Amsterdam Trip & Beauty Shopping

About a month ago, I went to Amsterdam on a work trip and was able to spend sometime in the city by myself.  It was odd being in a city alone, despite having co-workers around. On one hand, I felt I should mingle, but on the other hand, I wanted to explore a city on my own.  I have never done that before, so this was a perfect chance for me to do so.

Being selfish about wanting to go to the shops I wanted to go to and see the museums that I wanted to go to, I ventured out by myself on a cold winters day.  Amsterdam was very easy to walk around. 

L-R: Canals, Rembrandt museum, view from my hotel windows, an amazing pastry I bought at a local stop one late night yum

, and artifacts that Rembrandt collected himself

My favourite part of Amsterdam happened to be the Rembrandt Museum.  The best part was the etching workshop that I did at the Rembrandt museum.  There was something very interesting and unique about doing etchings in the same place where he did his etchings. What a genius! Oh and the canals.  I know...so tourist-y, but that's what I was that day. I walked around eating from local shops.  I didn't get photos of the vintage shops that I went into, but there were so many.  Unfortunately, I thought the prices were too high for what they were so I ended up buying only some Dutch chocolates and a Koh Crystal Nail File.

I've heard so much about Koh nail polish and a few years ago I was obsessed about getting some (this was of course when I still lived in America).  When I went into Douglas, the Koh display was so dusty and not cleaned and it looked as cheap as some of the drugstore displays.  I didn't get any polishes.  They were beautiful, but it just wasn't worth the hefty price tag.

Crystal Nail File from Koh

Still very expensive at 27 euros, but I realised that it is something that I will use constantly that isn't a tacky souvenirs that every tourist gets.  The quality the crystal file is amazing.  It is heavy, and beautifully made; however, it makes an awful noise on my nails that reminds me of when someone runs their nails on a chalkboard.  The key is to file slowly and take your time.  For that reason, I give this a 7 out of 10.  I didn't realise that a crystal nail file would make that noise on my nails. If I would have known, I wouldn't have purchased this, but at least it's a beautiful item for me to have and use and will always remind me of my trip to Amsterdam.