Back Logged

Skirt: Consigned at Periwinkle / Top: Banana Republic clearance / Shoes: Baretraps, Elder Beerman clearance / Belt: J Crew Factory / Jewelry: Second Hand Brighton

I've taken a lot of outfit photos since I began this blog, some in some pretty neat places. Europe (twice), a tulip field, the coast (too many times to remember), famous waterfalls, and a giant pumpkin fest, to name a few. However, most of them haven't been posted. And thus you have the story of my life.

I've always felt this pressure to journal, but when I first began to keep more than a trite diary as a kid, I pretty quickly felt like I couldn't keep up with writing about all the events I wanted to include. I ended up with a list of events to write about instead. And instead of crossing off all of the items on the list, I added to them. Until I no longer remembered most of the events well enough to record what I'd wanted. Then I got angry at my journals and tossed them all, along with my embarrassing diaries. Pathetic, I know. This was middle school / early high school.

Then I moved to photo journalism. I was going to make scrapbooks. 4-H camp, girls camp, cross-country and track, senior year, prom, graduation, Myrtle Beach for senior week. That was for high school. Then for university there was Debate team, RA days, my first study abroad, graduation again, moving to Florida and working at Disney, etc., etc. And it was all going to go into my fabulous scrapbooks. I built up quite the arsenal of supplies. When I worked for Disney I even used my discount at its holiday max to stock up. These supplies and pictures and empty scrapbooks are now sitting in plastic tubs, constantly staring at me across from my computer. Taunting me.

And then, ladies and gents, I began a style blog. How convenient, I thought. Documenting outfits on ordinary days as well as extraordinary events will help my new "journal" be more well-rounded. And the outfit part and style challenges would make it fun, so I would actually get it done. And what've I got? About 100 outfits over the past year that I've photographed but never posted because I never found time.

My goal for this summer was to catch up on the photo journalism and style blog. I want to finally be free of these weights. So here I am, with less than a month left in my very busy summer, and I'm just beginning. It's a daunting task, but I'm not ready to give up just yet. One day I'm going to be wrinkled and probably lonesome, and I want memories to relive, thank you very much. So I think I'll begin by finishing last year's Europe trip 30x30. Then I'll cover this years Europe trip, and we'll see where we go from there.

Meanwhile, above you have a fun outfit that's one of my favs. I've worn it several times, including last week, but the pics are from last August. I have no idea what happened on that day.

Shame on me.

A lot of blue...

Top: Thrifted (BR) / Pants: Consigned at Periwinkle (Gap) / Coat: Sound & Matter via DownEast / Shoes: Gabes / Bracelets, Belt: J Crew final sale

I love the surprise on someone's face when, after they compliment my outfit, I tell them it's all second-hand or purchased from a shop like Gabes or DownEast, which sells damaged, irregular, or overstocked items from other brands for super cheap. I get some kind of narcissistic, yeah-thats-right-I'm-the-bargain-shopping-queen kind of high.

Then I check out my less than desirable photo results { twilight shots are sooo difficult, but I had to work late that day...} and my pride is yet again humbled. Kind of like when I stride confidently up to a door, push insistently for several moments, then turn to the Husband and say, "this door is jammed," as he pulls it right open.

Somehow that seems to happen quite a lot.

Speaking of a lot, I recently introduced my students to the Alot. I just love him. And they've practically been begging for an intro. He's my most favorite hyperbolic creature ever. I'm pretty sure some of my students didn't get him. It's okay. Alots are known for being better at grammar than many high school students. They're better at everything.

For the record, I titled this post "A lot of blue" because I'm wearing two shades of blue...if you count my coat. Cold snap courtesy of the Cascades. Anyhow, two shades isn't really a lot, I know, but I'm going to humor myself that it is. My point, however lost it may now be, is that I'm wearing a lot of blue. I don't have a blue Alot. That would be weird.

Nautical

Pants: Victoria's Secret / Top: F21 / Necklace: Macys / Shoes: Sperry / Bracelet: Second Hand Brighton / Watch: Fossil

So, I got these pants at Victoria's Secret. People are always surprised when that is my response after they ask. But seriously, VS has the best deals. I found them a few years ago for ~$20, and I had a free-shipping offer. They're one of the few companies to which I will give my e-mail address, because they send so many offer codes and really excellent coupons by post. Their sales section online is fabulous, and a few times a year I get a free pair of unders with $10 off of a bra or a free $10 to spend in their shop. Who can complain about that?

Anyhow, this week has been a killer. I've pulled two almost-all-nighters, graded almost 100 essays, and baked more cinnamon rolls and cupcakes than I can count. I also made my very first diaper cake, the picture of which I must have accidentally deleted. But trust me. It was dang cute.  The Husband was so proud. And also kind of weirded out. 

Then I realized that I'd missed this month's Everybody, Everywear.

For whatever reason, that was terribly distressing to my little blog-life. So I got up super-duper early { 20 minutes totally merits a duper } this morning to take a picture in my nautical outfit just for you, dearest blog. You should feel very special. I hate to get up early. Especially on weeks when I've gotten very little sleep as it is. 

However, this weekend the Husband and I are celebrating five years of marriage. Five! I can't believe it's already been five years! And we just might have booked a little couple's massage session, which will more than make up for one crazy, wild week. Oh yes, yes it will.

Is it Friday yet?

Editor's Note: Proof of diaper cake's dang cuteness found! You may hold your applause. :)

Three's Company

 Dress: Thrifted vintage / Tights: ModCloth / Shoes: Sears / Belt: Ruche / Blazer: Urban / Earrings: Gabes /Necklaces: Grandmother's crystals, silent auction-won pearls, and Betsey Johnson Valentine's gift

The X chromosome dominates in the S household, and with this dress on, I can't help but feel like I'm living in the Three's Company world. Without the sunny beaches and California flowers, of course.

I was hoping to break out my newly thrifted pastel dress amidst springy flowers and blue skies, but I settled for a gray Easter. It's been overcast for days now, and though it's April, we still haven't a single sign of Spring. No buds, no flowers, no warm love from the sky. But I complained about that for virtually the entire last Spring, so this year I'll spare you the diatribe against Mother N and move on with my life this year.

Clears throat.

So, did you notice those pearls around my neck?

They're real.

That's right. My very first set of real pearls.

Which I purchased for myself. Keeping it ever so classy over here.

It was difficult to resist. My school's robotics team is going to worlds! I got to see them at regionals in Portland, and it was the coolest nerd-fest ever. More exciting than a basketball game, I tell you. Who knew that robots shooting baskets, playing defense, and balancing on see-saws to blaring hip-hop could be so much fun?

Anyhow, there was a fundraiser and silent auction to help them attend the world competition in St. Louis, so I put down the minimum bid on this set of pearls and won.

To the Husband, this all sounds like "yada, yada, yada..." So if Jack...I mean the Husband...wants to know where my share of the rent money is this month, I'd better come up with some wonky scheme, fast. And since Slurpee's about as bright as Chrissy with those sorts of ideas { also like Chrissy, she survives on being cute }, I'm all own my own.

P.S. On a completely unrelated note...in addition to the pearls, did you notice my nails, too?

Now you have no excuse-- here they are, pearls and nails.

I'm making certain you did, because it took work to do them. I did them with my darling niece over over spring break. I think it was the first time I've painted them since before I met the Husband--about 6 yeas ago. I did have them done once in that time, for my reunion back in August.  I dislike caring for nails so much that I got gloves to wear for my wedding. But when I saw the new trend in nails, I couldn't resist.

Now I remember why I quit painting them in the first place. It takes a massive amount of work and lasts about one whole grand day before chips begin to appear. Is it always this bad?

Check out all the other pastel ideas below for Everybody, Everywear's pastel day!

Also linked up to a new party for thrifty thrifters! Click below :)

 

Today I Was Pi-ed.

 Dress: Asos clearance / Sweater: Gabes / Shoes: 6pm / Belts: H&M / Necklace: Bluefly clearance / Watch: Fossil

Happy Pi Day.

I had my students write Piakus and Pi Limericks.

Then I was chosen to have a pie thrown in my face. A real pie, not a pi, unfortunately.

I thought for sure I was in the clear. The students bought raffle tickets and put their name and the name of the teacher they wanted to pie on it. Three were to be drawn. All day students were telling me that I had the most tickets, so I knew my chances weren't looking good.

#1 wasn't me. I gleefully high-fived the teacher who had the 2nd most number of tickets.

Then she got drawn for #2. I may have snickered a bit.

The kids noticed. When teacher #1 got drawn again to be teacher #3, suddenly everyone was chanting to make me teacher #3 instead.

I put on my very best sad face.

 Me? Surely you don't mean me!

When that didn't work, I threatened, "essays for everyone!"

Are you sure about this? You really wanna mess with me? *wags finger*

They weren't buying it. Before I knew it, I had a trash bag over my head, and a pie in my face. Then a bunch of students shouting, "look here!" with their phones. And then the lady from the paper came over to get the correct spelling of my name. Apparently, my pie-face turned out the best photo.

This is what my hair and face looks like after wiping off a bunch of whipped cream and letting it get all sticky for a good few hours.

Clearly, this is what happens when you dedicate an entire day to math. Now, whose idea was that, and when will we have a day to celebrate spoonerisms? A spoons tournament would be fun, no? Though I don't know that spooning ought to be encouraged...no, not for drama-thriving, PDA-loving teenagers. Perhaps puns, instead. Yes, puns with buns. We could make sticky buns. Or hot cross buns! Who wants to start it?

{ Pardon the geeking out, SVP* ...and excuse the lack of pie-face photos. I'm sure I'll be getting some soon. }

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*SVP = s'il vous plaît = please

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Courtesy of the Husband: Cassi with a pie in her face
{ Gotta love the fluorescent lighting. Also, I'm pretty sure every kid in the school has my picture on their phone now...Lovely.}

An Ode to Tea, à la Victorienne

Skirt: Consigned / Blazer: Thrifted / Shoes: Miz Mooz / Tights: TJ Maxx over We Love Colors / Belt: J Crew final sale / Necklace: Gabes (1928) / Bracelets: Gabes, J Crew final sale / Hat: Consigned Vintage at Periwinkle

Chère Tisane,

I think I love you. After a long, hard day, you provide comfort and warmth. You're almost as good as the Husband and the Hound in that department.

My crush began the first time I lived in France. Right around twilight, I sometimes enjoyed a tilleul at a café. And my host mom often had a nice infusion beautifully prepared in a glass teapot after dinner. In the states, where you're hard to come by in tilleul form, I turned to chamomile. Twinnings's Pure Chamomile = pure heaven. Occasionally I enjoy a one of your berry teas from Tazo or Stash. This past summer, I brought home a whole tin of your delightful flavors from Provence.

I was recently introduced your Celestial Seasoning's holiday line: Sugar Cookie {ever drink in a freshly baked confection?}, Gingerbread Spice, and Sugar Plum. I also met Stash's Christmas Eve {cinnamon, orange, and spearmint...aah.} I was starstruck, I admit it.

And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I found Aveda's Comforting Tea, a delectable blend of licorice root and peppermint that somehow has this amazingly sweet, ever-so-addictive after-taste, even without sugar, that leaves me yearning for more. Addictive, I tell you, but oh so good.

So I thank you. Merci for coming in many delightful flavors. Thank you for coming in a one that doesn't require sugar. Thank you for being there when I'm down. Here's your ode {all good English teachers provide odes, do they not?}:

You are marv'lous and splendid.

You are fabulously great.

My tears and frustration,

you promptly abate.

While delicat'ly sipping you,

I don't feel as o'erwhelmed and sad.

While quaffing your goodness,

I foresee good times to be had.

Don't judge. I may be an English teacher now, but I did that in like .02 seconds, k? And that was in iambic pentameter. 

Kinda. 

Ok, not so much, actually...maybe if you read it with a British accent. But hey, at least I didn't "count the ways"...

P.S. Also, no, you haven't Rip Van Winkled through two seasons. It's not Halloween again already. I'm dressed like this because I was introducing a Victorian etiquette project to my seniors. We're planning a Victorian Tea. For real. Good excuse to throw on a vintage hat and newly thrifted blazer and call it a modern take on Victorian couture? I think so. And Victoria was known for her affinity to black, the poor thing.

Ta ta for now, lovelies. 

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 *tisane = herbal tea / tilleul = tea from a linden tree

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Joyeaux Anniversaire

 Shoes: J Crew via DownEast / Tank & Cardi: J Crew final sale / Capris: Gap ($12!) / Purse: Deux Luxe / Necklace: Ruche

So, my computer thought it was prime time to crash. With half my unfinished 30x30 and Europe photos and several others documenting our summer fun.  Lovely, lovely, lovely.

The good news is that I've been comforting myself with Strawberry Champagne Almond cupcakes. The recipe's at the bottom of this post, if you're interested in such delectable distractors.

Up top are shots from after the crash. It was my birthday. Yes, I get to have my birthday during my favorite month which heralds in my favorite season. And this year, I got to spend it in Utah with some of my favorite people. We went to pay our last respects to Scott's dear, sweet grandmother, and had such a wonderful time with his family. 

For my birthday there was sleeping in then picnicking with the family {I just love them!} at Sliding Rock, a bona fide water slide in the mountains. It's glacier water, people, so it was cold, but so worth it. Even the Hound enjoyed herself.  I think.

There was also shopping. The Husband surprised me with a gift card to DownEast, my favorite little shop that sells irregular, damaged, or overstocked items from some of my favorite brands. ONE pair of cornflower blue J Crew shoes, in my exact size, was waiting just for me. For $29.99. With a few scuffs on the sole, but otherwise spanking new. There was also a lovely teal coat with an extra button on the tag to replace the one that was missing. They knew it was my birthday, obviously. 

Then there were turkey & brie sandwiches on delightful cranberry walnut bread and a birthday cupcake named after Cinderella, my fav princess, from Flour Girls & Dough Boys. This, of course, led to a picnic up the Timpanogos canyon in my new shoes, because they're so practical for hiking. There I was graced with my first glimpses of beautiful fall color. 

And what blogger birthday would be complete without thrifting? So, of course, there was also a trip to the DI with my sister-in-law where much fun was had and I found 2 fall-colored midi-skirts for $5 each and a $5 silk blouse to go with them. I never find good silk blouses when I thrift. Never. Then I found a brand new pair of Ann-Taylor dark emerald cords. For $6. Icing on the cake, people. The DI obviously knew it was my birthday, too.

I got to end the night playing cards with family and being sang to by the cutest nieces and nephews ever. They kept reminding me that it was my birthday, all smiley and proud. What a perfect day!

We had to go home the next day, and as we passed through the salt flats, moving into the dessert, Ms. Hound expressed her displeasure at being trapped in the back by our new hound hammock / seat protector, I finally remembered to take a photo of the sign for Deeth Starr Valley, the Husband and Hound stretched their legs as we headed up Doherty mountain, and then we were back home. Another year gone, just like that.

P.S. Photoshop and Carbonite are on my to-do list. And I've already ordered a replacement computer. The blog will go on! Just give me time :)

P.P.S. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my dear husband and Utah family for such a marvelous birthday!

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Joyeaux Anniversaire = Happy Birthday

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Mixed Prints: Yes, Another 30x30 Interlude

 Dress: B Moss / Top: F21 / Scarf: Charlotte Russe / Shoes: J Crew final sale ($15!) / Bracelet, Earrings: Gabes / Bangles: AE

HOW is it time for another EBEW already? C'est pas possible!* I've done a measly three posts since the last one. I can't wait to get this 30x30 behind me. It's actually finished; I just haven't finished posting it. Because the Europe posts take for-ev-a. And I'm trying to get my house in order and take care of things at home, since I've been away most of the summer. Piles of classroom clutter litters my floor as I type. I'm pretending it's not there.

So, down to business. I've been voting for color blocking the past few months and was disappointed it still hasn't won {seriously, how did it not beat yellow? I love yellow and all...but still.} I really just want it to win because it's something I've yet to blog. I've done mixed prints. Or maybe I just want an excuse to buy one of those super cute color blocked dresses out there...

Either way, I embraced defeat and pulled out this old printed wrap dress, threw a stripey shirt and flowery scarf on top and a dotted slip underneath, and bada bing. Loads of mixed prints, all in one outfit. Yet my favorite part is the solid shoes. Extra 40% off of final sale and free shipping with no min. Thank you, J Crew for making my summer. I stuck with a color theme to pull my outfit together, but now I'm wishing I'd been brave enough {or had clothes cool enough} to try something like this.

P.S. By tomorrow I'd like to have ready my posts for Outfit 12 at the Villa Carlotta and 13 at the 50s-style Cuccaro Club in Italy. But there's a plane ticket with my name on it heading East bright and early tomorrow, so we'll see. I'm spending a week with my family and attending my first class reunion. Remember this dress? Well, I won it. And found some more cost efficient coral shoes and lipstick to go with it. Can't wait to try it out:)

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C'est pas possible =  short for Ce n'est pas possible = It's not possible!

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Milan: 30x30 Outfit 9

Skirt: J Crew / Top: F21 / Shoes: Clarks / Necklace: AE / Belt: Ruche / Fountain: Milan

Our first morning in Domaso we walked to the market and stumbled upon a vendor selling clothes from the nearby Milan. I snagged a nude dress {nudes are all the rage in Europe } and an emerald green sequined top { jewel tones were popular in Italy}, which I've added as the last item to complete my 30x30 items. I also kind of haggled for the very first time. I was short by 1 euro 80 cents and he took me up on it. That totally counts.

We made sandwiches for lunch, then caught the train to Milan. Fashion capital extraordinaire. Home of the Via Monte Napoleon, or Montenapo, an elegant street along the lines of Les Champs Élysées. Headquarters of Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Armani, and Valentino. I was very excited. Not that I intended to purchase any designer duds. But it was exciting just to be in their midst. And to see what people were wearing. I'll do a post on European style at the end of my Europe posts. 

The first thing we noticed about Milan is that they are not afraid of a little PDA. Or even a lot. When we arrived at the station, we sat so my friend could feed her baby and witnessed a couple making out for at least 3 minutes before the woman boarded the train. I'm talking PG-13, major tongue-age. So what do the boys do? Laugh and point, then the Husband grabs me and starts slobbering all over my face while I fight him off. He's so classy.

We then made our way to the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery:

This is where Leonardo daVinci painted The Last Supper on a wall in the late 1400s. I had no idea it was a mural. Or that it's been restored multiple times. In fact, the monastery was bombed during WWII. You have to purchase tickets in advance and they let in small groups for 15 minutes at a time. Absolutely no photography. It was pretty amazing to see all the detail. It made me want to read The Da Vinci Code again.

Milan has a long, long history dating back to 400 BC when it was ruled by the Celts. Since then, it changed hands many times and at one point was ruled by France's Napoleon Bonaparte, who had the Arco della Pace { Peace Arch } constructed in a fashion similar to his Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

It's at the end of the beautiful Parco Sampione, where residents sunbathe and play games, festivals are held, and vendors sell delightful baked goods and treats like gelato and cracked coconuts.

On the opposite end of this park is the Castello Sforzesco, an old Visconti {ruling family of medieval times} fortress that was transformed into a luxurious castle by the Sforza dynasty that ruled during the Renaissance.

It was crowded so we walked the grounds, skipped the tour, then headed towards the Piazzia del Duomo, the main city square, via the Via Dante, a famous pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, and gelaterias.

So of course we had to get gelato. I got strawberry and chocolate. Fresh whipped strawberries. YUM!

We finally made our way to the Piazza del Duomo and the famous Duomo di Milano, or Milan's Cathedral. It's breathtaking, with white marble Gothic architecture topped by the famed Maddonnina, a baroque gilded bronze statue of the Virgin Mary { it's in the very back. }

Originally a basilica built in the 5th century by Romans and later destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt as a huge cathedral for the people, first commissioned in the late 1300s by an archbishop. Six hundred years later it was finished under France's Napoleon, who was crowned King of Italy there.

Now that you've had your history lesson for the day, here's something you'll probably find more interesting. The rooftop. For 8 euro { beware, they don't give change! } you can walk the vast and beautiful rooftops of this duomo. They even have concerts up there it's so big. It's totally worth it. See?

I think I may have unintentionally nailed the Virgin Mary pose here...

We probably spent an hour up there, walking around, enjoying the city views, and examining the detail of the many statues that grace the spires.

At one point, I stayed with my friend while she fed her baby and the men took the kids exploring. Later, this photo was posted to the Husbands Facebook with the caption "Being in Europe has really broadened my horizons. Meet my new modern family." 

Oh my. I can only imagine the surprise of the poor soul they got to take the photo when Scott leaned in for the kiss. You never know what will happen when you get old college roommates together...

We ended our day in Milan at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which connects the Piazza del Duomo with the Piazza della Scala, where Milan's famed opera house sits. The streets here were covered with arching glass and cast iron to create a famous shopping arcade in the 1860s, thought to be the world's first mall, in honor of Emanuelle II, the first King of United Italy.

We strolled through, laughed at the fancy McDonald's directly across from the fancier Louis Vuitton, then settled on a restaurant for dinner before catching the train back to Lake Como. Our camera died as soon as we reached the Galleria, unfortunately, so I've no photos of the delicious white cheese and tomato pizza we ordered. I do, however, have a warning. Beware eating in the Galleria. They charge an extra 2 euro per person convenience fee and won't give you tap water. { The no-tap water thing is pretty standard in Germany, though in most of France and at the restaurants we've tried on Lake Como, they'll give you a no-charge carafe if you ask. }

I thoroughly enjoyed Milan, and I'd definitely go back, but it still can't hold a candle to Paris in my heart :)

P.S. Francophone Fridays are currently on hold till I finish my Europe posts. As soon as I'm done, they'll resume. I've got lots of new inspiration from my trip :)

Cannes: 30x30 Outfits 7 & 8

 Outfit 7: Top, Shorts: Gabes (Express, J Brand) / Shoes: Clarks / Necklace: AE / Purse: Nordstrom (nicole byrne)

So this is the only picture I have of Outfit 7, and it's not even very good or anywhere exciting like on the beach.  After my cliff jumping escapade in Outfit 6, I had to change before driving to Cannes that night. Change in the parking lot, nonetheless, while fancily dressed Frenchies pulled in for the show. I'd already planned Outfit 8 to wear in Cannes the next day, so I pulled out the same top and threw it on with my cut-offs. And voilà: Outfit 7. Then we headed to Cannes.

After showering at our hotel we headed downtown for my very first glimpse of the Mediterranean:

We grabbed fresh mozzarella and tomato paninis from a vendor along the Promenade de la Croisette, the boulevard that runs along the Cannes coast. It's famous for the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the Cannes Film Festival is held and celebrities bedazzle the promenade. Then we got the most amazing salted caramel gelato you've ever tasted and sat with our legs dangling over the wall to the beach, watching cruise ships rock back and forth under a yellow moon and listening guitar music from along the boulevard. Ah, bliss.

The next morning we checked out of our hotel, the Kimi Résidence. We got lucky on Booking.com and got it super cheap at the last minute. It's a spanking new, sparkling little Norwegian place where each room has a kitchenette, just a few minutes from the beach. Much more modern than Nìmes or Carcassonne.

Then we headed back to La Croisette to check out the beaches in the daytime. You've already seen the best pictures of Outfit 8 on La Croisette here, but we were at the Med for the first time, people. That means tons of photos and fun by this lovely sea, of course. We explored the rocks and pebbly beach...

Outfit 8: Skirt: Thrifted in Paris / Shoes: Clarks / Top, Earrings: Gabes (Express, Monet) / Necklace: Ruche / Belt: J Crew final sale

We split a cheese galette {savory crêpe made with buckwheat} and a Nutella crêpe for brunch...

Scott jumped into the sea while I soaked my feet from some rocks, marveling at the clear waters...

Then he dove in from this old platform...

I saw the sign afterwards. Tsk tsk on the Husband. It says "Heavy swells. Access forbidden." Then at the bottom someone wrote "I dove." That sounds like him, all right :) I swear the man is half fish.

That afternoon, we made our way to Italy where we were to split an apartment on Lake Como for the next week with our friends, the Russells. They've had the luck to living in Germany on an Army base. I'm so very jealous. We haven't seen them for two years, since our last Europe trip when we stayed a week with them in Germany, so we were really excited. As we entered Italy, the change in housing was almost immediate with more earthy tones and salmon dotting the coast. We passed beautiful country and hillside vineyards as we drove up the coast and into the Alps.

 That's a random cactus sticking out to the left of the vineyard. There are surprisingly a lot of cacti along the Riviera.

Driving through the Alps is always interesting. I'm pretty sure you're in tunnels more often than not. Tunnels that wind and twist and go on for miles, some of them quite narrow. We finally made our way to Lago Como, or Lake Como, where we were greeted with the first clear blue skies since we'd been in Europe:

We found our apartment in Domaso, on the very northern tip of the lake, and had a happy reunion with our friends and their adorable children. That night, we went for a dinner of mysteries at the pizzeria across the road. Mysterieis because none of us speak Italian and in Italy you find far fewer people who speak good English. It was strange to feel so mute. I chose a pizza with mela thinking it would have melon with it, and instead it had apples baked onto it. Quelle surprise!* It was delicious, though.

We topped off our dinner at a local gelaterie { there were 3 within view from the street! } where I got crème brûlée, then had fun with games. Our friends have lived on a military base in Germany for the past 3 years { I'm sooo envious }, and have collected some fun German games, like Keltis, which I think we'll be adding to our own collection at home now. Because yes, we're board game nerds like that.

P.S. Do you see that crazy smile in every single picture? I just can't stop smiling here. Oh, la France, comme je t'aime!*

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*Quelle surprise = What a surprise! ; Oh, la France, comme je t'aime! = Oh, France, how I love you!

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