Articles written by Cecily Layzell

Crunchy nuts and zesty citrus fruit make these orange and almond muffins a nice alternative to bread for breakfast - and they are easy enough to make before work.

Dec 22, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

This thick winter soup, made from chestnuts, seasonal vegetables and herbs, has an unusual ingredient that makes it a bit special.

Dec 20, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Australian films had a strong presence at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam in November, including 'Contact' and comedy 'The Matilda Candidate'.

Dec 12, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Opened December 9 with the silent movie 'The Secret of Delft' from 1917, the Jewish Film Festival this year honors Jewish filmmakers in Holland over the last century.

Dec 10, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

These traditional German Christmas cookies, made from ground almonds and cinnamon and topped with a sweet glaze, are great to eat, to give or to decorate the home.

Dec 10, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Filmmakers Ami Horowitz and Matthew Groff talk about their new documentary, 'U.N. Me', which exposes the inefficiencies and corruption within the United Nations.

Dec 6, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Should the environment be sacrificed if it benefits the local economy? Icelandic doc Dreamland, which had its international premiere at IDFA, tackles the question.

Dec 3, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Journalist Thet Sambath's ten-year project on the Cambodian Killing Fields of the 1970s culminates in a world premiere at the Amsterdam documentary festival.

Dec 1, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

And the winners are... The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam handed out awards to this year's winners at its closing ceremony on November 27.

Nov 29, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

The 22nd International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam has announced the nominees for its competition programs. Winners will be announced at the closing ceremony.

Nov 27, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Sqirrl, a film festival rating and review site launched by writer/director team Chris Bessounian and Tianna Langham, helps filmmakers separate the delights from the duds.

Nov 18, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Zion National Park, Utah, Red Rock Film Festival hosts four days of independent features and shorts from November 12.

Nov 10, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

CineVegas, Sin City's lavish annual film festival, has announced that it will be putting its 2010 event on hold due to economic pressures.

Nov 8, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

A new film festival celebrating the work and contribution of female filmmakers - and the men who collaborate with them - closes its inaugural edition in California.

Nov 6, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Coinciding with Halloween, the Rocket Cinema Festival in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, features a program of 'monster movies', screened at unusual locations.

Oct 23, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Author of the book Film Festival Secrets, Chris Holland talks to Suite101.com about the dos and don'ts of attending a film festival.

Oct 19, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Concept bedrooms, bright colors and organic breakfast. These are just some of the features of quirky design hotel HI in the French city of Nice.

Oct 12, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

In this easy, one-pot recipe, chicken fillets are cooked with lima beans and smoky bacon, and flavored with sage for an unusual dinner dish.

Oct 11, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

A different take on a plum cake recipe. Sliced plums are cooked 'upside down' under a buttery cake mix, before being flipped over to form the moist surface of the cake.

Oct 6, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

The 2009 New York Film Festival has plenty of films in the Main Slate selection worth heading to the Big Apple for.

Oct 1, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

The 2009 edition of Raindance, the UK's most prominent independent film festival, opens in Central London on September 30 with 'bromance' Humpday.

Sep 30, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

This cheerful orange soup is made from seasonal pumpkin, coconut milk and five different spices for an exotic twist to an old favorite. Perfect on a cold fall day.

Sep 30, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

The third edition of the Amsterdam film festival devoted to animation opens September 17, 2009. KLIK! organizer Luuk van Huet talks about this year's top picks.

Sep 17, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

For the first time in almost two decades, an Italian movie has been selected to open the Venice Film Festival.

Sep 10, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Africa in the Picture, the film festival devoted to movies from Africa and the African diaspora, opens its twelfth, 'crisis' edition in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Aug 28, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Offering 11 days of movies, performances, panels and parties, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival invites visitors to paint the town pink.

Aug 13, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Based in Providence, the annual Rhode Island International Film Festival is a showcase for independent filmmakers and their work.

Aug 4, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

It may be the summer vacation period, but there is no shortage of film festivals. Here are just some of the festivals coming up in August.

Jul 27, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

The Pula Film Festival is one of Europe's largest and longest-running open-air events, with its base in a stunning Roman amphitheater.

Jul 19, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Based on a simple sponge recipe, this cake is given a seasonal twist with the addition of a sweet, jammy layer of fresh plums.

Jul 17, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Served cold for lunch with salad or warm for dinner with steamed green vegetables, lentil roast is a classic vegetarian dish that is nutritious and tasty.

Jul 9, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

In its annual run-down, MovieMaker magazine lists the top 25 North American film festivals it considers to be worth filmmakers' hard-earned money.

Jul 8, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

With several ingredients in common, including sundried tomatoes, pine nuts and parmesan cheese, these vegetarian recipes nonetheless produce very different results.

Jul 3, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

The Edinburgh International Film Festival announced this year's winners at an awards ceremony June 28. The top prize went to Moon, starring Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey.

Jun 29, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Released in 1988, Michael Jackson's Moonwalker is a collage of clips from his career, full-length music videos and short 'films within a film'.

Jun 26, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Two simple marinade recipes, one containing a combination of four spices, the other made with lemon and fresh dill, add subtle flavor to barbecued meat and fish.

Jun 25, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Has-been pop star meets would-be writer in Music and Lyrics (2007), a light-hearted musical romp set in New York City.

Jun 23, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Seven days, more than 300 films and directorial debuts from the likes of Demi Moore and Courteney Cox Arquette make this festival a movie calendar fixture.

Jun 23, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

On a visit to Israel, an Egyptian police orchestra ends up in the wrong town and is forced to seek the help of local residents, with funny and touching consequences.

Jun 22, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Paul Giamatti and Thomas Hayden Church star in a bittersweet comedy about a road trip through California's wine country. What they discover is more than a good vintage.

Jun 16, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Established in 2001 by cyclist Brendt Barbur, The Bicycle Film Festival has grown into a five-day event that tours 39 cities. From June 17-21 it is in New York City.

Jun 15, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

The DOKU.ARTS film festival opens today in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Now in its fourth year, this small festival is devoted to documentaries about art in all its forms.

Jun 11, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Combining homemade meatballs with a tomato and red wine sauce, this classic Spanish recipe is cooked in the oven for a rich, fragrant result.

Jun 10, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

With almost as many parties as movies, the annual CineVegas Film Festival combines edgy cinema with Las Vegas' fabled entertainment and over-the-top venues.

Jun 9, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Similar to an omelet, this meat-free frittata recipe uses potatoes and sprouts for an easy vegetarian lunch or dinner. Also a good brunch option.

Jun 8, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Most famous for his stunning aerial photos of the Earth, Yann Arthus-Bertrand turns to the cinema in his new environmental movie HOME, released on June 5.

Jun 8, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Held in Bologna, Italy in May and now in its second year, the annual Slow Food on Film Festival aims to combine film and food in an original way.

Jun 5, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

The blind Paris tastings of 1976 that put Californian wines on the map are revisited in this feel-good movie starring Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman and Chris Pike.

Jun 4, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Jan and Barbara fish according to sustainable methods. But the catch can be unpredictable and they are having trouble reaching the regular market with their product.

Jun 4, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Volunteers help keep many film festivals running; but volunteers also benefit from giving up their free time, most notably by being able to watch new movies for free.

Jun 3, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

From Cannes to Kerala and Sundance to Raindance, here is an overview of the main international film festivals taking place from month to month.

Jun 2, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Het Ketelhuis cinema, Amsterdam will present 16 movies with a 'green' theme during Strawberry Earth, the Netherlands' first environmental film festival on June 5 and 6.

Jun 1, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

As a Miami career girl sent to restructure a manufacturing plant in freezing Minnesota, Zellweger fails to generate heat in this lukewarm romantic comedy.

Jun 1, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

The prestigious Cannes Film Festival is known for its selection of gritty movies, but 2009 was particularly tough. Here is a run-down of the main award winners.

May 29, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Now in its twentieth year, the Dutch capital's visual anthropology film festival offers viewers unexpected insights into other cultures.

May 29, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Held for the first time in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has grown to become the world's most influential film festival, attracting top actors, directors and critics.

May 26, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Trends in the travel and leisure industries change. Keeping abreast of them is key for writers looking for marketable story ideas.

May 20, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Written by professional adventure travel writer Linda Ballou, this free 12-page e-book lays out the basics for getting started in the competitive travel writing industry.

May 15, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Fran Sandham walked 3,000 miles across Africa alone. He talks about how he turned his experience into a widely acclaimed travel book.

Apr 20, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Lonely Planet's guide to Jordan is aimed at independent travelers looking to discover Petra and the Dead Sea, as well as sights off the beaten track.

Apr 15, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Based on the appetizer made with mayonnaise, this recipe for deviled eggs also includes colorful, alternative filling ideas. Ideal for parties, barbecues and holidays.

Apr 9, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Whether for decorating eggs or making cards, stencils are easy and fun to use. Several websites offer Easter stencils which can be downloaded and printed for free.

Mar 24, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Spanning continents and centuries, this book is a great culinary read for both hardy travelers and those who prefer to explore the world from the comfort of their couch.

Mar 18, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Hot cross buns are traditionally served on Good Friday. They make an eye-catching addition to any Easter table and, as the name suggests, are best eaten warm.

Mar 18, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

This colorful soup is a tasty way of getting protein-rich red lentils into the diet. Combine with hot corn muffins for a complete lunch or dinner.

Mar 17, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

A black-and-white image by the American photographer Anthony Suau has been chosen as World Press Photo of the Year 2008.

Feb 24, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its delicate flavors. This easy stir-fried chicken dish combines a range of exotic herbs and spices for a real taste of the east.

Feb 24, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Made with flaky cod, fresh coriander and aromatic lime juice, these crispy Thai fishcakes are ready in minutes and make a light starter or main.

Feb 23, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Combining an account of his epic walk with historical details of the Victorian explorers who went before him, Sandham proves that the spirit of adventure is not dead.

Feb 10, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Chocolate is often associated with love, and there are few desserts more chocolaty than this decadent cake. Rich and gooey, it is the perfect end to a romantic meal.

Feb 9, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Registered dietician Jennifer Ross, who specializes in weight loss and disordered eating, answers questions about how to lose weight healthily - and keep it off.

Feb 7, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

An easy recipe for white fish and vegetables in a creamy herb sauce. Covered with iron-rich spinach and golden mashed potatoes, this is a healthy - and tasty - classic.

Feb 6, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

These easy recipes for a light-as-air main course and delicately flavored dessert bring no-stress romance to the table on Valentine's Day.

Feb 2, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

This fragrant main course and creamy dessert are perfect for the most romantic day of the year. Easy to make but deliciously different, they are sure to melt any heart.

Feb 2, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with lentils, goat's cheese and sundried tomatoes make this a healthy and delicious dinner recipe.

Jan 26, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

In front of dignitaries and a crowd of millions, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and the first African-American to take this oath.

Jan 20, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

After a four-year break, the Sex and the City cast are back in a feature-length version of the hit television series. Has anything changed since they have been away?

Jan 19, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Being paid to travel sounds like a dream come true. But what is the reality? Established travel writer Steve Korver talks to Cecily Layzell about how to get started.

Jan 16, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Growing interest in healthy eating and locally grown produce in recent years means Amsterdam now boasts three organic markets. All of them are worth a visit.

Jan 7, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Located in the oldest house in Leiden, Holland, the American Pilgrim Museum tells the story of the Pilgrims before they emigrated to New England.

Jan 6, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Bring a taste of Italy to the table with this tasty salad made from sweet pears, creamy gorgonzola cheese and cranberry vinaigrette.

Jan 6, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Written by locals, Secret Scotland's downloadable self-drive guides are designed to give visitors unbiased information on Scotland's best sights and accommodation.

Jan 5, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Containing over 250 restaurant and bar reviews, and details of food trends and rising chefs, Time Out's guide is dedicated to eating and drinking in Brussels and Antwerp.

Jan 3, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

Usually associated with carnal pleasures, Amsterdam's Red Light District is also home to churches, restaurants and studios. This guide uncovers the best cultural spots.

Jan 2, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

A major tourist attraction, Amsterdam's Red Light District is an interesting and often eye-opening experience. Follow these tips for a safe, enjoyable visit.

Jan 2, 2009 - Cecily Layzell

City Walks: Amsterdam is a set of 50 cards, with color maps and descriptions, that takes visitors on popular and lesser-known self-guided walks around the Dutch capital.

Dec 30, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

This short guide is an entertaining but accurate look at Dutch life and the things that make the Dutch tick. Recommended reading for tourists and expatriates alike.

Dec 19, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

Delicious Amsterdam is a small but informative guide to Dutch food history, food shopping and the best restaurants in the Dutch capital.

Dec 19, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

The romantic comedy Love Actually is a film about the complications of falling in, and out, of love. Set in London just before Christmas, it makes great holiday viewing.

Dec 18, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

Mediterranean dishes are characterized by how easy to make, healthy and delicious they are. Like this recipe for a refreshing fennel, tomato and olive salad.

Dec 17, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

Tapas are delicious, adaptable and perfect for parties. Follow this easy guide to create an authentic Spanish feast at home.

Dec 15, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

Centering around New Year, the Coen brother's star-studded film rivals It's A Wonderful Life as perfect holiday viewing.

Dec 14, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

This recipe for a fragrant Moroccan dessert, which combines dates, coffee and cardamom, is a dream to make - and heavenly to eat.

Dec 11, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

A quick, easy recipe for rich, colorful chocolates that are perfect for the holidays, birthdays, Valentine's Day and any other special occasion.

Dec 10, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

The Hollywood Reporter's Power 100 list 2008 names Oprah Winfrey the most powerful woman in entertainment, while Angelina Jolie tops the highest-paid actress list.

Dec 9, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

The Urban Cookbook is part travelogue and part culinary adventure through the street foods of New York, London, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin.

Dec 9, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

The holidays can be a stressful and costly time of year. This guide to original gifts for foodies won't break the bank and may just reduce the December stress.

Dec 6, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

An easy recipe for a filling side dish or light meal made from rice, avocado and kidney beans, inspired by the food of North Africa.

Dec 2, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

Damian Lewis plays a hit-man masquerading as a baker in a remote Welsh village populated with odd-ball characters.

Nov 25, 2008 - Cecily Layzell

Follow these easy directions, with pictures, to make hanging paper heart decorations that will bring good cheer to the holidays.

Nov 25, 2008 - Cecily Layzell