Laura Peach

SESSÙN SS12

2012-02-27T13:59:00.004+01:00

Some items of the SS12 Sessùn collection are in stores and in their e-shop for already a few weeks but here are a few more snaps of what is coming.

PAPER AND CHAIN JEWELLERY

2012-02-14T12:54:00.002+01:00

I have never been a big fan of wearing jewellery apart from the typical thread bracelets that remind you of summer or funny pendants, which are EVERYTHING but feminine and stylish. I could say I had never been identified with a piece of jewellery until I discovered these.

Paper and Chain is a brand created by two british girls who design beautiful jewellery with a very simple yet elegant design. They make everything by hand in their workshop and that is why each piece is unique. This and the fact that the price is so reasonable are good reasons to have at least one piece, right?

They only have 3 collections at the moment but I am sure there will be many more to come.

Ah! And don't miss out the work of Ismay Ozga, one of the brains behind Paper and Chain. She is an illustrator and her portfolio is so good.

RECIPE: CHICKEN QUESADILLAS

2012-02-03T13:33:00.004+01:00

It's Friday and many people like me like to spend some time of the weekend cooking, so why not sharing a recipe from the Jamie Oliver magazine that I cooked last week? The ingredients I used and the way to cook them are not exactly the same, but the result was good!

For the quesadillas you need: flour tortillas, chicken breasts, peppers (red, yellow or green), red chili (I didn't use it), coriander leaves and cheddar cheese.

Besides, I made 3 sides: guacamole (avocado, tomatoes, onion, lime, coriander, salt and pepper), cottage cheese with lime and pineapple salsa (tinned pineapple, mustard seeds or mustard sauce, lime, black pepper and olive oil).

The pineapple sauce is really easy: you just have to chop the tinned pineapple and heat it with a bit of its own juice on a pan where you previously added a bit of olive oil and mustard. Add some pepper and cook it for like 5 minutes till it's a bit thick. Squeeze half a lime and serve it in a bowl.

For the guacamole, chop tomatoes, avocados and an onion and add them into a bowl. Add the coriander leaves, lime, salt and pepper and mix with a hand blender. I like it better and it's more authentic when it's not smooth but you can see the pieces of the vegetables.

For the other side, you just have to mix cottage chese with lime juice and add a bit of salt and pepper. It has a really fresh flavour!

And finally, for the quesadillas, chop the peppers, add the coriander leaves and the cheddar.

Put this mix and the chicken pieces you previously cooked in the middle of a tortilla and fold it. Cook both sides of the tortilla in a pan till they are golden and you see the cheese melting et voilà!

COMPTOIR LIBANAIS

2012-01-16T12:15:00.003+01:00

During my holidays in London, I spent one morning walking around Marylebone. It's incredible how peaceful those streets are if you think that the busy Oxford St. is so close.

Comptoir Libanais is located in a busy street next to Oxford St. and Selfridges and it's part a colourful canteen and part a deli shop where you can enjoy (as the own name says) food from the Middle East.

It was hard to choose among all the dishes displayed in the counter and the menu but we finally had a wrap and a tagine to share (sorry for the bad quality pictures, but my hunger had something to do with it). There also serve salads, pastries, falafel, smoothies or fresh juices.

A perfect choice for an exotic quick lunch in the center of London.

BROADWAY MARKET

2011-12-31T18:09:00.002+01:00

I spent Christmas in London for a change. The fact that my sister is living there makes it perfect to visit different places or at least, places you wouldn't visit otherwise. I took less pictures than I would have liked to, but sometimes being behind the camera all the time stops you from enjoying things at 100%.

My sister just moved to a very nice apartment in Hackney, next to London Fields and Broadway Market, so I spent my morning there, buying some groceries for Christmas dinner.

Here are some snaps of the shops there (I just LOVE the signs), what I ate or what I drank (how I miss good espresso bars in Spain).

And what about that light?

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

2011-12-12T10:30:00.004+01:00

No one belongs here more than you is a compilation of short stories by artist and award-winning filmmaker Miranda July.

I haven't read it yet, but if she carries on with the aesthetics seen in You and me and everyone we know I am sure it will be fantastic. If you have any doubt, visit its website which might be old but it was a nice Monday discovery for me.

http://noonebelongsheremorethanyou.com/

TUESDAY?

2011-11-01T18:13:00.002+01:00

Hey! Still alive! This lack of posts is due to my fast pace of life: a lot of work and the new house I moved in like a month ago! Plus I am thinking of a new blog design and maybe a new direction of the theme.

Today was a quiet (read lazy) day since I didn't have to go to work and you could see me doing nothing besides taking a few snaps of the house and its views. I am loving my new neighbourhood.

INSTAGRAM SUMMER FACTS PART II

2011-09-20T12:16:00.001+02:00

1. Dinner with my workmates during a long night working.

2. The old kitchen at my grandparents's.

3. My sister's bike.

4. Relaxing at the swimming pool (again).

5. Dinner at a friend's place.

6. Street art in Madrid.

7. T.M. Burger

8. A package from my sister in London.

9. San Benito, in Valladolid.

10 and 11. At work.

12. Lykke Li's concert.

INSTAGRAM SUMMER FACTS PART I

2011-09-19T10:20:00.003+02:00

1. The unfinished (but cosy) cathedral of Valladolid, my hometown.

2. Yuck concert.

3. The swimming pool in Madrid where I spent most of my weekends.

4. Coffee bar at Isolée.

5. Having dinner at my uncle's Summer house.

6. Restaurante Clarita.

7. Street art in Zaragoza.

8. Bodegas Almau.

9 and 10. Pyrenees, the French border.

11. Canfranc old train station.

12. Breakfast at Olivia te Cuida.

SONG OF THE WEEK

2011-08-18T09:57:00.002+02:00

SATURDAY MORNING

2011-08-01T10:37:00.000+02:00

I'm back! Summer is being quite hectic at the moment, due to work. Anyway, I still try to visit new places, which the terrible heat in Madrid is turning into a difficult duty.

Last Saturday I decided to wake up a little bit earlier and go out for breakfast to Olivia Te Cuida, which you may remember from this post. It's usually closed on weekends, but they opened last Sunday. I had orange juice and a hummus and grilled vegetables sandwich... niiice!

I also found a bookstore specialized in cookbooks called A Punto, where they also offer cooking lessons. I was happy they had The Handmade Loaf (in English).

Another discovery was the shop TRÄ, whose collection is full of Scandinavian clothing brands such as Filippa K, Hope or Whyred, among others. This, and the beautiful interior deserve a visit.

You can go to these places from the metro of Alonso Martínez.

Olivia Te Cuida is at C/Santa Teresa, 8

A Punto is at c/Pelayo, 60

TRÄ is at c/Pelayo, 52

WISHLIST

2011-07-21T17:56:00.003+02:00

Two new items added to my wishlist.

CANADA IS NOT A COUNTRY

2011-06-14T11:35:00.005+02:00

There is a CANADA in Barcelona and the people who live there are the brains behind these fantastic videos and much more.

They produce videoclips for Spanish and international musicians, different organizations and they also make spots. Aren't their freshness and colours great?

My friend Pablo took some pictures during the shooting of the videoclip of Ice Cream by Battles. I just saw him dancing in the making off and also remembered how beautiful his work is. You can have a look at it here

ANALOGIC

2011-05-09T09:57:00.003+02:00

These are some of the snaps my sister and I took in Amsterdam last summer.

She had them developed this weekend and we are very happy with the result. I don't know why I hardly ever use film... I can't wait to buy some more!

A TRIPLE SHOT, PLEASE

2011-04-26T22:23:00.002+02:00

One of the Monmouth shops is located next to the Borough Market so, taking advantage of one of our breaks, we headed there for a coffee. My sister said that they also sold their beans to other coffee places in London and apparently, the coffee was very good.

And she was right! I had an iced latte and it was delicious. They also have a few varieties of pastries, so it is perfect to spend the morning or an early afternoon.

I miss this kind of places (specialized in coffee) in Madrid so I can't wait to go back!

More info and locations here

BOROUGH MARKET

2011-04-25T20:42:00.004+02:00

I just got back from London, where I spent Easter visiting my sister. It was a short visit but hectic! London was crowded due to the holidays and the underground worked terribly. I don't really understand why they use the weekends (and specially in Easter, when the city is more busy) to fix parts of the lines and not inform about that until the very last moment. It was very annoying and tiring but anyway, we had fun.

On Thursday, we went to Borough Market. I am in love with markets and specially, the ones with food, so this was a perfect way to spend the morning.

Here you can find almost everything you need: from meat, fish and all kinds of vegetables or fruits, to the weirdest spices. Also bakeries, olives or juices shops and other places with cooked food (like the one on the last picture, with delicious Asian food). And next to the market, bars and a church with a green area where you can enjoy the food that you bought :)

It's only opened on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

More info here

Z AND MORE FOOD

2011-04-19T13:29:00.005+02:00

As promised, another post about food. And very good one.

During my weekend in Zaragoza, I spent most of my free time eating: the number of bars and the variety of tapas is amazing; but our lunch on Saturday was probably the best one.

Suggested by some people, we went to Hermanos Teresa, a restaurant which is hidden in a neighbourhood outside the city center and where you can eat the best tapas in Zaragoza. And this statement was quickly supported by many diplomas hung on the walls, showing all the prices they have won.

It was really difficult to choose among the wide selection of tapas, but with the help of one of the nice bartenders, we ate these tasty things you can see on the pictures. The price? Of course, it depends on what you eat, but a lunch or dinner there might cost around 20-25€ per person.

Important: if you want to have dinner there during the weekend, you may have to wait a bit or go there early, since they don't make reservations.

Hermanos Teresa is located at c/General Ricardos, 11

Z

2011-04-14T00:00:00.003+02:00

There is been some time since I don't update my blog and the reason is that the last few weeks I have been very busy, working on my portfolio. Due to a portfolio review, I travelled to Zaragoza two weeks ago, where I spent the whole weekend.

The portfolio correction happened to be a thrill and that left me quite some time to walk around the city with a perfect guide.

These are some of the snaps I took. The next post will be (of course) about food. Everything I ate there was delicious!

BLUE

2011-03-16T14:23:00.003+01:00

There is always something new to do in Madrid, so one of the last times I had some free time I headed to Antón Martín, an area I did not have the chance to traipse around.

Apart from the famous Filmoteca or Cine Doré (where you can watch old and not so old films for a good price and whose program you can see here), the neighbourhood is full of nice places to either eat or drink something. It is also close to the museums, which is a good thing.

In one of those small streets is located El Azul de Fúcar, a cosy coffee place with some kind of Scandinavian air which is perfect for having breakfast, eating healthy and having coffee or a piece of cake. The menu for lunch is quite cheap and they also offer a vegetarian version.

I specially like bars with blackboards and this is one of them!

El Azul de Fúcar is located at C/El Fúcar 5 (Metro Antón Martín)

A BAG OF CHIPS

2011-03-14T22:05:00.002+01:00

Have you ever tried Tyrrell's chips?

I have bought a bag today and they are delicious!

JULIEN VALLÉE

2011-03-04T15:39:00.004+01:00

Julien Vallée is a Canadian graphic designer and art director from Montreal, whose work I am in love with.

It was difficult to choose just a few of his works to show on the blog, since all of them are fantastic. He always works with tangible images and the combination of colours that he uses is just perfect.

Why don't you find out more at his website?

WOUNDED RHYMES

2011-02-27T16:50:00.002+01:00

Did I already say that I love the new album of Lykke Li?

You can listen to it here

COOKING ASIAN

2011-02-22T01:47:00.007+01:00

Not all is about going out for dinner, but also cooking a tasty meal at home. Some friends have already told me how funny it is that my life seems to be based on food. Well, there is nothing we can do, this is a true love relationship!

So last Friday I chose a recipe from a Jamie Oliver's book that my sister got me: chicken korma, an Indian dish which I love.

The difficult part of cooking these kind of things is finding the ingredients but... this is Madrid! And as I mentioned in another post we bought almost everything at this fantastic Chinese shop! Including my beloved curry paste and bapao filled with meat.

As a side dish we cooked rice with ginger and lemon and mixed with the korma chicken happened to be delicious! And as a dessert, mochi with chocolate and peanut.

Mmmh... I am starving again!

TEA&CAKE

2011-02-18T15:36:00.002+01:00

Every first Sunday of the month, the fashion brand KLING organizes "Tea&Cake" an afternoon full of art and sweets.

Each time, they let an artist show his works at their shop at Ballesta and during that afternoon, people can enjoy a tea and a piece of cake. Sounds good, doesn't it?

KLING Downtown is at c/Ballesta, 6 (Metro Gran Vía or Callao)

I LOVE BREAKFAST

2011-02-17T14:32:00.005+01:00

There is no better way to start a new day than having a good breakfast, mainly when it is raining in the city.

I had seen this place on a blog and looked fantastic, so I couldn't wait to visit it. It is called Olivia te cuida and well... it is exactly how I imagined it would be when I read about it. Kind of country decoration, small and cosy. They have a big table to share and just a few more for 2 or 3 people.

For breakfast, we chose a tea and a basket of both white and whole-grain bread, tomato and jam. The homemade carrot and orange jam was delicious!

Besides, it is also a good choice for lunch (as I said, it is a small place, so it is better to book in advance) and they offer a few varieties of cakes and other desserts (some of them to order). It is closed during the weekends, but apparently you can rent it for private events.

Olivia te cuida is located in C/Santa Teresa, 8 (Metro Alonso Martínez)

*All the pictures are mine but the first one

NOT ANOTHER SUNDAY

2011-02-16T00:15:00.005+01:00

Two Sundays ago, since the weather was fantastic, my flatmate and I spent the whole day walking around the city (or a part of it).

As I said on another post, we saw the graffitis in Malasaña by chance, when we were looking for a place to eat. We ended up having lunch at La Lolina, which surprisingly was not as crowded as usual.

I would say most of the people in Madrid know this place, at least if you frequent Malasaña. La Lolina is a cafe where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, have a coffee or a snack and even drink a delicious cocktail. I specially like it in the mornings! Besides, the vintage decoration and music are fantastic! The lunch menu is short and simple but tasty, composed of some salads, toasts, hot dogs and some other snacks.

On the last picture you can see a bar that recently opened in Madrid. It is called MUI and its frontage is great... Santiago Morillas painted a fishtank on it with almost 300 felt-tip pens! Apparently, they serve traditional and delicious tapas. We will have to try them!

La Lolina is located at Espíritu Santo, 9 (Metro Tribunal)

and MUI is at Ballesta, 4 (Metro Callao or Gran Vía)

ABOUT CLAY AND STOP MOTION

2011-02-09T23:38:00.004+01:00

When I watched the first video I could just shout "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

But the truth is that all the works of Max Mörtl, a German motion designer from Hamburg, bring a smile to your face. If you don't believe it, check them out!

GRAFFITIS AGAINST GRAFFITIS

2011-02-06T20:41:00.010+01:00

"If you can't beat them, join them"

This is the idea behind a initiative supported by the local newspaper "Somos Malasaña" and the project called Persianes Lliures. That is the reason why the neighbourhood of Malasaña got full of artists who painted around 100 metal shutters. The aim was improving the appearance of the district apart from creating a new space where artists could express themselves.

I encourage you to pass by and have a look at some of the graffitis. Some of them are awesome!

BODEGA DE LA ARDOSA

2011-01-31T12:52:00.002+01:00

Even though I had passed by thousands of times, I heard about this place through this blog.

Bodega de la Ardosa is an old and cosy bar in Madrid, where you can choose among a few varieties of beers (besides other drinks, of course) and taste delicious tapas and homemade dishes. If you pass by, do not hesitate to order salmorejo and croquetas (the best ones, from my point of view, are the ones made of seafood and codfish).

It is usually busy but it is worth a visit. I specially like that small detail of having to pass under the bar if you want to go to the toilet :) Bodega de la Ardosa has become a must for me!

This bar is located in C/Colón, 13 (Metro Tribunal)

CONCERTS IN THE FOREST

2011-01-26T15:28:00.005+01:00

Influenced by the Take Away Shows of La Blogotheque, comes the Canadian initiative Giants of the Forest.

This project intends to make videos of well-known and not so popular bands in natural landscapes with no more devices than a camera, a microphone and the own members of the band, their instruments and voices.

For the time being, they have only uploaded 4 videos... hopefully they will make more soon: they are beautiful!

GAZZ

2011-01-24T13:09:00.002+01:00

During the master's I am studying, I have had the luck of meeting interesting people within the Advertising field, some of them I didn't know before. But without any doubt, the most remarkable for me was Antonio Balseiro, an Argentinian director from Mefisto-Gazz.

I was speechless when I saw his work and heard of the making process. Most of his videos are made of stop motions and animations, which gives each piece a fresh style.

What I like the most of his videos is that every piece has a long creative and making process behind it. The team needs to work hard and long hours (here is a proof) but as you can notice, the result is more than satisfactory. Furthermore, most of the elements used in each production are handmade!

I must say I am quite shy when it comes to talk to someone I look up to, but after that class I had the chance to talk to him and even share some beers... And he is such a nice and inspiring person!

You can check more things on Gazz.

CHINA DOWNTOWN

2011-01-23T21:28:00.006+01:00

When you thought you had seen everything, then Madrid gives you another surprise. This time, you have to go to the underground to find something unexpected... A Chinese restaurant at a parking! And not just any, but a restaurant where you can see Chinese people eating, which is always a good sign.

The menu is not like the rest of the Chinese places you can find around the city. It is made up by a few varieties of soups, egg and rice noodles (very nice ones)... but if you expect to find the typical Spring rolls or so... then it is not the place. However, they do offer (apparently) very tasty meat and vegetables pasties.

If you ever drop by, be aware of the long queues though. Take the food away is a good idea, instead.

But it is not only the restaurant! In the same hall you can also find a Chinese groceries shop, a Chinese real state agency and a (Chinese, as well) travel agency. As I said, China Downtown.

You can find this Chinese restaurant at the parking of Plaza de España

BURN YOUR MIND

2011-01-19T19:18:00.004+01:00

2 SPOTS THAT MAKE YOUR HAIR STAND ON END

2011-01-14T18:05:00.012+01:00

I guess it is common among creatives, but one of my dreams is to make something which sends shivers down people's spines.

I love these two ads. Enjoy them too!

TWENTY-FOUR

2010-12-27T17:15:00.000+01:00

CARDBOARD INTERIORS

2010-12-25T03:43:00.003+01:00

The ideas of the week are this reinvented Christmas tree and this fireplace made of candles and cardboard boxes.

Low budget, great inventions!

WARM YOURSELF UP!

2010-12-19T19:20:00.007+01:00

One of the reasons why I am always broke is because I spend all my money in food. It looks like if I was following a Master's in bars in Madrid.

But yesterday I spent my money in this beautiful thing. It is called Anorak and it is an English magazine for children, full of nice stuff and illustrations. They have a blog but they don't publish as many things as you can find in the print edition.

WANTS FOR SALE

2010-12-16T01:27:00.012+01:00

Christine and Justin paint things that they want to buy and then sell the paintings for the price of that thing. Then they buy it and upload a picture on their website, showing that they have achieved their purpose.

After their success, they have gone further and started a social project. This time, the money that they earn with the sale of their paintings is invested in humanitarian causes.

Isn't it a great idea?

More on their websites: wantsforsale and needsforsale

TEA TIME

2010-12-13T00:21:00.007+01:00

When I went inside this place I felt like if I was in a tale of Charles Dickens.

Living in London is a shop and tea room in Madrid. Besides being able to choose among diverse English products (such as jam, chocolate, tea, biscuits or even homemade cakes) you can enjoy a very nice cup of tea at the back of the place. I am a fan of those granny cups!

Furthermore, part of the profits goes to social projects in Africa, which makes it a better reason to stop by.

Living in London is located in Santa Engracia, 4 (metro Alonso Martínez) and Príncipe de Vergara, 34 (metro Príncipe de Vergara or Velázquez)

NORDIC LIGHTS

2010-12-11T17:54:00.002+01:00

This is one of my latest discoveries. The blog of Anna Aden is full of beautiful Nordic landscapes and portraits. I love the light in each of her pictures and the way they make you feel when you look at them.

I am still trying to decide which of them is gonna be my new wallpaper. Yes, I am obsessed with Sweden this Autumn, as you can notice here.

FIRST AID KIT

2010-11-25T16:28:00.003+01:00

I am in love with these girls. I went to their concert in Amsterdam a few months ago and it was definitely worth it!

Overdose of Swedishness.

STOCKHOME

2010-11-24T21:29:00.003+01:00

Today I was shown this BEAUTIFUL video shot in Stockholm.
Enjoy it!

COFFEE, RAIN AND LEAVES

2010-11-22T16:30:00.006+01:00

Autumn is great. But rainy Sundays in Autumn are one of the greatest things ever.

I am already settled in Madrid (for already one month and a half) and loving it more than I expected. Two Sundays ago we walked around the city, since the weekend is the only time we are totally free.

Our day started in La Latina and the weekly market, El Rastro, which (kind of) disappointed me... therefore we changed our way and walked to Mercado de San Miguel and the surroundings of Plaza Mayor, where we had a few tapas.

We passed by Palacio de Oriente (I am quite ashamed to admit that was my first time there) and started our coffee rutes: La mantequería and La cocina de mi vecina. And the last one has become one of my favourite coffee places in town! Coffees, fresh juices, healthy food, nice staff, a blackboard where everyone can write suggestions (such as songs, films or books) and an environment that definitely reminded me of a typical Nordic cafe (that big wooden table!) Try the apple cake if you have the chance!

You can find La mantequería at San Bernardino 7 (Metro Noviciado) and La cocina de mi vecina at Corredera Alta de San Pablo 15 (Metro Tribunal)

AUTUMN COMES

2010-11-09T16:17:00.005+01:00

What if there was someone who recorded some of the best moments of our lives with a Super 8 camera?

I would be watching mine right now in fast motion and doubtlessly, the soundtrack would be this one

A PIECE OF FRANCE IN MADRID

2010-11-05T00:19:00.008+01:00

This morning I was shown Cafe Paris, located inside the French Institute and... what to say? The decoration and the light reminded me of the typical Belgian or Dutch cafes I used to visit a lot while living there. And I specially liked the terrace in the garden!

Besides having a nice breakfast with fresh juices and French patisserie, you can also try some of the quiches they have at the bar among other typical Spanish things. Furthermore, the menu of the day sounds so tasty!

Cafe Paris and the French Institute are located in Marqués de la Ensenada 12 (metro Colón)

COLOURED PENCILS

2010-10-12T11:26:00.005+02:00

When I was a kid I had a box of 48 Staedtler coloured pencils and I got so angry everytime I opened it and they were out of order. I simply wanted them to be organised in colours, like in the picture on the box.

15 years later, I took those pencils, tied a lace around them and put them in my bag. I am moving to Madrid and in my twenties, it might be time to start painting again.

OH RID!

2010-10-06T14:41:00.008+02:00

And to finish our stay in Macedonia, we went to Ohrid, where although it wasn't high season, we had a great time.

We ate (again) great food at a kafeana, drank 2912719 liters of rakia and went up the hill and enjoyed the amazing views. We partied at a house on top of the hill and played Jamiroquai as loud as we could while wearing flannel shirts and nobody shut us up.

These things happen once-in-a-lifetime. Again... thanks!

SECOND STOP: SKOPJE

2010-10-04T15:33:00.009+02:00

Our second stop in this trip through the Balkans was Skopje, in Macedonia.

The days there were full of typical Communist buildings, super tasty homemade Balcanic food, ostrich and white beans as a snack :) Turkish bazars, fortresses and mountains. Great terraces, frappés and kikirikis. Simonas and Simonkeys and cats that fall in love with people. Taxis for 1 euro, rakia and explosive cocktails.

Skopje is worth a visit and we couldn't have a better hostess... THANKS, Simona Simonkey :)

NASDROVIA, SOFIA!

2010-10-03T17:11:00.005+02:00

I just got back from a week of holidays through the Balkans. I can just say that those countries are amazing and the weirdest and funniest things can only happen there.

Our first stop was Sofia (Bulgaria). Starting from a crazy and arty hostel with uncomfy beds and cold showers which made us laugh a lot and following with flea markets full of old coins, hipflasks, Nazi pins, Communist hats and Super 8 cameras. Beautiful architecture, churches and buildings that seem are going to fall on you. Nice salads, bread and ice creams. Taxi drivers who try to cheat on you all the time and Cyrillic alphabet which can make you get lost. Live music and bartenders who you ask for 2 shots and serve you 5.

REWRITE THE STORY

2010-09-23T00:28:00.003+02:00

And a great interactive campaign by Buzzman for Tippex.

THINK TWICE

2010-09-22T23:44:00.003+02:00

A fantastically creative video with some tips to take note of...

And of course, a call for a scholarship in creativity.

NACHOS ARE NOT MEXICAN

2010-09-20T00:10:00.005+02:00

Without any doubts, now that I left Amsterdam (for some time I hope) these are some of the many things that I miss. Starting with the fresh mint teas and following with the thick tomato soups or these nachos with chicken, tomato, guacamole and sour cream (don't they look delicious?)

Someone told me that Harlem served the best nachos ever... they are indeed awesome! I went there a few times and all the (soul) food I tried was tasty. And their location in the Jordaan is fantastic!

Harlem Eetcafe is located in Haarlemmerstraat 77

FARMERS MARKET

2010-09-17T22:11:00.005+02:00

Vegetables, cakes, bread, old photos and postcards, plants, clothes, bags, hats and toys.

These are some of the things you can find in the Boerenmarkt or Farmers Market in Amsterdam.

That muffin filled with feta cheese, pesto and sun dried tomatoes was delicious!

Every Saturday morning in Noordermarkt

WILD TOWN

2010-09-08T18:31:00.004+02:00

I am in love with this project for the launch of Arcade Fire's new album, The Suburbs.

The director is Chris Milk and together with Google Chrome has created this interactive film for the song We used to wait.

I tried it with my favourite spot in Amsterdam and it gave me goosebumps!

The Wilderness Downtown

EEN STUKJE APPELTAART, AUB

2010-08-30T14:02:00.004+02:00

I don't think I would be wrong if I said that the best apple pie in town is served here, in Winkel. You just have to drop by one of the days when the Noordermarkt is open (Monday or Saturday) and you will see that due to the great demand of apple pie those days, they reduce the normal lunch menu.

Winkel is also a nice and inexpensive place for a beer, lunch or dinner (different menu every day). Website here.

Winkel is located in Noordermarkt 43

GUERRILLA ART

2010-08-28T16:40:00.003+02:00

I don't know how I got to Keri Smith's website (somehow, it was saved in my favourites menu) but I (re) found it out and it is really interesting.

She is an illustrator and author of some books about creativity. My favourites are her morning collages and the quotations used as guerrilla art pieces. You can check them all on her flickr.

Her blog is also worth a visit!

ECO FASHION AND CAKES

2010-08-25T15:06:00.010+02:00

Charlie + Mary is a concept store located in De Pijp, focused on Eco Fashion and other fair products.

They sell different clothing brands, all of them environmentally friendly, made with organic fabrics or which use sustainable techniques on their production. I specially like the Swedish Camilla Norrback. Their fabrics are so soft!

Besides, you can find books, (bio) cosmetics, home accessories... or you can even have a coffee and a piece of cake at the back of the cozy shop!

They also have a webshop. Check their website here!

Charlie + Mary is located in Gerard Doustraat 84

COFFEE, BEANS AND ARTHUR ADAM

2010-08-22T23:00:00.006+02:00

A few days ago I read on their Facebook page that they were hosting a concert, so there I went yesterday! The artist who played was Arthur Adam, a Dutch musician I didn't know before and who definitely left a good taste in my mouth with his acoustic concert. I particularly enjoyed the "interactive" She's a mistery.

He will be playing in more around Netherlands in the next weeks. He is really worth listening! You can find the dates (and more) in his myspace or at the Coffee Company's website

CAFFEINE NATION

2010-08-17T14:00:00.006+02:00

Another place which took me a while to post about. This is Caffe Nation, my other favourite place in Antwerp. It is not difficult to imagine the amount of time that I could spend there, bearing in mind that my University was on the corner.

If you are a coffee lover, you CAN'T skip this place. The coffee menu is so large, the quality is great and the people working there really know what they do. And I don't know that much about coffee, but you just have to check their blog to realize that they do.

If you are lucky, when the weather is good, you can grab a place in the garden. It is always so busy!

Caffe Nation is located in the center of Antwerp, in Hopland 46

A DOSE OF CHOQ

2010-08-15T17:13:00.010+02:00

I don't really know why it took me so long to post about one of my favourite spots in Antwerp. Me and my friends found out this bar by chance when we were studying there 2 years ago. We were looking for a real hot chocolate to warm us up during the cold Belgian autumn, tired of the warm Cecemel we were served everywhere and... there it was, Bar Choq! Luckily, it had opened its doors just a few time ago! Since then, it became one of our meeting points after class or an afternoon of shopping.

The menu includes a large list of chocolates and (for coffee lovers) very good coffees, plus milkshakes or sweet snacks. And the place itself is fantastic... the music, the books and its decoration, which has improved over the months and I have to say that I love the bike and the old pictures hanging on the walls. It is always a pleasure to come back and be welcome by the friendly Jens!

Bar Choq is located in Minderbroedersrui 64

SUICIDE BUNNIES

2010-08-12T18:46:00.007+02:00

It is always funny to go to a big bookstore and spend hours there, reading all kinds of books. Therefore, taking advantage of a short visit to Antwerp last Tuesday, I went to FNAC and I found out this comic.

Its name is The Book of Bunny Suicides, the author is Andy Riley and I HIGHLY recommend to have a look at it. It is just hilarious, I love its irony.

Also Selfish Pigs and 101 Uses of a Dead Cat are extremely funny.

JAZZ AT THE WINDOW

2010-08-08T15:42:00.007+02:00

This is the Cafe Van Leeuwen, a cosy jazz place in the center of Amsterdam where you can also have a nice lunch or dinner.

But probably the best thing of this bar is its terrace in the second floor... You can have your drink while sitting at the windows!

Every Sunday there is a jazz concert from 5pm. You can check the agenda at their website

Cafe Van Leeuwen is located in Keizersgracht, in the corner with Utrechtsestraat

NOORDERLICHT CAFE

2010-08-05T22:36:00.013+02:00

I read an article on the Time Out magazine's July issue about the Noorderlicht Cafe, so taking advantage of my family's visit, we had to stop there for a drink during our trip to Amsterdam-Noord.

The first thing that calls atention is the building itself which gives the feeling of being in some kind of warehouse (already promising).

And the inside? A mix of wooden stuff, with vintage couches, colored mosaics, pipes, incredible lamps... A super laid-back atmosphere! As it that wasn't enough, they have a great terrace perfect for summer.

Noorderlicht Cafe is also a place for lunch (also vega), a snack, a piece of home-made cake... or just chill listening to nice music. Reggae lovers, this weekend they give a minifestival!

More info at their web.

To get there: ferry from Centraal Station direction NDSM Werf (every half an hour).

Noorderlicht Cafe is very close to the stop: just follow the signs.

ROARR!

2010-08-03T20:08:00.004+02:00

Ways of having fun with a Polaroid during a rainy Sunday in Amsterdam

TAKE A BOAT

2010-08-02T23:32:00.008+02:00

Take a boat and let it take you as far as it wants inside the city. And feel the diference, the same that you notice when you change from West to East and then to the South.

Noord is not what guides tell you about Amsterdam. It might look as a desolate neighbourhood in the beginning... but it's ok, just don't take the boat back and keep on walking: you will notice soon there is something different. It is maybe its industrial face, its innovative architecture, its arty atmosphere.

Whatever it is, be sure it will surprise you.

To get there: ferry from Centraal Station.

In this case, direction NDSM Werf (every half an hour)

THE TEMPER TRAP - LOVE LOST

2010-08-02T23:08:00.002+02:00

The last video that has made my hair stand on end.

NAAR ANTWERPEN...

2010-07-27T12:29:00.002+02:00

I am heading to Antwerp, where I will spend the next week.

Hopefully I will attend some dusks and dawns like the ones in this video by Laia Lluch

COMING SOON...

2010-07-27T01:08:00.002+02:00

This last week there have been beers, loads of photos, coffees, food, purchases, trips and discoveries.

And everything will be here soon!

M.I.A. - BORN FREE

2010-07-26T15:09:00.007+02:00

Last weekend I was shown this video and I loved the photography (and the video itself).

The latest edition of Jalouse is all about redheads and there you can find an interview of the director, Romain Gavras.

FASHION BLOGGING

2010-07-19T21:38:00.009+02:00

Yesterday I attended a lecture about fashion blogging in Streetlab_ due to the Amsterdam Fashion Week 2010. The event was part of Premsela's 'Masters of Amateurism' series (which focuses in amateurism in popular culture, design...) in collaboration with the American Book Center and featured a presentation by Katja Hentschel of Glamcanyon (on the last picture).

It is incredible how many things you can achieve through an 'apparently' simple Internet tool such as a blog. I didn't expect the event to be that interesting!

I was really surprised by the great personality Aynouk Tan, a Dutch Fashion icon and journalist, who gave an introduction to the main lecture.

And to finish... some drinks and nice tunes!

Streetlab_ is in Postjesweg 2

For more information about their events, become a friend of them on Facebook

DUTCH CHINESE MEAL

2010-07-15T17:08:00.003+02:00

Well, he was right. Dutch Chinese food is better than Spanish and Belgian Chinese food. I don't know about the real Chinese one but this was just tasty.

Specially the tomato soup (the bad one).

Yes, we love eating.

HEAT

2010-07-14T16:09:00.003+02:00

Please, someone give some ice cubes to Coffee Company.

I am melting in this Dutch Amazonia.

HECQ SV EXILLION - SPHERES OF FURY

2010-07-09T17:00:00.004+02:00

Love it

DIEGO GRAVINESE

2010-07-09T09:12:00.006+02:00

Even if they look like, they are not photos.

I am totally astonished by the paintings of this Argentinian artist.

A DAY AT THE BEACH

2010-07-08T14:06:00.005+02:00

Dunes, dunes, dunes and beach clubs.

In the picture, Republiek (Bloemendaal)

To get there: train to Haarlem and then buses 81 or 84 (only in Summer) to Strand.

Republiek and other super nice beach clubs are just in front!

FANFARLO - COMETS

2010-07-06T21:14:00.000+02:00

SUNDAY MARKET

2010-07-03T19:45:00.009+02:00

Every last Sunday of the month (except in Summer) takes place the Sunday Market. It is usually located in the Westergasfabriek (as its name says, an old gas factory that turned into a multifunctional space for cultural and creative purposes) but last June it changed its location to Amsterdam Noord. The fact of taking a ferry to visit the other part of the city is something that really amazes me from Amsterdam.

Forget about it if you want to buy second hand clothes. On the other hand you have alternative fashion brands or handmade clothes.

And furthermore, lots of stands with food, such as this pancake caravan or the oysters stand where we had one for free plus some super nice french sidra.

Visiting the market also gave us the chance of knowing of another great place. But that will come soon!

To get to Amsterdam-Noord take a at Centraal Station.

In this case, direction Buiksloterweg (every 5 or 10 min?)

MICAH P HINSON - BENEATH THE ROSE

2010-07-03T19:23:00.004+02:00

Amazing video

NOORDERMARKT

2010-06-22T20:52:00.007+02:00

Listed on the last post are just some of the many things that can be found every Monday in the Noordermarkt, within the Jordaan district in Amsterdam.

Besides, second hand clothes with rancid smell, notebooks, pieces of decoration, hats and even Surinamese food from Surinamese stands where it is not allowed to take pictures. HA!

Ah! And free concerts :)

The market at Noordermarkt takes place every Monday (flea market, from 9 to 13h) and Saturday (organic market, from 9 to 17h)

THE HOUSE

2010-06-22T15:01:00.007+02:00

My house will of course have a suitcase like these ones waiting for new trips.

Definitely, a room with hundred of shoes.

And what about these heads? A bit scary to have them in the bedroom but for sure there will be a place for them.

Vinyls on the walls. Even if I don't know the artist but the cover is as great as this one.

And the apples.

A mirror and a bedside table.

I also found the dishes, a Earth globe and the telephone.

And the pots for the sugar, the salt and the biscuits.

Noordermarkt (Amsterdam)

COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE

2010-06-21T12:51:00.003+02:00

White Frozen Moka 72599.0

MIXTAPE

2010-06-20T22:25:00.002+02:00

A great short film (and better music) by Luke Snellin

SOMEWHERE

2010-06-20T20:44:00.007+02:00

New film by Sofia Coppola

BAZAR AMSTERDAM

2010-06-18T21:33:00.009+02:00

For the second time, the other day I enjoyed another delicious meal at Bazar, within the Albert Cuyp market. Food from the Middle East (the restaurant is a mix of Persian and Turkish food among others), great interior (beautiful decoration and high ceilings) and perfect location (De Pijp district). So bad I couldn't repeat today!

Bazar is located in Albert Cuypstraat 182

GETTING STARTED

2010-06-18T17:54:00.009+02:00

My name is Laura and like this, I have started a thousand of blogs over and over again.
I could be eating milk with cereals all the time and I hate spiders. Now I live in Amsterdam, where it seems that the percentage of humidity is proportional to the size of the people.

The purpose of this blog is that there is no purpose. From pictures, to tips and other interesting stuff that I find on Internet, as long as I don't give up and start another thing again.

Welcome!