Oh, the places we will go in 2017!

Good grief, how the years fly by!  It's no lie that the older you get the faster they go.  Can you believe it's that time again already?  A quick recap of the previous year and making travel plans for the new. This blog of mine is now five years old and when I look back, I just can't believe the wonderful places that we've managed to visit.  I'm so thankful for the beautiful people we get to go through life with.  If I'm ever feeling blue, I just have to read a few old posts to cheer me up and get me excited for the future (in spite of recent political events that have set my head spinning).  What a fabulous world we live in. 

My 500th Post and an update!

Guess what this is!  My 500th post.  Can you believe it?  I certainly can't.  Four and a half years of blogging.  If I'm honest, I feel like it should be more.  But every post represents a special moment or story, a place I never dreamed a might see.  A milestone in life that is deeply cherished.  My stories and memories.  And my connection to you.  To those of you that read my blog, follow along to encourage and support.  That's still the best part.  So thank you for helping me get to this milestone!  I also have to tell you about a new journey that we're starting soon.  I'm hoping that you'll come along because I will certainly continue blogging along the way.

Writing Mojo

Today, I’m going to tell you about a fun blog hop with an interesting twist. I was nominated by my friend Gay. We met when our daughters became BFF's years ago and we’ve stayed in touch. We haven’t seen each other in many years, but we stay connected from afar. Gay is such an inspiring woman. A fierce and wonderful mother, a new grandma, a speaker, photographer and writer, not to mention, she has the voice of an angel. Above all, she is an encourager with a huge heart. You can find her at Captive Heart.

This blog hop is about writing. I would never call myself a writer.  Writing is something that I wish that I could excel at, but it's always been elusive.  My husband and dad both have self-published books (shameless plugs) and someday I'd love to do the same.  But, I have no idea what I want to write.  

I'm an accountant. I love accounting. No, really. I do love it. But, I also have a strong creative streak in me.  Which is why I feel so lucky to have this blog. The photography and writing is the perfect outlet for that side of my personality.  But, currently I find myself in a bit of a rut.  In my last post I told you about the unplanned break and not being able to get my rhythm back. 

I’m so inspired by other bloggers, especially those that have the gift of writing. I'm hoping maybe you can help me get my blogging mojo back.  I'll answer the questions and give you a little insight into my current writing process.  But, what I really want is some suggestions on how I can improve this process, so that I'm once again enjoying writing and publishing things that I'm proud to put out there.  

What am I currently writing or working on?

I’m currently finishing up my recap of the trip to Provence. I have just a few more posts. I really did drag that one out but I didn’t want it to be over. The next big series will be about the road trip we took with my dad and brother. That one is going to be quite a few posts also. I want to capture all of it and document the special time we had together.  There are several other small trips that I haven't blogged about yet, not to mention the posts about our life in London.  I feel so behind right now.  I realize all the pressure is self-imposed, but I have a tendency when overwhelmed to just stop doing anything (hence my recent hiatus.)  Any suggestions on how I can get caught up?  Or should I even worry about it? 

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I don't know how to answer this question other than to just say it's my voice.  In a sea of travel/expat/random blogs, I don't think this one stands out that much.  Which is perfectly fine with me.  My blog started out as my personal journal during a time of major transition.  I was shocked when more and more people started reading along and connecting with me.   For a while it became all about growing the numbers and "building a brand," another phase of the blog that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Conventions, networking, press trips and meeting some pretty amazing people.  But, I quickly realized that I couldn't maintain that, particularly after going back to work full-time.  I'm not sure that I would even want to.  Now, my blog has gone back a little in the other direction again.  I'm hoping that I can find a balance between the two.  A personal scrapbook that connects me to people and opportunities.

Why do I write what I do?

My blog turned three years old this month.  I can't believe it.  Going back and reading old blog posts makes me so happy.  It reminds me of fun and adventures, wonderful times with family and friends.  Struggles and how I got through them.  And the photographs are such a treasure to me.  I love my little piece of the internet and feel bad that I've been neglecting it lately.  That it's felt sometimes like more of a chore than it ever should.  

Thankfully, fall has always felt like a time to reset and restart.  So that's what I plan to do.  I write this blog for the same reasons today that I did on day one.  To record, celebrate and connect.  I'm glad that Gay gave me a chance to remember that.  

How does my writing process work?

I don't really have writing process (I'm sure you're really shocked).  I usually just sit and write, lately reluctantly.  My photos are often the focal point.  Sometimes it feels lazy to let them tell the story for me, but I put just as much into the photographs as I do the writing, sometimes more.  I've developed such a passion for the photographs.  But, I know that I'm neglecting the writing.  

I feel that my best writing comes from those posts that I write in my head for days and days, on the tube, in the shower, when I can't sleep.  Then when I sit down with my laptop, the words just flow.  Those are my favorite, but few and far between.  I also feel that my writing has changed the longer I blog.  I've toned down my sarcasm a little and I self-edit more than I used to.  Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.  My writing process definitely needs some work and a shot of inspiration. 

Any suggestions for me?

My nomination for this blog hop is you!

Tell me about your writing process.

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Instagram Update

You know how when life gets busy and you're spinning a few more plates then normal?

How do you react?  I always feel a bit untethered and disconnected.

That's how I'm feeling about now.  There is nothing major going on.

(Don't worry, Mom.)  Just life stuff, a few things up in the air.

I thought I'd give you a little instagram update on what's going on around here

on a more personal level.  I miss connecting with you.

1//  I'm still struggling with balancing the blog with full-time work.  I made a commitment about a year ago that I would respond to every comment that you leave me and I hate that I'm so behind on that.  I hope you know that I read and appreciate every comment.  I will get caught up soon and I'm still committed to responding to each one.   As always, thanks so much for reading and commenting.

2//  Thank you to those of you who voted for me in the Britmums Brilliance in Blogging Awards. I went to the awards ceremony and it was great to catch up with some fellow bloggers. Congratulations to Gretta for taking home the award!  Well-deserved, my friend.  

3//  My job is in such a great area of London.  Taking my lunch and a book to a local church yard is a great way to break up the day.  Speaking of work, I've been there four months now and I love it.  I really respect the organization and enjoy my coworkers.  However, that's one of the things that is still up in the air. I'm currently on a six month contract and it hasn't been decided yet  if they are going to retain my position or not.  So, the thought of finding a new job is one of the additional plates that I'm spinning.

4//  Achilles tendinopathy was the final diagnosis, and my foot is feeling much better.  The physiotherapy helped immensely. As long I do my stretches and exercises, things are good.  Wearing tennis shoes (trainers) with work dresses isn't the best look.  But, I can get away with it in London.  With a three hour commute each day, usually spent standing up, shoes are pretty important.  Ballet flats just don't cut it. 

5//  That crazy commute is soon to be a thing of the past.  One of those other spinning plates is an upcoming move.  Blackheath is lovely, but we are just too far out.  The commute is cumbersome and exhausting at it's worst.  It keeps us from getting out to enjoy London as much as we would like.  So, it's back to central London for us.  We went flat hunting yesterday and saw a few possibilities.  Then our wonderful agent (Jack at Drake Lettings) squeezed in one last viewing before running off to his next appointment.  Let's just say that I might have shed a tear.  After convincing Matt that a quick decision is sometimes just the best way to go, we made an offer.  Fingers crossed!  If we get it, I can't wait to tell you more about it. 

6//   We did spend a few hours considering, discussing and exploring the area before making the offer.  And what better way to do that then a pub crawl around the neighborhood.  We found some really good candidates for our new local.  But then we found a pub with air conditioning!!!  Considering the heat wave that is baking London currently, that might have been the deciding factor.  I love London and I miss the warmth of Texas, but London at 86 degrees is a challenge considering AC is nearly non-existent and personal space is limited.

7//  I really don't want to complain too much about the heat.  It's been a nice change and we are really enjoying a London summer. We've been to some fun events with Matt's work.  He works with such a great group of people.  We attended a Bumpkin Summer Garden Party and also an A-list event at the Serpentine Gallery where there was a lot of celebrity spotting.  I was mingling with actors, models and was within a few feet of two princesses.  It was definitely a "how did I get here" moment.  I'll tell you a little more about it in a future post.

8//  We celebrated the fourth of July complete with s'mores and a campfire.  We have made some amazing friends here in London.  I feel so very blessed to have these people in my life.  They are wonderful, intelligent, creative and so much fun, from all walks of life and different countries.  I miss my family and friends from home every second of every day.  I'm so lucky to have friends who know exactly how that feels.  They make life in London so special.

8//  It looks like I'll be seeing family and friends back home very soon.  My Sugar Bear is getting married!  I know, can you believe it?  I haven't met him yet, but he seems like a terrific young man and I've never seen Jessica happier.  So a wedding is in the plans for early next year.  I might have to make a trip home before then to help with plans and meet this guy in person.    

9//  Some might say this is all moving fast, but I can't say a word.  I don't have a leg to stand on since I knew after the first day that Matt was the one for me.  We were married three months later and I love the life that we're building together.  There is no one I'd rather be spinning plates with.  Luckily, it's not all plate spinning.  We have two upcoming trips planned, a city break in Germany this month and a long weekend in Mallorca next month.  I can't wait.  Of course, Instagram will be involved if you want to follow along. 

So, that's what's up with the Jones lately.

What's up with you??  Spinning any plates?  Any big news?

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That's random.

I'm so proud that I've been nominated for the Liebster Award by two wonderful bloggers.   

Debbie who blogs at Buisson International, is a fellow Texan who now finds herself in London.  We've recently started sharing emails and I'm hoping that we can meet up for reals very soon. 

Alexa from Travel mi Amor is also a Texas girl who discovered her passion for travel early.  She now writes about all of her adventures and shares travel tips.  

These are two of my favorite bloggers and you need to follow them both on Bloglovin.  From Texas and love to travel?  We are all three peas in a pod.  I've always said the best thing about blogging is connections. Be sure to connect with these ladies.

The Liebster Award is a way for bloggers to show their love to other bloggers.  It's also a great way to discover new blogs.  

The rules are that you tell 11 random facts about yourself and answer the 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.  Then you nominate some blogs and give them 11 new questions to answer.  And you pass on the love.  

So here are 11 random facts about me.  Do you detect a theme?

I love, love, love my camera.

It's not really mine, it belongs to Matthew.

It's my safety blanket when I travel.

I take thousands of photos on our trips.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I always shoot on automatic.

I really want to learn to shoot on manual but have a brain block.

Photographs are my most treasured possession.

My daddy is an amazing photographer and has won awards.

I got my travel bug from him.

And my Mom.  (She just did a tour of South America.)

Exploring someplace new with my camera in my hand is absolute bliss.


Now it's time to answer some questions.  I've picked several from each nomination.
(I know you don't want me to answer 22 questions!)
 

1 - What is the biggest obstacle you have faced while traveling?

I've mentioned before that I'm bit of a worrier (and by that I mean I've been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder).  I don't control it with meds for various reasons, so I have to find other ways to manage it.  Of course, traveling takes me out of my comfort zone so it can really be a struggle.  However, I will never let it stop me from going.

2 - In terms of behavior, were you good or bad in school?

I was pretty good.  I made decent grades without too much effort.  My dad was in the USAF, so if we got in trouble, he got in trouble.  That was an effective deterrent.

3 - Which would you rather play during a night out: ping-pong, darts, or pool?

Pool.

 

4 - Would you rather live at the beach in the winter or in the mountains in the summer?

I can't decide.  Can I pick beach in the summer and mountains in the winter?

5 - What song gets you in the mood to sing and dance?

Anything by Abba.  I've seen Mamma Mia three times and I have the movie.  Always manages to make me happy.

   

6 - What is the most amazing tourist attraction you have come across while traveling?

Probably the Medina in Fez that I've been writing about lately.

7 - Who (a celebrity) was your biggest teenage crush?

Really showing my age here.  Shaun Cassidy and Donny Osmond.

  

8 - What are your top 5 travel destinations that you haven’t been to?

Thailand. African Safari. Australia.  Bali. Iceland.  

 

9 - What is your favorite place you have visited?

That's so tough to narrow down.  So far my favorites have been Ireland, Italy, Austria and Turkey.

 

10 - What is something you collect?

We collect ornaments throughout our travels and I keep them in a basket on a shelf.  At Christmas, I love going through them and remembering all of our adventures.

11 - Is there anything cool about your family history/ancestry?

I think it's pretty cool that my ancestors are from Scotland.  This summer, my dad and my brother are coming for a visit.  We're going to trace some history and tour Scotland.  I can't wait!

Now it's my turn to nominate some blogs!

Jess from Jess-On_thames

Kaelene from Unlocking Kiki

Dannielle from ChicaDeeDee

Meredith from Ponder The Irrelevant

Quyen from Itinerant

Jenn from A Country Girl's World

And here are my questions:

1.  What is one challenge that you have set yourself this year? 
2.  What is the biggest obstacle you have faced while traveling?
3.  What are some of your favorite sayings?
4.  In everyday life, what is your number one pet peeve?
5.  When do you feel your happiest?
6.  What traits have you inherited from your parents?
7.  What are your top 5 travel destinations that you haven’t been to?
8.  What is your favorite cocktail?
9.  What is your dream job?
10.  If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be?
11.  What is on your mouse pad?

I can't wait to hear your answers!

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a taste of la bella vita

I started this blog less than two years ago as a way to stay connected with family & friends.

In the past year it's grown so much and has also connected me with some wonderful new people.
(In fact, this is my 300th post!)
I never dreamed where it might take me someday.

And now it's taking me on a cruise!

I know, right?  I can't believe it either.

This will be my 8th cruise, but I've only ever cruised on two big American cruise lines.
MSC Cruises is one of Europe's leading cruise lines.  It's an family-owned Italian company with a large fleet.
I'm going to go scope it out for you (I'm such a giver) and tell you what I think. 

Tomorrow I'm joining a small group of travel bloggers and flying to Rome to board the MSC Splendida.

We're off for a three night cruise to experience all that this modern and stylish ship has to offer. Here's a tour of the ship from MSC Cruises.

 We will stop in Genoa, Italy and Marseilles, France before disembarking in Barcelona, Spain.
I can't even tell you how excited I am.


I'll be checking in on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram along the way.


You can follow along at #MSCBlogCruise.


If you have any specific questions or things I should pay special attention to,
just let me know.  Take a look at our cruise page for more info about our cruising experiences.

Have you ever cruised with MSC?  What did you think?
 

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Sunshine Awards

I'm so amazed at the calls, comments and emails from yesterday's post.
Here I was in my little cocoon, thinking I was the only one.

Of course, I'm not the only one.
Thank you for helping me put the ugly stepsisters in their place. 
I can't even tell you how much better I'm feeling wrapped in your support. 

After baring the dark corners of my soul yesterday,

I thought it best that we lighten things up around here.  Don't you think?

Have y'all met Jenn at A Country Girl's World?

She is absolutely adorable!  So smart, sweet and down to earth.

She is just one more reason why I so cherish the connections from this blogging world.

She recently nominated me for a Sunshine Award and absolutely made my day.

(On a side note... these grapes are in my back garden!  The vines are from the neighbors yard, but these are growing over the fence.
They make me very happy.)

Here are the questions that Jenn asked.

1. What is your favorite and least favorite place you have ever traveled to?

Least Favorite?  I haven't blogged about our week in Morocco yet.  (Bad Blogger)  I'm so glad that we were able to visit.  But I'm not in any hurry to return.  I struggled a bit during our time there and I'm still processing it.  

Favorite?  This one is really tough.  I loved Turkey, but we were there for such a short time.  Spain feels like home and I would love to live there someday.  But, Ireland.  Ireland was magical and I felt it in my soul.  I felt such a deep connection to the people, the music and the land.  I can't even explain it.  I can't wait to blog about my time there. 

2. What is one random fact about you that your readers may be interested to know?

I have a deep, deep aversion to mustard.  I can't stand to see it, smell it or even think about it.  I find it more disgusting than baby poop.  (Just wavin' my crazy flag for all to see.)

3.  If you were given the chance to go anywhere in the world (money is not an object), where would you go?

Right now there are two places at the top of my Money is No Object List.  Southeast Asia and African Safari.  I would love to spend about a month experiencing each of them in depth.  Third on the list would be Australia.  Matthew lived in Australia for 6 years and even has dual citizenship.  He absolutely loves Australia and would love to live there again someday.  I need to check it out. 

4.  What are a few of your favorite books that you have ever read?

This one is tough.  Gone with the Wind was a childhood favorite and the first book I really fell in love with.  I just love all books.  I love the way the smell and the way they feel.  

Right now I'm excited to read The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I joined two very dear girlfriends for a much-needed, healing day together this week.  Afternoon tea, bottle of wine at the pub and then we went to Hatchards Bloomsbury Book Club to hear Liz speak.   (We're now BFFs, so I can call her Liz.)  What a rockstar!  She is wicked funny, clever, smart and ballsy.  So comfortable in her own skin.  I was deeply inspired by her words and attitude to life.

5. What is one (or more if you'd like) TV show that you just can't miss?

This one is a bit embarrassing to answer.  It's not all great quality, but great for some mindless entertainment.  Emmerdale.  Great British Bake Off.  Downtown Abbey are all in the weekly TV rotation.  On Hulu, I watch the stuff that I don't want Matthew to know about or comment on.  America's Next Top Model.  So You Think You Can Dance.  Nashville.  The Real Housewives of Wherever.  Law & Order SVU.  

6.  What is one goal that you have for your life?

I've never been an athlete or terribly fit.  I've always struggled with my weight.  I've never like this about me.  I want to be fit and healthy.  I want to feel good in my own body, to know each muscle and how it moves.  I want to practice yoga.  I want to run.  I realize that I'm in complete control of this and I'm deeply frustrated that I haven't made it happen yet.  I am totally my worst enemy.  But, I want to go into my 50's comfortable in my skin.  I went for a run yesterday for the first time in ages.  I've signed up for a beginner's yoga class starting next week.  So, we'll see if it sticks this time.  

7.  What is your absolute favorite holiday?

Christmas is probably my favorite.  I love the festivities, food and decorations.  Last year, I went to the Christmas Markets in Germany for the first time.  It's like Christmas on steroids!  I love the family connections of Christmas.  And I love buying gifts for people.   

8. If you could pick one food for each meal that you had to live on forever, what would those be?

Let's see.  For Breakfast?  Yoghurt, fruit & granola.  For lunch?  Wendy's Apple Pecan Chicken Salad.  Damn, I miss that salad.  I ate it everyday for lunch for years.  For dinner?  Steak and Chips.  With A-1 steak sauce.  And a side salad.  And wine.  

9.  I really like this question so I am going to ask it, too.  Who is your celebrity crush?

See #4.  

10.  If you could become fluent in one language, which would you choose?

If I'm being practical, Spanish.  If I'm dreaming big, Irish.  When we were in Ireland we heard the most amazing band sing some great modern songs in Irish Gaelic.  I get goosebumps when I even think about it.  You have to take a look.

Magic, I tell you!  They performed at the TBex Welcome Party at the Guinness Storehouse

and blew everyone away!  I can't wait to go back to Ireland.

I had so much fun answering Jenn's questions that I'm going to use them, too.  

 1. What is your favorite and least favorite place you have ever traveled to?
2. What is one random fact about you that your readers may be interested to know?
3.  If you were given the chance to go anywhere in the world (money is not an object), where would you go?
4.  What are a few of your favorite books that you have ever read?
5. What is one (or more if you'd like) TV show that you just can't miss?
6.  What is one goal that you have for your life?
7.  What is your absolute favorite holiday?
8. If you could pick one food for each meal that you had to live on forever, what would those be?
9.  I really like this question so I am going to ask it, too.  Who is your celebrity crush?
10.  If you could become fluent in one language, which would you choose?

And my nominees for Sunshine Awards are anyone who has ever commented on this blog.

I love getting your comments and hearing your thoughts.

Blogging can feel so solitary sometimes with little immediate reward.

Your comments are definitely the most important part of this. 

So, if you've commented on Oh, the places we will go!

then I nominate you for a Sunshine Award!!

I can't wait to read your answers.

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Capture the Colour Photo Blogging Challenge

 You've probably seen some of the Capture the Colour Photo Blogging Challenge posts floating around the web.
I was tagged by two of my friends, Jaklien at Passport and Toothbrush and Molly at The Move to America and I'm thrilled to participate.  
My assignment...  "publish a blog post showcasing five of your favourite travel photographs which best capture the colour of our five categories: red, blue, green, yellow and white."
So here are my submissions.

Red

Blue

Green

    

Yellow

White

Blue//A bright blue lizard sunning on a rock in Aruba

Red//Red leaves at Blenheim Palace, UK

Green//Brances from Anne Hathaway's Cottage in Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK

Yellow//Dew kissed English rose in Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK

White//Horse from Mary Arden's Farm in Sratford-Upon-Avon, UK

Here are the instructions for Capture the Colour Photo Blogging Challenge from TravelSupermarket: 

Step 1 - Publish a Capture the Colour post on your blog with an image for each colour

Step 2 - Spread the word and nominate 5 of your fellow bloggers to take part

Step 3 - Let us know you've entered by tweeting or emailing us

Step 4 - Keep an eye on the TravelSupermarket Twitter account to find out who wins!

To get involved with the conversation on Twitter follow the hashtag #CTC13.

I am nominating the following bloggers:

Gina from Sweet Serenity

Jade from Jade Moat

Amy from Via Fontanelle

Tina from Girl Meets Globe

Sarah from The Wanderblogger 

and You! (Consider yourself tagged.)

I can't wait to see what your colorful photos!

Have a great week!! 

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What I learned at TBU Rotterdam

I usually try not to blog about blogging, but I really want to tell you about my experience at the Travel Bloggers Unite conference in Rotterdam. I had such a great time and met some fascinating people. 

Oh, the places we will go! started out as my personal little scrapbook.  We're traveling more and more and I'm writing and sharing photographs of our adventures.  I've had friends mention that I've inspired them to go to a certain place.   And I've had readers say they felt like they were right there with me while reading a post.  That's one of the best feelings ever.  I love to inspire people to travel.   

Blogging and travel were meant for each other.  Blogging is creative and interactive.  Travel is exciting and life-changing.  So when I read about TBU Rotterdam.  I thought... Why not?  If I want to be a better travel blogger, then I should go where they are gathered and see what I can learn. 

There were three full days of speakers, sessions, panel discussions and networking for the 151 participants.  I got just the inspiration and information that I needed.  At times it was like drinking from a fire hose.  There were discussions about Creating Content, Finding Your Niche, Social Media, and How to Tell a Good Travel Story.  They had some outstanding speakers. 

Welcome Reception at TBU Rotterdam Maritiem Museum

Fresh Oyster?

There was also an awful lot of discussion about the professional aspects of travel blogging: Marketing, Branding, How to Cash in on Your Content, Sponsored Travel, and working with the Travel PR Industry. 

There are some really amazing things happening on a professional and commercial level.  But all of it was a little daunting.  I can't run with the big dogs and I don't even want to. But I do want to grow my blog and expand what I'm doing.

And I learned a lot about travel bloggers.  For instance, they can't live without wifi.  Social Media is king.  They will do just about anything for that perfect shot.  And they are extremely passionate about travel and blogging.  (You have to be passionate because making a living of it is rough.) 

The conference also got me thinking about what kind of blogger I am and where do I want to go with it.   Here's my simple takeaway.  

As with any creative outlet, there are a wide range of travel bloggers.   A blog is a meeting place.  So what kind of meeting place is it?  Maybe it's the School Gate where you share travel tips with other Moms.  Maybe it's a Reference Desk where people come for information and resources.  Or a Podium, where a blogger tries to influence opinion and change the world. They are all something different and special. 

I see Oh, the places you will go! as a little cafe table in a foreign place where we meet up to share a bottle of wine.  I tell you about my latest trip and you give me ideas for where I should go next.  We talk about travel or being an expat.  We share crazy stories and bitch about public transport.  We do that European double kiss thing as we part and make plans to meet up again soon.  At another cafe table in another place.  That's what I want this blog to always be. 

I'll be honest and admit that I would love to find a way that I can use writing and photography to bring income into our household.  It's something that I absolutely love doing.  If I can find a way to make money without jeopardizing my voice or alienating you, then I'm willing to put in the effort.  (I promise to be completely transparent and honest if I  ever do bring the commercial aspect into the blog.)

Besides all of the introspection and inspiration, one of the best parts of the trip was being able to join in on one of the Post Conference Blog Trips.  For two days, 10 of us were guests of Rotterdam Marketing and taken on an "Off the Beaten Track" tour of Rotterdam. 

 We had a blast and I can't wait to tell you all about Rotterdam.
It really is a great city.

As always, I value your input and would love to hear your comments.

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Liebster Award Lovelies

I've been extremely remiss in not yet responding to three wonderful bloggers who nominated me for The Liebster Award.  Liebster is German for sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, and lovely.  And that is exactly how  I would describe these three bloggers.

And I'm so proud to have been nominated by Melissa at Bright Side Up, Gladley at Glad Blog, and Emma at Adventures of a London Kiwi. Particularly since these are three of my favorite bloggers.  Thank you so much, ladies.  And please forgive me for not responding sooner.  


The Liebster Award is a way for bloggers to show their love to other bloggers.  It's also a great way to discover new blogs, so if any of these blogs are new to you, please click over and tell them I sent you.  

The rules are that you tell 11 random facts about yourself and answer the 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.  Then you nominate some blogs and give them 11 new questions to answer.  And you pass on the love.  

I'm struggling to come up with 11 random facts so here's 3 quick ones.  

I struggle with the meat-to-bread ratio of a standard hotdog. 

To address this issue I slice the hot dog in half longways.

I think mustard is the most disgusting thing ever created.

I can't bear to see it, smell it, touch it, much less put it on my now perfect hotdog.

I like to put Doritos on my ham sandwiches.  

I'm also fairly certain that you do not want me to answer 33 questions.  So, I'm going to cheat a bit and pick one question from each.  

Melissa asked "What is something you enjoyed in childhood that you would like to do as an adult?"

When I was in Kindergarten and first grade, we were living in the Philippines and I took ballet lessons, (I think) at the Youth Center on Clark AFB.  I really enjoyed it.  My mom bought me books to read about beautiful ballerinas.  I loved getting dressed up and posing for pictures in my tutu.  As I got a little older and more shy about being on stage I stopped.  But, I've always wished I could take ballet lessons again.  I can't imagine stuffing my big ol' butt into a leotard at this age.  But, I think it would be wonderful to dance again. 

Gladley asked "What book that I probably haven't read would you recommend to me?

Okay, this is flat-out a shameless plug.  My husband is not only a globe-trotting accountant but he is also a published author.  (And by published, I mean self-published.)  It's a great book and I'm not just saying that.  His pen name is Matt Elham and the book is called Ignoble.  It's a conspiracy thriller with lots of travel and action.  It's available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble as a paperback or for Kindle and Nook.  He is now working on the second of the trilogy.  End shameless plug.  (I was not compensated in anyway for this post.  Yet.)

Emma asked "If I gave you £1,000 right now, what would you do with it?"

I would fly Jessica over here for two weeks.  And I'd take her to Italy for a Mother & Daughter weekend.  I miss you, Sugar Bear!!  (I think we might need to make this happen.)

Now it's my turn to nominate!  

Gina at Sweet Serenity

Erin at Erin Out and About

Andrea at Forever is Tomorrow is Today

 Katie at A Preppy Girl's Guide to Cross Country Living

I'm going to steal some questions from Melissa, Gladley and Emma.  (No, not because I'm lazy, but because their questions are so awesome.)

1.  What is one challenge you have set yourself this year? 
2.  What is something you enjoyed in childhood that you would like to do as an adult?
3.  Do you prefer to read, write or watch?
4.  Do you participate in any volunteer programs for your community?
5.  What are some of your favorite sayings?
6.  What movies could you watch over and over again and still love?
7.  Describe one of your life goals.
8.  When do you feel your happiest? 
9.  What's the one thing you can't leave the house without and why?
10.  If I gave you £1,000 right now, what would you do with it?
11.  Where would you want your dream house to be?

I can't wait to hear your answers!

Tomorrow I'll be starting a series of posts from our Road Trip to Luxembourg and the Champagne District of France.  I hope you will join me!

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