Explore your hometown.

How well do you know your city or hometown? We all have our favorite hangout places. If anyone asks for directions we usually know the way, but how much do you really know about the place you live in? When visiting other countries we are spending time looking, tasting and discovering the beauty of that place. We are checking latest reviews and to-do lists, but when it comes to our home town we are generally very clueless about what it has to offer. Let's change all that! 

After December's hustle and bustle, January usually gives little excitement in our lives. Its the perfect moment to do things we usually don't have time for. Here are a few ideas to help you to discover all there is to know, see and do in your place of residence. 

1. Let’s start with an easy one. Visit three new potential hangout places. Look for unusual coffeehouses or new cafes where you can lounge for days on end. 

2. Time for some fresh air. Instead of taking the same route to the store or to visit your friends take the 'sightseeing' route. Better yet, partake in an official walking tour with a tourist organization. Many cities offer free walking tours. Who knows what you will learn while taking a walk through town.

3. Today is all about looking up and around. Have you noticed all the interesting architectural structures? Get your camera ready and let’s go find remarkable graffiti, historical buildings or beautiful landmarks.

4. Check out your local paper for interesting events or upcoming concerts by local bands. Have you heard or read a review of museums or galleries but haven't got the chance to visit yet? This is the moment to do it.

5. We all notice statues and monuments when we visit an unknown place. What about the statue you pass by a dozen times on your way to the shops? Do you know who that bronze figure is? Any clue why it's there? Google it or ask someone who might know. You may be surprised to learn something new.

6. Speaking of learning, why not read up on your towns’ history? Go to the library or Google to your heart’s content. Learn more about the origin of your town, the historical figures whom lived in your region and so on.

7. Every place has an iconic landmark, city skyline, monument or traditional dish. Every tourist wants a picture of this particular place or meal. Now it's your turn to take that over the top cheesy selfie. Go ahead. You know you want to.

8. It is time to find those hidden gems. Ask your neighbors, friends, relative or coworkers what their favorite secret places are. The places the other tourists haven't discovered yet. A secret park, a little bistro with traditional foods, art house or shop that you can add to your own list of little hidden gems.

9. If anyone asks you where to go in your city you probably have a list of places you would recommend. How many of these places have you actually visited yourself? The mandatory fieldtrips in high school do NOT count. So what are you waiting for? Go check them out!

10. What is your favorite outdoor place in the city? Get yourself a warm beverage to go and spend an hour or two simply enjoying the atmosphere. 

Have fun exploring your home base, send us your cheesy pictures or leave a comment below, we would love to hear about your adventures. 

With love, Ana

Shoppingl(ist)cious

 A sales hunters word means nothing when not delivered, therefore I hereby present you my top ten list to increase your happiness during your city shopping trip. Remember this is my opinion, take my advice if you want to, but make it your own.

1. Dress sensible. If you want to try out clothes before you buy them, it is better to have clothes on that you can easily take off. There is nothing worse than knowing you have to take off those incredible tight jeans every time you want to try something out. Same goes for many layers of clothes. You can look great wearing something casual and practical.
2. Make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in. Your feet are the most important companion on your day out shopping. Be good to them and don't cause them unnecessary pain.
3. Don't just stick to the big brand names. You often find the nicest things in little unknown shops. They’re often hidden in little alleys, so be adventurous and look around.
4. It's always good to have some cash on hand. Nowadays, I hardly ever have cash with me, but in other cities it can happen that they don't accept your debit card or you can only pay with cash.
5. Antwerp is only a two hour drive from where I live. So there is a mini road trip bonus added to my shopping spree.  Bring some snacks and drinks on the way, because unexpected traffic jams or delays can always be a problem.
6. If you like it, buy it. Many times I have gotten home from a trip and hated myself for not buying that cute little dress. Trust me, you will regret it if you don’t. It’s not like you will be over there shopping again next week and if you do buy it and decide it isn’t all that, you can always make someone else happy with it.
7. Google maps is my best friend when it comes to checking out the surrounding area beforehand. I don't want unexpected high phone bills or use a navigation app, therefore I make print screens to see where I need to go without having to use the internet. You can always own up to being a tourist and use an old-fashioned city map.
8. Check out trip advisor for the best place to try local coffee and pastries. This way you can entertain the ones at home with your fantastic food photos on Instagram, during your well deserved break.
9. When in Rome do like the Romans. When in Antwerp do like the Antwerpians?! No idea how or what they do? Then improvise. Remember the people who live there, know their city the best. Follow their lead, preferably without stalking. 
10. One more thing, have fun!! That's the reason you are doing this in the first place.

Enjoy your January trip.

With love, Ana  ♡

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Beat the January blues

Every morning on my way to work there is but one expression that's on almost every face I encounter. It doesn't matter if people are glued to their phones, listening to music or simply staring blankly into space. They all look miserable. I must confess I am not a morning person. People who know me tend to keep their distance. However, in January I am not the only grumpy looking one.

Due to the weather and its limitations the winter months can feel very harsh. You won't likely find people picnicking or having a BBQ during the winter. January can feel like the longest month of the year. There is little excitement, there are only the gloomy and cold days. To get me through this month I plan loads of fun things to do. This way time seems to pass by quicker and I constantly have something to look forward to. There is one good thing about January that can help you get through the month. One four letter word that gets a positive reaction from the grumpiest of us all. Yes ladies and gents I am talking about sale! Solden, saldi, uitverkoop, saldos. Doesn't sale sound great in any language? After all the shopping you did for others in December it is time to treat yourself and sale is the universe's way to tell you, you deserve it. There are cities known for their sales in January. One of them is Antwerp in Belgium. Antwerp is a great city to visit any time of the year. Now it has been a long time since I've been in Antwerp, I figured what better way to get me through the January blues then by planning a shopping trip.

To get myself in the mood I searched the web for some advice. I also interrogated my friends so that they would share all their secrets and give me inside know how. It isn't only fun to do, but it's also another way to keep your mind off the cold and dull weather. I found a lot of information on the internet about where to shop and where to eat. Sometimes researching a city before visiting can be overwhelming. You can find so much information on the do's and the don'ts. Everyone has an opinion on things and you often read different revues on the same topic. Who and what to believe? I think the most important thing is to have an open mind. The less expectations you have the better it will be, because if you don't expect anything it can only surprise you in a good way. Read the online revues, write down street names and places you think could be nice to visit, BUT don't let that dictate your visit. Because it is YOUR day. What you experience and how you feel refers to who you are as a person. Keep that in mind and you'll have a great time. 

That been said if you agree with me and think planning a shopping trip can help you with the January blues, then check out my do's and don’ts on how to increase the fun of your day shopping in another city. I’ll be posting this in a few days.

With love, Ana 

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