Cordially Barbara

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Dreaming of Southeast Asia

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A few years ago, I lived in Europe. This meant that I traveled often to multiple countries. Now that I live in the United States, country-hopping is a little bit more difficult.

But recently, I’ve been dreaming of exploring Southeast Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos…

Have you been?

Dreaming of Southeast Asia

Exploring the world puts me in mind of this song. The world is an amazing and heartbreaking place, and I’m so curious about all of it. We are each the protagonist of our own stories, whether we get a history page or disappear into the margins.

Hanoi, Vietnam

I would lovvvvve to visit the Temple of Literature. I’m sure you all don’t realize that I love books and learning, but I do. And since I do, I would totally love to visit this temple!

Chiang Mai, Thailand

For some reason, this country has captured my imagination for the past few years. Maybe it’s the Americanized flavors of peanut thai…or maybe it’s something more. But, did you know that Thailand celebrates Loi Krathong Festival each year with a release of lanterns??? That sounds like pure magic to me.

Anyone else picturing Tangled?

Siem Reap, Cambodia

And from Siem Reap, let’s go to Angkor Wat. The largest temple complex in the world, Angkor Wat is a place where imagination runs free. It’s so other than anything I’ve ever seen in photos. And maybe it won’t live up to my imaginings, but it looks stunning.

Vang Vieng, Laos

Often forgotten, Laos offers all sorts of beauty from a boat ride down its Mekong River to a Hot Air Balloon ride in Vang Vieng. It’s landlocked, but it’s found ways to make itself attractive to travelers.

 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

 

August 2019 Inspiration

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I’m late! I’m late for August! How’d that even happen? I mean, I could tell you my hectic schedule that includes all sorts of shenanigans (weddings, moving, friends leaving, work, training, etc.), but let’s just leave it at a parenthetical and move on.

So this tired girl is happy to see August, even though it’s gonna be full of more crazy. But, as my wise dad always says, “One day at a time.”

From me to you, one day at a time!

What I’m Being Inspired By

Current Jam:

I’ve been about all the smooth vibes in the last few weeks. If it’s sad with a beat, I want to listen to it. I’m also highly addicted to Spotify’s list of The Most Beautiful Songs in the World. It’s my go-to when I’m feeling chill, but I want music.

Current Food:

The first half of July was a search for the perfect protein pancake. As a girl who tends to enjoy “from stratch” recipes, I wanted to make protein pancakes from my protein powder…but GROSS. I don’t throw out food usually, but I couldn’t handle the flavor. And then, cue Kodiak Pancakes to the rescue (recommended my multiple friends), and they are DELICIOUS.

These pancakes are buttermilk protein pancakes topped with an apple cinnamon butter and plain greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and dash of cinnamon.

Current Read:

Katherine Reay established herself in my heart because her books are wonderfully bookish with references to other beloved stories, and I can’t help but LOVE each story she writes. If you are bookish, then Katherine Reay is for you. Choose whichever of her stories speaks to you!

Current Obsession:

sorry for the grainy photo. go check out the real photos!!

You all know I’ve been working out a lot in the last two years. More recently, my muscles have truly been popping. And yes, the wedding I was in…well, I HAD TO FLEX obviously. If you want to creep on this wedding some more, do so here: Beautiful Wedding Photos.

Current Quote:

Blog — Morgan Harper Nichols

This. Just This. Thank you, Morgan Harper Nichols, for this.

What’s Inspiring YOU?

Coffee Passport Pittsburgh: Playing Tourist At Home

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When you grow up in a city, you often miss its beauty. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I definitely missed this city’s quirky beauty until I returned from a few years away. But, I’m STILL discovering new fun about this city.

The Coffee Passport Pittsburgh offers an amazingly fun way to visit all corners of Pittsburgh with its passport to 10 different coffee shops around the city.

I discovered the Coffee Passport Pittsburgh through a casual acquaintance who posted about the passport on her Instagram account. If you all have read Teal Paisley Tights, then you know that the main character LOVES Pittsburgh and LOVES coffee. So in honor of her, I bought a coffee passport (and hi, I work from home…it’s nice to put on a bra sometimes).

A friend teased me because I, personally, don’t really like coffee. I like the idea of coffee…but not coffee, not really. But give me all the tea…in fact, I have four used mugs sitting next to me currently…one was for herbal tea, another for black tea, one for a super milky coffee, and the last for a mug of cold almond milk.

well, you know my secrets now.

ANYWAY

Coffee Passport Pittsburgh

The deal is you buy a $20 coffee passport, and you visit all the coffee shops. Each coffee shop has a specific menu for the coffee passport. You can check them out online through the Coffee Passport Pittsburgh website or just show up at the coffee shop.

One of the fun things (that was unexpected) was that a few coffee shops told me to order whatever I wanted off the menu as long as it was a small. Of course, that totally threw me for a loop at first. My inner planner was like, “NO, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.” But then I ordered a chai latte, and I was happy.

Because I don’t love coffee, but I do LOVE chai lattes.

 

@artisanpittsburgh

Every coffee shop brings its own vibe. You can’t really see it in this photo, but this Artisan Cafe has a penny floor! YES, pennies!!!

@blackforgeshop

I grabbed a drink for me and for a friend….and then when I was walking back to my car, I found this stunning mural. And despite getting these coffees from Black Forge that is all metal music and stuff, I had to snap a photo!

@espressoamano

Um, Espresso a Mano was bustling, and on this summer day, I loved sneaking in for my chai latte and meandering the sidewalks. It was the breeziest of existences.

@caffedamorepgh

Caffe d’Amore was SO cute. I loved the space with art for sale, and I deeply desired to purchase one of the necklaces because I’m in need of a good statement piece. But I have some big costs coming up so I stilled my hand.

Oh me oh my…being all artsy fartsy. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a selfie and hide my phone from the picture too.

Okay, if you aren’t sold on the Coffee Passport Pittsburgh yet, you still need to check out a few of these delightful coffee shops located all around the city!

What’s Your Go-To Coffee Drink?