A Quick Trip / Seattle

At the end of March I was able to make a quick trip to good ole' America! One of my best friends was getting married in Seattle and I was not about to miss it! Even though we will be headed home in a month, and it was only a five day trip, the husband totally agreed that I had to go...I seriously love that man.

After a solo hotel stay, a 2:30am wake-up call and about 24 hours of travel, I finally made it to Seattle and with a second wind! I mean seeing your best friends after way too many months, will wake you up real fast.

I arrived Thursday in the late afternoon, and we just spent that night catching up lots and it was wonderful. Then the next morning, I was up bright and early (the time change is a killer) so a morning walk it was . And oh man, Seattle is just incredibly gorgeous...

 {the big camera was not lugged on this trip, so all photos are with the phone.}

Jocelyn and I had visited Matti (our bride) in Seattle a few years ago, but I ended up getting sick so most of that trip was a blur. But this time, this time, I was fully able to enjoy this city and oh my goodness...it is incredible! It is clean, beautiful and so much fun. I can't wait to bring Roberto back with me!

Later that morning I was able to get my hair highlighted (priorities, right?) and then headed to the rehearsal. Just wait...the venue is gorgeous. After, we were able to do a little lot of shopping and then headed out that night to celebrate our bride-to-be!

Saturday morning started with another walk (the weather was too good) and then the celebrations continued with a Bridal Brunch! We enjoyed brunch at Portage Bay Cafe and all I can say is wow. Find yourself in Seattle?? This is a must as well as there Pancakes and topping bar. So yummy.

We had so much fun eating brunch and celebrating sweet Matti. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and then it was time to head to the Rehearsal dinner at the prettiest restaurant on the water!

Talk about good food, crabbed stuffed shrimp...holy moly, so good. Ok, enough about food...I'm done. It was such a fun night celebrating the future Mr. and Mrs. Gresham!

The next morning it was game time! We woke up and spent the morning getting ready and taking pictures...

I mean, can you say gorgeous???

In the late afternoon, it was finally time. In the sweetest and most beautiful ceremony, our Matti married her man!

We spent the rest of the night, dancing and eating and having the most FUN time. Mr. and Mrs. Gresham, you sure know how to throw a party! Congratulations to the incredible couple, Jesus is going to do great things through this marriage.

Before my flight the next morning, we were able to explore Seattle a little more, enjoy brunch (also eat at The Crumpet Shop, insert heart eyes) and lots of catch-up time. Being with your friends and in a beautiful city? Well, it is just the best.

 Pike Place is amaazing, by the way. Fresh fruit and flowers, samples, chocolate pasta...I could go on and on.

 (Thanks El for these pictures!)

I then made my way to the airport for the journey back to Poland. It was not the best flight experience (can you say turbulence??) but I was so grateful for such a wonderful few days in AMERICA with friends and celebrating our married Greshams!

Linking up with Annie, Natalie, Meagan and Joey

Paris / Girl's Trip

Robert and I went to Paris the Christmas of 2013. We had such a blast together but we didn't quite fall in love with the city. Crazy right?? Maybe it was due to my cry sesh on Christmas Eve or because I spent our last night there puking my guts out due to way too many macaroons. And now every time I think of those little monsters, I get naseous inside. Or maybe becasue of the dirty look the man gave me when I hit him with my umbrella in the pouring rain ( I am just a little bit sensitive). Or maybe because it was our first European trip and we just didn't plan very well? We instead did the good ole' "wing it" and we are not the "wing it" kind of people...at all. Needless to say, it was quite the experience;)

Looking back? We totally enjoyed seeing a new city together and being together...I mean I was traveling with my husband and that is one of my favorite things in the whole world. And there are plenty of good times to talk about from that trip (proof here). But the circumstances just weren't in our favor to fall madly for this city like so many people do.

So when we decided to end our Girl's Trip in Paris, I had very low expectations. But this time around, oh man it was different. I fell hard for this city. Robert and I kept on saying maybe Paris is one of those places you fall in love with if you get to return? Go more than once. And for me it could not have been more true. This time around I was able to soak in the french culture and the immense beauty Paris has to offer. Much moreso than before when I was focused more on just the main touristy sites. This city amazed me, I was finally able to see what a beauty it is and how amazingly beautiful it's culture is.

So let's get started on our recap! Warning: Full 4 day recap, so lots of pictures. Prepare yourselves!

Day 1

After we got settled into our hotel and grabbed a bite to eat, we headed to my favorite neighborhood...St. Germain. We enjoyed gelato at the cutest little shop and just relaxed and enjoyed the culture around us.

We then made the long and scenic route to the Eiffel Tower. Paris at night is just beautiful and the Eiffel Tower at night? Magical. We found the perfect little bench by the side of the tower and got there just in time to see it sparkle, in all it's glory. It was the perfect start to our time in Paris.

Day 2 

The next day, Lauren and Holli made their way to Versailles. Since I had been previously with Roberto, I decided to stay back and explore a little on my own. I went up to the Montmartre neighborhood and just explored the cutest area. I stopped at this brunch place and enjoyed tea, fresh squeezed orange juice and pastries. So simple, so delicious and such a sweet time. It was so nice to just sit for a couple of hours, enjoy and people watch out the window in front of me. I think this was the morning Paris really drew me in.

Once the girls returned, we enjoyed savory crepes for a late lunch and then shopped down whatever (super cute) streets we stumbled upon, on our way to Notre Dame.

We then walked some more, enjoying the beautiful night. We ended up in front of Hotel de Ville eating warm churros followed by a glass of wine and good conversation at the cutest restaurant. Girl's time is so good for the soul (and churros).

Day 3

The next morning we made our way to the Arc de Triomphe and decided to go to the top. It was pretty foggy, but still such a magnificent view of the city. After, we made our way down Champs Elysees. We shopped in our favorite, Longchamp, stopped for Laduree macaroons (well I passed, remember the nauseous feeling?;)) and then ended our walk with Croque Monsieur at a quaint little cafe.

Later after a quick stop outside of the Louvre, we ended our night on the steps of Sacre Coeur and soaked in another beautiful view of this charming city.

Day 4

Our last day, was spent on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower taking way too many pictures and eating nutella crepes. A pretty wonderful morning in our books. After we made our way to beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and then to Love Locke Bridge, which sadly was all boarded up besides a few areas on the sides.

Paris, you sure showed us a beautiful and magnificent time. A girl's trip was just what I needed and it was so wonderful spending quality time with my best friends. We were all so, so grateful for this trip!

Check out the start of our Girl's Trip here...

London- The Main Sites

London- Three Musts
London- A Different View

Linking up with Annie, Natalie and Joey