i left my heart in brooklyn

I may be obsessed with New York, but I think my obsession for Brooklyn is greater. It could be because we hit the borough on the most beautiful 67 degree day in February, or that I was with my closest lady friends, or because it has some of the cutest places I have ever seen. For any one of these reasons, I'm obsessed and a morning here could never be enough. As we walked the streets we talked about how we have to come back just for a trip in Brooklyn. It would take days to tackle everything we wanted to do. We were able to hit some high priority spots like Woops! Bakeshop (looking for macaroons? Head here!) and Loosie's Kitchen (looking for the most delicious Nutella beignets? This is the place.) but guys, there's really so much more. 

a birthday well spent

Visiting Crater Lake has always been on my bucket list, and since my birthday fell on Labor Day this year, I thought what better way to spend the long weekend!? It was seriously the best birthday I think I've had, even though we were road tripping back home for the majority of my actual birthday. We set up tent at Diamond Lake which is about 20 minutes away from Crater, and let me tell you, the campsite views were just as grand. We were surrounded by trees the whole weekend and could see the entire night sky at night. This is definitely a weekend I'll always remember and I can't wait to plan the next birthday destination.

Those clear blue waters though.

Us girls conquered another National Park together! We took on the Grand Canyon together as well.

My babe, the captain.

Rooney was happy too.

So the wind wasn't our favorite, and neither were the freezing nights.

Those tree views!

If I thought Crater Lake couldn't get any better, it did. Steph, Megan and I headed back to watch the sunset, and I'm sure happy we did. 

sweet magnolia

As I arrived at the airport to check in for my flight last week, the individual checking me in asked my destination, "Waco, Texas" I replied. His response? "By choice?" We chuckled. No, not by choice; but really by choice. Who chooses to go to Waco, Texas of all places? If it weren't for my mother living there, or my parents being from Waco, I don't think it's a place I would have ever known about. Until Magnolia Market came along. Thank you Chip and Joanna for making Waco, Texas something to talk about. The Magnolia Market is amazing, and if you get there at opening time you'll be lucky enough to feel as though you almost have the place to yourself. 

Tips of the Silos!

My sweet momma and brother! 

I want it all.

The cutest food cart I've ever seen.

Barcelona

We arrived in Spain with no set plan.  Correction: the one set plan was to sip on sangria.  If I can give any advice to those seeking to travel, it would be to have no agenda.  Considering one of the best days spent during my Euro tour was the full day I had in Barcelona.  We wandered around the city and managed to stumble upon a wine and food festival, so without a doubt we took part.  Then of course it was off to the sand to experience some Spain beach.  

bridges & canals

Venice is the most beautifully set city that I have had the privilege of roaming through.  There is just something about canals functioning as roads, with miniature bridges to guide your curious path.   As I strolled through it's populated streets, I did my best to take in this little city's elegant decay.  I could never in a million years ever see myself having the luxury of experiencing a place with such unique character and charm.  My time spent here is something I will always cherish.  As even today I can still remember the calming peace I had while standing over the Grand Canal on the Rialto Bridge, sitting in San Marco Square, and while third wheeling it during a gondola ride into the Guidecca Canal.  Venice has the ability to pull you out of routine life, as it isolates you and hits you with island fever in an entirely satisfying way.