Kitty, my usual photographer, was really busy so I pleaded pretty please to husband Ron to photograph my new red and cream shirt. He was kind enough to take these photos in Amsterdam, in Wertheim Park.
Below: The entrance of Wertheim Park. Aren’t these lamp holders magnificent?
Below: The left sphinx. The right one is identical.
Below: View from the back. (I love that shade of green of spring leaves.) The sphinxes have tails.
Below: Close-up of the tail. Looks a bit…(I let you fill in the dots).
Enough about the sphinxes, let’s continue with the outfit.
Below: Entering the park, you can see the shirt from behind. I am trying to squeeze my warm parka into my tote while walking.
Below: It is a cute little park and it made for a lovely backdrop. Remember my cream boots in a post from a month ago? I like how they elongate the trousers. Cream boots or a pair of pumps, showing some skin, keep my outfit in proportion. Otherwise I look short-legged.
Below: The details. Red and cream shirt by Mads Nørgaard and bought at kpa.haarlem. The sleeves balloon out just above the elbow. Belt Max Mara (birthday present from mum 2 years ago). Trousers ME+EM (seen before here and here). Crossbody bag in pewter by Midlifechic. I am wearing it here as a normal bag by shortening the strap. Nikki of Midlifechic still has a few of these bags but in blue mock croc and black mock croc. The pewter has sold out.
Below: This is a fountain which is switched on in summer.
Below: Now, it just serves as a background.
Below: Shall I sit on it? Is that a good idea with cream trousers? No, better not.
Below: By this time Ron was off to photograph boats, geese and seagulls, while I was standing there without a coat on, with a reddering nose and my hair collapsing. I had a ‘talk’ with him about where his priorities should lie haha.
Below: The more interesting subjects. (Am I being sarcastic?? Yep.)
Below: The focus on the camera had shifted from Auto Focus to Manual Focus without Ron knowing, which meant a lot of blurry photos. In this photo the house across the road was in focus. I like the two Delft blue porcelain figures above the door.
Below: Ah… the camera decided to focus on the seagull.
Below: Ron focussed back on me and we went to the other side of the park, to a bench that was cleaner than the fountain edge. As you can see, these trousers are rather tight and if I sit down…hmmm…
Below: It was a great place to sit and overlook the grass where people let their dog play. This (French) man had just lost his slipper to his dog… I love bull terriers ever since I read The incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford as a child. Disney filmed the book, but I never saw the film. I think I wouldn’t have liked it.
Below: It was hilarious, the dog had a field day. Of course you couldn’t catch him (if he knew you) as he thought you wanted to play with him. Ron stepped in and threw a treat to the dog. The dog instantly dropped the slipper and the lady boss could retrieve the shoe.
Below: Time to leave again.
Below: A sip of some Amsterdam water outside the park.
Below: I photographed the houses across the street for you, as I know you love to see them.
Below: Ron spotted this funny view: crates of Heineken and Amstel beer on a fancy balcony with the mythological figure Atlas holding everything up haha.
Below: One last photo of the details (and because my loyal Spanish reader Jose-Maria likes these shots). Small pearl earrings mirroring the floral pattern of the shirt and a small gold with (tiny) diamond necklace.
What happened in my life this week
This must have been the most boring week so far.
Saturday before Easter was a lovely day though. The weather was nice and I cycled into town to pick up some hosiery from my beloved shop Stemm Voetiek in Haarlem. Also picked up another white T-shirt from kpa.haarlem as the one I had bought from her seems to be forever in the washing (I use it a lot). Finished the afternoon with a cappuccino and a Portuguese pastel de nata from Vascobelo. I was a happy woman.
Little confession: in between hosiery and T-shirt, I bought a lot of bras with matching briefs and a new bikini. I passed the store that I always frequent (Lincherie) and remembered they had sent me a voucher for 10 euros. A well-known marketing trick to create store traffic as it is called in the trade. And I am such a sucker. Knowing I will get a tax return soon, I am already spending the money.
Below: My new bikini: blue, white and yellow.
I also decided I was done with body shapers. I have been wearing them for about 12 years now to rein in my tummy and bulges etc. With all this new underwear I felt I was spoiling it so much by adding a body shaper. I know nobody but Ron and I see it, but I KNOW. So to control the tummy I decided to stand up straight and sit up straight from now on, holding my tummy. I have tried this 20 times before and failed. Nevertheless, I might succeed this time. I am motivated.
Sunday wasn’t too bad either, but a lot colder. We never really celebrate Easter and as we are both forever on a diet (not really, but always watching what we put in our mouths), we never have much food in the house. Below: This was my ‘feast meal’.
Below: I should have gone to the neighbours, who posted this on Instagram.
In the afternoon Ron and I went to Amsterdam to take the outfit photos for this post. Cold but a very nice thing of him to do. When we drove back into our town, we succumbed and I fetched a Magnum ice carton and a chocolate bar. A double dose of sea salted caramel chocolate. The scale told me the result the next day.
Monday. The weather changed to around freezing temperatures. One minute the sun was shining, the next hail stones or snow came down. An hour later the sun came out again, but only for a little while and the next snow fell. The wind was like a storm and it was cold. Not funny, not circumstances to go outside of your house.
Below: Picturesque pear blossom indoors. So like spring.
Below: See those white stripes? That is the first snow coming down. Poor plants in the garden. Ron had fetched plants for various baskets and bowls, way too early of course, but I wanted some colour, some spring in the garden. I hope they will survive.
I did do my exercises and I even cycled Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I deserve a pat on the shoulder for that.
Tuesday Marcella of Lara Design.nl came round to our house again to hear a few PR ideas Ron has thought up for her earrings business. We had lunch together and I photographed her in the garden in between two snow showers.
Below: Marcella. I was bossing her around on how to arrange a pose with her feet but my instructions could have been a lot better.
Below: Marcella’s earrings: ice blue with brown, great combination with the camel jumper.
Wednesday…plain boring. Did some blogging and reading.
What was fun, was the Facetime conversation with Susan of Une femme d’un certain âge; we had some good laughs. So the day ended well.
Thursday I went to the doctor to have a spot removed from my right breast. It suddenly manifested itself three weeks ago and grew into one ugly looking lump. Even though I am nearly 67, my breasts still look good and I am not going to have “an old lady wart” (or whatever it was), spoil that. The doctor agreed, examined it and treated it with nitrogen. All done, took half a minute.
Karlijn of kpa.haarlem put another video on her Instagram, showing some of the new collection that came into her shop. And I fell again. I got on the bike and 15 minutes later I bought a black linen dress and more. Yes, that tax return money is going swiftly.
Below: Wore this on Thursday. It is a mix of things I already have. And I am not going to use the outfit for another blog post. Did I do the matchy matchy thing again? Boots and bag? I cannot help it, I like it this way.
Below: Close-up of the French Kande necklaces and bracelet, seen before on this jumper last spring.
Friday morning Ron took photos for next week’s blog post. The man is a pillar for this blog. Always ready to save me.
In the afternoon I visited Marianne for her to try on socks I have, with which you slide into boots. She has to use plastic bags to get into her boots as her leg muscles don’t work due to Multiple Sclerosis. Before I rang her doorbell I stopped at the cobbler to drop off some boots. I arrived at Marianne’s without the socks. They were still in the bag for the cobbler. So I thought.
After a coffee and 2 hours’ chat I went back to the cobbler to fetch them only to find out they weren’t in the bag. I must have left them at home. So I thought.
End of this stupid story? They were in my coat pocket all the time. I will go back on Saturday.
Below: Marianne, always cheerful.
Below: My outfit that Friday. Another outfit I am not going to feature in a blog post because it is so similar to the original post. The only difference is the jacket instead of the jumper and I added my red and pink earrings. Again pretty matchy matchy haha.
Till next week.
Greetje
I adore that shirt with those cream trousers Greetje, but did have to laugh at the comment about your legs looking short! Oh you, of the long lean limbs – how that made me chortle.
Well done to Ron for coming up trumps as your photographer again. A great job!
So good to catch up with you again xx
Anything long can be made to look shorter, you smartiepants. Even my legs. It is all about proportion right?
Thanks for stopping by. I am very busy with computer and iPhone shenanigans. Not funny and very time consuming.
Oh, I am behind! Greetje, love those cream trousers so much – every time you wear them, I sigh. They are not meant for short people like me! I like the front-tuck you’ve done with your shirt here, and excellent accessorizing. Great photos, even if Ron took a lot of random ones! Ha! That dog with the slipper is hilarious – of course, Ron knew what to do!
I think your friend Marcella and I have the same Zara sweater! I love seeing your fashionable friends. Good for you for giving up the shapewear! I have a couple of pieces but only wear them with slinky party dresses – I can’t even remember the last time I wore one! Your new bathing suit is awesome.
Love that long pleated skirt! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
You are behind? What do you think of me? The trousers are favourites with me too. The only draw-back is that they are really tight. If I had sized up, they would have been to big, but my waist is so wide and it pinches there. Problem is, it is so well-made that it would be a big hassle to adjust the waistband. Perhaps I will though. I would wear it more often then.
The front-tuck trend is sooo good for my shape. If it ever goes out of style and I would look outdated doing it, I will cry.
Today I am wearing my polka dot skirt set which means I really have to sit up straight and hold my tummy. I cannot forget it. I will wear such clothes more often, as long as it takes for my mind to stay in this modus. I used to wear shape wear on holiday when it was really hot. It didn’t bother me but of course it is so much nicer without it. Alas I have had a tummy sticking out since I was 17 and weight nothing: 52 kilos with a height of 1m75 (is that 5ft74?). No hips, no bum, it has got to go somewhere. My physiotherapist is totally against holding your tummy, but I bet she thinks: “She will never pull this off”. And I did fail 20 times before.
The long pleated skirt was one from the Max Mara outlet. I grabbed it just before paying the lot.
I love this outfit! It’s simple but interesting with the pattern on the blouse, and nicely balanced. The earrings are a nice touch too, echoing the flower pattern.
We always laugh a lot, don’t we? I look forward to being able to laugh in person again!
Yes, we do laugh a lot. It is what I love to do most and it is why I need friends. Because you can laugh with friends.
The days that we will meet again in person will return. In the meantime we have FaceTime.
Another lovely post to read! Love the outfit in the park. And also the last one with the long skirt.
You’re always so quick with ‘fixing’ things, like the lump on your breast. Good for you.
I realize more and more that compared to other people I’m not very on top of these things.
I’ve been thinking lately that I should take better care of myself.
The lump was really ugly, which urged me to do something about it. But you are right, I am quick with “fixing things”. Not a hypochondriac but I don’t postpone things either.
And, one should always take good care on oneself.
I love your posts – great outfits, scenery and lovely stories. So relaxing and inspiring. I too still love some matching elements. I figure the current style still has to fit ME and my values and eye. So I’m with you, my dear. Keep it up. You lighten up my life! Hugs,
As I still love blogging, I will keep on lightening up your life haha.
Thanks for the compliments. As for matchy matchy…I agree about the style having to fit ME. But there is a little voice in my head that sometimes says: “Are you still current, dear?”
GLAD WE GOT RID OF THE BUMP ON THE BOOB!!!
YOUR BIKINI is a KNOCK OUT LIKE YOU!
YOUR WRITING AND PHOTOS ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE!
HAPPY SPRING…………….
The “bump” is now only a pink spot which will disappear with one or two weeks.
I am very proud with your compliment about my writing. Cannot take credits for the photos. Making you smile, made my day.
The red and cream shirt is so pretty. The look from head to toe is very attractive. Enjoyed the sock story and seeing your friends. You are fortunate to have so many friends for visiting and shopping. Friends make life so much better. Have a lovely week. Our temp was 96 degrees here in Texas yesterday. Crazy for April
I agree, friends make life so much better; friends are the salt of the earth, I couldn’t live without them.
96 degrees is really hot, hot, hot. We Dutch would melt.
I love that park you visited with Ron, those sphinxes are so beautiful. I’m a sucker for things like that. I also love to visit old cemeteries so I can see gargoyles and angels and stuff lol!
Your outfits are all fabulous. I like the cream trousers — they would probably be long on me lol. I’m only 5ft 4! And your new bikini is GORGEOUS!!
Glad to hear the little spot on your breast wasn’t anythng to worry about, Greetje!
Hugs
Suzy xx
In old towns in Europe there are a lot of things like sphinxes, gargoyles and angels. In those old days man labour cost next to nothing so you could splurge on things like this when you had your house built.
I am 5ft74 I think (1m75).
The spot on my breast wasn’t worrying me, I knew it was just an ugly thing, but not a malignant one. At least I wasn’t expecting anything of the sort. At the moment I only have a little red spot left, which will disappear within two to three weeks. Very happy about that. Don’t want to spoil my new bikini-look. Although it is going to take a while before I can put it on. As I am typing this I am looking at hailstones in my garden. The temperature will rise steadily to 16 degrees on Sunday and no more rain or worse after today. But still no temperature to be able to lie in the garden. Damn.
Hailstones? Crikey!! It’s beautiful and sunny here lol. Although I’m not quite ready to put on my bikini quite yet. Although I did buy a beautiful new one recently. Actually, it’s a one-piece, all in red. Gorgeous!
Suzy x
It is beautiful weather again today and the forecasts are promising. Although it is still around 8 to 9 degrees Celcius, it might get to 17 degrees next week. No bikini weather but also no rain, no hailstones.
Let’s hope we can wear our new bikini/one-piece soon.
Love the last outfit — I would not have thought of wearing cream boots with it. So pretty! And not matchy matchy with the black and red 🙂
I laughed out loud at the photos of the slipper-stealing dog, as our does the same thing. I too loved the book The Incredible JourneyI must see if I can find a copy for my grandsons.
I never thought of wearing cream boots with my black pleated skirt either. But I copied it from an outfit Eugenia of The Age of Grace (https://www.instagram.com/theeageofgrace/) wore. Copying is the highest form of flattery haha.
Glad I could make you laugh. I say: mission accomplished.
And do look for the book The Incredible Journey. It is so endearing. I bet the film wasn’t half as good. Wikipedia says they based it “losely” on the book.
Excellent shirt! A stand-out! Love the texture. Your pleated skirt ensemble rocks. Elegant and smart. Don’t ever worry about “ matchy-matchy”. Rules are made for people who don’t have a clue how to dress.
Your eggs any which way for breakfast/lunch/or dinner are my way of fine dining these days as well. Add a glass of Moet Chandon or Veuve Cliquot and voila!! Memorable!!
Beautiful little garden. Lucky those living across the way.
Every time I visit my derm I come home burnt and frozen. If this keeps going, i will have brand new skin everywhere. A cheap way for a refresh. I need it, I want it. Too bad my granddaughter chose a different specialty than plastic surgery!!!!!
Keep it coming!!
When Anja still used to live three doors down the road, I drank champagne more often. She really likes champagne and always had some bottles in stock. These days I never drink it anymore. Sometimes Ron buys me coffee liqueur like Baileys. Such a bottle I’ll empty within a week. I love coffee liqueur.
It is a good thing that your granddaughter doesn’t have plastic surgery as specialty as you can get very hooked on it and change into a “plastic looking figure”.
Greetje, what a fabulous post with all your signature elements, beautiful background scenery, some history of the area, interesting stories, and beautiful clothes. I love the pear blossom vignette.
The green blouse and French Kande jewelry are stunning. I think green is a good color for you. So happy to read your weekly posts. Thank you!
Hi Bonnie, what high praise. Thank you very much. It is entirely my pleasure. Creating blog posts is my hobby and I love every aspect of it: the clothes, the photography, the writing, the interaction with readers… all fun.
Green is indeed a good colour for me, but not all green. The green jumper has exactly the right colour. Hard to come by.
I hope I can keep you amused for many years to come.
Greetje, You look so fabulous in that last picture. I think it is one of your best shots ever. You rock!
You mean the photo with the black pleated skirt and the red accessories? A lucky iPhone shot in the mirror. But I was quite pleased with the outfit, I will say that.
Love all these looks, especially the Friday one. And Marianne always looks so stylish too. The dog and Atlas photos are funny – Ron really has an eye for a quirky shot. It froze here too this week and the winegrowers around here have suffered quite a lot of damage. Hard to think we had daytime temps of 27°C a couple of weeks ago!
Ron indeed has the creative eye a photographer needs. Just like Kitty (who is more camera skilled). As for the temperatures… I was sunbathing in my garden in bikini last week. 21 degrees C.
This week the weather forecast says no rain and higher temperatures from Tuesday onwards, but they aren’t predicting more than 16 degrees by Sunday.
Another lovely shirt. I saw The Incredible Journey movie as a very young child, around 6 yrs. I remember loving it. Your bikini is fabulous; love the pattern and colours.
I read at Wikipedia that the movie was ‘losely’ based on the book. After reading the book, I bet, I would not have liked the ‘losely’ way. I am like that.
The shirt is indeed very pretty and a pleasure to wear. Couldn’t resist it. (And neither the bikini.)