travel Archives - Blushrougette

Singl-end Garnethill, best brunch in Glasgow | REVIEW

Around the World, Food and DrinkMay 28, 2019May 28, 2019 blushrougette

I’ve said it before but when it comes to brunch (or food in general for that matter), it’s absolutely no secret that this gal is a pretty big fan. After doing a bit of digging for the best brunch in Glasgow (where we recently stayed for a long weekend), we came across Singl-end and what was a serious calling of delicious vegetarian and vegan meals and freshly baked loaves – all under one roof! We wasted approximately zero minutes in heading to the Singl-end Garnethill and before we knew it, we had a table for two ready to give us the energy we needed for our little explore around the city.

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Winkel 43, the best Dutch apple pie in Amsterdam | REVIEW

Around the World, Food and DrinkMay 15, 2019May 20, 2019 blushrougette

Having not visited Amsterdam in over a year (I know, what was I thinking?), I was extremely excited to go back to one of my favourite cities in Europe for a quick weekend escape, especially in prime time spring. Although our main purpose was to finally see the vivid tulip fields at Keukeunhof, we couldn’t resist revisiting some of our favourite corners in the Dutch capital.

We’d heard loads of wonderful things about Winkel 43 and its delicious Dutch apple pie (appeltaart) on our first visit and it quickly began a favourite brunch spot of ours. Naturally when good food is involved, I didn’t even need to drag Sam into starting our day with some traditional Dutch pastries. Trust me, it’s hard not to go back once you try their homemade apple pie!

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Visiting Keukenhof, the world’s largest tulip garden

European Destinations, TravelMay 9, 2019 blushrougette

The arrival of spring in the Netherlands is made official by the bloom of hyacinths, daffodils and of course, the world-famous Dutch tulips. There’s something very charming and quaint about these vibrant flowers, and the pride the Dutch feel about them is hard to miss, especially in this time of the year. From wooden versions in souvenir shops and cellophane wrapped bouquets in supermarkets to postcards and their depiction on a multitude of renaissance paintings, it’s safe to say the once known as “tulip mania” is now a deeply rooted Dutch tradition.

My second visit to the Netherlands just over a week ago had a quick day trip to the tulip field filled countryside in store for us. Venturing a little further out of the city of Amsterdam, we finally made our way to Lisse to explore the most beautiful tulip garden in the world – Keukenhof! And honestly? I can’t believe it took us this long to get us out there.

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The 10 best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland | TRAVEL GUIDE

Travel, UK DestinationsApril 17, 2019May 6, 2019 blushrougette

When it comes to travel, one of my favourite things is familiarising myself with the trendiest spots, cultural musts and most exciting places to eat in whatever our next destination is. As someone who is constantly on the lookout for new places to add to my little travel book, I cannot bear lazying around and absolutely have to visit as many different spots as humanly possible. A control freak, I know.

There aren’t many cities that I fall head over heels for at first sight, but I have to admit Edinburgh won me over from the very beginning. Having never been to Scotland before, I was really excited to see bagpipers in person – something that had been on my travel bucket list for quite a while! Thankfully, they were far better than Ross’ bagpipe performance in Friends! That being said, how could I possibly not include a bunch of recommendations to make your time in the Scottish capital far more enjoyable? Shall we go ahead with my best things to do in Edinburgh?

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Conservatory Archives, Hackney – A trendy plant shop with a hidden treat

London, TravelApril 9, 2019May 8, 2019 blushrougette

If you know me well, you know I’m someone that’s pretty keen on the idea of shopping for plants, especially when this means adding personal touches to your home and making it feel more…homely. Adding a little somethin’ somethin’ to different spots of the house is always exciting and has an incredible effect on not only the decoration and feel of our little London flat, but on our everyday mood.

Our house is slowly starting to look like a jungle and most of our plants are now having little plant babies! I get a little extra excited when I notice them growing a little leaf, so imagine how happy and proud I feel when they’re creating babies of their own! Funnily enough, I feel like I’m now at a point in my life where I’m legitimately playing grown ups. Being the plant lady that I am and needing some extra pots, it was only a matter of time before Sam and I headed up to Lower Clapton, where a new Conservatory Archives plant shop had recently opened.

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Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens: Celebrate the Colour of Colombia

London, TravelFebruary 28, 2019March 3, 2019 blushrougette

The unexpected (but very much welcome) sunny weather in London last weekend had me truly wanting to soak up every beam of sunshine. I couldn’t have been happier to have clear blue skies and the regrettable coat choice weather well above the usual crisp degrees this time of the year. So obviously, we did what every Londoner does when the sun emerges from behind the clouds – pack up a picnic and invade the nearest park, or in our case, Kew Gardens (aka Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

Coincidentally, the annual Kew orchid festival was on, this time showcasing the world’s most biodiverse country and bursting with surprises in every corner. From February 9th to March 10th, wonderful colours fill the Princess of Wales Conservatory in celebration of Colombia’s remarkable biodiversity and vibrant culture, where orchids represent a key part of the ecosystems of this South American nation. Naturally, walking into the conservatory was arguably the easiest decision I had to make (especially when the entry is included in your pass!).

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Lily Vanilli, a dreamy bakery in London

Around London, Food and DrinkFebruary 20, 2019March 3, 2019 blushrougette

Tucked away in a little brick courtyard on Ezra Street, just off the hustle and bustle of Columbia Road, lies Lily Vanilli, one of the daintiest little bakery gems in town. This captivating little spot could easily go unnoticed if it wasn’t for the hundreds of recommendation lists it keeps on popping up on. This, of course, was more than enough to make me stop by after a busy Sunday morning battling the crowds on Columbia Road Flower Market in search of the perfect pot plant and seasonal blooms. Any excuse for a slice of cake and a cuppa…

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