It is getting quite busy here in The Netherlands with bloggers coming and going from all over the world. OK,OK that is a bit exaggerated. Still, in July blogger Dan from The Pretty Cute was over from Italy and now Suzanne from Suzanne Style Files (Canada) is staying in The Netherlands. And two more bloggers get together with us: Anja and Sylva.
Suzanne arrived last Monday and is staying for a week. We take turns in spending time with her. Like on Monday Anja of Curly Traveller (my friend and neighbour) went to a great tango event with Suzanne. On Tuesday Sylvia of 40+Style, took Suzanne around the “Nine Streets” in Amsterdam (see my blogposts about that area here and here). Sylvia lives in Singapore, but is also spending some time in The Netherlands. Sometimes we are with three in the evening and sometimes with the four of us. It is such great fun. And the noise we make when we are all together…. my husband fled.
My time alone with Suzanne started on Wednesday when we went to Amsterdam. From the station, passing the old post office, which is now a shopping mall: Magna Plaza (below)
Below: we started with a coffee in Magna Plaza ground floor (I cannot recommend the coffee….). Suzanne’s outfit for the day was perfect. And I was in blue as well (coincidence… really!)We headed for the Nine Streets area again as Suzanne had spotted a great vintage dress the day before, just as the shop was closing. It fitted perfectly and was “in the pocket”. Of course we took plenty of time for coffee and lunch (below)  Below: strolling through Amsterdam, taking pictures of one another and the buildings etc. talking, talking, talking…. Below: then in the evening, the four of us met at my house for dinner. My darling husband had cooked paella for us, taking into account all the demands and whishes (no meat, no squid, no…. etc.). It drove him mad, but he did cook a lovely meal and left us to it. I love that man.Below: you can tell it was so nice to all meet up after only knowing each other from our blogs. Below: Suzanne had gifts for all of us: scarves, necklaces, chocolate, all beautifully wrapped with self made cards: Below: the next day I had to go to work, but fortunately I could get the Friday off again and met Suzanne in the morning at Anja’s house. Below: Anja.Below: quick photo of Suzanne and me in Anja’s garden before the two of us went off. I know…. I look dopy….Below: request by Suzanne: “Could I please show her the red light district of Amsterdam?”…….. Not an area I visit much… (See the sign on the right from Suzanne, saying: “Respect sex workers all over the world!”?) We felt very awkward as we were taking pictures of the beautiful church, old houses and each other. Of course not of the ladies. But a gentlemen warned us it would be a very, very good idea to put our cameras away as the neighbourhood absolutely did not like photographers and we might get in trouble. We were gone in a flash. Below: lunch in a beautiful French place near Lange Brugstraat, with the odd name Kapitein Zeppos (Captain Zeppos). Great place, great food:
Below: back to Haarlem, where I showed Suzanne its medieval streets and houses, beautiful church, picturesque spots:
Below: I had a hard time that morning, finding another outfit for warm weather and flat shoes, which I had not worn before ….. Tssss… all of a sudden we have a long and hot summer…. what happened? Climate change? Below: because I don’t like flat shoes on me, I have to show you this picture too. My new blouse, light blue, by Marlene Birger (bought at RAAK), trusted skinnies but this time darker blue and my beloved silver slingbacks.Below: this is the wooden watch by JORD, which I won on Suzanne Carillo’s blog at a give-away. She swears the outcome was not rigged.We had some more fun, like on the boat through Amsterdam, but I will stop here. I do want to mention though that Anja is celebrating blogpost number 500 and has lots of great give-aways. See here.
Greetje
As we are having so much fun getting together as bloggers, I am joining the party of bloggers at Not Dead Yet Style. Want to have a look?
This is a beautiful post, Greetje! And I am sure you have had a lot of fun with Suzanne! Blogger meetups are really fantastic, aren’t they? Your black and white blouse is very pretty! I think that both the blouse and the shirt would go perfectly also with a long, tight pencil skirt and those wonderful silver slingbacks… ( but also with a pair of flats )
Oh thank you Dan. I had not thought of that. Another go at wearing more skirts and dresses. I wore the blue dress today which you found for me at Filipa K. With fuchsia shoes and bag. Great hit.
You were so beautiful wearing that dress! And I can imagine many others outfits: simple, but perfectly cut and… very sexy on you!
The word that sprung to my mind was elegant rather than sexy, but I’ll take what ai can get. LOL
You all look gorgeous, and like you had a wonderful time together! So much to see in Amsterdam, and it’s a beautiful city. When I was there, we walked through the red light district at night, and it was not pleasant, so Suzanne was lucky to only see it in the daytime.
I don’t think I would have guided her there at night Val. Not the place to be as a woman.
If you like to see more of Amsterdam, have a look under the tab Amsterdam at the top navigation of my blog. You will find reports on different areas.
Hi there,
It is so lovely to see you ladies.my last name is Jannenga, so my husband’s ancestors are from the Netherlands. It looks beautiful there, love the church picture and can’t beleive the castle like structure is a mall. Love Europe. ( at least what I see). Nice to see that Suzanne wore the jumpsuit she was planning on packing, love the color and style. I like the gingham top with the black pants and the other ladies look lovely also. Have a great time
from the link up
please stop by, jess
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Hi Jess, my last name is Kamminga which is very much like your last name. If you want to see more reports on Amsterdam, go to the top navigation of my blog. Under the tab Amsterdam you will find more pictures and stories about different areas of Amsterdam.
My goodness you are having a fantastic summer! You ladies look lovely. Greetije, I really like you in your skinny jeans and silver slings. Nice, classic look.
We sure had a ball Glenda. I am glad you like me in my skinnies. I can still be a bit insecure about age appropriate and that kind of stuff, with skinnies. At the same time I think, what the heck, what do I care, I like it. But it is nice to hear some confirmation.
This is so awesome. I feel so disappointed that I did not get to meet up with you. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time…xo
You were just arriving back in the States when Suzanne arrived here. It was a shame not to see you, I must admit.
So many pretty, familiar faces! How lovely for you all, and how great you all look and WHAT FUN it looks like you’re having.
I just called Dan and insisted he buy an extra lottery ticket … a girl can dream!
I will buy one too. If it is the lucky ticket, I will have you flown over. Promise.
What a lovely post, Greetje! It is indeed nice and fun to see the various and different articles that all of us posted (or are going to post: me;-)) about this week. Great memories!
It was hectic and intense, but oh so lovely. Looking forward to your post.
The four of you look very vibrant and happy! What a fabulous time for Suzanne! You and your blogger friends are master tour guides and of course, as usual, I love seeing the sights of Amsterdam.
Thanks Judith. Yes it was very special.
What great photos of a lovely time together. Blogger meet-ups are always fun, but an international get-together is something special! You and Suzanne, Anja and Sylvia all look beautiful, and clearly got on famously. Amsterdam and Haarlem look wonderful. xxx
Yes, we did have such a wonderful time. Very intense, I miss it already.
Beautiful photo’s of your blogger meet up and Amsterdam. Amsterdam is not that far from me, if I’m nearby may I call you?
Catherine
Joly Look
hahaha, yes you may call me. I cannot guarantee I am free as I have a full-time job. It was quite a puzzle to get some time to show Suzanne around. But we managed. Pretty well even.
Suzanne is so lucky to have you as her tour guide through Amsterdam – what a wonderful blogger meet up! You are both very stylish women, and look great together. Isn’t it marvelous that our blogs have allowed us to connect with like-minded women all over the world? When we get to meet them in person, that is just the icing on the cake.
It sure is Shelley. So far the meetings with other bloggers have been nothing but terrific. Kindred spirits.
Wow, this is beautiful and I am so envious! To meet multiple blogger friends in one day and walk around your beautiful city, sigh. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you all look gorgeous and happy. xox
And it wasn’t even meeting for one day, but a whole week Patti. Very intense and ever so nice.
I am so enjoying the pictures….thanks for sharing Greet!! Love Suzanne’s jumpsuit btw!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I bet you love Suzanne’s jumpsuit. It would look great on you too. And you know it.
Such great photos and I’m sure a very memorable time for everyone. Can’t wait until I can get over to your neck of the woods.
It is nice here in summer. That is…. when the sun is shining. You might think of my posts, that the sun is always shining here. But let me tell you… no it is not. We just don’t take any pictures when it is raining, haha.
Squee! So nice to see you and Suzanne together! Isn’t she awesome! It sounds like she is getting spoiled by the three of you…four if we count your husband! 🙂 You both look great in your outfits…I’m going to have to fight Trina for the red bag I see.
Now why is your champagne glass empty?
I was TOTALLY spoiled.
Yes she is awesome. I had never thought my husband would be part of the “entourage”. Usually he doesn’t like “strange people”. But he has been ever so lovely, both with Dan and with Suzanne. The glass of champaign is empty because I emptied it LOL.
Such a fun post! You ladies sound like you are having a blast. I love that I am reading Suzanne’s visit from different perspective too.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Yes funny is that, isn’t it? We will all write about it in our own way. And yes we did have a blast.
This was such a fun trip. You have each been such warm generous hosts. I fear you have all set the bar very high now.
Sitting at the airport in Amsterdam now waiting to board the first leg of my flight back home…Frankfurt then London and finally Toronto. I miss you all already!
bisous
Suzanne
It was awesome and I miss you too, dear Suz!
Likewise dearest Suzanne. And the sun is shining less too. Which figures now you are gone. Hope your flights are reasonably comfortable.
Oh how nice to see all of you together having fun! Lovely and thoughtful gifts too. Wonderful sites to see.
blue hue wonderland
We have just said good-bye. Sad.. Spending a week together was so intense. It is going to be pretty weird not having her around. And Sylvia is leaving this coming week too and Anja at the end of the month. Sigh…… As the French say: partir c’est mourir un peu.
Gonna miss you too, sweetie!
Lovely article and beautiful pictures Greetje! As you said we had a wonderful week together and many beautiful pictures as a souvenir so we can remember it always…
I am missing it already.
So much fun! Dang, I wish I were there, you can tell the four of you and just the two of you are having a wonderful time together. You are becoming quite the travel hostess.
You do have a most wonderful husband, one that will gladly cook for four talkative women and then leave the scene, what a gem!
Now for your little style bit, that red bag . . . can I please just take it off your hands? It’s wonderful! Once, again, I love seeing you in flats, you wear them like a pro.
Your new blouse is absolutely stunning, I’m so loving the longer length in the back and look at how stylish you are. Have the rest of an enjoyable time with Suzanne.
I was thinking of heading over to New York next year… Would that be something? Of would you rather come over here? As for the red bag…. you have seen it several times before. I bought it in Rome two years ago and I think it is a gem. I have put a little plank in the bottom so it will stay in shape. I don’t want it to sag. And no you cannot take it off my hands LOL.
Flat shoes are still not my favourite but I am a lot better at them than I used to be, you are right in that.
Missing the chatting with the ladies already. It was back to work today. Oh well…
I am so enjoying the pictures….thanks for sharing Greet!! Love Suzanne’s jumpsuit btw!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I bet you love Suzanne’s jumpsuit. It would look great on you too. And you know it.
This is so awesome. I feel so disappointed that I did not get to meet up with you. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time…xo
You were just arriving back in the States when Suzanne arrived here. It was a shame not to see you, I must admit.
What a lovely post, Greetje! It is indeed nice and fun to see the various and different articles that all of us posted (or are going to post: me;-)) about this week. Great memories!
It was hectic and intense, but oh so lovely. Looking forward to your post.
Beautiful photo’s of your blogger meet up and Amsterdam. Amsterdam is not that far from me, if I’m nearby may I call you?
Catherine
Joly Look
hahaha, yes you may call me. I cannot guarantee I am free as I have a full-time job. It was quite a puzzle to get some time to show Suzanne around. But we managed. Pretty well even.
So many pretty, familiar faces! How lovely for you all, and how great you all look and WHAT FUN it looks like you’re having.
I just called Dan and insisted he buy an extra lottery ticket … a girl can dream!
I will buy one too. If it is the lucky ticket, I will have you flown over. Promise.
The four of you look very vibrant and happy! What a fabulous time for Suzanne! You and your blogger friends are master tour guides and of course, as usual, I love seeing the sights of Amsterdam.
Thanks Judith. Yes it was very special.
What great photos of a lovely time together. Blogger meet-ups are always fun, but an international get-together is something special! You and Suzanne, Anja and Sylvia all look beautiful, and clearly got on famously. Amsterdam and Haarlem look wonderful. xxx
Yes, we did have such a wonderful time. Very intense, I miss it already.
You all look gorgeous, and like you had a wonderful time together! So much to see in Amsterdam, and it’s a beautiful city. When I was there, we walked through the red light district at night, and it was not pleasant, so Suzanne was lucky to only see it in the daytime.
I don’t think I would have guided her there at night Val. Not the place to be as a woman.
If you like to see more of Amsterdam, have a look under the tab Amsterdam at the top navigation of my blog. You will find reports on different areas.
My goodness you are having a fantastic summer! You ladies look lovely. Greetije, I really like you in your skinny jeans and silver slings. Nice, classic look.
We sure had a ball Glenda. I am glad you like me in my skinnies. I can still be a bit insecure about age appropriate and that kind of stuff, with skinnies. At the same time I think, what the heck, what do I care, I like it. But it is nice to hear some confirmation.
Hi there,
It is so lovely to see you ladies.my last name is Jannenga, so my husband’s ancestors are from the Netherlands. It looks beautiful there, love the church picture and can’t beleive the castle like structure is a mall. Love Europe. ( at least what I see). Nice to see that Suzanne wore the jumpsuit she was planning on packing, love the color and style. I like the gingham top with the black pants and the other ladies look lovely also. Have a great time
from the link up
please stop by, jess
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Hi Jess, my last name is Kamminga which is very much like your last name. If you want to see more reports on Amsterdam, go to the top navigation of my blog. Under the tab Amsterdam you will find more pictures and stories about different areas of Amsterdam.
Suzanne is so lucky to have you as her tour guide through Amsterdam – what a wonderful blogger meet up! You are both very stylish women, and look great together. Isn’t it marvelous that our blogs have allowed us to connect with like-minded women all over the world? When we get to meet them in person, that is just the icing on the cake.
It sure is Shelley. So far the meetings with other bloggers have been nothing but terrific. Kindred spirits.
Wow, this is beautiful and I am so envious! To meet multiple blogger friends in one day and walk around your beautiful city, sigh. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you all look gorgeous and happy. xox
And it wasn’t even meeting for one day, but a whole week Patti. Very intense and ever so nice.
This is a beautiful post, Greetje! And I am sure you have had a lot of fun with Suzanne! Blogger meetups are really fantastic, aren’t they? Your black and white blouse is very pretty! I think that both the blouse and the shirt would go perfectly also with a long, tight pencil skirt and those wonderful silver slingbacks… ( but also with a pair of flats )
Oh thank you Dan. I had not thought of that. Another go at wearing more skirts and dresses. I wore the blue dress today which you found for me at Filipa K. With fuchsia shoes and bag. Great hit.
You were so beautiful wearing that dress! And I can imagine many others outfits: simple, but perfectly cut and… very sexy on you!
The word that sprung to my mind was elegant rather than sexy, but I’ll take what ai can get. LOL
Such great photos and I’m sure a very memorable time for everyone. Can’t wait until I can get over to your neck of the woods.
It is nice here in summer. That is…. when the sun is shining. You might think of my posts, that the sun is always shining here. But let me tell you… no it is not. We just don’t take any pictures when it is raining, haha.
This was such a fun trip. You have each been such warm generous hosts. I fear you have all set the bar very high now.
Sitting at the airport in Amsterdam now waiting to board the first leg of my flight back home…Frankfurt then London and finally Toronto. I miss you all already!
bisous
Suzanne
Likewise dearest Suzanne. And the sun is shining less too. Which figures now you are gone. Hope your flights are reasonably comfortable.
It was awesome and I miss you too, dear Suz!
Squee! So nice to see you and Suzanne together! Isn’t she awesome! It sounds like she is getting spoiled by the three of you…four if we count your husband! 🙂 You both look great in your outfits…I’m going to have to fight Trina for the red bag I see.
Now why is your champagne glass empty?
I was TOTALLY spoiled.
Yes she is awesome. I had never thought my husband would be part of the “entourage”. Usually he doesn’t like “strange people”. But he has been ever so lovely, both with Dan and with Suzanne. The glass of champaign is empty because I emptied it LOL.
Such a fun post! You ladies sound like you are having a blast. I love that I am reading Suzanne’s visit from different perspective too.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Yes funny is that, isn’t it? We will all write about it in our own way. And yes we did have a blast.
So much fun! Dang, I wish I were there, you can tell the four of you and just the two of you are having a wonderful time together. You are becoming quite the travel hostess.
You do have a most wonderful husband, one that will gladly cook for four talkative women and then leave the scene, what a gem!
Now for your little style bit, that red bag . . . can I please just take it off your hands? It’s wonderful! Once, again, I love seeing you in flats, you wear them like a pro.
Your new blouse is absolutely stunning, I’m so loving the longer length in the back and look at how stylish you are. Have the rest of an enjoyable time with Suzanne.
I was thinking of heading over to New York next year… Would that be something? Of would you rather come over here? As for the red bag…. you have seen it several times before. I bought it in Rome two years ago and I think it is a gem. I have put a little plank in the bottom so it will stay in shape. I don’t want it to sag. And no you cannot take it off my hands LOL.
Flat shoes are still not my favourite but I am a lot better at them than I used to be, you are right in that.
Missing the chatting with the ladies already. It was back to work today. Oh well…
Lovely article and beautiful pictures Greetje! As you said we had a wonderful week together and many beautiful pictures as a souvenir so we can remember it always…
I am missing it already.
Oh how nice to see all of you together having fun! Lovely and thoughtful gifts too. Wonderful sites to see.
blue hue wonderland
We have just said good-bye. Sad.. Spending a week together was so intense. It is going to be pretty weird not having her around. And Sylvia is leaving this coming week too and Anja at the end of the month. Sigh…… As the French say: partir c’est mourir un peu.
Gonna miss you too, sweetie!