Hi 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.
The 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.
We 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.
On 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. 😀
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!
On 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.
We 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.
Versailles 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. 🙂
Ahhhhhh, 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.
Of 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. 🙂
We 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. 😉
We 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.
We 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.
We also made new friends during our hike. These two sweet donkeys (mules?) were absolutely adorable and so very lovable!
We named them Fred and George. Because obviously.
After hiking, we headed into a sweet little town named Vianden.
It was quaint and cute and fun just to meander through.
They even had their own Hogwarts Castle!
When we got home, 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.
I 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.
I worked on my gallery wall, adding touches of geekery wherever I could.
It was so much fun making sweet and happy art pieces to enjoy while I work in there.
This 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. 😉
During 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:
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. 😉
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!
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!
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!
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!
I follow you on Instagram, so I was never surprised that there weren’t new posts. 🙂 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!
Welcome back! I follow you on IG too and I enjoyed seeing all of your travel photos!
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!
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!
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 🙂 so glad your back
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.
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!
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 🙂
I like your taste in books 🙂 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 🙂
ps. Have you seen #27 on this? http://www.buzzfeed.com/mallorymcinnis/sorry-mickey-but-i-am-going-to-eat-you-now#.ubaOQ5q1g1
Sounds like a summer well spent! P.S. where did you find those wool shorts?
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.
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!
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
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…
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!
I love that you are really making the most of living abroad! Such wonderful memories!
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!
Sometimes a break is just what you need, and can often kickstart another round of creativity 🙂 Your trip photos look amazing!
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. 😀
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! 🙂