Adventures Abroad

Adventures Abroad
Machu Picchu

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Six Things: Welcome Nature's New Palette

Hello, my fellow bloggers!

Today, I decided I would mix it up a little bit. I have anxiously been awaiting fall because I love watching the leaves change. Oh, and I love sitting outside drinking a delicious caramel apple cider!


However, instead of boring you with text and descriptions of things, I am actually going to list 6 things you may want to consider trying to welcome fall. Enjoy!

Fall Fashion
Anne Klein: $109.00 (Head to DSW for ~$15 off!)
*Just bought them today and am super excited to wear them!

A Fun New Read

Cupcakes and Cashmere by Emily Schuman: $12.36 at Amazon.com
Check Out Another Blog

Emily's Blog: Cupcakes and Cashmere

A Chair Worth Reading A Book In

Pottery Barn: $1,699.00

A Gift For Your Nose 
Bath & Body Works: $19.50
I absolutely love this scent! 

A Drink to Warm You Up

Starbucks: Caramel Apple Spice: ~$3

Enjoy the last bit of summer before the nights become cool and nature changes her palette.



Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The Unicorn Winery & A Taste of Fall

I caught an orange leaf falling!
Hello, fellow adventurers!

I don't know about you, but I have officially spotted a few red and orange leaves peaking through the woods. And yes, we all know what that means...fall is right around the corner! Yet, I must ask, are you ready for fall?

Okay, I'm sure you are ready for fall, but don't you want to enjoy the last bit of summer? Grab a group of friends and head to a winery! The weather has been absolutely beautiful and will make your trip very memorable!

My Suggestion:
The Unicorn Winery

  • It is not huge, but it is definitely cute! 
  • They have a beautiful patio outside so you can sit and enjoy the pond. Oh, and relax!
  • The vineyards are beautiful and if you are lucky, you might catch a few grapes on the vine.


Location:
489 Old Bridge Road
Amissville, VA 20106

Phone:

  • (540) 349-5885

Hours of Operation:

  • Monday-Friday: 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Wine Tours:
  • Completely free!
  • Have a guided tour through the small winery and discover what really goes into making wine.
Barrels full of wine!
My Wine Suggestions:

  • White:
    • Chardonnay 2009: "Full bodied, lightly oaken with slight hints of vanilla, butterscotch & apricot. Wonderful fruit flavors that pairs nicely with lobster, scallops, and cheese."
      • Price: $16 bottle/ $5 glass
    • Traminette 2011: "Light & fruity with beautiful distinctive aromas; experience the citrus flavors of orange and grapefruit followed by hints of basil."
      • Price: $16 bottle/ $5 glass
  • Blush:
    • Slightly Embarrassed: "Unicorn's unique blend of Seyval, Chardonnel, and Chambourcin that provides an off dry taste experience. Hints of Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry. Great for picnics!"
      • Price: $15 bottle/ $5 glass
  • Red:
    • Crimson Sunset: "Chambourcin grape with this style of wine making has a subtle sweet pomegranate and currant flavor. Most popular served chilled, can be served at room temperature. Pairs nicely with steak, hamburgers, and pizza. A red wine on training wheels!"
      • Price: $16 bottle/ $5 glass
  • Wine Tasting:
    • Try all 9 of the wines offered for $5! Yes, only $5 for a wine tasting! If you ask me, that is a great deal!
    • Types of Wine Offered

Food:
  • Unfortunately, they do not offer a lot of food, but you are welcome to bring your own snacks.
  • I suggest trying the "Simply Cheddar" ball for $9 and crackers for $3. 
    • "...Is a cheese ball made with only the finest aged extra sharp cheddar cheeses without using any processed or cream cheese. It has a little onion for bite and fresh chopped pecans on the outside for crunch."
    • Created by: Linda Weaver


Have fun at the Unicorn Winery!
B and I enjoying a glass of Crimson Sunset.


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

How to Dress Parisian

Bonjour, my fellow wanderlusters!

Have you found yourself reading fashion magazines like Vogue or maybe found yourself watching Audrey Hepburn movies like Charade? Do you find yourself dreaming of Parisian fashion? Well, look no further because I am here to give you a quick and easy guide to Parisian fashion. I will also provide a few outfit ideas that may work for you!

First, Parisians are nothing like Americans. In my mind, when they get dressed it is like they are heading to a fashion shoot.

Women:

  • Hair: Parisian women do not style their hair. Instead, they sport the air-dried style that most Americans avoid. Yet, Parisians make it look so classy!
  • Makeup: Parisians have beautiful skin. The women in Paris have this beautiful glow to them that I wish I had. They are comfortable in their skin, so makeup is kept pretty simple. Think about just choosing one are to focus on, such as eyes or lips. I spotted many Parisian women with fire engine red lips and no eye makeup. However, i also spotted many with gorgeous peepers loaded with mascara and black eyeliner. Whatever you may choose, keep it simple!
  • Clothes: Parisians are fashionable, but simple. They love neutral colors and patterns.
    • Typical Outfit: 
      • Blazer
      • Striped Shirt
      • Jeans: Don't be scared to roll them up and show off your ankles!
      • Heels: You can wear flats like ballet or oxfords because Paris is full of walking!
      • Purse
    • Dress:
      • Black Dress
      • Heels
      • Jewelry: pearls for day and diamonds for night!
        • Or wear a scarf instead!
      • Clutch
    • My version:
      • Oxfords
      • Cardigan
      • White collared shirt
      • Cuffed jeans
      • Simple functional purse
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Men:
  • Hair: Parisian men spend a lot of time on their hair! Shocking, right? 
    • Think of Chuck Bass
    • Slick backed hair from the 40's-60's
      • Tip: Get your hair cut at a Barber Shop!
  • Clothes: Parisian men dress very preppy...or sexy!!
    • Rolled up jeans
    • Collared shirts
    • Ties
    • Shoes: dress shoes-boots
    • Scarfs are a must!
          • Seriously, think Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl!

Both Men and Women:
  • Best accessory is a cute french bulldog! (Expect to pay roughly $1,000)


Have fun dressing Parisian! 
Oh, and feel free to ask for some of my Parisian street photos!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Paris Review


Hello, fellow dreamers!
Paris notebook is from Target: $4 for 3!
Perfect for notes on the go :)

If you have been following my blog, then you know that I went to France. Well, I am finally back and ready to share my adventures. 

I have so many stories to share that it will take more than one blog post to do so. Thus, I decided the first would be my review of Paris. Within the next few days, expect to see posts about Cannes, Nice, food, style, and a story of adventure.

Paris:
"America is my country and Paris is my hometown." -Gertrude Stein

Where did I stay?
Hotel Rivoli: 50 euro (Do not get this confused with Hotel Paris Rivoli)
  • Pros:
    • Great location! Near the metro, shopping, restaurants, cafes, and the Louvre.
    • Most rooms have a sink and/or shower
    • Affordable...for Paris!
    • Employees are quite pleasant
    • Most rooms have a balcony with a great view

View from our balcony
  • Cons:
    • No toilet in the rooms, but it is located in the hallway.
    • No elevator, so you may have to walk up 1 to 6 staircases.
    • Curfew of 2:00 a.m.
    • No free breakfast
    • No wifi. Well, I heard there was wifi, but they only have ONE piece of paper with the code, which means it is hard to get your hands on! 
How much do meals cost?
Let me start by saying there is a reason why Parisians are skinny and model like. They not only walk everywhere, but they barely eat...well from what I could tell!
  • Breakfast:
    • Most cafes serve espresso, croissant, and orange juice.
    B acting goofy?
    • Expect to pay anywhere from 3-6 euro for this small meal.
    • B and I ordered 2 espresso and 1 croissant: 6,50 euro (this was an expensive espresso bar)

  • Lunch:
    • Good luck finding it...just kidding! However, expect to find it before 3 or you may not get lunch. Most cafes serve sandwiches for roughly 6 euro. B and I usually split a sandwich. 
    • If you find yourself not hungry, then grab an espresso, beer, or wine and people watch. Paris is one of the best cities to people watch!
  • Snacks:
    • I suggest heading to the park near the Louvre because there are a few cafes that offer little pick-me-ups. 
    • My suggestion would be to grab a cappuccino and Cape 2 Boules for 6,50 euro. It is a bowl of delicious chocolate ice-cream!
    • Or head to a boulangerie to pick up some macaroons for roughly 1,50 for one.
  • Happy hour:
    • Best people watching ever! The drinks are cheap and most cafes offer olives to snack on.
    • My suggestion is Bastille Restaurant near the metro. Grab a glass of St. Amour: delicious, fruity, and non-dry red wine.

  • Dinner:
    • Parisians eat late. Plan to eat around 10:00 p.m.
    • My suggestion is to not just eat french food, but experiment with the french version of Thai, Chinese, and everything in between. I enjoyed most dinners in Paris.
Best Chinese food for 8 euro!

Getting around:
B's face says what Paris walking does to a person.
Take the metro for most places and walk for the rest. 
  • A "box of tickets" is 10 metro passes for 12,70 euro. 
  • If you choose to walk, then be prepared to feel like your feet are bleeding. Walking around Paris is fun, but quite exhausting. Please wear comfortable shoes...like oxfords!
  • Taxis have a sitting fee of 2,60. I suggest only taking a taxi if you are pressed for time or you are lost. They are not budget friendly.
What to see:
  • Eiffel Tower or Tour Eiffel
    • If you are under 24 expect to pay 9 euro to get to the top.
    • If you are older than 24 expect to pay 10 euro to get to the top.
    View from the top!
    • Don't want to pay? No worries, the Eiffel Tower is much prettier from the ground. Find a great place to sit around 9:15 p.m. and let the show begin. The beginning of every hour after it lights up, it literally sparkles!! It is absolutely amazing....and romantic!
    • If you go up, be advised that the first part is rough. I counted close to 700 stairs to the second level. However, take the elevator to the wee top :)
  • Notre Dame:
    • It is free to get into the church, but to get to the top expect to pay about 8 euro. 
    • Please be respectful and turn off your flash inside the church.

  • Louvre:
    • Expect to pay about 10 euro. 
    • The museum is huge and you will not see it all in one day.
    • B and I headed straight for the Mona Lisa. It was amazing, but it was crowded. Then, go explore the rest of the museum.

  • Pont Des Art bridge:
    • It is a bridge filled with locks and the Seine is probably filled with keys to unlock them. Very romantic!
B and I put the lock on the bridge and tossed our keys into the Seine. 
  • Versailles:
    • Expect to pay about 15 euro, which comes with an audio headset.
    • B and I did not enjoy this as much because it was super crowded.
    • The gardens were my favorite. 
    • How to get there:
      • Metro: for 2 people round trip expect to pay 14,70 euro
Me out in the gardens.
Stay tuned for more adventures in France!
Au revoir!!