Barcelona

{admiring the tile work at Park Güell}

So you're going to Barcelona and you're not sure what to see or do. Not to worry, I'm going to break down the must-see spots in this beautiful, laid back, yet sophisticated city! To be honest, I really didn't know that much about the city before we got there so I was surprised to see how large and modern it is. We managed to squeeze in a lot in just two and a half days, and I already dream about the day I can return and indulge in some tapas while exploring more of the city's hidden gems. 

To see:

La Rambla- One of the main streets which is beautifully lined with trees, shops and vendors. I don't recommend eating at any of the restaurants on La Rambla, as we were advised they are mostly tourist traps. Walk down and enjoy the atmosphere and Spanish charm. 

La Sagrada Familia- It's even more grandiose and eccentric than I could have imagined. We bought tickets before we left Canada and avoided the dreadful hour+ wait in line. 

Casa Batlló, Casa Milà- We were short on time so had to pick between these two of Gaudí's  buildings, which are seriously pieces of art. I'm happy we chose Casa Batlló. It was beautiful - the wrought iron, the ceramics, the stained glass windows, there are so many elements of his designs that you can't help but be amazed by (scroll below to the "House of Bones" pictures and you'll see what I mean).  

Park Güell- Not only a park, but a garden and home to more of Gaudí's architectural wonders. I really would have loved to take a peak into this man's mind! It is a bit of a trek from the city centre but it's seriously worth it, and it offers a beautiful view of the city.

To eat:

La Flauta, Cerveceria Catalana- You must have a typical Spanish tapas dinner while in Barcelona, and these two restaurants were amazing! The tomato bread, the olives, the fried artichokes! YUM. Also- you have to eat dinner after 10 pm to get an authentic experience!  There are so many incredible options in this city, paella, tapas, churros; whatever you fancy! 

La Boqueria- Waking up and walking over to La Boqueria market for some fresh juice, fruit and nuts turned out to be my favourite activity! I'm so happy our hotel was situated a few minutes walking distance on La Rambla. The market is amazing. You must venture inside and take have a healthy snack... or some chocolates.  

Shop:

One word- Zara. You can't go to Barcelona and not step foot in one of the many Zara's around the city. You will also find great shopping areas on Passeig de Gracia and Avinguda Diagonal.

If you have more time, definitely check out Montjuïc and the Olympic stadium, Barceloneta Beach and El Barri Gotic (the gothic quarter). 

{fresh fruit at La Boqueria}

{climbing up the many stairs to reach Montjuïc}

{inside La Sagrada Familia}

{indulging in sweets at Chok}

{Casa Batlló}

{tapas at Cerveceria Catalana}

{exploring Park Güell}

Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Deciding to make these cookies was one of the best and worst decisions I have made in the kitchen. I am being completely honest when I say they have become my new favourite thing to bake and eat…ever! The combination of cake batter and cookie dough is a brilliant invention, and I must give all credit to Sally's Baking Addiction. I got sucked into the beautiful vortex that is Sally's blog, and let me tell you, it is dangerous! I want to make everything! But, what to know what is even more dangerous? Deciding to bring these cookies to a bon fire and coming up with the amazing idea to use them in place of graham crackers for s'mores. YEAH. Think about that one for a second. Jeeze, they are so chewy and cakey and are really the perfect cookie. Just go bake them already!! But first a few tips:

• Do not over look the dough chilling aspect of this recipe. I know it's tempting but it is necessary! I chilled my dough for 2 hours. 
• I tested out Sally's "tall cookie" trick and I was so surprised how thick they came out. When putting the cookie dough balls on a baking tray simply make the balls more tall instead of round (see picture below). 
• Also, 10 minutes and 30 seconds in the oven gave me the perfect, thick, lightly under baked, chewy, buttery, delicious cookie. 

Find the recipe here. 

The Keukenhof

Talk about tulip heaven! The Keukenhof gardens were absolutely stunning. Any kind of tulip you can think of, they were there, and in the most beautiful colour combinations. Our morning at The Keukenhof was grey and raining, like the majority of our time spent in Amsterdam, but the flowers were so bright and uplifting. We walked around under our little umbrella for hours taking them all in, and wishing we could bring home some bulbs to plant. The Keukenhof is much more than just a garden. It is home to a hedge maze, a mini farm, a windmill, trade shows, they offer boat tours and you can even rent bicycles to ride around the town of Lisse. We did climb to the top of the windmill to see the fields, that were more or less finished blooming, and fed some excitable swans. Plan accordingly if you wish to see The Keukenhof on your trip to Amsterdam, as it is only open for a few months a year (typically late March to mid May), and as it is in a neighbouring town, Lisse. They have many great transportation options, however the classic combi-bus requires you to get to the airport and transfer busses. It's around an hour trek but absolutely worth it! Here are a few snap shots of my favourite blooms (guess I'm a fan of the pink?).