Back from Beijing

I'm back from an incredible two weeks in China - still reeling from the jet lag, but with plenty of stories to share from my trip. I'll be posting my travel log, along with some pictures starting this afternoon. It was an amazing experience - so I'm hoping you'll indulge a few lengthy posts...

Me No Speak

Another travel-inspired post today, because I couldn't resist sharing this gem that will hopefully be the saving grace for my upcoming trip. As someone whose international travels have only taken her as far as Europe- where enough Spanish and French combined can get you by (or result in an odd hodge-podge language that evokes sympathy in even the stodgiest locals) - I'm feeling a little intimidated by a language that I lack the basic tools for understanding.

And so I give you "Me No Speak" a pocket-size picture book that will ensure I'm dining on dumplings not dog and that I don't have to try to memorize hundreds of characters, because so far, all I've got is "noodles" - and that's only because it looks like a house full of noodles. 

Just find your picture and point! So here's to eating plenty of noodles - and anything else pictured in my new book.
All pictures from MeNoSpeak

travel bags

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In a little less than a week, I am leaving on a big, extended international trip. I'll be gone for fourteen days - to a country I've never been to, on a continent I've never been to - and I'm so excited, but I have to pack. I'm planning to do this as I do most biz trips - with just a carry on, my beloved (and borrowed from D.) Tumi garment roller bag.

Although there is no doubt that the Tumi rocks - I'm thinking I might need to supplement with a duffle for my camera, laptop and all the souvenirs I'm hoping to schlep home. Tumi, of course makes a very viable partner for my roller bag - this Kessler large duffle

Beautiful, right? At least if you're a luggage nerd like me. But the price tag is more than a little much for this place and time, so I have spent a good chunk of the weekend exploring other suitable alternatives on the interwebs. And so I bring you Bric's X-Bag:

Which is significantly more wallet friendly than the Tumi - but still not quite an impulse buy. Also the Briggs & Riley Travel Satchel:

Still pretty pricey at over $100. The North Face Isla Weekender drops to under the $100 mark, but seems too much duffel and not enough tote...

Then there's this little canvas duffel by 8th Line that seems like a pretty good compromise - and a great price.

We'll have to see what it looks like when it gets here this week!

After work cocktails?

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Here? Maybe with some freshly caught seafood? 

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The Rock Restaurant off the coast of Zanzibar. Swim, walk or sail your way in. Could anything sound more perfect right now?

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Spotted here

Washi Tape Interiors

I'm already a big fan of these little rolls of Japanese masking tape. In addition to playing a role in some of our wedding paper collateral, they make gift wrapping a breeze (and cute) and make literally taping pictures or notes to the wall a viable option outside of a dorm room.

But now there's this - and I need it. Giant rolls of washi for your walls. You can layer them, you can make stripes or plaids or whatever else you can imagine. Slap it on the wall and peel it off and throw it away when you're done. Amazing.

Unfortunately this partnership between Japanese furniture and wallpaper purveyors Sincol and washi tape/stationary co. MT is only available in Japan. A buying trip might be in order.

New Life Plan

Leave my job and spend my time making an absurd variety of boozy popsicles and sell them on the street corner out of this bike trailer.

From Ox and Monkey available on Poppytalk right now. I will need to trick it out with a serious cooler. I will also need a bicycle.

Etsy find

I'm really fond of these layered wire and bead earrings and necklaces from Octavia Bloom on Etsy. Wouldn't they make lovely bridesmaids gifts? 

Summer Vacation

I know it's been a while - quite a while - but you see, it's summer time, which means there have been barbeques to tend to, drinks on sunny patios, impromptu trips to the beach and other things that have made spending evenings in front of a monitor a little less than appealing. 

The blog will be back - perhaps without the obsessive regularity it once had, but I've got a giant stockpile of things to share all filed away in the midst of busy days at work and busier evenings out with friends. 

There has also been plenty of travel; Columbus, New York (twice!), LA and several drives to a Delaware beach or two. I've been on roller coasters, eaten plenty of corn on the cob and met a real princess- er, duchess. I've also made a load of boozy cupcakes and even boozier popsicles, taken the 3 a.m. train home and celebrated a very big graduation.

Tomorrow I leave for a week in Atlanta, so please share your suggestions. I hope your summer has unfolded similarly to mine - with a lot more emphasis on living life than documenting it!

I think these pictures can tell the rest of the story - much love!

 

be back soon...

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I'm sorry to have dropped into oblivion. Work is very busy with a massive DC conference, we celebrated a big graduation this weekend and I've been stumbling over the end of a head cold. All in all, something's got to give, and for now it's been this.

I promise to be back soon. I'm not naming any names, but if you're looking for me you'll see where I am by tuning into the news yesterday, today, tomorrow. 

love!