Togetherness

Long before I had kids, I pictured myself traveling with them and taking them out to eat all the time. I pictured us in a cafe for breakfast. One kid in a high chair, sitting quietly, while another kid sat in the booth also sitting quietly. We’d converse at a normal volume, eat our eggs and croissants like civilized people, laugh occasionally, and leave without a mess.

Now, I laugh at how unrealistic my vision was.

These days, taking the baby anywhere is a chore. Eating at restaurants results in food all over the booth and floor. Both kids are restless and eager to run around. They’re usually yelling. When the food arrives, Steve scarfs down his meal while I hold G and then we switch. We leave feeling fed but not relaxed in any way.

And yet, going out just the four of us has become one of my favorite things to do. Yes, it’s more work to get us all out of the house. Yes, I still struggle with some anxiety leaving the house. But, I tell myself the pros outweigh the cons. The more we practice getting out, the easier I find it. And, I am loving our adventures together. Whether it’s our regular routine of the library, the bookstore, and Trader Joe’s or exploring something new, I look forward to experiencing life. Together.

Photos by Mo ♥️

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Oh, Carmel. How do I love thee.

Let me count the ways…

I love the ocean views.

I love that the entire village is walkable.

I love that the cottages have names instead of numbers.

I love how dog-friendly it is.

I love that it’s only a two-hour drive from the city.

If I had $3 million lying around, I would buy a home here in a heartbeat. Carmel is the epitome of “cute” and “quaint”. I think I say “how cute” at least a hundred times when I’m visiting.

Dare I say it, I love Carmel more than Napa. The wine culture can be found here as well. There are wine bars, extensive wine lists, and specialty wine shops every few feet. But, I get the ocean when I come to Carmel and that has made all the difference.

Where to stay

Carmel is a touristy town and there are adorable inns throughout. There aren’t many Airbnb options (I’m assuming so as not to take business away from the long-standing inns here). Most inns offer breakfast and are dog-friendly. Carmel is the #1 dog friendly town in the US after all.

Where to Eat

Cottage for breakfast

Carmel Bakery for a sandwich (built in 1899, they’re the oldest running retail business in town)

Stationæry for a salad (their homemade chai is good too)

Patisserie Boissiere for a sweet treat

Mission Ranch for an awesome view

There are plenty of delicious places to eat, not only in Carmel but in nearby Monterey and Seaside. I haven’t had a bad meal in the area yet!

what to see

Carmel Beach is one of my favorite places because it’s huge and filled with happy, frolicky dogs. It’s truly a dog’s paradise. We love going straight to the beach when we arrive, tiring our pup out first, and then walking around town.

17 Mile Drive and Pebble Beach are cool to see at least once. We paid an entry fee at one of the gates ($10 cash) but there’s probably a way to get onto the drive for free. We just haven’t found it yet. The drive takes you along the coast, which is scenic for sure, and there are plenty of lookout points to stop at. You also get to see the famous Pebble Beach and the Equestrian Center.

The Carmel Mission Basilica Museum is beautiful to see and walking distance from Mission Ranch. It has a $10 entrance fee.

Ocean Avenue is the what I’d consider Main Street in Carmel. It’s filled with little shops and restaurants. It’s where you’ll find Carmel Bakery. Once you’ve seen Ocean Avenue, you can explore the side streets, like Lincoln and Dolores, and the charming courtyards and secret passageways sprinkled all over downtown.

Amsterdam

If Amsterdam were a person, I think she'd be effortlessly chic, invited to all the parties, and friends with everyone. She'd also own a bike and be able to eat carbs without ever gaining weight. Amsterdam was an eclectic city, full of personality, history, and pancakes. I can't wait to go back...when it's August, not March. It was freezing when we went in March.

Our Airbnb was a houseboat, which was a cool experience. Though, I'm not sure I'd do it again. I discovered that I very much like stable ground when I wash my hands. Steve loved it. When another boat would float by, it would give our houseboat a good rock and remind us that we were sleeping on the canal.

We essentially did our own food tour of Amsterdam:

• I had the best broadwurst at a stand in front of Foodhallen.
• We ordered the rijsttafel at Kantjil.
• Steve ate a couple raw herring sandwiches.
• I loved the warm, freshly made stroopwafel from the Albert Cuyp Markt.
• The poffertjes were our favorites - little bites of heaven, especially the ones at De Vier Pilaren.
• We couldn't say no to frites with cheese.
• The beef and labneh manoushe at The Lebanese Sajeria was perfect for a picnic along the canal.
• I ordered munthee at every cafe.
• On our last night, we ended our trip at Fondue & Fondue.

Coming from dreary Chicago, I was excited to see all the colorful blossoms at Bloemenmarkt. They inspire me to grow tulips in my own garden someday.

Steve and I usually don't visit museums when we travel, but we made an exception for the ones in Amsterdam. The city is so walkable that we were able to hit up three museums in one day: Rijksmuseum, the Tulip Museum, and the Anne Frank House.

One thing to note about Amsterdam is that bicyclists seem to have the right-of-way (or perhaps they seem to be the most fearless). Whenever we crossed a street, we had to look both ways for bicycles, scooters, and cars.

We ended up not renting bikes but walked everywhere instead. Everything seemed to be only a 20 minute walk away.

Compared to other European cities we've visited, the locals in Amsterdam not only spoke perfect English but were more willing to speak it. The people we met were so nice and welcoming, which makes sense since the city gives off a very open, diverse vibe.

Last thing

Saw the Northern Lights on the flight to Iceland, where we had a layover. Never thought I'd see them in my lifetime. They make you believe that there is magic in this world. My iPhone photo doesn't do them any justice. The way they shift and dance - one of the most extraordinary things I've ever seen.

'Til next time, Amsterdam!