london

Everyone keeps asking me, "How was your trip?  What was your favorite part?" 

Valid questions.  Hubby and I recently spent eight days in Europe - specifically London and Amsterdam.  An amazing trip.  It's been a little hard for me to articulate in blurb conversations what such a huge trip was like.  Small talk really doesn't do it justice.  Does small talk do anything justice? 

 I am not a big fan (and am terrible at) small talk.  

So - if you want a real answer, a good answer, a complete answer that is not interrupted by my two toddlers dragging me off to look at something or get them something or whisper "secrets" in my ear (Finola's latest thing) - then this post shall serve as an answer to that question that I've tried to answer since we got back...

I really did enjoy London.  Hubby says he loved it and even ranks it above NYC (which is pretty blasphemous if you ask me.) 

London is iconic.  Everything is super cool - because you've seen it in a million movies and read about it in countless novels (uh, particularly if you have a brit lit obsession.) 

It is cool on movies, and yes, it is very cool in real life.

We had three days there, and did as many quintessentially 'tourist' things as we could.

We left Detroit at 6pm, got to London at 6am, was a 6 hour flight.  (Yeah...uh, I was confused, too.)

So after barely getting three hours of sleep, we arrived at London-Heathrow Airport and had to get into "sightseeing mode" as our plan was to power through the entire day, and perhaps go to bed early to get on "London Time."

It was rough, but after getting some coffee I was ready to go!

We rode 'the tube' to Covent Garden, the area we were staying in.  Basically, the theater district.  It seemed right off the bat a great place to have our home base, as it was close to everything.  

me on the tube (underground - you know, 'mind the gap' and all) with my coffee

Then we went to grab some breakfast.  

Just so you know, British breakfast food a wee bit different than American.

"Overhard" translates to sunny side up, that's a grilled tomato, and yes, those are baked beans in the middle.  I gobbled most of this right up.   I was famished.

"Bacon" is grilled ham (really good!) A "stack of pancakes" comes with about 1 TB of maple syrup (a bit dry!)

The only time you'll see my hubby drinking tea. pinky up, of course!

Running on barely any sleep and a whole lotta caffeine.  The earl grey helped, slightly.

We dropped off our stuff and headed out to hop on a double-decker bus for the sight-seeing tour.  It was super cold and drizzly, but we managed some windy selfies and pics looking up at whatever we were driving past...

phone booth fun!

Paul then fell asleep on the bus.  I also wanted sleep.  We are clearly not hard-core.  So we went back to our hotel and napped sitting in chairs in the business lobby until our room was finally ready at 3pm.  Where we slept some more, and had much-needed showers. Then we went out for...wait for it...fish and chips!  Obviously.

The next day we set out to walk all about London with zero agenda.  That is my favorite kind of day on vacation - no rush or no schedule!  Random adventuring.

We went on foot all day -  through Trafalgar Square, shopping at Jubilee Market, peeking in Neal's Yard, passing through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace, strolling by the Thames, crossing London Bridge, checking out Big Ben again, and then finally, we rode the London Eye (huge ferris wheel with amazing views!)

eating a bratwurst at Jubilee

walking across the Thames - whhhhhhy don't we have a selfie stick (everyone else did!)

outside Buckingham Palace

of course there were pigeons.

Red Wing Shoes is everywhere! (my hometown)

totally geeked over the vibrantly colored shops all about London

lovely lime green door

Neal's Yard - just a colorful little corner of Covent Garden (aka hipster central!)

Neal's Yard

This would be pretty sweet if I were a huge monty python fan.  Or one at all.

stopped for a beer/foot rest at a random pub - drank my first 'Strongbow' - mmmm!  

Westminster Abbey - was a cool tour and I got to geek over the "Poet's Corner"

drinking beer before the "Eye" in the champagne lounge (I know, weirdo.)

our guide/bartender in 'the eye' 

That night we went out for a dinner at a nice steak place with a cool 'basement vibe.'  Food was apparently amazing, but after all my "day drinking" I was not feeling great.  After dinner we took had our first "rickshaw" experience...which felt fun on my queasy tummy!

The next day we toured Westminster, ran through Hyde Park, Paul went back to Neal's Yard and got a ma-ssage (said in Austin Power's voice) and I nursed my blisters from all the walking I did stacked heel boots.  Ouch.  Pretty sure we ordered pizza that night and watched a Bond movie in our room. Bliss.

Then, in the early morning we got up to Uber it to the train station.  I couldn't find any Platform 9 3/4 but I did read some Harry Potter on the way to Amsterdam!  (This trip was amazing for me in that I actually got to finish three-ish books...which would typically take me about a year in real life.)

On the train to Amsterdam! I figured if I was gonna be "obvious American" I had to go all out.

Amsterdam recap coming up next!

the beginnings of fall.

We usually think of spring as when everything begins again - the earth blossoms out of the deadness of winter.

However, I have always felt like spring is more of a prelude to the end of the year, to summer, an epilogue to whatever book was written that year. Fall is when you start fresh.

To that thought - a new school year has begun for Cormac! He is now in the "4's" class, which is basically "pre-pre-K," as one of my friends recently referred to it.  Yes, it is completely unnecessary (I skipped pre-K and did just fine, right?) but I think it is kinda fun to see him as a student and learning things outside of the realm of our everyday life together.

Due to Hubby and I recently being out of the country (post on that soon!) Cormac missed his first week of school.  Ugh. As someone who hates to feel behind in things this kinda bothered me a bit. After everyone reminded me that "it's just pre-school" and "he'll be fine" about a hundred times I let it go.  Our travel dates were non-negotiable, so I kinda had to.

We were able to attend his "Welcome Day" before we left and so I took "first day" pics that day.  I can't even believe how big he has gotten in just one year.  And mature.  Sometimes I think he has it more together than I do.  He seems to approach things fearlessly (uh, except water parks) and make these really intelligent, logical statements out of nowhere.  And he knows the order of the planets...which I am still pretty fuzzy on.  Doh.

On Welcome Day he walked straight up to the teacher and introduced himself.  "Hi, my name is Cormac Ford, and I am four."  Yes, you are, buddy.

They decided to start singing the ABC's together, so I had to take about a million pics...

We decided not to send Finola to 'school' this year, even though Cormac's school does have a two-year-old class that meets twice a week for a couple hours.  Though I briefly considered it, I suddenly got hit with the reality that I only had one year left with her not in school (well, if we send her to 3's) and it made me desperately want to cling to every moment I had with her at home.  Ya know, like she will be leaving for college tomorrow or something.  If you are a mama you know what I am talking about.

Something recently triggered in me the need to hold onto every moment, as though motherhood is whirling by and suddenly it will have slipped through my fingers.  I suddenly had a deep empathy for empty-nesters.  (Leaving your babies, whom you see every moment of every day, for nine days will do this to you, I think.  Despite all the freedom and fun that you have.)

Anyway, he starts officially school today, and I think we are all excited for what this year will bring!  He even started soccer yesterday.  Someone, please teach this non-team sports playing/watching mama to be a proper "Soccer Mom"!!!!!  I am clueless about the sport and hate yelling things in public.  (Thankfully Hubby is much better at all of this.)

Cheers to a year of learning new things and fresh starts - for all of us!

stitch fix : london fix

I can't believe only one year ago I started doing Stitch Fix.  Oh, how my closet has changed since then!  

I have been able to re-define what my personal style really is - and get rid of all the rest.  This was important for me to do, post pregnancies, when I really didn't understand my post-baby style/body.  I am still working on it, and having an online personal stylist at Stitch Fix has really helped me try different styles, and just pay more attention to fashion in general.  I didn't want to get (stay?) stuck in a style rut just because I mostly wear gym clothes and chase toddlers all day.

Besides helping me be a fashionable mama, it is just a lot of FUN!  

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet?  If not, you should.  You really, really should, because you just might find getting a package in the mail with five picks from your stylist as thrilling as I do!  You may not keep it all, but you may get some really fantastic pieces that you love and become staples in your wardrobe.  I know I have!

This Fix I was really wanting some neutral fall pieces that might be good for travel for our upcoming trip!  I gave a few suggestions on things I might want to see, and my stylist Hillary definitely sent pieces that were in line with my style and what I requested.  

Okay, onto the goods...

#1 Ridge Zipper Detail Cowl Neck Sweater (by RD Style)
#2 Huron Reversible Tote (by Street Level)

I wanted this ivory cowl-neck sweater to work so bad!  Check out those zippers on the wrists - adore that detail!  But something about the material made me cranky.  I kept having to try to work to get it to look right on me.  It was clingy and kinda bunched up weird and I didn't love the seam right down the front.  If I feel crabby wearing something for twenty minutes I knew it just wasn't meant to be. Sigh.  RETURN.

The bag was lovely leather, and reversible to a grayish tan, but the strap was too short, as I wanted a big tan cross-body bag for my trip.  Super cute burgundy color, though!  If I was a workin' girl (you know, at an office) I would have kept for sure.  But I need something more suitable for travel (and diapers.) Also a RETURN.

#3 : Myra Bootcut Jean (by Level 99)

sweater : Target (last year)

These jeans are just kinda, well, amaaaaazing.  Can I get an "amen" that flares and bootcut jeans are back in style???  All the curvy girls are like, "Praise Jesus!" At least I am.  I mentioned in my note to my stylist that I'd maybe like some flares or wide-leg denim or maybe a pair of soft gray skinnies...so I guess this was kind of a happy medium from my stylist, Hillary. (This is the 3rd time she has styled my Fix - love her!)  These jeans are super soft, stretchy, and flattering to the bum.  Perfect.  Now I just need to get some black pointy-toed pumps to wear with them this fall! KEPT!

jeans : Stitch Fix! 

This oatmeal jacket was unexpected style that was just okay for me.  I couldn't quite get the collar to lay right when it was buttoned...or unbuttoned.  It didn't blow my hair back in any way. while it is neutral and comfy (yay!) it was too boring for the price point. (sigh.) RETURN.

I love the color burgundy and flowy boho pieces so I thought this would be a keep.  It also has a really cute back detail that earned points with me.  But, like the cowl-neck, just something wasn't right about the fit.  I recently rid my wardrobe of anything I didn't adore; therefore, if I don't love it I cannot keep it.  So...RETURN.

I am a tad bummed there was only one keep, but LOVE the gray jeans + still had fun trying on the items with the rest of my wardrobe.  It is a good way to take another look at what you already have and make smart decisions about what you need to fill in "style gaps."    

Want to get your own Fix?

Click here to get started!  

I don't get anything from Stitch Fix for writing about my experiences, but if you are inspired by this post to sign up, then please use my link!  If you do, I get a referral credit of $25...which is pretty amazing when it happens.  You can refer and get this bonus, too!

Okay, so soon we will be heading to London and Amsterdam - crazy excited!

Neither Hubby or I have been to either city so it should be interesting.

You should see inside my suitcase, ya'll.

A whole lotta gray, black and olive!

Fall is here - hurrah!

my recent montana trip

I have always loved traveling solo.  It gives me time to think, write, dream, and plow through books at warp speed (compared to my nightly 'read one page and fall asleep' speed.)

Recently I ventured to Montana to visit my sister Heidi.  She is my older sister by five years, but many times people assume I am the older one.  Heidi, though thirty-something, with a figure that is tiny, despite birthing four beautiful children.  Besides that, she just looks youthful!  If you can't tell, I adore my sis.  Always have.  Even when we were little and I stole all her clothes and followed her and her friends around like a really annoying lost puppy.  She is just great.

So I flew out through Big Sky to see her and her fam.  I wanted some good quality time with all of them, and I feel like I got it over those four days.  Her kids are a lot of fun and that made it easier to be away from my own little blondies.

I cannot believe that Heidi has an (almost) ten-year-old. What?!?  Isabel is beautiful, and it is kinda crazy how much like me she is.  She likes a ton of the same things ( ie writing, art, drama), reads voraciously, questions everything, and total introvert.   She even has written four (probably more by now) chapters of her first novel.  I am blown away by Bel - her passion and how self-aware she is.

Her little bro Logan is pretty awesome, too.  ENERGY!  Loud and total boy, yet I was able to steal a few snuggles.  Greyson - the third of four kiddos, like me - loved talking to me about Transformers and his Hotwheels tracks and playing with me and the youngest, Selah, in the basement with all the lights off.  (That sounds creepy, but kids like to play weird games and I've learned through my own littles not to question the fun they like to have.)  Grey was a little shyer but nothing a little tickling, and subsequent shrieking, didn't fix.  As for Selah, she only two months younger than Finola, and is a tiny little peanut.  The sweetest thing, with a teeny high voice and a delicate way of walking -- but so much FUN!  She let me snuggle her quite a bit and reminded me of Fin in a lot of ways -- just full of smiles and life!

My sister and I got to have plenty of deep (and some not-so-deep) conversations over coffee at their kitchen table, at her gym, and out to dinner.  Her hubby joined in on a few, too!  I am in awe that they have been married sixteen years!  Oh, and she started dating him at sixteen...so Brian and I know each other pretty well.  I definitely gave him a lot of grief in our younger days.   Now that we are all adults I try to do that less.  :)

While I missed my own family over those four days, even more than expected, I know it was good for me to have uninterrupted time with my sis and her fam, whom I maybe see twice a year.

It is important to me, despite not having quantity of time, we have quality time.  (My love language!)

What a great four days for that.

Here are some moments from my visit...

introducing selah to selfies.

One of the three books I read during my trip.  This book truly is *life changing* - and a bit kooky.  But I've already gotten rid of five garbage bags of stuff, with lots more to go!

apple tree in the backyard.

sunset over flathead lake.  we try to hike in the mountains this time, but did a tiny hike and sat on some rocks to enjoy this view.

selah dancing at the backyard party we went to.  she looooved the band.

backyard bunnies.

the kids kept stealing chocolate covered almonds from the kitchen, and I found several on the blanket in my room. in light of the bunnies sometimes being invited in the house, I was a bit wary.

selah was excited for a postcard from uncle spence (my little bro)

her third child greyson.  kind of a loner.  I totally get it.  #thirdchildoffour

Heidi and I went out for a sister night out in whitefish, and this is where we went for dinner.  Casey's is significant only because it was featured on Sean's season of "The Bachelor."   We are nerds like that.  

one of the bunnies.  I can't remember any of their names.  bad auntie.

drank some delicious beer at this little spot.

finding the "montana light" for a pre-night out selfie.  I am still loving my short cut!

logan the daredevil on his mini four wheeler

Selah and her willingness to snuggle helped me not feel *as* sad about being away from my two babes.  the others I had to steal kisses and hugs from!

my sister made me amazingly delish and creative breakfasts.  this one I've already made several times, post-trip!

sunset over the mountains.  the mountains were always at least this close.

sun shining through the poplars in the backyard.

logan, with his dramatic loudness and hilarity, reminded me most of my kids. 

my sis and her youngest in a bouncy house.  oh, the things we do for our babes. 

the boys enjoy the inflatable slide at a picnic we went to one day.

auntie sandwich in the back of the minivan.

My sis and her hubby Brian on our "adult night out."  So fun!

Heid and I.  I wish we had taken more photos together!!!!  

Such a fun little trip.  I miss you already, sis!!!!  Thanks for being such a lovely host.  Hopefully next time we see each other the cousins will all be able to be there, too.  They are gonna have such a crazy, loud, amazing time together.