Happy Thursday, friends!
Today’s post has been a long time coming. I’ve had this on “my list” for about two years and then after…
…our trip last month to Europe, I decided it was TIME!
Here’s the deal, I don’t know about some of you who’ve traveled to Europe before, but it’s a running joke between Andrew and me that ANYTIME we go and no matter which country we visit, we get there and immediately start talking about “oh when we get home, we’re going to do {fill in the blank} all the time”. Like seriously, we feel in our soul at that very moment “these things” that we love that we find many Europeans do and convince ourselves that we will return home and incorporate them into our daily lives…and yet, we never do.
Today though, I’m writing them down and sharing them here (they’re all silly and would totally be easy to incorporate into my American life) and maybe that will encourage me to actually do some of them. Or not. Or maybe you’ll have your travel “oh I’m going to go home and do that” things too and we can all laugh.
Sound like a deal?
Here we go, these are often the 17 Ways I convince myself that I will be more “European” at home:
#1: CUPS & SAUCERS
When I go to Europe, I always receive my coffee in a cup on a saucer. It’s such a lovely little touch, and I always tell myself that when I get home I will buy myself a cup and saucer (because let’s be real, I do not own a set) and enjoy my beverage the same way. It’s just such a nice detail.
#2: WATCH BBC
Andrew and I LOVE watching BBC news while on vacation. For people that don’t turn the news on at home, we get so excited in the morning to turn it on while we’re getting ready for the day in Europe. I don’t know whether it’s the charming accents or the way they share the news (they’re very cheeky) or the fact that it’s mostly non-US related content (refreshing), we enjoy it every time…and we ALWAYS say “When we get home, we should just watch BBC news every morning” and yet, we never do.
#3: WATCH FOOTBALL
Andrew and I say to date, the most fun we’ve had at a sporting event was when we went to an Arsenal game in London. We didn’t just have fun at the game, but we learned to really love and appreciate the sport. Fast forward a few years and now, every time we visit (including last month), we love to watch it on TV. Every single time, we tell ourselves that we’ll come home and continue watching and cheering…and yet…
#4: BISCUITS EVERY DAY
When you order coffee in the United Kingdom it often arrives with a little biscuit (ie: shortbread cookie) on the side. I tell myself EVERY SINGLE TIME that I will start enjoying a little cookie with my afternoon coffee. I did buy a box of Walkers shortbread cookies one time and did enjoy one each afternoon, but as soon as the box ran out, I never bought another one. It’s such a simple little mid-day treat that I should enjoy.
#5: DRINK TEA
I have tried to make myself a tea drinker FOR YEARS, and nothing motivates me more than going to Europe but for the life of me, I cannot make it stick once I’m actually home.
#6: WEAR MY TRENCH
I own a lovely trench but often forget to wear it. I go to Europe and promise myself to head home and wear it often…but…
#7: BUY A BOLSTER
This is a pretty simple one, but I always tell myself I’m going to buy a bolster pillow for my bed after visiting Europe because I feel like they’re pretty standard on every bed there. I do not own a bolster.
#8: LAVENDER SOAP
I’m not a big “lavender” scented person unless I’m in Europe (where it’s in just about every bath care product), and then all of a sudden, I want more of it all the time.
#9: WALK EVERYWHERE
Me in Europe: “I will get home and walk everywhere instead of using my car”.
Me at home: “Where are my car keys?”
#10: EAT FRESH FOOD
This happens every time too, but it happened THE MOST when we were in Greece with the Slaughters…I eat the amazing, seasonal, fresh food and there is nary a boxed product in sight (save a biscuit!), and I tell myself we will go home and be a family that eats that way all the time. Period. End of story. And then, I buy a box of cereal.
#11: DRINK WINE
I don’t dislike wine, I am just not wine savvy, so it’s not my drink of choice…but take me to Italy or France and then all of a sudden I’m telling myself I will learn the nuances of different types/brands/vineyards and become a connoisseur. Meanwhile, I will certainly have a glass of your house white.
#12: WEAR TWEED
Tweed, browns, layers, corduroy…all the luxurious layers that give an outfit amazing texture. I tell myself I will incorporate that more in my wardrobe…and then, I grab my black tank and get ready for the day.
#13: BUY A FRESH BAGUETTE EVERY DAY
Yup. I tell myself this lie too. My local bakery makes fresh baguettes every morning, and I convince myself that when I’m stopping for my coffee, I will buy a loaf to bring home and toast up for my kids’ breakfast. Um, yeah, but baguettes have gluten and my kids don’t want toasted bread for breakfast and well, that dream always dies.
#14: DRINK ESPRESSO OR CAPPUCCINOS
I always get boring black coffee at home, but if I’m in Europe, I love an espresso or cappuccino. Why don’t I make them/order them at home? I never do!
#15: LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE
Spanish, German, French, Greek…after a week in your country, I’m promising myself to buy Rosetta Stone and learn as soon as I get home.
#16: LONG LUNCHES
I can make and eat my lunch in less than 20 minutes at home on an average workday…but I tell myself that “when I get home”, I will partake in one of their leisurely lunches outside with my book, a glass of wine, and my picnic basket. I mean, yeah right.
And finally, the topic we have been discussing for TWENTY YEARS in our marriage with every trip over the pond…
#17: BUY A JUICER
“When we get home, we are going to buy a juicer and make fresh orange juice.” Hahahaha! Y’all, I bet we’ve had this item in our “cart” at least 15 times over the years. We NEVER drink OJ at home, but when we travel, fresh squeezed juice almost always comes on the side of every breakfast, and Andrew Shull and I convince ourselves this is the missing link in our lives. How absolutely ridiculous are we?! Hahahaha!
So, those are 17 things we tell ourselves we’ll do differently when we’re traveling. Do you do this too? Are we the only weird ones???? Have you actually incorporated anything into your daily routine from a trip? I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW!! These are all mostly crazy simple and pretty easy, and yet, when “real life” hits, it never happens.
I would love your feedback! Happy commenting! xx
Jennibell says
Ha! What a great post! The thing we like so incredibly much about Europe is all the fresh food and small portion sizes. Yes, we could incorporate this at home, but it’s extremely hard to keep up with when there is not a corner market down the street 🙂
The wine habit usually does stick with us… we just wish we had a small café to enjoy it at after dinner each night sitting on the street people watching 🙂
I would think fresh fruit would be abundant on Nantucket? But you aren’t much of a “fruit” person, right?
Kristen Thompson says
Our goal is to get to Europe soon so we can learn to want to add things like this to our lives too lol! Don’t buy the juicer- they are a major PAIN to clean and especially since you don’t love to wash dishes haha!
Heather says
This post was super interesting to me because I actually have been living in Europe for 8 years now. I have changed my lifestyle a lot…I have not driven a car since living in the US because we either walk or use public transport and it just is not necessary. I can not drink filter coffee from the US anymore, it tastes weird and I am now used to having coffee on a little silver tray with a biscuit and little shot of water with it. I don’t own any packaged snacks because they just don’t exist here. Kitchens don’t have a pantry and when I first moved here I asked the realtor where do people keep their snacks and cereal and she looked at me like I was a crazy person. I walk by people every morning and see folks in their 80’s enjoying a glass of wine at 9 am and I think…man, they are just doing life right. So…have you guys ever considered actually living in Europe, if even just for a summer? Seems like you would really enjoy having a European base to explore from for a few months. Then you can really live like a local!
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE that you’re living in Europe!! Thank YOU for sharing all of these details!
Caitlin Davies says
So neat to hear- which country is your family in? The no pantry really hits home it’s encouraging to scale back and eat fresher.
Heather says
We are currently in Hungary the last 3 years but Spain 5 years before that. It has been an adventure!
Kelli says
Ooooo, this is fascinating!
Paula R. says
Heather-I loved your insightful comment! So fun to hear it from someone living in Europe. Especially about the pantry and food storage situation. Cereal boxes??? Gasp! Haha! Word!
Yolanda McLean says
Such a fun reply! Sounds wonderful.
Stacey says
Love this, Shay! So fun to read!
My hubby and I do the same thing when we get home from a trip to Europe.
My list is similar to yours! I’m sure there are more but these come to mind: Why don’t I walk more instead of drive, learn to converse in another language, have more flowers outside my house?!
Mathilde says
Haha, the coffee-saucer topic made me smile.
As a French woman, I can tell you that we never serve coffee on a saucer at home, even when we have guests, it’s only in restaurants, cafés or bars.
We do have pretty little cups but we don’t have saucers – unless you may belong to the Bourgeoisie.
14 years ago, I was a foreign exchange student in California, and after eating, bacon, eggs and potatoes for breakfast for the whole year I decided that I would keep eating that way back home. Guess what? It never happened.
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE this perspective! It warms my heart to know the reverse can happen too 😉 .
Kristin Baetz says
I can totally relate to this post! So far this year we have been to England, Ireland, Italy, and Greece and I have also decided I was meant to be ”European”. I have always loved the UK and the ease of being able to move so easily between countries in Europe and the list goes on.
Katrina Goodman says
I love the list. I hope one day to spend an extended time in Europe! I would love to walk everywhere! The one thing that I did pickup is English breakfast tea. I will have that as an afternoon pick me up instead of coffee. I even get it at Starbucks sometimes. After going to Scotland, I came home and made homemade scones & clotted cream. It was so good! I need to do that again.
Laura says
Yes to all of these! I haven’t traveled to Europe nearly as many times as you have, but I remember being struck as to how small kitchens/fridges/pantries are there. I know that in general most things are smaller, but my German friend remarked that it’s because they swing by a market, cafe, or butcher daily. I think that’s so quaint and lovely. I am a once a week grocery buyer (unless we run out of a necessity), so I don’t ever see myself
doing this but I love the idea. The thought of a baguette in the basket of a bicycle kind of thing. 🙂
Kate Dunham says
This made me laugh so hard! I’ve never been to Europe but whenever I go to Chicago and walk everyone and swim in the lake I come home and tell my husband we are moving to Lake Texamo and I am going to swim every day. I have never once used swimming as an exercise in Dallas, never once
Mix and Match Mama says
It feels so good not to be alone here. 😉
Dana P says
I LOVE this one! Although, ironically, I’ve lived in Europe for a very long time now and don’t do half of them! (What the heck is a bolster pillow?! 🙂 Have you ever been to the British Emporium in Grapevine? If not, I think you would enjoy it! She has an amazing selection of teas among other things. The best are the Republic of Tea’s decaf ginger peach for nighttime or Earl Greyer Vanilla or Mrs. Patmore’s Pudding Tea. She has all kinds of other fun things, too!
The funniest thing to me is people always leave here determined to go home and walk everywhere. Then they get home, do it once, are exhausted and nearly hit by a car. Ha! So many American cities just aren’t made for walking everywhere. I still think if I could invest in anything, I would invest in a development with a walkable community. We’ve lived in our little village outside of Paris for 13 years now and I still absolutely love it.
Mix and Match Mama says
I KNEW you would have something wonderful to say, friend!! I am going to look up the British Emporium in Grapevine now! Thank YOU!
Kelli says
This! Walking everywhere is my favorite part of European life, but our city in the US is soooo not conducive to that :/ I also love the pace of life in the smaller European towns/villages. I muster everything in me to make some changes when we get home. As soon as I get back to the states though, we get sucked right back into the rat race!
Kathy Cather says
Love British Emporium in Grapevine. Biscuits and teas! Going to look up the Peach Ginger one. Tea tastes better out of a China cup. During Covid I ordered several teas:Scottish Morning, Paris, London Fog. Remembering my travels as I sipped in my tea!
Dana P says
I LOVE tea and Paris tea, too! Some other great places in the US to find good tea are World Market or you can even order directly from some French tea brands. I love Betjemon et Barton or also Palais des Thés. PDT actually ships from the US, too! Another fun tea is by Harney and Sons. It’s blue and if you squeeze lemon into it, it turns purple! It makes a fun iced tea. I think it’s called butterfly pea flower. I could talks about tea for daaaays. 😆
Jeanie says
I feel as if each time we travel we incorporate some little tweak into our lives. The cup and saucer cracked me up because I grew up in a house without mugs and so have always used a cup and saucer my whole life. The saucer catches any drips. Plus if you get distracted you can use the saucer to cover the cup and keep your coffee hot. 😀 Plus the saucer holds your cookie (biscuit).
Mix and Match Mama says
Why do I not have one?!
Jess says
I never thought about using a saucer to keep my tea hot. I guess I need one now, too! 😅
Elspeth says
I feel this way whenever i travel and tell myself I want to lead a slower paced life, but alas it never happens. I hope you can incorporate some of these things in your daily life!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jess says
I love this post! So many times, wandering cities and villages, I will turn to my mom (travel partner), commenting in wonder “People really LIVE here?!”
One thing I have the best intentions of using at home is the rolling shopping carts being pulled along at the markets…perfect for city grocery trips!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!
Kristin says
We just got back from Europe on Monday. I drink tea at home, but I always come home wanting to buy an espresso machine so I can make myself good lattes and serve them on a saucer with a little spoon and a chocolate or a biscuit. Not gonna happen. I also want to walk everywhere…where’d my 20K/day steps go??…but that would mean I would need to live in the city, and I am not giving up my beautiful suburban garden and my trees. I really do wish we had more patisseries and good bakeries within walking distance of my house though. My favorite is a 20 minutes drive. That’s not far, but when you combine the driving and the eating, it’s not as easy to get away with as it is in Europe.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
What a fun list! I’ve started drinking hot tea at night as part of my bedtime ritual and it has been so nice. I’ve listened to Sally Clarkson talk so much about her tea drinking that I decided to start drinking a non-caffeinated sweet orange tea at night.
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Angela Banae says
Not a Europe connection, but…. When we traveled down South (I’m referring to Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, etc….) when I was a kid, I would come back to Iowa from our vacation wanting to talk with a Southern accent. My friends were always confused why I was saying “Hey y’all” and talked like a Southerner. Ohhhh, I dreamed of having a southern accent! Yah, travel does influence a person. 😂
Mix and Match Mama says
This. I LOVE this!
Alysa Bodolus says
We go to Ireland quite a bit to visit family and within days of being there I’m always using their phrases and lingo!! It immediately goes away when I return home but I catch myself talking their talk so often while there.
Angie says
I feel like you and your family should live abroad for some time. I bet you’d love it. Have you ever considered it? Or better yet, why not host an exchange student from a country of your choice? It’s like having a piece of Europe with you at all times but you don’t have to move. That’s what we do and my kids love it! We have hosted 5 exchange students from Europe throughout the years and now have friends all over Europe we can visit. We’re off to Germany in August to visit our former exchange student and are so excited.
Mix and Match Mama says
I would LOVE to live abroad, but unfortunately, that doesn’t fit in the cards with Andrew’s work and our kids’ lives…but I am VERY much hoping all of my kids study abroad later in life.
Melissa says
I never drank hot tea until I went to Europe. They served it with milk at a B&B I stayed at and I have been drinking it ever since. Mostly in the winter because I live in the south and I just can’t think of drinking it when it’s 8,000 degrees outside.
Paula says
My favorite thing about living in Europe is living in a small town and being able to walk to so many places. I dread having to drive everywhere when I get back to the States. And the butter! Why does it taste SO much better here??
Dana P says
I didn’t know this until recently, but Central Market in DFW is one of the only places in the country that sells authentic French butter with salt crystals! It’s next to the wall of cheeses. I agree-the butter in Europe is SO GOOD!
Paula R. says
Shay, I adore this post! I love all things England, France and Italy in particular!
I love that you turned us on to Shannon Ables! I love receiving her posts with favorite European finds, books and movies.
I love taking the “best” of traveling and incorporating it in our daily lives. You introduced me to “Madame Chic” and her French lifestyle books have been so inspiring to me to “elevate the everyday.”
Sally Clarkson has the most gorgeous book “Teatime Discipleship” that illustrates creating a little respite in your day to have tea and a treat for connecting with the ones you love… or to take a break yourself. Sally also has a lovely mother-daughter companion “Teatime” book to work through with your daughter as well.
In Italy, I love the fact that you can eat gelato multiple times a day and eat all the food with fresh ingredients while walking thousands of steps a day and somehow manage to even lose a pound or two. Amazing.
I did volunteer work in Jerusalem years ago and I loved walking everywhere and shopping at the local corner market on a daily basis.
Do you ever get to use that fabulous, custom umbrella you bought in England?
You should wear your stylish trench coat and carry that umbrella on your arm this fall or the next time it rains.
For all of us anglophiles… we totally get Taylor Swift’s adoration for London.
Did you see the video clip of the Royal Army band playing the instrumental version of “Shake it Off” in front of Buckingham Palace during the TS London visit? Delightful!
Also, I just watched the sweetest Hallmark moving set in Cornwall. Swoon. I believe it’s called “The Presence of Love.”
Have a great day, Shay
Mix and Match Mama says
This comment gives me such JOY!! Thank you, thank you for taking the time to share!! I’ve used my amazing umbrella a few times, but I don’t keep it in my car as my children would just use it and abuse it not understanding the value. I get so excited every single time I use it…I just have to remember to bring it with me.
Yolanda McLean says
This is such a great comment! I have a new blog to follow and a couple of books to check out just from this comment. Thank you, it’s all so delightful.
Jessica Belanger says
We bought a Nespresso machine because we fell in love with the one in our hotel room in Marrakesh! Haha does that count?
Allison Diano says
The juicer! We actually bought one years ago after a trip to Spain. We used it every day, washed it, put it away…then it just sat there lonely in the pantry until I got rid of it. Nothing like fresh juice, but it seemed like a lot of work at the time with my little kids around. Now that they are out of the house, maybe I will get another one. LOL
MIRANDA BODENHAMER says
Maybe everyone does it??!! Spend a week in Cabo, oooh when we get home I’m making all the guacamole. We will have fresh guac and chips out on the counter at all times….except when I get home I go back to work and laundry and all the things and there’s no fresh guac in sight! LOL
Libby says
We lived in Switzerland for 2 yr right after we got married. We still look at each other in the eye when we “Cheers.” We did say “en gueta” (?spelling) before eating, but now we pray. I do miss not having to drive everywhere & their leisurely paced life.
Lisa D says
I love a shortbread cookie and tea break in the afternoon!
Maddie Giamello says
I love love this post! So many of them I agree with and think the same thing every time we’re In Europe!! The BBC one had me cracking up!! When I studied abroad in college, I was super homesick and for some reason watching the BBC really calmed me 😂 it makes zero sense but it was my comfort show while I was gone!! And still love to watch it in hotels!
Kay says
This is such a great post! I studied abroad in Paris when I was in college (years! ago), and I certainly wished I could have incorporated more of their ways in to my American life. I think the truth is that our cultures are very different. Europeans (in my opinion) have a little better view on life. They seem to truly value family, down time, and “the little things” more than getting ahead and “having it all!” So, I think it’s not you…it’s VERY hard to come home and enjoy European ways when American culture and everyone around you is so “GET UP AND GO!” I try to buy a souvenir if I’m in Europe and put it in my home. Then, whenever I pass by it, I think of my time in Europe and feel peaceful and happy and that’s how I incorporate a little Europe into my life!
Kat says
This is not something FUN to look forward to doing…but we’re in Europe right now and when we left our hotel this morning after one night there were about 25 tissues in the waste can! I always say I’ll be more careful with paper products and conserving when I get home…but no.
Andrea says
Yes to all of this! Although the biscuits I don’t incorporate out of necessity after being thrilled to find Fortnum and Mason lemon curd biscuits at William Sonoma, taking them home and then basically eating the whole tin in one afternoon!😬😂
Beth Valenta says
This is such a fun post! No matter where we travel, it is always the food and fashion that I come back thinking I can rock that. I begin wearing tennis shoes with all dresses, which fades quickly cause my feet are HOT. Food is always something I need to recreate that we had…I cannot massage kale any further. LOL
Kristen says
My cousin has lived in France for years and it amazes me that they don’t go food shopping. Every couple of days she stops by the bakery, the butcher, the cheese shops and outdoor markets for fresh food for their dinners.
Kacey says
We’re all weirdos in this together! Learning a new language is always at the top of my list and guess who’s not bilingual, me LOL. Also, I always tell myself I should make croissants at home, but in reality I don’t have 8 hrs. to dedicate to that.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!
Rachel says
We lived in Europe for a number of years due to my husband’s work and have traveled back to visit several times since. With 3 of us in our family having celiac, we find it much easier (and tastier) to eat gluten free there at restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and with grocery shopping (thank you European labeling laws). We just returned from Europe a few days ago and are missing our delicious gluten free pain au chocolat each morning.
Laura says
What a fun list!!! I know you don’t do these things *yet* but I love all the Shay’s Ways style posts.
I was just thinking the other day that I would love to be more European by taking afternoon tea/coffee breaks. Why don’t we PAUSE in the afternoon for a moment to drink and enjoy a book or just let our minds rest? I know a Belgian man from work who stops by the local coffee shop and just sits to enjoy a coffee daily, and chat with anyone he knows who is there that day. It seems so quaint and peaceful and almost indulgent, too!
PS you don’t have to buy a whole china set! I have one cup & saucer from my MIL’s original wedding china set that (I don’t use much but) is sitting in my mug cabinet on mornings I feel like having some English breakfast tea! I used it when I watched Charles’ coronation 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Why don’t we stop and do these things? I really need to start taking 10 or 15 minutes a day just to sit, sip and read.
Stephanie Harris says
I have always wanted to know why yogurt tastes so much better in any European country. I used to look but gave up. I need to go get a ‘cups’ and search some more….
Mix and Match Mama says
It does!!!! This is one thing I think about too!
Sue Ling says
Just like bagels and cheesecake are better in New York and sour dough bread is better in California.
Stephanie ann Harris says
*Cuppa*
Lisa Elliott says
We do watch BBC – the news is better and it doesn’t seem biased like so many of our news stations in the U.S. I always say I wish we could walk everywhere! I definitely come home saying, “why don’t we learn another language?” Mark and I are not wine drinkers, but when in Rome . . . it is delicious. Cute post!!
kelli says
When my kids were young, they loved playing at my mom’s house where she had cool, different toys. I’d see how happy they were playing with them, and say, “Oh, I should get one of those for them at our house!” And she’d respond, “Oh, no, don’t get it for them – let there be special toys at my house so they like coming over to visit.”
I totally thought of this when reading this! Maybe it’s better that other countries be like Grandma’s house so you can enjoy the specialness of your trips! ha! *wink* (This also “excuses” you to not have to carry through on any of them!) 🙂
Laura Holmes says
We do the same thing! Especially the European luxury of a long midday break. It absolutely never happens once we are back home. Also, if I can give you advice… do NOT buy the juicer. We’ve made that mistake. It takes something like an entire orange tree to make one tiny glass of juice. And, when you have kids, you’d need an orchard to supply juice for breakfast. 😂 They are bulky and take up a ton of cabinet room. One of our worst purchases ever.
Lauren Palmer says
There’s just so much to say here!!!! Love this post, first of all, bc obvs I totally believe I am somehow European even though I’m like an 8th generation Texan.
A few thoughts:
1.) When I’m abroad, I move slower. Especially in Italy. Like I walk slower, I think slower…in general I just slow down. I always say I’m going to be “slower” when I get home, and then…well…
2.) You can always come to my house and drink wine and listen to BP talk about all the nuances. Then, when you’re bored we can switch to Vesper Martinis.
3.) Andrew’s shoes in the pic under #6 are so cute. Need to get a pair for BP. Link?
4.) Cups and saucers: If you registered for “wedding china” I bet you got some cups and saucers. Try out a cappuccino or espresso in one of those before you buy something new–also I bet your coffee machine will make a cappuccino or espresso so take advantage!
5.) Texas is too hot for tweed, so I think you’re good, but def pull out your Trench!!
6.) You can buy Fresh Squeezed Juice from Local Yocal. The brand is Natalie’s. It’s sooooo good. Skip the juicer. They take up a lot of space.
Again. Love this post!!!
Melanie says
What a great post!
The cup/saucer ….I experienced for years! Do you know what I finally did? Purchased a nice set in Europe and brought it home! Have used daily for years!
Laura says
I love Europe, France and England the most. But I found Croatia does a lot of the same things. Every day while there I would have a cappuccino or espresso. You can buy one at just about every corner shop there. Even the trains in France have an espresso machine. My husband and I now make ourselves one all the time. I have a little moka pot that I use to whip up a quick espresso.
One of the gifts I come home with after visiting France is an assortment of their teas. I have found some delicious varieties and in the summer I make iced tea with them. Unfortunately I’m out so I guess another trip is in order.
Deborah Leland says
This was a fun post and I can relate to many of the items on your list. I always tell myself I am only going to make fresh pasta. Ha, that never happens!
MelanieL says
Love this!! I bought a baguette at the first 3 shopping trips after returning from Paris in 2019 and have never bought another one lol! Thank you for writing this down for us though…may we all incorporate at least one European way this year! 🙂
Beth Knecht says
I’m loving and laughing at #17! My 3-year old loves making homemade lemonade with a lemon press at my in-laws, so we just bought our own this week! Homemade lemonade is the best!
Lynn says
Shay, have you and Andrew watched “Welcome to Wrexham”? I had no idea the English Football League was so complex! My husband and I have both enjoyed watching it and learning about their system.
Mix and Match Mama says
We have not! I need to look that up right now!
Elizabeth says
Two things! 1) We bought the juicer after one particular trip and we still use it. It’s become a whole family thing to get the oranges and make the juice on occasional lazy weekend mornings. We actually took it with us to use in our airbnb on a family hiking trip! 2) Our nest will be empty in less than a month and one of the things my husband and I want to do together is start learning Spanish. We will see if it happens amid (hopefully) visits and football games with our college kids.
Rachel Kazmier says
Agree on these things! But for me it’s their take on transportation. They just have it figured out! And when you do drive it is not a huge suburban or jacked up pick up truck in site. Sport wagons galore. It amazes me how Europe survives just fine without suburbans or huge pick up trucks and we can’t. So I have had and will continue to drive my German wagon. It actually can hold more than most suvs! Biking! I bike whenever I can in the summer! Meeting a friend for lunch, leave a little earlier and bike there! Cross walks. Here they are a suggestion. In Europe…dead stop at 40 mph because someone is approaching a cross walk, yes man! And finally…I work hard as a teacher but I feel it’s my right and duty to make sure everyone has healthcare. I would gladly pay more taxes so everyone can take care of their health. That shouldn’t be something only for those who can afford it.
Maureen Werner says
In 2004 I visited Paris with my Mom and my son. Each evening after a day spent roaming the city and walking all over, we would sit down to a huge platter of fresh fruit, baguettes and lots of various cheese, which we would pick up at the local store on the way home! We would nibble on all the food, drink peach sparkling wine and talk about all we saw!
Even all these years later I Love thinking about those evenings! So every couple of months I recreate that for my children (who weren’t even born yet!) I add a soup or salad, play French cafe music and we call it Night In Paris Dinner! It is the most requested dinner for special occasions in our house! And the best part is that all of my younger children are looking forward to visiting Paris someday!! ❤️
Ellen says
We do this, too! We call it “French dinner,” and it’s the best!
I would say my resolutions are to travel by train more and to strengthen my skills in other languages. Can’t say I’m great on either count. I do try!
Sue Ling says
Pepperidge Farms make a good shortbread cookie (Dublins). You should also try their butter cookies (Chessman) – hard to eat just one but I do! But the best shortbread I’ve ever bought (if you can find them) is the Shortbread Shoppe’s Lavender shortbread! Now, those are wonderful.
Kristen says
I always tell myself I’m going to buy fresh food and bread every day! Just buy what I need for the day so it’s always fresh and seasonal… then I remember I don’t want to grocery shop every day hahahaha.
jamie says
i feel #5 DEEP IN MY SOUL.
Cyndi W. says
Huge #SAME vibes headed your way!!! The Europeans are just so elevated. My son says, “Mom, the French are just better than us! LOL” The kiddos experienced more of Europe before my husband and me! When my husband and I visited France, they loooooved when I told them his words! LOL.
Jennifer says
If you really want to learn another language, try the Duolingo app. My teenager is doing German (my husband and I both learned German in school and have lived/traveled there) and Italian right now (we visited Italy last summer). I sometimes do lessons with her and I really like how it teaches you in terms of the content, how it’s laid out, lesson plans, different exercises, etc. and the gamification of it. Plus the app itself really motivates you to do your daily lesson 😀
Erika Slaughter says
I definitely remember coming home from Greece and splurging on olive oil here thinking it would make my tomatoes, cheese, and bread taste just like it did there. Spoiler alert-it didn’t! But I don’t think it even has to be a trip overseas to feel this way. After our one night stop in New Orleans, I came back this week looking for ALL the cajun recipes! That’s one of the beauties behind traveling…we get inspired!
Sherry F. says
My husband and moved to Paris for 20 months for a retirement adventure. We loved the cafe culture, taking great public transportation (usually buses), walking where we were surrounded by beauty, and shopping for wonderful, fresh food at our neighborhood market (we got to know our vendors and took them chocolates when we left).
We returned to the US and chose to live in a more urban environment. We now live in a 100-year old building on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri…where we both grew up.
We have one car, walk to the library, the park, the hair salon and multiple restaurants/cafes. It’s not Paris, but it’s a slower lifestyle and feels like a mini-Paris. The architecture is beautiful and very European with flowers and fountains.
We buy fresh as much as we can, pick up french baguettes from Whole Foods or Trader Joes, and enjoy (most of the time!) watching life going on around us.
Loved your post! How blessed your children are to have these experiences now. It could impact their choices later!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! I LOVE THIS!!! I just think everything about this is amazing.
JL says
It’s because you only go for brief holidays! You need to be an expat some day and actually move to somewhere in the EU!! Then you would have all those things in your blood and be much more inclined to incorporate them into your American life!! Visiting for a week or two is NOTHING like living there!!!! Hope you get the opportunity one day!!!
Dawn says
Cute post! Life in Europe does have quite the appeal- they do so many charming things! If you like cinnamon, try Harney + Son’s Cinnamon Spice Tea!! It’s my favorite!!!
Lea Ansamaa says
Oh yes! As a Finn living in North Finland number 9 and 10 are abolutely my life! I walk all the time to everywhere. 😍 I also bike everywhere, also in freezing winter time. We have the best fresh food; salmon, strawberries, mushrooms, vegetables… so yes these are also my things! The rest not so much.🩷
Lisa says
When in Venice, Italy and having a cocktail, they would serve potato chips in a little silver container-slightly elevating your snacking. I drink my coffee at home but always notice the drive-thru lines at Starbucks and think how I have not really seen drive-thru’s in my travels in Europe. They know how to slow down, enjoy their drink in a cafe and savor. I also do not see a lot of strip malls. I do not understand why we are constantly building them. Turn on the Tour de France and notice that quaint towns they ride through. Old buildings and lovely architecture where they have not felt the need to bulldoze and throw in a Target and Kohl’s, etc.
I’ve hiked in Austria and Switzerland and love hearing the tinkle of the cow bells and goat herds. I wish that was something I had at home.
Pam Zercher says
Shay, you MUST come to our village Lenno on Lake Como. We have market every Tuesday where we buy our cheese’s, meats and fresh vegetables and fruit for the week. We have fresh, warm chocolate brioche every morning at our bar where we eat outside, even it’s raining. (The terrace is covered.) We walk everywhere and if I don’t get my 3 rings on my watch each day I’m bummed. 🫤 We have margarita pizza with arugula and burrata-my fav 😉 We drink house red by the half liter. And every single day we have Apéritif with Aperol Spritz. THAT we’ve incorporated into our lives back in the states.
Megan says
My family and I have lived in Germany for the past 1.5 years. What a fun post, though I’ve only adopted two of these these things (walking and fresh food). On the other side of the spectrum, we’ve had many visitors and they all leave knowing what they DON’T want to carry back home…the trash sorting system. It’s a lot here and you risk doing it wrong and getting fined. 🤣
Susan McKain says
When I was 15, my HS choir was invited over to a small town in Germany do some summer performances. I stayed with a host family for 3 weeks. The first thing my family did was offer me a key to their home, a bus pass, and a map of their town. They said I could do everything with them or nothing with them, whichever I preferred! My host mother was an attorney. My host father was a stay at home dad to two daughters during the day, and he taught English in the evenings. He made delicious fresh bread every morning for breakfast! For lunch, the sandwiches were also made from that bread. It was incredible.
Dawn says
The one thing we have incorporated is the European bedding style of no top sheet, but a duvet and duvet cover.
Kelly says
I follow a wonderful, educational, hilarious sommelier on Instagram named Sarah Looper and she goes by Loopersomm. I have learned SO much from her and no longer feel intimidated when I go to a restaurant and choose a wine. She also does things like buys all of the Trader Joe’s wines and tastes them and shows you what she likes about them. She has been a fantastic follow and I think you would love her.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you SO MUCH for the rec!!
Brenda says
So I am a HUGE tea drinker (thanks to all the commenters above with tea recommendations!), but like you, Shay, I always say I’m going to start drinking my tea on a pretty cup and saucer…but as I type this I am currently drinking from a pretty WDW mug. 🙂 All of the lovely things you shared above, I’m sure they make your visits to Europe that more special because they are part of the joy – the out of the ordinary from home – that you can look forward to on your trips! Can’t wait to hear about your next and please share some of these joys in your recaps!
KC says
I’ve never been to Europe but love all things Europe from what I see of other people’s travels and it’s definitely on my bucket list. My hubby bought me an espresso maker for my 40th birthday and I do have a latte or cappuccino every morning while reading my bible. I also bought a juicer a few years ago and I did not realize how many oranges it took to get a glass of orange juice. Then of course my husband and 2 children wanted a glass and let’s just say I’d need an orange grove to provide fresh orange juice for my family. It was a pain to clean to so I got rid of it. I loved reading your list.