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What I Did This Summer (Instead of Blogging)

Friday, August 28, 2015 by Darla

What I Did This Summer by BakingdomHi friends! I bet you thought I was never coming back, huh? I’m sorry. I know I just up and disappeared without a word. It was pretty rude of me. I really am sorry. Also, though, I’m kind of not. It’s hard to be too sorry when you sent the summer the way I did the last few months. I have no excuse for not announcing that I’d be taking a hiatus…except that I hadn’t planned to take it. I had every intention of spending the summer baking, picture-taking, and blogging. But then, my family came to visit, so instead, I took some unexpected time off.

Bakingdom FamilyThe best and most wonderful thing I did this summer was spend time with my family. Back at the end of May, my mom and middle sister arrived for a two week vacation here, and one week after their arrival, my oldest sister joined us, as well. I haven’t seen them for a long, long time – two years since seeing Mom, three years since seeing my oldest sister, and four years since I spent time with my middle sister. We were all due for some quality time together! I got three whole weeks to spend with my family, and the joy of taking them to see different countries…

…so in addition to spending time with my family this summer, I (we) traveled.

The main place that they really wanted to visit was Scotland. When my dad was in the Navy, he spent time in Scotland, and we all grew up hearing about what a beautiful place it was. The Hubster and I were fortunate to get to visit Scotland last year. It was incredible, and I knew that my family would love it, so it was our first stop.

Bakingdom Family Scott MonumentWe spent a couple of days exploring Edinburgh first. My mom brought along a photo of my dad (who passed away when I was 17 years old), and we took several photos of her around the city with the photo. It was a really sweet way that my mom found to share this trip with my dad.

Toasting Dad in ScotlandOn another day, we took a tiny bought across choppy Loch Leven to visit Loch Leven Castle. The castle is built on an island in the middle of the lake, and is where Mary, Queen of Scots spent a year of imprisonment before escaping. It was a cold, rainy day, but it was such an amazing and memorable day. While there, we toasted the memory of Dad with some Scotch Whisky. As you can see above, whisky isn’t my drink. ๐Ÿ˜€

The following day, we drove down to Stonehenge. This was such a fascinating day, and I would definitely recommend a trip to see it if you can!

Bakingdom Family Tower BridgeOn our last day in the U.K., we explored London. We only had the one day, but we made the most of it for sure! We rode the London Eye and took a walking tour to see so many sights – from Parliament and Big Ben (The Elizabeth Tower) to Downing Street and on to Trafalgar Square. We shopped in Piccadilly, and visited Westminster Abbey before heading back across the river to see Shakespeare’s globe and the Millennium Bridge. We also crossed Tower Bridge and saw the Tower of London.

Mr. and Mrs. Bakingdom at Nine and Three QuartersWe even found time for a visit to Kings Cross Station and Platform 9 3/4!

After this trip, my mom and middle sister had to head home. We so sad to see them go, but so very grateful they were able to come see us.

While my oldest sister was still here, we headed to France to visit Versailles and Paris.

Mr. and Mrs. Bakingdom at the Temple of Love VersaillesVersailles is mind boggling! Its massive and stunning and if I hadn’t seen it with my own two eyes, I’d never be able to comprehend just how extravagant it truly is.

If you visit, be sure to stop by the Temple of Love (above) for a smooch with your True Love. ๐Ÿ™‚

Eiffel Tower and Carousel by BakingdomAhhhhhh, Paris.

To be perfectly honest, we hadn’t heard good feedback from friends who’d been to Paris. But you know what? We absolutely loved it! We had such an amazing time exploring the city, and I hope to return someday.

Bakingdom Sisters Eiffel TowerOf course, we visited the Eiffel Tower. We rode to the first level (after the restaurant level), explored, oohed and aahed, took lots of photos (like the one above), and then boarded the elevator to reach the summit.

For me, this was an adventure and an achievement, as I’m very, very afraid of heights. I’m so very happy I did this, though. It was once-in-a-lifetime, and worth every jittery second. ๐Ÿ™‚

Notre Dame Cathedral by BakingdomWe also visited the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This was stunning. We were all in awe. The entire building was gorgeous, and we were fortunate to stop in when they began a service. It was beautiful.

We saw so many other sites in Paris, but there’s still so much left to see…I’m ready to go back anytime. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Mr. and Mrs. Bakingdom Eiffel Tower NightWe couldn’t leave the city without saying goodnight to the Eiffel Tower, and when we saw they were selling massive clouds of fluffy cotton candy, we didn’t hesitate. What a fantastic memory!

After my other sister headed home to the States, I meant to get back into the swing of blogging again. Everyone had been so patient waiting for me while I toured around with my family, but I just wasn’t in a blogging place. I needed some time. I already missed everyone tremendously, and for the first time, I felt extremely homesick. We’ve been so happy here, and I love it and all the people we’ve met, but I was very sad to see my people head home again. So I took some more time. And Hubs and I took another trip. This time to Luxembourg for some hiking.

Mr. Bakingdom in LuxembourgWe spent Independence Day weekend on the trails. On the Fourth of July, we even stumbled on to this beautiful memorial for American WWII soldiers. It was so fitting and very moving.

Mr. Bakingdom with Fred and GeorgeWe also made new friends during our hike. These two sweet donkeys (mules?) were absolutely adorable and so very lovable!

Fred and George DonkeysWe named them Fred and George. Because obviously.

Vianden from Above by BakingdomAfter hiking, we headed into a sweet little town named Vianden.

Vianden Luxembourg by BakingdomIt was quaint and cute and fun just to meander through.

Vianden Castle by BakingdomThey even had their own Hogwarts Castle!

When we got home,ย I just wanted to keep relaxing. I wanted to spend time with Loki, snuggling. I wanted to let myself be a little sad that my family and most of my friends are far, far away and living in the past. So I did. I let myself have some time.

I crafted.

Harry Potter Needlecrafts by BakingdomI spent time making art for my office, framing art and photos I’ve been neglecting, and creating happy new pages in my Project Life scrapbooks.

Donald Duck Felt Craft by BakingdomI worked on my gallery wall, adding touches of geekery wherever I could.

Doctor Who Needlecraft by BakingdomIt was so much fun making sweet and happy art pieces to enjoy while I work in there.

Before and After Shelves by BakingdomThis was probably my favorite project. I ordered the shelves from Target, and after painting them, I created bright, happy backgrounds for each square. I’ve been having the best time filling the shelves with little pieces of joy.

I also learned to crochet. I suppose that falls under crafting, but seeing as how it’s a little more involved, I consider it a task all its own. I’m still learning, and I’m moving right along, but I wouldn’t expect to see much more than a scarf for while yet. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Eat. Sleep. Read. Repeat. by BakingdomDuring my hiatus, I read. I read a lot. I read 25+ books between my last post on May 9 and today’s. And it. was. awesome. I’m participating in the PopSugar Reading Challenge this year, and it was a lot of fun checking a whole lot of books off my list. I’m also re-reading the Harry Potter series with my bestie, Tina (Sugar Bean Bakers), for our new book club Weasleys’ Wizard Weaders. We’ve been having weekly FaceTime book discussions, which has basically been the best thing ever. All the books I read between May 9 and today:

Summer 2015 Reading List by Bakingdom

 

This summer, I also embraced the return of the high waist. This is still a work-in-progress. Every fiber of my being is telling me they’re mom jeans, they’re dated, they’re uncool. Nevertheless, I invested in some charming wool plaid shorts, and some comfy, silky shorts – all high-waisted. I’m trying. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Mostly, I relaxed. I had a real summer vacation. And it was wonderful.

I’m so grateful to each and every person who takes the time to stop by here and visit for awhile, and I can’t express enough how much I appreciate your patience while I took some time to be with my family. Thank you for reading, and thank you for waiting. I hope you’re excited to see some new recipes and ideas, and maybe even read a little bit about some of my recent travels. Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!

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Filed Under: Crafts, Miscellaneous, Travel Tagged With: Books, Crafts, Miscellaneous, Reading, Travel

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Comments

  1. Luli says

    Friday, August 28, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    It’s good to have you back, but I also understand the need to have some time off! A family visit is very important in my agenda too and it’s more than understandable that you’d not be feeling all that well after they go back home, considering the distance. I love your recipes, but you’re supposed to enjoy blogging, not feel forced to do it…if you weren’t feeling it, that’s ok. The best baking adventures are those filled with love and passion for what you’re doing anyway!

  2. Kelsey K says

    Friday, August 28, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    I was JUST on your page 2 hours before you posted this, wondering when you were coming back!! So glad to see you’re active on this site again but I’m glad you took the time you needed, you bring so much inspiration to so many other people. You gotta do you!

  3. Kristen says

    Friday, August 28, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    What a wonderful summer you had! Didn’t it feel great to take some time off and step away for a bit?
    I’m so glad you were able to experience it all!

  4. Mary B says

    Friday, August 28, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    I follow you on Instagram, so I was never surprised that there weren’t new posts. ๐Ÿ™‚ I am excited to see what your creative juices come up with next! Don’t apologize for family time! I have never lived outside of my home town, so I can’t imagine being that far away from my family, but I bet it made those three weeks pretty awesome! Love seeing your pictures and travels!

  5. Lisa W says

    Friday, August 28, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    Welcome back! I follow you on IG too and I enjoyed seeing all of your travel photos!

  6. Robin says

    Friday, August 28, 2015 at 10:06 pm

    I’m so glad you had a great summer and a good break! It was fun to read your update and I’m really looking forward to all your new recipes and ideas. Happy autumn!

  7. Meghan A says

    Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 2:45 am

    This was lovely. I definitely missed you (checked in a few times a week!) but so glad you took some much needed time off. We live away from family right now as well and I can absolutely empathize with that massively homesick feeling. Yuck. But thank you for letting us know what was going on and those beautiful pictures!

  8. Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can says

    Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 3:54 am

    While I definitely missed you im so glad you spent time with family. All your instagram pictures have definitely made me jealous of all your adventures. Nothing quite like spending time with loved ones ๐Ÿ™‚ so glad your back

  9. Courtney says

    Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 4:47 am

    These photos are too beautiful for words. Fred and George! OMG. How cute are they? And the rest of the photos make me wish I traveled more. We’ve never been out of the country, but I hope we can let Clara experience it well before she reaches our age.

    I’m glad you took some time away. I’m sorry you’re feeling homesick, and I’m sending a big hug your way.

  10. Rosa says

    Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 4:52 am

    Welcome back! I’m so happy (well, relieved first to see you back) to hear about your hiatus – spending time with family is very important and wonderful and amazing! Looking forward to seeing your delicious recipes and beautiful pictures!

  11. Johlene@FlavoursandFrosting says

    Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 10:29 am

    I’m so glad you got time for yourself and could spend time with your family. Living abroad without friends and family I can totally relate to this post. Your photos of your trips are amazing ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Jeanette says

    Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    I like your taste in books ๐Ÿ™‚ The first two green rider books are among my favorites (and the other green rider books are on my to read list). I think you would also like Mercedes Lackey’s books (start with arrows of the queen) and Tamora Pierce’s books (although these are YA books I still love them; start with alanna: the first adventure).
    And yay, Scotland <3
    Glad you're back though! Looking forward to more of your recipes.
    Greetings from The Netherlands ๐Ÿ™‚
    ps. Have you seen #27 on this? http://www.buzzfeed.com/mallorymcinnis/sorry-mickey-but-i-am-going-to-eat-you-now#.ubaOQ5q1g1

  13. Kristina says

    Monday, August 31, 2015 at 3:23 am

    Sounds like a summer well spent! P.S. where did you find those wool shorts?

  14. Renee @ Awesome on $20 says

    Monday, August 31, 2015 at 6:54 pm

    We’re leaving for Glasgow tomorrow. I can’t wait to stand in some of the places you visited this summer! Europe is about to be on my doorstep, and I bet you can understand my abundant excitement better than anyone.

  15. Cathy says

    Monday, August 31, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    Welcome back! You had me worried that you were never going to return! I don’t have IG so I had no idea what was going on! I checked in every week! So glad that you were away for traveling purposes and not anything serious. Your pictures are amazing and I’m so happy that you were able to spend time with your family. I LOVE the dress you were wearing at Versailles. Looking forward to some wonderful recipes from you.

    PS. My mind is boggling that someone could NOT enjoy Paris! If I have my way, I’m going to retire there!

  16. Imi says

    Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    Lovely to see you had a good summer in the best place ever! I’m glad you love Europe as much as I do- looking forward to trying some new yummy recipes! Xx

  17. Beth says

    Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 12:57 am

    Darla, I’m so glad you’re back. But moreso I’m so glad you got to have such a wonderful summer with people you love in such wondrous places! Now that you are back, I get to live vicariously through you in my kitchen as well as in my passport. HA!
    Always…

  18. T says

    Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 11:40 am

    So glad you’re back, and I’m also glad you gave yourself a break and got to enjoy Europe! We live in Ireland now, but still make your chicken and dumplings soup allll the time!

  19. shelly (cookies and cups) says

    Monday, September 14, 2015 at 3:28 pm

    I love that you are really making the most of living abroad! Such wonderful memories!

  20. Marta S says

    Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    You’re back!!!!!!!! Yay!!!!
    I am THRILLED!! I kept checking back about every other week, hoping to see a new post… And finally I did! I was afraid one of my favourite blogs was going to be something of the past. I’m glad you had a great summer with lots of good memories, but I’m excited to see what you’ll come up with next!

  21. Bryt says

    Friday, October 16, 2015 at 2:38 am

    Sometimes a break is just what you need, and can often kickstart another round of creativity ๐Ÿ™‚ Your trip photos look amazing!

  22. Amy G. says

    Friday, October 30, 2015 at 7:57 am

    So glad you got that time with your family. I live halfway across the country from mine and I know how homesickness feels. Very glad to have you back and can’t wait to see more creations! And about the reading… What a great list! I adored the movie Mists of Avalon and was wondering if it was anything like the book? The book is always better so perhaps I should just go read it. And all my old Beverly Cleary books too. ๐Ÿ˜€

  23. Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture says

    Monday, December 14, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    Welcome back and good for you for taking what sounds like a much-needed break! So glad you got to see your family. So important! Thank you so much for sharing your photos of Europe. I also took a break from blogging this summer, and visited Europe to see a friend in the military. I’ve been vacillating trying to decide if I should post the Europe photos because they’re unrelated to my blog topic (acupuncture marketing, so specific right?!) but since you posted yours and I really, really enjoyed reading this post, I think I’m going to post mine too. Because Europe photos are always fun, right? I wanted to let you know I think we are soul sisters, because I’m also a super Potterhead and visited the Warner Bros. London Harry Potter Studio Tour, and it just about completed my life. Have you been?! If not, you would adore it. You get to walk through the set of the Great Hall! Ah! ๐Ÿ™‚

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The best good boy that ever lived. ๐Ÿค My brain i The best good boy that ever lived. ๐Ÿค My brain is struggling to comprehend how itโ€™s been almost two years without him. It feels like a flash in time and an eternity, simultaneously. #LittleMightyLoki
Twentieth New Yearโ€™s Eve together and he still m Twentieth New Yearโ€™s Eve together and he still makes me laugh til I cry {swipe}.
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Iโ€™m ready for new adventures, new memories, more kindness, and lots of healing in 2021. Among so many things I want for you, Iโ€™m especially wishing you belly laughs, abundant pleasure, endless excitement, and great food in the new year. Cheers and  happy New Year, my friends!
I always knew that I would be bounding as Olaf tod I always knew that I would be bounding as Olaf today because he is the epitome of a happy character. But itโ€™s not just Olaf...Iโ€™m also bounding today as @joshgad, in a roundabout way, because Josh has brought so much joy and compassion to people. Yes, with his portrayal of Olaf (and so many other characters), but also, and mainly, as himself. Heโ€™s such a joyful and kind person, it has been a pleasure laughing and crying along with him, and Olaf, this year. Thank you, sir, for making my 2020 more magical and joyful than it would have been without you!
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Today is the last day of dressemberbound! Thank you to everyone who helped me meet my goal, and helped our team achieve TWICE our original goal!! Please visit the blue link on my profile to see my @dressember funraising page and to make a donation. ๐Ÿ’— You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. ๐Ÿ’œ
Iโ€™m so excited to get to share a fellow bounder Iโ€™m so excited to get to share a fellow bounder today for #dressemberbound! It was really, really hard to narrow it down to one because everyone is SO talented and SO fun, but I had to share @rogue_princess_ today because every bound she does brings a smile to face and fills me with joy!
๐Ÿ’›
Iโ€™d also like to take a moment to share our fearless team leaders: @shebounds and @libraryladylife. Theyโ€™re both so creative and theyโ€™ve been so encouraging throughout the whole month. 
โค๏ธ
Weโ€™ve been wearing dresses every day in December to help raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking. Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. ๐Ÿ’— You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. ๐Ÿ’œ
You can do anything in a dress, even slay a dragon You can do anything in a dress, even slay a dragon!
๐Ÿ—ก
Pick a prince, any prince! Heโ€™s not my favorite, but Prince Phillip sure is dashing.
๐Ÿ›ก
Today is the perfect day to make a big impact with @dressember in the fight against human trafficking! There is a donation match running today, with matches up to $84,000!!! Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. ๐Ÿ’— You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. ๐Ÿ’œ
โ€œIโ€™m practically perfect in every way.โ€ -Mar โ€œIโ€™m practically perfect in every way.โ€ -Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers
๐Ÿช 
Although, truth be told, Iโ€™m much more like Michael and Jane... noisy, mischievous, and short-tempered. ๐Ÿ˜… Or stubborn, suspicious, and inclined to giggle, if you want to use the movie for reference. 
๐ŸŒ‚ 
Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to my FUNdraiser! Iโ€™m wearing dresses every day in December to help raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking. There will be donation matching beginning Tuesday, if youโ€™ve been waiting for the right time to make a bigger impact! Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. ๐Ÿ’— You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. ๐Ÿ’œ
โ€œIf you are what you eat, then I only want to ea โ€œIf you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff.โ€ -Remy
๐Ÿง€
โ€œGood food is like music you can taste, color you can smell. There is excellence all around you. You need only be aware to stop and savor it.โ€ - Chef Gusteau
๐Ÿฅ˜
I couldnโ€™t pick just a Remy quote for today because the one by Chef Gusteau is one of my favorites from any movie. I think itโ€™s clear from several of my other bounds this month that food is one of my love languages, and Remy and Gusteau totally get it.
๐Ÿฅ
Please visit the blue link on my profile to see my @dressember funraising page and to make a donation. ๐Ÿ’— You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. ๐Ÿ’œ
I do not know whether to kill you, or to kiss you. I do not know whether to kill you, or to kiss you.
๐Ÿ•ท๐Ÿ˜˜
Miss Spider, James and the Giant Peach
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ•ธ 
Iโ€™m wearing dresses every day in December to help raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking. Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. ๐Ÿ’— You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. ๐Ÿ’œ
And I am here for the food. ๐ŸŽ Rizzo the Rat is And I am here for the food.
๐ŸŽ
Rizzo the Rat is the best part of The Muppet Christmas Carol and when he kisses Gonzoโ€™s nose over the jellybeans, I lose it every time. ๐Ÿ˜ And to top it all off, heโ€™s a Gryffindor. ๐Ÿ˜˜
๐ŸŽ„
Merry Christmas to those celebrating today! Happy holidays to those celebrating their special days this season! Love you guys like Rizzo loves food.
โค๏ธ
Iโ€™m wearing dresses every day in December to help raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking. I will be making donation matches to any contribution made by Christmas Day, up to a total of $75. Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. ๐Ÿ’— You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. ๐Ÿ’œ
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