Even though we didn’t really have a harsh winter this year in Holland, it felt like the only weather we’ve seen since October was a not so fun combo of gray & wet. So when the leaves started to turn green, the flowers started to bloom and the sun finally showed up (and stayed!) the only right thing to do was to scream from the top of my longs:
“Spring is here! Hallelujah!”
Like most – if not all – people I love spring. I love it so so much. It feels like everything is fresh and new. And shiny and bright. And happy. Everyone is so happy. What makes me love spring even more is that it coincides with my birthday, and even though I have the not so fancy 31 on the board as of this month, I’m embracing my age and are totally okay with it. Well fine, sort of okay. Okay-ish. I’ll get there. To continue the happy spring vibes I thought I’d share some of my favorite photos I took in the spirit of spring. Spread the love and share the vibe!
Girls Trip
A few weeks ago I went on a lovely girls getaway weekend with my old rowing crew (#dames08rules) to the West Midlands in the UK where one of the girls currently lives. She had planned the perfect British weekend for us including an afternoon tea session, a boat trip on the Birmingham canals, hiking amidst glorious hills in the Peak District National Park, a murder mystery game (yup, that’s right) and obviously a night out on the town.
It was so much fun to spent three days together laughing and eating like crazy. I highly recommend going on a girls trip at least once a year. The fun and laughter is seriously so good for your soul (and abs!).
Blooms
Nothing says “SPRING” like fresh flowers and flower fields. I think spring is the only time of the year that I actually feel privileged to take the train to work because halfway between Amsterdam and The Hague you will cross the famous Dutch flower fields that attract visitors from all over the world. It is simply magical. We decided to indulge in the amazing colors and smells and get our floral fix at the Keukenhof, the world renowned flower garden and exhibition. We both hadn’t been there since we were little kiddos, and I have to admit it was pretty damn rad. Yes, it is peak season now, so you’ll have to find your way between many – oh so many – tourist groups with selfie sticks and iPads (sometimes even an iPad ón a selfiestick – for real) but it’s definitely worth it.
And if you can’t find the time to sneak in a trip to the Keukenhof you can always drive past the enormous flower fields near Lisse, Hillegom and Noordwijk. I mean, how gorgeous is this?! And also: 20 tulips for €2! Fresh from the field! I kid you not.
Lunch Walks
Even though I have been trying (really!) to be more active during the day to break the unhealthy habit of an office job, I still struggle to make time for a walk during my lunch break. But ever since we have an office dog it has become much easier for me to find an excuse to get outside more often. Especially on crisp and sunny days I love taking the dog out for a short walk in the park only a block away from the office to soak in some vitamin D and fresh air. Bonus: the dog and I are now serious pals ánd I have a new career possibility as a dog walker should I ever wish to shake things up a bit :).
Brunch
I heart brunch. I heart brunch so much. Especially when there’s cocktails involved. And Michelin level cuisine. And the best company. Oh, and gorgeous surroundings. We ticked all those boxes when we went for Easter brunch at Roomservice at Olof’s – currently the hottest pop-up restaurant in Amsterdam. It is housed in the city’s oldest chapel (hence gorgeous surroundings) and Michelin star chef Chris Naylor is cooking up the best dishes here, with veggies as the showstoppers. We’ve had dinner here on the opening weekend in January and couldn’t wait to get back here for brunch with our best friends. Did I tell you there were Bloody Mary’s involved? And Espresso Martini’s? And Earl Grey Martini’s? Yup. Earl Grey Martini’s are my new jam. So this Easter Brunch started at 1pm and kinda got outta control real quick because I think it was around 9pm that we rolled back home… Aren’t those the best days ever?! Like I said. I heart brunch. So very much.
Roomservice at Olof’s is open for business till April 30th so if you haven’t already been there: go make a reservation ASAP.
This weekend it’s all about trip planning since our next adventure will commence in a few weeks. First a few days of family fun in the Southern California sun where we – and my sis and little nephew – will be visiting my bro and his wife in San Diego. And then we’re off on yet another road trip: through the wonderful nature of West Canada. Tips are welcome! Have a happy spring weekend everybody!
