The Butterfly Effect

I first discovered the butterfly trend on the rise when I went to London in February. In fact, I was so inspired that I bought a silk scarf covered in butterflies just to feel like I was taking back a piece of the oh-so-apparent trend in London back to Italy with me. Well since then, I have seen butterflies EVERYWHERE. Had I thought of the idea for this post earlier, I would have taken pictures of all of the store windows I walked by in London with butterflies... oh well, you will have to take my word for it. To re-enforce the "theme," Shana and I went with the kids one day to the new opening of the Butterfly Exhibition at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. The exhibition was amazing- all different species of butterflies from all over the world flying around in one huge tent. Liv loves butterflies so she was especially excited about it (and the real reason we went), but in the end we all ended up loving it.

I have also seen the use of butterflies in design a lot recently. I think they are such a dainty way to add a little bit of fun and informality to a space. Although I can't take credit for the design (it's all Shana!), I can't talk about butterflies incorporated into interior design without sharing a first hand example I see everyday at home in Rome. They work especially well adding a bit of softness and femininity to the modern interior.

In the kitchen/dining room.

One of the bedrooms in the apartment that they own and rent (right next door to us).

Spring Travels

One of the most amazing parts about living in Europe is the ease of travel. I have spent the last month on the go. In fact, just this past weekend, I decided on Thursday to hop on a flight the next day to go meet Meredith and Burney in Sardinia for the weekend. It was amazing! Before that, I was traveling with the family. They did a house exchange in London for a week at the beginning of April, which was wonderful. After falling in love with London visiting Stefanie, I was thrilled to be back. We did lots of fun and different (of course!) things than I had done with Stefanie, so I had a really great trip, and it was so nice to be there for a whole week. We were on the go so much there that unfortunately I wasn't taking a lot of pictures.

At Buckingham Palace

Liv and Jasper doing a creative art class.

Shana with the kids in Hyde Park.

After London, we went straight to Argentario in Tuscany where the family has rented a beach house for the spring. The place was absolutely beautiful, and I am already looking forward to spending much more time there in the next couple of months.

The house has the most amazing outdoor spaces.

So after only a few days in Rome and all that traveling, I hopped on a quick one hour flight to Sardinia this past weekend. We had such a wonderful time. I hadn't gotten to see Meredith and Burney much in the last few months, so we had such a great time catching up- and best of all got to spend a day on the beach! We were in Cagliari and stayed near Poetto beach, but came into the center of town for dinner both nights and during the day on Sunday.

Poetto Beach

I got back to Rome late last night, and although it sounds like things couldn't get any better...THEY CAN! Rachel gets here tomorrow morning and then Kate gets here Thursday and they will both be here through next Wednesday! I am the happiest person in the world and am bursting with excitement about having them here. To finish off my month of travels, we will spend this weekend in Capri!