London Travel Guide, where we stayed

Having lived in London many years ago, I knew I wanted to stay in South Kensington.  I adore this neighborhood of London with all the pretty shops and picturesque townhomes that line the streets.  You can also find Kenginston Palace here and a variety of museums.  South Kensington has a central tube stop that can be easily accessed from any part of central London.  After hours of researching hotels in the area, I decided on The Kensington, a Doyle Collection Hotel.  It was the perfect place for our family to call home for our 6 nights in London.  

After our 10 hour flight, we were greeted by the hotel staff with a shot of fresh green juice and warm, moist towels to wipe off any post-travel grime.  I couldn't have requested a better check-in experience.  Our room was bright and cheery and the beds were plush and heavenly to sleep in, especially after walking so much each day.  We ate breakfast in the hotel restaurant each morning and often found ourselves going back in the afternoons for a spot of tea and some nibbles to rejuvenate ourselves before heading back out for the evening.  Even with so many amazing sights calling, I loved sitting in the hotel's beautiful lounge.  If you are looking for a quaint, boutique style hotel in South Kensington, this is it.

 

"Travel, the only thing you buy that makes you richer"

We just got back home from a magical two weeks in Europe.  Our goal was to see some of our family who are scattered throughout Europe as well as to give our kids a little taste of some of our favorite cities.  It was the first time for our kids, but Preston and I have spent quite a lot of time traveling throughout Europe.

For our first family European adventure we went to London, Paris, Portugal, and back to London over the span of 2 weeks and it was everything I had hoped it would be.  We walked a lot (76 miles in all), ate a lot, saw incredible sights, and created memories that will stay in our hearts forever.  I'm going to do a travel guide for each city we went to.  I spent countless hours over the course of many months planning this trip and for us, it ended up being the perfect itinerary.  I highly recommend every restaurant, hotel, and sight that we hit.

Pajama Drive

As one of our Christmas advent activities we hosted a pajama drive for the Pajama Program.  The Pajama Program is a wonderful organization that believes every child deserves a good night.  One might not think of pjs as a luxury but in fact thousands of children in our country go to sleep each night without the comfort of wearing pajamas.  This was our second year hosting a pajama drive and it was super fun and successful.  Each guest that donated a pair of pjs got a Christmas cookie and some hot chocolate as a thank you.  Next week my kids will donate all of the pajamas they collected to a local shelter where they will pass out our donated items to some very deserving children.  If you are looking for a fun and easy way to get your kids involved in a philanthropic project, why not host your own pajama drive?  

Check out http://pajamaprogram.org/ for more information.  

Teacher Gifts

Nothing can bring quite as much stress as realizing in mid-December that you still have your child's teacher to shop for.  With my daughter in middle school now, we have several more teachers to shop for than before.  This year I decided to give a small box of assorted cookies to hand out to all of our teachers, neighbors, and a few special doctors too.  I am not a baker, mostly because I can't help myself from overindulging and I am not adverse to eating a cookie for breakfast if is in the house.  With all that in mind, I had my favorite pastry chef make the cookies and she even packaged them up for me.  Voila! I can check teacher Christmas gifts off my list. 

My Stylish French Box

I belong to a few different "box" subscriptions and they are all fabulous but none elicit the excitement and joy quite like when I open up My Stylish French Box.  I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Sharon Santoni's Instagram account just before she was about to launch her first box.  These beautifully packaged boxes arrive, overflowing with the most wonderful items direct from France.  This past week I received my Christmas box and it was above and beyond anything I could have imagined.  Each item I carefully unwrapped was more fabulous than the last.  Among the items were two antique crystal chandelier tears and a Nutcracker candle that smells heavenly.  I added the chandelier tears to a little faux Christmas tree on our hall console.  They add just a touch of elegance to the rustic tree.  I placed the candle by two mercury glass Christmas trees on the same table and the effect is gorgeous.  Each time I walk by this console I smile.  How could you not? 

A great addition for the Great Room

Last week we had our club chairs delivered for the Great Room, they were a fabulous addition.  They are super comfy and even swivel!  I love the tufting and the nail head trim and the low back so when our guests walk through the front door they have a clear view of our backyard throught he bifold doors.  The chairs have become a new favorite reading spot for our daughter so that's a bonus.  This space is finally starting to come together and nearly finished.  I just have a few last pieces I want to get.

Midsummer Night's Dream

Over the weekend we hosted our first party in our new backyard.  It was a Midsummer Night's Dream dinner party, a theme I've wanted to do for a long time.  It was a six course wine pairing and every bit as indulgent as it sounds.  The night was just as dreamy and magical as I imagined…

A few of my favorite people

Floral headpieces for the girlies 

When your beef and potatoes are served on a repurposed wine plank

Cheese course, pure bliss

And then, we ate cake and all went to heaven