Waves, Winds, and Painted Nails

A Perfectly Imperfect Vacation in Jammerbugt, Denmark

Denmark’s Jammerbugt region welcomed us with its rugged beauty and soul-soothing seaside. The days here have had their ups and downs in terms of weather, but every moment has been memorable. This vacation, filled with cozy beach walks, coastal drives, and little adventures, has been everything we needed to unwind and recharge. And, today, I am feeling like my happiest, truest self - thanks in no small part to the thoughtful surprises from my wife, the unexpected connection at a local nail studio, and a bit of a wardrobe upgrade!

My New Hell Bunny Skirt

The Ocean’s Embrace: Beach Walks in All Weather

We spent so much of our time by the beach, letting the waves and wind work their magic. The waves at Jammerbugt have a way of pulling you into a rhythm with nature, where time feels irrelevant, and every sound of the crashing surf brings calm. I think both of us felt that sense of release with every step we took on the sand.

The variety in the weather added its own drama to our beach days. We had two days of rain, which brought out the cozy side of the coast. We walked with rain jackets zipped up, enjoying the misty views and watching raindrops merge with the waves. Then came two days of powerful storms. Even in the safety of the indoors, hearing the roar of the wind made it feel like we were witnessing nature’s grand performance, something thrilling and awe-inspiring.

But the highlight, without a doubt, was that one stunning sunny autumn day. The sky was clear, with a warmth that felt like a gift, so we seized the day and took a mini road trip along the coast.

Exploring Slettestrand, Svinkløv Badehotel, and Rudbjerg Knude

Our sunny day led us along the coast, where we took in the beautiful views of Denmark’s northern landscape. Our first stop was Slettestrand, a beach known for its iconic fishing boats parked directly on the shore. Seeing these boats up close, their sturdy frames and colorful hulls reflecting the Danish fishing culture, felt special. Slettestrand manages to combine beauty and simplicity in a way that feels both unassuming and grand.

From there, we made our way to Svinkløv Badehotel. When we arrived, we knew we were stepping into a piece of history. It’s off-season now, so the usual buzz of visitors has quieted, leaving only the whispers of the wind and the tranquil surroundings. The hotel itself has an incredible story - after a devastating fire destroyed it several years ago, it was lovingly rebuilt, down to every detail, using the original architectural plans. The result is a place that feels frozen in time, as if you’ve wandered into the swanky early 20th century.

The wooden structure, with its elegant simplicity, has that quintessential Nordic charm but with a hint of old-world grandeur. Standing there, you can almost imagine guests from a century ago lounging on the deck, sipping tea, and enjoying the same stunning view of the dunes and the sea. The restoration captures not just the physical space but also the spirit of the era, making you feel as though you've time-traveled back to the days when beachside retreats were all the rage.

For a moment, we simply stood there, appreciating the history and craftsmanship, and letting the peaceful atmosphere sink in. It’s a place that reminds you of the resilience and beauty of rebuilding and holding onto what matters.

Our last stop on that sunny autumn day was Rubjerg Knude, a place that stands as a testament to both the forces of nature and human resilience. This iconic lighthouse, perched on a vast sand dune, has an incredible story of survival. Just a few years ago, facing the threat of being swallowed by the ever-eroding coastline, the entire structure was moved further inland to save it from plunging over the steep cliffs. It’s hard to imagine the engineering feat it took to relocate such a massive structure, but seeing it standing strong today feels almost surreal.

As we walked up to the lighthouse, with sand whipping around us in the strong wind, it was easy to understand why the move had been necessary - the coastline here is constantly shifting, and the sand dunes seem alive, steadily encroaching on everything in their path. The lighthouse itself has a haunting beauty, set against the dramatic backdrop of endless dunes and the wide North Sea. Standing there, I felt a sense of awe, thinking about the history it has witnessed and the lengths taken to preserve it.

Rubjerg Knude is more than just a lighthouse; it’s a powerful reminder of adaptation and the will to preserve what holds meaning, even when nature itself seems to challenge you at every turn.

A Fun Chat with Birte at the Nail Studio

Now, a little backstory on the nails. Typically, I get them done right before we go on vacation - like a small ritual that makes me feel polished and prepared. But this time, work kept me so busy that I just couldn’t squeeze in an appointment. When I mentioned this to my friend Celine over a chat, she had the simplest suggestion: “Why don’t you get them done in Denmark?”

It hit me like a lightning bolt - of course, I could! Why hadn’t I thought of that? So, I found a nail studio in Fjerritslev, and yesterday I had my appointment. That nail appointment with Birte turned out to be such a memorable experience! She was genuinely curious about how I incorporate my feminine style into my daily life, and we had a warm, open conversation as I shared little details about my routine. Birte had a few styling tips of her own, which she was excited to pass along. She offered suggestions for subtle touches that would enhance my look, and I felt so grateful for her support and insight - it made the whole experience feel even more personal.

Pink ... Of Course

 

When it came time to choose a nail color, there was no hesitation and no need for a long discussion; Birte knew exactly what I needed: pink! With a grin, she handed me the perfect shade, and we both knew it was the right choice. I left the studio with a fresh set of nails and a wonderful feeling of connection, grateful for the unexpected friendship and that little bit of encouragement to keep embracing my feminine side.

Sunday Vibes: New Skirt, New Nails, New Energy

Today is Sunday, and as I write this, I’m feeling incredibly happy and content. It’s funny how the little things, like a new skirt or a fresh set of nails, can make you feel like a new person. I’m finally wearing my new black Hell Bunny denim skirt  - a birthday gift from my wife. It’s styled like a cute pinafore, with that classic, playful look that I absolutely adore. The design has a bit of a vintage vibe, with sturdy denim that feels both stylish and comfortable, perfect for a day of exploring or just relaxing.

This is the first time I’ve worn it, and as I slipped it on this morning, I couldn’t help but feel a little thrill. It’s always special to wear something chosen with love, and I’m eager to see my wife’s reaction. There’s something about this skirt that just makes me feel joyful and free, ready to embrace the day ahead with a big smile.

Reflections on a Perfectly Imperfect Vacation

As I sit here in our cozy holiday home in Jammerbugt, taking in the peacefulness of the coast, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of joy and contentment. This trip has been a whirlwind of simple pleasures and unexpected moments, and it’s left me feeling more connected to myself than ever before. Who would have thought that a few days spent in Denmark’s wild, rugged landscape would bring me closer to understanding what truly makes me happy?

One of the biggest surprises for me has been just how much joy I find again in embracing my femininity. There’s something about wearing a skirt, letting the fabric flow around me, that makes me feel genuinely free and alive. The simple act of slipping into my new Hell Bunny skirt, with its playful pinafore style and soft denim, feels like a gentle affirmation of who I am becoming. It’s a feeling I cherish deeply. It reminds me that self-expression isn’t just about appearance - it’s about honoring every part of yourself, even the parts you once hesitated to embrace.

As I look down at my freshly painted pink nails, I smile at the memory of meeting Birte and the warmth of that connection. This vibrant color on my fingertips feels like a symbol of the freedom I’ve found here. Years ago, I might have never imagined myself sitting here, in this beautiful place, with painted nails and a skirt that makes me feel undeniably joyful. Yet, today, it feels as natural as the waves lapping against the shore. It’s as though each small step - each new expression of femininity - has been building toward this moment of complete comfort in my own skin.

Reflecting on these days, I’m struck by how much beauty there is in imperfection. Not every day was filled with sunshine; some days were marked by stormy winds and rain. But each moment, whether spent battling the elements or basking in the sun, felt like a unique piece of this incredible experience. I think about our windy walks on the beach, the quiet raindrops against our window, and that one glorious day under the clear autumn sky. Each memory feels like a thread in a larger tapestry, weaving together a story that’s both simple and profound.

More than anything, this vacation has taught me the value of slowing down and living in the moment. There’s a certain magic that comes with surrendering to the present, letting go of expectations, and just embracing the now. In doing so, I’ve been able to appreciate the simple joy of being feminine, of choosing colors and clothes that reflect the person I am. Every choice - the skirt, the nails, even the decision to visit a Danish nail studio - feels like a small act of self-love. And as I sit here with my wife, who has encouraged and supported me every step of the way, I feel a sense of gratitude that’s hard to put into words.

This trip to Jammerbugt has been perfectly imperfect in all the best ways. I’ve come to realize that these little moments are the ones that bring the most happiness. They remind me that self-acceptance is a journey worth taking, one that’s worth every second. I know I will carry more than just souvenirs and memories. I will bring home a renewed sense of joy, a stronger connection to myself, and the realization that life’s simplest pleasures are often the most meaningful. In the end, it’s not the grand plans or perfect weather that make a vacation memorable. It’s the moments where you feel completely yourself, where joy and peace settle into your bones, and where you walk away feeling more in love with the journey than ever before.

Today, as I finish up this post, I’m ready to enjoy one more day by the sea with my wife, my new pink nails, and my cute skirt - fully embracing this happy, carefree Sunday.