inexpensive lunch. Of course, after we bought three of the 25 DKK hot chocolates I saw that the hot dog wagon had hot chocolate advertised for 13 DKK so if someone tries it let me know if it is good? There are also a bunch of restaurants and bakeries on your way back to the Metro if you want to stop for lunch.
Keep your eyes open on your way there and you will see a really cool brick tower on your right with what looks like an observation platform on top. The bottom was a Bar and I walked in but couldn't figure out if there was a way to go up to see. It's pretty cool looking so if anyone finds a way up, let us know!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Do You need a Rolling Bag?
Yes, I now look like the crazy old lady that I am or so my husband says? I gave given in and bought one of those rolly bags but I am no longer humping bags of groceries and my Danish class books and my iPad in my brittle old arms. I've wanted one for awhile but they are a minimum of 300 DKK and I just couldn't make myself do it, that's about $60. (can't do the math like me, just divide by 5 - you'll be a little low but because the exchange rate is usually closer to six but so what, you'll just be spending a little LESS than you think) I checked out EBay but shipping is too much and no one is scheduled to visit from the states to bring me one along with a suitcase full of Lucky Charms.
Well, Ikea has one for 120 DKK! So get yourself there and join the ranks of us crazy old ladies. I may mutter to myself on the Metro but at least my arms and back don't hurt and I can shove all kinds of crazy stuff in there. Well worth it, just divide by 5 ;) under $25
Well, Ikea has one for 120 DKK! So get yourself there and join the ranks of us crazy old ladies. I may mutter to myself on the Metro but at least my arms and back don't hurt and I can shove all kinds of crazy stuff in there. Well worth it, just divide by 5 ;) under $25
Is Denmark the Place for You?
Are you someone who is excited by change and you have the unique opportunity to bring your family to experience a new lifestyle here in Denmark? Or are you someone who is not so excited about leaving your current home and adventuring overseas but find yourself agreeing to move to Denmark however unwillingly? I have been both so either way let me assure you that if you have to go overseas that the friendliness and good heartnedness of the Danish people, not to mention their excellent command of the English language, will make your move as seamless as possible. If you have to go somewhere, this is one of the better places to be.
The country itself is beautiful! The availability and quality of the parks and playgrounds, various amusements, night life, and culture including music and theatre are excellent. The ease of their public transportation is amazing but don't worry - if you must have a car, car rental specials are affordable and there is always one available from somewhere and they include the car insurance. There is also an enormous ExPat population and many many support groups for people of all nationalities.
The rumors of difficult medical care are just that, rumors. Americans coming here will be amazed by the medical community's thoroughness and surprised by their treatment of you as a person rather than any catering to insurance companies. I can talk from experience as my medical issues made it necessary for me to find a physician within a week of my arrival, no problem.
It is not perfect here by any means but it is comfortable for a displaced American. Cost of living is very high but with a good understanding of your family budget, time spent finding the best prices for what your family enjoys, and some judicious online purchasing, you can do well. Shop for your kids next clothing sizes before you come. If you are lucky your employer may pay your rent or International School tuition (if you choose to go that route), a lot do. I will post soon on things you may want to negotiate for if you are looking for a job here.
I won't lie, you will have days when it's all just overwhelming and you just want to go home, grab a dollar coffee from McDonalds and a bag of Fritos (not be found here for love or money :) . You just cry a little then take yourself outside and you look around at the beautiful buildings, the goofy clothes, or the canals or heck, buy a ticket to Paris for $120 and realize that it's a fun, unique, and a not so unpleasant adventure.
If you are thinking about coming here, on your way, or already here and have a question - post it here and I will try to answer it truthfully or if I can't maybe one of the other readers can. So good luck and good travels.
The country itself is beautiful! The availability and quality of the parks and playgrounds, various amusements, night life, and culture including music and theatre are excellent. The ease of their public transportation is amazing but don't worry - if you must have a car, car rental specials are affordable and there is always one available from somewhere and they include the car insurance. There is also an enormous ExPat population and many many support groups for people of all nationalities.
The rumors of difficult medical care are just that, rumors. Americans coming here will be amazed by the medical community's thoroughness and surprised by their treatment of you as a person rather than any catering to insurance companies. I can talk from experience as my medical issues made it necessary for me to find a physician within a week of my arrival, no problem.
It is not perfect here by any means but it is comfortable for a displaced American. Cost of living is very high but with a good understanding of your family budget, time spent finding the best prices for what your family enjoys, and some judicious online purchasing, you can do well. Shop for your kids next clothing sizes before you come. If you are lucky your employer may pay your rent or International School tuition (if you choose to go that route), a lot do. I will post soon on things you may want to negotiate for if you are looking for a job here.
I won't lie, you will have days when it's all just overwhelming and you just want to go home, grab a dollar coffee from McDonalds and a bag of Fritos (not be found here for love or money :) . You just cry a little then take yourself outside and you look around at the beautiful buildings, the goofy clothes, or the canals or heck, buy a ticket to Paris for $120 and realize that it's a fun, unique, and a not so unpleasant adventure.
If you are thinking about coming here, on your way, or already here and have a question - post it here and I will try to answer it truthfully or if I can't maybe one of the other readers can. So good luck and good travels.
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