I am in Amsterdam this weekend (also, I am sterdam this weekend, as the city’s clever marketing job points out). The trip was kind of last minute; I’m here to attend an event Sunday night where our Dutch team presents our 2015 looks to their salon clients.

Since I just got the “go” this week, I didn’t have much time to plan, which kind of makes me crazy. But, I also know I can’t plan everything and sometimes it’s fun going to a new city and just letting things happen.

The hotel selection is crucial and I picked a bed and breakfast in the neighborhood of Jordaan.

The bed and breakfast is cute. My room has a Marilyn theme (ok, a bit odd) and when I arrived tonight, the owner showed me the table he had already set for breakfast tomorrow morning, along with the breads, teas, museli. Seemingly very Dutch.

From what I’ve read, the neighborhood of Jordaan used to be a working-class neighborhood, but has become one of the most upscale hoods of the city. I’m so excited to explore the little local stores tomorrow.

Other things on my list for the next couple of days:

• Find some almond butter, protein powder, good chocolate, good tea
• Van Gogh Museum. A must.
• Anne Frank house
• Bloemenmarkt – a flower market on houseboats! Two of my favorite things!
• Check out the hipster area of De Pijp

Excited to be back in the country of bikes, a really weird language (it’s like German turned upside down), and happy people.