Good morning! Wednesday mornings are one of my favorites of the week because I don’t teach until 10:30 a.m. It’s so nice to sleep in a bit and then spend a few quiet hours working while I sip on my coffee…especially since Tuesdays tend to be a little jam-packed. Yesterday was no exception and I ended up teaching four classes instead of my usual three. Tanner got sick in the middle of teaching his morning class (luckily there was another teacher taking class that could jump in and finish) so I covered his evening class. Happy to report he is feeling better now…we have no idea what happened to make him sick so suddenly! I’m also feeling better. My cough is finally starting to break up and I feel a lot more energetic.
I wanted to catch you guys up on two things that I’m and just chat this morning.
I am so excited to share that I’m finally doing my prenatal yoga teacher training. It’s June 2-4 with Amani Murray at Enlighten Yoga.
How awesome is this course syllabus?
Studies will include exploration of the anatomy and physiology of each trimester and modifications to ensure an individualized and experience for each mama, including postnatal students.
- Appropriate yoga postures and modifications for each trimester
- Anatomy of pregnancy
- Study of the pelvis and pelvic floor structure
- Pranayama techniques
- Common complaints and discomforts of pregnancy
- Discussion of the medical model of prenatal care vs the midwife model
- Postpartum recovery
- Sequencing for Prenatal Yoga
- Ayurvedic theory and energetics regarding monthly cycles, infertility, and pregnancy
This has been on my bucket list for years and I can’t wait to spend a weekend learning. Amani is a mother of four and currently pregnant with her fifth. She is an absolute wealth of knowledge and I know I’ll take so much away from this to share with my clients, students and readers. If you want to join me…here are all the details! You can follow Amani on Facebook and Instagram.
We’re going to Europe! My dear friend Lina and her family moved to Brussels back in December for her husband’s job. She’s been asking me to visit (twist my arm) so one day I looked at flights and booked a trip for my birthday week. We are super excited but I would love your help!
- We’re thinking we’re going to day trip to Bruges, possible day trip to Paris and a possible overnight in Amsterdam. Any and all suggestions for one-day kind of trips are welcome as well as Amsterdam accommodations.
- The weather in Brussels is kind of all over the map and June is one of the rainiest times of the year. Lina said, “no shorts or sandals.” Any recommendations for your favorite travel layering pieces?
- Shoes…help me! Any favorite somewhat stylish/attractive flats that are comfortable for tons of walking that are not tennis shoes? Lina said, “tennis shoes only if you’re going for a run or to the gym.” Ha! 😉
That’s all for now! I’ll be back later with a Memorial Day recipe round up. Have a good day.
Tieks are amazingly comfortable but pricey-BUT SO WORTH IT! (In my opinion 🙂 )
And I am a Tom’s lover too. Company with a good heart, shoes are cute and comfy!
What a great trip!
Second the Tieks comment. I wore them all over Europe during a college semester abroad. Though especially in the summer you can get away with a more ‘fashion’ tennis shoe.
Thirding the tieks comment! They are incredibly comfortable and durable.
Thank you Sarah! 🙂
Thank you! I don’t have Tikes and might need to invest in my first pair!
My husband and I are regulars to Europe as he is British and his family still lives there. 2 years ago, we went to Amsterdam for 2 nights and stayed at Hotel Hermitage Amsterdam, and booked a large double room. Square footage is tight in Amsterdam so it seems small, but it was very nice and had a bathroom all to itself, which a lot of hotels and rooms there don’t (you’d use a common bathroom). I’d highly recommend this place as it’s walking distance to the train station and very close to everything you’d probably want to do.
I’d also recommend a day trip only to Paris, no overnight, but that’s just me. Neither me or my husband felt very safe there, it smelled REALLY bad as soon as we got off the platform at the train station, and the hasseling there is TERRIBLE. There are always people around you asking for money and your belongings. It was like there isn’t such a thing as “personal space” there, so it really made us uncomfortable. However, I do know of people who have visited and loved it, so maybe that was just our experience. Regardless, have a great trip wherever you decide to go!
Couldn’t disagree with this assessment of Paris more. To each their own I guess, but Paris is a magical, wonderful city where I have spent many months of my life. I have always found Parisians to be nothing but lovely if you are simply respectful of them the way you’d be respectful of anyone. Well worth more than a day.
I have to agree with Becky. Having lived in France for several months, the city of Paris holds a special place in my heart and I have visited many times. The people are wonderful and I have always felt safe (though no matter where you are you must use common sense). There are so many great things to see and do.
Thank you so much for sharing this Whitney. <3
Hey Becky, I really appreciate you sharing your personal experience. It is helpful and I’m glad to read that Paris holds a special place in your heart.
Hey Cindy – thank you for this insight. I think we might skip paris this go round because there seems to be so much other stuff to do and see but I’ll keep y’all posted!
Bruges is fantastic. I would suggest a two day trip (one crazy tourist/walking day) then rent a couple bikes and ride up to Netherlands from Belgium the next! they have an amazing shaded bike trail with cute little pitstops on the way, where you can have some beer. Get your fill of Kriek (their cherry beer) IT’s AMAZING….. The shopping is glorious in the market. Take a canal ride to see historical sights for break. Wear comfy sandals (I suggest mephistos) ….streets all cobblestone. You can wear “trainers”…..subtle ones like airs and such. No one cares. I was an expat and lived in UK for 3 years. Ack the memories! You’re gonna LOVE it! Oh. and lastly, Bring lots of “power food” ……their “snacks”/food as they put it. ugh. You’ll see. Kriek!! Drink ALL varieties!
I second two nights in Brugge! I also suggest setting the free Duolingo app and learn a bit of the language. It makes the trip so much more enjoyable when you know a little bit of the language and they really appreciate you trying. My advice is to skip Paris. It is a disappointment. But you may have major FOMO if you don’t go. I also suggest going to one or two places and immersing yourself in the city. You will enjoy your time so much more.
Oh and that Cherry beer is amazing!
Hey Mo – thanks for your input. It’s appreciated! 🙂 I think we’ll keep it simple and really focus on spending time with our friend and then one or two quality day trips…maybe one overnight. 🙂
Sue – this is such a FUN recommendation. THANK YOU!
We spent a 24 hour layover in both Paris and Amsterdam on our way to/from Sweden. It was October, so different weather, but still amazing. We loved Amsterdam because we had no expectations for it! Definitely get macaroons while in Paris and of course see the Eiffel Tower. And the architecture is amazing over there, my favorite was seeing Notre Dame. We enjoyed a canal cruise in Amsterdam. I’ve got albums up on FB if you want to check them out.
Thank you Susanne. I will go check them out! 🙂
So glad you are doing prenatal training! Haven’t been able to take your classes since I got pregnant! And y2 doesn’t really have that many options for prenatal currently and there is def a need!! ????????
Yay, let me know what you might want to know! 🙂
If you go to Brugge, I highly reccommend the restaurant Goffin. I went there over Christmas this year, and it was truly the best meal I’ve ever had. It’s charming, very small (maybe 10 tables) and feels like you are at someone’s house. Beyond that, the food was unreal. Not expensive, either!!!
Thank you for this recommendation Maria! 🙂
Prenatal certification is on my bucket list too! That will be an amazing weekend. I’m doing my yin certification that weekend, too. Will be an epic-ly zen time! Have fun in Europe!! Eat lots of chocolate and waffles would be my advice for Belgium 🙂
You HAVE to to Bruges- one of my favorite places I’ve been. I would recommend over Amsterdam if you are between the two. It is smaller so it is perfect for a day trip and so much cuter than Amsterdam and you still get the canals, etc.
(If you decide to stay overnight i have a great Airbnb rec)
I love Paris too but might be overwhelming if you are just looking for a day trip. Highly recommend if you have a few days though.
Hey Farrell – I am so happy to hear this feedback on Bruges. We can’t wait to see it. Yes PLEASE to the Amsterdam Airbnb! 🙂 I think we will skip Paris for a day trip.
Paris and Amsterdam are the best. We were just in London, Amsterdam and Ireland in October and flew between the cities. Amsterdam. Is awesome!!! We were in Paris, French wine country and the French Riveriera last May/June. We are leaving on this seasons travels in a week so I will dig up some of our favs and send them on to you. You are in for a rockin trip!!!!!
THANK YOU! We are so excited!
Highly recommend Paris, I loved it so much more than I thought I would that I went back a year later. Eat macarons, wander the streets and see the Eiffel Tower (especially at night if your timing allows). I felt very safe in Paris both times that I was there and I stayed in Saint Germain both times. I have not mastered the comfortable flats yet so I’m very curious to see what you come up with. I find the soles of Toms to be very slippery and not enough support for hours of walking.
Thank you Chelsea – your idea of a day in Paris sounds wonderful and just up my alley! 🙂
I was in Amsterdam a couple of years ago and we rented a houseboat through AirBnB. I’d definitely recommend it, the canals are such an integral part of Amsterdam.
Oh wow! That sounds amazing! A good friend of mine has recommended a bike tour that sounds amazing!
Cannot wait to read your recap of prenatal yoga training. I am 15.5 weeks pregnant after trying for years and just started prenatal yoga last night. I’m still quite early in my pregnancy so it felt a bit “easy” to me but some of the ladies who were in the class were full term and about to pop – so I’m sure it will be perfect as I move further along!
My brother just went to Bruges and LOVED it! Apparently it’s like a fairytale. I just got back from a trip to London and mostly wore my white lace TOMS because they are comfy for walking long distances in but also cute (I think).
Hey Amber! I am just so, so excited for you right now. I will definitely share some of what I learn.
You can never go wrong with toms!
So excited for you! You will have an amazing time. Here are my two cents:
1. Clothing: Stan Smiths or Superstars from Adidas (the MOST comfortable); jeans with some stretch (black is never a bad idea–hides the grime!); and lots of layers. I also LOVE to pack sundressess with a utility/military-style jacket or anorak while traveling (think olive green, lightweight but also cuts the wind–Gap always has one in stock). The sundresses are easy to pack and you’ll live in the utility jacket (from day to night, and while flying)…plus you can never tell if it’s dirty 🙂 Also– a black leather jacket at nighttime is never a bad idea (so chic, and literally goes with anything–dresses, jeans etc.). If you don’t have one, borrow from a friend. I bet you’ll end up loving it so much that you’ll find yourself your own special one in Europe!
2. I strongly recommend AGAINST going to Paris for a day trip. There is SO much to see in the city, and it will probably stress you out if you try to do it in less than two days (three would be best). Europe can get exhausting/overwhelming very, very fast if you try to cram too much in. I’d vote for sticking to Brussels/Bruges/Amsterdam. Amsterdam is definitely doable in two days and one night. Check out Paris when you have the time/energy to devote several days to it (blocking off several hours for lounging in cafes/wine bars!).
3. My number one tip–don’t overplan on the “sightseeing” front. Walking around museums/historical buildings all day is a great way to get burnt out. Plan for LONG, lazy, indulgent meals; stopping for coffee/wine whenever your heat desires; long walks through the city (don’t be afriad to get lost) and parks; and just a lot of time to explore whatever you feel like–without an agenda.
Lonely Planet books are a great resource, too (but don’t plan too much ahead of time!).
I truly hope you have the best time ever!
Hey Stephanie – THANK YOU for your incredibly helpful comment. So funny my friend says the Adidas shoes are quite on trend over there right now! I don’t have a utility jacket so I’ll get on that right now! 🙂 Gosh, black leather jacket takes me back to high school. Loved those days! 🙂
I think we probably will pass on Paris for a day trip unless our hostess wants to take us.
And I’m definitely more of a “loose plans but let’s be flexible” kind of girl when it comes to travel! 🙂
Jen,
My brother in law lives in a great neighborhood in Amsterdam. He rents his place out when he’s out of town. When are you going and I’ll check on it? He can also be a great voice for places to check out.
Emailing you now!
I have done a lot of international travel over the years (with a lot of walking!), and have never work tennis shoes in Europe.
Suprisingly Sperry has some cute and comfortable flats (that are not their boat shoes), as does Naturalizer. I also have worn more of a loafer flat by Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors that are always easy to walk in. All were bought at either Nordstrom or DSW throughout the years.
One tip that I have regarding packing is definitely keep your bag carry-on size, pack layers, and take a crossbody purse with a zipper or foldover latch for security purposes. I also always pack blister band-aids just in case so if I feel a slight rub in my shoes, I can catch it before a blister can pop up.
Have an amazing time!
Hey Emily! Thanks for this insight. It’s so helpful and I was glad to hear that my bag will be perfect for this trip and that I don’t need to invest in a new one!
Your trip sounds amazing!! You definitely should stop by Amsterdam- it’s so wonderful!
My fave healthy spot in Brussels is Moon Food – great for grab and go salads and raw entrees.
In Amsterdam you should stay in the Jordaan or De Pijp neighborhoods. Brunch at Coffee + Coconuts and eat dinner at De Bolhoed. And be sure to visit the Van Gogh Museum!
Hey Annie! Thanks for the input and recommendations! 🙂 Especially the brunch and dinner! 🙂
Bruges or Ghent -easy and fun!
Paris is super close. Go for it.
I suggest Superga shoes. Europeans wear them, they’re Italian made and they’re stylish/comfortable.
Thank you Alicia! 🙂
I have no travel recs but shoes…I know about some shoes. 🙂 Sounds like you need a trip to Asheville first to visit the Discount Shoes out Brevard Rd! Literally a warehouse of comfort shoes, CUTE comfort shoes. From Keen, Merrell, Dansko, Clarks, Jambu, Fly London, etc etc etc. All discounted around 25%. They aren’t cheap to start with so every little bit helps. Sounds like a great European vacation!
HEY! I wish I had time before the trip but I’d love to make it to Asheville soon. Hopefully we can grab a drink if I do! 🙂
Awh, wow! That’s so awesome you’re getting that certification! That is so cool. Also i can’t wait to live through your trip recap because I’ve never been! Wish I was more help! haha.
I think I’m equally excited about prenatal teacher training as I am the trip but in different ways! Can’t wait to share! 🙂
I would highly recommend Bruges for 2 nights if you can fit it in. It is such a charming medieval city with all the canals. I like it better than Amsterdam, but that is worth it as well. Everywhere is easy to get to by foot, though I enjoyed biking everywhere like the locals–very reasonable rates. You can bike around the moats that loop around the city, go to Damme, and even the Netherlands is a doable biking trip. The Olive Tree is an excellent restaurant if you like Greek food and need a break from all the heavy food. Chez Albert is touristy, but has the best waffles.
Paris is a city very dear to my heart. While it is a doable day trip, I think that is a best city to soak in over a longer trip. I never had a problem with the people or felt unsafe. Antwerp or Ghent are also good day trips from Burssels.
Tieks or Tom’s make comforable day time walking shoes. The cobblestones can be brutal, so at least one pair of comfortable shoes. For night, a cute stylish pair would be ok.
Layers is key. I bring at least one jacket, a stretchy pair of jeans, a skirt or two, and some interchangable short sleeve shirts for June. Maybe a dress if you are going out. It is definitely to your advantage to pack light. In my younger days, I spent way too much time struggling with heavy baggage. It is more freedom to pack light.
Hey Kimberly – thank you so so much for this comment. It is so very helpful. <3 We are excited! 🙂
The ice-cream at Berthillon, Ile de la Cite or Amorino is to die for! Eric Kayser (outlets everywhere) for the cheesy bread. Sadaharu Aoki at Galeries Lafayette for the amazing Japanese-French fusion desserts. Pierre Herme (outlets everywhere) for the macarons (trumps La Duree in my opinion any day). Mussels at Leon de Bruxelles (outlets everywhere). L’As du Falafel in the jewish quartier for obviously the falafels yummm!!! If you come across any boulangerie with the logo “Meilleur ouvrier de France” (best artisan in France), just buy something simple like a croissant or pain au chocolat, I can guarantee it is AMAZINNNNG. Take the ligne 6 of the metro, it is one of the rare lignes metro that goes overground, over the Seine and you have a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower from La Motte Piquet/Dupleix/Bir Hakeim
This is so helpful. THANK YOU! 🙂
I love that you are doing the prenatal yoga training. I practiced regular vinyasa flow until 28 weeks and during that time there were teachers that were super cool and comfortable with me being in class and some that were not – which was soooooo unfortunate because there are safe ways to practice yoga while pregnant! I switched to prenatal classes / relaxation classes for the last trimester. I wish some of those teachers had been more educated and less freaked out though, when I was in the ‘regular’ classes.