The money was spent. All gone. The lust for shopping wasn’t. My friends Sabine and Anke said: “Let’s go to the Amsterdam IJhallen!” This is an enormous flea market (hallen = market and IJ = the name of a big water in Amsterdam). At the IJhallen, the prices are right for people with little money in their pocket, like us. Anke could only join us at the end of the day, so Sabine and I went to the flea market together. Although without Anke we had a lot of fun as you can see from the first picture. Laughing doesn’t cost anything, yet it is so precious.Â
I will take you through our day photo by photo.
Below: it is a very industrial site, pretty run-down… The warehouses of Netherland Shipbuilding Company. 
Below: It was a cold and foggy day, so we decided to first go to a small restaurant (Noorderlicht) near the flea market. The coffee was excellent and they had heating. Watch Sabine arriving, fighting against the wind.
Below: the restaurant looks pretty aweful from the outside, but is quite friendly inside. This is what I was wearing that day: black top, black jacket, gold necklace with pendant, skinny jeans and knee-high black suede boots (no heels….. I am a sensible woman).
Below: and this is what Sabine was wearing. A new leather jacket with removable sleeves and beautiful lining, new green boots. She looked smashing but was freezing. The weather forecast was wrong: no sunshine and warm temperatures.
Below: in summer this is a perfect spot overlooking the water (the IJ). Weird but beautiful.
Below: we have arrived at the flea market. This is about 1/4 of the whole market.
Below: I need a new trolley for work but decided against it. I want a really good one and I couldn’t tell whether this one was good or bad. The colour, although happy, is a bit ostentatious (I love that word 😉 ).
Below: old fashioned ice skates. It is horror keeping those wooden things strapped to your boots. Fortunately I got figure skates after one winter on wooden ones.
Below: just what I needed … a kangaroo… (kidding).
Below: we spotted these little animals. Couldn’t resist taking “Mouse” home with me. The grey one with the blue short suit. Isn’t he adorable? He was the mascot of the day.
Below: Sabine bought this green beanie, which of course suited her very well. She can wear any hat of any sort.
Below: she thought she could sell me this brown one… NEVER. I look like a dork (and this is the best picture).
Below: these girls asked whether we could take a picture of the three of them together. Of course. Sabine did the photographing. And the girls offered to return the favour.
Below: I am going to show you several photos of the one scene. Just because I want to show you what it is like when you have a laughter attack. Can you remember the last time you had one? I sure hope you can.
Below: when we were normal again (as normal as we can be…) we continued. And saw this woman with a definite style of her own. Her head was shaven on one side apart from a little red bit, and on the other side of her head she had long red hair. Very confident woman.
Below: as Sabine has “the eye”, she spotted this lovely little blouse for € 2,- in which she will undoubtedly look fabulous. Brand Ichi (Scandinavian).
Below: a photo shoot. These premises are a perfect spot for photo shoots. Although not very easy with all these people walking past.
Below: just around the corner a TV shoot. No idea what the programme is, but the lady in the blue coat is a famous singer, performer and show host in The Netherlands: Angela Groothuizen. (My apologies to Angela, the photo I took is not very flattering. Here you can see better ones.)
Below: we quickly went back to the restaurant to have lunch and after that met Anke in Amsterdam Haarlemmerstraat (see the post about this area). Drank lots of coffee and hot chocolate with whipped cream as we were cold. Mouse was with us as we planned a trip to Paris. Mouse would like to come with us to Paris. (Bad iPhone photo.)
Anke managed to buy a beautiful black bag just before closing time. (Sorry, it is wrapped and in the plastic bag.)Â 
Again, it has been a wonderful day. Did you like it? Could the post have done with less photos? Did you have difficulties loading this post?
One little note on the photo size: I took these pictures with my new camera. And the size of the photos was set to 16:9 instead of 3:2. Which results into a different format. Got it solved for the future, but obviously I cannot change it anymore for this post. Lightroom can do a lot but cannot work miracles.
Greetje
PS Linking up with Visible Monday
I love shopping! Who doesn’t? You seem to have found great items. And great pictures!
Jessica
Sorry Jessica, all I found was a knitted mouse….
Again what a great report you have made. I like the combi photo’s and clothes. Your outfit are the ones I like to see you in. I told you before I am getting to know Amsterdam through you , how funny is that. I enjoyed your photo’s having a laughter attack the most, they made me smile too. Does your mouse speak spanisch as well, I’ll buy her a swimsuit, then she can join us.
Mouse is a boy and is already wearing a suit in which he could swim. Makes him too soggy though. And he will accompany us to Spain too.
Of course I liked your day at the flea market ! Laughs, funny photos , friends and even a very useful woodden kangaroo… 🙂 ( I am wondering how you could miss such opportunity!!! )
Flea markets are perfect when you are short of money ( in any case I am sure that your closet doesn’t need any extra item! )and the grey mouse is cute!
No difficulties in loading the post!
You are so right, my wardrobe doesn’t need a thing. Which means you and I can just sit, talk and drink cappuccinos in April. No shopping necessary. LOL
It sounds horrible!! Will we look at the shop windows at least??? 🙂
Hahaha, you don’t know me very well… The fact I don’t need a thing and the fact there is no shopping necessary has never stopped me so far. LOL
Laugh Attack is just as wonderful as a Hat Attack! Same energy! Love flea markets, so your post was a treat for me. I loved the photos! They speak a thousand words. And as they say, “Girls just want to have fun!”
There were probably a lot of real fleas though. Not your really lovely estate sales. But the fun made up for it.
The more photos the better as far as I’m concerned! It was lovely to tag along with you to explore the flea market. How happy you both look. There is always the hope that something wonderful will turn up for just a little price!
Glad you like it Rosemary. I seldom see something wonderful at flea markets as I just don’t have the “discovering eye” for it. Nevertheless, there is always a nice atmosphere to enjoy. And together with a friend any activity is good.
I always enjoying seeing these posts, you and your friends looks like had a great time! And BTW, the beanie did not look bad on you, you are too hard on yourself.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
It was the most flattering photo with that brown beanie Alice. I will mail you another one. I am sure you will agree then.
You always tell a story with your photos Greetje so the more the merrier. It looks like you had a great day. I have never been so you should take me some time… Looking fabulously dressed for the occasion too!
More pictures of this outfit from a closer point of view will be featured in the future. I hope.
Greetje, I was so excited to see your beautiful face with knit headwear pop up on my screen. I think it looks great on you, although I know you don’t agree. Thank you so much for sharing with Hat Attack!
You girls must have had so much fun! I can’t help smiling while reading 🙂 I LOVE flea market. I always fell for the trap. I would promise myself that it would only be a browse and see trip, no purchase and failed miserably every time!
As I don’t have “the eye”, I only see rubbish which I don’t want to buy. Mouse was new and unexpensive, so he is an exception. Glad I made you smile. One if my biggest goals with this blog.
This looks like so much fun! How I wish I could have joined you and Sabine. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xo.
Yes we did have a lot of fun. Not many things beat a day with friends. Good friends are the salt of the earth.
hahah I really enjoy reading your posts Gretje! this place seems perfect to go with your friend and take original photos like these!!!
xoxo
M.
MYEMPTYBAG
Making you laugh is my ambition with this blog Maria del Carmen. I love to entertain and make people laugh.
Aren’t you a stylish bunch?
I especially love the photos of you laughing. Really captures you well. And the mouse. Ha ha!
You must be getting excited about your Paris trip.
Looks like a wonderful fun filled day.
bisous
Suzanne
PS…you worry too much lady! ; )
I know I worry too much. It is in my character. Wish I could do something about it. It is annoying me and I still cannot stop it.
Sure had loads of fun and almost a stomach acke from all the laughing. Post is great. Brings me right back. Still have that huge grinn on my face 🙂
Let’s not forget to book Paris.
Greetje,
I had no trouble at all loading this, and loved all of the photos. It did however create a very intense feeling of “I wish I were there!!” OH well. I am just glad you were!
Love the backdrop , the collage above your laughing self, looking natural and lovely in your black coat and jeans,
Adore the look without the coat, the skinnies, are of course, amazing on you: the blazer polishes this look, and then I love the boots and envy that you can wear a boot with no heel and be tall! The gold necklace added a special touch.
You got some amazing shots here. i loved the strange one very much. You really capture the feel of the marketplace!
I really loved this post, part photo journal, part photo shoot, and all perfectly wonderful to see!
I also like you in the brown knitted cap, I would not have thought about that color for you, but ti worked!
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com/
ps. thank you for letting me know about the gravatars, I am not sure how to fix it..:(
I am very pleased with your comment because this kind of reaction is exactly what I was hoping for. I love doing these photo reports. It is so much fun and you get such nice interactions with people.
Greetje,
We know you are good in front of the camera,, now we are learning how good you are behind it..
BRAVA!
Xx, elle
I loved the photos of you and Sabine laughing! Too many photos? No way. Photos are much easier to scroll go through on a post than writing, as you know, and all these photos give me an excellent way to relive the fun of your day and get to know your city. I love how your country is such a coffee culture – shop, sip, shop, sip, eat, my kind of place! I have houndstooth pants just like Anke’s too. Heh. Thanks, Greetje.
I aim to please with this blog. Doing a story of a day is even more fun than just an outfit. Well, the mix is nice for me. I hope you did read the little bits of text in between the photos….. (LOL)
Looks like you wear having so much fun! Loved all of the images!
Not too many pictures to your taste Pam? You can be honest with me.
I love all of your pictures…not sure what you mean. Sorry I misspelled “were” as “wear”…but this was a fun post with fun pictures. Did I say something wrong?
I got you (wear/were). And you can never say something wrong. You are far too nice and polite for that. I am only asking because I was rather hesitant using so many pictures. I was afraid readers might think it was a bit much. So I was curious to know your opinion.
I love pictures, Greetje. Especially from places I have never been before…it takes me right to those places, and I love it. Keep them coming!
Too many photos you ask? When it comes to showing laughter and time spent with girlfriends there can never be too many photos. And, I didn’t have a problem loading this post at all. I do agree with Elle, I just wish I could have joined in the fun. Flea markets are most enjoyable when you do it your way, with a couple of crazy friends. I do love your purchase of the traveling adorable mouse. Will he be making the Canada trip as well? I also like your sensibility in how you choose your shopping attire, you always seem to look so stylish and sensible at the same time. Those boots are absolutely perfect for this occasion and look amazing on those skinny legs of yours.
I’m voting for more travel journal post, this was a lot of fun.
Oh good!!!! And yes, Mouse will be travelling with me to Vancouver. I will photograph him with you too! LOL
Never too many photos of a fun day spent with friends,enjoyed each and every one of them.Flea markets are such fun to visit even if you do not buy a thing, always a mix of interesting people.
Glad you liked it Jill. I appreciate honest feedback on my posts. The only way to improve is to get the true opinion of your readers. Flattery is dangerous for the continuation of my blog. Which is why I sometimes specifically ask what you think.
Greetje, I was so excited to see your beautiful face with knit headwear pop up on my screen. I think it looks great on you, although I know you don’t agree. Thank you so much for sharing with Hat Attack!
I love shopping! Who doesn’t? You seem to have found great items. And great pictures!
Jessica
Sorry Jessica, all I found was a knitted mouse….
You always tell a story with your photos Greetje so the more the merrier. It looks like you had a great day. I have never been so you should take me some time… Looking fabulously dressed for the occasion too!
More pictures of this outfit from a closer point of view will be featured in the future. I hope.
I always enjoying seeing these posts, you and your friends looks like had a great time! And BTW, the beanie did not look bad on you, you are too hard on yourself.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
It was the most flattering photo with that brown beanie Alice. I will mail you another one. I am sure you will agree then.
The more photos the better as far as I’m concerned! It was lovely to tag along with you to explore the flea market. How happy you both look. There is always the hope that something wonderful will turn up for just a little price!
Glad you like it Rosemary. I seldom see something wonderful at flea markets as I just don’t have the “discovering eye” for it. Nevertheless, there is always a nice atmosphere to enjoy. And together with a friend any activity is good.
Laugh Attack is just as wonderful as a Hat Attack! Same energy! Love flea markets, so your post was a treat for me. I loved the photos! They speak a thousand words. And as they say, “Girls just want to have fun!”
There were probably a lot of real fleas though. Not your really lovely estate sales. But the fun made up for it.
Of course I liked your day at the flea market ! Laughs, funny photos , friends and even a very useful woodden kangaroo… 🙂 ( I am wondering how you could miss such opportunity!!! )
Flea markets are perfect when you are short of money ( in any case I am sure that your closet doesn’t need any extra item! )and the grey mouse is cute!
No difficulties in loading the post!
You are so right, my wardrobe doesn’t need a thing. Which means you and I can just sit, talk and drink cappuccinos in April. No shopping necessary. LOL
It sounds horrible!! Will we look at the shop windows at least??? 🙂
Hahaha, you don’t know me very well… The fact I don’t need a thing and the fact there is no shopping necessary has never stopped me so far. LOL
Again what a great report you have made. I like the combi photo’s and clothes. Your outfit are the ones I like to see you in. I told you before I am getting to know Amsterdam through you , how funny is that. I enjoyed your photo’s having a laughter attack the most, they made me smile too. Does your mouse speak spanisch as well, I’ll buy her a swimsuit, then she can join us.
Mouse is a boy and is already wearing a suit in which he could swim. Makes him too soggy though. And he will accompany us to Spain too.
This looks like so much fun! How I wish I could have joined you and Sabine. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xo.
Yes we did have a lot of fun. Not many things beat a day with friends. Good friends are the salt of the earth.
hahah I really enjoy reading your posts Gretje! this place seems perfect to go with your friend and take original photos like these!!!
xoxo
M.
MYEMPTYBAG
Making you laugh is my ambition with this blog Maria del Carmen. I love to entertain and make people laugh.
Never too many photos of a fun day spent with friends,enjoyed each and every one of them.Flea markets are such fun to visit even if you do not buy a thing, always a mix of interesting people.
Glad you liked it Jill. I appreciate honest feedback on my posts. The only way to improve is to get the true opinion of your readers. Flattery is dangerous for the continuation of my blog. Which is why I sometimes specifically ask what you think.
You girls must have had so much fun! I can’t help smiling while reading 🙂 I LOVE flea market. I always fell for the trap. I would promise myself that it would only be a browse and see trip, no purchase and failed miserably every time!
As I don’t have “the eye”, I only see rubbish which I don’t want to buy. Mouse was new and unexpensive, so he is an exception. Glad I made you smile. One if my biggest goals with this blog.
Too many photos you ask? When it comes to showing laughter and time spent with girlfriends there can never be too many photos. And, I didn’t have a problem loading this post at all. I do agree with Elle, I just wish I could have joined in the fun. Flea markets are most enjoyable when you do it your way, with a couple of crazy friends. I do love your purchase of the traveling adorable mouse. Will he be making the Canada trip as well? I also like your sensibility in how you choose your shopping attire, you always seem to look so stylish and sensible at the same time. Those boots are absolutely perfect for this occasion and look amazing on those skinny legs of yours.
I’m voting for more travel journal post, this was a lot of fun.
Oh good!!!! And yes, Mouse will be travelling with me to Vancouver. I will photograph him with you too! LOL
Greetje,
I had no trouble at all loading this, and loved all of the photos. It did however create a very intense feeling of “I wish I were there!!” OH well. I am just glad you were!
Love the backdrop , the collage above your laughing self, looking natural and lovely in your black coat and jeans,
Adore the look without the coat, the skinnies, are of course, amazing on you: the blazer polishes this look, and then I love the boots and envy that you can wear a boot with no heel and be tall! The gold necklace added a special touch.
You got some amazing shots here. i loved the strange one very much. You really capture the feel of the marketplace!
I really loved this post, part photo journal, part photo shoot, and all perfectly wonderful to see!
I also like you in the brown knitted cap, I would not have thought about that color for you, but ti worked!
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com/
ps. thank you for letting me know about the gravatars, I am not sure how to fix it..:(
I am very pleased with your comment because this kind of reaction is exactly what I was hoping for. I love doing these photo reports. It is so much fun and you get such nice interactions with people.
Greetje,
We know you are good in front of the camera,, now we are learning how good you are behind it..
BRAVA!
Xx, elle
Aren’t you a stylish bunch?
I especially love the photos of you laughing. Really captures you well. And the mouse. Ha ha!
You must be getting excited about your Paris trip.
Looks like a wonderful fun filled day.
bisous
Suzanne
PS…you worry too much lady! ; )
I know I worry too much. It is in my character. Wish I could do something about it. It is annoying me and I still cannot stop it.
I loved the photos of you and Sabine laughing! Too many photos? No way. Photos are much easier to scroll go through on a post than writing, as you know, and all these photos give me an excellent way to relive the fun of your day and get to know your city. I love how your country is such a coffee culture – shop, sip, shop, sip, eat, my kind of place! I have houndstooth pants just like Anke’s too. Heh. Thanks, Greetje.
I aim to please with this blog. Doing a story of a day is even more fun than just an outfit. Well, the mix is nice for me. I hope you did read the little bits of text in between the photos….. (LOL)
Sure had loads of fun and almost a stomach acke from all the laughing. Post is great. Brings me right back. Still have that huge grinn on my face 🙂
Let’s not forget to book Paris.
Looks like you wear having so much fun! Loved all of the images!
Not too many pictures to your taste Pam? You can be honest with me.
I love all of your pictures…not sure what you mean. Sorry I misspelled “were” as “wear”…but this was a fun post with fun pictures. Did I say something wrong?
I got you (wear/were). And you can never say something wrong. You are far too nice and polite for that. I am only asking because I was rather hesitant using so many pictures. I was afraid readers might think it was a bit much. So I was curious to know your opinion.
I love pictures, Greetje. Especially from places I have never been before…it takes me right to those places, and I love it. Keep them coming!