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 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 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.

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. 

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.

I became a big fan of Martha when I was in highschool. She had a Halloween special that impressed to me how thoughtful and considered decorating for a holiday could be. Years later, I look around my life and I'm grateful for all the recipes I've cooked, ways I've organized, and general benefits of 'living' I've learn from such a remarkable human.