Celebrating a 60th

As someone who's always had her birthday on a Bank Holiday (thankfully the date we celebrate Christmas doesn't vary year on year!), I've never really known what it is to spend a birthday in the flow of day to day routine. I've only ever had to work once on the 25th in my whole, entire life (unfortunately the big 21) but I know I've always thought myself lucky to be with friends and family and mark it as a day different from any other. 

And so it was a great deal of both relief and excitement that we brought in a very special birthday this Easter Weekend (no, not mine, I'm not that old yet), with plenty of time, food and fortunately sunshine to celebrate it with. As birthdays go in our family, we're all about chilled out rather than charged up, pyjama parties over ostentatious affairs - here's how we indulged Papa Bear on his special day.

1. Presents + balloons (you're never too old for balloons).

2. Birthday Brunch (also Easter Brunch No 3) - Spicy Red Pepper Frittata.

3. ...a very brief cessation before sitting down to a home-cooked full Indian thali.

4. There's got to be birthday cake. I know what you're thinking... how on EARTH did we have room? We can always accommodate ;) White chocolate & Peach Gateaux - recipe to follow.

5. Following a sloth fuelled seven star snooze, some games and a round of bowling (proud to admit I lost just one game).

6. And finally, early evening drinks at The Grove Mansion Lounges.

Ahhh, why do birthdays go by quickly? 

I'll be back with recipes and some reviews so stay tuned - 'til then, good luck beating those Tuesday Blues.

x

Back to Amsterdam

Based on the shortest city trip in the history of mankind, a WHOLE two-days in the city that is Amsterdam (yeah, so I definitely know what I'm talking about), here are MY recommendations for your first time there. Wishing you all a good week.
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1. The first, and most obvious recommendation would be a walk along the scenic canals. Criss-crossed by bridges, a grand total of 165 canals encircle the city and within the pockets of land that their eclectic network creates, you can find shops, galleries and innumerable cafes. We didn't have time for a tour - but hopefully next time?

2. It's important not to miss the chance of a sneaky peek at the Red Light District. As a tourist, you'll be nothing more than a voyeur - anyways there are always more people watching than participating with the District having the surreal atmosphere of a sexual theme park:- a sort of "Alton Towers" for consenting adults if you like.

3. Visiting one of the Amsterdam coffee shops is a truly unique travel experience. They all sell coffee but their primary income is derived from the sale of cannabis based products to either inhale or eat. Under International treaty provision, the Netherlands cannot legalise cannabis but in practice you can carry up to 5 grams of the drug without fear of prosecution.The first of the Amsterdam Coffee shops came into existence in the 70s and they have become an established and iconic feature of the city's famous tolerant and relaxed reputation.

4. Try. Amsterdam. Food.

5. My final suggestion (can’t say recommendation, I didn’t actually have time to do this) would be a nose around one of Amsterdam’s many museums. It’s a city steeped in history, culture and symbolism, for example the home of diarist Anne Frank. This is definitely a must on my list for next time.

xxx

See You The Other Side