Blog

Getting caffeinated on a corner of the road. “Smelling” the metaphorical roses. From here on I feel like I’m flying down the hill, the same hill (mountain) I’ve been climbing since the beginning of June.

“Pay attention, we are peaking” said a wise man once. Many moons ago . To that man -do you remember the moment? Somewhere at the foot of the Pyrenees during a retreat. “We” the musicians had such a good time together. Here I am now, peaking the season. (Half way...

A big breath in and in… and Ooout… just wow what a life. I’m enjoying my morning off with what feels like a mix of Love, accomplishment, heavy duty, gratitude and newness. This last ingredient ‘newness’ comes close to a sense of reality. Of realness. The kitchen...

Two days of beaches and waterfalls on their way.. Voidokilia beach.

An impression of our time here in Greece from today… much softness (and badass cooking in the fr*cking heat ) -on polar steps more pictures. With my pleasure.

And then there is the Mmmmousaka or beter perhaps Masouka celebration… yell! Will do an update on the sounds of our guests. You know, the “oeeees and aaaaas” Update: well received opinions also from the Greek guy

On my morning off (mmmm curtains still closed, airconditioning on -self care) here a little update.. Besides cooking there is more cooking, shopping for cooking and organising the cooking. I’m having fun, feeling great and supported. To see and hear the students; our...

Friday Oyzo night… almost a full week working as a chef in the kitchen. Cheers! Life is good. Thank you mama Greece and your children of love and kindness

Thank you Ruud van Tienen for your recipe of grilled courgette!! It was a great succes. I’m happily cooking

Today was the first day of cleaning the kitchen! From next week I will be cooking with a fantastic team (mostly from Panama) for the coming 3 months. Super excited!! To be honest I thought I would be nervous but so far so good. My preparation is key. I love to think...

Uitgepakt en gesetteld, nu opzoek naar de Ouzo. Stay posted

Flowers from our garden. From rose to the flowers of valerian and sage… Smells so good! My mum will be happy. Tomorrow we leave for Greece

Apparently I have to show you my new haircut. I also feel the need to mention that I no longer fit my biggest jeans. Where did I go “wrong”? Pre-menopause is my guess … ja ja I shall embrace this fase of my life also. I actually feel pretty good albeit more fatty....

These are my children, 3 boys and a girl. From today on I can say 3 young men and a girl because the youngest boy turned 18 ,22-05-2006 Happy birthday Tije Mangelaar Meertens Maak ze gek!!

While I have your attention I would like to tell you that we are having a lazy sushi Saturday Enjoy your weekend. Olléé

My gosh beautiful daughter… saying our goodbyes is always very difficult… My mother heart is at ease though knowing I leave you with your father. Because he is the best father in the world.

A soul retrieval walk to a 13th century (medieval) chapel. Although 8 centuries before, I like to believe more in a Viking way of retrieval. On Friday back to Holland

This is Jolien. Jolien is a work dog. She herds sheep. Actually, she (really) likes to herd anything that consist of 2 or more beings. Chicken, turkeys and kids…. And she is super fast.

Happy belated birthday my sweetheart. So sweet that you wanted to wait for me to come celebrate with you!! 9 years ago you gifted me with becoming your mother. You are the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen. (You and your brothers)

While second winter is kicking in here on Sottunga it’s cozy with spring time happiness inside.. Mind you on my day of arrival there actually was a spring-ish day. Hihi these extreems make me giggle.

On my way to my daughter in Finland waiting for next flight in Helsinki Airport… Catching up with the guys at home… “Look at my (cutiest) little fingers”  #Batosai

Hellootjes We are back in beautiful, netjes aangeharkt land; Holland. Leaving Panama behind for now. Wow we had the experience of a lifetime!!Ready to prepare for our projects in Greece this summer.First… a shit load of wash Sending mucho love

We are in the air flying to another adventure...

Still blissed out… We’ve had such a beautiful time camping in nature.. Much love

Enjoy the Weekend

I got inspired to make pineapple curry. Piña is like the Dutch potato. (correction: plantain banana too) Not that I cook potatoes that often. I am a rice girl you see…

Our seedling.The redline of our journey here in Panama. Soon ready to go into the full ground… Hope to harvest from this avocado tree one day.  

This courageous/crazy/waaghals woman is preparing for a 3 month cooking job this summer. max 30 persons. (you can add that pipi longstocking quote here) I am creating a cookbook and could really use your help!! Please dm me with a recipe. Lunch and or dinner ones....

Rara… what have I been baking up to these days? Hihi also here in Panama a great succes! Recipe can be found here: website: https://www.kabircuisine.eu/ Thank you Kabir

There is something that speaks to my most inner, intimate place of Earth within, the Earth of my being... And that is the blessings of waterfalls upon the Mother. And so it does to me. Los dos Chorros

Rio de Santa Maria our beloved

A welcome rest after a beautiful hike through the boarder of the rainforest.

Home in La Luz.... Multi tasking 😉

Happy new year from paradise. May you live your dream life

Hibiscus harvesting . Ive really tried liking hibiscus as a tea or supplement. I don’t… My admiration is from a distance. Helping with the harvest makes me feel closer though.

Sending you my love.... life in Panama is good.

We are boarding our flight to Panama. Check us out on Polar Steps to follow along. It would be my pleasure.

À warm Homemade Olive bread… shared with friends my kind of happiness

Coucou here an after the retreat picture. We are integrating… our inner flame strong and bright. Much Gratitude. I hope you feel the love

En route...On our way to another retreat with the Essenes… Our life is rich. Lots of love. The watery eyes are from a little bit of flu

We did it! We Booked! We are going to Panama this winter. Feeling sooo blessed.

Fresh out of the oven!

Look at this cute window cleaner  Shall I offer him a kopje koffie?

Tra la la la la la laaaaaa still had this precious picture to share. On our way to play some mini-golf… in our robes… because we are princesses picture by Eli

In love with a cat named Batosai. Calling him MY cat would take away a part of his charme. And actually he is not my cat. Just a cat that enjoys hanging around the house. Recently he made his way to my bed. Can I call him my cat now? But he does look cute right?

I really tried to get him from his cute side. My mascot…. Anyway. Yes! I found the flow and finished my website. With the help of my personal webmaster/ beloved/ Ukelele teacher etc etc Check it out (on your laptop bc phone version is still under construction)...

It was cold… very cold but worth the memories Who remembers The Dutch summer of 2023?  Leah and her big brother Finn. Two hands on one belly hihi