We had a busy but fun weekend. On Saturday we went to Aqua Zoo, which was, to our surprise, so much fun! We were expecting a park with a couple of animals but it was a proper zoo with tigers, polar bears and what not! So close to us as well, about a 45 minute drive. An activity to remember for the future when, maybe there are kids involved 😉 Afterwards we went to the city centre of Leeuwarden and had the most delicious Thai food. We both chose the panang curry with tofu, which has recently become my favorite curry.
On Sunday we went to my grandmother first to catch up with her and had a coffee together. Afterwards we drove to Holten to start another leg of the Pieterpad, which is a long distance (498km!) walking route from north to south in the Netherlands. It consists of 26 stages of around 15-24km each. Our goal is of course to finish the whole route some day. But I’m sure this will take a while, because we’re now somewhere halfway and we’ve been at it for about 2 years already… The leg we hiked yesterday was 16km and went from Laren to Holten. Usually we park our car at the destination of the day and ride our bikes (which we bring with us) to the starting point (which is a workout in itself!). Then when we finish we have to pick our bikes back up and usually grab a drink and dinner somewhere, which is always delicious after such a long hike! Yesterday it was also very hot, so we were extra looking forward to our reward and it didn’t disappoint.
This morning when we woke up we were both sore from yesterdays endeavours. Today is Nick’s last day of vacation and I’m slowly starting work back up again, but I did want to first take some time to write this blog post.
I’ve thought up this new category for my blog as well. In this ‘Worth a mention’ blog post I’ll name 4 or 5 things that have caught my attention in the past week or so. These can be products, artists, movies, events, recipes, anything really! Here are today’s 5.
1. Serum with salicylic acid (2%, I use this one from Kruidvat Derma)
I might be late to the party, but this stuff is so effective! I’ve been perfecting my skincare routine and this product is my latest addition. I have been using the salicylic acid serum once every 2 days at night, and I wake up with such clear and glowy skin. It really makes a visible difference after every use, and I can’t say that of many other products that I use. Also, my sensitive skin tolerates it well, which is great.
2. Double cleansing
To stay in the skincare realm, I’ve also been into double cleansing the past few weeks, and it has also been very good for my skin. Double cleansing, if you don’t know, means first cleaning your skin with an oil-based cleanser and after this, cleaning it again with a water-based cleanser. It takes a bit more effort, but it does make sure your skin is clean for the night and is able to fully soak up the serum or cream you use afterwards. In combination with the salicylic acid it has worked very well for me. I have not been having any skin problems like eczema or pimples. I’ve been using these products from Etos together (I think they’re only available in the Netherlands): Etos Cleansing Oil Gel & Etos Truly Natural Face Wash.
3. Linen clothing in hot weather
My summer wardrobe consists of more and more clothing pieces with linen in them. I’m finding linen so nice to wear in the warm weather we’ve been having. It’s so airy and I love the casual look of flowy linen clothing pieces. I have shorts, dresses, t-shirts, pants; all linen. I love combing with cotton t-shirts, espadrilles or Birkenstocks. Really for me, linen is in, sticky synthetic stuff is out!
4.
I’ve joined some of Tony Robbins events in the past and really enjoyed them and I just got a notification that Sage Robbins is doing a free event on August 21st. I just signed up. I always will find little bits of these kinds of events spark something in me, or I learn something. It’s really nice to take a couple of hours and work on your habits, goals and mindset. So, I just signed up, if you feel like you you’re in need of some inspiration or renewed spark as well, sign up here (it’s free).
5. This live version of WILDFLOWER by Billy Eilish
I love her soft voice, the acoustic guitar and the back up singers! Especially the last part when all of their voices harmonize and echo in the most beautiful chaotic way and then merge together again. Other-worldy if you ask me. I’ve listened to this sooo many times.
