Eurotrip 2015: Itinerary Whittling

I've started planning for a trip to Europe this fall, and as always at the beginning of the planning process, I'm overwhelmed by the possibilities. I'm tempted to return to Spain and Portugal because I loved our last trip so much, but I'm also drawn to the idea of going somewhere brand new. Here are a few of the options I'm considering:

Paris is the only definite on my list right now. Although I've been before, it was only for a day or two and at the tail end of a long trip, so T. and I were both worn out. I want to give the city the time and attention it deserves, and stay for at least four or five days. I've even found an Airbnb in Montmarte with a view of the Eiffel Tower for under $100! Who says Paris is expensive?

Brussels is just a two-hour train ride from Paris, which makes it perfect for a beer- and chocolate-fueled day trip. But the more I read about Belgium—including places like Brugge, Ghent, and the Foret des Soignes—the more I think the country might deserve a trip in itself.

After a few days of city living, I think we'd be ready for the slower pace of Provence. Avignon is a three-hour ride to Paris via high-speed rail, and from there we could rent a car and village-hop. There's so much to see in Provence, I don't know where to begin planning. First off, we'll need a place to stay—recommendations are welcome.

Now comes the hard part: Deciding what comes after France. I've always wanted to go to Venice, but the more I read about it, the more it sounds like it's been overrun by cruise ship tourists and souvenir shops. Is it worth it?

A more low-key option may be the Italian Riviera, including Portofino. I'd also love to return to Cinque Terre.

On the other hand, Croatia seems magical (and cheap)...

...and Prague has been on my list for years.

Then again I just can't shake the idea of returning to Portugal.

I'm thinking we might need more than two weeks for this trip.

Walking Richmond's Floodwall

One of my favorite things about Richmond is how it's so tied in with its natural surroundings. The James River winds right through the city, offering some of the only Class IV rapids you'll find in an urban setting. The James River Park extends for miles along the river, through meadows and forests, and past a historic cemetery and Civil War POW camp. Last weekend we took a stroll along the Floodwall, which has some of the best views of the city I've seen. With Legend Brewing and Blue Bee Cider just up the street, it's got everything you need for a lazy summer afternoon.

6 Things to Drink in Lisbon, Portugal

Since visiting Portugal nearly a year ago, I've had a story idea bouncing around my brain. At the risk of sounding like a lush, it's about all of the wonderful things you can drink in Lisbon, from its distinctively dark coffee to its fizzy "green" wine. I finally pitched the idea to Paste, and it was published last week. You can read it here, and check out my previous blog post on Lisbon here.

Jetsetter Style: What to Wear to the Airport

Remember when people used to dress up to fly? No? Me neither — that was long before my time. Nowadays, most trips to the airport feel like an extended episode of What Not to Wear. And while it's certainly fun to observe the eclectic runway of fashion misfires, I for one prefer to wear real pants when I fly (or any time I'm in public, for that matter).

No, you won't find me teetering around in high heels or squeezing into a pencil skirt for a six-hour flight, but I do like to make somewhat of an effort to not look like I just rolled out of bed (even if I did).

Here are my necessities:

• Dark skinny jeans with a moderate amount of stretch — cute but comfy on the plane. 
• Several layers of shirts (tank, long-sleeve, sweater) — for easy changing upon arrival.
• Mid-sized purse with carry-on necessities. 
• Ballet flats.
• Sunglasses — make fun of me if you will, but fluorescent lights suck at 5 a.m. Plus, it's great for people-watching.
• Massive scarf — doubles as a blanket on the plane.
• Lipstick — makes any outfit look more pulled together.

Friday Favorites: Cleaning House

I love everything about this kitchen. 

Happy Friday, y'all. Have any fun plans? I'll be catching up on a bunch of freelance articles that I'm pretty excited about. Here are some things I'm enjoying this week:

• It's still January, which means I'm still in purging mode. This Apartment Therapy article has some good ideas for getting rid of tons of stuff that's probably cluttering up your house.
• I wrote about some weird but tasty beers for Paste magazine. I've also recently started blogging for their Design section. 
• I've been slowly moving toward more organic/natural foods for awhile now, but this Tedx talk by Robyn O'Brien (which is a couple of years old) really inspires me to go all in.
• This is a meal I'm eating a lot lately.
• To be honest, I rarely use cookbooks, but I love to have them in the kitchen. This one is gorgeous.
• When Todd's out of town, I watch a lot of British dramas. This is my current fave.  

In Defense of a Uniform

Like a lot of women I know, I'm guilty of having a closet full of clothes that I rarely wear. Instead, day after day I reach for the same pair of dark-wash jeans and a small rotation of V-neck Ts and striped shirts.

Every day as I peer into my closet deciding what to wear, I urge myself to mix it up — why not wear a dress today, or that new sweater I haven't worn? But more often than not, I reach for the familiar favorites.

I used to think this meant I was boring and uninspired, that I was intimidated by style. Then I realized, this is my style. Call me basic if you want, but these few pieces are the ones that I feel comfortable and confident in, and the older I get, the easier it is for me to embrace that.

Some people take the concept to extremes, filling their closet with multiple copies of one type of shirt, pants, and shoes. Uniforms themselves have become a fashion statement, which is pretty funny when you think about it. I'd rather not limit myself so severely, but I do love the idea of having a simple closet filled only with those few, easily interchangeable pieces that I feel good wearing.

What about you — do you have a uniform, or do you like to try a new look every day?

P.S. This is one of the first sets I created on Polyvore three years ago — and I still love every piece today.

Packing List: Mexican All-Inclusive Resort

I'm deep in planning mode for our winter vacation to Mexico, and since it's my second trip to an all-inclusive resort, I feel more prepared than the first time around. Besides the obvious, here's what I'll bring:

• A Turkish towel. Because sometimes the resort's towels aren't great, and they don't dry nearly as fast.
• Glam pool wear (huge hat, cat-eye sunnies, and black bikini). Because I like to pretend that I'm a D-list celebrity when pools and cocktails are involved.
• Waterproof mascara and bright lipstick. Because that's all you need to pair with your sun-kissed glow.
• EWG-approved sunscreen for face, lips, and body (3-ounce bottles). Because I will not get burned on my first day again. And I won't slather questionable chemicals on my skin, either.
• A fun float. Because floating in the Caribbean Sea surrounded by angel fish is pretty much the best thing ever.
• Cup and koozie. For getting extra-large drinks and keeping them cool.
• Travel candle. In case the room smells like a jungle.
• Meds. Because I don't want to spend $20 on Tums and aspirin in the gift shop. 
• Paperbacks. Because I don't want to worry about leaving my Kindle alone when I go for a walk.

What did I forget?
P.S. Here's the post from my last trip to Mexico.