We just got back from a long weekend in Amsterdam, which was so Christmas-y and charming with the canals and bikes and crooked houses. The weekend alternated from amazing food and wine to finding fresh juice to balance out the bad {but so good}. We stumbled across the cutest Christmas market where I bought that marble and wood cheese board that I probably should give as a Christmas gift but I love it so much!
A few weekends ago we drove to Lille, France for a long weekend {it’s still so crazy to me that we live in a place where we can drive to France}. Lille is so gorgeous and sort of a smaller, super friendly version of Paris. The shops, food, wine, cheese, pastries, are all incredible and we even stumbled across the cutest cafe with two French guys singing the Louisiana blues {talk about niche}.
In true French fashion, many of the shops and restaurants were closed {many of them close or have very limited hours during the summer months}, but it wasn’t hard to find a good croissant and cup of coffee or glass of wine. We didn’t plan anything and just wandered around getting lost and discovering little corners of Lille. I also loved the people-watching! Everyone looks so effortlessly chic in France – no one wears distinguishable designers or labels, it’s all very tailored and good quality without being flashy and over the top.
If you ever get the change to go to Lille, go! Friendly people, good food, good shopping, and an easy holiday where you don’t have to plan too much because the whole city is gorgeous. Can’t wait to go back!
I’m finally getting around to sorting through my pictures from Istanbul – it was such a fun trip and it felt so surreal to be there. The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar are must-sees (was so fun to shop for kilim rugs in the bazaar!) and we also loved the Ministry of Coffee in between all of our touristy stops. Istanbul is such a fascinating city –hope you enjoy our snaps!
P.S. A few of you have asked me for hotel recemmendations when we travel. We always use Mr. & Mrs. Smith and have been impressed each time. Highly recommend it!
I’m finally getting around to sorting and sharing pictures from my trip to Venice in August. I got to go for work (!) and it was the best experience. Even though it was just for the weekend, I managed to see quite a bit of the city, and get the full Venitian experience at the Vanity Fair Venice Film Festival Party (talk about work perks!) A water taxi came to pick us up for the party, we got in wearing our long dresses and tuxes, and the boat carried us along the lit canal. I felt like I was in a James Bond film – it was the most glamorous experience! I have been thinking about Venice and Italy non-stop since I left — I can’t wait to go back.
Wow, it’s been ages since I’ve blogged! I really did not mean to be gone for so long and had every intent to schedule posts and work on my blog while we were away on vacation. We just got back from an amazing trip to Michigan and Chicago for a wedding and to see some very good friends and family. We only get back to the U.S. a few times a year and it was so nice to unplug; we spent every moment with people that we love that we wish we could see more often. I didn’t open up my computer screen once and it honestly was just the break that I needed. It’s always bittersweet to return back to London, but we’re excited about getting back into our routine and enjoying the home we’ve created here. Here are some pictures, snapped on my iPhone, from the trip. I hope you enjoy! xo
