Amsterdam Photo Diary 2017 Part 1

Pretty Canals in Amsterdam

Exploring Amsterdam Front Door Steps

I have not long since returned from my 7th visit to Amsterdam, this City holds a very special place in my heart. I love nothing more than exploring all the neighbourhoods and Amsterdam has become one of Europe’s most Vegan friendly Cities. I have a full post coming next week all about the incredible Vegan places we ate & let me tell you we found some pretty special places.

We have visited most of the tourist places & done the main museums although we like to  revisit our favourite spots like the rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Dam Square and you can’t visit Amsterdam without going on a boat tour especially a champagne one. This time top of our list of places we wanted to see was the National Holocaust Memorial & National Holocaust Museum  which opened last year. I wanted to visit after reading the novel called Girl in the Blue Coat as some of the book is set on the site of the Museum in the Hollandsche Schouwburg Theatre and also across the street in the crèche. The Nazi’s turned the theatre into a prison and a deportation centre and it survives today as a memorial to the 80,000 Jews who were held there ahead of being deported.  I highly recommend visiting if you get the chance, the museum’s exhibitions are so well curated!

The weather was a little hit & miss much like the UK, but armed with our umbrellas we walked miles & miles each day along the stunning canals and historic neighbourhoods. I always tell people that Amsterdam is so much more beautiful that they could imagine. It is more that just stag parties, red light district and coffee shops. It is rich in history architecture and culture. Being one of the Europe’s biggest, oldest ports means its past is so interesting and Amsterdam has so many Museums to tell the story.

Gloomy Amsterdam

Discover Amsterdam

Amsterdam Herengracht Canal House

Amsterdam City Break 2017

Classic White Fiat 500 in Amsterdam

Pretty Canals in Amsterdam

Sept 2017 in Amsterdam

Typical Amsterdam View

Amsterdam Canal Boat

360 Volt Amsterdam

Amsterdam Central

Cafe Smit Voogt

Exploring Amsterdam 2017

I have a few more photos to share along with my Amsterdam Vegan Food Guide so keep an eye out for that. If you have visited Amsterdam let me know what you love about this City.

If you want to see what I got up to on previous visits just click here or check out the recommended the posts below.

This Weeks Happy – Exploring Plymouth

Charlestown Harbour Cornwall

Charlestown Harbour Cornwall

It has been a while since I shared photos from Cornwall since we got back from Berlin last month we have been super busy with work and the weather hasn’t been too great. On those few elusive sunny days we tried to make the most of them and get outside, so here are a few photos from this last month. Enjoy x

Truro City Cornwall

Leafy Truro Streets

Charlestown Cottage Life

Plymouth Colourful Houses

mint green house

Beautiful Plymouth

Royal William Yard Plymouth

Royal William Dock Yard Plymouth

Exploring Royal William Yard Plymouth

Exploring Plymouth

Architecture at Royal William Yard

clock tower

pretty painted houses plymouth

We headed to Plymouth for the day and explored down at Royal William Yard, which is stunning and a lovely place to have lunch/dinner. We landed luckily on a warm day and it was nice to be by the water and enjoy the architecture and history of this old naval dockyard. There are quite a few restaurants, cafes and bars which have outside seating to enjoy the sun and surroundings. It was a 15-minute walk from the centre and well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

The walk was pleasant and I couldn’t help but take photos of all the beautiful, brightly coloured houses on the way. I really want to live in a mint green house, how cute would that be.

Amsterdam 2016 Photo Diary Part 1

Amsterdam City Break

Amsterdam City Break

Amsterdam Shop Fronts

Amsterdam City Centre

Exploring Amsterdam Streets

Amsterdam Canal View

Amsterdam Houseboats

Amsterdam Adventures

Blue Fiat 500 Amsterdam

Look Up Amsterdam

Bikes Amsterdam City

Autumnal Days in Amsterdam

October saw me turn 38 and to celebrate my lovely husband took me to Amsterdam. If you have been a long time reader of my blog, then you will know we have visited Amsterdam quite a few times over the years. We just can’t help going back, its incredibly beautiful, inspiring and vibrant. I always return home feeling refreshed and with a promise to myself that I will live there one day & I am still working towards that dream (6 visits later).

Amsterdam is such a short flight from the UK and you can always get a cheap deal. I know most people associate it with Stag Parties and the Red Light District – which is a part of it and of course what is a visit without visiting the oldest part of the City. That aside there is so much more to see and do there, when people ask me for suggestions I always tell them just to explore the canals, walk, walk and walk some more. You can’t fail but to stumble across lovely independent shops (Amsterdam has very few chain shops, although more are opening each year) there is an abundance of incredible places to eat and drink and the scenery is always breathtaking. The tree lined canals, houseboats and bridges are so romantic especially at night when they’re all lit up. We have covered so many miles just wandering the streets romanticising about living in one of the crooked canal houses.

I would say seeing the city by boat is a really nice way to spend a few hours, I like to use the smaller eco boats that sit 6 – 8 people and have a local guide. You learn so much about the history of the city and about the canals themselves. Its so nice to see everything from a different perspective.

A picnic in Vondelpark is a relaxing way to spend a warm afternoon, I love to people watch in there. It’s such a mix of locals and tourists all having fun.

I could go on & on about this European gem but I know most of you have been before but if you haven’t you must visit you won’t be disappointed, I promise you that. It’s one of the most friendly, beautiful and vibrant cities I have ever visited.

BIBA Vanity Case from House of Fraser

BIBA Vanity Case in Purple

BIBA Vanity Case in Purple

Beautiful BIBA Luggage

BIBA Vanity Case*

If you are into luxury luggage and like me have always wanted a swish vanity case for all your cosmetics then I think you are going to fall in love with this BIBA Vanity Case. BIBA are a luxe luggage brand that sell in House of Fraser, they have an extensive selection of beautiful suitcases and handbags. They’re also celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, so its safe to say they know a thing or two about travelling in style.

I’ve been trying out the stunning purple Vanity Case which is moulded with the iconic BIBA jacquard design on a beautiful high shine finish, with metallic gold detailing. Its incredible quality and although its lightweight (which is what you want when it comes to luggage) it feels very strong and durable so you know all your treasures are going to travel safely inside this. Its functional whilst looking stylish, of course.

BIBA Luggage Vanity Case

Makeup Vanity Case from BIBA

The interior is divided thoughtfully with zipped, meshed and elasticated pockets to make this the perfect compact organiser. You get two very good sized compartments on each side, these are deep and allow you to pack the bulk of your toiletries in here, knowing they’re protected by the hard case. They zip closed so they are secure and  I managed to fit full sized toiletries inside with room to spare.

You also get a zipped mesh pouch which is ideal for items that you may need to reach for before you get to your destination. There is also handy elasticated pockets which you can slide in things like makeup brushes, sunglasses and hair tools. So you have lots of options and for someone that loves organising their makeup and skincare its perfect.

  • Hard sided case
  • 5 year guarantee
  • Capacity  21 L
  • Depth  18 cm
  • Height  32 cm
  • Luggage Weight  1.2 kg
  • Width  36 cm

Purple BIBA Luggage

Luxe Luggage from BIBA

This case keeps everything organised and neat and because its a hard case it ensures you get to your destination with all your makeup / products intact. It has a few carry options, one being a sturdy detachable over the shoulder strap, the second is a great handle on the top and the third being the rear strap which allows for it to perch securely on top of your suitcase. I am heading to Amsterdam next week for a Birthday Celebration & I can’t wait to take this with me, I will be able to pack all my favourite cosmetics and not worry about them getting damaged.

It does come in other colour options but this high shine purple colour is beautiful and distinctive. Oh and you get a 5 year guarantee which is fantastic. If you’re quick this BIBA Vanity Case has £16 off in the SALE.

BIBA Vanity Case – £80.00 (currently £64)

*PR Sample