Detailed review of the second part of 2018 from July to December

Detailed review of the second part of 2018 from July to December

I am very excited when I make a detailed review of a past period as it makes me think about all the new experiences and the journey I’ve walked through. Thus, I’ve done so many nice things from January to June 2018 and accomplished goals I’ve been chasing for a while. Now it’s time to turn back and write a detailed review of the second part of 2018 from July to December.

Detailed review of the second part of 2018 : July

Giant blanket knitting workshop

At the beginning of July, I signed up for a workshop to learn how to knit a giant blanket. That was on my list for ages and I was so excited when I finally headed to Zaandam to attend the knitting workshop. I enjoyed it and highly recommend DIY workshops to anyone who has the energy and time for self-development and new hobbies.

July 2018 Giant blanket knitting workshop
Giant blanket knitting workshop

Company Summer Event in July

The second big event in July was our Company Summer Event where we did a painting workshop followed by a brunch and a boat party. Creative energy just spread around, nice food, and great dancing floor! Had a great time!

July 2018 Painting workshop
Painting workshop 

City break in Rotterdam

Furthermore, on the 14th of July, I visited Rotterdam. This is my favourite Dutch city and it grows exponentially. Every time I go there it’s just mind-blowing. Everything is in constant change and transformation in Rotterdam.

July 2018 Rotterdam
Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Sex Museum in Amsterdam

Finally, my birthday is in July and this year I celebrated it in Amsterdam with my colleagues. I have great colleagues and we always celebrate our birthdays together. I wanted to do something fun and decided to offer them a visit to the Sex Museum in Amsterdam. Funny experience if you are open to such an idea! We went to Hilton Sky Lounge for some ladies chit chat and cocktails afterwards.

Sex Museum in Amsterdam
Sex Museum in Amsterdam

A visit to Giethoorn

What did my husband offer me as a present for my birthday? – A visit to Giethoorn – the village without roads or well-known as the Dutch Venice. Fairytale place to have a romantic boat trip on a special occasion!

Dutch Venice - Giethoorn
Dutch Venice – Giethoorn

For my 34th birthday, I decided to put down all the lessons I’ve learned so far in order not to forget them and always remember the tough situations I’ve been through for my 34 years. Check out the 34 life-changing lessons I learned for 34 years!

34 life-changing lessons I learned for 34 years
34 life-changing lessons I learned for 34 years

Detailed review of the second part of 2018: August

Surf camp in Scheveningen

In August, I signed up for my first Surf camp in Scheveningen! I had two surf classed, one yoga class and a coffee on a sunny terrace afterwards. I met huge buffalos dudes on my way back home!

August - Surf camp in Scheveningen
Surf camp in Scheveningen

City break in Copenhagen and Malmo

At the end of August, me and my husband, we decided to have a long weekend in Copenhagen and Malmo. We are very fond of minimalistic design and that was the perfect destination for us. Check out my Copenhagen and Malmo itinerary here: Oresund Bridge – between Copenhagen and Malmo

August - Copenhagen and Malmo
Copenhagen and Malmo

Detailed review of the second part of 2018: September

Book club first edition

For the first time, I hosted a Book Club at home in September 2018! We got together with few colleagues at my place and had a great exchange around a cup of tea and a mouth-melting tiramisu! If you are seeking inspiration on how to organize such an event, just check out my article: My first book club: 5 ladies, 5 books and one tiramisu!

Book club - first edition
Book club – first edition

Detailed review of the second part of 2018: October

London, London, London!

The highlight of October was my trip to London! High-tea ceremony, walking in Hyde Park, looking at the sunset from the London Eye, what a great time I had in London!

Detailed review of the second part of 2018 from July to December  - London trip
London trip

Blogging workshop

In addition, one of my favorite bloggers LaMartinia made a training in October. I was more than happy to sign up! Thus, during the webinar, I understood better why did I create my own blog and why do I continue to write. I also started making more and more photographies after the training, seeking inspiration everywhere! The best investment is the one in yourself!

Blogging workshop
Blogging workshop

Detailed review of the second part of November 2018

Safari Zoo in Beekse Bergen

First of all, in November, we visited the Safari Zoo in Beekse Bergen where you can drive your car and meet face-to-face with wild animals. The most impressive ones? The Lions!

 Safari Zoo in Beekse Bergen
Safari Zoo in Beekse Bergen

Break a very bad habit

Also, in November, I managed to break a very bad habit devastating my health and life. After years and years of trying to stop biting my nails, I finally found a cure. My advice is just to treat yourself a manicure regularly. I started to do my nails as well as to take care of my arms along the day. I use plastic gloves for dishwashing and hand cream and solar oil before going out.

Review of the year - breaking a bad habit
Breaking a bad habit

Detailed review of the second part of 2018: December

Let’s celebrate Christmas a la Dutch

First comes my visit to Wynand Fockink – one of the most famous liquor stores in Amsterdam. You can taste different types of liquor, alcoholic beverages and genever there and order the one that fits the best your taste. It’s a hidden gem in Amsterdam and the place is not fancy and extremely tiny, but it’s worth the efforts to find it!

Wynand Fockink Amsterdam
Wynand Fockink

Sinterklaasavond in the Netherlands

Next on the list is the fifth of December the Sinterklaasavond in the Netherlands. It’s a bigger celebration than Christmas and Dutch people eat peppernoten, give each other chocolate letters in the form of the first letter of their names and wait for Sinterklaas to arrive!

The tradition says that people have to make lottery beforehand and choose the person to whom they have to offer a secret present accompanied by a poem. Every year, together with a group of friends of mine, we get together and play Secret Santa! This year, I was the host and we had such a great time with food, drinks, and games!

Sinterklaasavond in the Netherlands
Sinterklaasavond in the Netherlands

Winteravonden aan de Amstel

For the second time in a row, I won 2 tickets for a Christmas concert at the Hermitage in Amsterdam called Winteravonden aan de Amstel. Great music, great location, great experience!

Winteravonden aan de Amstel
Winteravonden aan de Amstel

The Light Festival in Amsterdam

Before the concert, I decided to have a walk in the centre of Amsterdam. Every year I make big plans to do it and never succeed, but this year, I just left the office earlier full of determination to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere of the city. The Light Festival in Amsterdam has already started, so I could see some installations all over the canals. I would rank Amsterdam among the best European Christmas destinations. Just give it a try!

Light Festival in Amsterdam
Light Festival in Amsterdam

To conclude, that was my detailed review of the second part of 2018 from July to December! How did your 2018 go? What are your greatest moments in words and pictures of 2018?

Merry Christmas and Happy New 2019!

Joyeux Noel et Bonne Nouvelle 2019!

Prettige Kerstdagen en Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!

Thanks for reading and stay tunes for more orpheeway inspiration to flow!