If you follow me on Instagram, then you'll have seen that this weekend I took a little trip to Amsterdam for a tour of Holland America Line's MS Koningsdam. It seemed a little silly to fly all that way for just the day, so we made the most of the weekend and spent some time exploring the city, and what a beautiful city it was. 

As we were only there for the day (apart from the time we spent on the ship - you can read about that here), we hadn't booked anything or made any real plans like I'd normally do for a city break (we had Paris planned out to the second!), instead I wanted to use the time to get a feel for the city with the view that one day I'd return knowing the sorts of things I'd like to do. 

Amsterdam often gets a bad rep for being a location for hen do's and stag parties, and don't get me wrong, we saw plenty of these, but there's so much more to the city than drinking and smoking. With it's seventeenth-century buildings museum quarter and refreshing sense of freedom, the city is so much more than it's perceived to be - and somewhere I'd definitely recommend visiting once...or twice!

Our first stop was the Bloemenmarkt, or Floating Flower Market as it's called in English. One of the things I'd have loved to do in Amsterdam was visit the famous tulip fields, however, unfortunately, we just missed out on these by a week, so the flower market was going to have to suffice.  

The Amsterdam Flower Market is the only floating flower market in the world, having been around since 1862. All of the flower stalls stand on the houseboats along the canal and are a nod to the old days when the markets were only supplied by boat. Like I said, we'd just missed out on the tulip fields and I think we were also a little late to the market too as there wasn't really much on sale in the way of flowers (it was mainly bulbs) by the time we arrived. So if you're looking for the full experience, I'd head down there first thing in the morning! 

After we'd visited the floating flower market, we took a stroll down to the Red Light District. The Red Light District isn't really my cup of tea, nor is it the prettiest place in Amsterdam, but it's something you've just got to see if you're visiting the city, as it's just so famous. We actually managed to walk through most of the red light district without me even realising as the bright sunshine was blocking the 'view' in the windows...it was only when one of the prostitutes ran across the street that I realised where we were! Photos aren't allowed in the Red Light District, as a lot of the women working there are from Eastern European countries and have told family members back home that they're working as nannies, etc and need to protect their safety. There are also police officers everywhere to ensure the women's safety, and it's up to the workers whether they let you in or not...so you have to stand outside and they will only open the door for you if they want to. 

Although I only managed to spend 24 hours exploring what Amsterdam had to offer, I completely fell in love with the city and it's chilled vibe. Amsterdam is definitely somewhere I plan to return to, but next time it will definitely be for a few days so I can fully explore what the city has to offer. 

xo Becky 

I probably sound like a broken record saying this, but I feel as though it's been so cold for so long...almost to the point where I'd forgotten what it was like to step outside in less than 10 layers. As much as I love living in London, I feel like it really wears me down during the winter...there's only so much drizzle and gloom that this girl can deal with! Hopefully those days are behind us (or at least for the next few months!) now, as it seems like the capital is completely ready to embrace Spring. In fact, this weekend it was almost hot enough to call it Summer! 

Not wanting to waste a beautiful day (we don't get too many of them!), we jumped on the tube and headed a few stops into town. Notting Hill is such a beautiful area, and with it being so close to my neighbourhood, it's a real surprise that I've not explored more of it - something I definitely want to change during the warmer months! 

As soon as we stepped off the tube, we headed down some of the quieter streets, avoiding the hustle and bustle of Portobello Market. We came in search of the famous blossom, positioned prettily in front of all of the houses I'll never be able to afford, and we weren't disappointed. 

The streets were lined in pretty pink petals, casting a rosy glow over the neighbourhood (as if it could get any prettier?!). We strolled through the streets of Notting Hill for a good few hours, gelato in hand, and I still only feel like I've just scratched the surface of what Notting Hill has to offer! Definitely on my 'to re-visit' list...

Becky xo

Getting the girls together for Sunday brunch has quickly become one of my favourite weekend pastimes (we're on a mission to brunch our way around London), and this weekends location was just too good to keep to myself. 

Aubaine is nestled in the heart of central London, on the second floor of Selfridges, but you could easily forget that you're in the middle of a busy department store and imagine you were somewhere in France. Aubaine describes itself as a true blend of cosmopolitan style and french cuisine, combining the elegance of a Parisian salon with the relaxed ambience of a provençal bistro - perfect for my Parisian withdrawal symptoms (the desire to go back is strong.). Aubaine prides itself on it's sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, and that's exactly what we were treated to. I often find that restaurants who claim to be 'sophisticated' can be a little stuffy, but right from entering the restaurant, we were able to relax and have a laugh together without feeling self conscious or out of place. 

The décor was what really sold me on Aubaine. The urban yet rustic interiors transported me back to the Parisian cafés that I loved so much last year, and the floral ceiling was to die for. Seriously, this place is the stuff of Instagram dreams. 

If the décor wasn't enough for you, then the food certainly will be. Unfortunately, Aubaine don't have a brunch menu on a Sunday, as the restaurant doesn't open until 11.30am, however their standard menu is just as good. As it was almost lunch time by the time we made it to the restaurant, I opted for the salade de chèvre chaud - warm goats cheese on cereal toast, frisée salad, apple grapes & walnuts - and I can honestly say, it was one of the best salads I've ever tasted. Aubaine's philosophy is 'simplicité chest beauté', and that's exactly how I'd describe our experience. 

If you're looking for somewhere relaxed (and Pinterest-worthy), with amazing food, then I'd definitely recommend  Aubaine. They have restaurants across London, but if you're in it for the floral décor then Selfridges is the one for you!

xo Becky