Rome Antics

Many of you can probably relate to my insatiable hunger for travel. The thrill of abandoning the comfort of familiarity in pursuit of unaccustomed cultures is absolutely intoxicating. I am fortunate to have had numerous opportunities to travel the world, and each journey has uniquely impacted and influenced the person I am today.

Chris and I recently spent a week eating our way through Italy. As our bellies grew, so did our relationship. What a wonderful way to enjoy our marriage! Here are a few of my favorite photographs from our escapade~

I fried our converter on the first day with my T3 travel dryer. Oopsies. As a result, we were unable to charge anything, including my camera, and I didn't get as many photos of Rome as I would have liked to. Not that my point-and-shoot could have done this marvelous city any justice. The Vatican City is insanely opulent, although I found the Sistine Chapel a bit underwhelming in person. Nevertheless, I was deeply inspired by the city's wealth of art, history, and stunning architecture. We had tons of fun reliving Gladiator scenes at the Colosseum, and ended our visit with an evening at the Spanish Steps.

It was rainy during our stay, which made the city even more dreamy. We did all our sightseeing on foot, wandering through a beautiful maze of cobblestone streets, and stopping to savor pudding-thick hot chocolates at the Rivoire. Florence is a living museum filled with breathtaking cathedrals, galleries, markets, and piazzas. We had a blast geeking out at the Museo Galileo. It was mind-blowing to see the original instruments used by pioneers of chemistry, physics, and astronomy. The museum didn't allow photography, but I couldn't resist sneaking one of Antonio Santucci's monumental armillary sphere.

Hands down, one of the most breathtaking, enchanting places I have ever seen. We spent the final days of our trip getting lost on purpose, exploring mysterious alleys and crossing countless bridges. Each turn revealed another glimpse of the decaying elegance of this ancient city. It felt almost mystical, and incredibly romantic.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." 
- Saint Augustine  

Bed Whetting

Chris and I have been flirting with the idea of getting a bigger bed for a while. We finally took the plunge and purchased a new mattress set last weekend, and I have been trolling the market for a bed frame ever since. Statistics show the average person spends roughly 4 months of the year in bed. In our case, I'd say it's closer to 5. That's a lot of time! So, like Goldilocks, I'm looking for a bed that's "just right". The multitude of options was staggering, but I've narrowed my favorites down to 3 categories.

Canopy - I have always been mad about four-poster beds. Unadorned canopies evoke a solid presence in the bedroom, and transform magically when embellished with string lights, hanging lanterns, or drapery. How divine would it be to climb in, draw the curtains, and shut out the world at the end of a long day?

Love the stunning contrast of clean lines against a beautiful brick wall.

Upholstered - Tufted headboards exude the allure of a decadent boudoir. Nailhead trimming adds a handsome dose of sophistication. This style is incredibly romantic and refined, and extra luscious in a sleigh bed silhouette. Swooon.

Metal - I'm enamored with the streamlined, yet graceful demeanor of iron beds. The simple composition of its structure creates a neutral foundation that grants unlimited styling freedom. This timeless number would be perfect for someone as fickle as I am when it comes to bedding.

 

What kind of bed do you dream in?

{Image credits: Simple Bliss, Design Smack, S. Russell Groves, James Michael Howard, Ikea, AMC, McGill Design Group, Thorton Designs, The Cross Decor & Design, Restoration Hardware, Margot Austin, Crate & Barrel}

Domestic Endeavors

 

Truth? I'm domestically challenged. I can hardly keep plants alive longer than a week, and I buy kitchen things mainly because they're pretty. Chris could tell you countless stories about insanely burnt/salty/soggy meals sent tearfully down our garbage chute. I'm ready to learn! Thankfully, I've got plenty of wonderful teachers around me to impart wisdom and advice, including my mother and my sister-in-law, Talida. Check out her fantastic baking blog here! As I strive to conquer my domestic anxieties, I thought it would be amusing to document my trials, triumphs, and tribulations along the way.

What better way to start exploring than with dessert? I found this adaptation of Momofuku's Cereal Milk Ice Cream on Cafe Fernando's blog, and decided to give it a go as a Valentine's treat for Chris. Although I got distracted by its pretty pink label and accidentally purchased almond extract instead of vanilla, the ice cream turned out pretty darn delicious, if I do say so myself! I think I'll let the custard churn and thicken in the ice cream mixer for a little while longer next time. This is the perfect excuse to have ice cream for breakfast :)