Let me start by saying that I have read all your good wishes and sympathetic messages concerning my mum. As I said, I wasn’t going to reply to them, but I have read them. I know my readers are empathetic. So, a big thank you to you.
Over to this bright yellow dress. You have seen it before with baby blue flat shoes. There is not an awful lot I can change to wearing a dress. You pop it over your head and you are done. One of the big perks of a dress. Other people put something else over the top and only show the skirt underneath, but not me. That would mean two layers at the top and that is too warm for me. When I put on a summer dress, it is because it is warm.
So I changed the shoes, added a necklace and used the belt how it is supposed to. Then arranged to meet Marjolein in The Hague for a photo shoot.
Below: We started with lunch at this place with a magnificent mural. You see part of it behind me in the top photo.
Below: I had to laugh when I saw this photo. Gosh, when you are a bit busty, a necklace like this on a fitted dress hangs in a funny way, like climbers hanging from a cliff LOL. It really emphasizes the ladies.
The shoes are about 20 years old I think. Prada, no less. They are terrific. Never any blisters, I can walk on them for quite a long time in hot weather, even with this heel.
Below: We searched for nice little streets with lots of green.
Below: I always use a big shopper on a photo shoot to carry my camera.
Below: Marjolein had scored a fun pair of trousers, really good.
Below: Neither of us want to be too matchy matchy, which is why she chose this bag from Essentiel Antwerp to go with the outfit. Very good pattern mixing.
We were in a posh area in The Hague, called Noordeinde, which is the street where a Royal Palace is on. It is the work palace of the king and queen. We were about to visit this palace, but first we shot some pretty buildings for your sake.
Below: Noordeinde The Hague with the men’s shop Oger.
Below: Pretty building.
Below: We tried to get only me in the picture, but couldn’t avoid this gentleman. I was trying to stop everybody haha, but there were too many people.
Below: Black, green, blue and brown doors as background are favourite with us, being blonde. I chose a green bag to avoid being matchy matchy with a black bag. But later I saw I already used the green bag in the first styling. Should have ‘researched’ that a bit better. A red bag would also have worked.
Below: We had a delicious lunch at the Bookstor Café (no spelling mistake), which is a nice place. Stupidly, we only saw afterwards that they have this great garden at the back.
It was time to visit the Royal Palace. It is only open for the public a couple of weeks a year and tickets are sold out very quickly. The Palace is owned by the state and given in use to the king as his workplace.
Below: One of the many rooms. This is more of a reception room I think.
Below: We were given an audio tour as well, explaining the use of each room we were permitted to see. But you know me…totally forgotten everything.
Below: Here I am with the headset on. You cannot NOT notice the rosette brooch I am wearing. I bought that an hour earlier at a MarcCain shop. Totally fell for it.
What you perhaps have not seen, is that I am wearing ballet flats during our tour. Even more comfortable.
Below: I do know that this is one of the ballrooms. When you roll up the carpet, you’d have a perfect wooden floor to dance on. The arched windows at the top of the photo, open and the orchestra would be playing there. I think.
Below: Chandeliers in the ballroom. Of course, the wax candles have been replaced by electric, less dangerous ones.
Below: Selfie in one of the palace mirrors.
Below: When we got out, we wandered around a bit and across the palace we walked into this “street”, called Paleisstraat (Palace street), entering it from the side. Don’t know what the building is for, but it is pretty.
Below: Marjolein took a close-up of my new brooch. I made my mother laugh when I showed it and said to her “It only needs a certificate in the middle stating First Prize”.
The palace had more modern rooms as well. I came to the conclusion that I don’t like palaces. Very grand, very impressive but no warmth. I would never want to live in a palace. Well, no fear of that happening.
I thought this dress fitted perfectly, but in hindsight I think my bosom is too large for it. I am going to pay more attention to fit in future.
What happened in my life this week
Below: We went to the beach with dog Watson and Ron took this photo. Not the hairstyle I want etc. but I still thought it was nice. And real. We need reality.
Below: I used the rosette brooch on my white shirt too and loved it. And I have green earrings made from corrugated cardboard in the same colour green. Perfect match. I love this outfit.
Below: I had another photo shoot with Marjolein on a hot day.
She was trying on this blue shirt in a thrift shop we passed but decided against it. She didn’t think she could style it and thought she was not tall enough for such a long shirt. The fact that you have to iron a cotton shirt isn’t a selling point either.
Below: Ron and I, having a drink on a terrace. Ask your husband to smile and you get this. LOL
Selfies (with the wrong camera side) give me a potato nose, as I call it LOL. Did you know that because selfies slightly distort your face, especially the nose, the amount of nose jobs in plastic surgery has risen dramatically?
Below: I was wearing my RIXO London dress for hot weather. (Link to original post where I am wearing my red, high-heeled peep toe shoes with the dress.)
Mum
When I read the daily reports of the home my mum is in, and especially the nights when she is restless and screams, it breaks my heart and I cry. I called my mother’s doctor and now she gets better soothing medication for the night. I keep on trying with the doctor to let her go to sleep eternally but no chance.
I know my mum wants me to live a happy life as she has done as well all those years. So I am actively seeking fun, going places with my husband, meeting friends and laughing and in between I have sad moments. It is on my mind when I wake up and when I go to bed. Most of the time mum’s talking makes no sense, but familiar activities like having her hair done, seem to draw her back into real life a bit. The home nurses put mum in the big hall during the day, where there are people and familiar noises. That seems to do her good. Her friends are wonderful and still visit her.
I am not going to report on mum every week as this blog is supposed to be a happy place, but my blog is also an honest place and I don’t want you to think, I don’t care what happens to her. So, one update and that’s it.
Below: If you look at this photo, you’d think nothing has happened.
Over to nicer news.
Below: I have had lunch with Marcella. The waitress was kind enough to take a picture.
The weather is nice, not too hot, not too cold. Sometimes a shower (at least where I live, the southern parts of our country get heavy rain), which is good for the garden.
Below: A bit of sun and a bit of water and your garden becomes a wilderness. The leaves of that summer magnolia are still falling every day…ugh. I do enjoy the garden and sit in it every day.
Next week you’ll get to see a combination of ‘old’ clothes again, creating a more classic elegant outfit which I stubbornly call modern.
Greetje
My heart breaks for your poor mum, Greetje, and for you.
But let’s talk clothes, shall we? I love the yellow dress and I have that same issue with my boobs, lol. The deep green rosette is awesome and the matching shoes and earrings are fab. I’m glad you are spending lots of time with your friends and good to see Ron being his goofy self.
Just love that bright yellow…such a happy color! The big green brooch is a fun touch.
Your garden looks amazing.
When I come into a room wearing this dress, it will be noticed haha. Even more with the brooch.
Our garden has run wild.
Hi Greetje from Ontario Canada. I always enjoy reading your blogs and looking at the pictures you always find the most interesting and beautiful places to take them. I do love this yellow dress as it’s one of my favourite colours and the shoes match perfectly. The brooch you found is so different and so perfect for you. So sorry about your Mum keep your spirits up and keep on blogging as I get such joy out of reading it and enoying the pictures.
Thanks Cheryl, it is so good to know that there are people I can please with my blog posts. Sometimes I doubt.
The yellow dress appeals to my elegant side, a side I don’t show much these days as life of a pensioner is quite different from office life. I will keep on blogging, no worry.
all the outfits looked so good on you this week. The brooch is perfect in style and size for you–one of life’s small pleasures is unexpectedly finding something unsought but so delightful. The palace was interesting–such beautiful rugs, but, of course, not a “homey” place. We have shedding magnolias now too–my husband hates that and is constantly raking. However, when they are in bloom and in the fall/winter when we cut branches, it seems worthwhile! Love to you as your mother journeys through this; many of us have had similar sad situations so can understand and you can share what you want knowing we empathize.
Most of all, finding joy, enjoying the cities, gardens, architecture, showing friendships is NOT mindless, they are the good parts of life. Looking only at the bad/sad parts is not more mindful, it is great ingratitude.
I totally agree with you on life’s small pleasures.
Our summer magnolia doesn’t have many flowers and they are also high up in the tree. I would have to stand in the bedroom on the first floor to see a flower. Not worth while. But such a mature tree in a garden does give it cachet.
The mindless referred more to “Why would you put yourself and your private affairs publically on the internet?”
I really love the yellow dress with the Prada shoes. So attractive. As always, you find the nicest restaurants for lunch and lovely places for photos.
We do try and find these places. Marjolein in particular is good in finding those places.
Dear Greetje,
I really feel for your mother and also for you. My own mother recently passed after we had to place her in a nursing home. Prayers and good thoughts to you.
Thanks
I really appreciate that you’re keeping things real on your blog. Including info about your Mom and the real beach photo of yourself. With social media any kind of realness seems like a concept of the past.
The yellow dress is a burst of happiness and sunshine. I also enjoyed seeing the castle interior. I can’t imagine living in such a place.
My Mom had her hip operation a couple of days ago which has left her with some delirium and sight issues. It is heartbreaking to see your parent mentally decline. Big hugs to you and Ron.
Even though I post the best photos of myself and always (always!) want my hair to be just right, I want to keep things real too. Which I why I never photoshop my wrinkles for instance. As I look at the young girls nowadays, I feel they all look alike, and that realness will become THE thing shortly.
It is a good thing that your mum had her hip operation. A delirium is absolutely gruesome but it wears off? I hope the sight issues will pass too and that she will be a happy person again. Wishing you strength.
Glorious colour dress! Especially lighting up the old brickwork facades …The Hague is full of gorgeous buildings I never got the chance to see on my long-ago day-trip; I hope I one day visit Bookstor and its garden too.
I love the sash round the waist and don’t think the torso is too tight, but at first I preferred the flat shoes, then I decided your elegant heels looked good in the Palace! Emerald green is my favourite colour so I absolutely love the rosette and earrings.
I often don’t have time to read your other readers’ comments but this time I did , and saw so many insights as well as links to crazy-wonderful clothes like Sofistafunk, thanks everyone! For reasons related to health, age and size I seldom wear extrovert clothes nowadays but I love seeing them on other people and they light up the streets round here in Camden Town.
Thanks for your comment. It was a lovely read.
As for seldom wearing extrovert clothes, may I say this…health is an issue which can really be in the way but age and size shouldn’t really. Remember my friend Marianne who is in a wheelchair with Multiple Sclerosis? She always looks terrific. Mind you, I don’t think I would call it extrovert, just really nice. If it gets to extrovert, like the ladies of Advanced Style. I admire them a lot, they are very creative, it is just not my style.
Interesting comment about palaces, I can relate. We’re heading to London and seeing the interiors of Buckingham Palace is an option that’s not too exciting.
I love the green brooch! Fabulous and fun!
Eat, drink, and be merry! Your mother would want you to do so.
Especially because you have seen the interiors of Buckingham Palace often enough in documentaries etc.
The green brooch also comes in pink, but I keep telling myself NO, you are not going to buy another one.
I am certainly trying to eat, drink and be merry and you are right, mum would certainly want me to. Do I don’t feel guilty but I often tear up.
Pretty dresses, esp the RIXO one. I enjoy your posts and really love the architecture.
I love pretty dresses but don’t own that many, although that is relative. Compared to most women I probable own a lot of dresses haha.
The RIXO dress looked so good with my red high heels. I still have them, but I can only wear them if I don’t have to walk more than a few metres and usually these days, that is not the case.
I think the dress is very pretty and with these shoes it looks super elegant. I love the Marjolein bag. The green flower brooch is beautiful and is a magnificent accessory. I like your casual look of jeans and a white shirt with the big green brooch, the look is nice. Good luck with your mother’s situation, I hope everything goes well.
I was craving for being elegant for a change. So no trainers but proper elegant shoes. Can you believe these Prada’s are about 20 years old? Perhaps I should buy Prada shoes more often. They last and resist time.
As soon as I saw the green brooch I knew it was mine. Thank you for your good wishes; unfortunately it isn’t going well.
I love the Rixo of London Dress!
That was a love on first sight dress. I saw it on Instagram, ordered two sizes from London (it was before Brexit, so no customs fees then) and kept this one. Brilliant dress and so breezy.
I love a good shirtdress and I think this one is great on you. Perhaps your amazing tailor can work some magic on that front placket? Your new brooch is fabulous. I love it when I come across an item that just screams “me” and I can buy it on the spot, knowing it will be a favorite! (A rare occurrence.)
Unsolicited advice…your mum may find listening to familiar music (favorites from her youth?) soothing. I’ve read that it works wonders with dementia patients, and honestly, it lifts my mood, too.
Hmmm…you might be right, the tailor could use the fabric of the belt to insert some centimetres but that would be a hell of a job. It should be inserted at the sides which involves the sleeves as well. I know a little bit of sewing so I can see the problem, but I’ll take it to the tailor and see whether they know a solution.
I totally agree with you about coming across an item that screams “me” and being able to buy it. My feelings exactly. I am now fighting with myself to not buy the pink version too. I don’t want to be known as the woman with the silly big brooches.
You are right about the music only that is not easy as she cannot turn a device off or on. So someone has to do that for her. I’ll see what I can do.
Oh, how I love that yellow dress! You look gorgeous in it, especially with the flower brooch. Marjolein always looks so stylish too, and those striped pants are stunning.
Thank you for the pictures of attractive buildings — so interesting to see a Dutch royal palace!
That flower brooch was such a find. I thought that the black and white necklace didn’t change the look that much, but the dramatic brooch does.
Marjolein is just as bad as I am with clothes and such haha. We have been friends since I was 21 and used to swap clothes and shoes all the time. The annoying thing was that I was pencil skinny with no curves and she was slim with a bit of curves. So often I had to give her things I had bought, which really looked terrible on me. Then she would put it on and it was stellar. Fortunately I am not jealous.
Love your yellow dress specially with the black necklace. Your outfits are always fun and creative, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with next. I am very sorry about your Mom, and I know exactly how you feel. I have been my husband’s caretaker for over 10 years (Parkinson’s, dementia, stroke, loss of sight etc), and it is very sad to see him so dependent, and no longer making sense. My time has been very limited and that is why I don’t comment often, but know that your positivity and fun outlook is uplifting. Enjoy each day!
Oh gosh, your burden is so much worse than mine. It must be so difficult for you. You do shed tears, don’t you.
I can understand that your time is very limited, so thank you for commenting.
I hope I can keep amusing you for a long time.
ALWAYS enjoy the scenic photos, highlighting the beautiful architecture and the lush landscaping in your country. The yellow dress seems quite versatile by changing up your accessories for a new look and the white blouse outfit is great. Age and health challenges can be difficult, especially in dealing with our loved ones. Your mum looks so peaceful in the photo, thanks for sharing a bit of your life with all of us. 💗 Thinking of you and wishing you good vibes for the week ahead. 🥰
Glad you enjoy my blog. I had a discussion with a friend recently who thinks it is all mindless. Then I look at all the comments and think “Well, it does bring joy to some people”.
I shared a photo of mum where she looked really good, but she definitely isn’t and that is an understatement, sigh.
Greetings from south Mississippi USA! I always so enjoy your postings, esp those with bright colors.
I am touched by your mom’s illness and your devotion to her. Has Watson been to see her recently? I have been doing dog therapy for many years, and esp in Alzheimer’s facilities. Dogs decrease stress and help folks’ engagement, many times resulting in smiles and talking.
No, we have had friends babysitting Watson because it is too much hassle and not really nice for the dog. She does have a dementia toy cat at the moment to help her being less restless which seems to help. Funnily enough we have a similar toy in the shape of a dog.
I am glad that you like my blog; it is good to know that people enjoy what I create, even though some people think it is a mindless thing.
Das “Strandfoto” gefällt mir sehr, dein Lachen : freundlich und wunderbar und die Frisur gefällt mir auch!!! Da gibt es nichts zu meckern.
Und das gelbe Kleid: genau richtig und schick für den königlichen Palast Besuch!
I
ch denke an deine Mutter und wünsche ihr friedliche Ruhe und dir viel Kraft alles auszuhalten , liebe Grüße
My German is really bad, especially when I have to write it, so I am answering in English. I think I will use this wonderful German expression “Da gibt es nichts zu meckern.” Fantastic. Thanks for your wishes.
Love this dress on you and your rosette brooch is so cheerful! Thanks for the architecture photos as well.
Have a good week. Sending good thoughts your way.
It was a very nice photo shoot. I like it when I can tell a story instead of showing just the outfit.
My favorite outfit from this posting (although, as ever, I love them all): the jeans/white shirt outfit. It looks great on you. You seem to style every outfit just right. My best to you and yours, along with prayers for your mom.
I do my utmost, but I do not style every outfit just right. When I look at my outfit gallery, where I have an overview of all my outfits, I can see ‘that one was totally wrong, that one was wrong, that one is really nice’ etc. But as I said, I do try hard.
Lieve Greetje, ik ben geboren en getogen in Den Haag, maar ik ken deze mooie muurschildering niet. Kun je me vertellen waar die is?
De buurt waar je de foto’ s hebt genomen is mij bekend: ik woon zo ongeveer om de hoek van Paleis Noordeinde. leuk om dit met jouw blik te zien. De gele jurk staat prachtig ( en ik hou helemaal niet van geel). Nonsens dat je boezem te geoot is. Wees blij, beter dan geen boezem.
Groetjes,
De muurschildering zit bij restaurant Rootz, Marktstraat 14, Den Haag.
Wat boezem betreft…ik wilde altijd grotere borsten dan mijn kleine B75. Die heb ik na mijn 34ste ook gekregen en nu kan ik alleen zeggen “Be careful what you wish for”. Ze zijn mooi hoor, maar zo onhandig. Jasjes sluiten niet, jurken en topjes passen niet. Ik zou zo weer teruggaan naar B75. Maar ja, dat gaat niet en een operatie zou ik nooit doen. Zo lastig is het nou ook weer niet met D80.
Absolutely love the yellow dress! I would be tempted to put these shoes with it: https://www.nike.com/t/dunk-low-womens-shoes-ppQwKZ/DD1503-101?nikemt=true&cp=28191740926_search_–x-21419615984—c-13087061-00194502193077&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADy86kMS5JHnCEHUObO-J-wth_OQB&gclid=CjwKCAjwqre1BhAqEiwA7g9QhgzF91RLUm3XEwCWrNiTTBT_Ew6D7IuxsMh9EjpyoUIY82NKPyaT6xoC_ygQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
The brooch is fabulous and I am going to get one from https://sofistafunk.com/ Blue jean outfit is stellar. I had a similar painful experience with my Mom before she passed, fortunately it didn’t last long. Ron seems like such a good sport. You have a lovely life with great friends and a nice mate. Enjoy it to the hilt!!
I was glad I had some comfortable, elegant shoes instead of sneakers for a change. The sneaker trend is nice but I find them also quite warm in summer. And besides that, an elegant outfit makes a bit of a change.
Love the big brooch that you found.
Greetje, Your yellow dress is deeper than the lemonade color I thiught you described and I can wear. Yellow is the perfect color for blue and black! Your necklace reminds me of some of mine!
Your garden is pretty and green!
Do you usually get a salad or sandwich when you have lunch out? I usually get a salad. I’m so tired of grilled chicken!
Getting my hair cut off this Friday, it’s too much to deal with!
Nice to see your Mom, I hope things get better.
You are right, it is more golden yellow. I usually get a sandwich for lunch which is very Dutch.
Hoi Greetje ,
wat een mooie jurk, en leuke foto¨s
Dank je wel Rob. Die mooie foto’s heb ik natuurlijk aan je vrouw te danken.
Favorite outfit — the white shirt and jeans. Love! I can see why people use that half-tuck of the shirt, especially with wide legs jeans, but on me, it just looks like I forgot to look in the mirror, LOL.
I have to say, it does require a bit of trial and error to have that half tuck (or a middle tuck) just right. To make it look nonchalant requires work haha.
I do like the yellow dress. I think your bust looks just fine! I think you are sensitive about it. But you look very nice! (I have a large bust also!) I love seeing all the beautiful buildings! Architecture over here in America is always being torn down to build new. A lot of nice buildings have been destroyed. It is very warm here in florida, probably 92 F. here today. But we get used to it. I wear shorts 99% of the time in the summer!
Ah the time when you had dresses with darts at the top. And real sizes. Those were the days.
I can imagine you’d wear shorts at 92F…pretty warm.
Hi Greetje,
I love the yellow dress and I think you can add different accessories to give it different looks. Thank you for the update on your mom. Shows how things can change in an instance. Have a great week.
The enormousness of the dress and the bright colour will drown the effect of different accessories, I am afraid. Which is why I like the big brooch.
What a gift to wake up to! And I am up very early … 5:00 am here on eastern Vancouver Island… required because we will be setting out many “treasures” on 5 tables and a tarpaulin on our wide driveway.. unfortunately divorce and moving on requires much editing.
But firstly, coffee and a muffin and reading what you have posted , Greetje. Love your dress and combination, which suits you so well… and yes! Your Mum is right about the “prize”!
Some smiles and happiness along with the sadness of her decline ❤️ . Always , I am so delighted that you include photos of the older buildings. I agree with you about palaces etc. So interesting to visit and marvel at the opulence, but we are so much more comfortable in our modern homes. Must get on…awake before my cell alarm…my mind is on fast mode , but that’s to be expected. A very busy day ahead.
I hope you had a good sale despite the sadness that goes with it. On the bright side… decluttering your life can feel freeing. Hopefully it has that effect on you as well.
Little correction: my mother didn’t say “First Prize”, I said that. Mum isn’t capable of making such a joke anymore, but I was glad she at least understood and laughed.
The yellow dress looks lovely on you! Great color and is a lot of fun with the brooch. I enjoyed the royal palace…I have to check it out sometime!
Thanks Jill. As soon as I saw the dress I knew it ticked all my boxes.