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On our last day in Amsterdam, we really did take the leisurely route  We slept in, and woke up in time for brunch at our lovely hotel The Dylan (I wrote about it here)   I don't think there is a better way to start the day than at a beautiful hotel in a new city, with a cup of coffee and Eggs Benedict. At home my husband and I are early risers and are up and out to the gym and our retrospective days, that when we are travelling we really try and change the pace to something much more leisurely    We strolled the canals, taking in the last views of the beautifully romantic city and wishing we didn't have to leave.    Basically spending the day getting to know Amsterdam a little more and stopping off for coffee and people watching whenever the whim took us.   Speaking of finding places for coffee, we came across Stach.  A lovely little store come coffee shop, selling healthy snacks and artisan food. A great place to find while travelling, for when you feel like something fresh, healthy and quick. As it was our last day, I couldn't bear to see the tulips my husband has bought me go to waste! So we took them out with us to give them to the first admirer I saw. Such a lovely feeling to share something beautiful with a stranger.  Blue dress here 
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One of my favourite parts of Amsterdam was the area around the Rijksmuseum (the museum of the Netherlands). The area is surrounded by every kind of museum that it would be hard to find one that wasn't of interest to you. Not only is the architecture of the building beautiful, but it has the loveliest lake in from of it, adorned with floating tulip bowls.   Even though the area is totally touristy and super busy, I still found it very beautiful and actually quite a cute place to hang out as it has a great vibe and lots of little food and coffee trucks if you are feeling a little peckish. And also some little independent stalls for shopping too      After a lovely morning at the Rijksmuseum, we then went to the Moko museum to see the laugh now (Banksy) exhibition. Compared with the Rijksmuseums it was a complete change of pace and something entirely different. I have to say it was honestly one of the best exhibitions iv seen in a long time, so thought provoking and interesting. A must if you are visiting Amsterdam   Belle
Xx After the best first day ever in Amsterdam flower shopping, we were ready for another day exploring the city of tulips and canals.     While we were putting together our itinerary for places to eat in Amsterdam, we came across Pluk. It’s one of those places that you cant miss while researching places to eat in Amsterdam, its totally insta famous   And for good reason. Pluk is this little cafe come shop in the 9 streets and serves fresh breakfast and lunches with a side of cuteness. Everything is not only gorgeous, but you can eat healthily here and not realise because it all tastes so good.   And for those (namely, me) who fancy something a little bit naughtier they have the most delicious freshly baked cakes!  Cappuccinos come with free love hearts and a baby stoopwafel! Thats me sold... Blue dress Here   Pluk is definitely worth a lunch or cake stop. Id be sure to stick it on your itinerary
Belle Xx
I can think of a million reasons why most people visit Amsterdam, but for me, if i'm being totally honest i'm only really in it for the tulips. Maybe a little bit for the bittenballen, but mostly the tulips.
The first thing we did when we arrived(after checking into our gorgeous hotel), was march right down to the flower market to find the biggest bunch of tulips I could lay my hands on.
In the spirit of honestly, for me... the flower market wasn't as flowery as I had hoped. Don't get wrong there were flowers. There were beautiful flowers! But I had visions of the scene in The Great Gatsby, where Leonardo DiCaprio is waiting of Carey Mulligan in the cottage! Do you see my vision? 
Anyway, I did find myself an outstanding bunch of gorgeous pink tulips. And i'm not going to lie, I would not put them down all day. I carried those tulips like they were a child... No shame. I actually think fresh flowers should be the new accessory...
Im not sure what the rest of the year is like in Amsterdam as this was my first visit but everywhere we went they had tulips planted en mass, in giant containers and they just looked incredible. Iv never really been a tulip girl, definitely more or a peony or rose girl, but for spring in Amsterdam a tulip is absolutely right.
After an amazing morning flower shopping we found a cafe (surrounded by tulips of course, as well as a great view of the canals) for my second life love... Coffee! And maybe a little bit of cake, which doesn't count as real food if a) its pretty b) you share it, right?
And then it was back on the hunt for cute architecture and flowers. Because after the tulips, and the bittenballen my next favourite things about Amsterdam are the amazing buildings and canals. Its so unique, and really gives Amsterdam something that cant be found anywhere else.
Unfortunately in life, there comes a point when you realise that yours is not the biggest bunch of tulips after all. I must aim higher next time!
If you really want to see the charm of Amsterdam sure to nose into alleyways and pop down back streets, you never know where you’ll find the best view.
Is there anything better than the man you love with a big bunch of flowers in his arms?
I'll have more for our trip to Amsterdam soon, so check back later this week if you'd like to see more!
Belle Xx 
When looking for somewhere to stay for our trip to Amsterdam I really wanted to find somewhere that felt like, well... Amsterdam.
And what is more Amsterdam than a loft style hotel?
On our last trip to Seville, we discovered a side of the city that we didn't know existed. That's one of the things that I really love about the city. There is always something new to see.
Just over the bridge (Puente de Isabel II, which is definitely something to see in its right ) there is a whole other side to Seville. We also found the cutest Mercado full of Tapas stalls so we decided to stop for some lunch. If you are new to Tapas, this is the best place to start as its has a great variety of different types to offer. 
Green maxi dress here
We were visiting the city for Semana Santos which has fast become one of my favourite Spanish festivals and it also a great time to visit Seville in general as the city is full of excitement. And i'm still amazed whenever a hooded Nazareno walks past (I explain more about this here)
We ran into some quite bad weather this year, which was quite the surprise as iv only ever really seen Seville with perfect blue sky's. However, the stormy backdrop made for some really beautiful shots of the city.
We chose a spot by the bridge, ready for one of the processions that crosses but as the storm clouds rolled in it was clear that the procession would be cancelled. In fairness, I don't think id like to be carrying a giant float during a thunder storm, but it was till a little disappointing.
So we made our way to the next procession, which I chose because the site of a giant float coming through the relative tiny doors of the church and proceeding through the little street is said to be truly a site to see.
We waited eagerly as the Nazarenos arrived for their procession. This in itself is really a spectacular site. Men, women and children of all ages take part in the processions, and their family's wait outside ready to catch a glimpse of their loved one. I'm told they can spot a member of their family a mile off despite the fact they are completely shrouded
But once again, they rain scuppered the plans again and after waiting around for at least an hour the procession was called off. I felt terrible for all of the people who had put in all of the work to plan and take part but as we all know, there is no controlling the weather.
Don't be too disappointed though, we saw lots last year and I wrote about them here Belle Xx
This week I picked up the Chanel Les Beiges Eau de Teint ready for summer. Im such a massive fan of the SOLEIL TAN DE CHANEL that I had to give this ago. Spending the majority of my time travelling abroad in hotter climates I was looking for a versatile product that could be worn alone for when the temperature rises or with foundation in the evening.
I found it to be super easy to use, just squeeze a amount onto the back of your hand and use the (super cute) brush provided to gently apply. You can used this all over the face, or just on specific areas. It gave me a healthy, lightweight glow which felt amazingly hydrating as well as blurring and smoothing my complexion.
Paired with a touch of concealer, lashings of mascara and a dab of lip balm all finished of with my beloved tan de soleil Chanel and I have an effortless but super summery and chic make up look for Summer.
I can tell already that this is going to be my absolute makeup bag hero this summer, i'm so glad I gave it a shot.
Do you have a go to summer make up look?
Belle Xx
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A travel, beauty and lifestyle blog with the occasional afternoon tea by Angelina BelleCategories
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