The Kate Escape

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I'm planning a trip to London/Paris and stumbled upon these amazing city guides by Fathom x Kate Spade. They include cute, illustrated maps and are handy to download as PDF's. Travel planning just got a lot more chic. P.S. If you're planning a trip, I highly recommend checking out Fathom. They have super thorough guides (where to find the perfect marinara in Italy!) and user-generated "postcards" with personal stories.

Recently...

We made this the other night. It was lovely and I thought you should know. Here is the recipe.

Tripnotes: Peru

Peru. Machu Picchu. Both were on my bucket list, so when I got the chance to visit this October, I was beyond words excited. There wasn't enough time to actually hike the Inca Trail (also, I lack the stamina, upper body strength and overall good attitude for this) so we were going to do the Lazy Man's way. And I was pretty OK with that.

We flew to Lima, and then Cuzco, staying in Cuzco just long enough to feel enormously affected by the altitude and then it was onto a bus bound for the Sacred Valley. Cuzco and I would meet again, but lucky for me, the next encounter would be eased with the help of Coca Tea and altitude medicine.

We arrived about a hour plus later at our hotel, Tamboo Del Inka, in the Sacred Valley, which would act as our home base for the next few days. The hotel is brand new and graciously decorated in a modern South American style.

I had the chance to check out the spa, which I highly recommend. It was a great way to unwind after a long journey.

(Jugos naturales for breakfast)

The next morning, we were up early to catch the bus to the train station. The train ride took about 2 hours and was super comfortable. There were large windows with amazing views of the river along the way. If you're trying to see Macchu Picchu, but have time restraints like we did, this is the way to go.

Once we arrived in Macchu Picchu, we were ushered to an area where we waited for a small bus to make our way up the mountain to the entrance of the ruins. I'm not really a small bus, up a mountain side, no guard rails kind of girl, so it was a pretty harrowing experience for me. I think, white knuckle would be the best way to describe it. I learned too late that hiking up was also an option. Since we had been on planes, trains and automobiles for the bulk of our trip and had done little actual hiking, I would have preferred this method. Needless to say, we hiked down.

After the bus ride from Hell, we were there! The entrance to the majesty of Macchu Picchu! Just like entering a new country, you're required to show your Passport, and you even get a cool little stamp.

Our guide brought us in, and there it was….all the photos you've seen are accurate, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. It was stunning, large, lush and green. A fog rolled in which obscured the view, but made it all the more magical. For the next 4 hours, we strolled around taking it all in.

There was a light rain which helped to dissipate the crowds. Llamas grazed in the tiered garden sections and everything was peaceful. You're pretty much free to roam Macchu Picchu as you wish; very few areas are restricted to visitors. It's a relaxing experience, so different from other popular tourist attractions with large crowds, lines and strict security guards. It gives you time to reflect and really appreciate the beauty of what you are seeing. I'll never forget it.

After several hours, we made our way to the café area outside the park and toasted the day with some ice cold Cuzquena beers. It was the perfect end to the perfect experience. We hiked back down and made it just in time to catch our train back home, saying a sad farewell to this beautiful place.

(retail therapy, Peruvian style)

Cuzco was next. And we were pumped. Pumped, and a little nervous…I've always had issues with altitude, and of all the high and mighty places I've been, Cuzco was the highest clocking in it an impressive 11,200 feet.

Lucky for me, our hotel was oxygen enriched. This plus altitude sickness meds from the pharmacy helped to ease the pain.

We stayed at two different hotels, located side by side. One a former Monastery, the other formerly a Convent. The convent was my favorite :)

(enjoying some Coca tea in lobby bar)

Our suite was beautiful and complete with an on-call butler who whipped up Pisco Sours on request. THIS is living, people! When we weren't enjoying our hotel, we were out and about exploring Cuzco.

The narrow cobblestone streets are picturesque, opening up onto courtyards. One such courtyard was home to Map Café, a tasty spot we discovered for lunch. The food was modern Peruvian and so delicious. We also enjoyed Limo for it's impressive list of sours and other cocktails using traditional Peruvian roots and herbs. Eucalyptus Pisco Sour? Yes, please.

Located a short, but staggering walk uphill was Sacsayhuman, another lesser known Incan ruins site. It offers impressive views of Cuzco and is worth checking out. Like Macchu Picchu, the ruins are open and visitors are free to wander as they wish. More llamas, more peacefulness. Peru is good at both.

We walked back downhill and just in time…clouds heavy with rain had rolled in. It was suddenly a monsoon. Itching to go back out and explore the city, we braved the rain and made it across the way to Inkazuela, a cozy little place with fusion stews and curries. There was a roaring fire in the corner, and a chalkboard menu with inexpensive wine and food. It was a mellow way to end such an amazing trip.

The next day, we headed home feeling energized by our trip to Peru. A beautiful country with an amazing history and rich culture, we feel blessed to have experienced it. Mission accomplished.

globe goofs

I'm a total sucker for any kind of candid photo...these backstage Polaroids from last night's Golden Globes are no exception. Tina and Amy had me laughing out loud. Their Leo joke was pretty much perfect. For more behind the scenes polaroids, check out Vulture.

take me away

Wherever this is is where I'd like to be. Check out some more dreamy exteriors on my Pinterest board.

easy as pie

Whoa. The holidays really snuck up on me this year (don't they always?). Hard to believe Thanksgiving is almost here! Last weekend I did some menu planning and a bit of prep work. I'm making the pie crust for this bad boy just to try and save myself a little time. I usually stick to the forever classic apple pie, but this year, I'm expanding my repertoire. If the pie doesn't work out, I'll be forced to eat more stuffing. oops.

Hey, Santa

Hey, Santa. If you're reading this, I'm really digging this railroad spike bracelet by Giles & Brother. You know how to find me.

Cha-Cha Chalet

It's no secret I love Switzerland. The chocolate is great and everyone's on time - what's not to love? Chalet Les Lutins in Verbier is just another reason to love Switzerland. So if you've got an extra $24,000 you're itching to spend, check out Red Savannah and book your trip today. And take me with you!

Machu Picchu my way...

photo via my instagram.

This photo may look eerily similar to my previous post, but the difference is that I took it!! I'll have a full recap soon, but in the meantime, check out my instagram feed for more on my trip to Peru.

Peru, Please!

This Halloween, I am Peru bound! Crossing a MAJOR ITEM off the bucket list with a visit to Machu Picchu. I'm so excited!! Hoping the altitude doesn't effect me too much, though our hotel is "oxygen-enriched" ;). See you on the other side!

comfort food

This weekend I woke up with a sore throat and a runny nose. This coconut chicken soup is just what the doctor ordered. I'm making it tonight with an extra side of Siracha. Recipe here if you're feeling so inclined.

welcome back

After an unplanned hiatus (wedding planning took over my life) and a few technical difficulties (my precious MacBook bit the dust), I'm back.

Photos and Tripnotes for Sun Valley, Idaho, Corsica and San Miguel de Allende are pending. Stay tuned!