May 2013
1 post
Low Country Love.
For your viewing pleasure: Some lovely Low Country scenery around Berkeley Hall.
April 2013
5 posts
Southern Comfort.
We’re waking up bright and early tomorrow to hop on a plane to South Carolina and I am beyond excited. SC is one of my ‘happy places’ and just what I need right now. Here are some of the things I am looking forward to most:
Family. We’re joining my parents for four days at Berkeley Hall (aka where we got married) and then in Charleston for...
It Feels Like Home To Me.
We were quite lucky that our [beloved] apartment in Boston sat waiting for us while we lived in Amsterdam. So even though we settled right back into our place, this incredibly sweet homecoming gift from Melissa was a perfect reminder that home is wherever you make it.
Flashback Fridays.
Coffee stop at Yeliseevskiy Gastronom along Nevsky Prospekt.
St. Petersburg, Russia - March 2012
The List/Update.
Even though I’ve been in seven different countries since January 1st (Kev has been in 4), only one was a new addition to The List. However, it seemed appropriate to do one last update in conjunction with the end of our stint as expats. Here are a few useful links for putting this all in context if you’re new to the blog:
The List #1/The List #2/The List #3/Country List we are using/What...
March 2013
17 posts
Been Hangin' Around This Town.
A Nice Little Saturday.
On Saturday we had our last walk/puppy play session in Vondelpark. Don’t let the sunny skies and blooming flowers fool you - it was freezing!!
The Grand Finale.
Here are some more pictures from our March visitors - Melissa & Andrew and then Jennifer & Elizabeth. Having them here during our last month was so perfectly timed. Thanks to them, we are leaving here feeling like we really made the most out of our final weeks in Amsterdam.
Our List of Lasts.
Well folks. It’s here. Our last week in Amsterdam. On Friday at 11.10am we get on direct flight back to Boston. No return ticket.
What was suppose to be a six month assignment turned into fifteen. I can’t imagine if we were only here for the original allotment - it would have felt like just an [amazing] blip on the radar. Arguably though, it would have been much easier to say...
The Packing List/Copenhagen.
Day Outfits.
One: Uniqlo Sweater & Pants, Steve Madden Boots
Two: J.Crew Factory Shirt, Uniqlo Shirt, AG Leggings, Steve Madden Boots, Scarf from Liberty.
Three: Three Dots Sweater, Uniqlo Tank & Pants, Steve Madden Boots.
Night Outfits
One: Zara Blouse, AG Leggings, Tory Burch Shoes, Banana Republic Necklace
Two: J.Crew Blouse, Uniqlo Pants, Tory Burch Shoes, Bauble Bar...
The CPH Scene.
Admittedly, when Kev and I were in Copenhagen last year, we did not appropriately take advantage of the blossoming food scene (they are rapidly climbing the ‘best’ lists). We had been traveling for eight days and eating delicious food, but a lot of it. We were at the point where we just wanted a low key meal so we went to Wagamama. Confession made.
I am happy to report that I fully...
For the Love of Travel. aka My First Guest Post!
I am super excited to be part of [my fellow NL expat] Kaitlin’s For The Love of Travel Series today! Check it [and her] out on A Georgia Peach Abroad. Thanks for having me Kaitlin!
Stray to the Straedet.
As previously discussed, I missed out on shopping when Kev and I were in Copenhagen last year (thanks Good Friday). So, one of my main motivations for getting Jennifer and Elizabeth to Copenhagen was to have two of my best shopping buddies with me when I finally got my chance. We spent a few hours on the Strøget. But, the real gem was finding the neighboring Strædet, lined with charming home...
Perfect Ten.
After we covered all of central Copenhagen in the blustery cold [but at least sunny] weather we were in need of a spot to warm up and rest our weary feet. Jenn found Ved Stranden 10 in this article and it seemed like the perfect time to try it. We didn’t see a single wine list, just one of three bearded men to ask us what we like and provide samples until we landed on the wine we liked...
Do You Know the Hummus Man?
I do! [Thanks to my friend Mandy]. Since my cousins have been to Amsterdam before I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get the off the beaten [tourist] path and finally hunt this guy down at the Ten Katestraat Markt. This stuff is ridiculous. Bet you can’t pick just one!
P.S. Don’t be fooled by the faux hummus man a few stalls down from him. Walk past the two and...
Eye Candy From Stedelijk.
Five Things About Me.
Since my girl Lily gave me the direct shout out for this one, I’m actually participating in this little bit going around the blogosphere. Here are five things you may not know about me:
I ran track in high school. My best events were Long and Triple Jump. I won Counties and made it to States every year and was even recruited for a Division I school. But, I went a different direction (aka,...
Flashback Fri... err Thursday.
My dear cousins Jennifer & Elizabeth are arriving soon! This is a favorite pic on the steps of Sacré-Cœur.
Montmartre Paris, France - October 2006
This is How We Do It.
After a year in Amsterdam, I think we’ve officially got our hosting game down. Melissa and Andrew came to visit this past weekend and [if I do say so myself] we nailed it. It was their first time here and we covered a lot of ground but still had time to relax and let them feel like they were actually on a mini-break.
So, inspired by our fantastic weekend, I thought I’d give our...
February 2013
13 posts
Made From the Market.
Ever since our first trip to Noordemarkt I’ve been envisioning going there, buying fresh ingredients, and cooking a delicious meal. What actually happens? I get there, get overwhelmed and then leave empty handed. This weekend I set out to change that. I focused on a dish that provided direction but could be customized to what I could find - Parmesan Risotto. I had to supplement a bit with...
My Little Dutch Flower Pot.
The Packing List/Gaustatoppen.
One: J.Crew Hoodie, Gina Tricot Tee, AG Twill Leggings, Uggs (wore the same outfit home but swapped the hoodie for a L/S Tee)
Two: Uniqlo Coat, Lululemon Leggings, Sorel Boots, Herve Chapelier Scarf, Closed Beanie, Target Gloves, Rayban Sunglasses. Underneath: HeatTech Undershirt, Lululemon Henley, J.Crew Hoodie, NorthFace Long Undies, Wigwam Socks (It was about 5ºF!!)
Tops: (For Outdoors)...
Cabin Cookin.
Since our first trips of the year have been country-side getaways, we’ve been enjoying home-cooked meals on our travels. It takes some serious pre-planning but it’s hard to argue with a quiet night by the fire, especially in the chillier months.
Bethany upheld her top-notch hostess status and turned out spreads of classic Norwegian dishes.
Clockwise: Smørbrød [open face...
V-Day X 2.
We stretched out Valentines day over two celebrations. Drinks at the new Andaz on Thursday night and dinner at Envy on Saturday night. Ever since the Andaz opened around the corner a few months back, it’s been our go-to spot for a fancy cocktail [when we can find a reason]. Valentines day was also a perfect excuse to finally try Envy (around the corner in the other direction). We did the...
Heddal Stavkirke.
Norway’s largest stave church, Heddal Stavkirke, was conveniently located along our route between Oslo and the mountains. Of course I couldn’t resist pulling off for a quick photo session. I had the distinct feeling I had seen something like this before… where was it? Oh yes, you nailed it EPCOT.
Apres-ski.ish.
On Saturday afternoon we headed down to the ski lodge at Gaustablikk - Noah took a few runs [with the help of his parents] on the kiddie sledding hill and then we all enjoyed hot chocolate and waffles on the deck.
Gaustatoppen Getaway.
Since we’ve both been to Oslo now, Bethany and Jet invited us for a weekend in Gaustatoppen to expand our Norwegian horizons. So, we made like the locals and took a weekend hyttetur [trip to the mountains]. Jet’s mom’s cabin was exactly what I envisioned a Norwegian mountain house would be (thanks to Epcot) and perfect for a relaxing weekend with friends.
Enjoying sunny...
Flashback Fridays.
Crazy faces during my first trip to Norway to see Bethany…. (Guess where we’re headed this weekend!)
Oslo, Norway - November 2005
Cave Aged.
While we were exploring the woods around our cottage, we found ourselves in the midst of some archeological treasures - several neolithic caves in the slope behind our house. We didn’t have the ideal lens on the camera for these close up shots but still wanted to share!
New This Weekend.
Our weekends in Amsterdam are usually pretty low-key. We tend to keep plans to a minimum so we have time to relax and room to be spontaneous about what we do. However, this weekend we had several things on the books that took us to some new [to us] places in the city that we really enjoyed.
Double-date with a coworker and her hubs for the highly recommended ribs at Cafe de Klos (I had smoked...
Superbowl Snackin'.
As Americans, we felt it was our obligation to make some sort of indulgent snack for the Superbowl. (Even if we ate it a few hours before kick-off and I fell asleep before the game started). We tried this Jalepeno Popper Dip and OH MAN was it good!
January 2013
12 posts
Gezellig in Belgie/Part 2.
Our Little Cottage.
More from our cozy weekend.
Gezellig in Belgie/Part 1.
When I asked the hubs how he wanted to spend his 30th birthday, his requests were simple - a fireplace and somewhere we could take the puppy. I happily accommodated said requests and arranged a cozy [aka Gezellig in Dutch] little cottage for us in the Belgian country side. We spent the weekend walking in the woods, soaking in the jacuzzi [bonus!] and curling up by the fire with home cooked...
A Side of Turkey.
As expected, the only bits of Istanbul I saw were from a taxi window. But, our office is on the Asia side so I did cover a lot of ground. Kev and I will definitely take a proper trip there one day, but here’s what I know of Turkey so far:
It costs 90 Turkish Lira [TRY], aka €40, to get from Ataturk Airport to the Asia side via the ‘second bridge.’ Taking the ‘first...
Breaking One Hundred Turns One.
Today marks one year since my first blog post! I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again [and again]; thanks to everyone who reads Breaking One Hundred! Whether daily, weekly, or whenever you have the chance, it means the world that you take the time to follow along with us.
Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Jana on Pinterest
The List/Update.
Seems like we’re about due for an update on The List, eh? Here are a few useful links for putting this all in context if you’re new to the blog:
The List #1/The List #2/Country List we are using/What it’s all about.
Bolded items are updates/[K+] means Kev’s been there too. He also has Aruba on his list…
Argentina
Austria
Belgium [K+]
Bermuda
Brazil
Canada [K+]
...
Import-Worthy Items.
I rarely (if ever?!?!) talk about beauty products on this blog. I’ve been able to adapt to what’s available here for most products. But, there are a few items that are just irreplaceable. Since I was just in the States, I thought it was fitting to review things I always bring [myself or via visitors] from America [and at American prices].
-Trish McEvoy Lash Curling Mascara. The skin...
Packing Essentials.
As you may have noticed, there is generally at least one item from Uniqlo in my suitcase. My most recent obsessions are their Easy Leggings and Men’s Cashmere V-neck sweater. To say they were my workhorses while we were in the States for the holidays is an understatement.
Unless you’re in a cocktail dress kind-of-situation colored jeans work. Flats or heels, chambray or silk, cozy...
Random Recap.
Hope everyone is having a great 2013 so far! Things have been delightfully quiet since we got back to Amsterdam but that means the blog material is lacking. So, here’s what’s happened over the last few weeks.
-My beloved flip phone [circa 2008] finally bit the dust and I joined the world of the iPhone. [As you may have been able to tell,] I blogged on the fly while in the US using my...
December 2012
16 posts
two thousand twelve.
Simply put, it’s been an amazing year. Living abroad & traveling the world, making new friends & reuniting with old ones, working on life goals & sharing incredible moments with my hubs. It’s safe to say we’ll never have a year like this again but I am looking forward to future years that are amazing in other ways.
Thanks to everyone who has followed along with us...
