choice – Petite Teacher

10 things NOT to do in Venice

12th April 2019 2 Comments

“What news on the Rialto?”- The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare

Shakespeare never visited Venice, Padua, Rome or Verona. He just thought it safe to let his plays take part in foreign Italy, so he could tackle sensitive subjects. Clever chap!

I think of all Shakespeare’s Italian cities, Verona is the most famous. Who does not know what took place in fair Verona?

For a romantic Italian city trip for two my husband and I thought Venice was more romantic and less dramatic than Verona. Had Shakespeare visited Venice he may have written the following quote: To do or not to do, that is the question.

Today I will tell you what I would NOT do in Venice. However: to do or not to do, it’s up to you!

Captivating Communication, Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

A try-out using accessories and using the word “try”

1st February 2019 2 Comments

Jumper: Street One, Trousers: Tally Weijl, Boots: Unisa, Accessories: unknown (al items are pretty old…)

“Saying I’ll try really means I am not really committed.”

– Robin S. Sharma

In this blogpost I show you how I tried out 3 different accessories with the same jumper. Mind you: try out. That is something else than “try”. “Try out” means experimenting and drawing conclusions from it, whereas “try” means….yeah, what message does the word “try” actually bring across? Read on to find out…

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

How to hide those Xmas extras…

11th January 2019 8 Comments

Dress: Only, Boots: The Little Shoe Shop, Hat: H&M, Top: Tally Weijl, Necklace and Bag: ? (gifts from my mum)

“Walking Your Talk Is A Great Way To Motivate Yourself. No One Likes To Live A Lie. Be Honest With Yourself, And You Will Find The Motivation To Do What You Advise Others To Do.”

– Vince Poscente

I am a blogger who “walks her talks”. That means that I have enjoyed lots of yummy meals and cakes during the holidays and…tada…being 40+, this has had some effect on my beautiful belly! I can imagine that some of you may recognise this and that’s why I show you several stylish dresses and skirts that have this extra bonus of hiding your belly pretty well.

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

Looking back and looking forward with a thankful heart

28th December 2018 8 Comments

Cardigan: Street One, Top: Yes or No, Jeans: H&M, Boots: Chigo, Sunnies: Cerjo, Necklace: ? (but very nice!)

My Christmas holidays are the perfect moment to relax and to reflect. This year I am in Switzerland during my holidays, enjoying the beauty this country has got to offer in winter. Lots of winter walks and skiing, followed by cosy evenings with my family or friends (see this previous blogpost).

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

Black & white for the 4th & 5th of May

4th May 2018 6 Comments

Dress: H&M, Sunglasses: Cerjo

After last week’s King’s Day it’s another special day in The Netherlands today, Remembrance Day, hence the little black dress on my blog this week. As you can see I have chosen a beautiful white background for my photos. That is because tomorrow is Liberation Day in The Netherlands. Since blossoming trees are associated with new beginnings, I thought this black and white combination very apt to illustrate this week’s blog post…

Lieske's Looks, Teacher's Travels

3 tips for awesome outfits when travelling

29th March 2018 6 Comments

Trousers: Tally Weijl (this season), Cardigan: Esprit, Top: H&M, Ankle Boots: Stravers (previous seasons)

When you are reading this I will be travelling to Holland (or maybe already be there); enjoying time with family and friends for the long Easter Weekend. You will understand that I have packed quite some Swiss chocolate for this specific trip. The chocolate is not standard for my journeys, but I do have some other standards I stick to when travelling. I always have the following 3 considerations in mind when choosing my outfits for a trip:

Are my clothes comfortable?

Are they wrinkle-friendly?

Can I create several outfits using a few pieces?

The third consideration is especially valid when I travel light (hand luggage only), but even if I travel by car or go away for a longer period, I tend to stick to all of these three self-imposed rules.

Lieske's Looks, Life Lessons

A smart start

23rd March 2018 5 Comments

Dress & Top: H&M, Shoes: Moda di Fausto (all previous seasons)

Forget all your New Year’s Resolutions: spring is the perfect time for new beginnings. Trees are starting to blossom, you can hear the birds singing, yummy chocolate eggs can be bought again and and the sun is rising earlier every morning. So, time for a fresh beginning indeed. I have chosen to look very smart at the start of spring. It’s a dress I like best with a pair of high heels, so I only wear it outside the classroom. It would also be too much of a challenge to cycle to school in this one…

I have combined it with a warm white top. It’s warm in two ways: a warm colour white and some pretty warm material, so perfect for the lower temperatures we are having just now. I love wearing jumpers and tops that protect my throat, since my voice is what I need to do my job. Classy and chic as the dress is, it has got a hidden casual detail: pockets!

Life Lessons

Time flies; Make sure you’re the pilot

16th November 2017 2 Comments

November 2005

November 2017

Look at my son and me. Time really flies. You can read in my short bio on the right that I have got three fantastic teenagers. Seeing the above photos, I am sure you will understand why I feel that way. Isn’t it just great that my teenage son liked the idea of this photo shoot with his mum? I enjoy spending time with my children and very often they do too! When they were younger I told lots and lots of stories; a great way of having quality time together. Today, I will tell you an interesting story.

Captivating Communication, Life Lessons

Walk your talk

18th August 2017 No Comments

Shoes: Clarys

You will know from previous blog posts that I am very much aware of my outfits in the classroom. See: My personal 5 fashion rules. As a teacher you set an example. To put it simply: ‘walk your talk’.

The beginning of a new school year is always a good time to set new goals, so let me share some of my teacher’s thoughts with you. If you have got another profession, you should definitely keep on reading as well. ‘Walk your talk’ applies to all of us; so enjoy the read, reflect on it and find out for yourself how you can ‘walk your talk’ even more than you already do.