{Trip Report} Venice, Italy

Ciao, ciao!! You guys are so great...thanks for your kind comments yesterday, and sharing your own travel nightmares with me. It's nice to know I'm not the only <strike>freak</strike> one! But because of <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/tales-from-business-class.html" target="_blank">that 'hiccup,'</a> we unexpectedly spent the first night of our trip in London. I was bummed about losing a night in Venice, but it was a great chance to sleep and get acclimated to the new time zone. Which was a good thing, considering the remaining trip to Venice required a flight to Milan, bus to Milano Centrale train station, and 2.5 hour train to Venice. And from there, we took a boat to our hotel! Talk about Planes, Trains & Automobiles!<br /><br />But it was all worth it to experience this....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693089219/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="695" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8693089219_4149086314_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The train deposits you directly on the island, and the Grand Canal awaits just outside the station. The scene looks like a typical busy street in Europe, until it registers that the street is actually water, and the cars are boats. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047481/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="764" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8401/8693047481_faf98b5eb3_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />There is nothing but cobbled sidewalks, and canals...not even bikers and skateboarders are allowed. It's amazing to watch the locals go about every day life, by just foot or boats. Even construction crews worked out of boats carrying equipment. And these aren't barges either, since most canals are only 12-feet across and have low foot-bridges.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8694164566/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="716" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8694164566_afd19a5961_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047859/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="723" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8255/8693047859_123c5aac9e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047309/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="729" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8693047309_37cf3b2d44_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />It didn't take us long to track down our first gelato...not a difficult task since gelaterias are everywhere. And yes, it's <i>sooooo</i> good. Although, I'm sure strolling through Italy while slurping your cone has some effect on it's flavor. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/97494e42a60911e283b822000a9f124c_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/97494e42a60911e283b822000a9f124c_7.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><br />We walked most everywhere, with no destination or map, but the vaporettos are an easy and efficient public transportation system. They work similar to a subway, with each numbered boat line labeled by it's final stop. After buying a pass <i>(this is an honor system, our tickets were never checked)</i>, you wait on the platform until the water ferry pulls up, then hop off again at your chosen stop. They run mostly up-and-down the Grand Canal, and you walk the back canals.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693046871/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="636" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8693046871_d37754e48e_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The fancy little boats are private taxis, and pretty expensive.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8694164286/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="593" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8694164286_aa6e949f2d_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />I was also amazed at how clean the city is...occasionally you smell the canal, and the buildings are beautifully patinated, but there was not a piece of trash anywhere.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8694164756/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="717" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8393/8694164756_136358a69d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8694164230/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="515" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8401/8694164230_3070e14782_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Tourist season is just starting, so there were a lot of people in the main squares and around the famous sites, like St. Marks Square and the Rialto Bridge. Gelato helped to tune them out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/f6403e20a6b711e2ada322000a1fbcdb_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/f6403e20a6b711e2ada322000a1fbcdb_7.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693046325/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="694" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8693046325_7cbeb60d46_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047429/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="732" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8113/8693047429_547a254bca_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047655/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="712" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8693047655_cfbcce8574_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />But if you wander in the opposite direction, away from the main squares, you can easily find quiet alleys. This is where you'll feel the magic of Venice.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047033/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="693" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8693047033_b3cac829ec_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047235/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="810" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8403/8693047235_672678a3d7_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047083/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="679" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8693047083_c32b38392a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8694164646/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="757" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8694164646_3643c9f0f1_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693046395/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="593" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8693046395_43842ce732_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />There are no supermarkets, only small stores carrying essentials, so the daily outdoor market is where the locals come for produce, olives, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh fish.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693046553/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="550" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8537/8693046553_486552ae90_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693046993/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="530" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8401/8693046993_4376b4ce08_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693046645/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="550" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/8693046645_c246cf3273_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Yes it's touristy, and a little gimmicky, but we splurged for a gondola ride...and it's completely worth it! The gondoliers are part of a union of sorts, so you'll pay the same <i>(80 euros for 45-minutes) </i>with most any of them. Some are pushier than others, so we chose a <strike>cute</strike> guy who kept his boat off the beaten path, and had a relaxed vibe about him. We also chose late afternoon, so we could see everything. He rowed us through quiet back canals, and across the Grand Canal...navigating the gondola as smoothly and easily as a car. He even sang a little, in a non-creepy way, and I totally swooned. There may have been some smooching going on.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/a0603d5ca6b711e2ab5722000a1f9684_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/a0603d5ca6b711e2ab5722000a1f9684_7.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047713/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="684" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8693047713_215fc7ae03_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8694165610/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="676" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8694165610_c004b250a7_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>{Where We Stayed}</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.locandalevele.com/en/" target="_blank">Locanda Ca' Le Vele</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We loved everything about this small, moderately priced hotel, run by two adorable brothers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We received an upgrade, and the room was HUGE, with windows that opened to a quiet canal.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They deliver breakfast to your room each morning. <i>(No one in Italy serves hot cappuccinos, so make peace with your delicious cup of tepid coffee.)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">The hotel is centrally located, easy to find, and only four vaporetto stops from the train station. From there, it's a 3-minute walk. You don't realize how priceless this is until you see people hauling their luggage over multiple bridges, and thoroughly lost.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8694164410/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="550" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8694164410_e302547244_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>{Where We Ate}</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.damamo.it/eng/" target="_blank">Trattoria Da Mamo</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I pretty much scoured <a href="http://www.aspiringkennedy.com/" target="_blank">Lauren's blog</a>, and followed all her advice.</div><div style="text-align: center;">She discovered this place, and it was great, cozy, and fairly-priced.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alveciobragosso.com/restaurant-in-venice/restaurant-venice.htm" target="_blank">Osteria Al Vecio Bragosso</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This little gem was full of locals, and everyone seemed to eat their way through four-courses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> You <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/tales-from-business-class.html" target="_blank">know that's too rich</a> for me...so I stuck with a single course of seafood, and it was perfection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.venchi.it/en" target="_blank">Venchi Gelataria</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Supposedly, gelato that is displayed like tall piles of meringue, are full of oils and additives.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Venchi uses only pure ingredients, and makes it on-site everyday.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And they have flavors like chili-pepper chocolate!<i> (my favorite)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Venice is a tourist town, so some say it's hard to find real, authentic food. Basically, avoid any restaurant located directly on a main square, or with pictures of food on the menu. Just wander a few blocks away, and you'll find places too-cute-to-be-true. And yes, the wine is cheaper than soda, and you've never tasted pizza or pasta so good. Really.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/06911fe2a60911e2a89422000aa802aa_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/06911fe2a60911e2a89422000aa802aa_7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza is served whole, and un-cut, and eaten with a knife and fork. And don't ask for ranch dip. You won't need it anyway.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8693047571/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Trip Report} Venice, Italy" height="569" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8693047571_818e94a79f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The romance of the city, coupled with the extra attention Mr. Sugarplum lavished on me <i>(he was still shell-shocked)</i>, made our two nights in Venice perfect and unforgettable. Maybe I should <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/tales-from-business-class.html" target="_blank">pass out</a> more often.

{Trip Report} Venice, Italy

Ciao, ciao!! You guys are so great...thanks for your kind comments yesterday, and sharing your own travel nightmares with me. It's nice ...

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Tales from Business Class

Happy Monday, my friends! How was your weekend? Ours was full of strep throat, baseball, and laundry...so there's no question <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/ciao-bella.html" target="_blank">the vacation</a> is over. My body is finally back in the right time zone, so I started sorting through the hundreds of photos from our trip...I can't wait to share them with you, along with tips for each of the places we visited. Thank you for all the sweet messages while we were gone, and again in welcoming us home!! I missed you guys, and feel so behind on my long list of blogs.<br /><br />Those of you who follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/cassiesugarplum" target="_blank">InstaGram</a>, know we had a little 'hiccup' at the start of our trip. Here we are, finally on our way...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/d1684f98a48711e290de22000a1f97ef_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/d1684f98a48711e290de22000a1f97ef_7.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Happy and excited couple, right? All looks well, no signs of trouble. So imagine our shock when 10 hours later it looked like this...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8684433812/" title="Travel by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Travel" height="630" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8684433812_c8cce21d03_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Yep, that's me...in an ambulance, hooked up to monitors, clutching a barf-bag, in a foreign country...and missing our connecting flight. But let's start at the beginning, shall we?<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />I have only ever flown Coach<i> (read our budget travel tips <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/07/travel-q-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>).</i>..but always dreamed of knowing what life is like on the other side of that First Class curtain...where yummy smells emanate, and you hear the clinking of real glasses and silverware. It's as if they're purposefully rubbing it in to those of us starving, and crammed like sardines, in the back of the plane.<br /><br />This June marks Mr. Sugarplum and my 15th wedding anniversary, and coupled with the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/11/today-im-40.html" target="_blank">big birthday I just had</a>, we decided to celebrate by depleting our airline miles, and splurging on an upgrade for our flight to Europe. You can't even imagine the level of giddiness we had with the entire experience. We tried <strike>unsuccessfully</strike> to act cool while hanging in the Private Lounges between flights <i>(which, by the way, are stocked with free food, booze and wifi).</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8683308621/" title="Travel by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Travel" height="627" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8683308621_365191286c_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I was anything but cool when they served us gourmet lunch, then dinner, followed by warm cookies and hot towels for cleaning up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8684419938/" title="Travel by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Travel" height="410" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8546/8684419938_6f706ae352_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The overnight leg of our trip was on British Airways, where we had our own private pod, stocked with quilts, full-size pillows, plenty of storage space, and amenity bags filled with socks, eye mask, ear plugs, face and hand creams, and lip balm. And that's only Business Class...no telling what was happening in First Class!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8683303983/" title="Travel by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Travel" height="654" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8539/8683303983_2b583c77c5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />After a three-course dinner, I settled in for my own private movie party. Of course I went with a high-caliber cinematic masterpiece. #edward<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8684423234/" title="Travel by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Travel" height="644" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8398/8684423234_a7875e20ff_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Happy, full and sleepy...we snuggled up on our fully reclined seats, and dreamed of <strike>sparkly vampires</strike> Italy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8683309047/" title="Travel by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Travel" height="412" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8683309047_e165aff4e4_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />It was on descent into London that things got ugly. I started feeling dizzy and nauseous, which isn't uncommon for me when landing. But instead of fading like they usually do, the feelings snowballed. I dashed to the bathroom, but Mr. Sugarplum was forced to deplane. For some asinine reason, international flights arriving at Heathrow land quite a distance from the terminal, requiring exhausted travelers to transport in a shuttle bus. Wobbling down the steps of the airplane is the last thing I remember.<br /><br />Mr. SP sat anxiously at the terminal waiting for me...first one bus, then another. Finally, he spotted me, but before he could relax, he realized I was stumbling around like a marionette doll <i>(his flattering description).</i> He dashed to the bus, where he said I made brief eye-contact with him, then passed out cold. Fortunately, he caught me just as I landed...which as he says, was no easy feat considering I was <i>'surprisingly heavy.'</i> Thanks, babe.<br /><br />Apparently I came around long enough to throw-up in the bus, then pass out again. I woke up laying on the terminal floor, covered with blankets, and the pilot laying next to me taking my vitals. <i>(Sorry about that puke-breath, Sir!)</i> I looked up to see our entire British Airways flight crew forming a human shield, to protect what was left of my dignity. An immigration official came and took possession of our passports <i>(since we hadn't cleared Customs)</i>, and paramedics arrived, along with representatives from Heathrow Airport and British Airways. Based on the size of Mr. SP's eyes, it was a bit of a spectacle.<br /><br />Obviously, we missed our connecting flight, and they weren't quite <i>'comfortable'</i> with me flying again that day...so British Airways put us up in a really nice hotel for the night, provided us with meal vouchers, had our bags pulled from the plane, and booked us on a flight the next morning. The flight crew was all off-duty, but stayed with me anyway until they were sure I was okay. We were absolutely blown away by all the kindness! The airline had no obligation to me, nor was it their responsibly that I was sick, but they went above-and-beyond for us. Thank you, British Airways!!!<br /><br />I recovered by the next day, and the rest of our trip was amazing. And thankfully, our flight home in Coach was blissfully uneventful. We still don't know why it all happened, but I guess I just have no business being in Business Class...it was just too richie-rich for me. Obviously, this girl needs to stick with Coach, where I belong! <i>(I kid, I'll always jump at the chance for an upgrade!)</i><br /><br />What's the craziest thing that's ever happened to you while traveling? What random acts of kindness have you received?

Tales from Business Class

Happy Monday, my friends! How was your weekend? Ours was full of strep throat, baseball, and laundry...so there's no question the vacati...

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{Home Depot Challenge} Patio Reveal!

I am currently buried in a pile of laundry and work, and can't believe I'm back to sitting in a cubicle, when 48-hours ago, I was strolling cobblestone streets, gelato in hand! I am so meant to be a lady-of-leisure...not sure how I veered off that path?! But the good news about today is I'm finally able to share our new outdoor room with you!<br /><br />When we bought our house seven years ago, I could hardly believe we lucked out with a pool. I pinched myself every day that first Summer to be sure I wasn't dreaming. <i>(If you've ever been to Texas in August, then you know what I mean!)</i> But soon after, our attention turned to all the projects inside, and even though we still used the pool, the backyard wasn't an inviting place for lounging and entertaining.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Patio Progress" height="635" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8510413659_f5b240df8f_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />So when Home Depot asked me to take part in their Patio Style Challenge, I couldn't say <i>'yes' </i>fast enough! Thanks to the <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-Woodbury-4-Piece-Patio-Seating-Set-with-Textured-Sand-Cushions-DY9127-4-LV/203505214?N=bx97#.UXiLIMpR2So" target="_blank">Hampton Bay Woodbury 4-piece set</a>, we now have a cheerful outdoor room, ready for Spring picnics and Summer pool parties!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8598512330/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="676" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8598512330_b883a37562_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8597408545/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="475" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8597408545_73a53dfd93_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8598511360/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="720" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8598511360_599b158d05_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8598510452/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="698" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8598510452_5f758aa087_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />We wanted this room to feel like an extension of our house, so we DIYed a large <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/06/diy-convex-sunburst-mirror.html" target="_blank">Starburst Wall Mirror</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/home-depot-challenge-patio-progress.html" target="_blank">Over-Sized Rug</a>, and decorated it with treasures we've collected over the years. The patio set comes with really well-made, weather-resistant cushions, and the neutral beige is a great base for the fun pink and orange Ikea pillows.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8598510720/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="790" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8598510720_39ed5a8870_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I took last year's <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/striped-pots-and-q-free-for-all.html" target="_blank">Striped Lacquer Pots</a>, and filled them with cheerful flowers and succulents for more color.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8598511440/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="497" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8598511440_56d22ed500_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />It feels like such a luxury to have a coffee table outdoors! It's perfect for serving food and drinks, or just propping up your feet with a good book. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8597408223/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="752" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8597408223_224bf5f7d6_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />The coordinating <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-dry-erase-serving-tray.html" target="_blank">Dry Erase Tray</a> is another easy project that just adds more fun and personality to the space, and will be helpful for outdoor entertaining. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8597408869/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="737" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8597408869_a008020e07_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>With the warmer weather, this will quickly become our favorite spot, and between the loveseat and two chairs, there's plenty of room for all of us to stretch out.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8598511178/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="703" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8598511178_b1ffe46576_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />My favorite project, the DIY <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-otomi-patio-table.html" target="_blank">Otomi Side Table,</a> helps break up the set, and adds more color and pattern.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8597408115/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="720" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8597408115_ca0c5e079c_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8597408985/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="693" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8597408985_719b712d9e_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><br />I have a feeling we're about to get really popular with the neighbors...and that's okay with me! I can't wait to enjoy the space for pool parties and cookouts, and quiet evenings under the stars.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8598512432/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="664" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8598512432_143e19c39a_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8597409339/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="762" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8597409339_bb5396454e_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8598512782/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Cheery Outdoor Patio" height="708" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8598512782_fbd4e4b45b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Thanks to Home Depot, I feel like we're finally using our backyard to it's full potential! Hop over to their blog, <a href="http://ext.homedepot.com/community/blog/patio-decor-ideas-colorful-poolside/" target="_blank">The Apron</a>, for tons more pictures of our new space, and see all the fabulous outdoor rooms the other bloggers created for this Patio Style Challenge. It's creative overload! So who's coming over this weekend?!

{Home Depot Challenge} Patio Reveal!

I am currently buried in a pile of laundry and work, and can't believe I'm back to sitting in a cubicle, when 48-hours ago, I was st...

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