Happy Year of the Dragon!

Happy Year of the Dragon! January 10th marked the start of the Lunar or Chinese New Year. We celebrated with an Asian inspired evening, including Indonesian food and a delicious cake by a Chinese bakery.

I researched how Chinese floral arrangements look like for Lunar New Year. Then I went to my local florist and picked out pink and red flowers. (Of course you have to work with what's available.) I am pretty happy with the final result. What do you think?

To everyone celebrating: Happy Lunar New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Cake by Bakery Li&U: 
Bakery Li&U

Chinese Christmas cards used as menus by Wah Nam Hong (A special thank you to Arjan):
Wah Nam Hong

Valentine's Day Wishlist 2024

In two weeks time it will be Valentine's Day and for all the -single- ladies: Galentine's Day (according to dictionary Merriam Webster "a day for women to celebrate their friendships with their lady friends. It's Valentine's Day with your gals").

Whether you are celebrating with your lover, (girl)friends or just want to spoil yourself... here's my annual Valentine's Day Wishlist, which might just help you find the perfect Valentine's Day gift!

With certain gifts you can't go wrong: Diptyque candles, champagne, chocolate, red roses... but I also added a few fashionable options.

Heart for me handbag by Mercedes Salazar:
Heart For me Handbag – Mercedes Salazar

Deaja vy bread basket set of 2 by Mercedes Salazar:
Deja Vu Bread Basket Set of 2 – Mercedes Salazar

White tea by Kusmi Tea via De Bijenkorf:
Kusmi Tea White Bellini losse thee 90 gram • Wit • de Bijenkorf

Baies (berries) and roses candles duo by Diptyque Paris:
https://www.diptyqueparis.com/en_eu/p/baies-berries-and-roses-duo-classic-candles-valentines-day-edition.html

Heartshaped casserole by Le Creuset via De Bijenkorf:
Le Creuset Hart braadpan Ø20 cm • Donkerrood • de Bijenkorf

Red Delicate triangle bralette by Love Stories:
https://lovestoriesintimates.com/en/love-lace-l2371005400.html

The Ritual of Ayurveda large gift set by Rituals via De Bijenkorf:

Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Large Gift Set - verzorgingsset • de Bijenkorf

Lola frilly briefs in rose pink by Love Stories:
https://lovestoriesintimates.com/en/lola-sp2331012525.html

Blush de Beauté by Gucci Beauty via de Bijenkorf:
Gucci Blush De Beauté - 2-in-1 blush & oogschaduw • 01 - Silky Rose • de Bijenkorf

Chocolate bar by Tony's Chocolonely:
Tony's Chocolonely Chocoshop

Men's sneakers by Philippe Model:
Antibes Sneakers: White Shoes Man | Philippe Model Paris

Heart shaped pasta by Barilla:
Barilla love | Barilla

Beanie by MC2 Saint Barth:
Woman white beanie with fair isle heart print – MC2 Saint Barth

Sequined bag by Zara:

SEQUINNED BUCKET BAG - Red | ZARA Netherlands

Love embroidered velvet makeup bag:
Elizabeth Scarlett Love Embroidered Velvet Makeup Bag | Anthropologie UK

Holiday Season in Umbria

Have you ever been to Umbria? Many people know this Italian region from their summer holidays, but I can really recommend spending the (winter) Holiday Season here. Italians know how to decorate their towns... That includes the Umbrian cities Perugia and Orvieto. You'll be amazed by all the beautiful Christmas decorations and holiday lights! Both in Perugia and Orvieto you'll find (small) Christmas markets, with local delicacies and handcrafted gifts.

Another big plus is the food. In december you'll get lots of winter soups to warm you up. How about zuppa di lenticchie (lentil soup), zuppa di ceci e castagne (chickpea and chestnut soup) or zuppa di fagioli e patate (bean and potato soup)?
On Christmas Day cappelletti will be served (a type of stuffed pasta in the form of little hats), on New Year's Eve cotechino e lenticchie (pork sausage and lentils). The lentils symbolize money and prosperity!

Umbria has a lot to offer during the Holiday Season: pretty Christmas decorations, cosy holiday lights, great food and wines and.... splendid Christmas shopping! Winter sales unfortunately start only after New Year's Eve, unlike in many other European countries. However it's worth waiting for... you will be able to buy sequin party dresses, classic shirts and suits, leather shoes and all kinds of handmade gifts at a fraction of the original price (and a lot cheaper than in many other countries).

In december the Umbria Jazz festival settles in Orvieto, turning it upside down! During winter it's usually quiet and (almost) deserted, but when the jazz circus comes to town, Orvieto becomes lively, busy and cosy! If you want to know more about the winter edition of the Umbria Jazz festival, check out one of my previous blogs:
How to spend an unforgettable New Year's Eve?
New Year's Eve in Orvieto
Ode to Umbria Jazz

Now take my advice and book your vacation in Umbria for next december!