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“The cherry blossoms are out in full force, as well as other flowers. The whole city is covered in green and pink. It’s beautiful, but the accompanying allergies are killing me. I guess it’s worth it, though! Our days are full of walks along the river, cherry blossoms, street food from all over the world (lots of Japanese, obviously, but also Korean, Thai, Turkish, Indian and American snacks), and too much beer and sake. If you ever get the chance to be in Japan during cherry blossom season, don’t pass it up.”
*The hubby and I are gearing up for a trip to Paris and Rome in a few weeks! I’m collecting must-eat/must-do articles and suggestions. It’s not our first trip to either city, so we’re searching for the hidden gems and considering doing things like cooking classes and cooking with local produce in our airbnb kitchens. I’ve got my heart set on finding some antique kitchenware. Does anyone have any suggestions for less-touristy things to do in Paris and Rome?
*I love matcha, and I can’t wait to try this matcha mint iced tea recipe as the weather warms up. Think of the fun variations, too! Add ginger syrup. Or lemonade. Or make it sparkling. There has to be a cocktail in there somewhere, too…
*Do you suffer from a cluttered refrigerator? I can’t think of a better way to clean it up than with some fromage fort. Take all those little bits of random cheese and make something fantastic with them. Yes, please!
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“So… I have a pretty hardcore magazine addiction. I think I’ve mentioned this before, but the pile by my sofa has grown from a few manageable inches to a couple feet of terror. (Am I deranged in thinking that even a few inches are manageable?) I spend so much time reading and consuming online that I forget how much I love sitting with a cup of tea and glossy magazines full of beautiful photos and interesting tidbits. I’m resolving to whittle my stack down over the next few weeks and I’m dying to know: do you like magazines? Would it be at all interesting to share some of the tips/tricks/features I find in my stack?”
* Favorite April Fool’s Joke: I’m no fan of April Fool’s Day (I don’t really dig making people feel foolish), but I’ll never forget Google’s joke from two years ago called GMail Motion. My coworker and I spent about 20 hilarious minutes contorting into every pose on the printable motion guide.
* Favorite Savory Recipe: After an especially challenging work week, I scoured my Pinterest boards for something hearty and delicious for this weekend’s dinner. I think this Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Butter is a great choice. (I’ll have to add some carbs to this because you may remember I foolishly signed up for a half marathon with a coworker a few months ago. Somehow those months have passed in a blink and the race is Sunday!)
* Favorite New Hotel to Dream About: Opening soon in Sausalito (just over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco), you should take a peek at The Mansion at Casa Madrona. Check it out even if you’re not planning a west coast trip, the photos are divine and will have you wishing for summer.
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DIY & Crafts included Carla’s painted burlap coasters in a roundup of 100 Gorgeous Burlap Projects.
Cup of Bloom put Carla’s mint lip duo in their “Make Your First Homemade Lip Balm” post.