A Weekend Getaway to Amsterdam & Brussels | Travel Photo Diary

Hello lovely reader! Happy 2019! With the New Year happening, I have been doing a lot of looking back, in order to help understand what I want going into 2019. I have also been doing a fair amount of organizing, whether it be my room, my calendars, or my computer, I always like to make sure I have my "stuff" together for a fresh start. While organizing my computer and looking back at my previous travels, I found a group of photos from a weekend trip that I took with some friends to Amsterdam and Brussels. I wanted to share them now as I know this is the time when many people will start to creating their 2019 Travel Goals and also many people will be leaving to Study Abroad!

Starting with Amsterdam, my biggest tip for this quaint city is to just wander. There are so many idyllic spots along the canals for gorgeous (& insta-worthy photo-ops). It's so peaceful and definitely has a very different feel to another city that I've visited, much more relaxed. 

After having breakfast one morning my friends and I found an open market full of clothes, souvenirs, bakery sweets, flowers, and the delicious and iconic, stroopwafel.  

Have to get one of course.

Inspiring street art on the side of buildings, a easy reminder to look up and around, you never know what you might miss!

Even though it's about as "touristy" as you can get, an "I amsterdam" photo-op is a must! It's also right next to the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum as well as a really pretty little fountain.

Lovely canal houses, each with their own personality.

If you have time, I would highly recommend visiting the Anne Frank House. There is typically quite a long line, but it does move fairly quickly and is worth the wait. To be able to walk through the house was a very surreal and at times moving experience. It really gave me a new perspective and understanding of who Anne Frank was. Very very powerful experience!

Now onto Brussels, a must see spot is the Grand Place de Brussels. A town square surrounded by gorgeous architecture that is just as striking during the day as it is at night. The intricacy of the gilded buildings is so impressive and stunning!

Also have to hit up a clear tourist trap for some Belgian frites. In case you didn't know, French Fries are not actually French so when in Belgium, the the birth place of fries, you've got to try!

Definitely recommend heading back to the Grand Place de Brussels in the evening to see all of the buildings lit up!

The indulgences continue, Belgian chocolate, need I say more? The smell that hits you when you walk into these gorgeous chocolate shops is like getting dunked into Willie Wonka's chocolate river! Often times there are samples being shared and the shop workers are extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have about their decadent creations!

Belgian waffles are also everywhere along the streets and of course a must try. No guilt to be had after walking around all day!

If you want to take a break from the city, the Atomium is a nice day trip. Originally constructed for the 1958 World's Fair this structure is now a museum and you are able to go up inside it. If you aren't into heights, there are surrounding parks and benches which make for great people watching and relaxing...

While enjoying your final belgian waffle of the trip!

Have you been the either of these place before? Any tips for future travelers? Xx

Waking Up in Vegas | Travel Diary & Tips

Hi lovely reader! Happy September and Happy Labor Day weekend to you US readers! I hope you are having a relaxing weekend! A few months ago I took a quick three day trip to Las Vegas to see the Queen, Miss Celine Dion. It was my first time visiting so naturally I took loads of pictures and tried to fit as much Vegas into those three days as possible. For me this was the perfect amount of time and I left feeling like I had seen and done everything that I had wanted to. I also did a lot of prior research before by reading blog posts and watching vlogs so hopefully this post can help you out the way other people's posts helped me to get organized and nail down my "Vegas Goals" if you plan to go someday.  

Where I Stayed: Treasure Island
Of course one of the things that Las Vegas is known for is their abundance of hotels. We chose Treasure Island because it was one of the lesser expensive ones yet still nice and in a good location on the strip. There is a Starbucks inside the hotel as well as just outside which I hit up 2/3 mornings for a breakfast sandwich and yogurt parfait before starting the day. The rooms are also nice and the staff was accommodating and helpful!

Things to See: The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden
One of the first things that I would highly recommend checking out is the Bellagio Conservatory. Located in the Bellagio Hotel, this space is a peaceful parallel to the busy streets outside. It is such a relaxing space and the floral displays are stunning! The designs change each season and definitely create an "Insta-worthy" spot! 

Breakfast/Lunch Spot: Pantry
Another 'Insta-worthy" spot is Pantry located inside The Mirage. We stopped here for lunch one day and it was super cute! They offer a "Breakfast" menu all day as well as a "Eat this if you're not in the mood for breakfast" menu. I had a veggie sandwich with fries and it was so good! 

Things to See: Shoppes/Floral Display at the Palazzo
The Shoppes at the Palazzo is a nice space to walk through and explore. We ran into this gorgeous floral display as well that featured a spinning carousel and hot air balloon of dreams.

Quick Lunch: Bellagio Patisserie
Yes this is a crepe that was made fresh, yes it is huge, yes that is chipotle sauce, yes it was delicious. The Bellagio Patisserie is a great spot is you want to grab a quick, "waiter-less" lunch or breakfast. Their menu offers a variety of pastries, crepes, sandwiches, etc and most of the food is made fresh as you order.

The Best Dinner: Lago
Located inside the Bellagio, Lago by Julian Serrano was the nicest dinner I had during my stay. Simply put, the food was absolutely delicious! The plates are smaller in size but for me the portion was perfect and you can bet I cleaned my plate! I had the cannelloni which was without a doubt the best I've ever had, the meat was so tender and the sauce perfection. They also have outdoor seating which books up quick but offers a gorgeous view of the Bellagio fountains. 

Things to See: Fountains of Bellagio
I have to be honest, when it came to seeing these iconic fountains I knew it was a must do but, I wondered how impressive a "water show" would actually be? Well let me tell you...it was beautiful and mesmerizing! The music mixed with the lighted water that would sky rocket with crescendos made me think this must be what Belle felt like in "Be Our Guest". The water came to life and if you come to Vegas you must check it out!

 

Tres Chic Breakfast/Brunch Spot: Mon Ami Gabi
If you are looking for a classy atmosphere to have a relaxing brunch I would recommend giving "Mon Ami Gabi" a go. They are located just outside the Paris hotel and have an array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. There is outdoor seating that looks out onto the strip and Bellagio fountains across the street. The food and service is top quality and is a great way to start the day.

Things to See: The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel
This sanctuary located behind the Flamingo Hotel is home to some lovely and iconic pink flamingos. They are so cute and offer a unique way to spend some time away front the busy strip...also "insta-worthy".

"Damn Good" Dinner: Gordon Ramsay's Pub & Grill
I love me some MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen so I was eager to try one of Mr. Ramsay's many spots on the strip. The pub is located inside Caesar's Palace, directly across from The Colosseum, where Celine Dion's show takes place, making it a perfect pre-show early dinner spot. I ordered the tomato soup which was the best I've ever had and the perfect portion. The menu offers classic English dishes as well as some more "American-esque" options. This is definitely somewhere that I would want to go back to for a more full on later meal!

The Main Event: Celine Dion at Caesars Palace
Simply put, Celine Dion is what brought me to Vegas. It has been a dream of mine to see her for a very long time and I always thought it would be a very long time until I ever might even be able to see her in concert. So when I was surprised with tickets to see her, I cried and basically couldn't believe it was happening until I sat down in that theater and she walked out on stage. 

I always believed this but can actually confirm after seeing her show, that Celine Dion is without a doubt the definition of a lovely human being. She is humble, thankful, hilarious, and just as talented now as she was when she first started out. She was raw and honest with what she was feeling and left everything on that stage. 

You know you've been to a good show when you walk out and would give anything to come back the next night and the next to see it all over again! I would literally fly down there for a day, see her show and fly home, which may or may not be added to my bucket list and remain there each year... Seeing her show on the last day of my trip was the perfect way to end my Vegas experience.

I hope this post was helpful if you are considering or planning on going to Las Vegas. I tried to include as many links as possible and will list some of the vlogs I watched and blog posts I read that helped me to plan my trip.
Also, this post post is in no way sponsored.

Have you been to Vegas before and have other favorites??

Vegas Vlogs & Blogs I watched/read:

-"How to Spend One Day in Vegas" -In the Frow

-In the Frow Vegas Vlog

-Lynette Marie Vegas Vlog, another one by Lynette

-Las Vegas for First Timers -The Belle Voyage

The Perfect Sunny Afternoon | Notting Hill - Kensington

 Hi lovely reader! We are nearing the end of spring and summer is coming quickly which means more sunshine and warmer weather and with that more opportunities to be outside! Since living in London my view on weather has changed in that when it is sunny, I am more aware of it and appreciate it, feeling like I need to take full advantage of this time and do as much outside as possible! So I thought I would share my ideal day out in London, including where to eat and what to see, and some insta-worthy spots. Notting Hill is a great area with tons of shops and restaurants and of course pastel colored houses that lead to OOTD and Instagram pic goals. Kensington Palace is not far from the main area of Notting Hill and of course houses the royals and some gorgeous gardens which are really worth seeing in the spring and summer. 

Like I said, so cute and picture ready. There are multiple side streets with these colorful homes just off Portobello Road.

Of course you have to start the day off with some breakfast and Eggbreak is too cool of a place to pass up. As with many brunch spots, the place is smaller so there may be a line but don't let this scare you away as it typically moves pretty fast. They serve breakfast items from 8am-12pm so just make sure you give yourself enough time to wait. I got the McMuffin when I went which is of course a play on the golden arches classic but with much more natural ingredients and was really nice. They also serve "regular food" from 12-10pm which I have heard is good as well. And of course after eating breakfast there is no better way to walk it off than with some shopping.

Portobello Road is packed with little shops such as Alice's which is worth a peak inside to see the amount of things in the store! Some of my favorite shops are Ragyard which does really cool clothing and accessories and The Blue Door which has a mix of teas and tea-ware. Portobello Road Market is definitely worth going to and is up at these times:
09:00 – 18:00 Monday To Wednesday.
09:00 – 13:00 Thursday.
09:00 – 19:00 Friday Antique stalls
If you can go on one of these days you'll see everything from flower stands, to tapestries, to old post cards, and souvenirs. 

After you've done some walking and shopping, Farm Girl cafe is the perfect place to have a nice lunch. Now, I will admit that after seeing blogger after blogger post about this place on Instagram I wondered if the food was actually good or if it was just picturesque. So in my honest opinion and based on what I had to eat, the taste and quality of the food is just as good as the amount of photo opportunities, if not better. 

I had a Chicken sandwich which was full of flavor. There was beetroot on it which prior to ordering it I was unsure about but it was actually delicious and one of my favorite sandwich or salad additions now. I also go a side of sweet potato fries which were seasoned to perfection and so good.

 

After lunch you can take a walk or a tube to Kensington Palace where you can relax and enjoy some time outside strolling through the gardens or sitting in the park.

Where's your favorite place to take in some beautiful weather? Xx