Your 3 day weekend guide to Palm Springs →

Palm Springs has always been a go-to destination for me. With the help of Coachella and Kris Jenner’s weekend home there, it has redefined itself as not only for snowbirds and golfers but an ideal weekend for lovers, pals or a family vacation (a pool in the backyard is never a bad idea).

Why I love Palm Springs; it is a quick 2.5 hour flight from Vancouver (or usually has a direct flight from most major cities), can be visited year round (depending how how much heat you like), offers a plethora of restaurant choices, great accommodations and could be walked or cruised through on a bike.

This last trip was birthday motivated and I knew I wanted to eat and drink well, soak up plenty of pool time and take in a show (more on that later). I challenged myself to go to all new places, an old soul needs to get out of her comfort zone from time to time. Naturally I turned to my go-to eater.com for inspiration as a starting point. It ended up being a great weekend in the heart of Palm Springs with no rental car necessary and a light enough itinerary to enjoy a siesta and a few games of ping pong.

Where to stay:

We went to a boutique hotel for this trip and stayed at the Avalon Hotel and couldn’t be more impressed. Only an 8 minute drive from the airport and you were welcomed by bright yellow doors into a mid modern space and the most helpful staff. We were greeted with a glass of bubs and happy birthday from the manager who was genuinely excited we were spending our celebrations with them. The multiple pools, complimentary cruiser bikes, poolside restaurant (Chi Chi), room views and central location made it the perfect place to spend the weekend.

Where to eat:

A 3 day weekend means you don’t have the luxury of wasting a bad meal - I’m usually a fan of the brunch and dinner only sprinkled in with poolside snacks and a happy hour to tide you over. Excited to share my new go to spots in Palm Springs (but still appreciate the OG’s from this post a few years ago).

Del Rey : a sexy spot with small tables and small plates. Nestled in the Villa Royale hotel you find this tapas bar past the pool behind a few unsuspecting doors and are met with low lighting and iconic art from past patrons (think Marilyn, Dean, Frank and Lauren (Bacall not me)). Ask what the specials are but don’t miss out on the steak, cauliflower and beet salad.

King’s Highway Diner: found in the ever trendy Ace hotel, you are transported back with the retro aesthetic almost feeling like the diner in Pulp Fiction. The portions are hearty and offers an all day menu so you don’t need to worry about an early wake up call to get your breakfast burrito fix. Fun fact: tater tots in burritos are thing in Palm Springs and we weren’t mad about it.

Workshop Kitchen + Bar: i loved this restaurant. A juxtaposition to the rest of Palm Springs mid modern vibe; in this space you walk into a concrete forward space with industrial lighting and a long shared table. The staff is outstanding and truly love what they do. There wasn’t a dish we didn’t like but a few standouts were: the melon & burrata salad, duck fried rice, goat cheese pierogi and the steak. Go here!

1501 Uptown Gastropub: found a bit outside of downtown, this spot was ideal for Sunday brunch and a hair of the dog. Ranked as a diner’s choice, I would describe this place as solid and consistent (she says after going there once). Something for everyone and a cute outdoor space.

Melyvn’s: located in the Avalon’s sister hotel, the Ingleside Inn, Melyvn’s offers both bar and restaurant dining that will suit whatever you’re looking for. We opted for the bar to enjoy the live music and ambiance. You could wear a black revenge dress or a baseball hat here and not feel out of place - definitely my vibe. Order a dirty martini and the burger.

Where to go for the best night out:

More Kardashian inspiration, I was influenced by a recent trip they took to Toucans Tiki Lounge & Cabaret where it looked like it might have been the greatest night of their lives. Tickets are cheap and cheerful and there are no shortages of $1 bills at the bar. I’d recommend booking a reservation in advance to secure the best seating (aka the splash zone). We lucked out the night we went as it was Disney Drag and the energy Cruella, Ariel and the rest of the cast brought had you throwing up dollar bills like you just didn’t care. The light roasting of the crowd kept the audience in constant laughter and even included photo ops after the show. It was my first time here but will be added to the roster of must do places to visit when I go back to Palm Springs.

Needless to say, trying all new places to stay, eat and do paid off. I had the best weekend with the girls and hope I’ve inspired you to try some new places or experiences.

Would love to know if I’ve missed any of your favourite spots?! Leave me a comment, I’ll do the hard leg work and go back to research.

Until next time,

xx

LC

A London To Do List: After you've done the tourist stuff.

When I think about London, this quote by Samuel Johnson pops into my head:

“…when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

I couldn’t agree more. Another London local, Paddington Bear also says: “In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in.” Which is another favourite quality I feel about this city - just look around the tube and you’ll see all walks of life from the suit, backpacker, student or dame.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting London a few times and even had a working visa there in 2014, which allowed me to really immerse myself in the city and get a sense of life as a local. It’d been 5 years since I was there and I  couldn’t wait to get back to a city that feels like another home, embrace a no-plan plan and not be obligated to do all the tourist stuff (been there, done that). I mean, if Liz asked me to pop by for tea, I definitely would.

I know it’s cliche of all of my city guides but I have to start with the food. It’s one of my favourite things to check out in a new place and London has no shortage of restaurants to choose from. I also think that because London is a melting pot of all ethnicity the cuisine is a smorgasbord of different cultures and is always changing. I’ve also come to the conclusion that while in some cities to be a successful restaurant means you have one location tallied with reservations and line ups, in London, if you’re able to open a second or third or SEVENTH location, that means you’ve really made it.

The Food

Dishoom: Reading how Dishoom came to be in 7 locations, it was interesting to understand that it started with the idea of honouring the concept of Irani Cafes of Bombay. In the 1960s there were over 400 and less than 30 remain today. With a focus of bringing people together over food and drink regardless of their background is evident from its warm environment, delicious food meant to be shared and sampled, and authenticity. I’ll definitely need to go back to try more dishes but some favourites that stood out were: Black Daal, Chicken Tikka and Okra Fries.

Andina: Pervuian heaven! Another gem found in the Shoreditch hood that offered up an intimate space good for groups or sitting at the kitchen bar. You definitely need to try the signature pisco sour as well as the ceviche which I’d say it’s most known for. Other must orders were the chicken wings and corn bread. Expect a line up if you’re choosing to walk in, we waited about 45 minutes at 9pm, but worth it! You can grab a dirty martini at the Ace Hotel lobby bar while you wait.

Granger: When I lived in London I actually lived across the street from the Granger in Notting Hill and it was ALWAYS lined up. Didn’t matter if it was Tuesday at 2pm or peak Sunday brunch hour. I was curious to see if the hype had stood the test of time 5 years later and it did. Still lined up almost a block long for Saturday brunch, but the service is excellent and the Nottinghill people watching is enough to pass the time. The burger is epic and a must order, and their brunch has a great menu satisfying the lovers of porridge (me!) to a more traditional English breaky. GO HERE.

Blanchette: With locations found in Shoreditch and Soho, it makes for a perfect spot to indulge in fine French cuisine for brunch, a boozy lunch or before the theatre. When you walk in you’re immediately taken to a French countryside bistro of exposed brick, cozy booths, decades of random knick knacks on the walls and a dripping candle or two. The happy hour offered a great selection of french cheese (obviously) and the service was fantastic - she basically just told us what to order and recommended the monk fish which was a nice light contrast to all the meat and cheese. Adorable spot - will be coming back for brunch for sure!

The Bell & Crown: I’m not sure you can even say you’ve experienced London unless you’ve been to Sunday Roast…in my mind it’s an every Sunday sort of thing that you gather at your local pub (where everybody actually knows your name {insert Cheers line here}) and you be merry and boozy all afternoon. To contrary belief, I have it on accord from the Canadian locals living in London that it’s more of an occasional thing, catch up with old mates or show a visitor how yorkshire pudding is really made. This particular location was a bit of a haul outside the city (but was an invite from true Londoners so happy to make the trek!) - it was SO cute and had river front views. Perfect way to fill an afternoon and be in bed by 8pm.

Sketch: Oh man, anyone who played tea party growing up would fall in love with this place - even if you didn’t, the pink room sucks you in with its violins in the corner, petit fours, a caviar man in a top hat and a bathroom that is likely used more for photo ops than function. I’d heard of this place from a few bloggers I follow and knew I needed to experience this first hand. So naturally, I put on my best beret and had tea with my bestie. It doesn’t get more British than that! Granted it’s a bit of an indulgence, I’d say that the amount of food you got was worth it, not to mention the service and ambiance. Go for it, have your tea and drink it too. They also offer different rooms for dinner and drinks that look nothing short of a page out of Alice in Wonderland. I’d recommend making a reservation though as it’s quite busy!

The Bell & Crown

The Hoods

Shoreditch: Our Air BnB was in the heart of Shoreditch just a block down from the Ace Hotel. My friend actually worked at the Ace Hotel so we already had a baseline that this was an area we wanted to be in. I’d definitely recommend checking out the hotel if even for a coffee or drink in the lobby bar. To keep with all Ace Hotel themes, you’ll find an impressive collection of records and a photo booth to bring you back to your pre-teen days at the mall. The area is also crawling with the best vintage shopping around and the art of Banksy down random alleys and buildings. You could explore this neighbourhood on foot and find any vintage band shirt you’d want, an avacado smoothie or a spin class; something for everyone. It’s also a 10 minute walk to Liverpool street station and kind of follows the rule of 20 minutes to almost any neighbourhood you need to go to.

Notting Hill: I mean I won’t beat a dead horse on this one but it’s just so classic London to me. The architecture, the market, the colours, the fashion. It fills my cup of tea (see what I did there?). Not much had changed since we lived there and we actually were there on a Saturday to see Portobello Road in its prime form.

Hyde Park: I used to run in Hyde Park every day when I lived near there, I’m not even much of a runner but there was something that actually made me enjoy the exercise. The huge pathways made way for bikes, scooters, runners, families, random saxophone players and wildlife. With London being a metropolis of vast grand buildings, there’s something to be said about 350 acres of land in the heart of the city for people to enjoy. Take a book, bring a picnic, feed the ducks or take a paddle in the pond. One of my favourite places.

Kings Cross: This was one area that had really changed since I was last there. I mean, it still is home to the 9 and 3/4 platform to take you to Hogwarts, but its now gained a shopping area called Coal Drops Yard. It’s a perfect mix of food, coffee and shops in a spacious area that even has teeter totters in the middle! It was fun to wander through and be introduced to independent local shops like Bonds (another recommendation from a local!). The store made me almost want to purchase a checked bag to take home all the things but settled on the Earl of East candles that smell unbelievable.

The Shopping, The Culture and In Between

V&A Mueseum: I learnt there was a  Christian Dior exhibit on and was so excited to check it out but it was sold out. Sigh, will be back. Goes to show the no-plan plan doesn’t always work. We still checked out a Fashion exhibition that showcased the evolution from the 1800s. There were A LOT of corsets but still interesting to see how the classic pieces remain relevant and current today.

The National Portrait Gallery: My favourite! I’m sure for many. What can I say - I love a good story and every face paints its own. You will find everything from the Dames, Sirs, Jagger and Winehouse. A great pit stop before you catch a show or comedy act in the theatre district.

So now that you know where to eat, drink, and get some culture - there is the question of nightlife (after all the eating). I’m not cool enough to know the night scene, so we were grateful enough to be hanging with locals who suggested a place called ‘The Piano Works’. I knew this was the place for me when I heard Prince being tickled on the ivories.  The venue is all live music where the song choice is completely decided by its audience. So naturally you could have a mix of random garbage or everything from Spice Girls, Bowie, Tom Jones and Kendrick Lamar. Expect a line up if you don’t have a guest list, but I promise you won’t be disappointed.

As you can see, London will always be calling for me - would love to know your favourite places about this magical city!

xx

LC

A Time In Turin; the Paris of Italy

When my client said their office was in Turin, Italy and that they’d need me to come onsite, I smiled and nodded in the video conference and immediately had to look up where this place was! It sounded familiar and the reason being was the Winter Olympics were hosted there in 2006 before Vancouver - IT WAS ALL COMING TOGETHER. Not really but upon further research I found this place is the capital of Piedmont: famous for its cuisine, architecture and some neighbouring delicious wine regions (Barolo and Barbaresco to name a few.) I have loved all the other places I’ve traveled in Italy so I was excited to knock another place off my list and see what really made this place Paris-like.

The office we were visiting was outside of the city center which required a car rental, which meant I got to drive in Europe and the void in my life of driving stick would be filled - what can I say, put me behind a wheel in the small side streets in Europe and I turn into Jason Bourne. In all honestly though, I drive aggressive and fast (I’m told) but I quickly learned the way to get by driving in Italy is being confident and to only loosely follow the street signs.

I wanted to be in the city so we could enjoy our non working hours as much as possible - we stayed in an adorable Air BnB central to great restaurants, a market across the street and short jaunt to the nearest river and row of bridges - it’s Europe after all, that’s a staple in every city.

What we did

Arriving on Sundays in Europe is always good and bad - primarily because very little is open. But we made sure to have a plan to fight the jet leg when we arrived and that was the The National Museum of Cinema. I immediately fell in love. It’s housed inside the Mole Antonelliana tower - a famous landmark Turin is known for (so checking two things off the list!). The museum was started in 2008 and has quickly become one of the most popular museums in Turin. It showcases the history and evolution of film through cinematographic devices, light boxes, movie posters, artwork, film reels and movie books. In the center there are loungers you can watch movies on a big screen (Breakfast at Tiffany’s was playing - for me, I imagine) and walk the circumference of 5 levels looking at film from movies, to music videos to live concerts and short films. My love of film made this such a special memory - I’d highly recommend it!

We also visited the Museo Egizio which interestingly enough is the oldest museum that is devoted entirely to ancient Egyptian culture. Found in the city center, it was probably one of the most beautiful museums I’ve ever been to. There is A LOT to get through, not Louvre level but we opted for the 1.5 self guided tour and I felt it captured just the right amount of history in between my coffee stops. The level of detail that went into the design of the tombs was incredible; we learned how the tombs were buried with food, wine and water to help them through their travels into the after life. I would definitely visit again given the opportunity.

Turin is also home to a plethora of piazzos. A piazza: defined as a central plaza or marketplace and most commonly found in small Italian towns. I dragged my colleague to the Piazzo San Carlo which was 30 minutes in the wrong direction we were going, while also ruining a new pair of heels - stilettos are not friendly to the cobblestone streets. Regardless, we both appreciated the illuminated piazzo that was filled with surrounding shops (30% gelato), kids running around and a few photo ops. 

Where we ate

Eataly (derived from the words EAT and ITALY): Our Air BnB hosts recommendation, I was surprised to learn you can find Eataly’s all over the world including New York, Boston, LA, Chicago etc. Eataly started with the idea of one place for people to eat, shop and learn about delicious food. You could pick out your food fresh to be cooked and then wander the store sampling all the cheese, cannelloni, and then visit the wine cellar to get a bit tipsy.

Laleo: A great option for brunch on the weekends but we enjoyed a lovely lunch on their patio. Found in a quiet neighbourhood with surrounding businesses, but you can immediately tell it’s a local favourite and the food is prepared from scratch with love. The women walked us through the menu making recommendations and genuinely wanted us to enjoy the meal - we went with a few items but the stand out choice was definitely the “Golden One” which was kind of like a rissotto rice ball? That’s probably butchering the description but just order it.

Il Camaleonte Piola: Another small, warm and welcoming spot with a limited Italian menu featuring only what’s fresh for the season. The anti pasto misto as a starter was delicious and I couldn’t tell you the rest of what we ordered because we were told what ‘Nonna’ had made that day and trusted our server to deliver - probably some of the freshest pasta I’ve ever eaten. (Note: these small hole in the wall places typically only take cash so be prepared!).

Other notable food restaurants to try is Tre Galline: almost every blog mentioned this place and my plan of rolling in with no reservation did not get us anywhere. Book ahead! I’ll be back.

THE COFFEE

Caffe Al Bicerin: Last but certainly not least is this cafe. It is an integral part of Turin’s history and has been around for 256 years - YES, 256 YEARS. Known for their large selection of chocolates, coffees and the infamous Bicerin drink which is served in a tall glass made up of coffee, chocolate, milk and syrup (see photo below). This cafe can be found across from the Sanctuary of the Consolata which meant that Al Bicerin was the place to be after church let out. Another fun fact I learned about this cafe was that while it was owned by a man it was actually managed by women during a time when cafes were intended to be exclusive for men and not “suitable” for women. Under this female leadership it allowed for women to feel comfortable and safe which is admirable, not to mention the ladies of Al Bicerin were known in the community for caring for homeless - pretty bad ass women if you as me. We couldn’t take the coffee home but we took all the biscotti.

The Views

Santa Maria del Monte: One of the most famous spots in Turin to get a great view of the Mole Antonelliana and mountains on a clear day. You’re able to drive up to this look out (I’d recommend strong skills in navigating first gear in a car at a steep incline), otherwise you can walk up. You can walk through the church as well as admire the statua della madonna over looking the city.

While we didn’t see all the things Turin (Torino to the locals), it still spoke to my soul as most European cities do. It’s quiet but still has a genuine energy to it - markets filled with locals and few tourists, buildings thousands of years old still cared for like new and businesses run with the integrity of the generations before they could have inherited from their family.

I’ll be back Turin, and I think maybe, just like Paris - you will always be a good idea.

Where is your favourite place to travel in Italy? I don’t think I’ll ever tire of that country!

xx

LC

VANCITY VIRTUAL POTLUCK: Coconut Chicken Curry

OK, so you know when people find out you play an instrument and they expect you to pick up and jam and show off your skills? Well, I play the piano and cannot do that. I need sheet music and time to practice before I unveil my mediocore skills. I'm the same with cooking: I need guidelines, measurements and preferably a picture to know what the end result will look like (hopefully). However, I LOVE cooking and hosting and trying out new recipes! I like to challenge my skills and learn new techniques. 

I was so excited to be invited to participate in Piquant Marketing's Vancity Virtual Potluck (read all the details here!) I'd never heard of the concept before but it aligned perfectly with my culinary aspirations while connecting with other talented bloggers. BONUS: You learn a new delicious recipe (or 35) to try out next week. Let the digital feast begin! 

I'm a big fan of the one pot special. I like to get the most ROI on my recipes, which means I love a recipe that can feed the most people or its leftovers can last me in lunches all week. I'm always trying new soups, chilis and curries - admittedly, this also acts as a great way to clean out the fridge with all your produce. 

My virtual contribution is Coconut Chicken Curry, a pinterest recipe found here. I added mushrooms and zucchini to up the veggies and I served it with brown basmati rice! 

Coconut Chicken Curry (Serves 5)

• 1 pound chicken breast (cooked and chopped into small pieces)
• 3/4 c. canned coconut milk
• 1/2 c. chicken broth
• 3/4 c. thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 c. chopped red bell pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• cilantro for garnish
• 1 tbsp curry
• 1/2 tbsp tumeric
• 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 1/2 tbsp cayenne 
• salt & pepper to taste

Heat coconut oil in a skillet and add red onions, peppers, garlic and ginger and sauté until veggies soften (3-5 minutes). Add chicken broth, coconut milk and spices and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Add chicken to skillet and stir with the coconut curry mixture. Cover for 5 minutes on low heat to heat the chicken through and allow the flavours to seep in! 

Serve with rice and garnish with cilantro (if that's your thing).

This dish is quick and easy to make while the spices pack a punch. And these days anything with coconut milk is my jam. 

Continue feasting with other talented bloggers on the virtual potluck and click on the 'Last Dish' and 'Next Dish' below! 

xx

LC

Monday to Friday Meals That Won't Break The Bank

The New Year, it comes along with so much optimism but it also comes along with that Christmas Visa bill and perhaps increased property taxes. Regardless of the reason, you may be looking to save a few pennies this time of year. I've found the biggest cost saver to be home cooking.  Not only do you save money, you likely eat healthier and get into the habit of always having groceries in your house. Those days of opening an empty fridge and hoping the condiments make some sort of edible meal... 

Preparation is the first step; it's inevitable and annoying. Really, I get it. Spending an hour at the grocery store is less than ideal way to spend the weekend but I've found that if you go in with a list you can be in and out way quicker than every other day pop in (which I used to do!). Living alone I usually didn't like to make huge meals and eat the same thing for 5 days but I've mastered ways to stretch my groceries and get creative. 

Some tips I find helpful with meal planning:

• Pinterest: Get creative with some dishes and try something new, chances are if you're excited to eat the dish, you'll be more motivated to stay on track. If there is an ingredient you like to cook with, search and go from there (example, ground turkey). If something has been pinned 30,000 times, you've likely got a winner. Next, look at the ingredient list. If you're starting off and don't have a stocked pantry, I wouldn't jump into Jaime Oliver's 40 ingredient curry right away... look at what you already have and what you need.
• After The Recipes, Comes The List: All of the groceries you need to make for your recipes, make sure you're thinking for the whole week not just Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday you'll be out of groceries, hangry, and find yourself at the nearest Subway. 
• Shop in Season: I love fresh berries as much as the next person but I'm not going to be buying $10 worth of blueberries in the dead of winter. Winter means time for warms salads, soup, chili, roasted veggies, and etc. Squash is one of my favourite foods and I love to cook with them, you can try so many different flavours with fresh herbs. 
• Multi-use Ingredients: Chicken is an easy and great example. Buying chicken breasts and cooking them in a batch on a Sunday means you'll have them ready to go at a moments notice! Chicken Fajita Salad or a Curry is a quick and easy meal at the end of the day. Another favourite everyone knows about me is my love of tacos, I'll often do taco's on Tuesday and then a Zoodle (Zoodles = Zucchini Noodles, a spiralizer changed my life) Bolognese later in the week! 
• Variety Is Key: you can't eat the same thing everyday. Last time, I did a Whole 30, I think I ate eggs for breakfast for 18 days in a row... not good. Breakfast sets your tone for the day and is one of my favourite meals. I love to mix it up between more savoury and sweet and I'll alternate between overnight steel cut oats with fruit and a nut butter, chia seeds, or a new favourite is a baked egg in an avocado! This one is best to not make ahead - it takes 14 minutes in the oven, so pop it in before the shower and you'll be good to go. 

To give you some ideas, here's a list of my groceries for this past week. As some are more of the aesthetically pleasing dishes I made:

• Babybel Cheese
• Apples
• Parsley
• Bulk Nut Mix (I'm loving bulk sections!)
• Sockeye Salmon Fillets
• Zucchini
• Tomatoes
• Ground Beef
• Coconut Milk
• Peppers
• Hummus

• Yams 
• Eggs
• Brussel Sprouts
• Butternut Squash
• Celery Sticks
• Greek Yogurt
• Spinach
• Green Beans
• Ground Turkey
• Mango
• Onions

Find this recipe here!

Find this recipe here!

Find this recipe here

You'll also note from my title of this blog that this is my ideal Monday to Friday. I'm not perfect  and while it's ok to eat alone in life, it's important to go out, enjoy meals, socialize, and all that fun stuff! It just means that if I go out on the weekend and have a delicious meal (I tried Minami for the first time this weekend and it completely upped my sushi game), I enjoy it and I don't feel bad splurging because I've been conscious of my spending the whole week. 

To give you guys some context, that grocery list cost me $72.31. I made 5 lunches, 5 dinners and satisfied my grazing cravings with at least 2 snacks a day - broken down that equals $3.62 per meal (and mini meal). I polled my colleagues and the cheapest lunch they could get near our office would be a minimum of $6. Almost double!!! 

The hour prep and shopping is annoying but after it's done you're set up for success for the week which means more time to watch The Bachelor! Meal prepping is the gift of time saved having to cook and shop during the week and its the gift of more money in the bank. Need more motivation? The bento box craze is what all the kids are talking about and you'll definitely be the coolest one in the office with this upgraded lunch box from Takenaka.

I'm completely open to any other money saving tips so let me know what you do to save. 

Happy Cooking! 

xx

LC

Christmas Vacation: European Edition

 Christmas has never been my favourite holiday - I'm just going to put it right out there. So when we were planning a trip to Europe for Christmas I was fully aware that this time of year in Europe escalates to a whole other level, usually in the form of a plethora of Christmas Markets and bottomless Glühwein (mulled wine). I was excited to soak up all of the season. Like how Paris is always a good idea, Europe is always a good place for the soul. I was craving some culture and new experiences in new cities so I swallowed a dose of Christmas cheer, put on some red lipstick and headed across the pond! We went to 4 cities in 2 weeks and each city offered their own unique qualities and charm. We ate and drank our way through Prague, Amsterdam, Cologne and Copenhagen while fitting in what we counted as daily doses of culture in the forms of museums, walking tours, trips to church and climbing towers.

Keeping align with the world of highlight reels, I've got you covered on must see and eats of these beautiful countries.

PRAGUE

Oh Prague! You can see why is called a romantic city. Having been one of the few places that was not bombed in WW2, the city had such an old historic feel and the buildings were so well preserved. Give me some bridges and some water and you've won me over. We climbed the Petrin Tower, it's the little sister to Paris' Eiffel Tower and gives you an incredible view to take in the city. What you'll see from this view is the Charles Bridge, famous for the gargoyles that apparently ensure a safe return to Prague if you give the statue a rub. This bridge is also the only bridge not made of wood and the secret ingredient to the mortar used is egg whites! The tower views also give you a great look at the King's Castle that stands out among the red roofs, important to note this castle lights up the skyline at night thanks to the Rolling Stones (the band). That's right! When the Stones were performing in Prague they concluded the castle should be lit at night and when the King said there was no budget for the lights the band generously donated them.  Another visual to note with the castle is the flag, it is used as an indicator for the people of the city to know when the king is in residence, if it's down they know he is out of the country and more likely than not embarrassing the country due to his fondness of the sauce. Prague is also home to the National Opera Theatre, how could we not go? I wanted my "Pretty Woman" after all. The theatre did not disappoint, but in true LC fashion I managed to fall asleep ... I blame the jet lag? Other city highlights to note is the Astronomical Clock which is manually run (except for the moon) and follows biblical number system, you'll also find the Lennon Wall under the Charles Bridge. My favourite part of Prague was the Christmas tree in the middle of the market, I think the tree was so magical it would turn the most scrooge of people onto Christmas.  

• Where we ate & drank:
  • Divinis:  We have a knack of eating at the best restaurants first, the steak tartar and the truffle pasta could be anyone's last meal. 
  • Naše Maso:  We concluded this may be the best burger we've ever eaten, a small butcher shop that you can take out or eat in with a glass of vino. The staff was so cute and helpful, likely if you lived in Prague this would be a regular stop to make your day better. I'll be back for the meat loaf. 
  • Bugsy Bar: Delicious drinks in a dark and sultry cocktail bar, perfect for a fedora and people watching.
  • Cafe Savoy: So good we went TWICE! Freshly made everything, special note to the french toast that was light and heavenly as well as the perfect marriage of eggs and truffles. Go here. 
  • Pastar: Amazingly fresh Italian food, the foie gras was delicious and the wild boar pasta was incredible. Just get the special, even if you're not sure what's in it - you will not be disappointed.

AMSTERDAM

I could walk the streets of Amsterdam for days, in fact we did. We logged some serious kilometers exploring Amsterdam but the distinctive architecture of the city provided a great distraction to take in all of the cities charm. Walking the canals you simply get immersed in the different colours, bikes, door ways, design details and quite possibly the family cat in the window.  

• There is no shortage of museums to visit in this city, we visited 3 that offered a wide array of pieces and artists: 
  • FOAM Museum: A photography museum that features a mix of young talent from around the world and provides them with a platform to share their work and world famous artists.
  • Van Gogh Museum: This museum hosts the largest collection of work from Vincent Van Gogh, it's incredible how many pieces he actually created and how it was so reflective of what was going on in his life. This exhibit also features his friends Monet and Daugbigny, artists really do feed off each others creativity and methods.
  • Moco Museum: With a focus on more modern and contemporary art, this exhibition features the works of Banksy and Warhol - they had their famous pieces 'Girl with the Red Balloon' and the Soup Cans but by far the coolest thing was the truck on display with Bansky's work - you literally felt like you were on the streets of London and you could feel both the political and hopeful impact his work has had on people.
• Amsterdam Light Festival: We were lucky enough to experience the water colour canal tour that took you through the entire city viewing different artists work from the water. 
• De Pipjt: South of Amsterdam this district is known as "the melting pot of cultures and nationalities" where you'll find an a variety of restaurants and coffee shops. 
• Where we ate:
  • Baker's & Roasters: Epic brunch work the wait, I'm currently recreating their turmeric, ginger almond milk latte at home.
  • Omelegg: Nutella filled croissants and any of the omelettes will not disappoint. Also! First omelette in the Netherlands, it must be good! 
  • Restaurant Red: Steak & Lobster. Enough said. 
• Red Light District: An eye opening walk... 

HAARLEM

I may move to Haarlem. We probably wouldn't have explored this city if it wasn't where our Air BnB was. It's about a 20 minute drive from Amsterdam and is this quiet place with cute little houses and store fronts with almost a Medieval look and no shortage of bikes. You literally felt right at home in this neighbourhood and like you could envision people's lives in this place, largely because when you walked by you could basically see into their entire home but still. Neighbourhood coffee shops, delicious restaurants, great boutique shopping - all these side streets led you to a giant square called Grote Markt, which nicely housed a giant Christmas tree which complimented the 14th century St.Bravo's church well. 

• Where we ate & drank: 
  • De Jopenkerk: this former church is now a place of warship Haarlem's infamous Jopen beer!
  • Rataouille: A michelin star restaurant that was recommended to us, quite the experience and the staff was phenomenal. From the wine pairings to the wide spectrum of dishes - our table left the meal impressed and with aspirations to become a sommelier. 
  • Thrill Grill: Burgers and Truffle fries. Delicious.
  • Anne & Max: Great spot for breakfast! Fantastic bowl of porridge. 
• Where we shopped:
  • Sissy Boy: I wanted all of the things in this store, from home to clothes, this place had unique pieces.
  • Number Nine: Great boutique spot with local designers which guaranteed we'd be coming home with some updated European style. 

COLOGNE

• Christmas Markets: I'd definitely say Cologne had the strongest Christmas market game. The city transforms into this enchanted Christmas land with each market offering a unique take on the holidays spirits. There were no shortages of food or drink to indulge in and your nose was pulled in every way from currywurst to bratwurst to freshly made crêpes, waffles and strudels all to be accompanied with a mug of glühwein in adorable Christmas mugs. The Heimat der Heinzel and Markt der Engel were our favourites and even included a skating rink in the middle, magical star lit streets, and a ferris wheel!

• Cologne Cathedral: The shining star of this city has to be it's Cathedral, spanning over 8,000 square feet, the gothic architecture commands the attention of the city and was even home to the three wise men and 20,000 other guests for that matter. You could stare at the details all day. 

• Museum Ludwig: The exhibition that was on was celebrating it's 40 year anniversary. It had a mix of 25 different artists and a wide array of art forms including videos, sculptures, and contemporary and traditional spices. 

COPENHAGEN

Christmas in Denmark! We were so excited to conclude our trip in this beautiful country, I'd only heard good things. Our pre-planning clearly lacked on this leg of the trip as we learned that in Copenhagen you celebrate Christmas on the 24th and most of the city shuts down from the 24th-26th or even til the New Year! We figured it out and made the most of the city, including a Christmas dinner feast from the epic corner store and a breakfast spread from 7-11. Other highlights (I know, there is more...) included:

• Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park: Fun fact, Disneyland was actually modelled after this place! Found in the heart of Copenhagen this amusement park is the second oldest in the world and offers a market feel with danish culture and some epic rides, noteworthy: 'The Demon', a rollercoaster peaking out at 28 meters high and 'The Golden Tower' which drops you from 63 meters high above the city. 

• Mad Kaffee: This brunch place is a must visit! Instead of a traditional menu you're given a pencil and an order form where you write your name at the top and pick your items, it's a dream of this indecisive soul who typically wants a bite of everything and not a lot of anything. This place delivered with everything from fresh pressed juices, in house baking of traditional danish pastry and croissants and an americano that will make anyone's day better. 

• Walking Tour:
  • While all the locals celebrated Christmas, the tourists were left to explore the city with the help of a walking tour! We learned about some key players to the country like Bishop Absalon who founded Copenhagen and Christian IV. Christian IV was the King of Denmark for 59 years - during that time he had highs and lows including the Thirty Years' War and his ambition to focus on economic development for Denmark. His legacy lives on with his initials C4 branded on the buildings he was involved in building.
  • Christiania aka Freetown Christiana was founded in 1971 as a "social experiment" by squatters and artists, the "free town" refers to the fact this area is not policed by Copenhagen law enforcement and is protected by Christiania Law of 1989. In the Christiania community you'll find no shortages of murals, cafes, museums, cultural centres, music venues as well as 30-40 different types of cannabis for sale. Christiania has it's own flag and currency and it's understood that when you enter Christiania town you are leaving the EU. It's hard to describe what it was like to walk through this community but it is definitely sometimes to experience first hand, photography is forbidden but our tour guide encouraged us speak to members of the community to hear how they came to be apart of Christiania. 

I couldn't think of a better way to end 2016. Naturally, we were planning the next trip on the layover home because there is a lot of this world to see and, as the saying goes, "travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer." Oh, and 'Memories are Souvenirs too', a sign in Amsterdam told me so. 

Where's your next trip?! 

Happy New Year!

xx

LC

Taco Tuesday!

Agh - the weeknight dinner party: a daunting task that requires organization and pre-planning, but can be great way to spice up the week from a normally boring night of laundry ... am I right? Taco Tuesday is one of my favourites to host; it's always a good time and, if you're extra lucky, it will lead to a hungover Wednesday - who likes hump day, anyway?

Seriously though, TACOs. What's not to love? They are the ultimate meal to serve because the possibilities are endless and you can be as creative or as classic as you want to be. Pick a base (veggie/beef/turkey are my go-tos) and get creative with the rest! I often want to offer every taco shell option (hard/soft/corn/flour/bowl or lettuce) but have come to learn that sometimes too many options are just too many. My past taco party I went authentic with classic smaller corn tortillas. They were a hit and held the filling well - no one likes a messy taco. 

Taco "bars" are going to be the new candy "bars" at weddings... well, maybe not, but definitely a midnight snack. They are the best. I'm huge on the add-ons for tacos (*note: even if you mess up the meat, the add-ons will save you - there was never a taco that guacamole didn't make better). Have fun with the presentation too! For a larger group I'd suggest a buffet style taco bar for easy serving - check this one out. So fun!

I had 6 people at my Taco Tuesday, so we just did family style. A larger group would have made it harder to navigate/pass dishes so just keep that in mind when setting your table! End result still looked delicious...

I'm not normally a huge dessert person but this past holiday season I took an interest in baking. I feel that baked goods are a great crowd pleaser, and I want to be a 50's house wife and serve pineapple upside down cake on the regular. ANYWAYS, when I host any dinner party I always like to complete the meal with dessert, leave the meal on a sweet note (see what I did there?). Keeping with the Mexican theme I opted to make Mexican Brownies. They turned out to be rich and sweet with a lovely kick of spice that became evident 3 seconds into chewing. I can confidently say none were left by the end of the evening with each guest consuming 3-4, so, be warned, it's hard to stop at just one! 

A dusting of powdered sugar makes anything prettier,  a dusting of corn makes it real life.

I hope I've motivated you to take on a weeknight dinner party! Do you need more motivation? Not only does it force you to clean your house so you don't have to spend your weekend doing it - BUT left overs! I love bringing taco salad for lunch the next day. My go-to taco recipe is here.

Happy Taco Tuesday!!

xx

LC