Decisions, decisions..

I'm usually pretty decisive when I'm shopping, either I like something or I don't. But for the past two weeks I have been agonizing about what kind of dining chairs I should buy. It seems that I've finally hit decorating puberty: not a girl, not yet a woman. All these "sensible" decisions to make, it drove me crazy.. 

"How much comfort am I willing to sacrifice towards a chair looking great?"

"How strongly do I feel about reproductions, when the original is so desperately out of my budget?"

And last but not least: "Do I simply choose the color I like best, or do I take into consideration how well it matches the rest of my furniture?"

Well, I'm proud to report that I've made my decision. I've chosen affordable, comfortable chairs, that match my interior. The mustard colored remakes are coming my way. I feel like such a grown-up!  

P.s. Vintage Eames chairs can be found on Ebay, Marktplaats, etc. For great affordable remakes have a look at cultfurniture.com.

Feeling lucky?

Print by Nicola Rowlands

Are you feeling lucky? I do.

Goodie Goodness

I have just subscribed to Goodie Goodness. From now on, at the start of each month, I will receive a surprise box filled with goodies. Each time it's content will be handmade by a different designer. It's a bit like a surprise egg for adults. Minus the chocolate.

Curated

Another company that is in the business of surprising is Curated. Their boxes come quarterly and contain one item, handpicked by the curator of your choice. Every curator has their own specialty. There's one that specializes in books, one that knows all the best new gadgets, and so on.The gifts seem to range quite a bit in worth, so it's possible that you get a nice pen in January and a photo camera in April. But that just adds to the surprise-effect, doesn't it?

For those of you that are less bold. Here are some more specific ways to surprise yourself:

Limitee

T-shirt lovers might like Limitee. A subscription will land you four t-shirts a year (one for each season), with a limited edition print.

De Krat

Foodies will like de Krat. A standard case will contain eight different vegetables/fruits, a portion of meat or fish, a bread and one delicacy. There are many different subscriptions, once a week, once every two weeks, veggie, mixed. It will force you to be creative and try new recipes.     

Glossybox

If you are a fan of make up and lotions the Glossybox will be right up your alley.  

Ms Spanner

If you enjoy a surprise in the mail every now and then, chances are that the same goes for your friends and family. So why not surprise yourself and your friends at once. How? By taking a Lucky Dip.

You'll receive a surprise pick of items made by artist Nicola Rowlands aka Ms Spanner (who also made the print on top of this post). And any postcards you get, you can send to your friends. For no reason. Surprise!  

Inspired: Vintage portraits

I love homes that are filled with art. There's just so much more to look at. I especially like it if there's a mix of modern and (for lack of a better word) vintage pieces. It just makes it a little more interesting don't you think? These homes all feature an old portrait. I wish there was an heirloom like that floating around in our family. But, I guess a thrift store find can work just as well.

Found on The Design Files

Found on Design Sponge

Found on Marie Claire Maison

Found on The Design Files

Windowshopping: Garden Essentials

1// This frame will not only keep your table cloth in place, it also provides you with a place to hang lanterns or flowerpots. 2// This cute little BBQ will fit even the smallest garden. 3// Put a sheepskin in this chair and you can lounge all night. 4// How cool is this outdoor kitchen? 5// Grey sheepskin (to put in chair number 5?). 6// A rug will make your garden feel more like an extension of your home. 7// Not your traditional oil lamp. 8// Colorful planters is what any garden needs.  9// To quote Chandler from Friends: "IKEA! That's a comfortable chair."

Meanwhile..

Poppy love

My favorite flower has always been the poppy. Unfortunately they are not very suitable to put in a vase. But, after I saw this picture in VT Wonen Magazine I did some googling and found this shop that sells beautiful silk flowers. This big, fat poppy should arrive in my mailbox soon. And, since they were having a special offer on all summer flowers, I did not stop there. I got myself a whole summer bouquet.

Window Shopping: pinky rings

Back from Greece! Had a lovely time. Nice weather, nice people and of course: nice window shopping. I particularly liked all the little shops selling handmade jewellery and discovered a new trend in the ring department: pinky rings. Well, that's a trend I can get on board with very quickly. So, here are some examples from around the net:
1// 2// 3// 4//

I'm off! See you in about a week.

Window shopping: Waistcoats (a la Daphne Zuniga)

Remember Daphne Zuniga? Better known as Jo from Melrose place? I was fifteen when the show first aired and I thought Jo was so cool. A successful photographer, living alone, dating Jake, riding on the back of his Harley. For some reason she always wore a waistcoat of some sort. Paired with jeans and a t-shirt or, for a more feminine look, with flowery dresses. Either way, I wanted to look just like her. Luckily, in those days, I could still steal waistcoats from my dad's closet.

To this day, I still like the classic borrowed-from-my-dad waistcoat. And I also still wear the same sleeveless denim jacket I bought about 20 years ago. I just like the nonchalant effect this extra layer gives an outfit. This season I had my eye on a sparkly, gypsy looking one. I found it at Zara (No. 5), but I also found some other great ones for you on the internet:
  

1. // 2. // 3. // 4. // 5. // 6. // 7. // 8. // 9.

What's cooking: feta & watermelon salad

My apologies if I'm forcing too much of my anticipatory pleasure about my upcoming holiday on you. But, since the weather in Holland is pretty nice too, I'm hoping I'll be forgiven. Since it's Wednesday (recipe day), I thought I would post a nice Greek recipe. Problem is: I don't really cook Greek food. The only thing I ever make is a Greek salad and everybody knows how to make that. So, here's a variation for you on the traditional version:

Feta-Watermelon-Black Olive Salad  

I know this salad may sound weird, but I've tried it and it's really nice and refreshing. It's a recipe by Nigella Lawson, one of my favorite chefs. Here's how you make it.

Summer reads

I'm leaving for Greece in a week, so yesterday I spend my afternoon roaming the bookstore for some good holiday reads. After careful consideration I've picked these four to come and spend their summer on the beach with me.

I can't tell you if they're any good yet, but this is what they're about:

Lisa Jewell is my go to author when I feel like reading some chick lit. Some of her books are traditional 'boy meets girl' stories, but others (like this one, I suspect) just have a main character that is a girl and are easy to read. This is what Amazon says about the book.

Wonder, by P.J. Palacio, was written as a children's book, but according to the reviews it will appeal to all ages. The only children's book I've read as an adult is 'Stargirl' by Jerry Spinelly and I really liked that, so I'm hoping for something along those lines. This is what Amazon says about the book.
 
The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce, caught my eye because of the title. And then the back flap read: "When Harold Fry leaves home one morning to post a letter, with his wife hoovering upstairs, he has no idea that he is about to walk from one end of the country to the other." Now that made me curious. This is what Amazon says about the book.

I always like a book that has music as a theme. They're usually about guys that have an intense passion for music and struggle with the fact that their own (love)lives are not living up to the lyrics of their favorite songs. It seems to be a recipe for nostalgia and unlikely heroes. (Thanks to 'High Fidelity', in my head, the main characters always look like John Cusack). Telegraph Avenue, by Michael Charbon, is about two guys that run an all vinyl record shop which existence is threatened by the arrival of a music megastore. This is what Amazon says about the book.

30 songs for a sun-filled weekend

"In the summertime, when the weather is hot.." Nothing sets the mood like some summer music, so I've made you a playlist for the weekend. And now, off..

Inspired: Beach house vs Surf shack

We cannot all live in beachfront property, but there's no harm in pretending like we do by giving our interior a little "beach house vibe". As always when it comes to interior decorating I will look at all white, stylish houses admiringly, thinking: "This is the kind of house I want to live in when I grow up". 

Source

Sources: Left // Right

Meanwhile knowing that I will not be able to control myself and end up with something a little more like this..

Source

What's cooking: Ginger/Lemon Spritzer

Summer is finally here. Bring out the refreshments!

My favorite (non-alcoholic) summer drink has got to be the ginger/lemon spritzer.

Just fill a tall glass with some ice, sparkling water and the juice of one lemon. Then add a good splash of ginger syrup (how much really is a matter of taste).

Add some fresh mint if you have it.

Enjoy!     

Meanwhile

Inside my closet: running gear

Although my running shoes had been in need of replacement for years now, it took the opening of a new 'Run2Day' right around the corner for me to actually try on some new pairs. In the past I have let looks decide which pair of trainers I bought, but this time I let them 'analyze my walk' and recommend which shoes would work best for me. I even got to try out a couple of pairs by running laps through the neighborhood. Luckily for me, it turned out that the best pair was not too ugly. In order to make a necessity more fun I also treated myself on some new running gear. When it comes to running gadgets I'm pretty old fashioned. Just a digital watch and some tunes and I'm good to go.

1// Asics GT-2000 (Run2Day), 2&3// Pants and tanktop by Nike (Run2Day), 4// Retro digital watch by Casio (Ebay), 5// Ipod Shuffle (Apple store)

Inspired: bookshelves

Bookcases #1 and #4 I found on Pinterest. Bookcase #2 I found here and bookcase #3 here.

I'm going on holiday in a couple of weeks. That means preparing my reading list. Usually I pack about four books for a one-week holiday, three to read and a backup in case one of them disappoints. Of course any smart woman would have bought an e-reader by now, but I'm having a hard time letting go of actual books. Not only because I love going to the bookstore and wander around for hours trying to decide, but also because I just know that I'm going to buy any E-book I really like in paperback anyway. For me, a house is not complete without a proper bookcase. 

Check out these bookshelves. The first one would be my dream bookcase if I were 10 years old, the last one is what I dream about now. The other two are more realistic, but still very pretty!

What's cooking: Madeleines

Have you ever had a freshly baked Madeleine? It takes you straight to Paris. I made some the other day using Rachel Khoo's recipe and it was a lot easier than I had expected. The only difficulty was trying to stop eating them. You can find the recipe here.

nith pick: miss nati

What I love most about the necklaces made by Miss Nati is the subtle way they complement an outfit. They might be delicate and elegant, but they still get noticed. This one, made with agate and red coral, is my favorite. Today that is. They're all so pretty it is hard to make a definite choice. 

You can find more of Miss Nati's designs at Nith. 

P.s. She also makes very cute children's versions of her jewelry.  

window shopping: affordable art

There is so much affordable art available nowadays, it makes it almost impossible to choose. On the other hand, with the most expensive print in this collage priced at €37,-, it's not like you're making a decision for life. You can buy a new piece whenever you feel like it. The links below will bring you to the specific pieces, but once you're there you can always browse through the rest of the collections of course. 

"Howl" by Charlie Bowater // "Rio de Selva" by Hernan Paganini // "Leapfroging men" by Eadweard Muybridge // "Lost in the World" by Alex Cherry // "Genoa" by Andrew Holder // "Bang" by Diela Maharanie // "Open Your Eyes" by Alex Cherry //  "Blackbird" by Delia Maharanie

Best mayonnaise ever?

For someone that loves mayonnaise as much as I do, accidentally stumbling into a bottle of Kewpie mayonnaise is like striking gold. I had already read several raving reviews about Kewpie on food blogs. Apparently it is the mayonnaise of choice for all the top chefs. Seriously, I'm quoting here. Needless to say, I was getting curious. But it is very hard to get and ordering mayonnaise online seemed like one step too far, even for me. And then, while shopping in a small international supermarket in my neighborhood, there it was: weird Japanese packaging and all. I must say: it really is good. Definitely worth a visit to Tjin's Toko if you're ever in the Albert Cuyp area. But good enough to order online? I'm still not convinced any mayonnaise is. 

P.s. While you're keeping an eye out for Kewpie, you should also look for the wasabi mayonaisse you see in the right. Whenever I come across it in an oriental supermarket I always pick up a bottle. I use it as a dipsauce with my potato chips, but I suspect it's also good with fancier food like tuna sashimi.

inspired: sailing around the world

Me, getting ready for a day of sailing // Deep Water // Maiden Voyage

From the ages of sixteen through eighteen I went sailing during my summer vacations. These weren't the sporty kind of trips where you live on your boat all week and eat beans straight from the can. I opted for the relaxing holiday variation: sail for a couple of hours during the day, then return home to a game of volleyball, a barbeque and a warm bed to sleep in. I never learned how to sail properly, but I do remember the rush you get when the wind changes. The noise of your sails flapping, the screaming instructions to one another, the scrambling around tightening ropes, the water spraying into your face. I loved it. For one week. Imagine doing it for months on end. Alone.
 
In 1969 nine men enter into the first non-stop, single-handed, around the world yacht race organized by the Sunday Times. One competitor, Donald Crowhurst, finds himself alone at sea, having to choose between facing bankruptcy and public humiliation on the one hand and losing his life on the other. In the process of making this decision he loses his mind. The beautiful documentary "Deep Water" tells his story.   

The first woman to sail around the world is Tania Aebi. When she turns eighteen her father gives her a choice: "I will buy you a college education or a yacht. The only catch: you have to sail this yacht around the world". She chooses sailing and writes a book about her journey called "Maiden Voyage" (the Dutch version is called "Solo"). I read it over 15 years ago and still remember some of the events she describes vividly. Still, after watching "Deep Water" yesterday, I think I might read it again. 

what's cooking: green olive soup

This is such an easy and quick soup. It takes about ten minutes to make, but since it's a bit unusual people will think your quite the chef. I like to serve it as part of a tapas diner, but it will make a great starter as well. 

Green olive soup

Ingredients -to serve 4-

• Olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1/2 lt. chickenstock
• 240 gr. of green olives (No pits. I use the ones that are already sliced.)
• 2 tbl. spoons of crème fraiche
• Sambal Manis (That's the sweet kind)
• Ground black pepper

To make the soup:  

• Finely chop the onion and garlic
• Fry the garlic and onion on medium heat in some olive oil until they start to glass over  
• Turn of the heat
• If you're using a blender: put the garlic/onion mixture in the blender together with the olives, stock and crème fraiche and blend until smooth. Put the mixture back in the pan and bring to a boil.
• If you're using a hand blender: put the olives, stock and crème fraiche in the pan with the garlic and onion and blend until smooth. Turn the heat back on and bring to a boil.
• Add black pepper and Sambal Manis to taste.

nith pick

Sometimes you buy a necklace or a dress that's so beautiful, you want to be able to look at it even when you're not wearing it. In that case, Tim Vinke's "Nappie" is just what you need. Just stick it on your mirror or closet door and voilà: a hook to showcase your best piece.

The Nappie is available in two sizes at Nith.

window shopping: kitchen essentials

1// A great way to utilize your canning jars when you're not in the process of make jam ;) Use them as serving dishes. 2// And if they are not available fro serving you can always use these paint splattered bowls instead. 3// Funny "Use my beard" tea towel. 4// I like tacky dinnerware and dragonflies, so why not combine the two? 5// This tapas set would make a great gift for someone. 6// High on my wishlist, but so expensive: the Kitchen Aid. It's a good thing I'll never be able to choose which color I would like. 7// Much classier than putting the bottle on the table: an oil pitcher 8// Rachel Khoo's cookbook. She makes cooking in a tiny kitchen look so easy.

about me

 

Hi, my name is Corinke Moerdijk.

 

When I’m reading a blog I like to put a face with the words, so I feel I owe you the same. Problem is: I’m not one to happily pose for a camera. As a result this is one of the few pictures I have of myself in which I don’t look like there is a car approaching me at a dangerously high speed. 

Ok, what else do you need to know about me.. 

I often fantasize of having a serene, all white apartment with just one or two killer pieces of colorful art. In reality I’m such a hoarder that my house looks more like Pippi Longstocking lives there.

I run a web shop together with my sister. We sell fashion and home accessories made by independent designers. Be sure to check out our shop for some original one-of-a-kind pieces.

I love to read and would gladly make it my fulltime job. But until someone starts paying me for it, I’ll be happy to give you regular book tips free of charge.  

I like to eat, although someone recently told me I am a lazy eater, since I especially like anything that can be eaten with just one piece of cutlery. It's true. Recipe-wise you’ll find mostly soups and pasta here.  

I hope you enjoy reading my blog and I would love it if you let me know what you think from time to time.

Meanwhile..

Watch Ewan's appearance on the Graham Norton Show here.
Make a donation to the KWF Cancer Foundation here.

inspired: hidden gardens

I've always preferred courtyards or rooftops to regular gardens. I think they feel more special because they're hidden to passers-by. The two courtyards above are grand and spectacular. They are just to be looked at in awe. The ones below are more attainable for us common people. Or at least they can serve as inspiration to make your own outdoor space more colorful. How cool are those drawers and the guitar as plant holders?

All pictures were found on Pinterest.

what's cooking

Eating enough vegetables can be a problem for me. I eat out a lot and most restaurants tend to focus more on meat or fish than on the greens to go with them. In order to catch up on my vitamins, I sometimes cram as many vegetables as I can into a meal when eating at home. I'm pretty sure that's not how balancing your diet works, but still. It can't hurt. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this vitamin boost is to roast an assortment of vegetables all at once in an oven tray. Just cut them in even parts, add some olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper and roast for about 20-30 minutes. I find that in order to make the dish more interesting adding some extra flavor and texture helps:

• For a Italian style roast (f.i. cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, courgette) I add some mozzarella balls, rosemary, thyme and basil. 
• For a Greek style roast (f.i. tomatoes, potatoes, aubergine, onion) I add feta cheese and dried mint. 
• The roast shown above contains Rooster potatoes, courgette, cherry tomatoes and fennel flavored with some fresh thyme, garlic cloves, anchovy and black olives (the bitter kind, like Taggia or Kalamata).

Trust me, you will feel healthier just looking at your plate.  

nith pick

I love the clean and pure design of this necklace by Studio MHL. Wouldn't it be great to give it to someone you love? For no special reason. You can buy it here.

window shopping

 

1// Too bad I don't have a garden. This lantern would have made it onto my shopping list for sure. 2// I have a thing for mix & match bikini's. If you start making combinations here you will not be able to stop. 3// Two of these have already made it to my couch. 4// Can't go wrong with stripes.   5// Will boho dresses ever go out of style. I think not. 6// Sweet bangle bracelets.

inside my closet

This month I've been preparing my wardrobe for better days (read: sunny days). My favorite thing to wear in the summertime is long skirts or dresses. It is so comfortable, but you still look like you've made an effort. I already have this maxi skirt from American Vintage in a beautiful shade of green, but since I'm blessed with a mother who can sew just about anything, I am now also the proud owner of a midnight blue and a pale aubergine version. Other new additions to my closet this month are:

  
1. My all time favorite sneakers: Converse All Stars. Courtesy of my brother-in-law who brought me back this pair from his business trip to the states. 2. I found this great tie dyed skinny and couldn't resist. 3. During my ongoing quest for the perfect white T-shirt I ended up buying this beautiful embroidered blouse. It's not a T-shirt, but who cares. 4. For my birthday I got this very cool wallet. (Officially it's a clutch, since it fits your mobile phone in the pocket, but I'm more the "tote bag kind of girl".)