We’re back from sunny Florida and I’m so grateful that we were able to discover Orlando in our Mazda CX-9. My family and I were able to drive around Orlando in our luxurious SUV in such a relaxed manner. Also did you know that this car is the largest, most spacious Mazda?! CX-9 makes a perfect couples getaway or a shuttle with the whole family aboard.
Hello muggles and greetings from sunny Florida! My family and I are currently geeking out on anything and everything Harry Potter! In case you didn’t know: We are die hard fans. Being at Universal Orlando Resort is such a dream come true for me and my boys! Seeing my oldest son being such a fan of Harry Potter himself (he actually wants to change his name to Harry!) fills my heart with so much joy!
Over the weekend my family and I spent a night at the Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront. We desperately needed a staycation. As a frequent reader of this blog you may know that we’re all about family time especially on the weekends. This being said when the opportunity came along to spend a night at the Wyndham’s Presidential Suite we knew that we couldn’t pass up on this amazing occasion. Chicago is not only our hometown but it truly holds a special place in our hearts.
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
Ernest Hemingway is right: Paris is a moveable feast, a feast for your eyes. Returning to Europe has been nothing but pure joy except for my jet lag. We arrived early Sunday morning Paris time and I must admit: We were dead beat. My son and I slept on and off until 1PM the next day. However, after 1PM I said to myself: “Enough sleep. We need to go out and explore!” The fact, that most places are within walking distance, is such a plus! Hence my son, Kingston and I (my husband had to work) ventured out to Notre Dame. We passed the “Lovers Bridge”, and Kingston and I decided to leave a love locket with our initials behind as well. It was a very sweet moment.
I took these pictures myself today, and believe or not, but I really enjoyed being behind the lens for once. Capturing the beauty of Paris is almost impossible but I tried my hardest. Even though I’m European and I grew up with all this history around me I am still mesmerized every time I’m surrounded by historical architecture, such as Notre Dame. My son was quite smitten as well. He asked a lot of questions which I was very happy to answer.
This being said: Travel, travel! There’s nothing more beautiful but to smell foreign air.
As always, thanks much for visiting & have a wonderful day!
Much love from Paris!
SHOP MY FAVORITE PARIS SOUVENIRS
EIFFEL TOWER | SCARF | PICTURE FRAME | BRACELET | TEE | BABY ONESIE
I love New Orleans, I really do. It very much reminds me of Europe. It is eloquent, peculiar and alluring. Its visible history fascinated me as I was strolling through the French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, which is the oldest and perhaps the best-known neighborhood in New Orleans.
My little family and I took our time as we were walking the streets of the French Quarter, really soaking in the beautiful scenery because there’s something to delight at every turn. My husband and I were often awestruck by the beauty of the city’s many historic, elegant and attractive houses. The city is so vibrant, so full of life and so colorful (and YOU and me know how much I love colorful walls!).
The New Orleans Botanical Garden at City Park is a must see for nature and garden lovers. It is surrounded by the nation’s largest live oak trees (my favorite trees), and has more than 2,000 varieties of plants that are native to New Orleans. Another New Orleans must is a walk though the Garden District. My hubs and I were an awe as we looked upon the best-preserved spans of historic Southern mansions. It was originally developed between 1832 and 1900, and it was just spectacular to look at these antebellum homes with those huge and amazing trees, flowers and foliage, and we quickly realized that the area’s name of ‘Garden District’ couldn’t have been more appropriate.
Below is a list of my favorite places to eat, enjoy!
1. Café Beignet: A charming cafe on Royal St that also serves the best beignets and lattes!
2. Café Amelie: If you are looking for a romantic place to eat – Café Amelie it is! The outdoor, courtyard seating is beyond beautiful, and the food is great too.
3. Cochon: The best sea food in NOLA. Cochon is a revelation, not for its ability to make Cajun food seem as au courant as Mediterranean , but because it does so without dressing the cuisine in fancy clothes.
Thanks so much for reading, and make sure to visit New Orleans sometime!
SHOP THE POST
TOP: Choies c/o | SHORTS: ROMWE | SUNGLASSES: Illesteva via Neiman Marcus | BRACELETS: What Would V Wear | SHOES: Target, (old, similar HERE
