Hey friends, happy Friday! How beautiful is this photo I captured (on my iPhone!!) during an evening walk the other day? Even though I’ve lived in Amsterdam for three years, it still takes my breath away. Which is a good thing because we are spending more time here than ever before.
I can’t help but reflect on how things were this time last year. I was just getting into my busiest season. Between work and personal trips, I was in New York City pretty much every two weeks and squeezing in European vacations in between. It was exhausting, but I also loved it. Getting to have both time in NY and time in Amsterdam is my dream. Jon and I are saying prayers we can get back for Christmas, even if we have to quarantine for two weeks before seeing anyone.
It’s so hard to be an expat right now and feel so far away from family. My parents are in Australia, and we know that we won’t get to see each other at all this year because of covid restrictions. It makes it twice as hard because my sweet cat passed away last weekend. I wrote last Friday that she wasn’t doing well. She’d gone into renal failure, and it was just a matter of waiting.
On Sunday she passed away, and it broke my heart. She was my baby, my first love, since I picked her out at the SPCA and brought her home. Until now, I don’t know that I ever truly understood just how difficult it is to lose a pet. We had a dog growing up, but he was my dad’s. I remember being really sad, but I was also younger and able to move on quicker. This time, I feel like I lost a child or a sibling. She was such a huge part of the family.
I could write for days about how I feel losing Chanel, but knowing many of you have experienced this, I’ll spare you. I hope things are going well in your life right and that everyone is safe and healthy.
Pour yourself a glass of wine and have a great weekend, my friends!
Xx, Kelsey
FRIDAY FAVORITES: ROUND 3, WEEK 34
I never really research shows other than watching a trailer before jumping in, and I had no idea what the premise really was. Apparently this show is based on horror stories written by known white supremacist, H.P. Lovecraft. I love how the show has flipped the racism on its head, but Jon and I were so freaked out the other night. I think I’m too far in to stop watching, so we’ll see how that goes!
Yesterday I shared the fall trends I’ll be shopping this season. This weekend, I’m going to look for this (EU) and this (EU) to start.
The temps are dropping here in Amsterdam, so it’s time to refresh my slippers. I have this pair (EU) from two years ago, and I think I’m going to just replace them. They’re SO worth the price.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’m currently working with Sézane for their Amsterdam virtual pop-up. Sézane is my favorite brand for high-quality French fashion that’s both sustainable and ethical. For my Dutchies, use code BONJOURAMSTERDAM to receive free shipping in the NL + a special gift! And 10% is going to this charity. (PS – you can still shop Sézane in the US! I just don’t have a discount code for you at the moment)
Maybe not the most practical coat if you live somewhere like Amsterdam, but I’m obsessed with how chic this one (EU) is. If you live somewhere warmer, please get this and pair it with a cream turtleneck (EU) for me. Thanks.
The PSL has finally come out in both the US and NL. While I love a PSL, sometimes it’s too sweet for me. If you’re looking for a low cal alternative, just sprinkle pumpkin pie spices to your coffee!
