A hidden gem

Nearby Nijmegen, in the nature reserve 'de Millingerwaard', lies a hidden gem. It is called the 'Millinger theetuin'. You can only reach it on foot or bicycle, by following a two kilometer long track. On the way you meet Galloway cows and Konik horses.

I have seen lots of gardens, but this one touched not only my heart, but that of my family as well. Even my little nephew, who is nine years old, enjoyed the atmoshpere of the place. We had to fight who could use my camera :-)!

It is like walking in Andalusia or Morocco; the plants, the garden house, the tiles, the flowers, the birdsong.... There is so much to see! The owners have spent much love in creating this piece of heaven, and it shows! We spent a lovely two hours in the garden, drinking tea, eating pie, just relaxing and looking at all the beauty around us... I came home filled with ideas and new energy! If you want to see more pictures of the garden or visit. Please have a look at their website.

On our way back from the garden through the nature reserve, Konik horses crossed out path. One even had a young! It looked so sweet. We finished the day in a old café near the river Waal. Days like this make me realise what beautiful country I live in.

Wish you all a happy sunny weekend!

Lieve groet, Madelief 

 

Antwerp is the place for me

I don't know if you can be in love with a city, but nevertheless I think I am. Antwerp is so different from any Dutch cities I know; the atmosphere, the food, the people, the colourful and stylish shops. It feels so Bourgondic!

We spent our friday walking through the old town and having a delicious lunch. In the morning my husband visited the Mukha (museum of modern art), while my youngest daughter and I did some shopping. She wanted to go to the Urban Outfitters, which you don't have in Holland. We spent more than one hour in the store......just for one dress and a t-shirt. Well, the girl is happy! Even her mother found a nice floral jacket.

Tomorrow we are off to our garden. They say it's going to be a lovely sunny day. Hope so, because we have had enough rain and cold the last two weeks. Wish you a sunny sunday too!

Lieve groet, Madelief

Haute Couture and a beautiful pillow

It feels good to be back again. A short break really works wonders! I have done some reading, made an apron out of vintage fabric and worked in our garden. It gives so much energy! Last weekend my husband, eldest daughter and I went to the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, to see an exhibition of haute couture, called 'Voici Paris'.

The exhibition takes you through the history of 'Haute Couture' and features top examples of 20th century fashion design. The earliest exhibit dates from 1901. There are beautiful dresses on display by Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Gaultier and also from more contemporary fashion designers like Alexander van Slobbe and Dries van Noten. Not only the clothes were very worthwhile, the setting was beautiful too. The dress with the bright pink coat (photo 14) was worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Ohhhh if only I could wear one of these dresses........

Now the pillow comes in.........yesterday I received the giveaway I won at Sisterly. With a picture I sent Hannie of my parents in their younger days, she made a beautiful pillow! My mum and dad, who were spending the day with us, unwrapped the parcel. They were so happy with it! Dear Hannie thank you so much again!!!  I wish you could have seen their faces! What a great giveaway to win :-)! Hannie has a webshop where she sells pillows, brocante and all kind of wonderful things. Please have a look at her blog.

A happy and sunny weekend to you all! We are off to Antwerp tomorrow and next week to Maastricht with my mum. Bye for now!

Lieve groet, Madelief

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Clouds of pink and white

 
What a lovely month May is. Despite the heavy rain we had in Holland this weekend, our garden is a sea of white, pink and lilac flowers. Each time I enter our garden I feel like I am walking into an enchanted place. It's soooo beautiful!  I don't want to say much this time....Just enjoy the pictures, and see how May changed it!

I will be taking a short blogbreak. My mother and I will visit family in Limburg, that's in the south of our country and my husband, daughters and I will go on some outings. I won't be able to leave comments. Wish you all a happy May holiday!

Lieve groet, Madelief

I found the little green teapot in the mosaic on the fleamarket in Delft on Queens day. It's a little beauty!