Amsterdam!

Part two of Eurotrip 2014:

We left London early the next morning to catch a train to Brussels and then switch trains to Amsterdam. After accidentally getting off in the middle of no where France....we jumped on a different train {thank you understanding conductor!} and made it just in time to Brussels to catch our correct train to Amsterdam.

We arrived mid-afternoon and went straight to the hotel, Boutique Hotel View, to check-in.  The lady that owned the hotel was SO nice!  Her other job is to work as a stage hand for all the concerts that come through the city.  Apparently Beyonce was performing while we were there, and she was looking for additional hands.  Maybe next time. Ha.  She showed us pics from past performances with Lady Gaga, Madonna...you name it, she's probably met them.  After refreshing in our third floor room, with the steepest stairs I've ever seen and no elevator, we refreshed and decided to get familiar with the city.

Amsterdam was definitely not what I expected it to be.  I loved it, but the whole feel of the city was so different than anywhere else I had been in Europe.  The architecture was so different and it was a much more quiet.  The overcast skies and weather in the 40's probably didn't help much, but it felt as if we were transported back to the 1940s.  We stopped at a pub for a quick snack and some drinks.  I had my first rose beer and it was quite tasty!  The pub owner was so great and brought us some authentic dutch food to try.  It was a winner!  

While walking around the Jordaan neighborhood, we came across  one of those touristy canal tours - clearly, that was our next stop!  The guide showed us some landmarks around the city and we got to admire the city from the water.  Boats and bicycles are the way to travel in that city -- although there are cars, but definitely not quite as many as you'd expect in a city.  

The tour ended near the Anne Frank house -- which we heard has a long line each day.  Since it was an hour before it closed, and there was no line, we decided we'd take advantage of that!  It was sooooo surreal being there.  The bottom floors, where her father's shop was, is now the museum entrance/gift shop/etc.  Then you climb some steep stairs to enter the living quarters.  The bookshelf is still there...the photos on Anne's wall are still there...the height chart for Anne and her sister is still on the wall.  Her father was happy to turn the house into a museum, under the condition it wasn't staged like it originally was.  All the rooms are empty but there are photos of how the rooms looked while they lived there.  There are also videos from different documentaries playing that go along with where you are in the house. 

{I took this later in the week while it was light out.  The top 3 floors is where they lived and still have the blackout curtains on the windows.}

 By the time we finished the tour, it was dark and time for dinner!  We weren't really familiar with the area still so we found a restaurant, Spanjer van Twist, that was filled with people -- we knew the food would be good and we were right!  We had some red wine, mint and lemon infused water to start.  I ended up getting homemade cheese ravioli and Scott had an amazing dutch steak with frites (and garlic mayo to dip!) 

{we had a dinner guest!  Cats are everywhere in this city...}

After stuffing ourselves, we decided it was time to call it an early night and rest up for the next day!

The next morning we woke and walked around the corner to the Starbucks to grab some coffee and use the free wi-fi for a bit.  Next thing we knew, it was lunch time and we walked over to the Pancake Bakery.  It was incredible.  It was such a tiny place, you walk down some stairs and it's all underground and dark.  We decided to split a crepe -- ham, cheese & onion and a bowl of french onion soup.  The crepes were bigger than the plate and it was probably my favorite meal of the entire trip!  On their menu, there was an entire section of crepes from different countries.  I laughed out loud when I saw what they created for the American crepe...

We decided to spend the afternoon out of the city and attempt to see the tulip fields.  Unfortunately, we missed the opening of tulip season by a couple of days, but took the train out to Leiden and give it a try!  The towns outside of the city are so quaint and adorable!  We found a nice cab driver who tried to get us a sneak peek into the tulip garden, but without any luck, we drove around to some of the private fields again with no luck.  We had barely missed it!  We did see some gorgeous daffodil fields though.  Before we headed back to the city, we walked around Leiden -- saw some windmills, did a little shopping.  

When we arrived back into the city, there was a torrential downpour.  The train station was on the complete opposite side of the city from where we were staying -- and we had no umbrella!  We made a run for it, and ended up stumbling upon the restaurant, Winkel, I wanted to go to for dinner that night!  We popped in and enjoyed happy hour and dinner.  It was a great break from the rain and got to enjoy some great fish and dutch apps! 

While walking back towards our hotel, we finally found where people hang out at night!  And itw as only a couple blocks behind our hotel!  We found several bars/restaurants with the typical European outdoor seating.  We chose a wine bar and sat outside under the heaters, and they brought us some blankets to wrap up in.

The last day we had to check out of the hotel around 11 although our train to Munich wasn't leaving until that evening.  The lady was kind enough to let us store our luggage in the lobby until it was time to leave.  We hit up Starbucks again and then attempted to find a deli for lunch before our cheese tasting class.  After getting lost (the streets are circular...you think you're going straight but then you aren't and are on the other side of the city!) we just headed over to where the cheese tasting class was being held.  Turns out it was in the city centre and there was even more of Amsterdam we had yet to explore!  

We picked a little cafe and quickly ate a sandwich before walking over to Reypenaer for our class.  This was SO fun!  If you're ever in Amsterdam, you have to go here!  The class was about 20 people and our teacher was young and hilarious. Cheese tasting is similar to wine tasting -- smell it, taste it, try to figure out what flavors are in it. We tried all kinds of cheese -- the white ones were my favorite.  I'd like to think I was the best student in the class because I answered correctly first most of the time. :)  We left with 4 blocks of cheese and the "guillotine" cheese cutter.  It was pretty awesome, and now that we're back, we've already used it a number of times!  

{with our teacher!  he loved the fact we were from Texas.  When we told him specifically Austin, he said he heard that's like the Europe of Texas and he wants to visit sometime!}

While over in that area of the city, we took advantage of some souvenir shopping and walked around the rest of the city we hadn't seen yet, including the famous red light district.  It wasn't that exciting during the day time hours.  Before heading to the train station, we headed to the Wagamama near our hotel to grab an early dinner.  Wagamama was one of my favorite places to eat when I was in London during college and we didn't have enough time to eat there earlier in the week. I was thrilled when there was one in Amsterdam right by our hotel and Scott loved it, too!  

We then collected our things and headed to the train station to catch the overnight {and unforgettable} train to Munich!

Part 3 coming soon!

Weekend Update

It seems like Monday comes around quicker and quicker each week....

Friday:
I mentioned in my Five on Friday post that I'd be catching up on Game of Thrones all weekend.  And that's exactly what I did Friday night.  I finished Season 2 this weekend and cannot wait to begin Season 3!  Another highlight of Friday -- picking up some gorgeous flowers at Trader Joe's for my bar cart to enjoy through the weekend.

Saturday:
I slept in after staying up way too late happily watching Game of Thrones.  After easing in to my morning while watching the latest Fashion Police and drinking my new favorite coffee, 2 girlfriends came over for a fun day in the sun!  We sat out by the pool and I opened my bottle of Domaine Carneros rose I picked up a couple years ago from my Napa trip -- I saved it for the perfect day.  After a little {understatement...I should know better by now!} sun, we headed to Shoal Creek Saloon for some crawfish before the season ended!  We watched the end of the draft and now I'm counting down the days until football begins!

my new favorite coffee -- it makes the BEST iced coffees and tastes like New Orleans in a cup.  You can also make hot coffee, but I haven't tried it that way yet.  I got mine at Central Market, but check out there website here to see where you can get it in your city.  So worth it!

nommmm. And Shiner Ruby Red Bird beer is finally available -- summer can officially begin!

Sunday:
We celebrated Mother's Day with Scott's family -- southern fried chicken and enjoyed the mild day outside on their patio.  It was second best to being with my mom  -- my parents took a weekend trip to see some friends, and when I talked to her, it sounded like they had a blast!  The afternoon was followed by more Game of Thrones watching {since the sun was the last thing I needed to be around!} and an evening of cooking dinner and Mad Men watching.

It's going to be a busy week for me, but looking forward to it!  Have a great one!  xo!

Five on Friday

Hey y'all!  Happy Friday!  I decided today would be the best time to join the Five on Friday for the first time!  Thanks to the hosts for keeping this going a.liz adventures, carolina charm, hello! happiness and the good life blog!  

1.  theSkimm

I recently became a Super Skimm'bassador for theSkimm.  I get to help spread the word around Austin the rest of Texas and my fabulous blog friends!  Haven't heard of it?  theSkimm newsletter arrives in your inbox at 6am M-F.  It covers all news – Ukraine to George Clooney getting hitched – in a smart, witty way and gives what you need to jump into any conversation. Basically – they read, you Skimm.  Sign up here today!  It has become my morning addiction and I promise it will become yours, too!

2.  Game of Thrones

Y'all.  I'm obsessed.  Typically I'm not a fan of this time period and the bits and pieces I had seen over the years did not interest me at all.  Starting from Season 1, Episode 1 has done the trick.  Although it can be a bit gruesome at times, I can't stop watching.  This weekend you can find me on the couch wishing I could be Daenerys Targaryen (no spoilers that I may end up changing my mind as I continue watching!)

3.  My mini garden

This spring I decided to plant some flowers on my porch.  Living in an apartment is so difficult -- especially on the second floor.  All I want is some grass to plant some flowers and veggies in!  I went the planter box route and I have to say I'm loving it!  In the planter boxes are hot pink geraniums and in the pots are snapdragons (that have since died since this photo), pink dahlias (which have died twice since this photo...but the next round is starting to bloom) and sunflowers (which still look the same, just a bit taller.  How long does it take for them to start blooming?)  Anyway, as you can tell, I don't have a green thumb, but practice makes perfect for the day when I have a yard?

4.  Bon Appetit's List of Official Foods in {Nearly} Every State

Check it out here!

Because I love food.  (In fact, as soon as I'm done writing this, I'm going upstairs for breakfast taco Friday.) Spot on with Texas's -- chips and salsa.  Yes, please!

{picture from the Bon Appetit article for Texas!}

5.  Summer plans?

Now that summer is quickly approaching {or more appropriately has already arrived in Texas...}, I'm itching to plan a long-weekend vacay!  Any good beach recommendations?  I grew up going to Galveston/Crystal Beach in the summers, so right now that's first on the list -- but open to other suggestions!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Weekend Update

How's the weekend almost over already? It was a busy but always one of my favorite weekends of the year! I also decided to FINALLY give Game of Thrones a shot....with two episodes left in the first season, I'm officially addicted!

Friday:

It was the gala for Morgan's 10-week Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year fundraiser. While she didn't win, she did raise nearly $49,000! So proud of her!

Saturday: 

A group of us attended Austin's first Derby Fest in downtown. They blocked off 3rd street and had live music, a big screen tv and mint julips to go around! We ran into a friend of Scott's who was hanging out with a girl I grew up with - such a small world! We all picked a couple of horses and placed a $5 bet. I thought picking Wicked Strong and Uncle Sigh (who almost won!) was a good choice, but not so much. I love watching the Kentucky Derby, only missing a hat this year! And bucket list...I will watch in person one year! We had an early taco dinner and a couple more drinks before calling it an early night to watch more of Game of Thrones season 1.

I love seeing horses tied up to trees in downtown Austin. So Texas.

Sunday:

We had a lazy morning and watched more Game of Thrones before spending the day by the pool - so happy summer is here! Since the water was still a bit cold, it gave me a chance to read more of The Goldfinch - amazing book so far if you've been considering reading it. Now we're relaxing watching (or I'm trying not to pay attention due to any spoilers that may happen!) Game of Thrones and I'm patiently awaiting tonight's episode of Mad Men.

Not a cloud in the sky for the first pool day of 2014!

Have a great Monday and Cinco de Mayo! xoxo

Weekend Update

Good morning!  How is it already Monday again!?  The weekends seem to fly by quicker and quicker these days...

Friday:
A group of us went to see Vampire Weekend at Stubbs. Although I don't listen to them all that often, I will say they put on one fabulous show.  They are great entertainers live!  Scott loves them and was pretty much having the time of his life.  It was also so fun to catch up with some of the other girlfriends!

 {the gang before the show}

Saturday:
Attended Scott's family reunion out in Winchester.  Coming from such a tiny family {seriously, it's like an entire family reunion at each of our holidays...10-12 max...} attending his family events are so fun!  With around 50 people in attendance, we had great food, conversation and enjoyed the spring weather!  It's also fun to get out of the city and help feed the cows and hang out in the barn on his grandparents land.

{me and Morgan outside of the ice cream parlor.  this town is the cutest!}

Sunday:
My parents came in town on their way back from a wedding in Fredericksburg.  Scott and I took them to the Midway Food Park near the apartment -- seriously, food trailers are the best.  There were around 7 to choose from and we sampled a bit of everything from tacos, to a lobster roll, to fried artichokes.  I love this location because of all the tables covered by large umbrellas, a stage for live music coming in the summer, a playground for kids and it's dog friendly and BYOB!  This was totally up my dad's alley and he's already scheming on how to make something like that happen back home...

My parents and I did a little shopping and had a relaxing afternoon.  That evening we had dinner with at Scott's parents house -- it was his mom's birthday!  With the family reunion the day before, his grandparents and aunt and uncle also came so I loved introducing my parents to them.  His dad put on a great party.  He grilled some outstanding burgers, we played some Mexican Bingo {Scott & I won 2 bottles of wine and a Costco-sized jar of picked okra.  At least we weren't Morgan's boyfriend who won a sack of potatoes and a sack of garlic that would probably last me the rest of my life!  Can't say the prizes were boring.  Ha!} and had some great conversation.  The birthday cake was fabulous, too!  I'm bummed I didn't get any photos, as their backyard is PERFECT for entertaining and is so gorgeous.  I'm still so full this morning.........

Have a great week! xo!

The greatest city in the world: LONDON!

Eurotrip 2014 was special as it was Scott's first time overseas and since returning, we've both fallen in love {me even more so!} with London.  I love everything about this city and I'm already counting down until I can go again -- and starting a savings account specifically for the day I can buy my own flat to visit anytime! 

Friday:
After our 8 hour flight, we arrived in London around 10:30 am.  We took a cab to the hotel -- which was in a perfect location and across the street from the Victoria Station -- to refresh and drop off our luggage, Scott and I rallied and walked down to Buckingham Palace.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  Not a cloud in the sky and in the 60's -- seriously, we lucked out all weekend!  Buckingham Palace was only about half a mile from our hotel, so we enjoyed the walk -- especially after sitting on a cramped plane for hours! Unfortunately, we didn't see a single member of the royal family...

We then ventured through St. James Park behind the Palace.  The daffodils were starting to bloom and people were already out sunbathing in the grass.  Of course I had to get myself a nutella waffle..because, why not?? 

We continued our walk down to Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster Abbey.  After a few photo-ops, we took the Tube down to Piccadilly Circus.  Scott wanted to see "Times Square" {not sure if Piccadilly Circus was the best choice, but it has all the big screens like in NYC} and we walked around a bit and admired the shops and theaters in the area.  Then we stumbled upon a tavern and had a fabulous fish and chips meal. Seriously, why don't they cook like that here?  We continued our walking down towards Oxford Circus and did a little shopping.  I had to hit up the European H&M's and found some great stuff including a couple of summer dresses, a midi skirt {however, I think I may be a tad short to pull it off.  We shall see!} and a fun kimono style cardigan.  We also found the most adorable couple of streets -- Carnaby Street -- with so many fun restaurants, shops and pubs.  The pubs on this street looked just like you'd think -- tucked behind an alley way, lots of ivy, the young professionals still in their suits drinking outside on the streets {I think it's so strange you can drink on the sidewalks in front of the pubs}-- pretty much perfection.  I also loved that Scott is now loving European fashion and the way the men wear their suits and style their hair.  I hope he brings a bit of that same style now that we're back in Texas.  We then decided it was then time to call it an early night to knock out the jet lag.

Saturday:
That morning, we left the hotel and headed down to Notting Hill to grab brunch and do some shopping on Portobello Road.  After finding out they don't brunch past noon {brunch past noon is one thing I do think we do right here!}, we still grabbed a great burger, and continued our walk down to Portobello Road.  This was the one thing I wasn't able to do last time I was in London, and I'm now obsessed.  The pastel buildings, lines and lines of antique stores, flower shops and fruit stands -- not to mention another day of perfect weather -- made this the highlight of London for me. I found an adorable dress that will be perfect for UT games, and Scott found the neatest antique leather bound book of U.K. maps from WWII for his mom.  Portobello Road is a MUST if you're ever there.  And a tip:  While there are several restaurants as you get off the Tube, go straight to Portobello Road and eat at one of the cafes.  The one we ate at was fabulous, but those cafes on Portobello looked just as you'd picture an English cafe to be!

After a couple hours of shopping, we ventured to the High Street Kensington area to do a bit more shopping a visit my old stomping grounds!  We admired Hyde Park as we arrived at Imperial College -- which looks just the same!  It was then time for tea, which I also think we should begin to incorporate into our day-to-day in America.

That evening we attended the Broadway show, From Here to Eternity at the Shaftesbury Theatre.  It's a bit of a love story and follows the men stationed at Pearl Harbor months prior to Dec. 7 -- it's based off the movie from the 1950s.  The acting was wonderful and the songs were catchy.  They also had some great one liners that made you laugh out loud.  I recommend it!  After the show, we went back down to Carnaby Street and grabbed a great Italian meal before calling it a night.

Sunday:
We decided it was time for a little history and took a tour of the Churchill Imperial War Museum {and I think the highlight of Scott's trip!}.  It really was fascinating that no one knew they were under there and many of the rooms are still in tact exactly as they were left.  We got to see all the rooms, the original maps and all the sleeping quarters.

Then we hopped on the Tube and went to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.  Again, it was an absolute perfect day and we enjoyed just sitting on the banks of the Thames with the castle behind us and the bridge in front of us.  

It was then time to take the train to Cambridge to visit one of my oldest friends, Kate, who has been living there since grad school and now works for Christie's Auction House.  It was a quick 50 minute ride through the countryside.  We wandered the city center -- and is also where Cambridge University is -- before we met Kate and her fiance for dinner at a local pub.  Three hours, several beers and wonderful company later, we headed back to London to pack up and head out to Amsterdam the next morning.

{Kings College - part of Cambridge University.  This picture doesn't do it justice.  Cambridge is breathtaking!}

{our train left out of King's Cross so had to visit the Harry Potter platform!}

Stay tuned for the Amsterdam update!

Weekend Recap

My unintentional blog hiatus was due to a crazy work schedule and the fact I was a bit uninspired.  I'm going to blame winter lasting longer than usual... :) 

Friday:

I was FINALLY able to see a show on the outdoor stage at Stubbs.  It didn't disappoint!  The opener, Cody Canada and The Departed was fabulous!  I was so heartbroken when Cross Canadian Ragweed broke up a few years ago, and they started to redeem themselves when they created a new band. Now that I've seen them live, I've fallen in love again!  Most of their new stuff is still relatively unknown, but they definitely busted out some CCR hits (Alabama, anyone!?  High school at it's finest.)  Scott even caught one of the drummer's drumstick when it was thrown into the audience at the end of the set.

Turnpike Troubadours was also a blast.  They put on a great show and I highly recommend seeing them live!

{Turnpike Troubadours}

Saturday:

I was up early for a Junior League placement advising session.  I feel it was somewhat productive and have the rest of the week to figure out what placements to select for next year....still don't really have a clue.

The best part about that was that it was at the mall!  Loft was having 50% store wide, and I had a $200 AT&T rewards card from renewing my service another year, so free clothes for me!  I was able to get:
this top, this top, this skirt, a pair of shorts, and one more shirt that is no longer online.  Loft is still having an extra 40% off sale items today, so hop on over and have a little Monday retail therapy!

The rest of the day was literally the epitome of laziness.  3 hour nap, lots of TV time, and more TV time...{hey, it was cloudy/rain was on it's way weather!}

Sunday:

Scott and I braved the rainy weather and went to the Baylor vs. Texas baseball game!  Although Baylor lost, it was a BLAST and reminds me just how much I love baseball. {even the girls behind me who kept asking the difference between a ball and a strike and thought the pitchers sitting in the bull pin were the bad players couldn't ruin it for me!}  I'm hopeful we'll get to attend a couple more games before the season is over!

{wearing his burnt orange and me in green and gold!}

That evening we had a relaxing dinner at his parents house.  Great food, conversation and even flipped through some Europe pics! Recap on the trip to come!

And before I go, happy, happy birthday to my BFF and new mama, Brittany! I hope you have the best day ever!

{2007 Trevi Fountain.  Still waiting for that return trip!}

Have a great week! xo!