two days in haarlem

The last two days of May in Haarlem & Bloemendaal aan Zee.

A mother-daughter weekend get-away we both have been looking forward to for months. A trip to Paris or Antwerp isn't allowed yet, but Haarlem was a good alternative. Moreover, we were treated to beautiful spring weather.

Sunday morning we left home early to have a extra long day with shopping alternating with breaks on the many terraces in the city. Cafe Wolkers overlooking the Spaarne, where many boats passed by, was our favorite.

Dinner on the terrace in the evening sun at rooftop restaurant the Dakkas, on top of a parking garage with a magical sunset view over the city.

On Monday we had breakfast on another sunny terrace and spend the rest of the day on the beach in Bloemendaal.

Being two days together was great and we've had so much fun! This mini break with my pregnant daughter Pippa was extra special and we both enjoyed it so much just being together. It really felt like a mini summer vacation. Love my girl!

ottomania

Wednesday, 1st of August.

We celebrated my birthday in Haarlem and on the Parnassia beach of Bloemendaal.

Unlike previous years, we do not always celebrate my birthday abroad, but hey in the summer of 2018, it feels like a holiday birthday, like the ones in Cadiz, Madrid, Pamplona, Berlin, Antwerp...

And the visit to the graceful Ottomania shop, added an extra foreign touch! The Ottomania shop has a refined collection, all products with the simplicity of Ottoman design and lifestyle. Perfect place to choose a very special birthday present. The first time we visited Ottomania was in December 2005, we bought some embroidered pillowcases and a handmade carrying tray with handle of tinned copper, that we still use every day. I love those timeless handmade products, they always remain beautiful.