Traveling: Sunny in Seattle

I just got back from my wonderful vacation to Seattle! I hope you all enjoyed the blogger home sneak peeks while I was away (Thank you Paloma, Christina, Jennifer, Camila, and Franki for sharing!). The trip home is always special to me as I get to see my best friends and family. As I like to do on any trip I take, I stole a day to myself to connect with the city and remember my Seattle.

I started the day at Pike Place Market, where the flowers are always gorgeous and the people entertaining! Of course, the market is also a fish lovers heaven with the fresh catch of the day ready to be snatched up.  

I stopped for breakfast at Le Panier for a warm chocolate croissant then headed to the very first Starbucks for a latte, which is just a few doors down. 

Of course I had to fit in visits to a few design stores, too! I stopped by Alchemy, Velocity, Revival Home, and Red Ticking - all very worth the time! I got distracted by this beautiful Ann Sacks window display on the way. 

After lunch at Matt's in the Market where I devoured a delicious bowl of clams and sipped a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, I headed down to the pier to take in the smell of the ocean and the beautiful views.  

The boats, birds, and boardwalks reminded me just how much I will always love the Pacific Northwest. There's a beauty so unique to the area!

I ended my day with a visit to Kerry Park, where the best views of the Seattle skyline can be seen!

Traveling: a Day in D.C.

For the last week I've been in Washington D.C. for work. Fortunately, I was able to clear my schedule and steal a day to myself in the city. I fell completely in love with it!

The sky was bright blue and the air was crisp and cool. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to explore D.C.

I roamed the streets alone (which is sometimes my favorite way to travel) and enjoyed the day to myself, quieting my mind, and taking in the beauty. 

The colors of autumn were all around. The trees were a beautiful composition of fiery red, golden yellow, and pumpkin orange.

It was refreshing to see a skyline void of skyscrapers for the day. Something about it reminded me of Europe.

The red on these trees stopped me still in my tracks. I stood here for a few moments trying to take a picture of the colors with my mind.  

Of course, I stopped for a bit of people watching, too. I love to wonder about where they come from, who they are, and what their story is. 

The monuments were awe-inspiring and truly magnificent. You can't help but be moved when standing in their presence. 

This wall was a tearful moment for me. A stunning memorial to honor the brave men who fought for our country.

The residential streets and neighborhood markets were so delightful. The city's unique feel had me utterly charmed. 

Sometimes at the end of the day the only thing I need to do is look down at my own two feet to be reminded of how lucky I am. I am so grateful for the places they have taken me and the roads they have traveled...

*all images are mine