Farewell to spring

Surprise! Spring is over, and in its place is some kind of... weird autumnal hybrid. Did I miss something? Did we just skip summer altogether?

The weather for the past two weeks has been positively dismal: bleak, gray and rainy for days on end. While Holland is spared from the thundering torrents that we're used to in our tropical corner of the world, this light rain just seems so... endless. So I guess this is the famous Dutch weather they all complain about. I'm straining my neck looking ahead, and there is not a single sunny day in sight. Here's hoping July and August will be better.

I didn't even notice that spring ended. When the flowers started popping up in April, I thought they'd be around for at least a few months. Silly me. I guess I've gotten used to things being around pretty much all year, as they are in Manila or Singapore. Now the rampant blooming has ceased, and though the surroundings are still alive and green, I wish I took more notice of the flowers. Still, I rounded up enough photos to mount a decent farewell to spring.

Begijnhof

Vondelpark

Museumplein

Practically everywhere in the Jordaan

I never had to go far to get my fill of flowers. Sometimes I just had to look out my window.
Just across the street, my neighbors grow the most gorgeous roses over their front doors. My mom became a huge fan of those while she was here in May.

I miss the easy abundance of spring flowers. I even picked some on my afternoon walks and runs around the neighborhood. (I never picked any of the neighbors' flowers, of course!)

Free flowers!

 Picked along the river and at the Beatrixpark

I was horrified at the prices of fresh flowers in Paris: €30, €40, even as much as €60 for blooms that would cost €8-10 at the most here in Amsterdam. Thankfully, this is Holland and we can bring in a little bit of spring practically all-year round.  Sunflowers arrived on the scene a week or two ago...

... while my new favorite, peonies, made their first appearance in the market in late April. I'm glad that peonies are still in season. And it appears I'm not the only one.

Product photography = FAIL.

As you can tell, Rogue likes peonies too! Luckily for her, there will always be a little corner of spring to nibble on here at home.

Coriander & co.

Back in Singapore, our condo unit had a balcony with a tiny box filled with soil. "Look, sweetie! We can plant an herb garden!" I sighed with all the dewy-eyed rapturousness of a new wife. In the three years we lived in that condo, you think we ever got around to doing it? Hah.

It turns out all I needed to bring this long-slumbering herb garden fantasy to life was... spring. Just as a deadline spurs a procrastinator into action, the thought of "I can only grow things outside until September!" provided the impetus to finally start cracking my green thumb...

Which started out looking a lot like a black thumb. The first few pots of herbs I bought died a fiery death, sun-dried to a McCormicky crisp during the week that we were away in Portugal. Burned by that experience, I resolved to try a new, two-pronged approach with the replacements I bought. 

Part one consisted of repotting the herbs in bigger pots. Marlon's logic: bigger pots, more soil, longer to dry out. The afternoon before we left for Oslo, he biked to the nearest Blokker (a Dutch chain with very affordable basic household items) and came back with these stainless steel metal window boxes.

I did the replanting out on the balcony. It was nice to get my hands dirty, literally. I used to love watering the garden and digging up weeds when I was a kid. I haven't felt soil between my fingers in ages.

Part two of my survival strategy consisted of showing my herbs some love: by naming them and talking to them. (Alert, cuckoo gardening lola in the making!) I was toying between Fernando Cilantro and Alexander Coriander for the (duh) coriander, but ended up going with Alexander. (I think it was influenced by Patrick's wife giving birth that weekend in Athens and naming the baby Alexandros.)

Paisley Parsley was christened by Therese on Twitter, and appealed to my deep and abiding love for paisley. Marlon later countered that we could have gone with Bob Parsley instead and given Alexander a gay Rasta boyfriend. It's hard to admit I dropped the ball on this one.

I made up for it, though, by bringing Rosemary Gil into the world. A seriously Pinoy pop culture-deprived Marlon did not get the significance of this name. The real Rosemarie Gil won my eternal devotion as the haughty evil stepmother in the 80s campfest, Nympha, where Alma Moreno played... you guessed it, a nympho.

A peek at her IMDB profile reveals a slew of classics such as Bata Pa Si Sabel, Burlesk Queen, Bagets and Nardong Putik mingling with such dazzlingly campy titles as Bruka: Queen of Evil, Night of the Cobra Woman, and Fight Batman Fight! Plus, she played (ting alert!) Tingting Cojuangco in a TV miniseries. How could I not want my rosemary to take after this fabulous woman?

Beside the divine Miss Gil is the only plant that I have ever tried to grow from seed. A species that's... uh, abundant in Amsterdam, it has yet to be named but has already begun to sprout. My black thumb might just turn out to be green after all.

Sunny days

Amsterdam has been blessed with abundant sunshine for the past few weeks, especially on the weekends. How our lives have changed: instead of driving me deeper into my bed with the aircon on full blast, hot and sunny days now draw me out into the street to do as the Dutch and soak up the sun... while it lasts. ("It's all downhill from Queen's Day" warned Rick, our running group coach.) 

One sunny weekend I got to do three things that had been on my Amsterdam must-try lists for some time. The first was to have apple pie at Winkel, a vastly popular (and always packed) cafe on the Noordermarkt. 

The apple pie here is reportedly the best in Amsterdam. I haven't met a Dutch appeltart I haven't liked, but I must say this one outweighs and outsizes all the ones I've had. The crust is almost cookie-like without being dry, and the filling is made up of generous chunks of baked apple with some crunch to it, instead of the usual mushy, applesauce-y filling. 

Another tick mark on my list went to the grassy hill (well, wedge really) on Museumplein. It's been callin' for some sprawlin' ever since I first saw it, back in January when we first moved here. 

The Concertgebouw (concert hall) is on the right, while the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum (the contemporary art museum, closed for renovation) are on the left.

Marlon and I killed a good two hours there while waiting for a dinner appointment, just reading, napping and taking pictures. Public spaces like these are another reason why I love Amsterdam.

And one Sunday, Marlon and I went totally Amsterdammer-like with a picnic at the Vondelpark. I even wore my bathing suit to the park, as the locals do when it's hot. Swimsuits and grass still don't quite fit together in my head, though.

We packed our brand-new/secondhand picnic basket with some chips, beer, cold water, and a light lunch...

... consisting of oven-roasted chicken and baby potatoes with cherry tomatoes, garlic and herbs.

Did your parents ever tell you not to read while eating? Ours did, to no avail. So out came the books...

... and the Leffe Blond beer. This is my passed-out-in-the-grass lasengga look. 

The day was so gorgeous. There seems to be so much magic in sunshine.

It can transform dogs into swamp creatures...

... and goths into happy campers.

When we found a wishbone in our lunch, Marlon and I both wished for more days just like this one. :) 

Amsterdam, all you have to do is grant that wish... and I'll love you forever.

Bloemendaal

Somehow, between my sister's visit and our Easter trip to Portugal, I managed to squeeze in a day at the beach with Leigh, a new friend from the Amsterdam girls' Meetup group I joined. On a particularly warm day (24℃... yes I know, how things have changed!) I hopped on a bus to Leigh's place in Bad Hoevedorp, a town near Haarlem and Sloten. It looks far on the map, but turned out to be just 20 minutes by bus from Museumplein.

At Leigh's place, I saw how much space you can get living outside of the city (it's pretty, but I'm happy where I am!) and met her adorable (and huge!) pets.

Then we took her car for a 30-minute drive (where we almost ran out of gas!) to Zaandvoort a.k.a. The Beach, where apparently everyone and his mother goes on a sunny weekend. At the Anne Frank House, I even saw pictures of Anne Frank and her family in their beachwear at Zaandvoort back in the 1930s!

We opted to go to Bloemendaal, the "posher" stretch of beach beside Zaandvoort, passing huge mansions on the way. Apparently the only reason it's posher is because of all these chillax-chic beach bars on the dunes...

... which were a nice enough place to enjoy lunch and a girly gabfest. I still have to get used to sandwiches and salads as beach food, though.

So, this is the beach. It fulfills the two basic requirements: sand and sea. It gets positively scorching up on the dunes, but closer to the shoreline, the sea breeze kicks in and cools you right off. Speaking of cooling off: don't even think of going into the water, at least not in April... unless you want to die of hypothermia. No matter how warm it is on land, that North Sea means business. Toto, we're not in the South China Sea anymore.

With swimming out of the picture, it was nice to just tan on the sand and enjoy a chat with a new friend. Leigh is from South Africa, and it was unbelievable how many commonalities our countries share: from stunning natural beauty to visa woes to everyday tales of crime and corruption that the Dutch we've met simply find impossible to comprehend.

Q: Mahangin ba sa labas? A: Sa tingin mo?

If I'd come straight here from the Philippines without being exposed to the sadness that is Sentosa, I would have scoffed at this beach. But the stretch of sand is wide and clean, and it's near enough to get to in a pinch. I definitely wouldn't mind doing again, especially with lots of sunshine and good friends!

Get their style - Various celebs and their different unique looks

I found this Celebrity style article on Ivillage, and decided to source out looks for each and every outfit mentioned.


So here if what some of your fav celebs are wearing and similar available things from Zara, Mango and Forever 21..

olivia palermo: wide-leg trousers

The always-chic Olivia Palermo shows us how to wear this season's wide-leg trousers. Find a nude, white or beige pair, add a pretty blouse or cardigan, and finish the look off with ladylike peep-toes.

Leopard print blazer 79.99GBP ZARA, White wide legged pants 59.00GBP MANGO, Patent leather Stilletos 24.80USD FOREVER 21, Handbag 29.90GBP MANGO, Antiqued Jewel Stretched bracelet 6.80USD FOREVER 21

louise roe: tough trends

TV personality Louise Roe rocks two of this season's toughest trends: the jumpsuit and bold colors. If you attempt the look (kudos to you!), take a style cue and balance out your look with plain flat sandals and a simple, neutral-colored cardigan

Jumpsuit with straps 22.99GBP ZARA, Cardigan with Ribbon, 25.99GBP ZARA, Wedge with tassels 39.99GBP ZARA, Feathers and Beads Necklace 5.80USD FOREVER 21, Beaded Flower ring 5.80USD FOREVER 21, Plaited Shopper bag 79.99GBP ZARA.

heather locklear: so seventies

Just a week or two ago, we said that the '70s are back this spring and that every gal should invest in a pair of bellbottoms. It's an easy, fun look you can wear every day -- just take a look at Heather Locklear!

Relaxed fit denim jeans 39.90GBP MANGO, Short open-knit Cardigan 25.99GBP ZARA, Distressed leatherette bag 30.80USD FOREVER 21, Studded laser cut belt 8.80USD FOREVER 21, Twisted hoop earrings 3.80USD FOREVER 21.

alexa chung: twirly skirts

Alexa Chung does a phenomenal job walking the line between fashionable and frumpy because she’s able to see the potential in clothes that most of us write off as grandmotherly. So to take some style advice without going over the top, wear this cute polka dot dress in the form of a long, flattering A-line skirt.

Circular dress 49.90GBP MANGO, Platform Sandal 69.99GBP ZARA, Daytime clutch bag 39,99GBP, Heart watch necklace 6.80USD FOREVER 21, Glittering Pointelle tights 6.80USD FOREVER 21.

taylor swift: oversized crochet

Taylor Swift has perfected this season's easy, bohemian look with a floral mini dress layered under an oversized crocheted sweater. Copy the look and get a crochet knit of your own, and wear it everyday -- it’s the perfect transition piece!

Floral T-back dress 17.80USD FOREVER 21, Crochet Flowers Cardigan 32.80USD FOREVER 21, Jewelled Slingbacks 69.99GBP ZARA, Tree of life necklace 3.80USD FOREVER 21.

blake lively: nude accessories

Blake Lively gets in on the white-lace action, pairing her mini dress with a white blazer and suede nude booties. Try out spring's neutral trend with some accessories of your own, like an evening bag or fun nude sandals.

Blazer with Lapel 89.99GBP ZARA, Pleated dress 19.80USD FOREVER 21, 70's Gal leatherette Shoes 23.80USD FOREVER 21, Basketweave leatherette clutch 19.80USD FOREVER 21, Fashionista Stone ring 4.80USD FOREVER 21.

katie holmes: polka dots

How cute is the finishing touch on Katie Holmes' perfectly pulled together outfit? A pair of adorable polka-dotted heels? The tiny dots are all the rage this spring, but remember to keep the rest of your outfit simple -- a T-shirt and cropped pants will do the trick and instead of polka, here are some awesome leopard print ones!

Ankle cropped trousers 19.99 GBP ZARA, Blazer with contrasting lapel 79.99GBP ZARA, Basic knit tank 2.80USD FOREVER 21, Smoke Leopard Heels 24.80USD FOREVER 21.

khloe kardashian: harem pants

Royal blue, satin, high-waisted harem pants?! Likes! But everything about Khloe Kardashian's look is awesome, except the price tag. 

Trousers with pleats and bow 39.90 MANGO, Halter top 14.90GBP MANGO, Braided straps Heels 29.80USD FOREVER 21, Teardrop cross necklace 6.80USD FOREVER 21, Leaf etched earrings 2.80USD FOREVER 21.

kristen wiig: micro classy

It seems one no-no of season's past (the micro mini) has finally been done right this spring. We just adore Kristen Wiig's short, belted dress with nude pumps. But lets try our look with a twist!

Back neckline dress 39.99GBP ZARA, Lacquered Teardrop earrings 2.80USD FOREVER 21, Chunky ring with round stone embellishment 14.90GBP MANGO, Cut out court shoes 49.99GBP ZARA.

kate bosworth: uptown/downtown

No one meshes uptown and downtown style better than Kate Bosworth, as evidenced by her outfit choice at a Nylon magazine party. Steal her style by pairing a little white frock with an edgy army jacket.

Crochet knit dress 29.80USD FOREVER 21, Cropped fitted Jacket 79.90GBP MANGO, Workman lace-up bootie 27.80USD FOREVER 21, 6-Piece metal bangle set 5.80USD FOREVER 21

ivanka trump: ladylike leopard

Ivanka Trump recently launched her footwear line, and not surprisingly, her debut collection of shoes is classy and elegant. We particularly like the leopard platform pump she's holding because it's both ladylike and on-trend.

Drapy Knee length Shift dress 44.90GBP MANGO, Patent leatherette Stilettos 24.80USD FOREVER 21, Floating Flowers necklace 4.80USD FOREVER 21, Beaded Stretchy Bracelet 6.80USD FOREVER 21.

selena gomez: mixing prints

Mixing prints is super a-la-mode this spring, as is mixing materials. So it's only natural that we went wild over the Emilio Pucci dress that Selena Gomez wore to the Late Show with David Letterman.

Abstract Print skirt 13.80USD FOREVER 21, Solid lace corset 12.80USD FOREVER 21, Wide elastic belt 8.80USD FOREVER 21, Beaded bow flats 19.80USD FOREVER 21, Bold boho necklace 9.80USD FOREVER 21.

carrie underwood: the little details

Carrie Underwood wore a gorgeous nude and black Zuhair Murad dress around Hollywood, and we adore how the understated color palette allows for the little beads, pleats, and flower detail. Pick up a cocktail dress of your own and save it for a special occasion this spring.

Strapless bow dress 24.80USD FOREVER 21, Patent leatherette peep heels 24.80USD FOREVER 21, Sequined butterfly clutch 19.80USD FOREVER 21, Majestic bead ring 5.80USD FOREVER 21, Secret garden bracelet 8.80USD FOREVER 21.

isabel lucas: like a canvas

We've always envied Isabel Lucas' casual-chic style. Here, she does it again, by wearing this pink floral number with comfortable flats. Steal the look with a pair of your own comfy footwear.

Spring floral dress 17.80USD FOREVER 21, Basket-weave leatherette handbag 22.80USD FOREVER 21, Decorated plaited ballerina 49.99GBP ZARA, Filligree & Floral bangles 7.80USD FOREVER 21.

felicity jones: watercolor wonder

Felicity Jones taught us to see dresses like works of art -- and we mean it. Treat yourself to a pretty dress with a design that looks hand-painted on and pair it with some chunky sandals.

Floral dress 39.99GBP ZARA, Wedge straps 29.99GBP ZARA, Turquoise and Twist bangles 5.80USD FOREVER 21, Everyday feather earrings 2.80USD FOREVER 21.

whitney port: horizontal stripes

Usually, we stay away from horizontal stripes... They have the tendency to ruin a slim silhouette. But, Whitney Port has shown us the light -- get a tailored, striped blazer and pair with some black skinnies and platform sandals for some serious wow factor.

Relaxed fit square shaped jacket with stripes and padded shoulders 39.90GBP MANGO, Combat trousers 39.99GBP ZARA, Racerback tank 3.80USD FOREVER 21, Small basic bowling bag 39.99GBP ZARA, Braided T-strap gladiator sandals 17.80USD FOREVER 21, Medal necklace 49.90GBP MANGO.

kim kardashian: graphic prints

This season's go-to piece for any event is a graphic printed dress -- the busier the better -- because it’s guaranteed to make you look stunning while taking all the stress out of the process. All you'll have to do is get your hair glossy like Kim Kardashian's, and throw on some killer pumps.

Strapless jungle dress 24.80USD FOREVER 21, Glittered stiletto heels 24.80USD FOREVER 21, Faux crocodile skin clutch 19.80USD FOREVER 21, Matte beaded cuff 7.80USD FOREVER 21, Boho swag necklace 10.80USD FOREVER 21.

christie brinkley: true trench

Christie Brinkley looks gorgeous in still-wintry-but-should-be-spring New York, but adds some brightness to her outfit with a fun trench. Lighten up your heavy winter outfits with some color though, and get ready for the sunshine!

Double breasted trench coat 59.99GBP ZARA, Lace inset dress 14.80USD FOREVER 21, Knee-high suedette boots 28.64USD FOREVER 21, Two-tone bowling bag 39.99GBP ZARA, Vertical netted tights 6.80USD FOREVER 21. 

amber le bon: diy project

The fringe shirt and maxi skirt combination (as seen on Amber Le Bon) is so hot right now, and also super-easy to make. All you need to do is find an old T-shirt you don't wear anymore, and cut the hem into long thin strips. Then, throw on that maxi skirt we know you still have tucked in your closet somewhere. Easy, right?

Creased long skirt 69.99GBP ZARA, Leather jacket 79.99GBP ZARA, Knit fringe poncho 17.80USD FOREVER 21, Heeled ankle boot with zip 49.99GBP ZARA, Distressed perforated handbag 34.80USD FOREVER 21.

lauren conrad: wraparound style

Lauren Conrad’s California-chic is a breath of fresh air after the long months of winter. Easy, wraparound mini-dresses are a staple for the season -- perfect to dress up with jeweled sandals or down with ballet flats.

Sleeveless silk bow dress 32.80USD FOREVER 21, Leatherette matelasse handbag 25.80USD FOREVER 21, Sandals with jewels and chain 49.99GBP ZARA, Three shimmering flowers bracelet 8.80USD FOREVER 21, Rhinestone crowned gem ring 7.80USD FOREVER 21.

lacey schwimmer: sleep and eat

Lacey Schwimmer’s flowy, flower-printed maxi dress looks silky enough to sleep in and dolled-up enough for a dressy dinner. We want to stock our closets full of dresses just like it minus the silky-ness.

Floral dress 39.99GBP ZARA, Beaded gladiator bracelet 11.80USD FOREVER 21, Wide strap sandal 39.99GBP ZARA, Crackled faux stone necklace 6.80USD FOREVER 21.

kelly osbourne: purple haze

The half-bootie/half-sandal purple platforms on Kelly Osbourne are to die for... and also kind of difficult to pull off. We'll take the baby steps and start with some fiery orange sandals to spice up the spring closet.

Floral dress 35.99GBP ZARA, Satin platform sandal 59.99GBP ZARA, Small mock croc leatherette handbag 26.80USD FOREVER 21, Shimmering light bangles 4.80USD FOREVER 21, Pop of sparkle earrings 1.50USD FOREVER 21.