Blue Monday, Blue Happiness

It's Blue Monday again. Supposedly the most depressing day of the year. The holidays are over, you have spent al your money (on Christmas gifts), days are still short, the weather is cold, spring is still far away.... Who can blame you when you're feeling down?

While these things may or may not be influencing your state of mind, (real) despression is no joke... many people are struggling with despression every day. So please check in with your family and friends, to see if they're okay.

And on a lighter note, you have to realise that the concept of Blue Monday was invented by a PR agency (to sell vacations)! So instead of focusing on the negative part, I would like to give you some blue inspiration. Travel and fashion inspiration that is. The color blue always makes me happy, because it's the color of the sky and the ocean! Hopefully my photos can brighten up your day!

Photos taken in Capri, Ischia, Naples, Lisbon and The Hague

Blue blazer by Zara

Blue and gold bag by Yam Capri

Blue checkered bag by Mercedes Salazar 

Blue dress by Agua by Agua Bendita 

For more blue inspiration, check out one of my previous articles:

Happy Blue Monday 2025

I Looove Blue and White

Favorite Holiday Destinations Capri

Umbria Jazz Winter # 32

For New Year 's Eve I was in Orvieto, Italy. This beautiful town welcomes the Umbria Jazz festival every winter. In December 2025 the 32nd edition took place, with artists like Stefano Bollani, Danilo Rea, Dado Moroni, Fabrizio Bosso, Emma Smith and Ray Gelato.

Although the weather wasn't great (cold and rainy) and I didn't feel great either (coughing like crazy), it was wonderful to be there. Orvieto has stolen my heart a long time ago. I think it's the combination of a beautiful historic centre, cosy bars and restaurants, cute little shops and a wonderful atmosphere. Add Umbria Jazz to the mix and you have the perfect destination for New Year's Eve.

Want to learn more about Orvieto, Umbria and Umbria Jazz Winter? Please read one of my previous articles:
Osteria da Mamma Angela 
New Year's Eve in Orvieto 
Holiday Season in Umbria

Happy New Year 2026

Happy New Year everyone!! I really hope 2026 will bring peace and prosperity all over the world...

Sequin dress by Imperial Fashion
Nail polish by Chanel

Photos taken in Orvieto. Want to read more about Orvieto and Umbria? Please continue here:
Holiday Season in Umbria

Merry Christmas 2025

Merry Christmas to all of you! I wish you a wonderful time with family, friends and loved ones. For me Christmas is all about family and traditions. It's a true blessing being able to celebrate it the way we like it. I hope and wish for peace for everyone...

Christmas cake by Vitti Roma
Santa pastry by Patisserie Jarreau 
Holly leaves chocolates by Patisserie Jarreau 

Osteria da Mamma Angela, Orvieto

The town of Orvieto is filled with good restaurants, but one of my favorites is Osteria da Mamma Angela. Located in Piazza del Popolo, it has a small terrace and several cozy rooms. In fact I always feel like I'm having lunch or dinner at a friend's house. The interior decorating is very cute with red checkered tablecloths, whitewashed furniture, photos of famous guests and funny quote signs on the walls.

Osteria da Mamma Angela opened in 2015 and has been a big hit ever since, among locals and tourists alike. The cuisine is typical Umbrian, with dishes like Umbrichelli al pistacchio e speck (pasta with pistachio nuts and cured, smoked ham), tagliatelle al tartufo (pasta with truffels), various types of bruschetta (toasted bread with toppings), rustic soups with lentils, beans, chickpeas and chestnuts,  tagliata di manzo (sliced, high-quality beef), pork skewers and more. My friends always take the signature dish... "baffo" all'Orvietana (cured pork cheek, sautéed with sage and white wine vinegar).... and they go crazy for it!

However, Osteria da Mamma Angela is not only a perfect spot for meat lovers, it's also vegetarian friendly. Mamma Angela serves pasta al pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce), ravioli with ricotta cheese and spinach, Caprese salad and delicious vegetable soups. Oh and don't forget the mouthwatering desserts such as tiramisu and cheesecake! Make sure you make a reservation in advance, especially during peak seasons like Umbria Jazz Winter. 

Osteria da Mamma Angela
Piazza del Popolo 2
Orvieto, Italy
Telephone: (+39) 0763 342790
Website: Osteria da Mamma Angela