Row Row Row Rovinj

Isn't the second runner of the mile relay the slowest? I think I remember that from 8th grade track. The second leg of our trip held some mixed emotions. Beautiful and serene but hot hot hot!

After Lake Bled we headed back to Ljubljana for a quick bus change. The buses in Slovenia and Croatia were a little hit or miss. Some clean....some not. Some with fully functioning AC....others, not so much. Some....errr few with pleasant helpful drivers....and then the opposite. Traveling by bus is my Achilles heel. I get car sick and no I am not 7! For me to ride comfortably in a bus the stars must line up perfectly. Blood sugar levels even, AC a'blowin', and me sitting right in the front to so can see every curve, bump, and dip way before it happens. I would probably feel most comfortable driving!

But we made it. Arriving in the late afternoon we found ourselves in a little fishing town on the northern coast of Croatia, the region is called Istria. Of course we rolled through like two obnoxious lost Americans. I have no problem with this because this town was crawling with tourists and locals alike.

 Rovinj Croatia

Rovinj Croatia

Rovinj at night from the water.

Staying in old town. Third floor...steep steps!

Our sweet room. Doesn't take us long to tear it apart.
We had to sleep with our heads at the foot of the bed. No AC!

If you would have told Mr. R we were in Venice, he would have believed you. Did we make a wrong turn and drive to Italy? Narrow stoned streets that were so worn they were like walking on ice. Clothes lines strung over head. It was really cute a quaint. We did giggle a little bit because there was a Jersey Shore feel to this place. I am going to chalk this up to being a coastal town.

View of old town.

Mr. R really wanted some beach time and we spent a large part of the day finding the perfect spot. The beaches are rocky. Big rocks! Some places are more pebbly and I will say not easy to get around on at first. We walked up to a little coved area to set up camp. Just perfect! We spent the afternoon swimming, sunning, reading, and eating peaches from the market.

Swimming in the Adriatic.

We found this quiet little cove all to ourselves.

Rocky beaches with crystal clear water.

The town was amazingly clean. The streets were so slippery I almost lost it once or twice. Lots and lots of steep steps through tiny narrow streets. Very cute!

Love this pattern on the exterior.

Homes built into the original walls of the city.

View from the church at the top of old town.

 Something special that Rovinj now holds for us is that we had our favorite meal here. Thanks to the traveling guru Rick Steves we fell into this sweet little place. Service was slow slow slow, a common theme all over Europe, but we were in no hurry and enjoyed great food and wine and even had a little friend that wandered over. What our book did not tell us is that dogs and cats run free everywhere! This little guy belonged to the owner of the restaurant and felt perfectly comfortable curled up under our table.

Mr. R said I could not overwhelm people with pictures so I am done for today. Rovinj was a great little city. Probably not our most favorite on the trip but we really enjoyed the hospitality, food, and wine. Yay for traveling!

Since we have been back we have been dazed. Definitlty not on any kind of a schedule. It seems we both hit a wall about 4pm everyday and are up at 5am. I have been rearranging things in the guest room which I will share soon. Spent the better part of yesterday cruising around Riverfront in some of my favorite antique stores. And scored some treasures at the Salvation Army!

Don't get bored with my home renovation blog turned travel blog....the best is yet to come! If you have read all the way to to this point leave a comment. I am playing around with some things. Thanks for visiting!

Happy Friday!

Oh Adventure!

Last night, after two very fast weeks, we returned from our whirl wind Eastern European vacation. Now typing away at 5am I think I have a little bit of that infamous jet-lag people always talk about:) I'm not sure how to start this. So much to say, so many pictures to share. Mr. R reminded me to choose wisely in my photographs.....no one really wants to see 500 photos of stone buildings?

I do want to share how we chose our destination....TV folks. That's right, the power of television influenced us. About 18 months ago on a lazy Sunday morning we turned on the ol' tube and started watching a Rick Steves, Europe through the back door episode, Croatia, on PBS. I remember hearing Croatia and Bosnia as a kid during their war-time but hadn't really thought it as a vacation destination. The show just planted a little seed and when we got engaged last summer I just threw out "lets honeymoon in Croatia!?!?" After Rick Steves we watched Anthony Bourdain travel through the Croatian wine country and I was also told The Bachelor found their way to the beautiful coast, although I didn't see it.

So Croatia is not in Russia. It is on the Adriatic. I think I had this conversation 100 times in the last few months. Croatia borders Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and Bosnia. It's biggest export is wine....hello, we are the R's. We like wine and beaches, and history, and beautiful scenery! We wanted to be different and we are so happy we chose to spend our big honeymoon vacation in Eastern Europe.

Our only little hiccup was missing our connection in Toronto so we added a day in Canada....other than that the trip went incredibly smooth. Planes, buses, taxis, and ferry's were our transportation tools. Oh! And our feet! We walked and walked and walked. Mr. R said the only thing different from us and the 19 year old backpackers was our rolling suitcase....and a credit card.

I will not bore y'all with all the details. Both Slovenia and Croatia our beautiful countries and definitely deserve a few days on your next European vacation.

Llubljana, Slovenia

This country capital is surrounded by beatiful mountains with a gorgeous river that runs through the city. At night this place really shines. People were packed in tight to restaurants and bars watching the Euro Cup. Everyone in this city got around on bikes. Old and young cruised the streets while eating their ice cream cones. Very cute city!

Who needs a map when you have an iPhone!

I am a Rick Steve's travel geek! We only stayed at hotels, sobes, and penzions he recommended in his travel book. Most of our restaurants were chosen that way also. This is my third international trip planned by his books. I love you Rick!

We snuck into a little pizza place and took down two pizzas and a bottle of wine. A perfect first night to our trip. We could people watch all day and night so sitting watching this city roll by was entertainment enough.

Quiet corner on the river.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled, Slovenia is a cozy lake town on the edge of the Julian Alps. Gorgeous! The lake is crystal clear and in the center of the lake is a tiny island with a picturesque church. I think Lake Bled was my favorite spot. I keep going back and forth on this! It was so laid back. Not a lot of bustle, or tourists. We definitely like mixing with the locals. The food here was really hearty, lots of meat and potatoes! We had no bad meals on this trip! Very lucky!

Beautiful castle looks over the lake.

There is a trail that goes all around the lake that is roughly 3.5 miles. We walked it but it seemed a lot further than that. We feel like we are pretty fit people. I mean, we work out quite a bit but this trip really pushed us! My legs are toned y'all!

Swimming with the locals on Lake Bled.

Lake Bled Slovenia.

This is where we stayed Penzion Mayer. Beautiful!

Our attic room. 

Hiking to the castle.

Island view from the castle.

Boat ride!

Standing at the top of 99 steps. Total action shot. Not sure what I am doing here:)

On the island.

Julian Alps in the background.

Drinks with a view.

So there is 2 cities of 7 folks! We are so happy to be home and don't really know what to do with ourselves. Hoping to see some family and friends and work on the house this week. I hope my energy lasts so I can get the other 5 cities posted before we leave for Colorado next week! More traveling!

So much love to all of our family and friends. We missed you!

Packin' light!

Well, we have wrapped up our summer school gigs and we are getting ready for our big trip! Two weeks abroad and it can not come fast enough. We have been planning this trip unofficially for over a year. Way before engagements, wedding plans, house hunts, or paint swatches.

We didn't have a long honeymoon after our wedding. A small compromise for planning a wedding in 4 1/2 months I guess. In our professions taking off mid year is a nightmare so we waited for the summer. Worth it? Oh yes! We actually had time to plan our trip. I'm trying to imagine tromping through Europe after our wedding whirlwind. I was a zombie for about a week after so I am glad we waited.

I know everyone has thier own opinions about traveling and packing. I just wanted to share how I pack for long trips abroad. It really does work! AND I wanted to take some pictures with my new camera:)

Instead of a purse I opted for a small backpack. We needed something for the camera, waterbottles, and maybe a beach book. I know what you are thinking. I will look like a tourist! But maybe a little cooler than the guy with his camera around his neck and socks with sandals! From traveling before I learned you should not carry a bag that someone can easily slip their hand into on a train....or market....or anywhere! I picked up this little gem at Target. Loved to pop of neon! Trendy? Yes, have you seen teenagers recently? I am ok with that!

We will be traveling by plane, train, bus, by foot, and boat and I want to be able to carry everything in one carry-on....each! Gasp...I know we're crazy! Really this decision comes from fear of losing a bag in a foriegn country. I kind of want my toothbrush and undies at an arms reach. Especially if I am running through an airport trying to make a flight connection.

Let me break down what we were going to be doing on this trip. Walking, eating, shopping, biking, hiking, swimming, catching trains, sipping wine, and watching sunsets. What do I need? Simple and basic. A super simple color scheme. Layers! Comfortable shoes! We are not going anywhere fancy enough for heels so I am not even bothering with a dressy shoe.

I decided that my "go to" would be black and white with pops of color. Black and white patterns just stand out in photographs so that's what I went with. Keeping it really simple so everything could mix and match.

Years ago a friend told me when she traveled she packed only black and then changed things up with jewelry and scarves because they take up less room in your suitcase. I really can't see myself in black everyday so I added some punches of color. I am taking a pair of running shoes since we will be doing so much biking and hiking. My travel shoe that I swear by......Reef flip-flops. Don't judge me! A huge thank you to my Lady who hooked me up for this trip. You cannot go wrong with these shoes because they are so comfortable, can be worn with anything casual, and can get wet and dry out without problem. Are they the most fashionable shoe on the market? Hell no, but they have made my trips a lot more enjoyable. They really have come a long way, check them out here. I am also throwing in a pair of silver flip-flops, they are flat and take up no space.

Another big traveling tip is a cami, or tank. I like to wear these under most of my tops so you can wear them multiple times. They take up such little space and really do save you from being a complete stink pot!

And people will ask what about toiletries? My one quart bag is popping at the seams! Well, we pack as much as will get us to our first destination plus two nights and then find a drug store!  Europeans brush their teeth too people! Maybe not four times a day like I do but I am confident we will locate some toothpaste. And if you know me at all, you know I never wash my hair...another gasp! That's why they made travel size baby powder....and hats....and dry shampoo!

More must haves....
wind breaker/rain coat and small umbrella
reusable water bottles *absolute MUST*
sunglasses
hat(s)
fold up bag for wet/dirty clothes
J. Crew chambray shirt....obsessed with this shirt! I wear it with everything!

J. Crew

House update: Our bedroom is painted and the curtains are up...ok, two are up. I also bought the guest room curtain fabric. Guest bathroom is finished too! When we get home from this trip we will only have a few days before we leave again for my cousins wedding in Colorado. So excited about that! Hopefully we can get some things cranked out in those few days.
Furniture! We definitly lack dressers, as in we have zero! AND Mr. R gave me the ok to start on the pink bathroom renovation when we get home. And me means a crew of professionals that I supervise. Yeah! No more Anne Frank bathroom!

Thanks so much for following our little blog. We feel very blessed! This summer is going to be so memorable!

Happy Traveling!

Be our guest....

We were a little bit rushed throwing together our guest room but an impromptu house guest lit a fire under our butts and we made it happen. There was really is no excuse why it has taken so long but here you go friends. It is not 100% finished but we can definitely accommodate a guest or two.

Before

The second day in the house I went around and removed nails and filled holes. And so for the past few months we have been staring at polka dot walls. I might have jumped the gun a little on that project.

Let the pastel wall color continue into the guest room. The color wasn't horrible but it was filthy so they had to be painted. The walls and trim in this room were a wreck. Holes, huge patches, painted over phone cords, such a mess! I spent many hours just patching and sanding the trim. 

After-ish

Some of my favorite things. Vintage pattern lamp shade, turquoise alarm clock, photographs of of great vacations, and lavender from Lady's garden. 

Vintage dress form....hello gorgeous! This map was free thanks to a hoarding history teacher at my school:)

Three examples of things I collect; buttons, hat boxes, and my loves......globes!

Antique trunk courtesy of my mother-in-law.

I made these shams from a vintage chenille bedspread. It reminds me of my great aunt Teto who had something similar on her bed. 

Wall color is Sherman Williams Filmy Green. It is really close to the previous paint color.  Just a little more grey-ish.

What we still need:

Vanity or dresser

Curtains

Ceiling light/fan

The room configuration is still in limbo but fully functional. What is not really highlighted is my awesome antique bed that was a graduation present from my Lady. We bought it at an antique store that just so happened to be in the basement of a Tigermart in Glen Rose. I love this bed so much! When I hang the curtains I will feature the bed too. I want to apologize for my janky photos. My iPhone is just not cutting it. A new camera is on the horizon!!

Who wants to come spend the night?

Mrs. Fix It!

Just call me Mrs. Fix-it!
When we moved in we had this weird cut-out in the dry wall. There was an old shirt stuffed in it. Fancy! My quick fix was not a wadded up shirt but a really classy trash can placed in front of it. It was hidden away in the laundry room so it wasn't on the top of my to do list. But every time I threw away a dryer sheet I cringed at the sight of this "hole". And trust me friends if you saw this house you would be surprised I bothered with this....oh-so-many projects to do!

It had to be fixed and it was so small and teeny tiny I thought I could for sure do it myself. So that's what I did! Home improvement store repair kit to the rescue!
Dry wall screen - $6
Spackle - $6 (but I already had it so lets say FREE)
Sand paper - had it
Paint - remember the blue laundry room paint uh-oh?!? A lot left over!

ANNNNNDDDD done! It's not perfect but it only cost $6 and really, the trash can does sit right in front of it.

Along with "working on the house" we have officially started summer. Which doesn't mean a whole lot right now because we are both still working. The R's feel like summer is when we really shine. We fell in love over the summer and I wanted to share one of my favorite us memories. Two years ago I fell hard for this man and last weekend we had a little reenactment of the first night we "started liking each other". Pictured is our awesome friend who so kindly posed with us again. Check out her blog here.

Aren't we babies! Guess what year we can remember? Prior to the 2010 photo I had taken my first and last Irish car bomb. I have matured so much in two years (slight sarcasm). Those pictures will never be posted anywhere....EVER! We feel so lucky to have such a long break and so many fun things planned over the next few months. Vacations, weddings, and of course......home renovations!

Happy Summer!