July 22, 2015

How to Buy Souvenirs

 a lot of magnets

In my many neuroses about traveling, you may not be surprised that I think a lot about how to buy souvenirs.  For example, I was traveling with a friend in Bulgaria this year and we found an adorable handicraft shop (in the lobby of Bulgarian National Art Gallery and Ethnographic Museum in Sophia, in case anyone is interested). Turns out Bulgarians make delightful pottery, woven rugs and these adorable red thread friendship bracelets.  Who knew?    After a few minutes hours in the shop, we had our purchases lined up. After careful consideration, my friend bought an amazing set of dishes, mismatched in that purposeful, whimsical way and complete with…

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written by carolineschley@gmail.com - Posted in live fabulous

May 10, 2015

Best Mother’s Day Advice

 best mothers day advice

Here’s the best Mother’s Day Advice I can give you: DON’T GO TO BRUNCHNOOOO BRUNCHABSOLUTELY DO NOT GO TO BRUNCH As a former waitress, I beg you, I IMPLORE YOU DO. NOT. GO. TO. BRUNCH. Here’s why: You know that sad, busy, picked-over feeling that last day of the semi-annual shoe sale at Saks–when people are shopping but there’s nothing good left so they are half-heartedly fighting over last year’s two-tone Manolo sandals?     Mother’s Day brunch in a restaurant is like if that experience were happening in a restaurant.  In hell. And instead of shoes people were fighting over the last mimosa and who’s stupid idea it was…

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written by carolineschley@gmail.com - Posted in live fabulous

May 8, 2015

Mercado Anton Martin

 mercado food

Today I went and explored at Mercado Anton Martin on Calle Atocha in Madrid. For me, this activity checked several boxes. First, if you read my last post about cooking dinner, you know I have been searching for something to eat besides the olives in my vodka some culinary inspiration.  Second, I’m always trying to eat-healthy-live-healthy-breathe-healthy. (Not trying hard, mind you. But trying. And a market where people are drinking red wine, eating cheese and gossiping in their outside voices is just my kind of healthy vibe. Third, I’m always trying to learn more Spanish.  I discovered wonderful things with regard to both food and language at Mercado Anton Martin!…

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written by carolineschley@gmail.com - Posted in live fabulous