Each year my parents and I are planning a summer vacation around May/June and another citytrip at the end of September. A couple of years ago we often did Tunisia but we're currently traveling closer by home and discovering Europe. So last year we went to Zakynthos in May, Lisbon in September and this year it was Malaga. On the planning as a citytrip? Sevilla it will be. Unfortunately when I went in March it was raining and I would love to go back with better weather. Also as my roots are there and I really feel like coming home when going to Andalusia. So the more time I spend there, the happier I am.
Who would ever expect that a girl like me would be so much into cars? And than especially the Mercedes Benz AMG series. Oké, I've always wanted a fashionable car which fits my style and personality and I did safe up for my current one, but AMG? Oh yes. The three most important things together like speed, amazing designs and how the motor sounds made my heart weak. So I was more than pleased when they suggested to go to Amsterdam Fashion Week as it has been three years since I've been to the FW there. And if it's with a Mercedes Benz car, I'm definitely in.
Holla at meeee!
Is there another city as vibrant and joyful as Paris? The answer is 'YES!' and it's Bordeaux. Last month I went on a two days trip together with Lillet, the French aperitif wine made in Bordeaux itself, where we had the opportunity to discover all the history, the place where Lillet is being produced and of course some wine tasting was included.
DAY ONE
After a small flight of approximately 1h30 we arrived in the sunny and warm city. It was 32degrees to be exact and the perfect weather to do a little terrace and enjoy a delicious glass of wine. When arriving at Podensac we got a tour in the museum where they still had the old barrels, stickers and posters. I always love to hear the history behind a brand I love and appreciate. Also the current space where they produce Lillet was visited and after the tour we could try the Lillet Blanc and Rosé. So refreshing!
Before having dinner we did a little cocktail-challenge. We all had the opportunity to create our own Lillet drink. Mine ended up being third out of 12, not bad at all if you ask me and I can't wait to share with you all the recipes we tried and made. For dinner itself we had a foie gras with granny apples and Lillet Rouge. As a main course a Daurade with pea pulps, mint and Lillet Blanc and finished it with a fresh grapefruit dessert with honey. A-MA-ZING! Especially because all of the dishes were made with Lillet. A great tasting experience!
DAY TWO
On the second day of our Lillet experience we had unfortunately a little less luck with the weather. It honestly made me think of Belgium; you know the 'sun-rain-sun-rain' situation, right? Luckily it wasn't that bad but the sun didn't want to come out. However it didn't ruin our lovely boat trip to Arcachon, the best place to eat Oysters in France and probably the whole world. It was also my first time trying Oysters and I really enjoyed the boat trip. Cause if I could one day I would just buy myself a boat and travel around the world. Let's cross our fingers that it might happen one day (winning the lottery I mean) and that we can enjoy our glass of Lillet at any kind of Island with a clear blue sea. I'm in for that!
To give you an idea of our trip to Podensac and Bordeaux, I'm sharing some pictures with you. And if you're in the South of France, don't forget to pass by and have a delicious wine tasting. Or just order your Lillet while relaxing on a terrace. Cheers!
This post has been made in collaboration with Lillet.

It has been the second year in row that I've been at the 'Grand Prix de Diana' in Chantilly, near by Paris. Last year we went with some friends, had a cosy picknick and an amazing time. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to go back this year and to spend a weekend there.
The little town in the North of France is especially known for their castle 'Chateaux de Chantilly' which has beautiful gardens. Unfortunately we didn't had the time to visit, but as we plan on going back next year again, we will put it on the to-do-list. On the site you also have a horse museum and in the centre of Chantilly you can find lots of small bars, places to eat and because of the houses made out of French stones, you get the feeling of being in the South of France. A vacation atmosphere and really peaceful. Perfect to combine with a couple of days in Paris itself.
*. Where did we stay?
During the weekend of 'Prix de Diane' a lot of hotels are asking crazy prices. Simply because it's more of a luxurious and prestige event. My friend had the luck to find a hotel on a vacation website and we payed 95€/person for the room. The resort 'Dolce Chantilly', where we stayed at, had a private pool, an amazing breakfast room with view on the fields and an impressive golf course which we could see from our room (it was also surrounded by a river with fishes). A little fairy
tale-ish decor.
The rooms themselves are less luxurious than the entrance and are a little dated. But that doesn't take away the royal feeling when entering the entrance of the hotel and we stayed one night so it was more than perfect. It's also located at 10minutes from the Hippodrome, so not too far at all.
*. Where did we eat?
We forgot to book at a restaurant, so the typical 'well known' and hotspots were fully booked. Well especially those in a normal price category. 'Cause in town you have a lot of restaurants which are a little more expensive. TripAdvisor is a perfect tool to help you on any location! It even helped us to find the place we've been at: 'Les P'tits Toqués'. It was 15min from the hotel, a little out of the centre, but the food was delicious and fresh. Isn't it the most important? And nearby you have bars and lounges with a Parisian vibe. Love it!
Les P'tits Toqués is an American burger restaurant. As it was good weather we ate on the terrace but the interior is really nice with old Chesterfield couches. We had a tapas plate, a delicious Aperol Spritz and ofcourse a Hamburger. You need to count approximately 35€ a person when going there. The prices from other restaurants more in the centre are around 60-90€ pp but it's ofcourse another kitchen.
*. The event itself.
'Grand Prix de Diane' is a horse race in groups in June (this year it was the weekend of the 17th of June). The distance of the race is 2 100m and they crown the best foal of 3years old. While holding the event you can enjoy music from artists, spend time in a carroussel and have a picknick with friends on the Hippodrome of Chantilly.
People are dressed up in their most beautiful dresses and suits and are all wearing a special hat. The designs are sometimes big, impressive, creative and artistic. But also smaller and sophisticated models can be spotted. On the picknick fields every one can have a ticket (20€ in pre sale) and can bet on the courses. But next to that area you also have the tribune, the Jardin des Propriétaires (the owners of the horses garden) and the VIP lounge which is just behind the picknick field.
Last year we did place some bids on the horses, but with my luck in the game I never won. My friends at least did but I don't know what it is with my karma when it comes to winning the lottery or any kind of money. Even though they say that if you're not lucky with money, you're with love. But neither of them are positive right now, haha!
The most important reason we go each year is to enjoy a lovely time with friends, have a little royal feeling and because we can hold a big picknick.
Thanks to Mme. Fadele Holvoet, the woman in the picture, we had the opportunity to discover the 'Jardin des Propriétaires' and had a lovely time enjoying the course from only a couple of metres from us. It's such a great experience to see the power of these horses when they run the course and the vibes at the event are something you need to experience at least once in your life time. I started to appreciate the love for horse races and can't wait to be back next year! Will you be there as well?
In a previous post I wrote about how much I love it to spend time at Maasmechelen Village, the designer outlet in Belgium. But also in Barcelona, Spain, there's an Outlet as well named 'La Roca Village'. Since 2013 La Roca is organizing a pop up store during the summer where you can find designs from upcoming talents and this year I was invited for their launch of the Pop Up store for 2017, where 70 new talents were showing their clothing, art and interior lines.
After checking-in in the beautiful 'Condes' hotel in the centre of Barcelona (Passeig de Gracia 73) we had lunch at 'Café & Tapas' and discovered all the amazing boutiques located in the Village, which are more than 130 stores in total. Later on the day the launch party started and we visited the Pop Up store of the designers as well which will be there until the 30th of August. During my visit at the Collective I found some pieces I really like such as the golden framed glasses, espadrilles laced shoes and a pineapple bag, they're of course shown in this post. But there was so much more! You can find amazing art frames, home decorations, illustrations, contemporary jewelry and clothing lines as well in the Pop Up.
I find it really amazing how the Village is investing in starting people/businesses and how they're helping to make their dreams come true. Thanks to this project they already supported over 150designers. If you would to know the names for this year's edition, you can take a look here.
So if you're in Barcelona this Summer, make sure you pass by the Village. It's sunny, vibrant and even has a playground for kinds to play on. Also the 'Amorino' ice creams are a good reason to go and don't forget the outlet stores such as Gucci, Swarovski, Furla, Bimba y Lola, La Perla, Rituals,... which are definitely worth a visit! Last but not least; visit the pop up store and give these new talents some support.
This post was made in collaboration with La Roca Village.
If you want a little bit of Italy in our own country, Belgium, than you need to discover Maasmechelen. The city located in Limburg has a lot of Italian influences and breaths the same hospitality as in the South and warm Italy. Why? Because back in 1907 they started coal mining in the area and Italian families settled in Maasmechelen and the cities around. Still nowadays you find a lot of delicious Italian restaurants that definitely deserve a visit when you're there.
So a lot of us, I speak for the Dutch and Belgian people (maybe German as well?) know Maasmechelen for the Outlet village. I've written a post about it some time ago, read it here. But there's is so much more to do and to discover yet that I can't wait to share with you. It's also close to Hasselt (BE), Maastricht (NL) and Aachen (DE), so plan a citytrip in Maasmechelen and you will get 3other cities extra to discover!
*. Where to stay?
During my trips I've stayed at 'Terhills' hotel (picture on top of the post) which is located at 200m from the Outlet Village and has a cinema just next to it in case you would like to enjoy a movie. The hotel itself has luxurious decorated rooms (with free WIFI, television and a spacious bathroom) which makes you feel like a shopping queen after a day at the Village. And if you're in need for a drink, just go to the bar. The staff is the most friendly team I've ever met while staying in a hotel and they get a 10+ for the service.
An extra tip: if you want that extra touch of luxury, just ask breakfast in bed. It's delicious and the perfect way to wake up.
If you prefer a good B&B, I can recommend you 'Basil' and 'Haerlekijn'.
*. What to do?
As I said before, Maasmechelen is well known for their Outlet village, and most of the people are going their for a good shopping spree. But there is a lot more! At the tourist information centre (50m from the hotel and just in front of the Village), you can rent a bike and find all the informations you need. Like for example for the 'Connecterra' nature park where you can discover a breathtaking view. For the walking-die-hards they have a route of a couple of hours and for those (just like me) that like to walk a shorter route, they have the option as well. All passing by the most important points of the park. The picture I'm showing you here is from Google. Unfortunately it was raining the day I went so I couldn't take pictures. But I will definitely go next time. Or let's go together?
For those who like to discover the cities around, you can rent a Vespa in Leut (just next to Maasmechelen) and enjoy a ride through Limburg. This activity is definitely on my to-do-list and I can't wait to jump on a Vespa and drive to Maasmechelen or Hasselt. Did you get excited for a tour? Book it here.
*. Where to go for dinner?
In a lovely Italian restaurant of course! My recommendation? Da Lidia (Rijksweg 215) in the centre of Maasmechelen. The restaurant started back in 1973 and has a Gault Millau star. You can enjoy dinner on Wednesday and Thursday at their Grand Cafe and during the weekend in their restaurant. If the weather is good, the terrace is open as well where the best cocktails and apero drinks are served.
The son of Lidia, Alessandro, gave me a warm welcome. I started with an Aperol and some Italian antipasta on their terrace as we had one of our first good weather days. The dinner itself was a 'Filetto della Primavera', a piece of ox meat with spring herbs. For dessert they served a mix, 'Dolce Alessandro': tiramisu, semifredo al limone, ice cream al torroncino and some panna cotta. Heaven on earth for me!
Eating at the terrace gave me the feeling of being on holidays. All people were smiling, talking to each other and at the end of the evening I even made new connections. The vibe over there is so relaxed and warm that hours are passing by without noticing it. Call them at the number +32 89 76 41 34 for a reservation. And of course give them a little hello from me if you go there. But the most important: enjoy your dinner!
*. Where to go for a cosy lunch?
I love a good burger after a shopping spree. So if you spend the day at the Village, you can stop at 'Ellis Gourmet Burger' for a cosy lunch. Right now I'm even trying to do all the Ellis restaurants as I love their burgers so much, haha! Check for Maasmechelen.
From vegetarian burgers to a own speciality and a juicy bacon-cheese burger, they have it all. The side dishes like the Jack Potato or onion rings can't be missed as well and if you trust me: end with a banana milkshake. DE-LI-CIOUS.
So know it's time that you discover Maasmechelen and to let me know how you spended your time over there. A big thanks to Maasmechelen for making me feel at home every time I'm there! And see you soon again. #pinkypromise
















































