where is the love...

Well, I decided to take an unintended break from blogging last week. Working aboard led to not having much time to blog. Honestly, it was good to take a break and enjoy being with some of my friends in other offices. I've been out and about taking photos though in both London and Paris, so I'll have quite a few things to share over the next week or so.

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

from my bookshelf

I probably read more than the average person, typically in a year I read about a book a week. It’s certainly not completely evenly spread- when  I am working and only reading on my commutes and before bed I am reading at a slower pace, and vacations I tend to pick up and read a lot more.  It’s truly my favorite hobby- there’s nothing better to me than falling into a book and not being able to put it down. I thought I’d share some recent great reads in case you’re hankering for a recommendation.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. If you like twisted tales of who’s really the guilty party, this is a page turner. Just when you start to think one thing, you realize another character is even crazier than the last. Added bonus with this one is that it’s going to be a movie this fall staring Mr. Ben Affleck.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. The first installment of The Game of Thrones – not just a geeky fantasy book, but one with all sorts of tales. I particularly enjoy the different  viewpoints as each chapter switches characters. I am very fond of young Bran Stark- who’s only eight years old in this first book.

The Hit by David Baldacci. I have always enjoyed crime thrillers and this one was definitely had some interesting plots. When I discovered David Baldacci a few years ago, I was impressed by the topical subject matter, that really makes you wonder what the leaders of any government are up to – even our own. It feels like there’s so much going on behind the scenes, and this novel really makes you think about that. 

I'd love any recommendations for next reads if you have one.

(photo via pinterest)

i see london...

In less than a week, I am heading over to London for business. I am looking forward to enjoying some spring like temperatures compared to the winter those of us on the eastern seaboard have been experiencing. I am hoping to see some new places, as well as enjoy the walk to and from the office each day – past the American Embassy - probably the ugliest building I saw while I was there last time, it just has a very utilitarian file compared to the historic architecture everywhere else on that walk. I am a complete tourist though, and I really just love popping in to shops and pubs on the way “home” to the hotel each night, and spending some social time with my friends and colleagues in that office. I cannot wait to spend some time in Selfridge's checking out all the fun items and getting lost in the amazing book section of the store.

However, I think the best part of this upcoming adventure is the one that I am tacking on to this trip - I am heading to Paris for a few days to finally do some sightseeing and see the Eiffel Tower. That's right I am tackling on of my 15 before 2015 items very early. I couldn't be more excited to get there!

(graphic via etsy)

february shouldn't be so scary

Over the weekend the groundhog saw his shadow, on a day that as 55 degrees and downright beautiful. According to folklore, this means six more weeks of winter. I wake up this morning, to a lovely little snow storm, with rumors of up to two more storms heading my way before the end of next weekend. Well, Groundhog, I would say you were correct – six more weeks of winter seems to be upon us, but I’d all for packing these six weeks into the next week – if that’s possible.

Anyway, I enjoyed my day watching the snow fall from my window at work all day –it’s always nice to know you can be safe and warm somewhere. I have a hankering for one of those late night walks tonight with the snow covered sidewalks that feels so peaceful.