If someone were to tell me there was a place in the world where canals replaced most streets, where bicycles replaced most cars, and cheese shops replaced most restaurants, I wouldn't have believed you. I'd probably think you were describing a city in a fairy tale. That is, until, I visited Amsterdam. And just like in fairy tales, it was magical in every sense of the word.

It was a city where it was nearly impossible not to stop and kiss your loved one because–dang–the beauty was too much to bear so you had to close your eyes and melt into their arms because the moment? It had to be remembered.

We spent our mornings in cafes, our afternoons cycling through the city, and our nights overlooking the sparkling lights of dark canals. Our time in Amsterdam will be remembered with ferocity of fondness saved for only life's sweetest moments…it was–by and large–one of the coolest places we've ever visited.

These photos are a snippet of our memories and a reminder to believe in the possibility of fairy tales coming to life…

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with pouring rain and powerful gusts of wind…thankfully the storm eased up a bit and the sun even came out a couple of times during our stay…and the clouds made for stunning skies…

One thing JD and I often get asked is if we ever get frustrated being around each other so much. I mean, we live together, work together, eat together, sleep together, dream together…there's just a lot of togetherness. Sure, there are moments when my husband plants his head on his palm and asks the heavens, WHY AM I WITH THIS CRAZY WOMAN?!!? But for the most part we simply gel together. We give each other space, we sit in silence, we laugh more than we disagree…and we let each other indulge where we need. Case in point: this itty bitty restaurant called Gartine became a place I requested to eat every. single. day. It was some of the best food we've ever eaten (consisting only of a simple breakfast and lunch menu), so I begged JD to take me there at every chance. This photo was taken the day I realized the owners left for vacation and closed its doors for the remainder of our trip.
Basically, this is me being moody.

We spent our days cycling through Amsterdam, so when we came to a field of blooming flowers, JD suggested I sit in it because I couldn't be living the Dutch fantasy without relaxing in a field of dreams…

Every open surface is a place to store your bike…

Sometimes a view can leave you breathless…

Sometimes it was so cold we'd head back to our hotel to warm up and enjoy the view of the canal from its front windows. We'd enjoy libations and great conversations without the burden of coats, gloves, and scarves…

Just to be clear about something, I'm a California girl. Through and through. There's desert in my veins, so much so that when temps dip to the mid-60s in Orange County, I wear sweatshirts and Ugg boots. So you can just imagine the pain of walking in mid-40 temperatures…I quickly learned to walk around with hot mint tea and wear two jackets!

We stayed at a boutique hotel called The Andaz and enjoyed every last minute. Everyone made us feel at home and treated us like family! I don't know why I took a picture of our room…I guess I wanted to remember every last minute of this trip, fish and all.

I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday in Amsterdam and I was floored to unwrap a Pentax film camera as my gift. JD surprised me in such a way that it left me speechless…so incredibly thoughtful…

As part of my birthday celebration, JD chartered a boat to take us through the canals…it was a surprise of epic proportions and I cried for a full five minutes because of his sweet heart. He worked incredibly hard to ensure my day was special and I was blown away by his thoughtfulness. This is the face of a girl who's been crying…I mean, JUST LOOK AT MY PUFFY EYES! 🙂

Then we got the party started with crisp champagne on the canals…

…even the graffiti is pretty in Amsterdam!

This is me. On my birthday. With my best friend.

JD ordered a gluten free birthday cake from the hotel and he sang to me before I tore into the chocolate…

We spent the afternoon at the Rijksmuseum and explored the library together…for a nerdy bookworm, this was an epic birthday indulgence!

I'll end on this photo because this is what happens when you ask a stranger to use a professional camera. It's one of the few photos we have together and though it's blurry, it reminds me that doing life with someone you love isn't always perfect, but it's worth all the memories.

Happy Tuesday!