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.
Table of Contents
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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!