Friday Favorites

The official start of summer isn’t for another couple of weeks, but with temperatures reaching the triple digits, Spring has long gone and the easy going mentality of hot summer days has settled in.  School is out, local businesses have posted their summer hours, and everyone rushes home to enjoy the simplicity this season brings us. Memorial Day Weekend is a big deal on the east coast; it’s the beginning of our summer, as beaches are officially opened and we can finally put away all that winter clothes we’ve been dragging along (or at least we hope). And speaking of home, my parents came to visit me for a few days and it was just what I needed! I showed them the naturalistic beauty of Arizona, wine and dined them at my favorite restaurants, and spent some much-needed quality time with the people I love and are such a part of what makes me “me”, and I miss that.  Of course goodbyes are always sad, as is the downfall of moving across the country, but I took full advantage of the time I had with them, and enjoyed ourselves a mini-vacation…A new season is upon us, so go outside, soak up the sun, fire up the grill, have a refreshing drink and enjoy this weekend with family and friends!

Nothing like a chilled ale on a warm evening, brought me back to days in Portugal
When the weather is so nice  you can’t help but want to grill some summer veggies and make yummy tacos
Even though the weather may bring you outside, sometimes it’s nice to have a relaxing night at home with some fresh-cut tulips, a movie, and homemade semifreddo with juicy mangoes

Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect sunset on my last night with the parents…so happy they came

Traveling Essentials {European Study Abroad}

In keeping with the spirit of traveling, I decided to post a study abroad version of my traveling essentials, after my cousin mentioned her 2 week study program in Romania. I’m so excited for her, yet slightly jealous. It’s one thing I wish I would’ve taken advantage while I was back in college. Definitely an opportunity everyone should take if they’re able to! So I decided to freshen up my go-to traveling packing list for a new season and new experiences. Hope you find this helpful Cathia! 

You need a cute, but sturdy carry-on that is large enough for your necessities. I just can’t get enough of this Calypso one, it carries all your handbag essentials too, and a cross-boddy bag for easy sight seeing. A light striped sweater, a flowy top, a flirty lightweight dress and a selection of tanks and blouses that pair with all your items. The important thing about bottoms is to pick pieces that are versatile to mix and match with fun tops. I’d bring my favorite pant of the moment in a fun hue, summer’s white pant, a pair of dark skinny jeans and jean shorts, and a skirt than can be worn during the day and for a night out. Lastly shoes…bring a cute, but comfortable pair of sandals in a fun bright color for days of touring the city, a dainty nude flat for dinner on a brisk evening, and the perfect wedge. Oh, don’t forget your favorite accessories,  sunglasses and notepad to jot down all the places you visit, the restaurants you’ll enjoy meals you can’t spell, encounters with interesting people meet and any other moment of inspiration.

Here’s a few other helpful tips, even if you’re just traveling to a new country:

• When building your wardrobe, base it on a single color scheme, that way you have more variety to mix and match with fun prints and colors.
• Take a lot of pictures! You might not get the opportunity to be in the city you’re visiting again.
• Make sure you have the correct adaptors plugs for your electronics, as you are changing them from USA to Europe.
• Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, as much as you don’t want to appear like a tourist, natives somehow always now
• Be respectful of the different cultures and customs in Europe. Culture, food and customs vary from the US and respect goes a long way where ever you are.
• Knowing simple greetings and phrases are important and will show an interest in the country’s language and customs.

But the MOST important thing is to have fun and enjoy this new and exciting experience! Savor every moment, and the country you are visiting. I stumbled upon this quote, and felt it was fitting…”Try Europe on, it will look good on you!”

Take Me Away…

I’m wishing I was a kid back in school, no not stressing over finals, but that giddy girl watching the last seconds on the clock, waiting before the bell rang-marking the start of summer vacation! Growing up I didn’t spend my summers at camp, I’ve actually never been to camp, instead I’d spend three months in Portugal. Alongside my entire family on the farm, picking potatoes, surrounded by the green mountains. So you’d say I got bit with the travel bug at a young age, and has become a big passion of my mine. When the days are just too perfect to stay indoors, all I care to do is go and discover somewhere new. I may not be able to go far this season, so I’ll transport myself into these images instead. I would love to be in Europe during these warm days, why not London

I’d like to see beautiful creatures I don’t see everyday

And be surrounded by the lush green beauty of Bali

Watch a sunset in Zimbabwe

Spend the summer sailing off the Hydra coast

Drive an old cadillac through the streets of Havana

Then enjoy the evening sipping wine and savoring macaroons in a small Parisian cafe

And of course I’d sail the endless seas and relax on the most exotic of shores

Tasting Tucson {Falora}

This weekend went by way too fast, but I can’t complain. My parents are coming into town this weekend and I’m looking forward to a day spent in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and showing them around my favorites places and restaurants in Tucson. I first came to Falora, a pizza and espresso eatery, reminiscent of a modern bistro straight from Italy, with my pizza-loving friend Brittany. Beautiful European tiles lined the side of the building, as well a lonely bicycle I savored my very first glass of Limoncello, while Brittany quenched her thirst with some tangy Blood Orange San PelligrinoWe started off our meal with Oven Baked Pan Rustica, crusty and warm alongside homemade pear cinnamon jam, that was full of flavor, yet light and dainty. Would be just as delicious on a slice of toasted pumpernickel bread too. When you have a favorite pizza, like the classic Margherita for my friend Brittany, then you try to find the best slice in town. Falora’s wood-fired classic is made with extremely fresh tasting San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, making for a light yet flavorful pizza. I decided to go with the Kale salad, made with black Tuscan Kale, massaged in extra virgin olive oil and cashews, topped with kalamata olives, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes, making for a crisp, light, salty, sweet and earthy salad, perfect on a warm afternoon. There’s only one way to end this meal in European style, and that’s with an espresso. Makes me miss the sweet effortless days in Portugal

Friday Favorites

I’ve enjoyed life this week, taken a step back and stopped worrying about the littlest of things, and just let them run their course. To be honest, I feel so much more carefree, relaxed, and creatively inspired. I finally got my motivation back, yes it most definitely is the warm weather, but I also began reading the Passion Test again. This book always makes me re-evaluate my goals and the things I’m most passionate about in life. I instantly have a better outlook on things! I’m looking forward to a fun weekend meeting new friends, baking some spring desserts, and barbecuing. This weekend, stop and appreciate the little happy moments!

There’s nothing me and my friend Brittany enjoy more, than a refreshing Bloody Mary
Sweet Lady Bug that landed on my towelOkay, so I caved..I needed ice cream, but I didn’t feel as guilty with Ben & Jerry’s yummy Blueberry Vanilla Graham Greek Frozen YogurtHow adorable are these Cinco de Mayo drinksMy sleeping babyWe started Tumamoc Tuesday once again, and we felt the difference a month without walking it made. Even if I do it alone, I’m going to make it a weekly activity I always enjoy running or walking the pups by this house. There are so many unique features that I don’t know where to look first, but that’s what I love about it 

I’ve got the travel itch again, I always seem to get it during the summer when the weather is too perfect to have worries…