Every year we try to make a trip to the tulip fields around the Keukenhof in Lisse. It’s very impressive to see all the beautiful colours of the flowers. The landscapes in Lisse look like real life paintings. The tulip fields in the Netherlands are famous all over the world attract a lot of visitors but we usually manage to find a nice quiet spot on back farmers roads . This year in 2020, the start of the quarantine in the Netherlands directly coincided with tulips harvest season. Many of the farmers cut down their tulips to try and keep local visitors away trying to keep the infection from spreading amongst the communities. Normally these fields are flooded with tourists, but because the borders were closed it was primarily Dutch families looking to outside when the spring weather had arrived. Due to their being no tulips growing when the quarantine ended, we found ourselves in a lonely hyacinth field instead.
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Noordermarkt Amsterdam (Antique Market)
If your heart starts racing when thinking about a real life treasure hunt or you want to bring home a more original Dutch souvenir, visit to the Noordermarkt antique market on Saturdays or Monday’s. You can find a nice selection of items like books, Bric-à-brac, glassware, china, rugs, vintage clothing, accessories & jewellery. Every week there is new stock at the antique stands and you never know what you will find!
The market is visited by both locals and tourists and has a really nice atmosphere and you can find beautiful items on any budget. The market is on a very picturesque location, on the corner of Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht and is surrounded by amazing cafe’s were you can rest after a successful antique hunt.
Read MoreBiologische Noordermarkt Amsterdam (Organic Farmers Market)
When visiting Amsterdam, a visit to the Saturday market at Noordermarkt in the Jordaan is a must for all food lovers. The market is in one of the most scenic parts of the city on the corner of Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht.
You will find the most beautiful eco produce, cheeses and flowers. A visit to Biologische Noordermarkt Amsterdam is always part of our Saturday ritual. We like to get inspired by anything in season and go home and make the most incredible lunches with the kids. We try to involve the kids in the shopping process so they get just as excited about all the fresh foods and making it into a meal.
Face masks for Children
Since face mask are getting required in public transportation and stores, and we live in the city center with still rising Covid 19 cases, I thought it was time to get some face masks for the kids. I was looking for a simple mask that wouldn’t distract too much from their sweet eyes :) Because I like natural fabrics and a clean look, Linen masks were an easy choice. I let James and Darcy pick their own color which wasn’t easy since there are so many great colours available. The both ended up picking a beautiful colour.
Read MoreIce cream machine
Every year before my husbands birthday or Christmas I feel a light panic coming. I will have to find my husband a present! You would think it’s no big deal, but since Chris made a sport of finding me the most perfect gift at every occasion, I do feel a bit of pressure. It’s not about how fancy the gift is because I know he doesn’t care about that, it’s about it being a thoughtful present that is right for him.
Read MoreThe Best Oliebollen in the Jordaan (Arnold Cornelis)
Every year we look forward into the time we can shamelessly eat way too many oliebollen. Our favoriete place to get freshly baked oliebollen in the Jordaan is Arnold Cornelis on Elandsgracht. At new year's eve they set up a stand outside because we are definitely not the only ones who love their oliebollen and appelflappen. It’s good to keep in mind to get your oliebollen early in the day, one time they were sold out by the time we arrived and you can imagine the disappointment :)
Read MoreMeet our new family member (Devon Rex)
Meet Eevee, our new Devon Rex. We surprised our kids during the lockdown with a new kitten. We were so proud of them how they adapted to the new situation during quarantine and being homeschooled. I was following the instagram from Cattery Honolulu for a while and when I saw a photo of Eevee it was love at first sight, we were so lucky she hadn’t been reserved yet.
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