Air trip: France // part five

Upon arriving in Nice we were greeted with sunshine and warmer temps.

France 2015: view from above

We walked through the doors of Le Negresco, our hotel for the next couple days, and were blown away by the amount of detail in the decor. Tons of funky artwork, themed floors and a dizzying array of colors throughout. 
France 2015: Nice hotel room

After settling in, we hit the boardwalk for a stroll and to search out a place to sit down with a cocktail before dinner. France 2015: Nice boardwalk France 2015: champagne in NiceOur dinner reservations came at the suggestion of some friends who had loved this little location during their visit. Le Bistro du Fromager is located down a side alley and upon entering you are taken down a flight of stairs into a cave. We both enjoyed our dinners, but after seeing the fondue arrive at the table next to us, immediately regretted our decisions. If we ever get back here, we now know what to order!

France 2015: Le Negresco at night We woke up the following morning and enjoyed the hotel buffet filled with all sorts of goodies. Marcus had the idea of renting a car and taking a day trip to Monte Carlo to check it out. After some adjustment to a stick shift and a little traffic, we made our way along the coast. When we pulled into town we got a little turned around and ended up getting stopped by the police asking if we had permission to enter the grounds. Apparently, we were trying to enter the Prince of Monoco’s residence. Whoops!

After walking around the town for a while we decided we had seen enough of Monte Carlo, so we headed back towards Nice whipping around the curves of the coastline highway. Upon entering the town of Eze, we drove up to the top of the city to catch a glimpse of the ocean. Blue as far as the eye could see!France 2015: views in Eze

Feeling a bit nauseous from the drive and needing to fill up, we found a local hotel that looked promising. We knew we couldn’t go wrong with Eze Hermitage, with its lilac shutters and beautiful wrought iron balconies.IMG_1660

The dining room was just as beautiful as the exterior and made for the perfect place to sip rose with lunch. France 2015: French dining

Once we dropped off the rental car back in Nice, I knew I just wanted to rest back at the hotel since our flight home was early the next morning. Marcus ran out for some pizza and wine and I settled into bed (wearing my lush hotel robe) and turned on the TV. What are the chances that in France, on our last night, after many quotes throughout our trip, do I happen to come across Home Alone playing in English! Such a fun way to end our French holiday.France 2015: home alone

After a long day of travel and many lifelong memories for us to recount, there was still no better face to see upon our return. Going away for a bit to recharge was great, but coming home was even better!France 2015: back home

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Air trip: France // part four

We spent most of our last full day in Avignon traveling around outside of town. First up, a drive west to take in the sights at the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard. This thing was old and massive. France 2015: Pond du Gard France 2015: Pond du Gard

After a quick walk to the center of the bridge, we headed back to the car to continue on south to Les Baux de Provence. This picturesque town is perched on a rocky hill side and is absolutely breathtaking.

France 2015: Les BauxA quick trip up the steep hill and back down to settle into what would be my best dining experience to date at Oustau, part of the Baumaniere luxury hotel. The service, food and presentation were all top-notch. They had a leather-bound book full of their wine selections (swoon) and a metal olive tree with real olives attached to it served during pre-lunch cocktails. Heaven.

France 2015: oustau wine book France 2015: oustau table

We basically had to roll ourselves out of there. And I dream of the day I get to return.

France 2015: outside oustau

Full from a multi-course meal and a glass (or two…) of wine, we headed back to Avignon to catch pre-dinner cocktail hour in one of the dimly lit rooms at the famed, Le Mirande.

France 2015: Le Mirande

As our time in Avignon came to a close, we said goodbye to my parents and were off via train to the rocky shores of Nice.

Up next: Fromage, a U-turn and the best face to come home to.

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Air trip: France // part three

One of the coolest places to be on a Sunday morning in Avignon is Les Halles. This fresh, indoor market has anything and everything you could possibly want or need.

France 2015: Les Halles France 2015: Les Halles France 2015: Les Halles IMG_1553

We snagged items for our dinner later that night and continued on to find a church for Sunday Mass.

Afterwards we were off to experience the outdoor market in L’isle sur la Sorgue (so hard for me to pronounce!). This little “island” town is surrounded by the Sorgue and has canals that run throughout the streets. Every Sunday they have a large market that takes over the entire town, but of course it was raining that day. We arrived late, but were able to snag a few fun momentos to take back home such as lavender soaps and scented pouches.

France 2015: L'isle back alleysFrance 2015: L'isle purple power

Feeling a bit soggy and hungry, we picked L’Ecallier along the water to fill up on rosé champagne and fresh seafood. Long lunches truly are the most luxurious thing in the world.

France 2015: Sur La Sorgue lunch

After what felt like hours, we were off to Domaine de la Citadelle and its adjoining corkscrew museum. The vines in this region were turning colors and the views were breathtaking even for such a dreary day.

France 2015: Citadelle France 2015: CitadelleWhile there, we wandered through the Le Musee du Tire-Bouchon (corkscrew museum), which is a private collection of over 1,200 pieces from around the world, from the 17th century to the present. Who knew there were so many different versions of the corkscrew?
France 2015: corkscrew museum

Up next: an ancient Roman aqueduct, my most memorable dining experience to date and the end of our stay in Avignon.

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Air trip: France // part two

We woke up early on day two after some much-needed sleep to make it to the train station. Only problem is that our cab driver misunderstood us and took us to the wrong one. After hopping in with another cabbie we sped across town (a.k.a. risked our life) only to miss our correct train by minutes. Wah, wah.

The next few hours were spent sipping cappuccinos, coloring and mentally preparing for the south of France. There are worse things in life…

France 2015: More cappuccino France 2015: XO-LP coloring page France 2015: American Gothic

When it was time to board our train we rushed on, sat down and immediately opened a bottle of wine sans cups. (Travel tip: You can bring food/drink onto the train to enjoy while you zoom to your final destination.)

When we arrived in Avignon, my parents were there to pick us up from the train station. Oh, right, I may not have told you that my amazing parents just so happened to be traveling in France at the same time as us. Overlapping our trip with theirs was pretty much the coolest thing ever!

They dropped us off at our Airbnb (a little slice of decor heaven for me) and told us to get settled in, and that we’d meet up later to sightsee and enjoy dinner.

France 2015: Les Halles[the most wonderful market: Les Halles]
France 2015: Palais des Papes[Palais des Papes]
France 2015: Avignon carousel

Our main reason for choosing Avignon as our home base was its proximity to the wine regions we wanted to check out during our stay. Up first: Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

We started our morning out with a visit to Chateau Le Nerthe and it’s beautiful grounds. The chateau dates back to the 15th century and they have the wine caves to prove it.

France 2015: Chateau Le Nerthe France 2015: Chateau Le Nerthe France 2015: Chateau Le Nerthe

Just north of Le Nerthe lays Chateau Mont-Redon, the largest producer in the region and apparently Marcus’ happy place. Wine was tasted and magnums were purchased.

France 2015: grapes France 2015: Mont-Redon selfieFrance 2015: Mont-Redon lovers

After starting the morning off drinking, we decided we should sit down for a long lunch and headed to nearby Gigondas’ L’Oustalet to do just that. Many courses and multiple bottles later, we headed back to Avignon – full and content.France 2015: L'Oustalet

Up next: indoor markets, champagne lunches in the rain and a corkscrew museum.

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Air trip: France // part one

Wheels up at 6:25 a.m. and we never looked back – off on our first overseas adventure together post-baby, and boy, it did not disappoint.

Thanks to Marcus’ frequent flier status, we were able to relax and fly in luxury the entire way there. Oh hey lie-flat beds. I have since informed him that I will not be doing any more coach class trips. #spoiledmeforlife

France 2015: real crystal[“wow, that’s real crystal. put it in your purse.” #unclefrank]

After catching up with Katniss and Co. and snagging a few zzz’s, we woke up in Paris. Since our time in the city of lights was limited (a little over 24 hours to be exact), we hit the ground running. Well, dragging mostly.

We dropped our bags at our hotel and fought off every urge to just dive bomb onto the mattress and spend our day in Paris exploring the inside of our eyelids. Off we went in the direction of the Eiffel Tower by way of the Tuileries Garden. We actually ended up winding through a neighborhood which gave us an amazing (read: non-touristy) view of the tower as we approached it.

France 2015: Eiffel Tower France 2015: Eiffel Tower Selfie

After a few photos and even a selfie or two, we deemed it necessary to get our first cappuccino + croissant of the trip at a nearby cafe.

France 2015: cappucchino

Feeling fueled, but yet still super jet-lagged, we continued our trek towards the Arc du Triomphe and meandered down the Champs-Élysées until we hit our next destination, the line outside the Louvre. (Travel tip: If you are planning on visiting the Louvre, go ahead and skip the line by buying your tickets online in advance.) We did not heed this advice and ended up spending the same amount of time outside as we did inside.

France 2015: Louvre line France 2015: Louvre outsideFrance 2015: Louvre insideFrance 2015: MonaFrance 2015: VenusA quick trip back to our hotel to freshen up (and avoid making eye contact with the fluffy pillows on the bed) and we were off again – next stop: Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris. Well, first macaroons, then Notre Dame. Old churches are one of my favorite things to visit on vacation. They just don’t build them like they used to. So impressive.

France 2015: Macaroons France 2015: Notre Dame France 2015: stained glass

Needing to snag a few small souvenirs to take back for my nieces, I forced Marcus to continue on to another destination. I first read about Merci in Goop’s Hipster Paris Guide, you know because I’m so hip, and knew it’d be a place to find some cool items to take home.

At this point we had literally hit a wall. We forced ourselves to sip champagne and scarf down some cheese and charcuterie at nearby La Maison Plisson then practically crawled back to the hotel. Minutes later we passed out from sheer Paris exhaustion.

France 2015: La Maison Plisson

Up next: we head south via a train (eventually) to the land of lavender and vin…

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Have a bite Des Moines

Growing up in Des Moines, I’ve had ample time to experience most of its culinary offerings. And while I don’t consider myself a gastro guru, I’d like to think that I have a few good ideas on where to get my grub on in this city. So why not make a list out of it?

Whether you are in town for a conference, campaign trail stop or just looking for a new local joint to try out, this list should help direct you in the right direction.

DSMrestaurants2015[images source: The Des Moines Register]

Marino’s: One of the Haas family favorites. Made from scratch pasta, tasty pizza and BYOB. Save room for their tiramisu.

Centro: We can’t seem to go here without running into someone we know. Definitely a Des Moines hot spot, but also a great menu. Can’t go wrong.

La Mie Bakery: Breakfast, lunch, fresh-baked bread and macaroons? Sign me up. This local spot serves up fast French and does it right. Sit down while you can because tables fill fast.

Table 128 Bistro+Bar: Stuck on the West side and want a truly amazing meal, look no further. We don’t get out here nearly enough, but every time we do we leave amazed! Great cocktails, easy atmosphere and perfectly presented dinners.

Noah’s Ark Ristorante: This dimly lit joint has some of my favorite pizza in town. Belly up to the bar or set up shop near the fireplace. This place is old-school dining at its best.

801 Chop House: On the expensive side, but man is it worth it! We like to celebrate life’s big events here with a bottle of wine from our cellar.

The Cheese Shop of Des Moines: Meats and cheeses and wines, oh my! Small but mighty, this Shops at Roosevelt gem is a great place to meet up with a few friends and catch up over charcuterie.

Lucca: Slightly biased since we hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner here, but I love the atmosphere and carefully curated prix-fixe dinner menu at this East Village fave.

Cafe di Scala: Nestled in historic Sherman Hill, this restaurant is set to reopen as Aposto after the new year. Can’t wait to see what masterminds Tony Lemmo and chef Phil Shires have in store for us.

On my radar: Sidebar, Lurra Cocina and Guru BBQ.

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Faves before France

This will most likely be my last post before we head off to France, so I thought I would leave you with a few of my favorite things from the weekend. I spent it trying to soak up all the hugs and kisses I could possibly get from Everett. Sure am going to miss my little guy.

PancakesFall2015[pancakes and a Hawkeye victory with this ham ball]

VintageMadeFair2015[Mo and I checked out the Vintage & Made Fair]
BrookieTargetCart[gotta start ’em early! I snagged this cart for Ev; $9.99 in stores]
TargetMooseSweater[swoon! more Target cuteness in the form of a fair-isle moose combo]

And, yes, there were more Target purchases (duh!) like this darling door mat, a lacy bra perfect for Paris and a price-reduced houndstooth throw. Nothing like squeezing in a quick Target run before you leave the country for a week.


Marcus and I are so incredibly excited to be hopping the pond together and can’t wait to stuff our faces with bread+cheese and drink it all down with lots of rose! I’m not sure how ‘social’ I’ll be overseas, but if I can, I will probably try to post to my Instagram account if you care to follow along!

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First Annual Fall Fest

You know me, ever the entertainer, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to put our log home (and it’s surrounding foliage) on full display for the most colorful season of the year. Enter our new annual Branstad Family Fall Festival.

Marcus served up his famous deer chili and friends and family provided plenty of side dishes for all to enjoy. Pumpkins were decorated by the little ones, apples were bobbed and hayrack rides were plentiful.

IMG_1318 IMG_1319 IMG_1320 IMG_1321[download fall scavenger hunt PDF]

IMG_1322 IMG_1324 IMG_1326 IMG_1328 IMG_1329[a little too much fun for Brookie]

IMG_1340 IMG_1342 IMG_1343

We finished out the night with a big bonfire and toasty s’mores. The stuff autumn dreams are made of!

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Conference cold

I swear it is the goal of every workplace or conference to freeze you out. Most days I’m wrapped up in a cardigan or scarf at my desk, and on occasion I’ve been known to use a plaid sherpa-lined fleece blanket when times get tough. Based on some recent research that has come out, there seems to be a method to the icy madness. Ugh, men!

This weekend I am off to Milwaukee to attend the HighEdWeb conference (Bill Nye the Science Guy is our keynote!) and I plan on packing a few layers to fend off the arctic blast A/C that I know will be turned up.

Cold in your cube? Here are a few perfect fall layering pieces that can be found in stores and online right now:

LayerItUp-Fall2015

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

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Mo’s fall faves 2015

Fall is officially here and my little sister is back with her annual round up of what all the cool kids are into.


I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I am fall’s #1 fan. Is there a magical faraway land where it’s fall year-round? SIGN ME UP. I’m the quintessential “basic girl” when it comes to fall: plaid shirt, puffer vest, TGL (toasted graham latte – the new PSL) and finding any opportunity to get the perfect fall insta shot.

I could talk about fall and how much I love it all day but…on to the good stuff! Changing it up this year to a gift-giving philosophy (because sometimes you need to #treatyoself): something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.

MoFallFaves2015

Something you want…
A new pair of glasses. Ever since I got prescription sunglasses this summer, I’ve been wearing my glasses almost exclusively during the week. While I own two pairs of well-loved Warby Parker frames, why not add a third?

Something you need…
According to my father, I never really need anything but for the sake of this blog post, I chose something that I think I “need”: a big ol’ pot (my sis loves this one) to make some delicious soup in.

Something to wear…
on your nails! I have an obsession with nail polishes and I think I’ve found my new favorite fall color.

Something to read…
I read multiple books at a time – usually something funny, something not so funny, short stories/poetry and a memoir. This month I’m reading:

Why Not Me? Mindy Kaling
Between the World and Me Ta-Nehisi Coates
Sick in the Head: Conversations About Life and Comedy Judd Apatow
Cherry Mary Karr

Now get out there and soak up every second of FALL! I’ll see you next year 🙂

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