DIY Open Concept Bookshelves

1. CREATE AN INSPIRATION BOARD

There are so many different styles of bookshelves nowadays and it’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding what direction to take a piece in. I knew I wanted something modern, Scandinavian inspired for my wall shelf, so I took to Pinterest to see what was already on the market. Two things I learned from this research 1). I was drawn to the white more than the natural wood and 2). Styling is key with this style of shelf.

I also discovered that open concept bookshelves of this scale are insanely expensive and in-home delivery is even more pricey. This only made me want to design a shelf myself even more.

2. OUT A DESIGN CONCEPT WITH MEASUREMENTS

Don’t be intimidated by this step if you aren’t a designer…you’re just getting an idea on paper.

Since the ceilings in my house are pretty high, I knew I wanted a book shelf that went nearly to the top, without hitting the air vent. I also knew that I wanted the shelf to be 84 inches long in order to fill the entire open space on my wall. I started doodling a few ideas, making sure to leave some shelves significantly open to give it a very airy feel. I referenced my inspiration board while drawing a few sketches.

From there, I sketched out my ideal shelf, then went back in to do the math. Check and re-check the math! It’s easy to get numbers mixed up here, so before you start cutting wood, check that all of your calculations are correct. Here is my chicken-scratch of a sketch for comparison.

3.PRE-CUT WOOD & PAINT

Once you know your measurements are correct, it’s time to head to your local lumber store. If you aren’t leaving the wood natural, I’d highly recommend painting all of the pieces outside or in an open garage and let set overnight.

4.BUILD UP, NOT SIDEWAYS

Once all the wood is brought inside, it’s time to start assembling. Build layer by layer and make sure that every piece is evenly aligned before drilling and nailing. Pencil in where all of the pieces should go before hand if that helps you get a better visual (this is easily disguised under one additional coat of paint at the end of the process).

We tilted the shelf right side up when we hit the half way mark, just to make sure it was looking good.

5.ADD FEET LAST THEN NAIL TO THE WALL

Once all of the wood pieces are assembled together, it’s safe to attach the feet (if so desired). Also, because this shelf is solid wood, it needs to be as stable as possible, so nailing to the wall is a must.

6.STYLE THE SHELVES

Finally, the fun part! The key for me when styling is to mix textures. I know this shelf is primarily for books, but I never want to overcrowd the spaces and make it feel jammed. The best way is to break up the books is with textured objects like, baskets, pieces of artwork and plants. Also, standing some of the hardcover books upend facing out so they act as a display piece adds additional depth. This will also help create movement throughout the shelf so your eye doesn’t get stuck on just one area.

There's no right way to style shelves, so just do what feels right in your space.

This was the majority of process and turned out MUCH cheaper than purchasing a solid wood shelf from a furniture store. This same idea could even be translated into closet or laundry shelf organization.

I’m so pleased with the outcome of the bookshelf and hope to do more DIY Home Decor posts in the future.

Alaska with Disney Cruise Line

The perfect marriage of adventure and family fun is Disney Cruise Line’s sailing through Alaska. Where else can you combine glaciers and amazing Disney service (and don’t forget Mickey!)? Disney really stepped up their cruise game on this trip, both in their excursions and on board service. Here’s a few reasons why I loved traveling to Alaska with Disney Cruise Line.

Glaciers, and Mountains and Mickey, Oh My!

There is virtually no other experience in the world that places Mickey and friends in front of a picturesque mountain landscape. The cruise ship sailed up into Endicott Arm to the beautiful Dawes glacier. While we entered the blue waters of the fjord, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald appeared on deck in traditional Alaskan attire to mingle with guests. This was a great family experience for everyone on board, as well as a wonderful photo opp.

Whale Watching Is An Every Day Activity

I learned from day one to always keep my eyes peeled towards the water, even when wandering around the ship. The aquatic life is ever active, and we were fortunate enough to see multiple orca pods and quite a few humpback whales throughout our journey. From the ship, we saw a humpback whale dive into ocean with a mountainous sunset in the background. Talk about Disney magic.

Open roof whale watching boats are the best way to go for an actual excursion, just make sure to bundle up (and don’t forget sunscreen, too). It is possible to get sunburnt on the boats, even in freezing temperatures.

Breathtaking Views Onboard the Disney Wonder

There is nothing more relaxing than sailing through glaciers and mountain sides, while in the comfort of the Pub onboard Disney Wonder. The ship offers wonderful vantage points, as long as you can find a free window seat.

The Yukon Territory on a Steam Train

My favorite excursion on the trip was this insanely breathtaking railroad excursion. My jaw dropped around every corner. It’s something that pictures will never fully do justice to, but if you ever find yourself in Alaska, the train ride is an absolute must.

Local Alaskan Art

I sound like a broken record in every blog post, but buying local art is something I’m so passionate about. As an artist myself, I always bring home art from the places I travel and not the super touristy pieces). Alaska brought so many unexpected beauties, especially in their traditional art. I found a darling art shop in Skagway where I purchased quite a few pieces, both for myself and for friends. The colors and shapes inspire me so much and I love the perspective and story told in each piece.

I also purchased a one of a kind, hand carved bowl, which I will treasure forever. The artist hand-carved this bowl while out on the water in his canoe, and the store owner knew him personally. I loved this back story, which only made me more excited to purchase this beautiful piece. Be aware that there are many “traditional" looking designs, but most likely aren’t made in the region you’re visiting (some are even made in China). Ask questions in the art galleries and really examine a piece if you’re looking to buy something memorable.

Amazing Disney Service and Dining Experience

Calling the seafood lovers of the world: this trip is 100% for you. The food on this cruise was out of this world. My biggest tip for those considering a Disney cruise: on previous Disney Caribbean sailings, the food and drink are always good, but feel much more family generic. The Alaska sailing works specifically with the local fishing town and fishermen to bring the day’s catch on board. Fresh fish, crab, lobster and shrimp were on the menu every night, but served in very different ways. If you are more of a red meat eater, there are great options for you, as well, you just won’t get as full of a food experience. Every meal tasted so fresh and was served with amazing Disney service from cast members.

Every waiter we had was so personable and charming. They’d get to know your likes and dislikes when it came to dinner and could always help you find the perfect dish.

The desserts were out of the world as well!

There are plenty of other reasons to book an Alaska trip though Disney Cruise line, but I feel the topics discussed in this post were most helpful for me when recommending this trip to friends and family. I hope it was helpful to you as well!

My next post is all about cafes, schnapps and the Sound of Music…any guesses where? Stay tuned!

5 Tips to Finding Your Paradise In Dry Tortugas

Just a few hours from Key West by ferry, Dry Tortugas is a once in a lifetime adventure into a tropical paradise.  

This destination is really an experience. It’s not accessible by land, only boat or sea plane.  There’s no WiFi, no communication, no food or drink (except for what you bring yourself). It really is a step back in time, which you must experience first hand.

So for a brief history lesson: The Dry Tortugas are a small group of islands, situated in the Gulf of Mexico. The Spanish founded the islands in 1513, and Fort Jefferson was later used as a prison during the Civil War. For any history buffs interested, there is a plethora of information on the island, as well as some great books about the Dry Tortugas.

After spending the day at Fort Jefferson, I am even more in awe of the islands than ever. Their beauty is unlike anything I’ve ever seen and the ability to truly relax makes it the perfect day trip.  If you’re thinking of planning a trip to Dry Tortugas, here are five tips to maximize your stay and, ultimately, find your paradise.

Grab A Picnic Table

Weather you’re visiting for the day or camping, seating is very limited. So if you have food, gear or anything you don’t want to lug around the entire island, claim a picnic table early in the morning. There are bathrooms, so if you want to change into swim gear after you arrive, leave a change of clothes at the picnic table.

Spend 10 minutes In The Historical Shop

Once situated on the island, head into the historical shop. There are always rangers and bookshop workers on duty who can educate the curious, and point thrill seeks in the right direction. The rangers can tell you a bit about the fascinating prison history of the fort, and how it has become such a high-profile destination. They can also tell you about the distinct wildlife. If you collect National Park souvenirs or are looking to buy postcards, you can grab all of that in the bookshop. 

Climb To The Top Of The Fort

The best place to survey the landscape and take in the amazing view is at the top of Fort Jefferson. Bring walking shoes! There’s a bit of rough terrain on the top, so best to leave the flip flops down near the picnic tables. 

Snorkel Off The Edge Of The Fort

Catch a glimpse of some amazing fish in the crystal blue water. Sometimes you can even spot a manatee. But be warned: sharks do occasionally appear in the waters near the fort. Just let them be and do not harass them.

Ditch Your Phone 

There’s really no chance of getting a signal on the island, so my suggestion is to ditch the phone entirely. If you have a camera, bring that instead and capture the beauty and mystery of the fort. Editing can wait til later. Really experience the island; worry about the photoshop later.

For anyone seeking a tropical hideaway within reach of Key West, Dry Tortugas should be on your bucket list. If you’re more a winter weather traveler, never fear. Be on the lookout for my blog post on Alaska coming next week.

A Not-So-Touristy Guide to Key West

Is a relaxing trip to Key West even possible? I decided to put it to the test by avoiding the party scene, and seeking out the culture and laid back activities found on the island. I was in for a pleasant surprise.

Make a bee line for the key lime

While the key lime stereotype may seem touristy and over-rated, finding an authentic slice of pie is a great, relaxing way to start your vacation. My best advice is to drop your bags in your hotel room and run to find the key lime pie. I don’t care if it’s 8AM, your vacation starts when you have a piece of key lime pie in front of you. Better yet, for all of the chocolate lovers, try the chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick. This was one of the most unusual, yet insanely amazing things I have ever tried. I’d go back just for this snack. We found this tasty treat at the Key Lime Shoppe on the corner of Front and Duval street.

Stay in a small, local hotel

One of the best ways to have a relaxing stay in Key West is to find a small, local hotel or Bed and Breakfast. Stay away from the party hotels because the pool and bar scene will get crazy at night and on the weekends (which most likely means you’ll hear the noise and won’t sleep a wink). We stayed at the Eden House and it was a small, tropical garden paradise. From a quiet pool, to a garden of hammocks, there was plenty of space to lay low and not feel confined. 

Take time for brunch

While the rest of the island is recovering from last night’s hangover, try to make it to brunch. I had my heart set on eating at Sarabeth’s, since I know how amazing the one in Central Park in NYC is. Sit back, relax and sip coffee at the outdoor patio. Starting your day on a relaxing note is the best way to be motivated to explore later in the afternoon.

Do a book exchange

While this is probably the most unusual activity on this list, it really is a great way to relax on the island. Drop off an already read book from your personal library and pick up something new. With so much activity happening around you, look for small moments like these. Plus, whatever book you trade-in can be your read for your entire vacation. It’s a win-win.

There’s such a unique, charming heritage on the island that is often over shadowed by the bar and party scenes. Take time to pick up pamphlets about the history and go on city walks. Take in the beautiful, old Florida architecture and admire the gardens found across the island. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and explore the historic district. Ask questions along the way and really absorb the unique, cultural surroundings of the island. You’ll be glad you did.

For those looking for an adventure off-island, I’ll be posting next about taking the ferry to Dry Tortugas. Stay tuned!

Christmas at Home

2018 was the year of my first Christmas tree. It sounds silly, but buying a new Christmas tree made my house into a home. The entire “decorating for Christmas” process added the warmth and comfort I had been looking for. I’m now currently trying to figure out how to turn the tree into a Valentine’s tree so I can keep it up even longer.

On top of the joy of decorating, it’s that time of year when family and friends visit more often. Being able to welcome them with something so beautiful warmed my heart, especially when they asked about the ornaments on my tree.

My grandma bought all of these beautiful ornaments in the 1950’s and 1960’s. This year was so special because I got to decorate my tree with each unique one and I thought of her. I thought of what might have been happening in her world in the late 1950’s when she bought these. I thought of the family surrounding her, as she decorated with these ornaments and pulled each piece of tinsel out of the bag. There was something so special about being able to bring them to life again on my tree. It turned into a memory and reminder of the simple things in life that don’t change with the times.

The memories that came with every single ornament box was something I couldn’t put a price on. I hope every year I’m fortunate enough to spend two or three hours decorating my tree with these ornaments. Not because of their beauty, but because of the idea of my grandma decorating her tree with these same ornaments over 50 years ago.

What it's like traveling with Adventures By Disney (So, was Mickey there?)

I get some very puzzled looks when I tell friends and family that I traveled to Eastern Europe with Adventures by Disney. Many assume the experience is like Disney Parks or Disney Cruise Line, where Mickey makes an appearance and you’re surrounded by Disney music, movies, and merchandise. Adventures by Disney takes an entirely different approach and it’s an investment in travel which I can now recommend again and again.

But why is it different? Let’s break it down so you can see why these adventures are so amazing.

1. 

Adventure Guides - Disney would never send travelers into the unknown; cold, scared and unprepared. This is why they have the amazing Adventure Guides on every adventure. On our trip (visiting 3 countries on the Danube River) we had 6 adventure guides with us every step of the way. They made sure we were safe, had a plethora of knowledge about the area and always took care of our needs and wants. Need a tip on the local customs or language? They’ve got your back. Need a recommendation for the best bakery in town? They’ll take you there or write out a special map just for your little side adventure. Seriously, anything you can need or want, they help you with. They also served as our tour guides through pre-arranged local site excursions. On our trip, our guides took us through majestic palaces, delicious wine tasting, local dance lessons etc. These guides are AMAZING. Shoutout to Veronika, Katka, Betti, Joshua, George and Daniel! The best guides any traveler could ask for. Their service and willingness to make sure guests had the best trip possible makes all the difference in the world.

The guides even threw Mickey a 90th Birthday Bash in Budapest and all of us mouse-loving adventurers were gifted these adorable buttons. No Mickey didn’t make an appearance, but we did have the best birthday party imaginable for the Main Mouse and in a city I never thought I would be visiting.

2.

It’s not commercial Disney, but pixie dust is around every corner - There were so many experiences throughout the week that were unique to only Adventures by Disney guests. Many places, such as shops, restaurants and even an entire Abbey were closed for the winter season, but Disney was able to talk with local officials and ask them to open their doors just for the Disney adventurers. They also managed to enter places that no other tour groups can get into. Remember the gazebo from Sound of Music? (Let’s all sing “you are 16 going on 17”) Yes, Adventures by Disney can take you there if you visit Austria, even though it’s closed to the public. Special moments like these are once in a lifetime.

There are also other special activities with Adventures by Disney that offer rewards with some extra Disney magic. We had a Goulash cook off in Hungary and at the end, everyone was given an adorable Donald pin for their hard work. And, yes, our team won, so I’m officially a goulash master chef (Just don’t ask me to make it from scratch). This was such a fun team activity and ended in a very tasty meal, not to mention a fun little souvenir to add to the pin collection.

On this trip, we also experienced the same amazing Disney service that the company is known for. Every want and need we had was attended to with such precision and care. Smiling faces were around every corner and every member of the Adventures by Disney team had the most positive attitude every single morning. It was really a joy to experience.

3.

There really is something for everyone - love to hike and adventure outdoors? There’s excursions for you. Want to  relax, enjoy the scenery and taste local cuisine? There’s that, as well. Not going to lie, we did every single excursion offered. It’s tiring, but I’d do the same thing next week if I could. We ventured to 4 Christmas markets in 3 different cities, made Goulash in Hungary, visited palaces in Austria, ate at a cafe, went hiking through salt mines, bought traditional clothing in the Salzburg city center, and drank beer in a special Oktoberfest celebration in Germany (among many other things). There’s a lot packed in and weather permitting, there’s even biking tours through the countryside. There’s many options and you’ll never find yourself slipping into boredom.

I could go on and on about this trip. Adventures by Disney knows the perfect recipe for international travel and the best service imaginable. I can’t wait to book my next adventure with Disney. Who wants to come along?

For those wanting more information, I’ll do a separate blog post on the countries and cities we visited and talk about our trip itinerary and highlights.

6 Tips When Visiting European Christmas Markets

As a proud 90’s kid who grew up only on PBS shows, I remember when the Rick Steves Christmas Markets episode first aired (don’t judge, I still watch it every December). Since that time, it has been a dream to travel to the European markets and experience them for myself. My wish came true this year and I had the trip of a lifetime. I’m definitely no expert, but I did learn how to experience the best of the markets. Here’s a few tips if you’re thinking of visiting the European Christmas markets on a jolly holiday adventure.

1. Use cash - if you’re heading to the European Christmas Markets with the intention of simply enjoying the sights and tasting a few yummy things, you won’t need more than 25 Euros. Most small trinket items are under 10 Euros and the food is generally inexpensive. If you’re buying speciality artisan items or intend to make larger purchases, most stands will take Visa or MasterCard. Just plan on having cash on hand as it makes the entire process easier when you stumble upon snacks or those fun small items, like ornaments or small wood carvings.

2. Taste the mulled wine - one of my favorite things about the Markets is the amazing smell and taste of mulled wine. Most markets use red wine as a base, adding cinnamon and other spices in a giant pot together. We tried the wine at every market we visited! Word to the wise, though - wine is served mostly in ceramic mugs with the name of the city and Christmas market on it. The price of the mug is included in the price of mulled wine. Bring the mug back to the stand and you can get a bit of your money back from your purchase. If not, take it home as a souvenir. We loved collecting Christmas market mugs along the way.

3. Look for the local stands - once you’ve done two or more markets, you begin to see repeat items and stands. Not that these stands should be avoided all together, but keep an eye out for the local stands. For example, we found a great artisan stand at the market in Vienna. The stand was full of beautiful linocut prints, many folk inspired and Christmas related. I bought two pieces here and didn’t see any stands that even resembled this in any other market. This was one of my favorite takeaways from the whole trip.

4. Ask if they’re handcrafted - Some stands cary items from the country you’re currently visiting, but could still be manufactured items. For me, I want souvenirs that are genuine to the city or region I am visiting and not a generic product I could find in the country’s airport when I leave. Ask the vendor if the item is handcrafted or made in the local region. When I visited Durstein, I bought a few bottles of Schnapps from a small shop, but asked the shop owner first about the product. Her brother in law made the Schnapps locally. This gave me complete affirmation in my purchase and makes the product even more special for me personally.

Likewise, in the Budapest and Vienna markets, there’s a variety of decorative dried fruits that smell AMAZING. I so wish I could have purchased a few of these, but was unsure how to pack them. Next time!

5. Don’t feel pressure to buy the first time - like I mentioned above, unless you find a unique artisan shop, you will most likely will see repeat products and stands. So if you missed buying something at one of these stands, the next market you visit will probably have identical or at least similar items.

6. Try a local favorite - People watch and see what the locals are eating. You can’t go wrong with trying something new, like Kürtőskalács in the Budapest market.

For friends who have visited the Christmas markets in Europe, which is your favorite and why? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Sketchbook Page #4

It’s almost Autumn! Whose ready for some pumpkin juice?

Sketchbook Page #2

Just few ladies with some crazy awesome hairstyles.

Sketchbook Page #1

Sketchbook page #1 - Scary Jerry

A Concept

Lady Mary Doodles

I was reminiscing over Michelle Dockery's fabulous costumes in Downton Abbey a few days ago and decided to doodle a few of my favorites. Here's to Lady Mary Crawley and her fabulous hats and headwear. 

Explorations in Print

Letterpress

Screen Print