Archive | inspiration

Our hands down favorite spot in Italy was San Martino.  Usually a hotel/b&b doesn’t live up to the website or your expectations, but San Martino went beyond ours.  I’ve tried to explain to people why and to be honest I’m not quite sure.  The aesthetic of this agriturismo is surely part of it, my favorite blend of rustic and contemporary.  It’s quiet, but not out of the way (literally at the foot of the small charming town of Montepulciano), but not so quiet that is feels stiff or uncomfortable for a family with kids.  The pond swimming pool and all its frog inhabitants was a big hit with the kids (no pool will ever live up to its entertainment value).  The owners are lovely, the food was divine and many of the guests were on their second or third visit, which really says the most.  If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend!

I’ve decided to break up my posts about our trip to Italy into three parts.  Today I wanted to share some details about what it was like traveling with kids.  We’ve done quite a bit of travelling with our kids (12 years old and 9 years old), but this was our longest and furthest from home to date.

I think the following photos sum up pretty well what two weeks in a foreign country were like for our family.   The three things I took away from this trip were:

1.   Even though we are on ‘vacation’ doesn’t mean the kids won’t fight, break down and have their moments.  When we were researching this trip, I read a ton of travel blogs aimed at parents, and no one ever seems to talk about that for some reason.  One of my favorite pics is from the Trevi fountain where my two sat and argued, over what, I can’t remember.  In the moment it wasn’t so funny, but now it cracks me up, I’m so glad I captured it (see photo below).

2.  Kids get tired fast, adjust expectations.  We arrived during a heat wave so this happened even faster.  The silver lining of this though, was that instead of cramming in as many things as we could into a day, it forced us to do one major activity, lay low and relax the rest of the day and then come out at night to explore some more.  In the end, I think it saved us from getting burnt out.

3.  Travelling with kids lets you see a different side of your destination (and makes you do and notice funny things).  On a hot day, our son made like a local, stripped down and went for a swim in a huge fountain at the Villa Borghese gardens.

Later this week I will share our favorite spots and some travel tips!

A little while ago I saw these brilliant ‘because’ cards by Joke of Tokketok on pinterest.  I immediately emailed her and she was so lovely to send me some!  I have been thinking up all sorts of ways of using them!  What would you use one for?

top image Tokketok

I love to research and plan a trip into the ground.  Exibit a:

this video I spotted today over at simple lovely.  It is just that, simple and lovely.

I swear I will be back to regular posting next week with new work to share!

Have an adventurous weekend!  In my riding class today we jumped with no hands!, yes horse over fences with arms held out, eek!)  I chickened out a little and did it one handed and now I’m kicking myself for not just doing it.  Next time….

image here

I am back after a series of unexpected diversions, namely a dead computer.  So, lots of catching up going on around here.

Anyhoo, here are some things I’ve been loving lately…

1/2/3

This time of year I become a bit scarce around here.  I am working away in my studio to get portraits completed for holiday gifts and planning our own holiday.  Also, I have quite a few new prints and such to add to my etsy store and plan to have some of that done Friday (along with a little print sale perhaps).

Here are a few new little treasures around our home, along  with a selby film for zara featuring Lucy Chadwick.  I think all of blogsphere is now completely crushing on her and her life/home etc.  Personally I am dying over her coffee carafe.  Seriously, I told my husband if he can find one, he will make my Christmas!  Her whole home is so lovely, simple and so perfectly curated.

a few little vintage brass deer

old candles that were my grandmother’s

our new front door decal from Shanna Murray

the coveted coffe carafe and stand (oh, and those lights they have anchored to their table) By the way, I did quick google search and it seams I’m not the only one.  Also her glasses seem to be causing quite the stir…

(found via simple lovely)

Oh, and a Happy Thanksgiving to those here in the states!!!