Have you ever watched or read something and felt like: oh my dear Lord, this is brilliant? Have you ever been struck by people being so honest it’s beautiful?

This is a bit of a weird intro but seriously: have you watched the first two episodes of The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet? I got linked there by Kerry from Welcome to Ladyville and it is absolutely wonderful.

There is something so refreshing about this interview series about women, with women and they’re taking on all things female: from money, sex, relationships to post-partum depression and trauma. Amanda de Cadenet doesn’t shy away from ‘difficult’ topics.

But most importantly it made me realize how the media can distort your view of people. Every part of this show gave me a different perspective on each of Amanda’s guests: Jane Fonda, Zoe Saldana, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Silverman in episode one and Lady Gaga, Rita Wilson, Portia de Rossi and Leslie Bennetts for episode two.

You can watch the full premiere episode here and the second one here. Please do. I can’t recommend it enough.

Update: You can now watch episode three here. Guests are Alicia Keys, Eva Longoria, Kelly Preston and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Oh and it’s co-produced by a certain Demi Moore, don’t know if you’ve heard of her…

I’ve never been big on Valentine’s day.

Today however has been a day for radical self-love. I had a lovely breakfast, went to the city centre in Antwerp to buy some books, bought myself a lovely organic lunch and a fab slice of cheesecake. I also bought two cute necklaces at Forever 21. What? They were ridiculously cheap and I couldn’t choose between the two colours. Your argument is invalid.

It also helps that I have awesome friends. Julie sent me a dalek valentine. Yes, you read that correctly: she totally suckered me into Valentine’s day with my weakness for Doctor Who.

Also I am a very practical girl and a lover of chocolate: tomorrow all of the left-over heart chocolate will totally be discounted. Double score for the single chocolate-loving girl!

So I’ll leave you now with a couple of links to my favourite posts for a day like this:

• These are the ways you can love yourself, a wonderful post by Chelsea (yes, it’s the simple things that do really matter).
• How to show your friends you love them, Sarah Von’s wonderful guest post on being thoughtful for your friends.
• Make love to your life, a great post by Sam that was a bit my guide for today.
• The playgirl’s guide to radical self-love, a tag at the lovely Gala Darling’s blog all about self-love though actually her whole blog is an ode to self-love. I started my Radical Self-Love Bible last week together with Julie. I’m at n°67 of my 100 things I love about myself. Progress is being made.

Have a wonderful day!

I was thinking about all the things that come with a new year. All the hopes and dreams, the resolutions and lists. Now I love me a good list here and there but somehow it doesn’t feel right this time.  I found some lovely manifesto’s online but somehow I don’t want to limit myself to one list made in January.

So to start off the year with some wisdom without an endless list I give you a Coco Chanel quote to ring in 2012.

Have a great one, dears!

Oh and just because Chantelle’s blog is awesome: the 2012 manifesto she published. Wouldn’t want to deny you, now would I?

It is nearly November. And on the treshold of that new month is Halloween.

Now I need to explain something. I’ve never before celebrated Halloween. Cue gasps and shock horror (come to think of it, not too bad an emotion for this holiday). I don’t know why, I guess it’s not really a Belgian thing.

However over the past years it’s becoming more popular and at school they’re doing a whole shindig on Thursday so I will be dressing up. Hair, make-up, the whole works and I’m so excited. Maybe stupid but I can’t wait to zombify myself. Or something along those lines.

Seeing how I’m a Halloween newbie I thought sharing some inspirational posts might be a good thing.

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How awesome is Steph Anne’s Halloween decoration? And the art is even a free printable. Gorgeous and budget-conscious? Yes please!

She also has these beyond adorable bats on her wall.

Joy tells us to not be a Sexy Panda for Halloween and shares eight more festive tips. Brilliance. Pure brilliance. Also a girl can use all the help she can get for her first Halloween, right?

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Meanwhile Hannah has linked up these supercute Halloween tutorials she did. Also: this girl was one of the inspirations for my new hair colour. Tip: the second one was the lovely Karen Gillan…

Lastly I’m so jealous of Lauren‘s upcoming Halloween costume: she and Ted are going to be Ten and Rose from Doctor Who. Awesome much?

There is something about The Rules of Ladies. A good reminder I guess.

Have a great week!

I had a lovely day in Antwerp with my aunt today. Before lunch we went to Pro Arte, a string instrument shop, to get her boyfriend’s cello fixed.

I had never been to Pro Arte before and I’m so glad that I did visit it today. It’s so gorgeous: the whole shop filled with instruments, soft light and especially the wonderful scent so typical of string instruments: wood and varnish.

Ceilings full of violins. Violinist's heaven.

After lunch we went shopping and came across this guy who was playing swing tunes like nobodies business. According to my aunt he’s in the Meir every day. Awesome

Rocking out in Ray Ban's.

And finally for those of you into musical theatre or performing: When talent is not enough written by Lea Salonga is so spot on about it all being about equal parts talent, hard work, patience, a good attitude and responsibility. Also: she’s pretty eloquent.