Be Good To Yourself ...

What do you do to keep moving forward in life?

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Netherlands in Pictures

What better way to celebrate Mr. G's birthday than with a last minute trip to Amsterdam! He got a trip and was able to cross Amsterdam trip, off his bucket list. Here are some things we learned about the Netherlands in pictures.

We arrived on his actual birthday day ... and over an English breakfast, which is most popular here - he open a birthday card which our most thoughtful friends from Vermont, had mailed ahead of time to our home (for me to give to him upon our arrival in Amsterdam - his bday).

We stayed at the Barbizon Palace hotel  

across from Central Station. And it was a pleasure to stay at during our time in  exploring Amsterdam. Great staff, close to everything, good size rooms - and very clean.

The Canals....

A day trip to Keukenhof Gardens ... words cannot describe the beauty of this place... 

4.5 million bulb-flowers in 100 varieties... you can see more photos here.

Flower Markets ..... 

there were not as many as I had expected, but the ones we saw were amazing!

Food .... amazing... and from all corners of the world can be found here...

and a little wine too....

Amsterdam is most liberal and tolerant ... as a tour through the Red District and some of the museums shows

Ladies you don't get to see this everyday in Amsterdam ... this tourist may have been celebrating a little too much during the soccer games and decided to jump in the canal. He was smart enough to remove his clothing before jumping in ..lol

Bikes ... everywhere ... there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam....

RAIN!!! .... constantly ... we had 2 days of sunshine...

No matter where in the world you go ... there is always a little bit of home,

to comfort you on damp rainy days. 

Despite the rain the people are all so friendly, no matter where you go. We look forward to visiting again in the future.

If we were questioning our trip to Europe (Italy and Portugal) later this year, our keys had lots to say...

What are the chances of being given these 2 countries out of 25???

What are your travel plans for the summer?

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

30 minutes with a Cup of Tea ...week 2

Welcome to the second week of six in 30 minutes with a cup of tea series.

 Garden work ...

Doggie walks in the forest ...

Can leave you exhausted and your feet feeling like dirty doggie paws, 

after a walk through early morning dew... 

 After your shower ... all you want is to sit with a nice warm, soothing cup of tea...

While sitting enjoying that cup of tea, why not give your feet some extra TLC... with a FOOT BATH!

I'm not talking a pedicure ladies, I'm suggesting a relaxing foot soak. Some warm water, salts, to soak your feet. All you need to done is sit back and sip your tea. I love my foot bath, it has jets and the round thingy with the small bumps is great for rubbing the bottom of my feet over - a mini foot massage. Think a little reflexology (you might find your neck and back feel better after your foot soak too!)

After your foot soak (about 15 minutes), dry your feet and apply some moisturizing cream. Sometimes after applying the cream I like to put on a pair of socks which help to act as a wrap for the cream to penetrate better.

The teacup I'm using today, is a Kate Spade by Lenox , appropriately named Garden Party ( part of a set gifted to me from my sister). 

With it's generous size and garden motif it's perfect after a day of gardening.

Foot Bath Tips:

You don't need a fancy foot bath. For many years I used a simple plastic tub purchased from the Dollar store.

Adding some rounded pebbles to your foot bath, is a great way to get the added reflexology massage feature ~ Marbles also work great for rubbing the bottoms of your feet over.

A tip I learned from the fabulous ladies at Chi Chi Nails, where I go for my pedicures- is to add lemon and limes to your foot bath... instant refreshing for the feet.

And who said Chamomile tea is just for drinking? This recipe will have your tootsies feeling well cared for and refreshed. 

Chamomile Tea: 

4 bags chamomile tea
12 fresh mint leaves
4 drops Essential Oil of choice

Steep in 3 liters of hot water for 10 minutes before using in foot bath.

Do you enjoy foot baths regularly? 

When was the last time you pampered your feet?

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...


sharing this post with:   Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea ~ Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea time Tuesday ~ Artful Affirmations and Martha's favorites for Teacup Tuesday  Inspiration Tuesday ~  A Return to Loveliness Tuesday ~   Under the Table Dreaming for Sunday Showcase Party ~  Mosaic Monday