Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween guys! As you probably know, I don't celebrate Halloween, but I do admire all the incredible outfits and decorations that people come up with. Last weekend I saw a big Halloween parade with lots of kids who were dressed up as witches, ghosts and little devils. They were so cute! 

A shop that always has the best Halloween decorations and gifts is The Chocolate Line in Antwerp, Belgium! Chocolatier Dominique Persoone is a master at making beautiful (and delicious) gifts for Halloween as well as Dia de los Muertos.

For more information please visit:
The Chocolate Line

Favorite Holiday Destinations... Capri

Capri has been one of my favourite holiday destinations since the first time I visited this Italian island many years ago. The surroundings are incredibly beautiful, the people are beautiful, the shops are beautiful...!

I love the colors of the sea, the sky, the cliffs, the vegetation, the flowers... Oh don't get me started on the flowers! Everywhere you walk, you see and smell bougainvillea, hibiscus, oleanders, roses, wisteria, lemon trees (the scent of lemon blossom is divine)...

And the views are absolutely stunning!!! I love taking the path from the centre of Capri to the other side of the island, Via Tragara. It's quite a walk when it's hot! It takes about 15 minutes from Via Camerelle (the shopping street with all the famous brands) to Hotel Punta Tragara, where the "belvedere" is located. Capri is mainly carfree, including Via Tragara. That means you have to walk back as well.

Pictured above:
Raffia home decor and keyrings by Mercedes Salazar for Ecocapri 
www.ecocapri.com
The owner of Yam Capri, Valeria with her mom and her clothing store
yamcapri.it 
Cutlery and baskets by Cabana Capri
www.cabanagloballuxe.com

Besides the stunning nature, Capri is known for its shops and luxury lifestyle. The international jet set flocks to Capri all year long, but mainly during summer. If you're lucky, you can spot a Hollywood celebrity -or two- shopping in Via Camerelle, sipping a cocktail at Bar Quisi (of Grand Hotel Quisisana), having lunch or dinner at the famous restaurant Aurora.

The place to be is without a doubt the famous Piazzetta! The small square in the centre of town is officially called Piazza Umberto I, but known everywhere, in Italy and around the world, as La Piazzetta. Find a spot at one of the bars, order an Apérol Spritz, sit down and relax... and watch everybody walk by. 

For me there are only two negative things about Capri. One is the gargantuan amount of people when you arrive in Marina Grande. Two is the fact that it is very expensive. Eighty euros for a plate of pasta with tomato sauce and a glass of wine is a little over the top if you ask me....

However, if you have the chance, you "must" visit Capri at least once in your life! It's a destination that will be hard to forget.

Want to see more of Capri? Please read one of my previous articles:

Capri In love with Capri 
Canfora Canfora sandals Capri 
Carthusia i profumi di Capri Carthusia perfumes 
La Fontelina Beachclub La Fontelina
Jlo & Arod in Capri Jlo & Arod in Capri

Hello Fall!

Hello Fall... welcome back! I'm usually quite sad when summer comes to an end, but when I stepped into the "Fall Vibes" at garden centre De Bosrand, all of a sudden it didn't seem so bad. All the beautiful home decor, fall flowers and decorations made me long for colder days and falling leaves.

What I loved the most was the fact that the clothes, home decor, flowers and centrepieces weren't all orange, red and brown, but lilac, purple and pink as well!! Garden centre De Bosrand has always been a master at making appealing seasonal displays, but this year they really outdid themselves.

All the fall home decor was so cute! Many of the fall decorations are actually Christmas ornaments, but hey, who cares? It's a great excuse to start decorating your house as early as september.

For more information, please visit: https://www.bosrand.nl

(Ps. I am not being paid for this article, I just love this store!)

Embassy Festival, The Hague

On September 7th, 2024 the 12th edition of the annual Embassy festival took place in The Hague. Out of all cultural and music festivals, Embassy Festival is definitely one of my favorites! It's a celebration of global culture, showcasing live music, traditional dances, folk costumes, delicious food, drinks and more. 

In 2024 there were 47 countries who participated (out of 195 countries that are recognized by the United Nations). That's less than 25 percent, so there is still room for growth. I have to be honest, I missed Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, Spain.... of course everyone has their personal favorites.

One of the countries that I visit every single time is Mexico, with mouthwatering food by KUA Mexican Kitchen. Their streetstyle tacos are amazing (causing long lines). In case you want to experience KUA yourself, check out my previous blog: KUA Mexican Kitchen.

I could be wrong, but it seems the number of visitors grows every year! I thought it was incredible how many people turned up... most of them well-dressed in national costumes.

At three o'clock there was the Culture Parade, which is something you should not miss. Watching the participants from all different countries in national dress is something special! Embassy Festival, thank you very much for a very nice time & see you next year!

Want to read more about the Embassy festival? Please continue here:
https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2018/08/embassy-festival.html