Best Trip of My Life - The Journey Across the Ocean!

I am finally back in the USA after literally the best trip of our lives. Two full weeks of running around multiple countries in Europe - multiple languages, multiple currencies, multiple cuisines, and multiple different kinds of beer and wine, of course!! Not really sure how we will ever top this trip ever, but that is perfectly fine, because it's now the best memory in the world.

I left the day after my birthday, which was really the best present I could have ever asked for. I flew into Amsterdam with an entire ROW of economy comfort to myself, which on a KLM flight, is absolute heaven! Not to mention KLM airplane food - it's like a gourmet meal. Trust me, there are no crappy bags of pretzels and peanuts with this airline, that's for sure!! It's amazing!!!!!

Once I got into Amsterdam, I waited for Mark to get from where he lives on the eastern side of the Netherlands to the Amsterdam airport, where we flew out to Venice, Italy, where we stayed for 3 1/2 days. The perfect start to a perfect trip!

Once we finally made it to Italy, you either have the choice to take a ferry that takes 1.5 hours over to Venice from the airport, or you can take your own personal water taxi that takes about 25-30 minutes, and takes you directly to where you need to go ... even though the latter is nearly 100 Euro, it didn't matter. You can't experience going into Venice any other way in my opinion. Half of the water taxi boats are covered, but you can sit outside near the back of the boat and enjoy the view on the ride into the city... and get nearly one million pictures, of course!!! True Emily style.

We had both been to Venice before with our families, but each nearly 10 years ago. It was so wonderful to see something so amazing that you hadn't seen in years, and to experience it together. Perfect first city on our European blowout vacay!!!

Pinterest Pics of Summer

Usually I'll cruise around Pinterest for anything and everything, but this morning, it's strictly summer.

My apartment is SO cold right now, and the news is saying that it's only going to be in the 40's again today - so REALLY can't wait until it hits 80 degrees! My favorite part of summer is the sun BEATING down on you - even though I burn extremely easily, I miss not having to wear my heavy Canada Goose coat to work every day :( And, there's just so much more to do. You actually WANT to leave your apartment and do things, instead of hibernating inside.

I have a feeling by the time I get back from vacation in 2 weeks, the weather could hopefully turn around a little bit! Until then, here are my favorite Pinterest pics for summer inspiration! 

A smores-covered strawberry? YES!

Sangria/lime popsicles

Popsicles in wine/champagne. Whoever came up with this is genius.

Yum. Obviously!!!

The Perfect Words for Anything

I love quotes - and especially finding quotes about things I'm going through at a particular moment. It helps you change your perspective, or maybe at least gets your day started thinking in a different way!

It's important to not let yourself get stuck - a lot of times, I'm not the best at it, but if something is hurting you or upsetting you, you have to let go and realize everything goes on. If I still let more than a few of the little things upset me, I am pretty sure I would be unable to get out of bed every day, or would probably be the world's biggest sourpuss.

I started becoming a very happy person when I realized that there will always be bad things that will happen, and you can't let those things overcome you. You have to keep on moving! So with that, here is the first quote :)

#1 For when life's problems are dragging you down. This one used to be my laptop background:

#2 When circumstances are making you question who you are and you are beginning to feel lost.

#3 When you feel yourself developing a poor relationship with someone, don't let it continue. It takes effort, but drop everything negative inside and become their friend.

#5 When you feel you need to impress your opinion on everyone to prove yourself. I think this quote is especially relevant for work situations. It's much more important to of course, state your opinion, but also listen to the feelings of others. Whenever I feel at opposition with someone, I remind myself that I am only 1 person on this planet, and there are billions of different views that deserve equally special attention!

#6 When things are weighing on your mind, and making life difficult for you. If things are heavy, realize whatever has happened has happened, and the only way you can move forward is to let it go.

#7 I'm not always the best at this, because I unfortunately have been given the complex in life that I must always be the best at what I do! However, it's important to develop a mature state of mind that you can only grow and become better from your failures. It's equally important to face your failures with courage.

#8 There's a certain stigma in the world that constant happiness or cheerfulness represents immaturity or naivety. I believe the exact opposite of that. Someone who is able to consistently smile, among all of the negativity in this world, is someone who is determined to live a happy life and make the best of what has been given to them. If you are not smiling every day, what can you change?

#9 This next quote almost encompasses them all. You are the only person who is in charge of how you look at the world today, or how you deal with the challenges that are put in front of you. If things seem unhappy, be conscious of the nature of your thoughts, and see how you can turn your negative thoughts around. Look for the positive!

#10 And when everything seems to be against you, remember that many times you can accomplish even greater things in the midst of adversity. 

My Favorite Things: Macarons

I LOVE macarons. Though I've always thought they were delish, it wasn't until I was in Paris with Mark in August that we became really obsessed with them. Plus, they are completely diet friendly which I love, besides all of their amazing flavors and colors!

Since we're hitting up Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, The Netherlands, and not a French-speaking country on Monday, I'm a LITTLE worried that either we won't find them, OR we'll find them and they won't be good. :( 

Now first, the BIGGEST mistake that people make with macarons is the spelling - which I didn't know myself until a few weeks ago! It's macaron vs. macaroons - the first spelling is the one I love, the French macaron... a sandwich-like meringue cookie that gets its light, airy texture from egg whites:

 The macaroon is a tender cookie made with condensed milk and coconut:

 The French macaron is a much more complicated recipe than the macaroon, even though the latter is still amazing too!

My future wedding cake will undoubtedly be covered in multi-colored macarons. Here's a little macaron photo love for your day... they're so pretty:

When I get back from vacation, I am going to ATTEMPT a batch of macarons with the recipe below. Wish me luck! :)

French Macaron Recipe

Makes 50 sandwiched macarons.

Ingredients:

For the macarons:

• 10 ounce confectioners’ sugar
• 10 ounce finely ground almonds
• 5 large egg whites
• Pinch of cream of tartar
• 1/3 cup granulated or superfine bakers sugar
• Red and yellow food coloring

For the filling:

• 9 ounce unsalted butter, softened
• 5 ounce confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2 ounce finely grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water or orange flower water
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1 teaspoon rose flower water

Instructions:

For the macarons:

1. Using a fine sieve, sift confectioners’ sugar and finely ground almonds, pushing through with a wooden spoon.
2. Using an electric mixer, whisk egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and whisk until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 1 tbsp. at a time, and whisk until dissolved. Stir meringue mixture into almond mixture (mixture will be stiff), then halve. Tint one half pink, the other half orange.
3. Spoon 1 mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip. Pipe walnut sized rounds onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets, then repeat with other mixture. Set meringues aside, uncovered, on baking sheets for 1 hour (this will help minimise cracking).
4. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F/150 degrees C and bake macaroons, 2 baking sheets at a time, swapping sheets halfway through cooking, for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets. Slide a knife under each macaroon to release from paper, then store in an airtight container until ready to fill.

For filling:

1. Using an electric mixer, beat butter until pale and fluffy, then gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until combined. Transfer half the mixture from the bowl to another bowl and add orange zest and orange blossom water. Stir to combine. Add raspberries and rose flower water to remaining mixture in mixing bowl and, using the electric mixer, beat until well combined. Sandwich pink macaroons with raspberry filling and orange macaroons with orange filling.

Tip:
To create a perfectly smooth top on your macaroons, dip a finger into a bowl of water and gently smooth out any peaks.

My Perfect Packed Suitcase to Venture Across the Ocean

Yesterday, I decided I needed a major spring update to my wardrobe, and it was time to do a little shopping at work - especially for vacation! This time, I was VERY strategic about my shopping - purchased a lot of great basics that can be mixed and matched into LOTS of different outfits, which saves me in the long run. Of course, I had to go for updated comfy pieces as well - Wildfox sweatshirts, James Perse lounge pants - basically the things I wear on my day off that will be perfect for a long plane ride Monday night! 

I couldn't find half of the pictures of the items online that I purchased yesterday - but you'll soon see them all on me in my vacation photos, anyways :)

Here's some of my new pieces, + my idea of things to pack for a perfect trip!

I am loving these new Tory Burch espadrille 'sneakers' I bought yesterday. The only reason I call them a sneaker is because of their shape, and the rubber sole with AMAZING traction on the bottom - hence, the perfect walking shoe but still looks fabulous!

For $40, I was not expecting this Dolce Vita flip flop to be as comfortable as it was - but honestly, I might end up wearing these a majority of the time. They feel like you're walking on a little cloud!

It's hard to tell, but this Two by Vince Camuto jacket has white leather sleeves and a grey sweatshirt-material body. I will probably throw this on with absolutely everything - a black Target maxi, a pair of jeans and a basic top.. anything.

How cool are these Kenneth Cole pants!! The track-pant trend in a silk pant - these will be perfect as long as I can keep them unwrinkled in my suitcase for 2 weeks!

Another shoe that I will probably wear almost every day - the 'Pandy' jelly flip flop from Ferragamo. The one I purchased is in black, and this is honestly one of the most comfortable flip flops EVER. I can see myself in a maxi and my Pandy flop, walking around the canals of Venice in just 5 days!!! :)

I own the Ferragamo Graziella Leather Crossbody in a maroon color as opposed to black - however, it's the perfect bag to take on vacation. Interior pockets to protect your cash and cards from pickpockets, and incredibly lightweight. This was one of my best purchases last year.

The two makeup essentials - YSL Youth Liberator Foundation, and YSL Touche Eclat Highlighting Pen. Perfect products that always make your skin look radiant and flawless. Best products out there!

Even though I'm so sad I don't have immediate pictures of ALL of the things I purchased yesterday, there is one more thing that is the absolute staple of my travel wardrobe. Without them, my suitcase might fall apart:

MAXI DRESSES. And not just any maxi dresses, maxis from TARGET!!

They range at about $25 per dress, and they are the perfect thing to take on vacation because they pack easy, and you could really care less whether or not you destroy them because you fell in a canal in Venice. I also bought a few pairs of jeans from Target because I NEVER wear them - only usually dresses, and why spend the money if I'm not going to wear them! So economical of me. :D

So besides a couple of photos of the great pieces I'm excited to take, here's what else I will be putting i my suitcase:

• A set of adapters for all of my chargers and hair tools to be able to plug into European outlets
• Makeup wipes - easier than taking a bottle of makeup remover
• Skinny bottles of shampoo/conditioner (will also double as 'detergent' if I need to hand wash something in the sink so I can wear it again)
• Slip on sneakers - not only a huge spring trend, but will be perfect for walking around and to wear on the plane
• A lightweight trench/windbreaker. There's no need to take something super heavy because of the 60 degree weather in Europe right now
• Extra snacks to take in my carry-on (KLM flights usually have EXTREMELY fattening food for their meals, and I'm going to honestly try to stay health-conscious on this trip!)
• Lightweight scarf just in case it really does get chilly some nights
• Rail Europe tickets - the train tickets between each country just arrived last night - PLEASE don't let me forget them!! :(
• One heavy sweater to layer underneath a lightweight jacket, just in case it gets even colder
• Leggings. My vacation best friend - for plane or for wearing to walk around.
• My Michael Kors watch - will not only double as my only jewelry accessory, but obviously functional as well ... as long as I remember to switch it to 7 hours ahead

Can't wait for Monday :)

The 10 Crafty Things I Would Be Doing for Easter... If I Was in Town!

So unfortunately, I will be missing Easter this year around while I'm out of town! Too bad, because I found so many Easter crafts/baked goods on Pinterest that are dying to be done by me ;( Darn.

IF I was here, these are the top 10 things I would be doing, besides going to church, this Easter!

#1 Easter Egg Cookies - but I'm almost positive I couldn't get the icing like this. I've never made anything but fluffy icing for cookies. I need to learn hard icing better so I can make pretty decorations on cookies like these!!

#2 Easter Marshmallow Bark - Just LOOKS so easy to make. This would make a perfect treat to take to work! And it looks yummy too.

#3 Magic Balloon Treats - Totally unnecessary, but I've seen people do this magic balloon thing a million times, and I've always wanted to do it. Maybe it's a good thing I won't be around this Easter - will save this one for when I have kids. They'll be so confused.

#4 Easter Basket Cupcakes - This is DEFINITELY an Emily recipe!! It looks a little hodgepodge, but the idea is so darn cute. Disappointed that I won't be able to make this one!

#5 Easter Candy Vase Decoration - I've seen this a few years in a row on Pinterest, and I've always wanted to do this! A little kitchy, but Emily loves kitchy :D 

#6 Ice Cream Cone Easter Candy - This is the cutest way to deliver Easter candy! Super simple and probably would take 5 minutes to make. Another good one to take to work.

#7 The Pirouette Cake - Ok, I have seen this cake style around for a few years on Pinterest too - usually with KitKat bars around the edges - but I have STILL never made it. This definitely needs to happen, Easter version or no Easter version.

#8 - The Peeps Bunny Cupcake - OH gosh - how cute is this. I would definitely be making this. The only thing I'd have to get are new icing tips to make a grass effect with the frosting, and then it would be easy as cake! 

#9 Easter Baskets for Friends - It's not like we need Easter baskets with candy anymore (well maybe we still do), but my friends and I ALL love World Market. Love the idea they did here with pastel-colored kitchen supplies. I would love to get something like this for Easter!

#10 Easter Bunny Breakfast - Definitely not even taking the time to do this until I have children, but it's still just so darn cute!