I had a hard time deciding what cocktail to feature this month for our signature cocktail bottle club, but this Red Hot Mule (boring name: Spicy Pomegranate Mule) was the winner and I could not be happier to feature what you all asked for–winter citrus and a bit of jalapeño heat.
Read MoreTulips, windmills, and scenic bike rides, oh my! Those are the images that spring to mind when most people envision the Netherlands, but what does it look like when you travel to this western European destination on the backroads?
Read MoreWhen planning a trip I consult a lot of resources: people in my community, relevant articles, videos, inspo boards, any and everything to help me get familiar with the locations where we’ll be going. It’s especially helpful for me to get information on traveling to destinations as a family with younger teenage kids. With that said, it’s now my turn to be the one sharing inspiration and advice! I’m here to help you, dear reader, in planning your next trip to Paris, France. I’ve got tips from my own experience for choosing a window of time to go, where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and so on.
First off, when planning our trip I of course needed to choose a date! We were initially planning to travel in the summer, but when looking up flight prices I realized February travel is half the cost of that in July. Weather in Northern Europe isn’t awesome mid-winter, but it isn’t here where we live in Michigan, either, so that is kind of a non-factor. (Snow in Paris rivals snow at home!) We have a Delta credit card so we flew with them and got 30% off all our flights. Rather than searching for hours for the cheapest flights I rely on our mileage and discounts earned through Delta rewards.
Our little family (left to right) Jack (15), Kate (over 40), Dan (50ish), Willem (13) and Vivian (11) near the Louvre.
Because we were traveling with our kids (15, 13, and 11 years old) I chose convenient flight times rather than the absolute cheapest flights which saved us from having to make multiple stops en route to Paris. A plus to this decision is that it helped us not to get up at the crack of dawn to travel back home. We got back into life after the trip with one day to recover without school or work, and were not exhausted from a longer-than-necessary travel day.
The next thing I do when planning is choose our lodging. Despite the many Airbnb or alternative options out there, I’m partial to hotels. Ultimately I love connecting with the staff to get local recommendations, and to be honest I do just love fresh towels each day and a cup of coffee from the lobby. I booked via Hotels.com because again, we have rewards with the company. I found a great deal at the wonderful Pley Hotel. I always choose lodging in the city proper first and foremost, because the neighborhood where we stay becomes our home base and I typically enjoy walking most places during our trip. Half of the fun is in being fully immersed in the culture of the neighborhood (right near the Arc de Triomphe.
The Pley Hotel is in the 8th arrondissement (which translates to “district” in English — ie. “we stayed in the 8th!”) It is walking distance to the Arc de Triomphe, the Avs. de Champs Elysse, and near the bridges over the river Seine. This small hotel had great service, great breakfast and a vintage vinyl record and audio theme which provided a cozy ambiance and design. Our adjoining rooms were clean, bathrooms large and warm and the windows provided lots of breeze and the sounds of the city.
HOT TIP: Book your hotel for the evening BEFORE you arrive in a new city where you will arrive in the morning. With young teens in tow we all needed a shower after a long night on the airplane - which was there waiting for us when we arrived in our Uber car from the airport at 9am. Rather than locking our bags at the hotel and spending money on coffee to keep us awake all day I used a free Hotels.com reward night where we could all start the new day fresh, grab some hotel breakfast if needed and then head out for a light day of sightseeing to ease into the time-zone.
Once I know where we’ll be based, I always make my own Google Map (check mine out here) with restaurant and activity options. Some of my husband and I’s favorites from this trip included Le Ralais de Entrecote and Bistro de Augustins.While our kids likewise really enjoyed unnamed crepe stands anywhere they can be found in the city, Sancerre in Montmartre, and the boulangerie (bakery) which can be found by meandering any streets in the city but usually close in the late afternoon. Other places people suggested but we couldn’t get reservations to include Co.Co and Perruche (atop the renowned department store Printemps - with the best view of the Eiffel Tower in the city!)
I would have to say that my favorite meal during our time in the City of Light was the entire experience and the food at La Ralais de Entrecoteecote.fr/. I walked over to the eatery by myself to secure our spot in the popular line to get in because there are no reservations accepted at the establishment - and was the first person in line (1.5 hours early was sufficient). Before you judge me for being in search of an early bird special please know that the line had grown to 100 people when the doors opened for dinner service, my family came about 10 minutes before the place opened and I enjoyed an hour of quiet walking and reading my novel while I waited in line. They only serve a few things at La Ralais de Entrecote: simple walnut & lettuce greens in a tangy vinaigrette, lots of fresh baguette, perfect crispy french fries and sirloin steak in a secret herbal sauce that is all served family style and unending in how many refills the server suggests you pile on your little plate. The crowd was lively and happy, service perfect and well timed, wine list long (I got the house pour and it was perfect). The whole evening was perfect.
Getting around the city, for the five us, entailed a mixture of miles of walking and a few Uber rides. Due to my trusty map we had a plan for each day and a good idea of how far each walk would be. In our carry ons we had layers of clothing (perfect for the chilly winter temps) that we wore daily. Our pace was a slow stroll, stopping often to peer into shop windows and eat a macaron or two. Once in a while we were running late (can I blame this on teenagers? NO, nope - this is all me, the slowest to make a transition anywhere) so we called Uber just because it was much more reliable than the Paris taxi system. We could have taken the Metro but for some reason we didn’t - although I am sure it was a cheaper and more interesting option - we had to make life easier once in a while with a simple Uber.
One of many ceilings at the Louvre.
A memory I’ll look back on fondly from this adventure would have to be our day at the Louvre. Although there is so much to see in this big, famous museum the best part of the day really was just being together, laughing at how many people like to get close to the Mona Lisa painting (not us) and fighting the crowds. Although some people like the Musee d'Orsay better, I still love the Louvre because the building where it is located is so beautiful! Also note that we had a great time going up the Eiffel Tower at night but looking back I would skip this segment of the trip. There were SO many people crowded in the elevators, so many lines and waiting - and being in the tower doesn’t give us a chance to see the tower from the gardens below or from other locations like Printemps.
This unique mid-winter getaway brought me a new perspective on life in the winter - when in Paris one learns that being outside is ALWAYS an option - even for coffee in the sunshine when it is 30 degrees and about to snow!
Have you visited Paris before? If so, let me know what time of year you explored the city, and what some of your highlights were.
Interested in bringing a little Parisian flair to your mid-winter? Try one of these recipes here on livinglark.com: my Tarragon French 75 cocktail, my favorite mussels, and - my favorite the gratin very similar to that at Bistro des Augustins!
Here are some new offerings in partnership with my friends to help you grow with the Enneagram!
Enneagram and Cocktails
Virtual Workshop and Happy Hour
Growing with the Enneagram Workshop:
This 90-minute workshop creates a shared space and baseline framework for how the 9-type Enneagram personality model helps people grow in self-awareness and personal empowerment. To make this event a fun Happy Hour, participants will be able to pick up (if it is a virtual event) or sip (at an in person event) a custom cocktail crafted by Living Lark. Each cocktail is designed to embrace the spirit and energy of a particular Enneagram type.
What to Expect:
A teaching on the Enneagram personality model that explores the 9 types of the Enneagram and creates shared language for how to use the tool as an individual and as a team.
A type clarification exercise for each participant that includes figuring out your type.
A deeper look into each type’s unique life perspective based on core fears and desires that drive her/his thinking, feelings, and behaviors as a leader.
A breakdown of how each type relates to others, and best practices for communicating and relating to each type.
An overview of how to develop understanding, empathy, and compassion for yourself and your coworkers.
Leadership Retreat:
This 3-4 hour workshop presents the baseline framework of the 9-type Enneagram personality model and how it can help individuals and teams grow in leadership.
What to Expect:
An overview of the Enneagram personality model that explores the 9 personality types of the Enneagram.
A deeper look at each type’s unique life perspective based on the core fears and desires that drive her/his thinking, feelings, and behaviors.
A breakdown of how each type relates to others, and best practices for communicating and leading each type.
An overview on how to develop understanding, empathy, and compassion for yourself and your coworkers.
An Enneagram Assessment for each team member if s/he has not yet done an assessment (to be completed before the workshop so everyone on the team will attend the workshop knowing their number).
Individual and team exercises to clarify types and better understand self and others.
Enneagram and Cocktails Happy Hour:
A Happy Hour event designed by Kate Bolt of Living Lark that celebrates each Enneagram type with a custom cocktail crafted to embody the essence of each type. This is a great way to conclude the workshop and celebrate your leadership growth as a team.
Sample Cocktails:
GIN & specialty TONIC for the moral perfectionist (Enneagram 1)
RHUBARB MOJITO as a real crowd pleaser for the supportive advisor (Enneagram 2)
A MARTINI your way for the successful achievers (Enneagram 3)
DARK & STORMY and extra strong for the romantic individualist (Enneagram 4)
A NEGRONI (or something equally complex) for the investigative thinker (Enneagram 5)
CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED for the very loyal guardian (Enneagram 6)
ANYTHING with a fancy straw, happy ingredients and colorful umbrella -- a must-have for the entertaining optimist (Enneagram 7)
SPICY PALOMA for our strong and protective challengers (Enneagram 8)
WINE or BEER to make the decision of what to order easier for the peaceful mediator (Enneagram 9)
Facilitators: Certified Enneagram Coaches Meredith TerHaar and Joe Graham
Custom Cocktails: 2 Cocktails for Pick Up from Living Lark
Please inquire about details and fees -- we would love to partner with you!
Kate, Meredith, and Joe
Quick ideas for your full life ‑ and kid/allergen friendly
Read MoreLOOKING FOR SOMETHING? Our suggestions for great ingredients used in Lark Cocktails are HERE!
Juices and Syrup:
Juice and syrup are very important in Lark cocktails! My absolute favorite flavors in a cocktail are sour (lemon or lime, ideally), sweet (subtly sweet), boozy (I don’t like cocktails that taste more like juice than alcohol), and floral or bitter. I suggest using these ingredients (and following the recipe exactly) the first time you make Lark cocktails. I love experimenting with recipes, but I think that if you make them as written first, you know which direction to go from the trailhead.
KOMBUCHA: GT’s is a reliable brand that I use, and I also like Humm brand.
LIME JUICE: Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice is available at most grocery stores and tastes fresh. You will be shocked at how fresh it tastes.
LEMON JUICE: Italian Volcano is available at most health food stores or through Amazon.
POMEGRANATE JUICE: POM Wonderful Juice is the gold standard for me. Some brands are too watery, some have added sugar, and some add apple juice without you knowing unless you are a fastidious label reader.
BLACKCURRENT SYRUP: Ribena is a syrup brand you should be able to find in the British section of your local grocery store. This is also called cassis and is a berry that grows on bushes originally found in the UK.
ELDERFLOWER SYRUP : St. Steve’s from MudLake farm in Michigan will become your new favorite! IKEA also has a lovely elderflower syrup available.
GINGER BEER: Summit brand can be purchased at Aldi stores if you have one near you. I think this brand has the perfect balance of edgy hot ginger cut with lots of bubbles that will keep your cocktails super fizzy.
TONIC: Originally used as a prophylactic against malaria, tonic now has a lower amount of quinine than it originally did, and it’s so yummy. I like the bitter taste of tonic so much that I’m not very picky about which brand I choose, although some people have strong opinions about this. To be honest, I like Faygo because it is made in my home state. But I also adore Jack Rudy tonic syrup which needs added club soda.
CLUB SODA: I adore bubbles. My favorite brand is Spa Red, sold only in Belguim. Since I don’t live there, I’m fine with other brands like San Pellegrino or just generic club soda from your local grocery. If I can’t have my favorite, then I’ll settle for whatever.
Booze: It’s hard to limit this list, but you can always contact me for specifics. My advice is to buy tiny bottles that liquor stores keep behind their counters and find your favorite flavors. Here are a few of mine...
BOURBON: Four Roses is a great value for the quality and taste.
GIN: New Holland Blueberry Knickerbocker gin is outstanding in it’s fresh taste - it elevates any simple lemonade or fruit cocktail!
SPARKLING WINE: Mawby is a vineyard in Northern Michigan that makes the best bubbly. Visit their showroom for a tasting if you don’t believe me.
Vodka: Coppercraft is a high level distillery right in my hometown of Holland Michigan. Made from corn and very pure in it’s fresh taste.
ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR: St. Germain. I have no words for how good it is.
Other
BITTERS: Scrappy’s, Beehive Bitters, and Fee Brother’s are my favorites.
CHAMPAGNE COUPES & ROCKS GLASSES: Find them anywhere! These are the only two glasses used in my book to simplify your life and bar cart.
CHAI TEA: Full Circle Organic Chai Tea is my favorite because it isn’t too spicy or overpowering.
LAVENDER: Kate Naturals Lavender is dried perfectly to yield the best flavor. It’s reasonably priced and is easy to find online.
FANCY CHERRIES: Luxardo Cherries are the gold standard. Amaro Cherries from Trader Joe’s are also wonderful but seasonal.
POPSICLE MOLDS: Ozera brand makes a sleeve like those freezie pops your mom always bought.
BLACK TEA: PG Tips Tea can be found in the British section at your local grocery.
FROZEN FIGS: Trader Joe’s carries this delicacy seasonally. But, you can also freeze figs in season – or in a pinch, dried mission figs will do (they are found at the grocery near the raisins).
PEELER: A Y-peeler is a necessary tool for citrus. Throw away any other peeler and thank me later.
Cocktail Snacks
CELERY: Cut in long slices.
CASTELVETRANO OLIVES: Find them online and then buy a bunch.
KETTLE CHIPS: Because who doesn’t like chips and cocktails? Be honest. You do.
PARMESAN CHEESE: Sliced in small wedges.
Our Italian Holiday
To travel as a family -- with kids! -- through the heart of Italy was my 40th birthday wish. Many asked, “Is that a good idea?” Others thought it would be fun; others just smirked like they knew something I didn’t. Well, guess what — it was the right decision! Ages 10, 8, and 6, our kids were able to walk on their own (sometimes over 30,000 steps a day, according to 10-year-old Jack and his Fit-Bit), use the restroom alone (no diapers allowed!), and sleep anywhere.
The Bolt Family (from left to right) : Jack (age 10), Kate, Vivian (age 6), Dan, Willem (age 8)
We mapped our route: fly into Rome and out of Milan. We booked reasonably priced seats out of our local midwest airport, and about 9 months before the trip we felt secure that we at least had a way to get to our dreamy destination! Soon after that, we booked hotels, Airbnbs, cars, tours, and (about 3 months prior) restaurants on our To Do List. Then, on July 13 (with 3 days left in my 30’s), we set out with 5 carry-on suitcases, 4 backpacks (the 6-year-old and I shared because I caved and realized she might not carry it everywhere), and five hearts tired from a long school year and a desire to adventure to new lands.
“i’m sad I only brought a carry-on” said by no one, ever.
First Stop - Rome!
The first cup of coffee after flying all night is the best thing, isn’t it? Airport coffee is even delicious! I was all buzzy with caffeine as we took a cab to our first hotel, the K BOUTIQUE in the Monte neighborhood of Rome. We literally passed the Colosseum on the way to the hotel, and we all just stared in wonder.
When people ask what my favorite meal was in Italy I usually reply “all the beverages." Coffee • Aperol • Campari • Vino • Sparkling Water…
The light of Rome settles over the city with an aura in layers of magical history.
We loved the location of our airy two room suite, which was walking distance to everything, and we adored our day on a private guided tour of the Colosseum for kids (we took more water breaks and walked slower than most tours.) At the end of each of our 3 afternoons in Rome, we took a dip in the smallest rooftop pool in the world, which somehow entertained 2 of the kids for a few hours each day!
Small Pool, Big View
Beautiful Board at Pizzicaroli with our favorites, Porchetta, Pate, Fromagi
Memorable meals were at Pizzicaroli, La Carbonara, and many small pizza counters and small pasta haunts where the only thing on the menu was always something AMAZING.
In the foreground is Suppli - tomato sauce & rice with mozzarella melting in the middle, then fried. One of our favorites.
One day, we followed Rick Steve’s Walking Tour of Rome wherever it led us, including 4 gelaterias with our favorite flavor being from FLOR - AMAZING hazelnut gelato with Nutella on the top. We didn’t see everything in Rome, and many think we are NUTS that we didn’t make it to the Vatican, but FUN and HAPPY was our top priority, so we had to cut some things in order to to do that. One rainy night, Vivian was scared of the lightening storm coming upon us so we ducked into the hotel -- leaving the boys to explore the Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain alone. They had an AMAZING time in the rain, and Vivian and I traded one important venture for a great night of rest and movie-watching. It was a win-win.
“This place is HOW old, Mama?” Said one million times at the Colosseum.
FLOR Gelateria flavors: Milk (Willem got this each time), Hazelnut with Nutella, & Oreo
Bognoregio di Civita
We drove out of Rome (rental car time!) a little way into the Tuscan countryside to the tiny town of Civita. Civita is connected to a larger town, Bognoregio, via a footbridge which is as steep and charming as you see here.
There are really no words for this view.
We stayed in an apartment (Airbnb for the win!) in Civita that was built by the Etruscans (800 BCE) and had crumbly walls and a huge old fireplace in the owner's residence upstairs. Having this comfortable space to return to each night was nice and exciting since the basement and tunnels under the house reminded us of the mystery and magic of the history of the place. WIth only 7 full-time residents, this town was one we felt safe letting our kids roam free, which they did visiting the new kittens behind the restaurant eight times a day, Vivian exploring the free underground museum next door daily, and all of us walking to the walls of the city to explore the mountains in different shades of sunlight.
Garden View and layers of Fig, Pomegranate and Lemon trees
The Bruschetta our Airbnb hosts Ilaria and Marco made for us - so good that we will forever judge bruschetta to this one, and possibly never find any as good as this.
Cacio e Pepe Pasta in front of our hosts fireplace with perfect local Chardonnay from Tellus Winery
Tuscany
There are so many details to share about our portion of the trip in Montalcino, where we stayed at a quiet winery, Canalicchio di Sopra Wine Relais. We truly made use of our pool at this stop and loved every bit of the location, which was flooded with human-size rosemary hedges, lavender bordering the pool, and olive trees all around. During this part of our holiday, we spent most of the day away on adventures, so at night we stayed in...at the pool, took long walks and just chilled. To be honest we ate frozen pizza one night in our room (sad, I know - but even frozen Italian pizza tastes great so don’t judge!) and one night walked to town for a dinner of gelato (and nothing else!)
Our hotel, rosemary hedges, lavender and Willem.
this VIEW.
On one of two day trips in Tuscany, we ventured to Podere Il Castile where we toured the most lovely sheep’s cheese farm in all the world which included an in-depth cheese making course, and a tour from the owner and a 4 course lunch that I dream about still.
Sheep’s Cheese farm in Val D’ Orcia - such a happy farm!
My dream dinner party destination.
Podere il Casale has been farming for over 20 years in this gorgeous location.
The other day trip was to Sienna, complete with a private tour of the hilly town that was designed to keep our kids’ minds interested throughout the morning. My research paid off that day with the most magical lunch stop. As usual, I asked our tour guide to drop us off at the restaurant (locals love to show you their back alleys!), which saved us the trouble of finding our way through a city with twists and turns. This gem had no menu, only what was made that day, with the best bread and a carafe of local red or white wine. We ate our hearts out on fresh cold pasta and lots of charcuterie while we watched the rest of the tourists search for a table with maps in hand, looking sad and confused (as we surely did on others days but had to toast each other that today was not that day).
the Perfect lunch in Sienna.
Sienna is so hilly that there is an escalator in the middle of town to help you get from here to the cathedral. Such a charming (but busy and full of tour groups) town.
Every summer the town hosts the Palio - a bareback horse race. This race is about pageantry, civic identity and Sienese pride as the seventeen neighborhoods in town compete against each other. Held in honor of the Virgin Mary, the race takes place twice a year, on July 2 and August 16. This display in town helped our kids to learn about the event and our sweet guide gave them 17 marbles to race down this sculpture.
Goodbye, Tuscany. We ❤️ you.
The road to Cremona - or what I like to call BEWARE OF CHANGING COURSE!
Our route for this trip was perfect until we diverged from it. We stopped at a small town once to have lunch (this was not on our itinerary and somehow became a kind of a disaster) and decided to drive to the coast before heading inland further to Cremona and then Venice. The Tuscan side-trip to the sea coast WAS a gorgeous mountainous drive and, based my post- college Cinque Terre trip, led my optimistic brain to decide the Italian sea-coast town we were driving toward was just like all the other rock-cliff-colorful-house wonderlands. BUT THINK AGAIN and then add 6 hours to an inland trip with a family of five in close quarters. Since there were no Italian children ANYWHERE on our holiday, we figured out that they were all at the seashore seemingly between Camaiore and La Spezia, where we drove on our tangent. The beaches were PACKED with umbrellas crammed tight and gorgeous families who fled the cities for July and August. Although my extroverted middle child and I loved this beach adventure, the rest of the family saw this as a crowded, hot, hard-to-find parking spot holiday mishap unfit for visiting. We spent 30 minutes at a beach town finding a gas station sandwich lunch and that middle child taking a dip fully clothed in the ocean and wearing those salty clothes the rest of the day. I could go on and on about the adventures of this memorable day, but have to quit somewhere: on we go to Cremona.
Vibrant beach colors made me want to stay for a week - although most of the family disagreed.
Cremona
This is the home of the Stradivarius violin! I won’t spend much time sharing stories from this location with you since very few people visit Cremona -- it was honestly only filled with violin enthusiasts and locals, both of whom we loved! We stayed a local hotel that might have been the best in town, but was not very clean and was strange in all the hot-tub-in-the-room kind of ways, although it gave us a place to rest our (very weary from the beach tangent) heads. We visited the Stradivarius Museum, a Luthier’s Workshop for a private tour, and dined with every local out for a pizza in an alleyway downtown. This little trattoria was staffed with a family of waiters just like you would imagine in a small Italian village, screaming at each other about missing orders, recommending the quattro formaggi, and letting us linger long while we ordered pizza after pizza.
The modern version of the violin was born here in the 16th century and we saw them made in this workshop! We loved our personal tour of this tiny father/son operation.
We felt like locals in this bourgeois town - although Jack noted here he was tired of eating out. 😂
Venice
After an early breakfast in Cremona at the hotel, we were off driving straight to Venice. As you can imagine, you can’t get a car taxi to a Venetian hotel, which we found out when the taxi arranged prior turned out to be a water taxi of course! Water taxis in Venice are GORGEOUS. Both the men driving them (Dan and I agreed they looked like a cross between a soccer player and a lifeguard) and the Chris-Craft wooden boats that pulled up at the docks for us were impressive. In what might be the best five minutes of Dan’s trip, we got the best introduction to the sinking city from the Grand Canal to smaller canals that led us to our hotel where the front door was on the canal, of course, much to our delight!
When I think of Venice I used to associate it with gondolas, but TAXIS are my favorite way to go!
Our hotel wasn’t modern or swanky, just pure Venetian charm with fluffy pillows, turndown service, large Aperol Spritz cocktails available at the bar at all hours, and shuttered windows over the canals and streets below. It was a great home base -- a home base for all of our adventures which included wandering streets until we got happy and lost, eating every kind of gelato again, attending an opera and a symphony (these are easy to find and quite inexpensive), riding a gondola (of course), and making masks at a charming little workshop as a family. One meal that stands out as lovely was at Osteria Enoteca San Marco - a dimly lit modern place that was everything I wanted (great cheese, wine, and well crafted entrees) after a day bumping into travelers and locals in the crowded Venetian streets.
Vivian made her own Carnival Mask at a workshop (where we made 8 masks, all gorgeous!)
There are maybe three things that I don’t recommend in Venice: ONE: The five hour tour that travels with the rest of the tourists to three islands surrounding Venice. Are the islands nice, you ask? I really have no idea because there was a lot of walking involved to see the nice spots on these deserted islands, and the day of the tour (glass making in Murano) it was about 120 F and the glassmaker made the same bird out of blown glass he made when I took the tour in college.
They actually look pretty happy here but looks can be deceiving-on the too long 5 hour boat tour
TWO: Letting your kid find a souvenir at the last city you visit (Venice) and letting him go from junk cart to junk cart to find Italian soccer jerseys. (HERE IS A RANDOM PRO TIP: Have your child raise money by doing chores before you leave for the trip. On the trip take that child directly to a reputable sport store in the first city you visit, spend 50 euros on a jersey and call it a win.) THREE: Avoid the places suggested by your favorite celebrity chef with grilled cheese for 28 euro. Although I loved Harry’s Bar for many reasons, see photos below, I should have followed all advice and sat down for a Bellini in the side bar and called it GOOD.
Harry’s Bar Croque-Monsieur & the famous Bellini-delicious although a bit overrated
View at Harry’s from our table. Dan ordered cuttlefish and all the kids tried it which was a WIN.
The iconic gondola ride did NOT disappoint. We loved our holiday in every way - so grateful.
Finale
We shed a few tears leaving Venice, the last leg of our trip, adored our three hour train from Venice to Milan, and slept in an uncomfortable hotel in Milan before jetting back to the United States the next morning. As I reflect on this much anticipated trip, I am most grateful for our family’s LIFE TOGETHER, lived in a different space and culture. It was a beautiful time for us that was made so especially beautiful because of the planning all five of us did. One HUGE help in making our itinerary work in the most amazing way for us was hiring Daniela Mencarelli from Italian travel agency Discover Your Italy. She helped us measure distances between towns, set up private tours, and book back-alley restaurants that only a local could find.
It was fun for me to write hints for traveling internationally with kids and also fun to recall our trip through written word - may it give you permission to try some LARK living in new and different ways!
On a lark,
Kate
Lodging: the hot list-
An apartment or adjoining rooms worked best for our family or 5 on this trip. See details below!
K Boutique, Rome. Spacious rooms in the Monti Neighborhood, connected for families, A/C, breakfast included, small pool and rooftop bar, rooms from $180 per night.
Gaia’s Place, Airbnb, Civita di Bagnoregio. Three bedrooms in an old Etruscan home, clean, amazing garden for use, breakfast at 5 euro per person per night, dinner with the owners will make you feel like family (for purchase), entire apartment from around $115 per night.
Borgo Canalicchio di Sopra Wine Relais, Montalcino, Tuscany. This new gem has three bedrooms in one of it's gorgeous apartments with a loft, large infinity pool, and breakfast included. The 1/2 hour uphill walk to town is worth the effort! Rooms from around $250 per night.
Cremona (read about the town here from the NYT). Top floor suites with locked connector, king beds and a sleeper couch, breakfast included (with American pancakes that my kids really did enjoy even though they also loved every bit of Italian food everywhere). Hotel information available upon request since I didn’t say the nicest things about this place.
Palace Bonvecchiati, Venice. Two bedroom suite with super comfortable everything. Great home base. Rooms from $270 per night.
Daniela Mencarelli from Italian travel agency Discover Your Italy.
This post is about a dear friend, our love for TEA, and a Collaboration! Whether gathering around her dining room table, her kitchen island, or on a walk in her waterfront neighborhood - my dear friend Anna is welcoming and gives me a big shot of CALM whenever I see her. Over the years of friendship, each time we gather, there is tea. I like PG tips and Jasmine teas, and take milk with the black tea. Anna love mint and ginger tea, and does not take milk. Our tea tastes come together, however, over Earl Grey. At Anna’s home tea is often served in hand spun pottery that SHE made and I adore it. We hold our mugs in both hands, savoring the warmth and the presence that comes from this act. As we sip we talk, laugh, and often watch a kid or 6 run around the house.
One of the many things we have talked about over cups of tea is our common experience of forming relationships with two different newly arrived refugee families. Anna shared the experience of beautiful hospitality she felt in the home of refugee friends. Though they had only just arrived, with very little to their name, tea was always served. A beautiful black tea brewed with whole cardamom pods. The act of making and pouring tea, of sharing this warmth, even when we shared very few common words-brought us together.
This love of tea, and care of refugees led Anna to discover Refutea, a local tea brand with a heart for refugee families and their resettlement. Autumn, the founder and owner of Refutea shares our love of hospitality and sees sharing tea as an experience that transcends language and difference-that brings people together. This beautiful company currently donates 10% of its proceeds each quarter to local refugee resettlement agencies, with big beautiful dreams of someday soon opening a tea shop that would allow newly settled refugee friends and neighbors to pour cups of tea, to share hospitality and stories.
On a sunny afternoon recently, Autumn, Anna, and I gathered around my dining room table. We shared no-bake cookies and cups of Refutea Colombo Crème Earl Grey (amazing!). While the new puppy wandered at our feet, and even settled on Anna’s lap, we held our mugs in two hands and dreamed of how we could take our love of tea, hospitality, and people and work together. At that table the Refutea/Lark collaboration was born. And today, we present to you the first Refutea/Lark cocktails. In this season of busy and hustle, we wish we could share it with you around the table, or in front of the fire. I would invite you to Anna’s house if I could. But, the next best thing would be for you to gather with a few people that feel like home, like warmth, that nourish you. Hold your cups in both hands, distraction free. Be present to each other, to the flavors, to the meaning behind the ingredients. Think for a moment of the neighbors who are receiving support because of your Refutea purchase. Talk about things you love, that are important to you. We invite you to linger over this beverage, your long list of holiday to-dos will still be there when the cup is empty. Cheers, friends.
On a Lark,
Kate
Try the Cocktails I created for this collaboration HERE!
There is something beautiful about Thanksgiving (in addition to having the time set aside to be thankful) that I LOVE. As a U.S. national holiday that we can all celebrate regardless of family background, religion, or political views it seems that this year a celebration we can celebrate together is especially important. Community dinners and long tables stretched out in public halls across the country help bridge communities and neighborhoods, which adds a sweet sense of gratitude for all.
Another thing I love is the whole week leading to Thanksgiving! Everything can feel festive -- each day! I spontaneously invited my running group over for drinks tonight after our evening jog because it’s a short week (I know -- spontaneity and planning don’t go together, but I TRY!) The kids have a shorter school week which will allow my family a day to sleep in, eat a big breakfast on Wednesday, and SLOW DOWN. I’m grateful some businesses close on Thanksgiving, helping make everything feel a bit LIGHTER this week -- I hope it does.
SO, enjoy the Holiday as one big LARK! One idea for the weekend...
cheers to the long weekend!
Come spend a day {or weekend!} in beautiful Downtown Holland this holiday season! You can accomplish your Christmas shopping at the most darling boutiques while enjoying all the sights, sounds, and tastes that Downtown Holland has to offer! My dear friend Lexi, from In the Hutch, and I have compiled a list of our favorites – Downtown Holland Holiday Highlights. We’re sharing where to find great gifts (and we couldn’t share nearly all of favorites!), coffee stops, lunch locations, events we never miss, dinner favorites, where to catch some R&R, where to stay, and even a little secret!
Ferris Coffee avocado toast is one of my favorites - and a dry cappuccino of course.
First stop! Ferris Coffee. This chic coffee spot couldn’t be cuter: floral wallpaper, comfy couches, and a great menu of drinks and yummy bites. We suggest trying the avocado toast or a giant croissant. Their cold brew coffee is famous, but warm up with any of their coffees, Mexican hot chocolate, or tea lattes. This place is "Instagram worthy"...as they say.
Ready to get your shop on? There's a little bit of everything, so spend some time wandering down 8th Street. Here are a few places you absolutely can't miss...
Spring Sweet: Cozy sweaters, candles, jewelry, fresh flowers, and so much more. It'll feel like you've stepped into a boutique in Paris.
Spring Sweet
Frances Jaye: This shop will give any Chicago boutique a run for its money. Find items for guys and gals...everything is just. so. good.
Local t-shirt vibes at Frances Jaye!
Studio K: A fabulous boutique that is very chic and has the best selection of cashmere. Stop in on Black Friday and be entered to win a cashmere travel wrap!
In between stores, stretch those tired shopping legs and head over to The 205 Coffee Bar! New to Holland, this airy, modern, and lovely high-ceiling shop brings specialties like on-tap beet kombucha and the best pour over coffee in town.
the 205 staff creating the best things!
Tip Toes: This store is for all of those little tots on your list -- clothes, toys, and everything for those kiddos.
JB and Me: Another fave of ours! Don't miss all the shoes in the back as you wander through displays of cute clothes and jewelry. They carry favorite brands like Free People and Sorel.
Kilwins: Owned and run by my childhood friend and her family, you MUST buy a caramel chocolate covered apple. Buy it and eat later with a side of wine. You’re welcome.
Gezellig Home: This darling antique and home goods store is new to Downtown Holland and features great, unique gift ideas, too. Gezellig is my favorite Dutch word and means cozy/fun/warm…it’s the best!
GEZELLIG!
Tikal: This unique women's clothing shop has been a Downtown Holland mainstay for over 25 years.
Reader's World: When you need a break from clothes and gift shopping, stop here to pick up the perfect book you need to get that much-needed R&R. They have an excellent selection of books and the best recommendations!
I’m here WEEKLY - I love ordering books over the phone and picking them up and browsing the shelves -
You'll be working up an appetite after all that shopping, so be sure to take another food break! Downtown Holland has several great lunch spots, but my favorite is Mizu Sushi. I recommend the Rainbow Roll and a big, hot bowl of their House Udon. But, don’t skip dessert! I'm a huge fan of their green tea ice cream -- it's fabulous!
Shop, shop, shop--there are so many places to go after your lunch break! After all that shopping you deserve a little relaxing treat and -Engedi Salon is an excellent spot to grab a pedicure.
call en gedi and schedule a pedicure!!!!
Make a weekend of Downtown Holland and literally shop until you drop and enjoy a stay at the City Flats Hotel just steps off 8th. The hotel is chic, modern, and their beds are SO comfy. Unwind a bit and change for dinner. Need a dinner suggestion? We're so glad you asked, because we love Butch's Dry Dock! Ask for a table up front by the windows where you can watch the snow fall and the hustle and bustle of Christmas shoppers on 8th street. I love their frites as an appetizer. Enjoy a salad or the signature tomato bisque. For the main course I'm partial to their filet with risotto and wild mushrooms---it is SO good. Wait! Your night isn't over yet--we've got a little secret if you're looking for a very special night cap. Shhhhhhh....head to the front desk at Butch's with a secret password for the Onderground { this week it is Van Winkle }. They'll lead you to a speakeasy so perfect you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time. The cocktails are fantastic, the music is spot on, and the atmosphere couldn't be cooler! I love the Moxy, but you can't go wrong with the Classic Toddy or one of their flaming drinks! Hours this week? 11/21: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., CLOSED Thanksgiving, 11/23 & 11/24: 5 p.m.- 11 p.m. (or later!)
the vibe is GREAT and quiet - so good you won’t want to let the secret out!
So, start planning! Be sure to take a peek at some of the fantastic events going on in Downtown Holland too...here are a few that we never miss!
-November 24, Small Business Saturday
-November 27, Parade of Lights
-December 7, Sinterklaas Eve
-December 8, Shopping Jam
Get a complete list at www.downtownholland.com
I LOVE working with Lexi to help you know more about our little town! Come on over here and shop local for all your holiday gifts this year!
Pop on over to Lexi’s take on Holiday Highlights in Downtown Holland! inthehutch.com!
Photos by Jamie Gens Photography.
Serious thanks to JB & Me and Studio K for our outfits seen here!
On a Lark,
Kate
Never be afraid to fall.
I didn’t really want to write this entry. I’d love to keep you guessing about how my cookbook publishing process is going, hoping you’d think I’ve found an agent and a publisher and that the book will be out soon. But that’s not the way the publishing world really works -- especially when publishing cookbooks!
Here I’m happy consulting on the Event at Warehouse 6 in Holland for Local First!
My goal to see my recipes published in a cookbook through a large publishing house is a big one. Remember how I followed my dad’s advice to aim high and submitted my book proposal to an agent in Manhattan? I submitted it to her because a lovely author friend of mine connected us, and I wanted advice about what to do with the proposal. It was nice to submit it because it got all my words in order and the agent thought it was beautiful (yay)! However, she’s not taking new clients -- because she has BIG clients (if you are up on cookbooks, she is representing Sister Pie and Joy the Baker!). I learned from her that I should have 100,000 followers on Instagram to be considered for this big publishing world, and I’m FAR from that. But now that I am free to find a new agent or submit elsewhere, I feel a lightness to worry less about my Instagram numbers, and that has allowed me the freedom to wander into fun LARK things. Even in this fun LARK season, I’m not sure I’m always moving toward my goal of a published cookbook, but I am grateful for, and happy with, this creative Lark lifestyle!
This AIMING HIGH process allowed me to FALL from what I thought I wanted into the entrepreneurial world, and has allowed me to meet the most lovely people, gain a good local following, endorse fun events, PLAN successful events with local non-profits, and connect with other dreamers.
Here I am at my happiest - biking flowers to friends!
What’s next?
I’m trying to ignore the extroverted side of me that constantly wants to socialize/plan events, and CURL IN to enjoy the writing and cooking side of LARK for autumn and winter. I have a new website, but haven’t utilized it well or written blog posts very often. This is something I really love to do, so be on the lookout for new posts! I want to write, create and keep building LARK, then submit my entire cookbook proposal again (& again & again & again), because although a miracle book contract would be great right now, I need to put in lots of work to get the Living LARK lifestyle out to more people.
How can you help?
Just enjoy making Lark recipes, share them on social media and with friends, and Live on a LARK in all of your own creative wonderful ways! Thank you for joining me on this journey friends! I can’t wait to share more as we enter a new season… Cheers!
On a Lark,
Kate
The Coppercraft Distillery Autumn Mule Collaboration!
