I’ve wanted to visit New Orleans since I was a kid walking through Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, pretending I knew what beignets and jazz were all about. I used to dream of what the real French Quarter might be like. Somehow, it took me decades to get there—but, the Big Easy was worth the wait. […]
Spain Food Guide: Barcelona, Mallorca, Seville, Madrid
By Mercedes Santana on February 14, 2025A Taste of Spain: Tapas, Sangria, and Coastal Dreams When I think about our trip to Spain, the food lingers in my memory — rich, flavorful, and an experience all its own. From bustling tapas bars to seaside dinners, every meal felt like a celebration of the moment. We fell in love with the simplicity […]
Our Impromptu October Trip to Spain Well, I wasn’t expecting a trip to Spain, but my job not only sent me to France this year, it also sent me to Spain for a company offsite. I know — what a cool job. It’s the best, but I couldn’t go to Spain and not tack on […]
I can’t believe I am saying this, but I went on my fifth trip to Paris this summer! This time, it was to work on a project for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, what a whirlwind. I came to the realization that it was time for a true Paris roundup with all my favorite recommendations […]
Hola, food lovers! Ready to go on a tantalizing photo tour through Peru’s vibrant culinary landscape? From the bustling markets of Lima to the high-altitude kitchens of Cusco, Peru is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Each bite tells a story of ancient traditions and diverse influences, creating a unique fusion that’s bound to captivate your […]
From the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the bustling streets of Lima, here’s our nine day guide to Peru:
Passport to Paris | Food Edition
By Mercedes Santana on September 5, 2023Paris holds a special place in our hearts, and we’ve been fortunate enough to visit the City of Lights on multiple occasions. The reason behind our frequent trips is rooted in the fact that Henri’s grandparents live there, making it a magnet that pulls us back every few years. This particular visit held extra significance […]
Passport to San Francisco Food
By Mercedes Santana on August 13, 2023San Francisco is a city known for its diverse and eclectic food scene. From classic seafood dishes at Fisherman’s Wharf to the famous sourdough bread, there is no shortage of delicious and unique eats to indulge in while visiting this hilly city. Recently we where in SF to help my brother in law propose to […]
Maid of Honor Proposal
By Mercedes Santana on February 12, 2023Like many women, I knew who would be my maid of honor before I knew who would be my husband. My dear friend Abby and I have been friends since we were just 16-years-old. We met at a prime age and have been best friends ever since. We’re the best kind of best friends too. The kind […]
Moorea Food Guide (with photos!)
By Mercedes Santana on January 24, 2023We’re back with another food guide, this time on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia! I love sharing food recommendations with anyone willing to take them. And I consider cuisine a major part of my pre-vacation research! I knew this trip would be slightly different in the food department because our Costco package came […]