It's Been Awhile.

Well hello there!

I can't believe the last time I blogged was (*gasp*) June 3... 2013! What the what?

So much has happened since then... I:

• visited Helsinki (twice!), Maastricht, Rotterdam and last but not least, Hamburg (I totally fell in love with this ultra hip & super friendly city)
• saw a lot of great films and read some amazing books (have you read this one yet? If not... DO IT. NOW.)
• fell in love with Prague (hipster) cafés. There's so many cool cafés popping up all over the city - they're my new obsession! If you'd like to keep up with my café gallivanting, check out my Instagram. A word of warning: if you're not into latte art, don't even think of clicking on the latter link
• got into pilates, power yoga and working out in general. While I may never be a true gym rat, I'm totally enjoying keeping fit (I'm also currently trying to put together the perfect fitness wardrobe... not very wallet-friendly, let me tell ya!)

Why have I been gone for so long? I guess I just needed a (looong) break from blogging. I gotta admit, I don't read as many blogs as I used to. I still love the blogosphere, but I'm more careful with what I check out on a daily basis.

Having said that, I am super excited to be back. I already have a few posts lined up, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that at least some of you haven't given up on me. Till next time... or should I say, see you soon? :)

Betty & Me In Paris

Today's post is totally French-inspired. And no, I'm not in Paris at the moment (I wish I was, though!) - but I did feel a bit like a Parisian after my visit to Paul today. I always wonder if Paul truly is a Maison de Qualité Fondée en 1889 or if it's just a huge Czech patisserie chain & a clever marketing ploy. Seriously, does anyone else have Paul in their country? OK, I guess it doesn't matter because their stuff is pretty good (apart from the macaroons... I guess one really needs to go to Paris to get the real thing). Today I treated myself to a raisin snail and it was trop bien (today is also National Cheesy Post Day, didn't you know?). I'm such a sugarholic. Like I need something sweet after every meal. :(
Anyway! I thought I could combine my French-pastry-eating endeavours with a lovely French-themed video (which also features food!). I came across 'Betty in Paris' last week and immediately fell in love. If you love Paris, Amélie, macaroons and/or are a bit of a dreamer, you'll adore this video. It reminded me of my own visit to Paris in 2011 - as cliché as it may sound, it really was one of the best holidays ever. It's actually funny that I'm saying this because I was always one of those 'hmm, Paris... it's a bit overrated, isn't it?' people. Turns out I had to visit it twice in order to fall in love. And yeah, when I was in Paris 2 years ago, I really did feel like Betty (National CPD all over again...). 
'Betty in Paris' is part of the Olive Us series - the latter is made by Ben and Gabrielle Blair and features their six(!!!) kids. The Blair family is American and they've been living in Normandy for over a year. You can check out Gabrielle's blog, Design Mom, here. 

Betty In Paris from Olive Us on Vimeo.
Video via Prêt à Voyager

Dream Destinations

I had such a good time with my friend Joke last week that I guess I'm still in the post-holiday mood. That's why I only got back to blogging today. Sometimes you need a bit of a break, right? And while I would love to post quite frequently in the future, I have to acknowledge the fact that won't always be possible. I really love blogging though, no question about it! :)

Today I'd like to talk about the places I would love to visit sometime in the future - I've narrowed my list down to a total of 3 destinations. I love traveling but visiting these places is not really (financially) possible at the moment... I really do believe that one day I'll see them, though! 

1. Japan

Out of my 3 top places, Japan has been on my 'list' the longest. And no, my short-lived high school J-Rock obsession has nothing to do with that. ;) But seriously, there's so many reasons why I'd like to go to Japan: the food, the over-the-top techy atmosphere, the crazy fashion (Harajuku!), all the kawaii stuff (I think I'd go crazy over this one ;), bullet trains, Kyoto and geishas, karaoke, and just the 'uniqueness' of it all. I also have a few friends from Tokyo and I'd love to visit them & hang out in all the non-touristy places as well. One day, one day!

2. Iceland

To me, Iceland is a bit of a mysterious country, a country where it's still OK to believe in fairy-tales, a country with hauntingly beautiful nature. I first found out about the awesomeness of Iceland when I was studying in Scotland and met my friend Gigja (who's now working with a few people to turn an old fish factory into a creative art space!) for the first time. Ever since then, I've wanted to visit Iceland - I mean, which other country has made such a cool tourism promotional video? Also, I'd love to go to the Iceland Airwaves music festival one day - amazing music and an awesome location, done! Plus, you know, Icelanders are kooky (and all look like supermodels apparently).

3. Faroe Islands

I may or may not have fallen in love with the Faroe Islands after watching a certain H&M video last year. ;) I know, I know, the video is completely staged and apparently there is no H&M on the Faroe Islands (irony!), but still... I think my dream of spending a few nights in a super cozy cabin in a completely secluded area could come true on the Faroe Islands. Lovely, right?

What are your dream destinations? Let me know, I'd love to hear them all! :)

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3.