Friday Five

Happy first Friday of February! Can you believe the Super Bowl is this weekend and then we get a three-day weekend the following week!? All of this happy news is cause for celebration.

Let’s Friday Five!  1. Despite recently eating the most glorious salmon dish at Napa’s The Pear Southern Bistro (above), I know I need to reign in my post holiday eating. Sally makes getting my chocolate fix easy (and more healthy) with her skinny double chocolate chip muffins.

2. I know, I know. Will I ever shut up about the benefits of studying abroad? The answer is no. Check out how it can make you a better leader in your adult life.

3. And, big surprise!, cheese is an addicting drug. I’m just happy I have an excuse now..

4. Do any Francophiles have a strong opinion one way or the other on this potentially divisive idea? Having only been to Paris once, I’m still trying to figure out the arrondissements..

5. Loving the 10 Hottest Restaurants in Napa on Zagat! Only have 3 to go (after I get my holiday weight off, of course) to finish the list.

 

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Friday Five

Can you believe we’re a week into 2016? I can’t. I’d had many things left on my 2015 list that I didn’t have time to check off. Looks like they’re moving on over to the 2016 list. Ugh.

Anyway. Let’s Friday Five! 1. Have you heard of the “Dry January” trend and the science behind it? If you are, you’re not going to like my tasty recipe post early next week (hint above!). I’m attempting to willingly take a month off drinking this year, and after 7 full days in, and I’d really like a drink.

2. As a strong advocate for studying abroad, I think this is a refreshing take on traveling during times of unrest and terrorism, both international and domestic. While I was studying in Prague, I traveled to Istanbul during the weeks before the Arab Spring in 2010. I ended up falling madly in love with a beautiful city, filled with kind people, and an amazing culture. I wouldn’t change it for anything!

3. Hi, Whole Foods, you’re a little behind. I’ve been loving this “upcoming” trend for a while. Also, please don’t judge me because I’m from Napa Valley.

4. Is this taco tale true?! It must be, if it’s in People Magazine. But, seriously, fingers crossed.

5. Heading to Napa Valley with your pup in tow? Head to these dog-friendly wineries with tasty wines so your fur baby can join in on the fun!

 

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.

Memories of Prague: Oktoberfest

This Sunday marks the end of Oktoberfest 2012 in Munich. What a sad time for beer drinkers around the world. I’m sure the countdown for 2013’s Oktoberfest will begin Monday morning once the hangovers have subsided.

Okay, so the title of this is a bit of a misnomer. But here’s the technicality: I never would have gone to Oktoberfest in Munich, had I not been studying abroad.. Ergo, it’s a memory from a portion of my Prague trip. Following me still?

Sigh. Oktoberfest in Munich. Where to begin?

Memories of Prague: I Arrived

It’s crazy for me to think that two years ago August 27th, I was boarding a plane to the Czech Republic. Two years ago this week, I met some of the most amazing people who I am still lucky enough to call close friends, despite being geographically distant, who came from all over the world to embark on a study abroad adventure beginning in Prague. I was able to travel all over Europe with them and once we were back in our respective homelands, all over America with them.

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Sorry I didn’t post this last week; I was a busy lady! Not only was it the 4th of July, but Charise got married and I was the maid of honor! So up to Chico I went to help her with whatever last minute details she needed help with.

But back to something that you should might find exciting. I was finally craftier than usual: I made a present for Mel! She is moving from down undahh to the land of stars, stripes, and bald eagles this week and I wanted to bring her something to decorate her new house with. I’ll be bringing it to her when I visit and help her get acquainted with the greater Chicago area.