Castle market

Ever heard of Kasteel Groeneveld in Baarn?

(roughly translated: Castle Greenfield)

It was built in 1710 and is a very nice example of the Rococo style. It has been owned by several wealthy folks from the city to enjoy during summer to escape the heath and crowd from city. The surrounding park of 130 hectares is freely accessible and makes for a stunning walk.  

Every second Sunday of the month the so-called Proud Market is organised by locals. A wonderful place to try/buy some fresh and delicious food, such as home-made jams, biological meats and freshly baked pizza and fries. But of course also home decoration stuff, jewelry and clothing. 

Fun for everyone!

 "Yes please!"

My watch obsession

I have a confession to make.

I'm secretly addicted. 

Not to any dangerous substance, although the thrill of "using" is just the same. And it's equally bad for your wallet. And no, I'm not talking about weed (I knew you were thinking that, because I'm Dutch!), but it's something I inherited from my dad, who also has a weakness for this addiction...

Its watches!

From left to right: Daniel Wellington, Frederique Constant, Seiko, Primark, Rotary, Rotary, Davis and Louis Pion. 

On the left is the latest addition to my collection: the Daniel Wellington. I absolutely love the sporty look of the watch, with the brightly colored nylon strap (in the colors of the Dutch flag!) and the minimalist watch face. I was able to snag this baby up for a bargain on Marktplaats, a website for selling new and secondhand goods.

Next to Daniel is my most special watch: the Frederique Constant. This watch is not only the most valuable price wise, but also has a lot of sentimental value, as it was a graduation gift from my parents. When I started my Masters degree, my dad told me he would get me a Frederique watch of my own once I graduated. The funny thing is that it was not really necessary as a motivation, but more because he really wanted to give me a watch that he enjoyed wearing so much!

The third watch is a Seiko watch I bought at the online outlet store Limango. By becoming a member of Limango you get daily messages with online sales of new products, ranging from clothing and accessories to cooking utilities and cosmetics. Which is where I was able to snag up this great time piece for half the price! I adore the rhinestones around the dial (although I'm usually not a great sparkle fan) and the elegant blue dial button.

Watch number four was an impulse buy at Primark. I love everything with polka dots and for only 5 pounds I just couldn't resist!

Next up is my first Rotary watch. I had been looking for a nice steel strap piece for a while until I came across the Rotary brand. The brand was unknown to me, as its not sold outside the UK, but they make really nice classic and good quality watches (and not overly expensive). You might want to know if there really is a difference in quality between the more expensive Frederique steel-look watch compared to the Rotary watch. Unfortunately, my answer is yes. Although I've had the Rotary longer, I've probably worn them both equally and I can say that the Rotary has more scratches on the wrist band (particularly where it hits a table or desk) compared to the Frederqie: which has none whatsoever.

Watch number six is my second Rotary watch, a moon phase dial with black leather strap. I love, love, love moon dial watches! They're so chic, but usually so expensive. Which is why I love Ebay. If you know what you are buying it can really be a good place to snag up a bargain. And of course you have buyers protection if you pay via Paypal. I had been searching for a while for a nice looking (not too expensive) moon dial watch until I came across this piece from Rotary. I checked the moon position with the moon dial on my watch and its completely spot on!

Up next is another recent buy: a classic style, red strap Davis watch. This watch I bought when I was at the Libelle Summer week with my mother. Another reason I like buying watches (or any type of jewelry really) is that it can be a really nice commemoration of special events or memories. Like the Frederique will always remind me of my graduation, so will this watch always remind me of the day out with my mum.

And last but not least, another present from my dad, the Louis Pion. My dad can be away a lot for work and sometimes brings back presents for my mum and me when he comes back. On one of his trips he came across the classic Louis Pion brand, made in France. I really like the classic and minimalist style of the watch. Sometimes you don't want your watch to stand out too much, and this watch is the perfect mix of style and understatement.


So there you have it, my (small) watch collection! 

Walk in the country

Last Sunday the weather was unbelievably warm and beautiful, so I persuaded my folks to skip the back yard and go for a walk in the countryside. 

We settled on a walk around castle Waardenburg. Castle Waardenburg (also known as Weerdenburg) is located in Neerijnen, Gelderland. The tower from the castle dates back to 1265 and with time extensions were made to the building,
creating what you see today.

One of the most intriguing parts of the castle is the so-called "Faust room", named after the German Doctor Faust. It is said that he made a deal with the Devil for knowledge or the Philosopher's stone, which of course backfired and he was dragged to hell...

The castle is right on the other side of the dike, on which you have a beautiful view of the landscape.

Close to Castle Waardenberg is another beautiful estate: House Neerijnen (or estate, depending on the source). The first foundations of the house we laid in 1350, however the house as it is today dates from circa 1600. It was bought by the town Neerijnen and is now used as the city hall and open to the public on set occasions. 

Across the bridge you can go for a stroll in the castle gardens, which are open almost every weekend (entrance is free). It has a hundred year old Victorian glass house and a vegetable-, herb-, flower and rose garden. 

In one word: a nice walk through the country with stunning views of nature 

and some old historic estates!

Mothers day

I know what you must be thinking: "She's a bit late with that! Mothers day was  two weeks ago!"

But there is a good reason,  because yesterday I was finally able to give my mum her Mothers day present: a trip to the Libelle summer week!

For those of you who are not familiar with it, Libelle is a woman's magazine that focuses on fashion, home interior, food, family and travel. A little bit of everything. Every year in May they organize a themed event for all the readers to enjoy the atmosphere of the magazine in person, with shopping, fashion shows, food, music and of course meet-and-greets with some of the columnists.

This years theme was 'Fiesta del sol' and so the whole event was given a Spanish hint with music and Flamenco dancers.

Some very retro tosties (or grilled ham and cheese sandwich to the rest of the world)

And cheese of course!

 

Flamenco dancers!

Watch what it's like here, or below (it's in Dutch unfortunately!)

  

Boats and royalty

Today is going to be a double post!

First, let me tell you about the National Tugboat days in Vianen. Actually, the name says it all really. To celebrate the old Dutch tradition of tugboats, which are used to bring large container ships into the harbor, a national festival is organised each year. This attracts tugboats from all over the country (even some from abroad!) and is accompanied by lots of food, and of course kermis!

 

Boys and their toys ;)

I almost forgot to tell you about this amazing Tea house! Do you see that little tower over there, on the old city wall? It fits exactly three tables (and an outside garden when the weather is good), but serves the best tea and cake ever! It's the little hidden gem of Vianen.

"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.

We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho!"

*Ahum* Nevermind that...

The second thing I want to show you is the Summer fair at Palace Soestdijk. Something completely different, but just as nice to stroll around and enjoy on weekend day (although the weather was also a lot nicer this time around!). If you like shopping, food, wine and enjoying the royal gardens you've come to the right adres here! Royal, you say? Well yes, Palace Soestdijk was given to King Willem II by the people for his heroic defeat of the French, although it was originally built in 1650 by the mayor of Amsterdam. The Palace has long been inhabited by the Dutch royals, but since they choose to have their permanent residence elsewhere, Palace Soestdijk is open to the public and many events are organised there. 

 

Its also a nice way to find new brands and new designers. If you like unique jewelry or clothing, check out QueBella and Leintje.

Until August 31 you can also see an exhibition of some of the amazing winners and runners up of the International Garden Photographer of the Year, in collaboration with KEW Royal Botanic Gardens and the BBC. The photos are absolutely stunning!

 This years theme was Images of a Green Planet.