Choosing Keeping

I went into 2023 with a huge appetite for travel but very few plans to do so. Little did I know London was on the horizon, and while my annual anniversary trip was much tamer than usual in humble Huntsville AL, I was so glad to do a solo Disney World trip (again), take my girls on the road for the first time to Louisiana, and have lots of Tennessee day trips in between. Enjoy this travel journal of 379 (!!!) places, including: 🖼️ 64 Museums, Gardens, and Attractions ☕️ 53 Coffee Shops 🍽️ 82 Restaurants, Bakeries, Bars, and Food Trucks 🛏️ 29 Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Airbnbs ✨ and a whole bunch more! Scroll to the bottom for my favorites of the year!

London is one of the greatest cities in the world and holds in so many wonders…in plain sight or just hidden around. So shopping here could make for a great experience, not to be missed out on & should benefit from a guideline like this to make it easier for everyone! 😁 There are so many famous brands (Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, etc.), artists (the Beatles, Queen, Spice Girls etc.), movie/book characters (Sherlock Holmes, the Paddington Bear, Mr. Bean, Harry Potter, etc.) - and less known ones - originating from this country and particulary from London, that one could take home a full bag of souvenirs. ❗️Mind the quality and the prices, though, ‘cuz this is not the cheapest city to shop around❗️ My recommendations for items (that could easily fit in a cabin baggage) to bring back home: - English tea (especially black tea) that you can choose from various tastes, blends and brands; - chocolates or biscuits in beautiful tins that make for great memorabilia; - books from oh, so many wonderful bookshops you'll find each step on your stroll around the city, because brits love reading; - bargains from TK Maxx - you'll find several shops around Central London that provide with quality merchandise at great prices; - small leather goods from luxury department stores that you could custom (leather passport holders from Aspinal London for example); - quality souvenirs from the special department at Harrods or the shops of each big museum; - vintage goods, such as jewelry or Burberry scarves from special markets (Portobello road) or many SH shops around the city (CheckIt Vintage). Highlights: 🇬🇧 The Union Jack or Union Flag, is the de facto national flag of the United Kingdom. The flag consists of three heraldic crosses. Brits do take pride in this flag and you’ll see it depicted around quite often (on various items that make for great souvenirs).

Are you royalty obsessed? Love a cheeky tea & biscuit? Then check out my London Guide! 🇬🇧 Recommendations include my top picks for ✨Hotels & Airbnbs ✨Must try restaurants & bars ✨Best Afternoon Tea ✨Markets & Parks ✨Museums & Tours ✨Local Shopping & Attractions ✨Amazing Day trips