Venice & Amsterdam: An Art Lover’s European Adventure with Family and Delicious Finds

The much-loved Weekly Mix is officially making its triumphant return, and I am absolutely bursting with excitement to share some truly incredible news with all of you! After a battle with a stubborn cold (though a persistent cough insists on lingering like an uninvited guest), my energy has rebounded, and my spirits are soaring higher than ever. The reason for this effervescent mood? As you read this, I am embarking on a dream trip to Italy!

This isn’t just any vacation; it’s a meticulously planned European adventure, beginning with the timeless allure of Venice, Italy. I’ll be sharing this unforgettable experience with an incredible group: Connor’s parents, his sister, and other cherished extended family members. For the next four glorious nights, our focus will be to fully immerse ourselves in the world-renowned Biennale. For those unfamiliar, the Biennale is a prestigious contemporary art exhibition that transforms the entire city of Venice into an extraordinary, sprawling gallery every two years. Imagine the magic of navigating ancient canals and charming alleyways, only to stumble upon groundbreaking art installations and thought-provoking exhibitions at every turn. To experience such a profound cultural event, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of family, promises to be a truly unparalleled journey.

Gathering family members who are spread across different continents is no small feat. With Connor’s sister and brother-in-law currently residing in the bustling heart of London, these moments of collective travel and shared experience become incredibly precious. Thankfully, a fortunate convergence of our vacation schedules and a shared passion for exploration allowed us to make this reunion a reality. The opportunity to explore a city as historically rich and visually stunning as Venice, especially through the vibrant lens of its contemporary art scene at the Biennale, while creating lasting memories with loved ones, is something I deeply value.

My earliest encounter with Venice dates back to when I was a mere sixth-grader. Even then, the city left an indelible impression, searing itself into my memory as the most stunning place I had ever witnessed. I can still vividly recall the serene glide of gondolas, the intricate details of the ancient architecture reflected in the shimmering water, and the unique, almost magical, atmosphere that permeates every corner. Now, a full seventeen years later, the anticipation of rediscovering its charms is almost overwhelming. I’m incredibly eager to see how my adult perspective will engage with its timeless beauty, to revisit familiar landmarks, and to uncover new hidden gems. Will it still hold the same captivating magic? I have no doubt it will surpass those cherished childhood memories.

Our European escapade extends beyond the canals of Venice. On our return journey home, we’ve planned a delightful few nights in the charming and picturesque city of Amsterdam. Known for its iconic canals, historic gabled houses, world-class museums, and vibrant cultural scene, Amsterdam promises a wonderful contrast to Venice and a perfect conclusion to our trip. As we finalize our itineraries for both destinations, I would absolutely love to tap into your collective wisdom! If you have any recommendations for must-try restaurants, cozy cafes, captivating activities, unique shops, or essential sights in either Venice or Amsterdam, please do send them my way. My personal list already features a non-negotiable culinary stop in Amsterdam: the legendary apple pie from Winkel 43 – I’ve heard so much about it and can’t wait to experience it!

In the meantime, as I embark on this exciting journey, navigating the labyrinthine waterways of Venice and the bustling streets of Amsterdam, you can follow along with our daily adventures and discoveries. I’ll be sharing real-time updates, stunning visuals, and perhaps even a few delightful travel anecdotes (technology permitting, of course!) on my Instagram stories. Be sure to follow along for a virtual trip filled with art, culture, and delicious food! And fear not, for new recipes are on their way next week – expect a fresh batch of seasonal delights, possibly even inspired by the wonderful European culinary experiences I’m about to have. Until then, Arrivederci!

Curated Delights: My Top Picks and Inspirations This Week for Fall

As the air turns crisp, the leaves begin their vibrant transformation, and the cozy comforts of autumn beckon, my weekly roundup is brimming with delightful discoveries, ingenious finds, and inspiring reads. This edition of “Things I’m Loving” covers everything from creative DIY projects to essential baking insights, ensuring there’s something to spark joy and curiosity for every reader. Dive into these curated favorites that have captured my attention and brought a little extra warmth to my week!

• Award-Winning Cutest DIY Halloween Costume: Every year, I’m captivated by the sheer creativity of homemade Halloween costumes, and this particular DIY rock candy costume truly deserves the “cutest award”! It’s incredibly whimsical, imaginatively designed, and surprisingly straightforward to craft. If you’re seeking a unique, eye-catching costume that stands out from the mass-produced options, this one is an absolute gem. It perfectly embodies the playful and creative spirit of the Halloween season, and I simply adore its charm.
• Embracing Pumpkin Season with a Decadent Sheet Cake: Have you already surrendered to the irresistible charm of pumpkin puree this season? I most certainly have! My latest autumnal indulgence was this absolutely divine pumpkin sheet cake with spiced cream cheese frosting. What makes this recipe particularly brilliant is its ingenious use of an entire can of pumpkin, ensuring a deeply rich and moist cake. There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin and warm spices filling the kitchen, and this effortlessly delicious sheet cake is truly autumn perfection. Can I get an amen?
• My Trusted Go-To Cold Remedy: Last week, while in the throes of my stubborn cold, I discovered immense relief thanks to a recommendation from a fellow blogger. I practically “chugged” this specific cough syrup, and I honestly believe it made a noticeable difference in alleviating my symptoms and helping me feel better faster. It’s invaluable to have a trusted remedy on hand, especially during these seasonal transitions when colds seem to be lurking around every corner. Consider this a tried-and-tested tip from someone who just emerged victorious!
• Baking Science Alert – A Deep Dive into Cocoa Powder: For all my passionate baking enthusiasts, prepare yourselves for an incredibly insightful read! My wonderfully knowledgeable friend Kristin recently published the most informative piece on cocoa powder. This isn’t just a basic overview; it’s a comprehensive exploration into the subtle nuances of different cocoa types, their varied reactions in recipes, and the fascinating science behind their distinct flavors and colors. Understanding the critical differences between natural and Dutch-processed cocoa can truly elevate your baking endeavors, making this article an indispensable resource for any serious home baker.
• A Unique Culinary Delight: Unexpected Blueberry Lox: Last summer, during an unforgettable trip to the stunning landscapes of Alaska, I had the distinct pleasure of sampling blueberry lox, and I can wholeheartedly attest to its incredible greatness! It might sound like an unconventional pairing at first, but the delicate sweetness of the blueberries provides a brilliant counterpoint to the savory, smoky notes of the lox, creating an unexpected explosion of delightful flavors. It’s a true testament to adventurous culinary creativity and an absolute must-try for those with an open and curious palate.
• My New Multipurpose Travel Companion: The Perfect Camera Bag: The quest for the perfect camera bag – one that seamlessly blends functionality with style – has always been a personal challenge. I’m incredibly excited to put this new multipurpose camera bag through its paces during my upcoming European adventure. What particularly drew me to it is its ingenious design, which allows it to elegantly double as a regular purse when I’m not carrying my full array of camera gear. It strikes the ideal balance, keeping my photography essentials secure and accessible while maintaining a chic, minimalist aesthetic. I genuinely believe I’ve finally found “the one”!
• Weekend Baking Challenge: Irresistible Chocolate Tahini Challah Buns: If you’re yearning for a baking project that promises both a deliciously rewarding outcome and a satisfying challenge, then these incredible chocolate tahini challah buns are unequivocally calling your name. The harmonious blend of rich, decadent chocolate, the nutty depth of tahini, and the soft, cloud-like texture of challah bread is simply divine. It’s a slightly more involved recipe, making it absolutely perfect for a cozy weekend spent creating magic in the kitchen, and I can assure you, the results are worth every single minute of effort.
• An Inspiring Cookbook from a Chicago Favorite: Connor recently surprised me with this phenomenal cookbook, proudly produced by one of our absolute favorite Chicago West Loop restaurants. Its pages are a vibrant testament to culinary artistry, brimming with innovative dishes, exquisite techniques, and stunning photography. Having perused countless restaurant cookbooks over the years, this one truly stands out as one of the most meticulously written and genuinely inspiring I’ve encountered in a long while. While the recipes presented can be quite challenging and perhaps a bit “out there” for the casual home cook, they offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore advanced culinary techniques and significantly expand your gastronomic repertoire. I’m honestly torn about which incredible creation to tackle first!
• Let’s Start a Virtual Cookbook Club Together! On that wonderfully inspiring note about diving into new and exciting recipes, a thought sparked: why don’t we collectively start a virtual cookbook club? Imagine a vibrant community of fellow food enthusiasts, tackling challenging recipes, sharing our triumphant successes (and perhaps a few hilarious kitchen mishaps!), and collaboratively growing our culinary skills. It’s an absolutely fantastic way to stay motivated, discover diverse cuisines, and forge connections over our shared passion for cooking and eating. Let me know if you’re eager to join in this delicious adventure!
• Do Your Canned Tomatoes Make the Cut? A Critical Review: It might seem like a humble and everyday ingredient, but the quality of your canned tomatoes can profoundly impact the flavor and success of countless dishes. This truly fascinating article from The New York Times meticulously explores which brands genuinely stand out in a rigorous blind tasting, offering invaluable insights to help you elevate your daily cooking. I’m always incredibly curious to see if my personal favorite brand passes their stringent criteria, and this piece provides excellent, well-researched guidance for stocking your pantry with only the very best.
• Your Essential Fall Recipe Roundup: In case you happened to miss it (ICYMI), I’ve thoughtfully compiled a fantastic handful of my absolute favorite fall recipes, specifically designed to jumpstart your meal planning and inspire your cooking for the next few weeks. From hearty, soul-warming soups and comforting stews to delightful, spiced desserts, these recipes perfectly embody the very essence of autumn cooking. It’s the ideal resource to help you seamlessly transition into the cozier months with an array of delicious, wholesome, and truly satisfying meals.

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