Staycation in Zeeland

Summer 2020 has changed all our lives and more specifically all our vacation plans. Instead of going to Italy, I decided to stay home in The Netherlands and enjoy my staycation! Actually it's a great opportunity to get to know my own country a little bit better. This weekend I stayed in Zeeland.

Zeeland is a Dutch province in the southwest of The Netherlands, consisting of several islands. It's a beautiful region, with lots of beaches, historical towns and marinas. I've been there a few times before, but haven't seen all of it (yet).

Zeeland is perfect for people who love watersports, such as sailing, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. It's also a great place for art lovers and foodies. In Middelburg I went shopping (among others) at Sebastian den Herder Vintage & Designers; florist Huis van Bloemen; book shop De Drukkerij; souvenir shop Sjakies Snoepwinkel. 

I stayed at Bed & Breakfast Montancourt Middelburg (where the owners also sell great artworks); had cocktails in the stunning "speakeasy" Cocktail Bar Eleanor; dinner in the elegant Brasserie Eleanor, both located in a luxurious boutique hotel, named after Eleanor Roosevelt.

In the small seaside town Zierikzee, I can really recommend Brasserie Maritime for either drinks, lunch or dinner, but there are many cute bars and restaurants in the old and new marina. One of them is Winebar Gris Sec.

Besides Middelburg and Zierikzee, there is an abundance of beautiful towns in Zeeland to visit! Did you know Zeeland has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other Dutch province?
For more information, please visit: 
https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/zeeland.htm
https://www.vvvzeeland.nl/en/

Cooking in times of corona

As bars and restaurants are reopening after months of lockdown, we finally have the chance to go out for drinks and dinner again. 

I am longing for a cocktail at one of my favorite bars. The same goes for dinner with family and friends... not having to cook or clean, being served and feeling like a guest instead of the chef or host.

The past few months I did have fun cooking at home and setting the table (in the prettiest way possible, just to feel better). Here are some of the dishes I made. As you can see… I love Italian food!

Dressing up in Quarantine

We've been in quarantine for two months now… and I have to say, it has not been easy. But what pulls me through (among other things) is fashion! I have always loved fashion and dressing up, but now -even though I have nowhere to go- I like it even more. 

Of course there are Zoom business meetings and Friday night quarantinis with the girls... and then there are fashion contests with specific dress codes, like the "Chic at Home" challenge by Colombian brand Azulu. Not that I really need a reason to dress up, because as they say: "Never underestimate the power of a good outfit on a bad day".

So in case you're wondering if I walk around the house in sweatpants… I'm not. And I can't really understand why someone would wear sweatpants all the time (it depresses me)... but hey, whatever makes you feel good. Hang in there everybody!

Keep Smiling bracelets

Do you like friendship bracelets as much as I do? I think a girl can never have enough! I absolutely love making an "arm party" or "arm stack". This week I made some combinations with cute smiley bracelets. What do you think?

In these difficult times small gestures can make a big difference. Why not give your best friend, colleague, neighbour, your mom, sister, niece or cousin a smiley bracelet to help them keep smiling? Let's stay positive… we will get through this… this too shall pass!

Smiley bracelets by H.O.F. Fashion:
http://www.hoffashion.nl
https://www.instagram.com/hoffashion.nl

Purple-green bracelet with Swarovski crystals by Nina Penuela:
http://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2020/02/nina-penuela-store-casco-viejo-panama.html

Pink-turquoise bracelet with pom poms by Casa Chiqui:
https://www.casachiqui.com/en/
http://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2019/06/top-5-shops-in-cartagena-de-indias.html

Boat rope bracelets: vintage.

If you have any questions about the other bracelets, just send me an email. (P.s. this is not advertising! I have paid for all these bracelets myself and did not get paid for this post.)