Greece part 1- Santorini

Santorini has always been on my travel bucket list and I couldn't have been happier to tick it off the list with some of my favorite people.   Being one of the most photographed places on earth it's almost like you have been there even before you arrive. So my favorite things we did were head to a few spots I hadn't seen before in pics and discover the island for ourselves. Perissa beach and Ammoudi Bay were among my top must sees along with taking a Catamaran around the crystal blue waters. We rented an Airbnb directly in the middle of Oia and it was absolutely perfect for our family of 7. We had a 3 year old in tow and I was a bit nervous with all the cliffside accommodations and restaurants but it couldn't have been safer. Beware the sunset crowds like a running of the bulls to get their Instagram pics before all stampeding back the other way as soon as the famous Santorini sun sets. Even though we were there in the mid July heat we definitely enjoyed our hot tub dips early morning and evening (this was something I debated for hours when choosing an Airbnb). At Perissa beach we spent the day at Seaside by Notos which was absolutely perfect (bring beach shoes if you have sensitive feet, it's slightly rocky like most of Santorini's beaches and very HOT). Same tip for Ammoudi Bay if you plan on swimming, comfortable shoes that can get wet are highly recommended. Also make sure you plan on having lunch at one of the gorgeous seafood restaurants at the bottom before embarking on your sweaty journey back to the top. Or you could take a donkey for 5 euros. Santorini was the perfect spot to recover from jet lag before heading to our next Cycladic island... Paros. 

Greece part 2 - Paros and Antiparos coming soon.  

Vietnam part 2- Journey to Hanoi

After finally recovering from our 4 day journey, 24 layover in Hong Kong and a 13 hour time change we were ready to rock and roll... spring roll that is. Northern Vietnam is home to hands down the greatest spring rolls on earth (pretty sure I ate them for almost every meal). Between spring rolls and Vietnamese coffees we were ready to roll (🤷🏼‍♀️) and our jet lag was far (east) behind us. After Danang we flew to Haiphong and took a car to Halong Bay (flight was an hour and the drive was another 1 1/2 hours). I researched Halong Bay cruises endlessly and finally decided upon Paradise Cruises for a 2 night/3 days cruise. We saw fishing villages (people actually live on the water with their families and animals), hiked different islands and explored caves. The sun rarely shone and it seemed to drizzle for days but it was such a gorgeous and calm place it didn't seem to matter. Bringing our 3 year old along was absolutely no problem and they had life vests for her and she participated in all the daily tours and activities. We had planned to take a seaplane from Halong Bay to Hanoi but due to inclement weather it wasn't possible and instead took a fantastic private car/van. It was much less time than the 3-4 hours I kept reading about, in fact we even stopped twice for shopping and food and still made it in under 2 1/2 hours. Hanoi was the icing on our Vietnam cake. The sights, the smells, the people.... cities like this are the reason I fell so deeply in love with traveling and all things that go along with it. The struggles of reaching these far away places all seem to be worth it once you are riding on bike taxis and eating street food. Which honestly I didn't get to eat much of because the doctor who administered our Typhoid shots made me a nervous wreck! We stayed at the Sofitel Metropole Hotel which has to be one of my favorite places of all time. It's like a little slice of Parisian Alice in Wonderland in the middle of a bustling Far East city.  The swimming pool alone is reason enough to stay at this picture perfect hotel along with some of the best food in Hanoi. The things I miss the most are the Springs rolls, coffee and most definitely our nightly bike taxis through the busy streets of this magical city. So long for now Vietnam.... but I'll be back... hopefully sooner rather than later. 

Stay - Sofitel Metropole Hotel (Hanoi)  , Paradise Cruise (Halong Bay) 

Eat - Hanoi Social Club, Street food in Hanoi's old quarter, Opera Club Novel (spring rolls), Le Beaulieu French restaurant  

Wearing - Gucci Tshirt, Levis white jean shorts, black crane shirts, Everlane trench coat, Veja sneakers, Nomadic State of Mind rope sandals, JW Anderson skirt, Roseanna yellow knit, Zara pants

Packing list for Stella- ziplock bags filled with lots of small toys and figurines (plus we buy small trinkets along the journey), sticker books, iPad just for the airplane ride and in case they don't have English television (I don't do electronics normally so this is a treat for her and makes long airplane rides a breeze). Also I pack mostly clothes that can mix and match which is pretty easy in our case because everything is usually neutral colors. 

Four Season's Greetings

Being from Kansas City, St. Louis has always been a place that seemed so close yet so far away. Too close to be an exciting adventure, but a bit too far to jump in the car for dinner and shopping. Thankfully after spending a couple of glorious days in the STL,  I realize I couldn't have been more wrong. As someone who LOVES a good culinary experience (from the restaurants aesthetics to the food itself) I was blown away by what the city had to offer. They had more options than I could have dreamed possible and never once did my experience feel "Midwest". In fact, quite the opposite, with restaurants like Vicia and Olio standing up to anywhere I've eaten in larger coastal cities. I was also completely unaware and pleasantly surprised that St. Louis was home to The Four Seasons and their famous spa, which I took full advantage of... getting a 3-1 facial with the newest OxyGeneo technology. My skin was noticeably brighter and actually glowing immediately post treatment which was nice after a day of traveling. I took the Amtrak to St. Louis which was such a lovely vintage and nostalgic way to travel (with modern day conveniences such as wifi of course). The Four Seasons not only wowed me with their spa but I also had a fantastic culinary experience. We were wined and dined until our hearts content at the chef's table by Chef Colucci at Cielo. Breakfast was perfect as well with fresh juices and homemade banana pancakes. And if you aren't full after all of that, simply head to Clementine's Creamery for a delicious selection of "naughty or nice" ice cream. You might want to plan on Ubering home if you try too many naughty flavors, though. The famous Gateway Arch is undergoing a renovation to the surrounding grounds below. So there will soon be concerts and museums to enjoy alongside all the delicious food. I can't wait to head back to St. Louis to experience more of what this wonderful city has to offer. A special thanks to Explore St. Louis and The Four Seasons for an unforgettable trip! 

Stay-  The Four Seasons 

Eat - Cielo , Vicia, Olio, Clementine's Creamery

Wearing - Jbrand, Gucci, Zara, Veja shoes, Everlane trench, The Line coat, Won Hundred, Away luggage,  Lo and Sons, Peony Swimwear

For more ideas on what to do head over to Explore St. Louis  

Vietnam - Part 1. The Nam Hai and Hoi An

"No pain, no gain" is definitely something that continued to resonate loudly in my mind on our journey to the Far East.  It took 3 flights, numerous delays and even a 24 hour unexpected layover in Hong Kong. Throw a 13 hour time change on top of all that and you have a few meltdowns along the way for sure. But alas, the clouds parted and the sun shone again and my what a beautiful Vietnamese sun it was. We stayed at the Four Season's Nam Hai and it was so incredibly serene and relaxing (had I not had a 3 year old chirping in my ear I would have probably been asleep all day).  The Vietnamese people are so kind and accommodating (especially if you have small children) that it made even the worst jet lag seem better. We took daily trips into Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we drank the most amazing Vietnamese coffee (best jet lag cure) and ate spring rolls. They have tailors everywhere so come prepared with your favorite pieces of clothing to be made in every color. Be prepared to sit back, relax and drink coffee until your hearts content. Part 2 of our Vietnam adventures coming soon.... to a blog near you. 

Stay - The Four Seasons Nam Hai  , The Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Anantara 

Eat -  Morning Glory, Cocobox (for juice and smoothies), cafe Nam Hai (for Indian food) and have coffee literally anywhere. 

Wearing - Buleboo, Onia swim, Lenny Neimeyer, Prism swimwear, Raquel Allegra, Lauren Manoogian,  Redone, Zara

Finefolk

It was an absolute pleasure shooting these gorgeous looks with Heather Morrow for Her Life magazine.  Anytime I hear the word "Finefolk" I know I'm in for a real fashion treat. It's definitely one of my favorite stores in Kansas City or really anywhere for that matter.  Thanks for a fun day filled with the loveliest of garments ❤️

Clothing - Finefolk 

Photography  - Heather Morrow 

Styling - Abby Wood