Winter blues

14 December 2017


I’m posting this outfit a little belated and by now the time of going out in just a sweater has unfortunately passed. Snow has fallen and autumn has officially made way for winter’s arrival. Although I enjoy December’s festivities as much as the next person, it breaks my heart a little to see the last leaves falling each year. 


I know it sounds super cheesy and I have no way of explaining it but somehow fall, its colors, the chilly weather- it all inspires me so much. I could spend the entire day just walking through the park, camera in hand, looking for the most beautiful spots or settings. And then winter comes and sucks me into this big black hole of hibernation where all I want to do is sleep and stay in with hot cocoa and do absolutely nothing. I’m sure I’m not the only one experiencing this?

In any case, this year I’m making it my mission to fight the winter blues. Last week I started a new job at Madam Bakster, a bakery and coffee shop specializing in vegan treats free of refined sugars and artificial flavors. It’s a huge but welcome change to my former job at H&M and I feel like a whole new world has opened up for me. I’m really excited and thankful for all the new experiences that are awaiting me and you know what? Not even the season can spoil my mindset!


OUTFIT DETAILS | Sweater, T-shirt & Skirt: Forever 21 - Shoes & Bag: Mint&Berry - Beret: H&M - Watch: Even&Odd (via Zalando)

Apple chai spiced scones

28 November 2017

Don't you just love a classic tea party with scones & jam? Well this month's gloomy weather inspired me to make a more autumnal version of the British delicacy. A chai latte is one of my favorite drinks on cold days and these scones really capture that warm feeling. I like to add some apple chunks for extra freshness, though they are optional. The chai glaze, however, isn't. (Believe me!)


Now I wouldn't say scones are the easiest bake so I'd save making them for the weekend when you've got time to give them your full attention. The hardest part to this specific recipe is getting the amount of cinnamon just right because if you add too much it will overpower all of the other spices, so it's important to stick to the mentioned ratio. But the most important tip, probably for all scones recipes, is to make sure your butter is cold enough. Some people prefer freezing it but since that's a bit harder to work with I just go with my good old fridge. 

 

 Ingredients

           FOR THE SCONES:
    • 250g flour
    • 50g sugar
    • 1tsp cinnamon  
    • ½ tsp ground cardamom
    • ½ tsp ground cloves
    • ½ tsp ground ginger
    • 60g cold butter
    • 60ml milk
    • 2 eggs
    • 2tsp baking powder
    • 1tsp vanilla powder
    • 1 apple
           FOR THE CHAI GLAZE:
    • 125g powdered sugar
    • 2tsp chai spice blend
    • 3tbsp heavy cream
    • 1tbsp maple syrup
    • 1tsp vanilla extract 

     

 

Step by step

FOR THE SCONES:
  • Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
  • In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla powder, cinnamon, cardamom cloves and ginger.
  • In a smaller bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
  • Cut the butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Rub the butter into the flour using your hands until it becomes grainy.
  • Cut the apple into small chunks and add them to the mixture. 
  • Add the eggs to the flour mixture and stir through until you get a lump of dough.
  • Put the dough on a floured surface and shape it into a flat disc.
  • Cut the disc into 8 or 10 triangular pieces, depending on how large you want your scones to be. 
  • Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the scones on it.
  • Bake the scones for about 20 minutes until lightly golden brown.

     


FOR THE CHAI GLAZE:
  • In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, chai spices, heavy cream, maple syrup and vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
  • With a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the freshly bake scones.

     

My guide to Amsterdam

07 November 2017

So it happened, I finally got to cross Amsterdam off my bucket list! It’s been a few weeks since we got back and I’m already missing the buzzing atmosphere and the amazing canal views. Although four days wasn’t nearly enough to cover all of the city’s many interesting addresses, we found some really cute brunch cafes and concept stores I want to share. Read on for my tips for the perfect Amsterdam getaway!


TO EAT

 

Ree 7

Ree 7 is a little breakfast and lunch spot in the center of The Negen Straatjes. We went there before heading to the Anne Frank House and were treated to the flakiest croissants with jam & butter and some delicious cappuccinos. I adored the warm, industrial meets vintage interior.  
REESTRAAT 7 | ree7.nl
 

 

Pluk

Also in the Reestraat you’ll find Pluk. This cozy cafe slash shop has coffee and homemade bakes as well as kitchenware, cute stationary and home accessories to offer. If you visit, definitely try to get your hands on a piece of their lemon-lavender cake, it's absolutely wonderful! 
REESTRAAT 19 | pluk-amsterdam.com

 

Harewood Bakery

Coffee & donuts - need I say more? A year ago Harewood Bakery opened its store in Amsterdam South, specializing in fresh handmade donuts. Their menu changes every season so hurry if you want a taste of their fall creations, including the maple pecan and blueberry jam vanilla flavors.
ALBERT CUYPSTRAAT 62 | harewoodbakery.nl

 

De Laatste Kruimel

De Laatste Kruimel (translates to: The Last Crumb) is one you can’t miss! In this small bakery located near Amsterdam Centraal the cakes are made and baked on the spot. You can take a piece of cake to go or grab a cozy seat in the shop.
LANGEBRUGSTEEG 4 | delaatstekruimel.nl
 

 

Dignita

On our way to Vondelpark, we stopped for a bite at Dignita. This restaurant stands for all-day brunch in a lively atmosphere. The menu ranges from sweet pancakes and crumpets to tasty salad bowls, soups and toasts. Everything is homemade and there are plenty of vegan options.
KONINGINNEWEG 218 | eatwelldogood.nl
 

 

Van Wonderen

Van Wonderen is the place to be for stroopwafels. This sweet Dutch delicacy is made from two thin waffles discs with caramel syrup in the middle. At Van Wonderen you can choose different toppings to add to your stroopwafel, from Oreo chunks to M&M’s and even mini marshmallows. 
KALVERSTRAAT 190 | vanwonderenstroopwafels.nl

 

Foodhallen

Can’t decide what to have for lunch? Then the Foodhallen are your answer! At this indoor food market you can taste an enormous variety of street food from all around the world. Tacos, burgers, dim sum, whichever cuisine you prefer, there’s always something you’ll want to try. De Ballenbar and the Vietnamese stand were my favorites.   
BELLAMYPLEIN 51 | foodhallen.nl
 

 

The Breakfast Club

Honestly the name of this joint had me sold but I was happy to find out The Breakfast Club was more than just a hip sounding place. We went there to grab breakfast on our last day in Amsterdam and I can't really fault any of the things we had. The granola was lovely, the pancakes fluffy & light and the coffee was probably the best we had. Yep, I think this was my overall favorite! 
BELLAMYSTRAAT 2 | thebreakfastclub.nl

TO SHOP

 

Wildernis

Though smaller than what you’d expect from the countless photos on Pinterest/Instagram, this shop is a real plant paradise. Succulents, mini cacti, large plants hanging from the ceiling - this place has everything worthy of the ‘indoor jungle’ hashtag.
BILDERDIJKSTRAAT 165F | wildernisamsterdam.nl
 

 

Indianaweg 10

Hidden away in a quiet street in Amsterdam’s busy De Pijp neighborhood, there’s a little vintage store called Indianaweg 10. Next to handpicked vintage pieces, you can shop a selection of cosmetics but also plants and other home bits. 
EERSTE JAN STEENSTRAAT 81H | indianaweg10.com

 

Things I Like Things I Love

Things I Like Things I Love offers a mix of second-hand and new clothing with a Scandinavian vibe. There’s also a small interior section including tablewear, some beautiful carpets and small gift ideas. 
CEINTUURBAAN 69 | thingsilikethingsilove.com

TO DO

 

Anne Frank Huis

As many movies or documentaries you may have seen covering Anne Frank's story, nothing really compares to actually standing in her room and seeing the circumstances in which she and her family had to live during the war. You can see the posters she hung up to make the place a bit more cheerful and read some powerful quotes from her diary written on the walls. It all left me with a lump in my throat but however sad, I think this historical monument is something everyone should see. If you want to visit, definitely buy your tickets beforehand because otherwise you could be waiting in line for hours.
PRINSENGRACHT 263-267 | annefrank.org

 

Vondelpark

Especially if you're visiting the 'dam in the fall, a stroll through Vondelpark is a must. It makes for a wonderful escape from the busy city and you can perfectly combine it with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, which are both nearby.
STADHOUDERSKADE-AMSTELVEENSEWEG 

 

Rijksmuseum

The previously mentioned Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions so a visit is kind of obligatory if you’re in the city for the first time. The museum covers Dutch art from the Middle Ages until the 21st century and it has a beautiful Game of Thrones style library hidden inside. The entire building is huge so you should count on spending at least 4 hours there.
MUSEUMSTRAAT 1 | rijksmuseum.nl

The green dream

11 October 2017

There's nothing more inspiring to me than those first days of October when the leaves start falling off the trees and you can slowly see the world change into a more colorful place. Lately I haven't been feeling like myself. Mostly because I'm unhappy with my work situation, I've felt spiritless and quite lonely. I'm disappointed because I'm not where I thought I would be at this point in my life and I've been beating myself up over it. But I'm coming to realize that that is just life, full of unexpected situations but also full of possibilities. The arrival of autumn came just in time for me to start feeling hopeful again and draw some positive energy out of small moments like collecting pretty leaves on walks through the park and putting together some new fall outfits like this one...







Since it's one of my favorite colors, especially for fall, a forest green coat has been on my wish list for as long as I can remember. So this year I walked down every store and tried on basically every one I could find when this Bershka piece really hit the spot. I ordered it online and luckily it arrived just in time for our little trip to Amsterdam. I wore my newest addition with a floral H&M dress and burgundy tights. I'd normally never think of combining green with burgundy but as it usually goes I accidentally threw this on and happened to like it.

It was my first time in Amsterdam and I had the best time exploring the city and its many, many shops, coffee bars and foodie spots. I'll put up a list of my favorite addresses soon so stay tuned!


OUTFIT DETAILS | Dress: H&M - Coat: Bershka - Bag:
Mint&Berry - Watch: Even&Odd (via Zalando)

Red fruit tiramisu

04 September 2017


A while back I shared a recipe for salted caramel tiramisu from Laura Zavan's book 'Tiramisù', a collection of the most delicious variations of the Italian dessert. Now I'm sharing my favorite one: tiramisu with red fruits. Contrary to the classic version, here the ladyfingers are dipped into a strawberry sauce instead of coffee and sweet wine is mixed under the mascarpone cream. It's a wonderfully light dessert that, to be honest, I've wanted to share for quite a while but simply couldn't find a way to properly photograph. Then I found these super cute jam jars at Dille & Kamille and knew it was meant to be. Let's get started!

 

Ingredients

  • 500g mascarpone
  • 5 eggs
  • 120g + 2tbsp sugar
  • a pinch of salt
  • 10cl sweet wine
  • 500g strawberries
  • 100g raspberries
  • 100g blackberries
  • 2 oranges
  • ± 30 ladyfingers 

     

 

 How to make the mascarpone cream:

  1. Separate the eggs.
  2. Beat the egg yolks and the sugar into a foamy mixture.
  3. Add the mascarpone and the sweet wine and whip until you get a thick cream.
  4. In another bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt.
  5. Gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture.
  6. Put the mascarpone cream in the fridge while you make the strawberry sauce.

How to make the strawberry sauce:

  1. Mix or blend the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar (add more if needed)
  2. Squeeze the oranges with a juice press
  3. Add the orange juice to the strawberries and stir

     

 

How to put it all together:

Honestly when it comes to the layering, it's just like lasagna. You can do it any way you want, it will still end up tasting fabulous. The technique largely depends on the medium you use to present the tiramisu in. For my jam jar versions I did the following:
  1. Start with a layer of mascarpone cream
  2. Dip a ladyfinger into the strawberry sauce, crack it in two and put it on top of the cream
  3. Add a raspberry, blackberry & strawberry (Tip: if they're large ones, I choose to cut them up first)
  4. Repeat this until the jar is full and finish with a nice layer of cream and red fruits on top
  5. Refrigerate for about an hour and enjoy!

     


Have you ever experimented with ways to make tiramisu? If you give this recipe a go, be sure to share your thoughts on it!

A mini guide to Porto

23 July 2017


At the beginning of July Rens and I made a five day trip to Portugal’s second biggest city, Porto. Five days wasn’t too long but it was sufficient. Just the right amount of time to check out the main tourist attractions, enjoy the best port wine in the cellars of Villa Nova de Gaia and discover the best spot for pastéis de nata (which turned out to be our local bakery). We also found some really great places to have breakfast, dinner and everything in between which of course I don’t wanna keep from you. If you’re planning to go there, now or anytime soon, here’s my roundup of the best foodie addresses we encountered in Porto.

Bugo Art Burgers


Bugo Art Burgers was our first lunch stop in Porto. We both arrived hungry as a bear so when we discovered this burger joint just a ten minute stroll from our apartment, it seemed like the perfect place to satisfy our cravings. The concept at Bugo is simple: choose your burger, sauce & side dish and create your ideal personalised menu. I went for the free range beef burger topped with mango chutney and goat cheese, which was a sublime combo. It also looked like a little painting on a plate, which is probably what the ‘art’ part stands for.
RUA MIGUEL BOMBARDA 598 | bugo.com.pt

DeGema Hamburgueria

Another winner in the burger department was DeGema. A cute but classically decorated place serving over twenty different, super juicy burgers. You can either choose chips or oregano fries with garlic mayonnaise to accompany them. For drinks they have three types of homemade lemonade. The mango one was my favorite, perfect for a hot summer day!
PRAÇA CONDE DE AGROLONGO 116 | www.degema.pt

 

 Mesa 325


A pioneer in Porto’s specialty coffee scene, Mesa 325 is a little gem hidden away from the busy center. Situated near a metro stop (24 de Augosto), it’s the perfect starting point for a day of exploring the city. Next to some top-notch coffee, the menu holds plenty of breakfast and lunch options including toasts, salads and my two favorite b’s: bagels & burgers. As we went for breakfast, we chose a menu of homemade granola with yogurt and red berries, croissants, cappuccinos and fresh orange juice for two. It was the best breakfast we had while in Porto and we only paid €7,50 each, which is like half of what you’d pay in Belgium. If I lived in Porto I’d definitely be a regular visitor!
AVENIDA DE CAMILO 325 | www.facebook.com/mesa325

Zenith 


At Zenith you get the full brunch experience, including fresh juices, scrumptious pancakes and colorful smoothie bowls. I really enjoyed their açai bowl with fruit and toasted almonds, while Rens indulged in the red berry pancakes with homemade ice-cream. No wonder people are queuing up from the moment the doors open. Make sure to be there early to avoid ending up on the waiting list as reservations aren’t possible.
PRAÇA DE CARLOS ALBERTO, 86 | www.facebook.com/zenithporto

Atelier

Atelier is a small coffee shop with a large range of hot drinks and homebaked goods. They serve the most delicious buttery toasts, fresh pastéis de nata and if you fancy an afternoon tea, they make their own scones too! As for the drinks, their chai latte tasted like fall in a cup – though that may or may not have had to do with the gloomy weather that day.
RUA DE CLEMENTE MENERES 20 | www.atelier-coffee.com

Bolíssimo


Situated in a small alleyway near the Palácio da Bolsa, you’ll find a little pink paradise called Bolissimo. Next to its adorable aesthetics, this little bakery is the place to be for delightful cheesecakes and other sweet titbits. For only €3 you get an espresso and a piece of cheesecake of your choice. Need I say more?
RUA COMÉRCIO DO PORTO 201-203 | www.bolissimo.pt

The Coffee Room


Not your typical coffee spot, The Coffee Room is literally a room on the first floor of a footwear store in the heart of Porto. Last year The Feeting Room introduced the concept as a way to create a corner for customers to take a break from shopping and enjoy a nice cup of specialty coffee. It turned into a beautifully styled space with large windows and a communal table in the center, allowing for a chat with the locals or fellow tourists.
LARGO DOS LÓIOS 89 | www.thefeetingroom.com

Gelato tips!


Gelataria Portuense

Focusing on the classics, Gelataria Portuense is an authentic gelato shop and long-time favorite amongst ice cream fanatics in Porto. Among other things, they serve some wonderfully creamy vanilla, chocolate and coffee flavors. Just a small walk from the beautiful Chapel of Souls, it’s a stop you can’t miss.
RUA DO BONJARDIM 136 | www.gelatariaportuense.pt

Santini

Another well-known ‘gelataria portuguesa’ is Santini with its iconic red and white retro-style interior. With flavors ranging from caramel and hazelnut to red velvet and pineapple-coconut, it’s a real tourist hotspot.
LARGO DOS LÓIOS 16-20 | www.santini.pt

Cremosi

My last gelato tip is Cremosi. Here they have more unconventional flavors on the menu like chocolate-mint(!), mojito and even Coca-Cola gelato. On top of that, they have plenty of pancake and waffle variations to choose from, in case you arrive on a colder day. You can find Cremosi’s shops near the charming Rua das Flores, at the Bom Sucesso Market and at Matosinhos beach.
PRACA DONA FILIPA DE LENCASTRE 25 | www.facebook.com/cremosi

Whiskers on kittens

27 April 2017

You know the feeling of stumbling upon a piece of clothing that looks like it should have your name written on it? Well an outfit doesn't get more 'me' than this one. A quirky print and a pop of red seem to always do the trick for me. Now that we're back to bare legs weather I'm so ready to wear all of the high-waisted shorts again and I couldn't be more excited about my most recent find...






I'd been looking for a perfect pair of red shorts when I fell in love with these sailor inspired ones by Mint&Berry. I cannot tell you how obsessed I am with this brand. It's like they totally get what I need this spring: floaty fabrics, feminine details & soft colors. This poppy red however felt like the perfect addition to a black & white print. I'm smitten with the cute kitty faces on this shirt!

It was such fun shooting these photos underneath all of the beautiful cherry trees near my old school. The world seems so much more beautiful when everything is in bloom, doesn't it? I wish we could just switch from spring to fall all the time and skip the other two seasons. But that's the thing about life I guess: it always comes with ups and downs...


OUTFIT DETAILS | Shirt: Even&Odd - Shorts: Mint&Berry - Bag: Pieces - Shoes: Anna Field (All via Zalando)

5 favorite coffee spots in Ghent

21 March 2017

One thing I love about living in Ghent? Cute coffee bars everywhere! Since I wrote about the Belgian barista culture for my thesis, I've come to really appreciate a well-made cup of coffee and the story that surrounds it. Ghent has a lot to offer when it comes to specialty coffee and each shop is unique. Some focusing purely on coffee, others combining the product with a different concept such as a bookstore, a grocery store or even a hair salon.


Though I enjoy discovering new concepts, I do appreciate the more traditional approach where coffee is the centerpiece. Besides a great cuppa what I look for when entering a coffee bar is a warm and homey feeling. Of course whether a setting speaks to you or not is completely up to personal preferences, but in any case your coffee needs will surely be met at these 5 spots...

Take Five


A recent addition to Ghent's coffee scene is Take Five. The bar opened its doors to the coffee loving public in October and has since become my go-to place to grab breakfast before going to work. The upstairs sitting area is wonderfully cozy with low tables, colorful sofas and large windows ideal for some people watching. The jazzy music adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
VOLDERSSTRAAT 10 | take-five-expressobar.be
 

Peaberry


In the shadows of the Sint-Baafs Cathedral you'll find the cutest little coffee shop named Peaberry. Barista Laurence serves the best cappuccinos and matcha lattes in town and is pretty much my role model when it comes to following your dreams. Last summer she told her job in marketing goodbye to pursue her passion for coffee. On occasion she hosts Special Sundays featuring the work of local artists such as painters or musicians in her shop. 
LIMBURGSTRAAT 24 | peaberrycoffeebar.be
 

Café Labath


Café Labath is a well established coffee house nearby the Korenlei. Beautifully decorated with red accents and large hanging plants, it's the perfect stop for a lazy Sunday breakfast accompanied by an expertly brewed espresso drink. Nothing beats their iced soy latte on a warm summer day!
OUDE HOUTLEI 1 | cafelabath.be
 

Fleur de Lee

Fleur de Lee is all about pampering. The project of sisters-in-law Jamie-Lee and Anne-Fleur, it's a coffee bar and hair salon all in one. On the first floor of a charming 17th century building Anne-Fleur gives people a new 'do, while downstairs barista Jamie-Lee makes some delicious coffee. Her creations always come beautifully served on a tree trunk plate accompanied by some treats. Nice to know: the pumpkin spice latte has permanently been added to the menu which as a true autumn soul I can't applaud enough.
KALANDEBERG 2 | fleurdelee.be

Or Coffee


Specialty coffee pioneers in Belgium, Or's Katrien & Tom started their own roastery in 2001. Seven years later they opened their first espresso bar in Ghent and since then added three other locations - one more in Ghent and two in Brussels - to their name. Or's relaxed interior with warm wooden tones and window seating makes it a great working spot as well as a place to catch up with friends over coffee and cake. Also yes, the latte frappé is as good as it looks!
WALPOORTSTRAAT 26 | orcoffee.be