14x why it's nice that it's autumn
Part 1
Not long ago, I was still puffing in New York, but now it's autumn and I've decided to like it. A. because there's very little you can do about it (and deliberately warming the earth doesn't seem like a good idea to me) and B. autumn also has its nice sides. Yes, really. I also made an effort, but I still found 14 plus points about autumn.
1. Feu de Bois by Diptyque
My favorite scented candle (proof). And then light it at four o'clock in the afternoon. Perfect even if you don't have a fireplace, this is the perfect solution.
2. Amarone
The heaviest red wine I know. And the tastiest. Made from pressed raisins, so a glass is immediately a small meal. Settle in for that Diptyque candle and drink it while eating point 3.
3. Piece of pure chocolate
Despite my great love for Tony's Chocolonely (especially sea salt caramel), this remains the best combo with wine. You can buy it at the pastry shop and then chop off a small piece with a large knife.
4. Blankets
In all kinds and colors. Get under them as early as possible and just never come out.
5. Layer of bacon
Staying active is good for people, but super dry, we'll save that for summer. And by then I'll come up with another excuse.
6. Michael Bublé
And then his Christmas songs. Wintertime is the starting signal for unlimited Bublé sessions.
7. Cheese fondue
Can it be every day?
8. Mandarins
And then eat the whole bag in search of the perfect mandarin.
9. Hot chocolate
And then really make it yourself with a teaspoon of cocoa, a scoop of sugar, and water, and then mix until it's soft before adding the warm milk.
10. Glühwein
And then make it yourself, preferably in a pot that dangles over a campfire. And you sit there, on a straw bale with blankets. And chocolate. Here by the way is the recipe from Jet for the tastiest glühwein.
11. Watching ‘The Horse of Sinterklaas’
For the hundred and twentieth time. Under that blanket, with hot chocolate and Feu de Bois and...
12. The illuminated canals of Amsterdam
Every winter, Amsterdam has the Amsterdam Light Festival, and if you rent a boat and sail through the canals after four... Then you're close to great happiness, you know.
13. The Christmas circus in Carré
Tradition in our family. We don't really do Christmas, instead, my father-in-law invites us all to the Christmas circus in Carré. We fill exactly one box with all the kids. At least you can party a bit. And then eat bitterballen afterwards.
14. The Christmas tree of the Amstel Hotel
I have my birthday on December 23, and because everyone (especially myself) has had an overdose of parties by then, I celebrate it small. But well. Hey. We rent the salon boat from the Amstel, sail over the illuminated canals, and then eat bitterballen in the bar of the Amstel while my daughters dance around the Christmas tree.
To be continued (because I have much, much more).
