travel Archives - Prairie Hive

Tag Archive: travel

Sights & Tastes of London

Written on August 2, 2012 by AlaynaB

A couple of years ago my husband and I, along with another couple, took a summer vacation to London, Paris, and Rome. With all of the Olympics on TV it makes me think of the fun we had while in London. So, I thought I might share with you some of the sights & tastes that we experienced while there. Maybe it will inspire you to plan a trip across the pond!

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

London at night….a beautiful sight!

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

The Tower Bridge. Not to be confused with the London Bridge….two different bridges.

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

Beautiful, huge trees in the parks throughout London.

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

Our view out our hotel window. I surprised to find out that it stays light really late during the summer there. Had never heard that before.

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

Buckingham Palace.

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

If you make it to London, you should definitely check out Windsor Palace that is only a short distance away.

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

Another must is Bath, England. Again, just a short distance but such a beautiful little town. It almost has an Italian feel to it. One of the most interesting sites was the Roman Baths that are located there. It’s now a museum and extremely interesting. Just don’t touch the water!

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

Stonehenge. Not far and definitely worth seeing. There’s nothing else out there, just the big rocks. But they are BIG! And it really does make you wonder how they got that way…and quite amazing that they are still there. A great piece of history to rest your eyes on.

Now onto the tastes….

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

St. John was a restaurant that is listed on Anthony Bourdain’s 13 Places to Eat Before You Die list. So, we figured we had better try it out. This is a “nose to tail” restaurant….nothing goes to waste here. So you can imagine the interesting menu items. I stuck with the fish and it was delish!

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

The real kicker is the dish that Anthony Bourdain says would be his “death row” meal……Roasted Bone Marrow. Yup, you read correctly…..and we tried it. The guys had to get it simply based on the recommendation. I could have skipped it, BUT I didn’t want to be shown up. So I tasted it. Definitely not my favorite, but it wasn’t horrible. You actually spread it on bread to eat it. My “spread” was on the light side I must admit!

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

All through London you will find pub after pub after pub. They all have pretty similar menu items with these next two being high on their lists. Shepherds Pie and Fish and Chips. Both were great! Oh, and you will find lots of peas and mushy peas around.

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

Add a little kick with Colman’s Mustard. Do not be fooled…it is not like american mustard!

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

And finally we decided to try something completely random. Pasha is a turkish restaurant. And it was fabulous! The food was great, but the atmosphere was outstanding! Complete with belly dancers even!

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

It would be worth just stopping by for a fabulous drink if you don’t have time for a full meal.

image via Ruby Jewel Studio, PLLC

So, while you enjoy watching the Olympics take note of all the different attractions and locations. That way when you visit you can see them all in person.

London was a great city to visit. It would especially be good for someone who has never been out of the United States. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. My personal take is that it feels like a big US city with a whole lot of history and people that have great accents!

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Design Tags: London, travel

Celtic Collections

Written on August 1, 2012 by DawnT

DET iCeltic01 Celtic Collections

One of my favorite things I did while in Ireland was wandering around ancient abbeys and photographing the majestic architectural features, then meandering out into the cemeteries to capture the many crumbling tombstones with their breathtaking Celtic crosses. The Celtic designs, so synonymous with Ireland to the world, is found everywhere. And I can’t get enough.

Celtic art is characterized by geometrical shapes, elaborately entwined. According to Wikipedia, the shapes mainly consist of interwoven cords (plaits), endless knots along with “energetic circular forms, triskeles and spirals.” These interlaced patterns were used to decorate Christian monuments and manuscripts. The never-ending interlacings are believed to represent eternity and are found on Celtic crosses.

DET iCeltic02 Celtic Collections

DET iCeltic08 Celtic Collections

DET iCeltic04 Celtic Collections

DET iCeltic05 Celtic Collections

DET iCeltic06 Celtic Collections

DET iCeltic07 Celtic Collections

Inspired by the lovely and intricate designs found all over Ireland, I have collected here a few cool items that I could add to my home to help me remember the beauty of that country and the adventure of my trip.

This Turk’s Head Knot pillow is awesome. I love the chunkiness of the weave and wool fabric.

DET Celtic01 Celtic Collections

image via Design Milk

And this Turk’s Head Knot lounger looks so comfortable!

DET Celtic02 Celtic Collections

image via Behance

Here is a sleek coffee table with a hint of Celtic design.

DET Celtic03 Celtic Collections image via Candelabra

I love that this fabric uses a contemporary color scheme mixed with an ancient Celtic pattern.

DET Celtic04 Celtic Collections

image via Robert Allen

This custom gate would definitely be a focal point in any garden.

DET Celtic05 Celtic Collections

image via Pinterest, Source Unknown

I am absolutely in LOVE with this Turk’s Head Knot rope bracelet. I need this.

DET Celtic06 Celtic Collections image via Tanya Aguiniga Studio

The bold blue really makes these Celtic inspired earrings stand out.

DET Celtic07 Celtic Collections

image via Knots & Beads

2 Comments - Leave a comment!

Design, Field Trip!, Inspiration Tags: design, home, Photography, travel

PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

Written on March 28, 2012 by DawnT

We added a “Travels” section in our latest issue of Praire Hive! We’ve decided to take a road trip for each issue (yippee!) and share with you the great finds we come across. From places to stay, food to eat or shopping musts, we will report back on what we find.

For our first excursion, we headed down to Oklahoma City where we found some magnificent independent stores!

Our very first stop was a real treasure. The Antique Avenue Market is located on Western Ave, conveniently close to I-44. Each of us immediately knew that we would want to come back with trucks to load up on some great pieces.

DET OKC Antiques01 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

DET OKC Antiques02 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

DET OKC Antiques03 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

DET OKC Antiques04 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

Our favorite part of this large market was discovering that the owner’s son is a very talented furniture maker – Matt Parsons of Van Parsons. Matt uses reclaimed along with innovative, industrial materials. You can see a bookshelf and a flat file island in the picture above. They were beautiful! His stuff is definitely worth checking out.

DET OKC VanParsons01 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

image via Van Parsons

DET OKC VanParsons02 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

image via Van Parsons

DET OKC VanParsons03 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

image via Van Parsons

The next stop – French Cowgirl - on our itinerary was just down Western Ave from there. It was a colorful boutique with funky home accessories, fun jewelry, and fabulous clothing. What a great place to pick up a unique outfit or one-of-a-kind gift!

DET OKC French01 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

DET OKC French02 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

Next, we visited Classen Curve with its striking architecture and upscale shops. This premiere shopping center is home to stores such as On a Whim, Uptown Kids, and Steven Giles.

DET OKC Classen01 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

Next, we sought out the Plaza District. This historic OKC neighborhood is currently being revitalized with renovations of existing buildings and with the energy of the new art galleries and unique boutiques. I definitely would like to check out one of their monthly artwalks with live music.

Another favorite shopping spot was located in this District - Collected Thread, a boutique featuring handmade items, most of which is locally made. As a matter of face, we witnessed the owner, Lindsay Zodrow, make some of the adorable onesies pictured below as we chatted with her and her adorable dog!

DET OKC Collected01 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping DET OKC Collected02 PH Travels: Oklahoma City Shopping

These are just a few places that we were able to hit up on our little excursion. And we loved what we found (and had so much fun!) that we can’t wait to return to the OKC!

1 Comment - Leave a comment!

Field Trip!, Inspiration Tags: Inspiration, travel

Our Travel Finds

Written on August 5, 2011 by Prairie Hive

Inspired by Heather and Todd’s use of all the treasures they have found on their travels, we told you a bit in Issue Two about something we have each found along the way. We decided to show and tell a little bit more!

ABtravel Our Travel Finds

My find is a canvas painting purchased along the Seine River while in Paris. Every time I look at it, it takes me back to that time and setting, and all the memories. – Alayna

DTTravel Our Travel Finds

DTSandler Our Travel Finds

Here are a few pieces I have picked up…colorful bracelets from St. Thomas and a couple of silver pieces from Mont St. Michel, France. I also seem to randomly run into celebrities…here’s a pic of me, my cousin Jill and Adam Sandler.We ran into him in a lobby of a movie theater at midnight in Ft. Lauderdale a few years ago. (Note my crazy fan eyes!) – Dawn

LWplate Our Travel Finds

The plate is by Paola Navone for merci - a very cool store in Paris! I chose it because of the 5 (for my family of 5, of course!) and because it was easy to bring home. -Lisa

I bought these two Edgar Degas prints on my first trip abroad in 1992 at the Louvre in Paris. Even though the real paintings don’t hang in that museum, Degas was always my favorite and I bought both for a few francs. I love that both are paintings of dancers behind the scenes, stretching and warming up. I finally saw some Degas paintings “live” in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2005. – Kim

I found this hand painted porcelain bowl while visiting a dear friend living in Okinawa, Japan. I don’t remember what the lettering means now, but the beautiful colors and birds in flight sit on my dining table and remind me each day not only of a fantastic trip, but of my friend. -Sarah

We would love to see some of your favorite travel finds! Post them to our Facebook wall or comment here!

1 Comment - Leave a comment!

Design, Inspiration, Prairie Hive Mag Tags: design, home, Inspiration, Meet the Hive, travel

Traveling Treasures

Written on July 27, 2011 by DawnT

Happy Wednesday! Or for me, it’s Happy Day-Before-I-Leave-for-Vacation Day!! Yup, tomorrow I board a plane, jet out of this horrid heat (107 today!) and touch down in more tolerable temps… and close to the ocean. With tons of family. I.Can.Not.Wait!

Some people hate flying and layovers and crowds or have anxiety about being tens of thousands of miles in the air, but I happen to be one who looks forward to it all. Airplane naps are the best kind! And I love the hustle and bustle, love the mini bags of peanuts, love exploring new airports (yes, I check out the design of different terminals), love watching all the different types of travelers – happy couples skipping off on their honeymoon, families headed to Disney World, businessmen deep in thought over their laptops, a tearful reunion at the baggage claim, and even the angry passenger making a scene!

Since I’m giddy with anticipation to begin my get-away and am packing up my last few accoutrements, I thought I’d share with you some of the accessories that I find helpful to bring along when I travel.

First, I must have a bag that is big enough to hold all my carry-on gear, but not be too cumbersome. And of course it should be stylish – like this one from Anthropologie. It seems to be the perfect size and looks like it’s ready for some boardwalk shopping!

DET Anthro%20Roped In%20Tote Traveling Treasures

Roped-In Tote, image via Anthropologie

Wearing comfortable slip-on shoes can really help streamline the routine of going through security. No clumsy unbuckling or time spent untying with an impatient line behind you. These Toms shoes are just what I need!

DET Toms Traveling Treasures

Toms, image via Toms.com

The one thing I DON’T like about traveling through airports is the exorbitant charge for a sandwich or a bottle of water. So I like to bring my own! But we all know that we can’t bring containers of more than 3 oz. of liquid through security. Problem solved – I just stick a few granola bars and my empty water bottle in my perfect-sized bag (see above) and fill it up at a water fountain once I get through security. Free and hydrated! This is the exact Thermos bottle I own and love – it has a snap-open lid and a handle to dangle from a finger when your arms are full.

DET Target%20THermos%20Intake%20Poly%20Water%20Bottle Traveling Treasures

Thermos Intake Poly Water Bottle, image via Target.com

I don’t own a travel pillow, but after the last few crazy-busy months I may need to invest in one to enhance my plane naps. Check out these cute, lightweight ones from Bucky!

DET Amazon%20BuckyTravelPillowMinnie Traveling Treasures

Bucky Minnie Compact Travel Pillow, image via Amazon.com

Last but not least, I can’t leave for a trip without a book. Usually when vacation time rolls around, I prefer to keep the reading lighthearted and fun. Have you read any of Emily Giffin’s books yet? Love her collection for good summer reading!

DET EmilyGiffin Traveling Treasures