Before arriving in France I discovered there were these fantastic antique markets in Nice, where we would be visiting. We took the train from Monaco to Nice and spent the afternoon strolling the promenade, enjoying cappuccinos beside the ocean and searching for this antique market. Just when we were about to give up, assuming it wasn’t operating during the week, we saw the street tents across the street in the distance. We spent a few hours strolling all of the beautiful vintage clothing, handbags, home decor, jewelry, and furniture. It was an absolute dream for someone who likes to antique! We saw vintage Chanel, Dior, Lagerfeld, Louis Vuitton, antique french linens, beautiful fabrics, and some of the most unique items, like the vintage hand decorated toilet! We then stumbled upon the most decadent creperie, Ballanger, and overindulged on the sweetest of treats. I also found this great vintage shop called Depot Vente Luxe, which had lots of excellent treasures. I highly recommend discovering these spots for yourself, they were magical, and the market in particular reminded me of Midnight in Paris. You’ll notice I’m wearing a backpack in a lot of these shots, which is new for me. I was never a fan of backpacks until I found this perfectly sized Cole Haan bag, it fit all my travel essentials, kept my hands free, and still looked effortlessly chic.
Exploring Northern Ireland
I love old castles and there is no shortage in the United Kingdom and Ireland! This castle, Carrickfergus Castle, was a fortress on the edge of Belfast. It’s right off the main road now and a whole portion of the city has grown up around it. It was one of the first structures in that area and it’s wonderful that they preserved it even with the modern world growing up around it. One of the best tips I could give anyone traveling to Ireland during March is to pack lots of light layers, because the weather is erratic but the landscape is beautiful! A light rain jacket and a light down jacket are a great option for layering. I chose one from Uniqlo, which I’m linking here because it’s the ideal travel jacket and it happens to be on sale right now!
New Year’s Eve
It’s been a big year for me! I started my blog, I started touring a lot more, I released two songs to radio, and there were ups and downs, and bridges to cross, it was a lot packed into one year, but all in all, it’s been a great year and so much fun. I loved playing shows in LA, Chicago, New York City, Vermont, Maine, and visiting so many new places as well! I’ve grown as a musician, I’ve learned so much professionally, personally, and through going to school at Belmont all the while. I love the people I get to work with, the music I get to create, the musicians I get to play with, it’s such a magical experience every time we step on stage. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this year, I’ve had such a great time sharing it with you!
Trains and NYC
I love New York City, and I’ve seen the holiday movies that are set in New York City in the Christmas, but I hadn’t visited at this time of year until last weekend! It was gloriously festive, with all the holiday markets, carols playing everywhere, light shows, ice skating, and of course the Rockefeller tree! We took the train from Newark airport into the city it was a magical start to a Christmas experience in New York! Even just walking around in the city was more exciting at this time of year, with all the well wishes for a good holiday coming from every person you cross paths with. I’ll have more photos of my picks of what to do when you visit NYC at this time of year, but for now here are some photos from the train station and one of our first strolls through the snowy city!
Lost In Time in Upstate New York
We were driving in the middle of nowhere, there were old farmhouses every five minutes, then suddenly I saw neon up ahead. We drove up and there was a classic diner in the middle of all these farms! Sometimes when touring you drive through some empty areas and stumble into some interesting spots, and this was one of those times. It was a pink building that looked like it had been there since the 50s, and the inside was completely vintage themed as well! To be quite honest, the best part of the food was the dessert, because the ice cream was like a cloud! It was so fluffy! What’s your favorite spot for a frozen treat?
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Having been to New York City several times, it’s surprising I didn’t make it to Dylan’s Candy Bar until this trip! I’ve heard all about it, and as a person with a strong sweet tooth I really should have visited before! It was just as adorable and imaginative as I could have hoped, with candy embedded in the floors! Every variety of candy I could think of was available and even customizable candy! We’ve all been to that souvenir rack that didn’t have our name, but here they have a “make your own” so no matter what your name you won’t be left out! From gummies of every variety to fudge this store is a candy lover’s dream!