Venice and Amsterdam Adventures: A Return to Travel, Art, and Culinary Delights

The Weekly Mix is officially back, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share some incredibly exciting news with all of you! After battling a stubborn cold for what felt like an eternity (though the lingering cough is still making its presence known), I’m finally back on my feet and ready for adventure. In fact, as you read this, I am quite literally flying to Italy today! Yes, it still feels a little surreal to say it out loud, but the anticipation is absolutely palpable.

Our journey begins in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, where we will be spending the next four nights. This isn’t just any trip; it’s a special family reunion and a cultural immersion all rolled into one. I’m traveling with Connor’s parents, his sister, and other extended family members, all converging to experience the world-renowned Venice Biennale. This prestigious art exhibition, which takes place every two years, transforms the entire city into a living gallery, offering an unparalleled glimpse into contemporary art, architecture, and culture. Given that our family is currently scattered across the globe – with Connor’s sister and brother-in-law residing in London – these opportunities to gather are incredibly rare and cherished. Thankfully, our schedules aligned perfectly, allowing us all to embark on this unforgettable Venetian adventure together.

I had the distinct privilege of visiting Venice once before, when I was just in the sixth grade. Even then, as a young girl, I was completely captivated, distinctly remembering it as the most stunning and unique city I had ever laid eyes on. The labyrinthine canals, the ancient bridges, the vibrant history echoing through every alleyway – it left an indelible mark on my memory. Now, seventeen years later, I cannot wait to experience its magic again, this time with a more mature perspective and the joy of shared family memories. To stroll through its piazzas, glide along its canals, and immerse ourselves in its artistic heartbeat feels like a dream reborn. The Biennale itself promises a fascinating exploration of artistic expression, weaving through historic venues and unexpected corners of the city, making art truly accessible and immersive.

Following our Venetian escapade, we’ll be tacking on a few nights in Amsterdam on our way back home. Amsterdam offers a wonderfully different but equally captivating European experience, with its picturesque canals, historic gabled houses, world-class museums, and vibrant cycling culture. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the ancient charm of Venice. As we finalize our plans for both cities, I would absolutely love to hear your recommendations! If you have any favorite restaurants, must-see activities, or hidden gems in Venice or Amsterdam, please send them our way. I’ve already penciled in a visit to the famous Winkel Cafe for their iconic apple pie in Amsterdam, but I’m eager for more local insights to make these trips truly special. Every suggestion helps us uncover more of the authentic beauty and flavor these cities have to offer.

In the meantime, you can follow along on our adventures (technology permitting!) through my Instagram stories. I’ll be sharing snippets of our travels, from breathtaking Venetian vistas to charming Amsterdam streetscapes, and of course, plenty of delicious food discoveries. Expect to see some new, inspiring recipes hitting the blog next week, fueled by all the incredible culinary experiences we’re bound to encounter. Arrivederci for now, and get ready for a feast for the eyes and the palate!

Things I’m Loving This Week: Discoveries and Delights

Beyond the excitement of upcoming travel, this week has also been filled with delightful discoveries and inspiring finds. From creative crafts to culinary essentials and practical travel gear, here’s a roundup of what’s been catching my eye and capturing my heart:

• Cutest DIY Halloween Costume: The award for the cutest DIY Halloween costume this year undeniably goes to this incredibly clever idea! Beyond just being adorable, its ingenuity and vibrant execution make it a standout for anyone looking to create a memorable and personalized Halloween look without resorting to off-the-rack options. It’s a fantastic source of inspiration for embracing your crafty side this spooky season.

• Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: With autumn’s arrival, I finally caved and embraced all things pumpkin. This particular pumpkin sheet cake has become an instant favorite. What truly sets it apart is that it ingeniously utilizes one entire can of pumpkin puree, guaranteeing an incredibly moist, flavorful, and wonderfully spiced cake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s the ultimate comforting treat for cozy fall evenings. Can I get an amen for perfectly executed seasonal baking?

• Symptom-Soothing Syrup: Battling my recent cold, I was desperate for relief from that persistent cough and scratchy throat. A recommendation from a fellow blogger led me to chug this syrup, and I swear by it – it genuinely helped alleviate my symptoms. It’s always reassuring to find effective remedies, especially when they come highly recommended by trusted sources within the community.

• Baking Science Alert: All About Cocoa Powder: For all my fellow baking enthusiasts, this one’s for you! My talented friend Kristin recently penned the most informative piece on cocoa powder. It’s an incredibly detailed and enlightening resource that delves into the nuances of different cocoa types, their chemical properties, and how they impact the flavor and texture of your baked goods. Understanding this crucial ingredient truly elevates one’s baking game, making it a must-read for anyone serious about pastry perfection.

• Blueberry Lox: An Unexpected Delight: Last summer, during a fantastic trip to Alaska, I had the unique opportunity to try this blueberry lox. It sounds unconventional, but I can wholeheartedly attest to its greatness! The surprising combination of sweet, juicy blueberries with the savory, smoky notes of lox creates an exquisite flavor profile that is both daring and delicious. It’s an unforgettable culinary experience that encourages adventurous eating.

• New Multipurpose Camera Bag for Travel: As a frequent traveler and content creator, I’ve been on a perpetual hunt for a camera bag that is both highly functional and stylish enough to double as a regular purse. I’m incredibly excited to try out this new multipurpose camera bag during my upcoming trip! Its design promises to protect my gear while offering the convenience and aesthetic appeal of an everyday bag, potentially solving a long-standing travel dilemma for photographers like myself.

• Weekend Baking Challenge: Chocolate Tahini Challah Buns: My next weekend baking project is already calling my name in the form of these captivating chocolate tahini challah buns. The thought of rich, fluffy challah dough swirled with the nutty, slightly bitter complexity of tahini and decadent chocolate sounds absolutely divine. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic, promising a rewarding baking challenge and a truly unique flavor experience for breakfast or dessert.

• An Inspiring Restaurant Cookbook: Connor recently surprised me with this cookbook, produced by one of our absolute favorite Chicago West Loop restaurants. It has quickly become one of the most well-written and genuinely inspiring restaurant cookbooks I’ve seen in a long time. Fair warning: the recipes are quite challenging and definitely cater to a more adventurous, experienced home cook. However, for those willing to dive deep, it offers an incredible journey into advanced culinary techniques and innovative flavor combinations.

• Let’s Start a Virtual Cookbook Club Together!: Building on the inspiration from that incredible cookbook, I’ve been seriously contemplating starting a virtual cookbook club. Imagine a community where we collectively explore new cookbooks, tackle ambitious recipes, share our culinary triumphs (and occasional mishaps!), and learn from each other’s experiences. It would be a wonderful way to connect, expand our cooking horizons, and discover new favorite dishes together from the comfort of our own kitchens.

• The Best Canned Tomatoes: Have you ever wondered if your favorite brand of canned tomatoes truly makes the cut in a rigorous taste test? This fascinating article delves into that very question, evaluating various brands to find the best. It’s always insightful to learn about the quality of pantry staples, as the right ingredients can significantly elevate the flavor of everyday meals, from pasta sauces to hearty stews.

• Jumpstart Your Fall Meal Plan: In case you missed it, I recently shared a helpful handful of fall recipes designed to jumpstart your meal planning over the next few weeks. These recipes are curated to capture the essence of the season – think comforting flavors, warming spices, and hearty ingredients perfect for cooler weather. They offer delicious solutions to make your autumn cooking both enjoyable and effortless.

I hope these tidbits of inspiration, alongside my exciting travel updates, bring a little joy and creativity to your week. I’m truly looking forward to sharing more of our adventures and the delicious insights they inspire. Stay tuned for fresh content and travel diaries upon my return!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Any proceeds generated from these links go directly to help support the continued operation and growth of this site – thank you immensely for being here and for your unwavering support!