fancy things

Paris

I can't remember exactly when I fell in love with Paris, but I'm sure it was very long ago. I have visited nine times and I miss it so much when I'm not there. I've studied French for over a decade by doing a small lesson everyday. I've already accomplished my life goal of at least learning enough French to be able to read it beyond an elementary level. I think Paris is so special, it exceeds clichés.

London

London is so remarkable because it's both very historic as well as uniquely modern. I was fortunate enough to have visited about nine historic houses recently and I loved each home because they were so different from each other. London also has a common whimsy that helps to temper some of its severe and serious sides. There's so much to uncover and learn in London. I can't wait to plan another trip back.

Chicago

Chicago is my personal 'second city' after growing up and pining over wanting to live in New York (which I still love). Chicago has consistently suprised me in its array of culture, architecture, history, and hospitality. I call it "America's biggest secret." It's affordable, engaging, and so many people come here and are routine surprised at how truly remarkable it is. I love living in Chicago. I'm so glad it's been part of my life.

Halloween

I love Halloween equally with Christmas. I can't choose, it's too difficult! I love decorating for both holidays and I spend all year scrounging around antique and vintage stores looking for unique things to decorate with. Taking major clues from Martha Stewart when I was young, I looked for ways to make the holiday 'real' and not mass-produced. However, I do collect alot of vintage paper and plastic toys and decorations.

Christmas

I love to decorate for Christmas right after Thanksgiving and then I can have the entire month to enjoy the cozy lights around my apartment. Usually I like to challenge myself and make an elaborate holiday dessert, and once I get a larger kitchen I hope to restart that tradition. I love Christmas because it can be happy, sad, celebratory, reflective, and beyond.

Historic Houses

Historic house museums are wildcards. You never know what you're going to encounter. A house could be filled to the brim with original objects or hold barely any contents. They're complex and address many subjects from architecture, history, technology, and beyond. I love visiting a historic house because they always have wonderful stories to share.

Museums

Museums have been a part of my life since was very young. They are wonderful places of refuge and contemplation. I love being inspired and seeing new collections. As well as returning to institutions I've been to many times. It's always a good idea to visit a museum.

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