What Are You Doing on Christmas Eve…
Family gathering? A couple’s weekend getaway? Or simply just another day. What are you doing on Christmas Eve?
Family gathering? A couple’s weekend getaway? Or simply just another day. What are you doing on Christmas Eve?
The tricks and traits of filmmaking – is when a town location on camera is really more of multiple sites. Example: Hallmark’s Moriah’s Lighthouse – which caught my attention last night, while aiming to find a film I could actually escape from all things too real. Filming Locations (3). Ploumanac’h Lighthouse, Perros-Guirec, France (location). Hotel Castel Beau Site, Brittany, France (location). This is how I normally add destinations in my travel journal of places I need to see: First stop: the Lighthouse in Perros-Guirec, France The Boutique hotel: Castel Beau Site And finally a list of Beautiful Villages of France …where I plan to be immersed for a few months.
While plugging away at work, perched on a semi-comfortable office chair in my remote work space at home, my mind occasionally wanders off to very specific corners of the world where I suppose my subconscious wants to be instead… Dean Village – Edinburgh, Scotland. I stumbled upon this timeless spot a mile or so from the bustling downtown area of Edinburgh. I thought I was dreaming…it was so beautifully preserved. Bougainvillea adorned white washed pathways on Santorini Island, Greece A stroll along the French Riviera This… Switzerland… all of it I can spend days walking across the greenest of pastures I’ve ever seen Where do you miss the most?
Considering that traveling is part of my DNA, I had a difficult time functioning at the beginning of the lockdown. By June of 2020 I decided that day trips were the short term cure for my wanderlust. So every weekend, we set out to an outdoor destination, carefully planned of course, with masks and gloves and all things necessary to keep us protected and homemade lunch in tow. We spent the days mostly walking (like we do everywhere we travel), and taking photographs of places which we thought were the perfect reminder of our favorite destinations. We rediscovered bits of Europe throughout the wine region, an hour’s drive from San Francisco and spent our days reminiscing about our past travels. Although the wineries were closed, we stopped at every villa which reminded us of Italy, French Chateau style architecture housing the sparkling wine, and even the Spanish Colonial and the German ones too, and snapped photos as if we were actually somewhere else. Some other days were spent in a park on a bench by …
I normally travel to Europe off season or end to a season or the beginning to a season. Meaning May or Mid September through October – not so much for the great fares and hotel rates, but rather for the quiet before and after the student travelers have passed through the continent. But this list of best places to travel in August can also carry through the end of October just fine, I know, I’ve been there: {featured image} Also this How To article had me smiling – my favorite: How To Sleep Like A Pope In Rome
Considering I live in bear country (California), I stay away from camping – in a tent or in locations where those furry beasts could easily tear down walls and doors to get to the jar of honey I felt necessary to bring to a campground. Gruesome I know – sorry. But I have a vivid imagination and believe everything I see in the movies – about bears that is. 😉 But I do love the outdoors, and often wish I could overcome my fears and experience ‘camp-likeness’ at least once in my lifetime. And maybe with this list, I may consider a few options – like…
Love is in the air – for desserts that is – and I am glad to report I found one with 46 easy Valentine’s Day Desserts to choose from and make the night before. So let’s just allow the photos to do the talking, shall we?
In line with this week’s theme – oh you know – Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share the most romantic places to visit in the U.S. – although these places are something to experience whenever you embark on a romantic long-weekend getaway (for the locals) or for those coming from abroad, and want a bit of adventure. Here’s my picks and for the rest you can go here: {Inspiration or source for this topic}
I saw this recipe a few weeks ago, and already knew the plans for Valentine’s Day or actually any other Sunday. I mean, this option is not only for those in love, but rather for anyone celebrating – their independence, to a perfect friendship and even a newly purchased home. Double chocolate champagne pancakes is the way to go, I say: Ingredients: 1 cup AP flour 1¾ tsp baking powder 1/3 cup sugar 4 tsp cocoa powder, sifted 1 tsp salt 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup milk 1 large egg 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp champagne. {more} {recipe and photo credit} Oh and yes for the mimosa champagne in lieu of coffee or a cup of green tea – plus more pink drinks here
I have a very deep-rooted connection to France – and in the past have very seriously considered relocating there – using the reason that I need to get to know family on my father’s side spread across the country. But really – it’s because I feel that I have lived a past life in Paris. Because, the moment I step out of the plane, I belong, in the most peculiar way. It could very well be that I have been there a million times over the years and I understand the geography – but I would like to think that it is truly because I am longing for that past life I am sure to have lived. How does this relate to the best bakeries in Paris? You ask. Well, if you’ve been, or are a fan of this fair city, you would know that the foundation of it all is based upon these facts: Fashion, Food (which includes chocolate, pastries and champagne), Decor, Art, and that je ne sais quoi culture, only some of …