Summer is almost here, and the 30′C+ degree heat in Spain has blown into town. It is now time for the white linens, sundresses and wide brimmed hats to come out full-time. It is the time for gazpacho, chilled albariños, cucumber salads (um, E. coli free please…I am refering to locally know-thy-farmer grown, and organic). The local melons here in Castilla-La Mancha will soon begin to appear, then comes the fig season. Like last year’s, here. Cannot wait! But for now, let’s remain in the present moment.
We have been busy with Multibird Branding, our little company. Toiling away on work into the wee hours, cooled by evening breezes. A few days ago, when we arrived home from our recent travels, we noticed the most beautiful little birds’ nest. A pair of birds (please let me know if you can identify the variety) have taken up residence in the inside courtyard area of our apartment. With the perfect organic detailing in their nest – they are designer birds, definitely! So, being ‘bird fans’ and all, and in the early stages of growth of Multibird, we were over-the-moon to notice an egg in their nest! And then a few days later a second, and then today a third. I had to share this with you. Enjoy.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been to Zurich, and Amsterdam. I tell you, there was much cheese and chocolate consumed. Clothes feeling a wee bit tighter, post sojourn!
flower shop in an old Apotheke in Zürich
First we took to Switzerland for some fresh alpine air, swam in the Zürichsee, loaded up at the Lindt and Sprüngli factory, hiked up rolling grass hills charmed by cows with their bells, and the linden trees. I lived near Zürich many years ago, and since then have always carried an ‘inner Heidi’ with me. One deep breath of Swiss air, and I’m yoodling away!
Sprüngli café, the most delicious place in the city
breakfast overlooking the Zürichsee
farm fresh raw milk, or rather 'frische Milch'
The following week we were in Amsterdam – actually, we stayed in the stunning country village of Laren. Officially we were there for a family wedding, but took time to peddle our way through towns, stopping to photograph the architecture and the abundance of flowers at every turn. The Heineken was cold and delicious, and the pickled herrings were sharp, salty and fresh. Cheese factories, pannekoeken, windmills and wooden shoes were also involved. A very happy country I think. Although, they could do with a little more sunshine!
bicycles and stroopwafels, what more could you ask for...
Amsterdam along the canal
typical Holland
a peak through some mid-century kitsch curtains, love them!
Now, most importantly, I have a little giveaway to offer you, my friends! With my lovely blogger/designer friends at Nicole Jane Home here, we will be drawing for a Reisenthel Carrybag. Just in time for your summer market jaunts. They’re even throwing in a couple of extra Reisenthel market bags to boot! Lovely, lovely.
Here’s the catch. Please go to the Nicole Jane Home website here, and tell me in the comments here below which is your favourite pattern. Everyone with a comment, who posts their favourite pattern, will be entered into the draw. Should you be the lucky duck, you’ll be gifted and shipped the Reisenthel Carrybag with the pattern of your choice, and two market bags tucked inside for good measure. The deadline for entries is Thursday, June 30th. We will post the winner here, and notify you via email.
{disclosure: this giveaway is limited to the US, and Canada. But no worries, there will be another giveaway coming up shortly for the Euro set!}
Until soon. Un abrazo,
K.
