Italy has always been one of those countries. You know, the kind that is on your list to visit “some day”. It’s somewhere between Russia, Ireland, and Switzerland, for me. I’d never really given much thought as to which cities I’d visit, or what I’d really want to see when I make it to Italy. After reading about Hayley’s experience in Pisa on her blog Life as a Butterfly, it’s turned into one of those countries I want to visit some day SOON, with Pisa as the star of the show. Pizza, pasta, and wine? Awesome views of an ancient city? I’d be one very, very happy girl. You’ll see what I mean when you peruse Hayley’s photos and adventures from her trip to Pisa, Italy.
My Very First Coachella
It’s been a little over three weeks since I experienced my first Coachella Valley Music Festival (just “Coachella” for you cool kids). Obvi, I survived and thankfully didn’t end up with any serious injuries. More than what I can say for at least one person in our campsite. I researched what to expect and what to pack quite diligently in an effort that I wouldn’t be totally unprepared. I’m proud to say that most of my preparation was useful, while what was not directly useful likely warded off any “if you don’t have it, you’ll need it” issues.
April Foodie Pen Pals
Ay, ay, ay! Coachella, Miami, and a work event over consecutive weekends makes for a very swamped Natalie! I swear I’ll get to posting about my aforementioned trips. But today, I write about food. I know, you’re shocked.
This month’s Food Pen Pals post is very baking-y. Go ahead, say that out loud: baking-y.
Melissa from Cupcake Friday Project is a magazine editor by day, but is slowly working on teaching herself all things pastry in the hopes of owning her own bakery cafe someday. Swoooooon! I could totally be a drop in chef at her bakery. Right? She also loves sending homemade gifts, and aside from baking, she makes her own jams. Can we be best friends?
Packing for the Unknown: Coachella
Yikes! Guys, tonight, I’m heading to SoCal for a little music and arts festival you may have heard of.. Coachella. Tonight. The planner in me is freaking. the. eff. out. I’ve never been! Did I pack enough? Are baby wipes really necessary? To mini backpack or to cross body bag? Ahhh so many decisions!
Receiving my tickets in the mail totally made my day!
I think that’s the scariest part of going somewhere new. I mean, yes, we’ve all read stories and seen pictures that attest to Coachella’s crazy, fabulous, innovative, and other awesome adjectives -ness. But, until one actually experiences it (or anywhere totally new), how the heck does one know what to prepare for?! How many clothes are too many? I revisit my earlier mini backpack vs. cross body bag question. And I’m bringing both, dammit.
Okay, I’ll take a breather from my massive mild panic attack– I mean, I did it for Chicago, I’m pretty sure I can handle Coachella. Right? Read the rest of this entry
March Foodie Pen Pals
Monday. Yuck. I may or may not need to devour one of those tasty peanut butter cupcakes with decadent chocolate peanut butter ganache in order to get this morning back on track. I do get a little happier and less Monday-ish when I think about the fact that today is:
- Opening Day for the San Francisco Giants, World Series Champs, I might add
- The first day of April and not in an April Fools’ sort of way
annnnd..
- Foodie Pen Pals reveal day!
This month’s Food Pen Pals post is all about two of my favorite things: Thai food and chocolate. Jazzy of Travel Jonez is obviously trying to woo me. I’m not quite sure why, or what she could possibly want in return, but here I am, indebted to her for sending me some of the most delicious things I could ask for.
Mavi Guesthouse
Hello, Thursday. I kinda like you. Mostly because tomorrow’s Friday. But, still, you’re alright. Yesterday, I participated in my first #TRAVEX chat on Twitter. Can anyone give me any good excuses as to why I’ve not taken part before? It was so cool reading everyone’s responses to questions with the theme “making the most of a trip”. Sigh. I need a trip asap. Coachella and Miami can’t come soon enough for this girl with a serious case of wanderlust at the moment.
It is so hard to believe that it’s been two and half years since Mel and I were in Istanbul. I don’t like that. Just thinking about it makes me want pack a backpack, say peace out to my responsibilities, and jet over to one of my favorite cities in the world (so far). Apparently, there is a down side to having a full-time job, adorable gatos, and other adult things. Gross.
Fit for a Princess: Castles in France
Happy Tuesday! I’ve got travel on the brain lately. Perhaps it’s due to following the romantic and the hubs’ round the world travels on The Lazy Travelers. Or maybe it’s because Leah keeps posting ridiculously awesome photos of Paris on her Insta. Sigh. I’m still counting down the months ’til Paris (nine, if you’re keeping track, too).
Back in May, a family friend, Carol, went to France with her husband. She had such a fabulous time traveling all over the country. I’ve been thinking about making a few day trips or weekend excursions to the areas outside of Paris (our home base during the trip), and gladly welcomed her advice for places in the Loire Valley. Even though my trip to The City of Light isn’t until December, I decided to try to quell my excessive day dreaming by writing about the top three castles Carol recommended I visit while in France.
