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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

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Budapest Part Three: SLOVAKIA


Hey hey Thursday!

You guys, I am headed home right now from Walt Disney World with my team and goodness, my heart is SO FULL!  I just love spending time with these ladies.  We had the best best best time this week in Disney.  I promise you, Disney is super fun with your kiddos, but it might be even more fun with adults.  It’s a really good time, y’all!

Whether you’re thinking Disney or somewhere else, we would LOVE to help you with your next vacation.  Our agency does all the research, makes all of the reservations, handles any issues that arise, and creates custom, unique, concierge-style vacations.  Whether your budget is small or large, whether you need something for just yourself (we love solo travelers!) or a huge group, we can handle it.  We can even create destination weddings (complete with personalized websites for your wedding party and guests), corporate group events…if you are thinking travel, please think of us.  Contact us today for more information.  We would love to work with YOU!

Today, I have PART THREE FROM BUDAPEST!

If you missed PART ONE or PART TWO make sure you check those posts out too.

You guys, this day started out with a BANG!

If you’ll recall, yesterday, our full day in Budapest ended with a delicious dinner followed by Andrew and I wrapping up the night watching The Holiday before going to bed.  Because ’tis the season for all my favorite Christmas movies, no?

So, imagine my surprise when the next morning, we get up, do our Bible time and then Andrew leaves for the gym before me (I was going to catch up on some work before heading to the gym myself) and after he leaves, he sends me this text…

…HOLY FREAKING COW.

Y’all, I’ve never jumped up and ran to a gym faster.

This gym at our hotel was about the size of my living room (so not very big).  I kept telling myself as I was walking to the gym that surely Andrew was mistaken.  I walked up the stairs, turned the corner into the gym and there he was.  I would like to say that Andrew and I were super cool about the whole thing, but we were not.  I’m pretty sure Jude Law heard my heart hammering out of my chest.  You all know that I’ve always had a crush on him, and let me just tell you, in person, my crush grew exponentially. Ha!  I never start a workout by stretching, but on this day, I did just because I needed a minute to stand still and get my bearings.

Andrew and I made a little polite conversation with each other (both of our eyes were bugging out of our heads) as we maneuvered around equipment at the same time Jude Law was using the exact same equipment.  He was so polite as we awkwardly (at least it felt awkward to me) worked out around each other in this small space.  At one point, he worked in with Andrew on a machine and Andrew broke the tension by saying something to the effect of “my wife and I love your work”, and he smiled and thanked us and oh my gosh, I about died.  Dead.  Right there.  I have no idea what body parts I worked or what weights I used…I was just going through the motions and trying not to melt into a puddle.  Jude left first, and Andrew and I kind of stood there like “holy cow, that was Jude Law working out with us”.  I left about 15 minutes later and when I left, I walked past the indoor little lap pool just as he was swimming laps and he looked at me with that Jude Law smile and again, I don’t know how I didn’t die right there.

Spoiler alert: we see him again on this trip.

Whew.

That was our morning.

After we got ourselves together, we showered, got ready and jumped in our rental car to head out…

…we rented a car for the day for a drive from Budapest to Slovakia!

Off we went!

About two hours later…

…and we made it to Bratislava, Slovakia!  Again, Andrew and I had been to Slovakia before, but this was our first time to visit the capital…

…we parked our rental car and were ready to explore…

They were setting up the Christmas markets in Bratislava too!

It was cold and sunny and oh so perfect.  We popped into…

…a pub for lunch…

….warmed up with some yummy food before heading back out…

This city was so charming and oh so cute!

Loving our day!  (Still on a “Jude Law said hi to me” high!)

We popped in and out of the shops.  So many were decorated for the holidays…

It was just a peaceful, beautiful day…

We visited this bakery for a typical Bratislava roll…

…look at all the options!

The roll was delish.  It was more savory than sweet and just yummy.

We continued on and found more festiveness everywhere…

No matter where we went, it was gorgeous…

Before we knew it, we had had a FULL day in Bratislava and were back in the car driving back over the border into Hungary…

We arrived back at our hotel in Budapest, freshened up and left for drinks and dinner.   On this night, I wore THIS FESTIVE TOP, MY CORDUROY PANTS, and BOOTIES.

We visited another super fun “sky bar”…

The nighttime views of Budapest are not to be missed…

We enjoyed the views and a little snack before heading to dinner at a VERY festive spot…

…goodness, Mazel Tov seemed like “the” place to eat in Budapest!

It was SO festive and lively and the food was delicious!

We had reservations, but there was a huge line out the door and around the corner for a table.  They had live music and delicious fare.  It was the perfect way to end a very big day.

Don’t forget, if you want to visit Budapest, we want to send you there!  We would love to connect with you about our European vacations, river cruises, Christmas market vacations and more.  You can contact us today!

You guys, ONE WEEK FROM TODAY IS THANKSGIVING!  Ready or not, here it comes!  Just in time for the big day, today, I am also sharing MY TOTALLY TERRIFIC THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST RECIPES!  Make sure you check out those yummy (and easy!) bites today too.

Alrighty, I hope you have the BEST day, friends!  I’ll see you back here tomorrow 🙂 .

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Comments

  1. Heather says

    I love this and I love that I ran into you guys here! It is so fun for me to see all the places you visited and it inspires me to look at the city through your eyes and remember why I am so lucky to live here! I am actually headed to Mazel Tov tomorrow night…lol. I have seen Jude Law too!! It is one fun fact about Budapest…they film so much here that it is really common to run into celebrities…I have seen Eddie Redmayne, Zendaya, Chris Pine, Paul Rudd…so many others. They ALWAYS stay at the Four Seasons if they are not here long term and renting an apartment. The previous tennant in my apartment was actually Adrian Brody when he was living here filming the Brutalist. Anywhoo…so glad you enjoyed Budapest! I ate my annual Chimney Cake at the Christmas market and thought of you 🙂

  3. Laura says

    I had no idea this is what Budapest or Slovakia looked like. Amazing! Thank you for educating me!!

    So fun for you about Jude Law!!!

    Did you buy any fun ornaments?! They look so festive!

  4. Nancy Granger says

    How exciting to be in the same room with Jude Law! Do you think he was there filming a movie?

  5. Dana P says

    HOW FUN THAT YOU MET JUDE LAW!!

    Also, have you ever tried the Time Shifter app? Your first trip is free and it’s supposed to prevent jet lag, which bites me every time. I’d love to know if anyone else has tried it and it actually worked!

    • Chrissy says

      Dana, I haven’t personally used it but my friend just used it when she met me in Edinburgh for a shorter international trip (only 3 nights for her!). She said it works SO WELL if you actually follow it! She wasn’t jet-lagged at all and was able to adjust quickly for such a short trip.

      • Dana P says

        Amazing! Thank you!! I was doubting if I wanted to skip caffeine tomorrow morning like it said (the day of my flight), but your comment makes me want to commit to doing it!

  6. Faith says

    JUDE LAW!? The morning after watching The Holiday!? Fangirling vicariously through you- and on a cliff hanger for the second encounter!

  7. Cher says

    Had to chuckle reading your Jude Law story. Could see myself doing exactly what you and Andrew did. Looking forward to hearing more about when you see Jude again. My husband and I love The Holiday movie too!

  8. Kristen says

    Omg Jude! Please tell me you ended up getting a pic w/ him! I would of told him I was watching the Holiday the night before, lol!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      He was so sweet and charming and I absolutely think I could have asked him for one (especially the second time I saw him), but I was too star struck.

  10. Beth Knecht says

    Jude Law?! Aw! I’m not even sure how you could concentrate working out! Love, love, love The Holiday!

  11. Paula Hobbs says

    I would have peed my pants if I walked in that gym without prior notice of Jude Law being in there!!! Holy Moly Batman. That’s crazy!!!

  12. Angela says

    Shay!!!!!!! Oh my goodness!! You saw Jude Law?!! I just watched The Holiday (one of my favorite Christmas movies thanks to your suggestion years ago) on Sunday night. He is so dreamy!! I would have been stuttering over my words and probably not acting near as cool as you and Andrew!
    Did anyone else read this blog post on high-speed, anxiously awaiting to read when the next time she and Andrew would run into Jude?! Today’s blog post made my day! 🥰

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We did not act cool. We acted like babbling fools. I mean…he is a MOVIE STAR. We were so starstruck and he was SO HANDSOME AND CHARMING!

  13. Lori says

    How crazy that you just watched The Holiday (one of my favorite movies) and then Jude Law shows up!
    The ornaments hanging in the shop windows…..Gorgeous!

  15. Cindi says

    Haha! “45 bicep curls” too funny! I love him in The Holiday, too! But have you seen Black Rabbit? He’s a totally different character-very scary! Not a hint of the guy in The Holiday! But it does show that he’s a very good actor! Can’t wait to hear about your next encounter!

      • Cat says

        This post piqued my interest since we’re looking into an eastern European trip but hate driving, and we love taking trains around France, Italy, etc. It looks like there are pretty frequent trains between Budapest and Bratislava- is there a reason you opted to drive?

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          We love driving in Europe and almost always do at least one day trip out of whichever town we’re in. Trains are great too, but when you drive, you can stop and look at your leisure.

  17. SS says

    Shay,
    Can you be honest…. was Andrew just as excited as you about Jude?!? LOL!!! How funny you saw him after watching the movie. And can we even mention Mr. Brightside??? I mean we are U of Michigan fans!!! LOL!!! We watch that movie every year on Christmas Eve and my hubby makes the best “Christmas Alfredo” all inspired by the movie. LOL!! We have done it for so long that the kiddos count on it.
    Thanks for sharing your pix of your travels. We have been visiting places in the US and it is fun to explore new places.

    Have a great rest of the week!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      YESSSSS! We kept saying that too! It really might be the cleanest “big” European city I’ve ever visited.

  21. Sue Jones says

    What kept you from jumping into the swimming pool when you saw him again? lol. The Holiday is one of my favorite movies! I would have died right there. I am loving your pictures of this trip. So beautiful and so much history! Thank you for always taking us along on your adventures!

  22. Robyn says

    I am just amazed at how gorgeous Budapest is. I am loving your photos. And, what a PERFECT way to start your day – Jude Law! I would have been out of my head. Again, thanks for sharing your photos.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Waiting the six hours for you to wake up so that I could text you about it was torturous. The time difference was killing me.

  26. Cindy Davidson says

    Shay ~ Do you bring back souvenirs from the places you visit? I collect refrigerator magnets…I would get one from very place I travel. And, I love the cobble stone streets and how clean it was….not dirty at all!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I don’t collect one specific thing, but I do often find treasures to bring back. Sometimes, it’s a coffee table book (often in a foreign language) or a piece of art or a little trinket that I can put around my house. I love to bring items back that remind me of my travels.

      • Kristen says

        We actually get a christmas ornament from every place we travel. Our tree is basically all travel ornaments now. It’s so fun to put the ornament on the tree as a family saying ” wow, remember our trip to Capri, ooh this is from Hawaii and so on.. it’s so special for us!

  27. Jane says

    This was a fun post to read! We’re heading to the Christmas markets in Bratislava, Budapest, Brno and Vienna and I’m even more excited! Jude is in Budapest with Andrew Garfield Filming Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy! I live in California and have had some fun movie star sightings. The best being when I was sat with Kate Hudson and her husband and daughter on a flight from LAX to JFK! She was going Christmas shopping in Manhattan! They were the sweetest family to absolutely everyone on board!

  28. Dana J says

    JUDE LAW!!!! And right after watching The Holiday the night before??!! What the Budapest kind of magic is that!! So fun for you and Andrew!! The trip looks amazing!

  29. Debra Lowe says

    A Christmas Market trip is on our bucket list – love that you got to see them setting up in two countries – we have been to both Budapest and Bratislava, but never at Christmas Market time. And Jude Law – I would have died right there:).

  30. Kristin S says

    Oh, Shay, this post melted my heart! My first trip to Bratislava was in May 1995. It had only been a country for 4 1/2 months. It was gray and dark with remnants of communism everywhere. BUT, also, so stunning and such amazing people. That picture on Old Town brought a flood of memories. I’m so glad you were able to experience such a wonderful city!

  31. Faith Kapp says

    WHAT!?!? I would have died! I wouldn’t have been able to speak! 😍😍 now I want to go watch The Holiday!

  32. Rebecca McCalman says

    JUDE LAW!!! I. would. have. died!! No way could I have been cool about it. I just watched The Holiday last night wile decorating. I’m glad to know he was kind! It would have ruined my crush if he wasn’t 🙂 Love your pics! I had no idea Budapest was as beautiful and full of such fun stuff!

  33. Mary Jane McNeill says

    I’m so glad you went to Bratislava! My BIL was the U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia from 2010-2015, and he and my sister enjoyed their time there so much. The Slovak people are kind and love Americans. Slovakia is a beautiful country…it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

    And Jude Law!?! It IS Jude Law season, after all! 🎄

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      WOW! What an amazing thing your BIL was able to do?! I am so grateful for his service to our country.

  34. Rita says

    Thank you for taking us along. The cities are beautiful. Now I want to go to Slovakia. I laughed when I saw the photo at the restaurant with the girl and her mobile phone just casually laying on the table, in my city that would have been gone in a few seconds.
    Have you ever shared a post of all the cities you have visited?
    And trust you and Andrew to find a pub. I would do the same. All about the pubs (well I am Aussie)

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I don’t know that I have a full list anywhere on my blog, but I could totally share one 🙂 .

  35. Kristin says

    Oh my gosh! Kudos to Andrew. I probably wouldn’t even have looked at the faces of other people in the gym! What a fun thing to have happen!

  36. K.K. says

    How am I JUST GETTING to your blog today?? JUDE LAW?!?! Okay, Andrew gets bonus points for getting you down there!!

  37. Allison says

    My heart is racing with you/for you as I read this! Gosh, Jude Law! Love love love! Thank you for sharing your trip. What a beautiful place. I will add it to my list right now!

  38. Jess W says

    You worked out with Graham! I mean, Jude Law. I would have died. He’s great in all his movies, but The Holiday…there are no words to how great (and dreamy) he is in that movie. SO LUCKY you are, and good for Andrew that he made sure you got to the gym quickly. Can’t wait to hear your other Jude story…

  39. Ann says

    OMG! I would have died! The Holiday is one of my favorite movies!!
    Thanks for sharing!! That made my day for you!!!

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