Let's Go To Belgium - Day 5 in Paris!

Hi and thanks for popping in to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm continuing to recap our trip to Belgium.  I'm up to Day 5 and you are never going to guess where we spent it - PARIS!  If you've missed the first part of our trip, you can catch up here ~

Day 1     |     Day 2     |     Day 3     |     Day 4

We hadn’t completely decided where we wanted to spend Day 5 of our trip before we left. We tossed around several ideas, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Luxembourg. But once I discovered that Paris was only about an hour and a half away by train, the choice became easy. Paris, here we come!

Since we only had one day to see as much of Paris as possible, I decided to splurge on both the Paris Museum Pass and a Big Bus pass. The Museum Pass allowed us to skip the long lines at several attractions, helping us make the most of our limited time.

When Eric and I visited Paris several years ago, we absolutely loved the Big Bus hop on hop off experience. We've tried similar buses in other cities since then, but none have compared to Paris. I knew it would be the perfect way to see the city's highlights while giving us a break from navigating the subway system or spending the entire day on foot.

As soon as we got off the train from Brussels, we headed straight to the du Louvre.  If you've ever visited this museum, you know you could spend days there!  We had a plan and moved fast!  

Located near the Louvre is the D'Orsay.  We hit that next!

There was a Big Bus stop right outside the Musée d'Orsay, so we climbed aboard and set off to explore the city. As we rode through the streets of Paris, we soaked in the sights and sounds all around us, trying to take in every detail and capture as many memories as possible.  Our hopping off spot was the Eiffel Tower!

After walking around the tower a bit, back on the bus we went to go the Notre Dame.  Before entering the cathedral, we stopped for lunch across the street at Cafe Panis and got so incredibly lucky to have an amazing view from our window seat.   

Eric and I had visited Notre Dame before the fire, so I was anxious to see it since it reopened.  I swear I could still smell the smoke!  It is so beautiful and seems brighter than before.

After Notre Dame, we loaded up on the bus for another spin around the city.  Paris has so many beautiful things to see!

To close out our day in Paris, we boarded a sunset cruise on the Seine River. It was the perfect way to sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of the city one last time. As we drifted past some of Paris's most iconic landmarks, we reflected on all we had seen and experienced during our whirlwind visit. 

As the boat docked, the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower put on their show!

We had just enough time to stop at Breizh Cafe for a crepe on the way to the train station.  It was as delicious as the reviews said it was!

I had visited Paris once before, but it was Ian's first time experiencing the City of Light. To be honest, Paris wasn't very high on his list of places to visit, and I was hoping our day there might change his mind. Mission accomplished!

He fell in love with the city and, shortly after we returned home, booked a trip to come back with his wife, Kayla. While one day is certainly not enough time to do Paris justice, it was enough to leave a lasting impression. I'll gladly take any amount of time I can get in this incredible city!

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What I Read in May 2026

Hello, friends, and welcome to another Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Since it's the first Thursday of the month, it's time for one of my favorite posts—looking back at all the books I finished during the previous month. Then it will be your turn to share what you are thinking out loud about today!

Not a lot of reading happened for me in May. As you can probably guess, I'm knee-deep in wedding planning mode, so most of my free time has been spent checking things off wedding to-do lists, meeting with vendors, and tying up all the little details that come with a wedding that's just around the corner.

Even so, I did manage to finish three books during the month. And if I'm being completely honest, one of those was actually a short story, so it wasn't exactly a record-breaking reading month! Still, every book counts, and I enjoyed having a few stories to escape into whenever I could carve out some reading time.

The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail

Our library book club chose The Seamstress of New Orleans for our book last month.  I have to admit, I had a hard time finding anything I liked about this book.  Well, I am glad it was free on Kindle Unlimited and was glad I didn't have to pay for it.  The person that recommended the book wasn't able to attend and I was so curious to hear what she liked about it...

The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves the bitter cold of Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage.

Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all‑female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence.

But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controled New Orleans’ notorious Storyville district. Benton’s death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they’re building . . .

Available HERE

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop by Laurie Gilmore

This is Book 6 in the Dream Harbor romance series, and it was such a fun, enjoyable read. It wasn't anything particularly deep or thought-provoking, nor was it trying to be the next great literary masterpiece. Instead, it delivered exactly what I was looking for—a light, charming story that was easy to pick up and get lost in for a few hours.

The characters were likable, the romance was sweet, and the small-town setting was as cozy as ever. Sometimes it's nice to read a book that simply entertains, and this one definitely fit the bill. If you're looking for something lighthearted and relaxing to toss in your beach bag this summer, I think this would be a great choice!

Daisy is fed up with being unlucky in love. And since Mayor Kelly declared her beloved flower shop cursed in one of his infamous visions, business has been slow.

Dream Harbor newcomer Elliot has been adjusting to small-town life following his own relationship turmoil. And until now he’s avoided the flower shop at all costs. If the mayor is correct, he doesn’t need any more bad luck in his life.

When he finds himself walking through the door of the Daisy Chain Flower Shop, he doesn’t expect it to be a life-changing moment. But as the petals blossom in the sunlight, might the unluckiest woman in Dream Harbor finally find that love comes when you’re least expecting it?

Available HERE

Lift Me Up by Millie Johnson

I love a good short story, and this one definitely fit the bill! Better yet, it's available for free on Kindle Unlimited, which is always a nice bonus.

There's something so satisfying about sitting down with a story and finishing it in one sitting. In a world full of lengthy books and never-ending to-do lists, it's fun to experience a complete story from beginning to end in just a few hours. Lift Me Up was the perfect Saturday morning read—quick, engaging, and easy to get through with a cup of coffee in hand. If you're looking for a short escape that won't require a huge time commitment, this one is worth checking out.

Available HERE

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Let's Go to Belgium - Day 4 in Antwerp!

 Hello!  Thanks for stopping in for Thinking Out Loud Thursday. This is a space where I talk about something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm continuing my recap from our trip to Belgium.  If you've missed the first part of the trip, you can catch up here:

Day 1     |     Day 2     |     Day 3

Day 4 took us to Antwerp!  Antwerp — called Antwerpen in Dutch — is Belgium’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s most stylish and historic destinations. Located along the Scheldt River in northern Belgium, it’s famous for its massive port, diamond trade, fashion scene, medieval architecture, and deep artistic heritage.  Antwerp has a slightly edgier, trendier vibe than cities like Bruges or Brussels. Travelers often describe it as artistic, fashionable, lively, and less touristy — a place where historic Europe and modern urban culture naturally mix together.

We took the 50-minute train ride over from Brussels and immediately fell in love with the train station. The main train station in Antwerp is Central Station and is nicknamed "Railway Cathedral".  The dramatic glass roof over the platforms is stunning!  With it's enormous dome, marble interior, and cathedral-like design, you can see why many people describe it as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

The moment you step out of the train station, you immediately notice a different energy in the city. It feels much busier and more fast-paced than the cities we had just visited.

Our first stop was at The Chocolate Line Shop, which quickly became my favorite chocolate store of the trip! Their flavor combinations were so unique and fun to sample, and the staff was incredibly generous about letting us try different truffles. Needless to say, quite a few chocolates from this shop ended up making the trip home to the States in our suitcases!

Even if you're not stopping by to try the chocolate, definitely step into this shop!  The historic building dates back to the 1800s and has ties to royalty.  

Next, we ventured to the Cathedral of Our Lady.  It took 169 years to build this masterpiece and was completed in 1521.  Inside, you'll find Baroque decor and Ruben's artwork.  So gorgeous!

You can't miss the beautiful gold clock near the top of the steeple.  

We popped over to the Het Steen next.  This is a small but pretty castle that sits on the side of the river.  The castle dates back to the early 13th Century!  

After grabbing some lunch, we spent the rest of the afternoon roaming around admiring the architecture.  

After a fun day exploring Antwerp, we hopped back on the train to Brussels. It was such a fun experience traveling by train and getting to see cities beyond our home base. Just wait until you hear where we ventured on Day 5!

Now it's your turn.  What are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!

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Let's Go To Belgium - Day 3 in Bruges!

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something I'm thinking out loud about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm continuing the recap of my trip to Belgium with my son Ian.  We're on Day 3.  If you missed days 1 and 2, you can find them HERE and HERE.

By Day 3, we had mostly shaken off the jet lag and were feeling much more like ourselves. We started the morning bright and early, heading straight to the train station. Our destination for the day was the charming city of Bruges!

I had heard so many wonderful things about this city and was so excited to finally experience it for myself. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and rich cultural heritage, it felt like stepping into a storybook. Our first stop was the Belfry, a magnificent 13th-century tower that has long stood as a symbol of the city’s power and prosperity. And if you’re willing to make the climb to the top, you’re rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views overlooking the entire city.

To reach the top, you’ll need to make the climb up all 366 stairs. It’s definitely a workout, but the stunning views waiting at the top make every step worthwhile!

Along the way, you'll get to see the many city hallmarks, including the city seal and treasury.  Also along the way is the impressive music roll that controls the carillon.  We didn't get to hear the bells play, but if you visit on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday from 11:00 to 12:00 you can.

Once at the top, the views are absolutely spectacular! Stretching out in every direction, the city looks like something straight out of a postcard. Along the edge of the tower, distances to cities both near and far are engraved into the stone, adding such a unique and interesting touch to the experience.

After making our way back down, we were more than ready for lunch! Ian discovered a restaurant called Ammuni that had been named one of the top 50 pizzerias in 2023, so of course we had to check it out. The pizza was absolutely delicious, but the real standout for us was the Spaghetti alla Carbonara — it completely won us over! If you’re ever in the area, this spot is definitely worth a visit. It had everything you could want: amazing food, friendly service, and prices that were surprisingly reasonable.

With full bellies, we walked the short distance to the Basilica of the Holy Blood.  Inside you will find the relic identified as the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ that was brought to Bruges from the Holy Land during the Second Crusade in the 12th century.  No pictures are allowed of this piece.  But the church itself is stunning!

Next up was a relaxing boat ride through the canals. For the next half hour, we sat back and enjoyed the beautiful scenery drifting by around us while listening to stories and bits of history about the city. It was such a peaceful way to take in the sights, and seeing the architecture and charming streets from the water gave us a completely different perspective of the area.

We decided to visit the Chocolate Museum next. To be completely honest, after experiencing it, this is probably one stop I could have skipped. I think Ian enjoyed it a bit more than I did, but overall we both felt like our time may have been better spent exploring more of the city. That said, I did love seeing the beautiful dishes and displays throughout the museum — those were definitely my favorite part!

On our way back to the train station, we made a quick stop at the Church of Our Lady Museum. The church itself is absolutely stunning, filled with beautiful architecture, intricate details, and a peaceful atmosphere that instantly makes you slow down and take it all in. Walking through the museum gave us one last opportunity to soak in the city’s incredible history and artistry before heading out. It ended up being such a lovely and memorable way to wrap up our time there.

Inside this church, you can see Michelangelo's marble "Madonna and Child" along with several other beautiful pieces of art.  There was beauty everywhere you looked inside!

Our day in Bruges was absolutely wonderful! If we had the chance to do it all over again, I would definitely plan to spend at least one night there so we could slow down and explore even more of the charming little shops and quiet streets. Everywhere we turned, there was something beautiful or interesting to take in — from the picturesque buildings and canals to the hidden corners full of character and history. It truly felt like a city meant to be wandered and enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Now it's your turn.  What are you thinking about today?  Link up and share!

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