Category: Personal

As a child of the 80’s I was an avid reader of the American Girl Books, particularly Molly and Kirsten. Sadly both are phased out in the American Girl world but I’ll never forget. I can also trace back my interest in Sweden right back to reading about Kirsten and St Lucia! Anyone with me? All this to say, we needed to visit Sweden since it was possible in our Euro Trip.

We only had two real days in the city so we spent the first day going to two museums: Fotografiska and the Abba Museum. Both were so so so good! Fotografiska is a museum of just photography. While we were there they had two special exhibits happening. The first was the Bettina Rheims I’ll Be Your Mirror exhibit, which reminded me a lot of a feminine Mario Testino. Big bold photos, Bright Colors. Celebrities. I was feelin it. Next was an exhibit called Ikoner which was photography of people with Down Syndrome and their right to exist. You guys. This was so powerful! The images were paired with short films, introducing you to the lives of the people in the photos. I particularly loved “The Rockstar” and “The Diva.” The Abba Museum was simply pure fun. I loved everything. The colors. The music. The vibe. The story. It’s a definite must do if you enjoy their music. Its also not very big so it doesn’t take your whole day. I’ve always been a fan so it was no question we would go. I also enjoyed the fact that we took a ferry boat to get there and that it’s right next to an amusement park.

The food was delicious for us. We ate at two notable restaurants. First we were craving burgers after all our museum-going so we headed to Barrels Burgers and Beers. I dont know if it was because we were so hungry but I still remember how delicious this was. We follow them on Insta too now so I think of them often and REALLY want to go back. I also had one of the best beers in my life (and also one of the most expensive at $15) and I cant remember what it was!! Another reason to visit again amiright? It has something like sunset or sunrise or tropical or something in the title. Gah! We also ate at Meatballs for the People. Yaassssss!!!! We had to have meatballs… i mean… when in rome right? They were delish and a perfect send off on our second day which consisted mainly of shopping. Obviously.

After Stockholm we flew back to Oslo and hung out with Deanna (see Norway Post). It was an huge long and wonderful trip that Dan and I will never ever forget. Im so glad there’s space in our lives for trips like this. When we got back to America we headed back to Maine and began and month-long search for an apartment, which eventually led us to living on the sailboat last summer. It’s funny to think of how unpredictable life is. Before this trip we had no idea we would be going to Europe or that we would be living on a sailboat. We were just innocently doing our off season thing and within a few months we had been on an epic Euro trip and fulfilled a huge number of bucket list items. Now a year later, we have a beautiful apartment in Portland and are planning a trip back to Iceland this coming June for a wedding. Im so so thankful for our life and what we have been able to do and look forward to our next adventure!

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I would have to say that this was the most tiring day of the trip by far but only because we went at a record pace. Amsterdam was another layover city for us on our flight from Dublin to Stockholm. We decided to do as much as we possibly could and ended up almost passed out on the train from the Stockholm airport to the city center. It was a loooooong day but so worth it because we did so much while in Amsterdam.

Right off the plane I noticed the distinctly tall and attractive border patrol men heading into the netherlands. Of all the passport stampers in our travels, these guys looked the most like models who could knock you out. The tall gene extended out into the city and I finally felt I was among my people! TALL! Hurrah! We headed straight to a boat ride through the canals because it’s just one of those things that you gotta do that we wanted to do. We got to see the city from the water, which felt like a beautiful way to get your bearings. We were the only ones in our boat so it was a private tour unexpectedly. Gotta love that. After the tour we headed to Rembrandt’s house, where you can do just what you imagine: walk around Rembrandt’s house. This was unbelievable to me. THE Rembrandt. Europe is amazing. Next we lucked out and were able to get tickets to see Anne Frank’s Home, which was beyond description you guys. I literally could not soak up  how significant it really was. I was in awe and sad and overwhelmed. So many original and personal details are still visible in the rooms. Visiting places like that always just being history into real life for me, rather than having it sit in books.

The rest of the day we just walked around, had a meal, and headed back to the airport for our flight to Stockholm. I hope we make it back to Amsterdam one day and get to spend some quality time taking the city in. There’s still so many things on my list!

Our Day in Amsterdam

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Putting my love for Ireland into words ain’t easy my friends. My entire life I have longed for this place. I tried to learn to play the Tin Whistle. I bought maps of the country and poured over them for hours. I emailed kayak shops along the coast when I graduated college, offering to move and work for them, (they pretty much all thought I was nuts). For some reason, it took me until May 7, 2016 before I finally touched down. The moment we arrived I knew that all those years of longing were spent on the right place. I could barely handle my happy.

We spend almost a week and decided that since we already knew we would be coming back (no doubt about it) we didnt have to cram every single thing into our short time. We decided to see the absolute must-do items and then come back with lots of time to discover more.

The must-do’s on our list were pretty basic:

• See Sheep
• The Cliffs of Moher
• Dublin
• Drink lots of pints with the locals
• Hear live music in a pub
• Guinness Storehouse

Easy peasy right? I also really really did not want to be locked into a schedule in order to allow room for magic, so we booked our hotels as needed. That’s kinda my travel philosophy but it’s also a huge stressor for Dan so we try to book a couple days in one place so he can relax and know what’s happening in the next fews days, but I don’t have to feel like my whole trip is locked in. It works for us most of the time.

In Dublin, we stayed at the Generator Hostel, which was way hipper than we are, thats fo sho. It was great because it was really close to the train and bus stops, making getting right into the center of things super easy. We visited the Guinness Storehouse first thing the first morning we were there because#obviously. I loved seeing the whole city from way up in the Gravity Bar at the top of the building. We’ve been to a lot of breweries so the story of “how to make beer” isn’t all that interesting but the story of Arthur Guinness was so it was still super fun.

We also went to Trinity College and saw the Book of Kells. We also went to the National Gallery of Ireland, where one of my favorite paintings lives! They only show The Meeting on the Turret Stairs two times a week for 1 hour only because it is so delicate. Thankfully we were in Dublin on the right days so we planned our touristing around that. One evening we also went to Mulligans for a pint and it was dreams you guys… dreams.

The next days we headed over to the west coast to see the Cliffs of Moher. Along the way we stopped at Sean’s Bar, claiming to be the oldest pub in Ireland. Sounds good to me! We met some good folks there are stayed for hours, literally. Dan kept sober and got us to Galway where we went to sleep with an Irish band playing late into the night at the bar across from our hotel, (I loved it. Dan hated it). The Cliffs of Moher are just as incredible as you would imagine and they are a must do for sure. I loved the drive there from Galway. It’s so so PRETTY! We also just popped into a Castle along the way because when in Ireland, you drive by castles. Like you do.

All in all it was a dreamy trip and I was in heaven the entire time. I am still absolutely in love with the place and will be returning as much as humanly possible throughout my life. I wish I hadn’t taken to long to finally get to see it but it was definitely worth the wait.

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En route to Dublin from Bergen, we opted for a longer layover in London. We had never been there and a little time is better than no time. I feel like just being able to get a tiny feel of the place and a teeny window into the lay of the land is totally worth the effort it takes to head out of the airport and run around a little while. With only a few hours to make the most of, we left the airport and took the train into the city and went straight to Buckingham Palace… obviously. All those memories of watching weddings and funerals on TV came back swift and I was so happy to finally see it! #royalweddingforever #thosekisses

Next we walked down the Boulevard and made our way to the changing of the guards with their beautiful horses because that’s another must do. It was such a hot day and I was feeling for them in their heavy uniforms. It looked like a bum job that time of year. Not far is parliment and Big Ben so we trekked over to see those. Next time we want to bring Hattie since she’s one of the few dog breeds allowed in British Parliament. #royal

As an homage to my favorite London Based YouTubers (Estée and Fleur), we went shopping at Selfridges and even stopped in for chicken at Nando’s, which they always seem to be eating. I even found Fleur’s eyelash line in Boots. Yay for Beauty Bloggers!

Lastly we headed into Westminster Cathedral for a look and listen.

It was back to the train and airport for our flight to Dublin. Ill never forget this day for so many reasons but most importantly, it was the day I finally made it to Ireland, a lifetime dream of mine.

 London Day:

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Over thanksgiving, Dan and I went out to Juneau Alaska to visit our friends The Becks. Dan went to college with Josie and they were actually one of the few guests at our wedding in 2008. Ever since they moved to Juneau from St Louis, I have always wanted to visit them and see this mythical place! The stars aligned finally and we hopped a plane (which is actually one of my least favorite things to do) and flew to the great state of Alaska once again.

The first thing we did after a good nights sleeps was go sledding with the whole “fam damnly!” (My mom used to say that… fam damnly. Get it?)

Honestly, how cute was that you guys? I also appreciated that I found a “beach” reference on a mountain. It’s in my blood people.

Juneau is the capital of Alaska and they have a really cool downtown. We went to the Alaska State Museum which I highly recommend.

The coffee consumption was also out. of. control. Two spots we frequented: Heritage Coffee and the Rookery Cafe.

There was also the important task of Christmas shopping going on so we did a lot of that. While we were there the Juneau Public Market was going on, which is basically the ultimate shopping experience for local crafts and cuteness. A lot of the shops from town had booths.

Here are a few of my favorites… and you can also order online so get stoked:

Tanna Design: Knitted goodies! Josie bought a couple things here for herself and her kiddos. I already had a knitted hat that a friend knitted for me so I passed but now I’m kinda regretting it looking back at their website. So fun!

Trickster Company: I bought lots of prints here from gifts AND for myself plus a christmas ornament and stickers. I was in.to.it.

Kindred Post: This place was almost too much to handle in greatness. Jewelry to die for (definitely bought some), adorable prints (bought 2), accessories, perfume, paper goods etc etc. I also bought Dan’s christmas gift here and Josie and I had to do some secret stuff to get it to NC.

Tree Top Tees: SO FREAKING SOFT! I would have replaced my whole wardrobe here if money was no option. I still have my eye on the Alaska State Flag hoodie. Dan and I bought one tee to share because thats just the kind of relationship we have.
I also indulged myself and bought a pair of Xtratufs, which are the only shoe Alaskan’s wear apparently. I’ve coveted them from afar (via Josie wearing them in every photo she posts on social media) and she took me to the local Western Auto to get myself a pair of these bad boys. I made a rather controversial move and went with the low-tops. They fit both Dan and me so thats awesome. I’ll admit to also STILL wanting these because of the fold down cute thing, which is a total look in Juneau.

On Thanksgiving Day, Dan and I took a little trip out to The Shrine of St Therese. It was one of the most peaceful places I have ever been. The sound of the water lapping up to the shore paired with the silence of snow. I was feeeeeeeling it you guys. Anyone want to get married out there… call us.

One evening we went to the local glacier with Josie and took a few photos while there. Josie is literally one of the most encouraging people I know. The whole time you are with her she just sends positive vibes, encouraging words and honest questions your way. You just feel better about yourself when you are around her and I hope that some of that rubbed off on me while we were there. Not as important but she’s also G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S and I’ve always been slightly in love with her look and easy-going effortless beauty. Josie girl… Im so glad we are friends and that Dan brought us together.

#familylife Suh Cute….

When we travel you can always follow along on instagram with the hashtag #bdtravlin

The tag for this specific trip was #coxesinjuneau