If you had asked Michael and me this time last week where we would be today, we would tell you that we would be in Lido Key (an island off the coast of Sarasota, FL) soaking up the sun and celebrating our tenth anniversary. But due to the rapidly-spreading red tide in the area, we had to cancel. So where are we? We’re in St. Louis for the weekend, after scoring a last-minute deal on a flight (if you’ve ever tried to fly at the last minute, you know how rare that is). It’s our first time in the Gateway City, and we’re looking forward to a little BBQ, gooey butter cake, and visits to breweries (thanks for all of your brewery suggestions on Instagram!).
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Other than scrambling to book and plan things at the last minute, here’s what I’ve been reading this week:
Food
This Eater map has been updated just in time for our trip to Mexico City next month! I’m so ridiculously excited about this trip; I’ve wanted to visit Mexico City forever.
I always love reading Nevada’s posts, and love the storytelling behind her travels and recipes. I was excited to see a new one on her blog this week (and am intrigued by living somewhere where it is safe to poach your dinner in the seawater).
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Reading
I put this cute little book on hold at my local library, and we’ve enjoyed flipping through and reading about sayings in other languages. So far my favorite has been the Spanish phrase, “tú eres mi media naranja,” which means “you are my orange half,” or soulmate (as no two oranges are the same – each one can only have one other half). I guess I’m feeling extra mushy this week. Awww.
I don’t watch a lot of movies (such a time commitment!), but I am looking forward to the film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians. I recently read the last two books in the fun trilogy, so I’m excited to see it kick off on the big screen. It’s a quick, easy read, so you have no excuse but to start here before seeing it on film.
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Travel
Vegetarianism and Veganism are no longer unheard of in certain parts of the world, but if you’re still unsure how friendly locals will be to your diet, here are five tips to help you eat well, anywhere (NYT Unlocked).
I love the New York Times’ 36 Hours series as it’s basically how we travel; this new segment on Boise, Idaho (NYT Unlocked) makes me want to go – but sadly there aren’t any direct flights from here.
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Style
Heading back to school? Here’s a roundup of cute backpacks to get you started right!
I definitely got suckered into one of these “Kate Middleton before she was a Royal!” photo slideshows and I don’t regret it one bit.
Things I bought this week
While I picked up a few things this week, I spent very little out of pocket. Using a Dillard’s gift card from a return, I purchased these Levis (I’d initially tried them on via Amazon Try Before You Buy – reviewed here) and also a somewhat outrageously-priced sleep mask from Slip (which Elaine said didn’t work for her – and of course, I read this right after placing my order). I impulse-bought this necklace from a shop I discovered on Instagram, Hey Moon Designs, with a promo code. It arrives later today, so I can’t give any feedback on it, but I’m looking forward to having a new simple-statement necklace. I love seeing my spending and desire for more decrease in exact correlation to the number of trips we have planned. Contentment and adventure? I’ll take it.
Do you notice a change in spending when you are planning a trip? Do you find yourself spending more or less?
No post on Monday – see you Thursday!
