When spending time in Southern California, my dear friend took me to a famous landmark in Riverside. The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa is a beautiful space that has been the #1 Best Historic Hotel in California. I arrived at the perfect time to tour: I came to the hotel right after New Year’s Day. Fortunately for us, the Christmas decorations were still up, including the Christmas lights and gingerbread house. While the hotel was busy, there weren’t nearly as many visitors as they had before Christmas. Here are some photos from my time at The Mission Inn.
The stunning archway leading to the entrance of the hotel
The most unique and fun part of the hotel was the life-size gingerbread house, which was made of real gingerbread and candy. It smelled heavenly, and the hotel had signs up, asking guest to not touch or eat the house!
The gingerbread house
The lobby sported several stunning Christmas trees, which kept the festive spirit alive. I loved seeing the exquisitely decorated trees.
One of the lobby Christmas trees
As an art lover, any statue in my vicinity gets a double take. This marble beauty was no exception. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo of the plaque identifying the work.
Marble statue at the Mission Inn
On the exterior, there were tons of striking lights. There was a timed display that lit up the side of one of the buildings that made up the hotel.
Light displays outside
Me with my favorite person outside of the hotel
More light displays
I’m so glad I had a chance to enjoy the Mission Inn during the holiday-adjacent season. The lights were such a treat to my senses, and seeing the other decorations was glorious. I can’t wait to return and spend a little more time at the hotel!
During my trip to Temecula at the beginning of the year, I got a chance to relax, connect, and enjoy some much needed time away from the East Coast. While I was there, I enjoyed tea time at Corbeaux, checked out the glorious Mission Inn, and I also visited one of my friend’s favorite shops. She was emphatic that we must check out this shop, praising both the owner and the products offered. She knows how I feel about anything elegant, scent-related, and unique. So off we went to George Foster the Lifestyle Market, an exceedingly elegant space that features custom fragrances and skin care supplies, among other things.
We got there on New Year’s Eve, and they were closed. However, the owner’s son recognized my friend and let us in. That right there spoke volumes about the kindness and community that the shop prioritizes. I met George a few moments after his son let us in, and they were both so incredibly warm and welcoming. And the space? Absolutely beautiful: it was well-curated, intentional and elevated. George has a background as an interior designer, so it should not be surprising that his space is perfectly appointed. You can tell that he is someone that understands layers of beauty, and that the environment is just as important as the products presented within it.
So I’m in the shop, smelling everything, figuring out what unique item I must buy. Then I come across a scent, and it stops me in my tracks. I know THIS is the one. It was, of course, Velvet Nights. And yup, I bought it. But as I purchased, I found out that it was the last one in the collection: it was a limited edition item, only available for the winter season. And if there’s anything I love, it’s exclusivity, so naturally, I knew I’d made the right choice. It smelled too good, AND it wasn’t mass produced: I knew it had to come home with me.
So while I love the fragrance, I was hesitant to do a review, because it was limited edition, no longer available, and so good that I kind of want to keep it to myself. But, George’s shop deserves a spotlight, so here I am. Even though Velvet Nights isn’t available, I have another recommendation that may work for you, so keep reading to find out about that.
Let’s talk about Velvet Night’s scent profile. It’s a lush amber, with notes of incense, subtle evergreen notes (either pine or cypress, perhaps juniper). If you know anything about ambers, you know they can be . . . a lot. They can come across heavy, syrupy, and overwhelming, depending on the formulation. In older fragrance profiles, amber scents were very dense and intense. However, this scent has none of those cloying notes. It’s clean, crisp, and effervescent, giving you the warmth of an amber without the weight.
This scent is beautifully balanced. It has the warmth of amber, the light smokiness of incense, and the crispness of evergreen notes. And nothing is too dominant in the formulation; each note dances beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that captures the duality of the winter season. If I could describe it, it would be, a walk in the woods on a snowy evening. Yes, I had to borrow from Robert Frost for this one, but that’s exactly what Velvet Nights brought to mind, but with a twist. Yes, you have the chilled air, the quiet around you, and the beauty of nature at rest. But also, you have the warmth of a velvet lined cape, the the gentle crackle of a fireplace, and the lush flavor of a steaming mug of your favorite winter beverage.
Now, aside from the scent’s exquisite profile, I found another reason to love it. It performs spectacularly. After coming home, I had the bottle sitting on my dresser, with the cap on. I hadn’t sprayed it yet. I left the house for a bit, and came back, and as I was settling in, I wondered, “What is that beautiful smell?” I knew I hadn’t lit a candle, so I wasn’t sure what I was smelling. Then I realized: it was the spray. THAT’s how potent it is! As a result, I’ve used it a number of times, but sparingly, because once it’s gone, it’s GONE. And I won’t be able to get it again until next winter (assuming George brings it back). I’m pacing myself, but I also can give it a little break, as the seasons are changing and I start rotating my lighter room sprays.
Now, just because this scent is currently unavailable doesn’t mean that all is lost. Here’s what I suggest:
If you’re near Temecula, go visit George Foster the Lifestyle Market
Ask George about similar scents
Explore the other room sprays (I recommend The Market room spray, which has a scent profile of bergamot, Persian lime, other citrus, and musk).
I loved it and had to review it on my YouTube. Here’s the video:
This scent was a 10 out of 10 for me, and I cannot recommend it enough! Even more impressive was the entire experience: the space, the intentional curation, and the people connected to it. I know for sure that I will be back!
As someone who absolutely adores home fragrance, I’m always on the hunt for a candle or room spray that feels elevated and memorable. I love putting my personal touches into my space, and that means making sure that the aroma of my rooms match the mood I’m trying to invoke. Something about scent – how it decorates a space without visuals or sound – is practically magical to me!
I recently had the pleasure of being contacted by The Gooch Gardener Candle Company, and they kindly sent over two of their candles for review. The first candle that I tried is the one that I’m sharing today, the Orchid and Teakwood scent. Let me tell you, this one made quite the impression on me!
Let me start with the basics of the company. The Gooch Gardener Candle Company is a business that’s local to Virginia (Goochland County) and they participate in farmer’s markets, however, the candles are also available on the website. The scents range between $29 and $37 per candle, depending on the size selected. The scents reflect the beauty of nature, through floral, citrus, woody and fresh notes. Before I lit the candle, I was struck by the care in presentation. The packaging was secure and clearly designed to protect the product well during shipping. Inside, I found a handwritten note from the owners and, as you all know, I love those sorts of details. The note shared that the Orchid and Teakwood scent is one of their bestsellers, which I’m happy to share has been restocked since I got my candle. After experiencing the fragrance, I can see why it’s a fan favorite.
The candle itself is substantial: it’s 16 ounces and features a 3-wick design, a hefty glass container and a perfectly fitting wooden lid to preserve the fragrance when unlit. It has a grounded and understated elegance that works well in a variety of home decor themes.
When I opened the candle, I was met by a lush and layered fragrance. It’s a beautiful blend of floral notes and woody tones: it’s a great dance between soft and structured elements. But what really struck me was the subtle watery notes that came through: I wasn’t expecting that, especially since marine notes weren’t listed in the candle fragrance description. I loved this unexpected touch, which makes the geranium, orchid and lavender transition seamlessly into mahogany and teakwood notes. In fact, I’d argue that the marine notes are what actually tie together the floral and woody notes, eliminating the jarring experience that can happen when two distinctly different fragrance families are combined. There’s a compelling duality in this fragrance: it’s very yin and yang, which makes it so broadly appealing. This balance between delicate and rich notes is a key factor in what takes a fragrance from simply pleasant to truly unforgettable.
Funny enough, I accidentally tested this candle in ways that I usually avoid. Normally, I don’t let my scented candles burn beyond two or three hours at a time. However, I lit this candle and forgot to extinguish it before I left my home to run errands. I returned home – 12 hours later – and was met at my front door with the most luscious scent I’ve had in quite a long while. Please, don’t leave your candles burning that long. And also, please know that I enjoyed the scent lingering in the air for the next 36 or so hours.
Even with my mishandling, the candle performed beautifully. It burned clean and evenly, and there is still a lot of product left in the container, even after my extended burn time. The scent remained extremely smooth and filled the space without overwhelming it.
I love that this candle is versatile, working for a variety of different seasons and occasions. It’s light enough to enjoy during the warmer months, and rich enough to be suitable for cooler weather. It’s effortlessly adaptable, making it a great investment as a home fragrance.
This candle was an absolute pleasure. It’s beautifully designed, thoughtfully crafted, and performs well. If you’re searching for a luxury candle that has a strong scent throw, balanced floral and wood fragrance, and high quality soy wax, then this candle is one that you must check out. I love it so much that I did a video review of it, too. You may view that video here:
If you’ve enjoyed The Gooch Gardener Candle Company, please let me know! I’d love to hear which fragrances you recommend that I try next!
My daughter and I recently took a trip to Temecula, CA, and spent some time with one of my good friends. During my time there, she took us to several places, including Old Town Temecula. The highlight of our time in this charming neighborhood was brunch at Corbeaux Wine and Tea House. This lovely restaurant features delicious food, beautiful decor, and an easy elegance that dwells in the sweet spot between welcoming and exclusivity. This tea house does a great job of feeling luxurious without the stuffiness that often comes with luxe experiences.
Corbeaux welcome sign
I knew, quickly, that our trip to Corbeaux had to include caviar, so we ordered the caviar tasting platter. We also got the charcuterie board, and I ordered the cucumber and apple salad for myself. It may sound like a lot of food – and it was! – but we were splitting it between three people, and we were famished. It was our first meal of the day!
Despite looking at the menus in advance, we missed the disclaimer that explained how the afternoon tea service needed to be reserved in advance. However, not one to be deterred by a disclaimer, I figured I’d gently inquire whether we could get some of the items available for tea. Fortunately, our server Tiffany explained that there was one tea tower available for a walk-in customer, and I quickly told her that I wanted it!
I was entranced by the lovely decor in the space. I particularly loved the gallery wall near the rear of the restaurant. It has some fun interpretations of classical portraits, a few still life paintings, and a picture of Marilyn Monroe’s famous subway grating moment from “The Seven Year Itch”. The wall is a blend of art styles, periods, and media, all combined together beautifully.
Gallery wall at Corbeaux
The decor was great, but the food was spectacular. Let’s start with the caviar. The tasting platter featured three different types of caviar: Polish osetra, Siberian sturgeon, and smoked trout roe. Hands down, the Siberian sturgeon was my favorite (though they were all delicious). It was slightly smoky, earthy and salty and did not have the strong fishy flavor that I usually associate with caviar. It also had a buttery finish that I wasn’t expecting. Oh my, it was delicious! I enjoyed the Polish osetra and smoked trout roe tremendously, too: these tasted like what I expect when enjoying caviar, with the salty, fishy flavors that play really well with creme fraiche and blinis.
Caviar platter (left to right – Polish osetra, Siberian sturgeon and smoked trout roe)
The star of the meal was definitely the tea tower, along with the delicious tea served with it. The tower consisted of honey tea cakes, apple and chai caramel cream puffs, pumpkin tea shortbread cookies, rosemary lavender salted scones, mushroom quiches, assorted seasonal fruit, and three types of sandwiches: baked cinnamon apple and brie, curry chicken salad and egg salad. We ate the delicate pastries and sandwiches as we sipped on the maple cream oolong tea. My favorite sweet pastry was a tie between the honey tea cakes and the apple and chai caramel cream puffs. My favorite savory sandwich was the curry chicken salad. The entire tea menu was spectacular!
Tea tower with fruit and butter on top, pastries on the middle layer, and sandwiches on the bottom layer
My cucumber and apple salad was perfect: crunchy, sweet, tart, and fresh. It was a great dish to balance out the carb-heavy tea tower dishes. It was light and effervescent, which was a nice contrast to the rest of the meal. I really liked that the salad incorporated miso for savory notes, and peanuts for earthier flavors.
Closeup of my cucumber and apple salad
The charcuterie board was divine: three different meats (I can’t remember each one, though I’m pretty sure one was soppressata, and another was calabrese), and three different cheeses (again, I can’t remember each one). I tasted a little of each, but I didn’t consume too much, because I had already had a fantastic time with the tea tower and my salad.
Charcuterie board
I loved our time at Corbeaux, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Temecula. I enjoyed brunch but I saw the dinner menu and I was equally impressed with the offerings. If you’re looking for a beautiful brunch experience, Corbeaux is a must!
Last year, I spoke briefly about my trip to London (including my time at Fait Maison, champagne sipping at Harrods, and an evening at the theatre, watching The Devil Wears Prada). But that was only the first half of my trip. I am so excited to discuss the second half of my trip, which was my leisurely trip back to the States. Instead of flying from Heathrow to my hometown, I did my first transatlantic cruise. I selected Cunard Cruises for my trip, and I wasn’t disappointed!
The plush robe in my stateroom
I traveled with my good friend (the same one that was on my Scotland trip) and we had a great time. We took the South Western Railway train from London to Southampton. I mentioned previously how important it is to upgrade your trains when riding around in the UK. I didn’t see an option to upgrade when I reserved our tickets, but when I return, I will be sure to select the best seat available. We had difficulty finding enough space for our luggage, but we managed to find some space before we settled into our seats. The ride was comfortable, and took a little over one hour. When we got to Southampton, we got a cab and rode directly to the port, which is a short ride away from the train station.
We took the maiden transatlantic voyage on Cunard’s newest ship, MS Queen Anne. The ship had previously operated on a different cruise route, but in January 2025, Cunard began using the Queen Anne to cross the Atlantic. and we were part of that first transatlantic group. This is their second-largest ship, right after the RMS Queen Mary 2. This beautiful vessel is less than two years old, so everything is still very new and fresh-looking. The ship’s first stop was New York City (my departure point), then continued on to traverse the entire globe over a 4-month period.
The beautiful pool deck
Onboarding was simple and uneventful. The staff was polite, efficient, and very clear in their instructions. It took very little time to get checked in and settled into our room. There was a little confusion with my friend’s luggage (it was sent to the wrong room initially), but we sorted it out quickly and got all of our things.
The restaurant where we dined most nights, Britannia
I absolutely loved the cruise overall, but there were some less than ideal moments (more about that later). For starters, I loved my stateroom. The room attendant, Delight (yes, that was her name) was lovely and took great care of us. Turn-down service included chocolates every night. The space was perfect and comfortable. My room had a balcony, but since I cruised in January, I didn’t get to enjoy it fully. Winter on the North Atlantic is too brisk for me! That being said, I looked outside of the window several times and the water was stunning and majestic.
The internet service was excellent (seriously: the best internet connection I’ve ever had on the water) and worth the investment. Unlike some ships that have ceased offering room service with the cost of your room, there is a standard room service menu with excellent options, and these items are included at no additional cost. There is also a daily tea time (gotta love British cruise lines). I looked forward to tea every afternoon.
The food was well prepared and tasty. On a scale of 0 to 10, I’d rate the food a solid 7.5. I do prefer more ethnic recipes and intense flavors (this is why I tend to really enjoy Royal Caribbean’s menus) but I certainly ate well on Cunard and enjoyed most of the dishes I tried. The room service options that I ordered were delicious and well-prepared, so on those rare occasions when I didn’t prefer the dining room options, I would simply return to the room and order something I liked instead.
Baby shrimp and cucumber brioche roll and fries that I enjoyed in my stateroom
I didn’t get to attend any of the live shows: attendance required that you reserve tickets in advance, and I never got the hang of the reservation system. That being said, I was never bored: there was music and dancing every day, not to mention a host of additional activities, like art lectures and auctions, crafting classes, language lessons, and more. There was also a spa that I used a few times (for the reason I’ll mention momentarily) and lots of other great amenities, like a library, gym, several bars, a club, and all of the other standard facilities on a cruise ship. I did visit all of the bars, the club, and the library, but I have no idea where the gym was, nor what was in it. On my vacations, I do not want to see exercise equipment.
I loved the mirrored stairwells on the Queen Anne
Stairwell art
Since I’d been on land for a number of days, I had quite a few clothes to launder. Fortunately, the Queen Anne had more than one laundry facility on board, with washing powder provided. I was delighted that I was not forced to outsource my laundering to the staff (some cruise ships no longer have public laundry facilities). But yes, I used the laundry rooms and chatted with my fellow passengers as I waited for my items to finish drying.
Anyway, I mentioned that there were some less than ideal moments. The main problem with this cruise was a storm that tossed the ship for days. This, of course, was beyond anyone’s control, and the captain and crew did an excellent job steering us through that awful storm, but the wind and water were so strong that the boat rocked fiercely, and the noise of doors slamming and clothes hangers banging against the inside of the closet made it hard to sleep. But beyond that, I experienced my very first bout of seasickness. I have typically loved cruising, and I never experienced seasickness until this trip. I had a headache and nausea that were unceasing. This bout of seasickness gave me a new level of empathy for people that experience it whenever they are on water.
Some of the dining options available via room service
I mentioned the seasickness to a lady I met during dinner, who said she went to the spa and the acupuncturist “seeded” her ears, and that gave her relief. I was so ill that I was willing to try anything, so I booked an acupuncture appointment, and Dr. Jack, the ship’s holistic doctor and acupuncturist, used principles of acupressure to “seed” my ears, taping little seeds to my ear at specific points. I don’t know much about acupressure, but seeding worked. I felt so much better, and could finally enjoy the rest of the cruise. I got some subsequent acupuncture treatments, and I felt fantastic afterward.
Artwork and ocean views (from left to right: Rhythm of Life I, Eternal Devotion and Rhythm of Life II by Jennine Parker)
Info cards on the bronze artwork in the previous photo (from left to right: Rhythm of Life I, Eternal Devotion and Rhythm of Life II by Jennine Parker)
Once my seasickness was resolved, I got down to exploring the ship more, and enjoying the remaining days of my travel. I attended a couple of art events, dressed up for Black & White night, and listened to music at the night club all the way until my final night on the ship. And then, on the morning that I disembarked, I had a delicious breakfast and took in the sight of New York City as I prepared to bid farewell to the Queen Anne and her incredible staff.
Docked in New York, my departure point
For those curious about the pricing, the costs averaged out to $108 per day, not including the cost of gratuities, my spa treatments and internet package (all of which are completely optional additions). I found the cruise to be a great balance of cost and value: I enjoyed an elegant, comfortable trip (aside from the stormy water) with well-prepared food, charming guests, excellent and attentive staff, beautiful views, and an assortment of entertainment for less than the cost of a 3 – or higher star hotel in most cities.
Overall, I had a wonderful time on the Queen Anne, and would highly recommend that anyone interested check out the ship, as well as the rest of Cunard’s ships and cruise routes. I will cruise with them again, and I will take my family when I do!
The restaurant is currently featuring the fall menu, which highlighted warm spices, tender brassicas, and autumnal squashes. I went with my daughter, and we both enjoyed the signature tea, which features all of the listed bites and unlimited amounts of any of the non-premium teas (we had to try a premium tea for good measure).
The experience started with us being seated in a lovely room that was a bit further back from the main entrance. Our space was punctuated with a grand Christmas tree that was white with silver accents. The room itself was a deep teal color, with light multicolored wooden floors and gold accents upon the walls. As we took in the beauty of our space, we were greeted by our waiter, who brought us menus and filled our water glasses.
Close up of one of the Christmas trees at Floris
After learning that we could select two teas to start, we discussed which teas sounded most interesting. We decided to try the Marie Antoinette tea as well as the Milk Oolong premium tea (which has a $6 USD upchage per teapot). Our tea arrived while we waited for our food. The Marie Antoinette was fruity, bright and softly floral, with none of the bitterness that can occur with many other black tea varieties. This was probably my favorite tea of the afternoon. The Milk Oolong was just as described: creamy, smooth, and buttery. I can confirm that this tea had notes of milkiness without any actual dairy being included. I was impressed at the subtle but impactful flavor profile on this tea.
Floris tea menu
We were brought a basket of biscuits and scones, along with jam and butter. These were tasty, and a great way to start our tea. The scones featured a swirl of additional flavoring (I don’t know what it was: the items were brought to us while I washed my hands, and I forgot to ask our waiter about it). The scones were softer and sweeter than the biscuits, and both were perfect with our first two pots of tea.
Floris Signature Tea food menu
Our food arrived and it was an impressive presentation. We started our meal with the fried saltines and pimento cheese savory bites (the top level). Rich, a little salty, and a lot crunch, these delicious cheesy bites were perfectly balanced by the tomato conserva garnish, which left a little sweetness and brightness after each bite. We followed up with the baked brie bites (top level), which had little bits of mushroom, pepper jelly, and a sprig of micro greens on top. This is a nice, standard tea dish: soft baked cheese in phyllo dough, with a few other ingredients for more flavor and texture. This is one that would be fairly easy to recreate at home, and would be a tasty hit with your guests!
Our tea bites
We progressed to the roasted sweet potato salad, which had a mixture of cubed sweet potatoes, feta cheese, bits of sauteed kale, and cranberries. The salad was served in a single endive leaf, adding a touch of tasty bitterness to a dish that perfectly captured sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and umami. This was a surprise hit for me, as I didn’t know what kind of salad to expect. This is absolutely a dish I would make myself, and would happily serve to others. We finished our savory bites with the braised green handpies, which my daughter accurately described as tasting like gomen, Ethiopian style collard greens. These handpies featured both collard and kale green, cooked until flavorful and tender, and the greens with mixed with other winter vegetables (like squash). On top of the flaky pastry pockets, there was a drizzle of smoked tomato coulis, the perfect little touch of delicious decoration. The handpies was my daughter’s favorite dish.
Moroccan Nights tea
We finally progressed to the final tier, with the sweet bites. But, before we started our bites, we tried another tea. We decided that the Moroccan Nights herbal tea could be tasty, and we weren’t disappointed. This tea was faintly minty, but mostly a floral, approachable blend that worked well with the sweet items we tried. Our first dessert item was the apple pound cake, that I quickly realized I couldn’t hold in my hands, as the warmth began melting the milk chocolate glazed on the outside of each slice! The mascarpone garnish and light-as-air sweet crisp on top – in the shape of autumn leaf, no less! – was such a pretty and tasty touch. We then tasted the pumpkin pate choux, an airy cake that was hollowed out and filled with a decadent pumpkin filling, and then topped with meringue and toasted until golden brown. This was my absolute favorite sweet of the bunch, and I could have eaten 20 of these!
Before we ate the last sweet bite, we ordered our final tea of the day, Himalayan White. This was an easy to sip, mildly sweet tea that contrasted well with our rich desserts. The final sweet treat with the spiced chocolate cremeux, which is a fascinating take on chocolate ice cream. This is what I’d imagine an upscale interpretation of the standard cherry cordial candy would taste like. This treat was had earthy and warming notes from the spice, the coldness of the ice cream, a touch of bitterness from the dark chocolate brownie bits, and the sweet and tart raspberry coulis encasing all of it. This was my daughter’s favorite and it’s easy to see why: it’s a fun mix of fruit and chocolate!
When we finished our meal, the waiter brought us an additional treat: we got chocolate caramel stuffed tarts to pair with the last cup of tea. Delicious! Such a tasty and unexpected way to end our meal.
As we sipped the last of our tea and looked out of the windows of the tea room, we savored the easy energy of the afternoon. Our time at Floris was a wonderful way to unwind in the afternoon. I can’t wait to return when they debut their winter menu!
Despite visiting Edinburgh previously, I never got a chance to visit these two sites. I was so excited because I knew that these were the perfect sites to visit with a group: having a guide that is dedicated to sharing history and answering your questions is a top tier experience that isn’t always available to you as a solo traveler. Also, members of tour groups often come up with excellent questions that add richness and deeper understanding to the conversations held while touring.
Banner at St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral is a very special place for Clan Graham and the Clan Graham Society (the group I toured with while in Scotland). This is the final resting place for James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, the ancestral head of Clan Graham. This somber site is a stunningly beautiful building, with lots of stained glass and a ton of fascinating history. The church still operates out of this building, as it has done for the past 900 years. You can attend services if you happen to be in Edinburgh: services are held on Sundays and mid-day during the week.
Exterior of St Giles’ Cathedral
Stained glass in the cathedral
Stunning architecture overhead at St Giles’ Cathedral
I was deeply moved as I paid my respects to James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. I was amazed by the peaceful and dignified likeness of Graham on his sarcophagus. Richard Graham, North American Chieftain of Clan Graham, and president of Clan Graham Society, provided a stirring recitation of the poem written by James Graham prior to his execution.
The 1st Marquess of Montrose, James Graham
Richard Graham paying his respects to his ancestor
The poem recited was, “Let them bestow on every airth a limb”, a haunting description of the execution that the 1st Marquess knew he’d experience, as well as his assured belief that God would recover his spirit and view him as righteous. This beautiful poem is worth sharing here (courtesy of All Poetry):
Let them bestow on every airth a limb, Then open all my veins, that I may swim To thee, my Maker, in that crimson lake, Then place my par boiled head upon a stake; Scatter my ashes, strow them in the air. Lord, since thou knowest where all these atoms are, I’m hopeful thou’lt recover once my dust, And confident thou’lt raise me with the just.
I also saw that James Graham and some of his descendants were honored at several different memorials within St Giles’.
Memorializing the 1st Marquess of Montrose
Montrose crest in Thistle Chapel
I was amused by the story of Jenny Geddes, the woman who threw a stool at the head of a St. Giles’ minister, in protest of the attempted Anglican-izing of the Scottish church. I was in awe of the Thistle Chapel, where the Order of the Thistle (the chivalrous organization headed by King Charles III) convenes. Hearing the significance of each of the seats and the decorative emblems chosen for the members of the Order was fascinating.
The story of Jenny Geddes
A statue in tribute to Jenny Geddes’ cuttie-stool
Crests in stained glass in the meeting area for the Order of the Thistle
The spectacular ceiling in Thistle Chapel
Details above the seats in Thistle Chapel
This beautiful cathedral also had the honor of accommodating Queen Elizabeth II’s body for nearly 24 hours as she was relocated from Balmoral Castle to Buckingham Palace. A couple of years ago, I had the honor to pay my respects to Her Majesty at her final resting place in Windsor Castle. I did not know that her body had also traveled to Edinburgh en route to Westminster Abbey.
Memorial commemorating where HM Queen Elizabeth II laid en route to London
One unique memorial plaque that I saw was the one to Elsie Maud Inglis, a physician and suffragist who founded the Scottish Women’s Hospitals for Foreign Services. Her organization served extensively during World War I, and supported the Serbian army during this time. Inglis is honored in both Edinburgh and in Serbia.
Memorial honoring Elsie Maud Ingrid
And what Scottish historical site would be complete without a tribute to national treasure Robert Burns? The stained glass window dedicated to Burns is a delight to the eyes.
Memorial plaque honoring Robert Burns
Burns memorial stained glass window at St Giles’ Cathedral
After leaving St. Giles’ Cathedral, we headed over to Edinburgh Castle. These two significant landmarks are a short distance from one another. I really loved Edinburgh Castle, and it was a treat to see the Scottish crown jewels (sadly, we were not allowed to photograph them). Seeing this incredible site, where King James the VI was born, made a lasting impression on me.
Ticket to enter Edinburgh Castle
One of the structures at Edinburgh Castle
Sleek, elegant lion sculpture at Edinburgh Castle
When we finished touring the castle, we met up with a friend living in Edinburgh and had a great lunch at a local restaurant, The Mussel and Steak Bar. I don’t like mussels, but I enjoy most other seafood, so I knew I’d find something I like. I had an AMAZING crab lunch that was massive, messy and delicious.
Crab dinner in Edinburgh
We finished the evening with a dinner and performance at Ghillie Dhu, where a bagpiper and highland dancers entertained us. We ate a great dinner and I tried real haggis for the first time. We ended the night with a little bit of ceilidh dancing.
My haggis bon bon at Ghillie Dhu
My last full day in Edinburgh was incredible and memorable. I didn’t want to leave this beautiful city, but I also missed my family, and I was ready to see them and to get back to my routine.
I’ll talk about my interesting return back to my hometown in my next post. Until then, take care, and thanks for reading!
In my previous posts, I shared my reflections on my time in Stonehaven, Aboyne and Glasgow, Scotland. As the tour progressed, our next stop was Stirling, the “heart of Scotland” (their words, not mine, though I don’t disagree).
Not where I stayed, but a gorgeous building in Stirling
After a fantastic day at Mugdock Castle and a stop by a roadside shop in the Trossachs, where I was able to feed and pet some highland coos, we rode for about 50 minutes until we got to Stirling . We were greeted by a statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
Statue of Robert Burns
Soon after reaching downtown Stirling, we checked into Hotel Colessio. This charming boutique hotel was picturesque and perfectly located. It was a short walking distance to two central attractions: downtown Stirling on one side and Stirling Castle on the other. The rooms here, like the rooms at each hotel on this tour, were clean, comfortable and charming, and the meals were delicious.
Our hotel, Hotel Colessio
After dinner and getting a good night’s rest, we started the first full day in Stirling at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre. Our enthusiastic guide described the battle and the contributing factors in great detail, and he managed to strike that perfect balance between knowledge and entertainment. As someone who (prior to this trip) knew very little about Scotland’s history, I was happy to have guides at each of our stops who eagerly shared information with me, as well as my wonderful tour companions who added additional depth and flavor to these discussions.
Statue of Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn
I know precious little about military logistics and strategy, but hearing how Robert the Bruce won the Battle of Bannockburn by leveraging topographical knowledge was thrilling. Once we finished the discussion portion of the tour, we went outside and saw the statue of Robert the Bruce, situated in a courtyard that was encircled by another artwork, a highly textured brick wall that was topped by verses of “Here Lies Our Land” by Kathleen Jamie.
Crests at Bannockburn Centre
Shields for children to play with
Books about Robert the Bruce in the Bannockburn gift shop
One verse of “Here Lies Our Land” by Kathleen Jamie
Another verse in, “Here Lies Our Land” by Kathleen Jamie
When we finished our time at Bannockburn, it was time for lunch, so we stopped in at Nicky-Tams Bar and Bothy, a pub nearby Hotel Colessio. This 300-year-old pub is the perfect stop after a morning of exploring. I order the vegetarian haggis, one of my favorite dishes when in Scotland. I love tasting different versions of veggie haggis to see which ones taste most similar to the real deal (I’ve also tried real haggis a few times, just to base my comparison). The neeps and tatties accompaniment at Nicky-Tams was unique: instead of offering it as two separate sides, the veggies are combined into a single mash and served as a singular item. The dish was tasty and hearty. I also tried Jubel beer, a Cornish beer that features fruit flavors. It was delicious and refreshing. I will certainly return to Nicky-Tams in the future, since they are known for live music in the evenings and, on this trip, I was unable to take full advantage of that.
Veggie haggis, neeps and tatties at Nicky Tam
My first time trying Jubel beer
One side of the Nicky-Tams album wall
The other side of the album wall
Once we were finished with lunch, we went to Stirling Distillery, where we met the Lord Provost of Stirling, Elaine Watterson. I wish I’d taking more photos at the intimate distillery, one of the smallest in Scotland. Because whisky must be aged at least 3 years and one day in order to be labeled “whisky”, and, the distillery was still aging their next batch, we were unable to try their whisky. However, they happily conducted a tasting where we tried a few gins and whiskys from nearby distilleries instead.
At Stirling Distillery
After visiting the distillery, we were off to Stirling Castle. This childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots, was stately and picturesque. One of my favorite features, other than the meticulous grounds, was the Stirling Heads Gallery, a vast collection of oak carvings, both painted and plain, depicting some of the most prominent people of Scottish history. These nearly 500 year old portraits were originally used to decorate the ceiling of a room in Stirling Castle, but now they are on display for us to enjoy.
At Stirling Castle
Closeup of the castle
Statue of Robert the Bruce at Stirling Castle
The Stirling Heads Gallery
Entering the gallery
Detailed horse in the gallery
The heads that are part of the overall collection
The Prince’s Tower, the original nursery for a number of Scottish royals
This full day of activity ended with us returning to Hotel Colessio for dinner, and a deep, restful sleep followed.
The next day, we ate breakfast and dressed well because we were headed to Buchanan Castle Golf Club for the Clan Graham Annual General Meeting (AGM). At this event, we were greeted by His Grace, James Graham, 8th Duke of Montrose, descendant of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. Standing beside His Grace, in the soft, misty rain, was a bagpiper, welcoming us in the warmest Scottish way.
Buchanan Castle ruins in the distance
Clan Graham crest
Meticulously maintained grounds at the Buchanan Country Club
We ate a lovely meal at the club, and then the AGM occurred, where members voted on organizational proposal. We took some great photos on the grounds of the club, and then journeyed back to our hotel.
When we returned to the hotel, we had another fantastic dinner, and we also had the Mugdock Auction. We brought items and submitted them for a silent auction, with all proceeds being contributed to the Mugdock preservation efforts. The ballroom of Hotel Colessio was perfectly charming and well suited for the auction. We enjoyed songs, traditional highland dance, bagpiping, and an entertaining auction. We had such a good time together!
Chandelier in Hotel Colessio event hall
This was our last night at Hotel Colessio. After the auction and dinner, we returned to our rooms and began to pack our things. The next day would whisk us off to the next cities: Inverness and Montrose!
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the next post on my summer vacation!
My trip to London earlier this year featured some quality shopping time at Harrods, one of my favorite department stores. This time, I added a new experience for me: a few drinks at the champagne bar. And what a sparkly time I had!
The Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar is a glittery space where champagne, exquisite snacks and fabulous people watching come together. I wasn’t sure whether the food would complement the drinks, but the snacks I tried were perfect (oh, how I wish I took pictures of the food!) The baguette, cheese and charcuterie, and lobster leaf were exquisite.
Several months ago, I went to the National Portrait Gallery and enjoyed a beautiful exhibit featuring women artists who spent time in Paris during the first half of the 20th century. however this exhibit was not the only one that caught my eye while at the national portrait gallery. Not very far from one of the main entrances was a hallway devoted to the glamorous photos of Hollywood stars taken by George Hurrell. His work perfectly captures both the beauty and mystery of these stars of the Hollywood Golden Age. Here are some of my favorite photos from the exhibit. Enjoy!
This photo of the radiant Jean Harlow greeted visitors to the corridor of photographs
Background information on Hurrell
Dashing Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
This is one of my favorite photos of Gypsy Rose Lee
Bronze Butterfly 