Trip to Brussels recap

Two weeks ago, I took not only my first trip to Brussels, Belgium, but my first solo trip in Europe.

Our time here is limited and I want to fit in as many places as possible. So when the bird told me he would be away on a work trip, I took advantage of those couples days with a solo trip to a new place.

I enjoyed walking around, with no particular agenda... enjoying my share of Belgian chocolate, waffles and beer.

It was a lucky coincidence I was there for the first World Cup game for Belgium. This is a picture of the celebration in the main square after they won:

During my trip, I stayed at 9 Hotel Brussels. The hotel is very close to the city's attractions and the main train station.

I loved the look and feel of the rooms. The exposed brick was so pretty!

I also took the train to Bruges for a day trip and will work on getting that recap posted soon.

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Updates, News and Links

I have a mishmash of things to bring to you today. All good, fun and exciting!

Updates:
- We are moving home! Not yet, we have a couple trips planned. But in August, it's back to San Francisco we go! WooHoo! More to come as we finalize all the details.

News:
On that note...
- Next Friday, we are off to Palma de Mallorca, Spain to meet up with one of my besties who is traveling there.
- And in July, we are taking a cruise! It leaves from Venice, traveling to Croatia, Greece and Turkey. I've officially dubbed this trip our grand finale. I cannot wait! Currently taking all recommendations.

Links:  
- Watermelon sherbert with chocolate chip seeds? Yes, please.
- Loving this retro beach radio. My two favorite are the mint/neon or the gray/coral ones.
- This is the ultimate overnight oats recipe. Looking forward to making this soon!

Image by radostina for 79ideas

Linked with Meet at the Barre

 

Glamping adventure

This past weekend the bird and I went on a glamping adventure at The Old Forge Glamping with some friends.

It's a great spot for hiking, camping and horseback riding and the views and grounds are beautiful.

If you're ever in Ireland and have a free weekend, Wicklow is a gorgeous area and this place was fantastic!

GiGi New York Giveaway!

I have been seeing GiGi New York everywhere lately. I absolutely love their products, which made me so excited to participate in this giveaway!

I Love You Rhinos // The Modern Tulip // Make Me Up Mia // F Yeah!

Red Maverix // My Cup Of Sparkle // Wearable. // But First, Coffee // Flowers In My Hair
Birdie To Be // Lot48 // Recent Somethings // Army Ever After // Kids And Cabernet

The winner will have the choice of a clutch and a pouch (valued at $200)! There are so many color options to choose from. And I love the touch of gold or silver embossed initials that can be added.

 

Its settled. I am adding this to my Christmas wishlist this year!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winner must respond within 48 hours of being contacted or a new winner will be chosen randomly.
The winner has the option of adding gold initials into their clutch.

Thanks for participating! Best of luck!

Camping, Glamping and a S'more Recipe Round-up

I am officially back from Brussels. It was a fabulous solo trip and I am so glad I did it. I'm sorting all the pictures and will have a recap up soon!

Photo via

Today, we are headed to a glamping adventure with a few friends in Wicklow. Isn't camping the ultimate summer kick off?

And... what better way to get excited for camping, than some delicious s'mores recipes?

1 // S'mores on a stick. Such a cute idea for a party if they need to be pre-made.
2 // Chocolate chip cookie s'mores with peanut butter. Three fabulous things, in one! omg.
3 // Skillet s'mores. Perfect for sharing after an indoor dinner party.
4 // Roasted berry s'mores with waffles. The jelly to the pb version above. Sounds like a dreamy combination.
5 // S'mores martini. Yum! (And here is a second drink recipe I found: S'moretini!)

I love that someone has the same love for s'mores as I do! Jillian, can we get together for book club night and s'mores!? :)

And before I forget, I am teaming up with a couple bloggers for an amazing giveaway for you on Monday... stay tuned!

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Weekend recap

Happy Monday! The weather in Dublin has been so nice lately, which makes this city really come to life.

This weekend was also Taste of Dublin, a large event with food and drink vendors from all over the city in one spot, for tasting, sipping, music and an all around great time.

We also made time for 2 date nights this weekend: Forest Avenue and Dylan.

The atmosphere and decor at Dylan gets me every time.

I am off to Brussels this morning!

photo via

Can't wait to see this pretty place. Have a fabulous week!

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Wedding guest wear

While we don't have any weddings to attend (yet!) this year, I absolutely love wedding season. I love the planning, prettiness and celebration of it all.

So in anticipation of the exciting weddings coming up next summer, here's some outfit inspiration for wedding guest attire.

 dress // clutch // bracelet // earrings // heels

This dress is so pretty and would even make a gorgeous bridesmaid dress. I am also swooning over these shoes (which are currently on sale)!

In other news... I mentioned a couple weeks back I was taking my first solo European trip. The time has come and gone to post all about it, but I leave for Brussels, Belgium on Monday! I am definitely looking forward to the adventure and hope to do just fine as an independent traveler. 

Any tips or suggestions for Brussels? Send them my way!

Happy Friday!

Linking up with Long Distance Loving

Father's Day gift guide

Since I am not home this weekend to celebrate with my dad, I wanted to put together a gift guide board for Father's Day.

 Whiskey bottle // Shaving kit // Gingham tie // Whiskey book // Bar set // Turntable // Bottle opener

And just because I love it so much, here is one of my all-time favorite pictures of us.

The father/daughter dance at my wedding. Such a happy picture and moment! Photo by Vero Suh.

Happy gift hunting and midweek!

Trip Home recap

I certainly did not intend on a week long+ blog hiatus. Although, I have to say our trip home was nothing but perfect.

We saw one of my brothers graduate from high school...

... and completed the 10k race on our first weekend home.

We both completed it under an hour, which was the goal from the start. My overall time was about 54 minutes.

This past Wednesday, the bird and I spent the day & night in San Francisco.

It was a gorgeous day in the city and ended with a fun date night at Mamacitas, an SF favorite of ours.

For our last leg, we headed down to Los Angeles.

It was great to spend the last couple days with more friends and family, enjoying the gorgeous weather by the beach!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

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