Reading

I don't think I ever read a full book until I was over 20.  I always just wiggled my way through english class in highschool (something I should be embarrassed about, but oddly I'm proud of it). Then somehow I never had to take an english/literature class in college.

I love to read - I read magazines, blogs, coffee table picture books, bedtime stories...but when it comes to grown up books, I guess I go in waves.

Right now I am feeling it.  This wave actually started back in September.

Recently, I have plowed through these two biographies:

I am about 25% of the way through this, and loving it

Next up are these two - which were both recommended by friends:

Eet Smakelijk

While I am on the topic of international, travel-inspired cooking...I am trying to remain open minded about Dutch cuisine.  Dutch cuisine does not have the best reputation.  Have you ever seen a Dutch restaurant anywhere outside of Holland?

Things I do see over here include:

Stew: Hutspot  (a traditional dutch stew) and stampot (which I believe is hutspot with green stuff in it - could be kale, spinach, endive...).  Both 'pots are served with sausage on top.

Fish: Of course there is alot of herring going on over here.  I checked that one off the to do list back in July, but I may be up for another taste of it soon.

Sweets: We have tried and fallen in love with fresh stroopwafels and poffertjes.  We have also been to our share of pannenkoeken (pancake) restaurants - which, btw, are not open for breakfast (just lunch and dinner).

Pea Soup: I have made a pot or two of Erwtensoep (split pea soup) which is very Dutch, especially if you throw in some sausage.

Bar Food: I would be fine to make it through our life here without every trying a bitterball (see graphic above).  "Meat" is never specified...its just "meat".

Dutch Apple Pie: Now that is something special.  Its on the menu everywhere, each place does it a little differently.  I prefer mine with no raisins (which can be tricky to find).  Oooh, now that is lekker.

Image above is from here

I Dream of Tartiflette

I can't believe vacation was 2 weeks ago...because we are still riding a vacation high.  It was a really good one!

The Hautes-Alpes cuisine always hits the spot (fondue, raclette, etc.) after a day of skiing.  One dish that I can't get out of my head is Tartiflette.  Tartiflette was my go-to for lunch...I had it nearly every day of vacation and it did not get old.  The web has me convinced that it would be easy to make it at home.  I think I have to give it a go.  You should too.  Bon appetite.

Fa La La La Fritsch

Christmas 2013 was a good one.  Fa la la!

Racing Is Fun (So is Winning)

Yesterday was the 40th annual Vondelparkloop race.  The race consisted of several events, including a kids 1500m run (far, right?) and several distance options for grownups.  My friend HB and I registered our kids for the kid run and ourselves for the 10k.  HB and I both opted for the 6k at the last minute - due to our desire to run less some logistical/timing benefits.

The kids run was first, and they rocked it!  P had cold feet (literally and figuratively) so she opted to cheer on her brother from the sidelines.  Front and center, W(in orange) was easy to spot on the starting line (don't tell him he is the smallest kid in the front row, ok?).  As I snapped this picture I realized his shoes were on the wrong feet.

When it comes to running,  Vondelpark is my home turf these days.  I run there several times per week.  I usually run 2 loops of the park...so the 6k race felt oh so right, since that is exactly my 2 loops.  The starting line was a confusing, unorganized mess...so it was pretty hard to gauge how the run was going in terms of my race position.  I wasn't able to secure a spot in the front corral, and I could only shimmy my way so far forward through the starting line chaos.  Once the gun went off, I knew I was running fast...but I was not out of my comfort zone or running as fast as I have on really good days.  However, the Sunday effort was enough for a rock solid finish...

The truth is, the great runners all ran the competitive 10k yesterday, leaving the 6k victory up for grabs to someone like me.  But, a win is a win...and I will absolutely take it!  

If I was organized I'd hang this medal right next to my 4th grade science fair and my Terwilliger  medal :)

Dutch Bday Fete

A puppet show from a bike...this little party was so fabulously Dutch!

Its all so confusing

Here's a weird topic.  Pubes.

At Delete, in Amsterdam, they get me thinking I may need a little sparkle below the belt - a la "Vajazzling".

If diamonds downstairs seems a touch over the top (ahem, ya think??), they also offer a seasonal guide to maintenance.  I freaking love the graphic design here...

Meanwhile, across the ocean, in NYC...the American Apparel mannequins are top news (well, at least in the places where I get my news!).  

99% of the time I would defer to NYC (over Amsterdam) for fashion advice...I think I just found the other 1%.  

I wonder if my dad still reads my blog.  Awkward.  

Serious BAMB

This is mon amie, BAMB extraordinaire, dropping off my kids at 7pm, in the rain. She picked them up at school, hosted them all afternoon, fed them dinner, then cycled them (and her THREE kids) home...in the rain...in the dark, with a smile. It's how we do it here. Almost a year into this life and it still blows my mind. There are 6 human beings on this ONE bike. Please note that one small human is strapped onto her chest. Too cool. And BTW, they rolled up singing Gangnum Style...a little ditty my very American children taught them. "Heyyyy sexy lady...."

Tulip Time

Photo du Jour

Un Jour

For as long as I have had this blog I have talked about following through on getting french citizenship.  We have made huge progress...the kids (and O of course) are complete, which wasn't an easy process.  But I still have not pulled myself together enough to apply.  There is this test you have to take...and I think somewhere in my head that test is the reason why I haven't quite made it happen.  But, it is a new year, and so I am feeling motivated again (as I tend to feel about this topic each new year). And, I am inspired by a girlfriend who just took her test yesterday...I am hoping to pick her brain more and boost my confidence enough to give it a go.

Will 2014 be my year??  Peut-être.

Sometimes just putting things out there make you feel a bit more accountable.  It worked for Boston!

Funny Confession #262

When O goes to Thailand for work I offset my jealousy envy by ordering Pad Thai takeout and spring rolls.

And maybe after I eat it I do things like this.