Gav had my ring custom made from a jewler in California called, Happy Jewelers, that my family has used for years. My mom thoughtfully asked if he’d like to use the diamonds from my late grandmothers wedding ring since the ring was dated and was just sitting in a jewelry box. Needless to say it came out amazing, he had been listening to me yap about what I want and didnt want for months. Better yet, I get to have a little piece of my grandmother and her love story on my own finger into my new married life.

My favorite place is always the rooftops. Beautiful bubbling fountains are hidden away between manicured plants. The chicago location was no exception. It was a charming spring day with a light breeze and we found ourselves lounging on patio furniture that costs the same as a midsize vehicle (not kidding).

We opted for the vegetarian medley—a delightful sampling of everything on the menu served on one hearty plate, accompanied by fresh bread. The menu changes daily based on what’s ripe in the growing season, sourced fresh from their farm each morning. It’s a concept I love—innovative, sustainable, and no food goes to waste.

The atmosphere was gorgeous. A literal picturesque small town European dream. We were right on the water watching the town wake up. Small boats skimmed past us as fishermen dropped off their catches of the day to other local restaurants. Floating swimming lanes with little buoys attached to the sea wall had been put out to allow the early risers first claim to the crisp water.

Walking on the cobblestoned streets and exploring the little nooks and crannies of this historic place was a perfect morning for me. Every part of Perast was rich with history, culture, and was a dream location that just kept on giving.

There are few places on earth where nature, culture, and warmth conspire to make one feel truly alive. Madeira is one such place, and our recent stay at Sé Boutique Hotel only deepened our love for this island. Tucked in a quiet street in the very heart of Funchal, Sé Boutique proved to be an […]

Perched above the winding streets of Lisbon, the Carmo Convent is one of those landmarks you can’t help but notice. From hilltops across the city, its towering Gothic arches rise above the skyline, serving as a haunting reminder of Lisbon’s past. While undeniably beautiful, the story behind the convent is also deeply tragic. Much of […]

Travel · Summer Summer is practically knocking on the door, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve had at least three destinations living rent-free in your head since January. The Pinterest boards are saved. The Instagram locations are bookmarked. The only thing missing? Actually booking the trip. Consider this your sign to book that summer […]

Driving in Madeira is no easy feat! As a couple both in their 30’s who have both been driving since our teen years, this is one place I have no desire to self-drive again. One-lane roads (often with no guardrails), true switchbacks, fog at high elevations, parking on cliffsides…the list goes on. Moral of the […]

Among a sea of green vines tucked into the hilly Douro riverside lives matching rows of people-sized wine barrels. Like something out of a hobbit movie, the barrels sit perfectly placed within the landscape and look quite at home. Overlooking the rest of the grounds at Quinta de Pacheco, these twelve barrels stand at attention […]

One of the many joys of traveling is trying the local cuisine. I’m a big fan of making a list of must-try foods, and Madeira was no exception. From coffee to sweets, breads, and fresh seafood, we were always on our toes in terms of flavors. Each meal felt like a small window into the […]