This is a post dedicated to things we love. Clothes, food, travel destinations – any items or places the three sisters of Looks and Leaps agree are consistently fantastic. We’ve started with a few items that get a definite thumbs up, and we’ll post here regularly with updates so check back for more thoughts on things Looks and Leaps LOVE.
Monthly Archives: February 2015
Chilly Chic
I don’t know what the weather is like where you live but for me and my sisters the past few weeks have been a bit messy. Lots of snow followed by sub zero temperatures, ice, sleet, and then rain has made going about daily routines a challenge to say the least and it’s altered the wardrobe quite a bit. A dress with tights with cute heels to work? Not happening. Skinny jeans with flats on the weekend? Not unless you want to loose toes to frostbite. So which items came to the rescue for form, function, and style in this brutal winter weather? Here are a few MVPs:
Ski Trip Part One: Packing
View from Hyatt Escala Lodge at Park City, Utah
by Wendy
I went skiing for the first time in high school. My family drove to the Smoky Mountains for a couple of days during Christmas break. Half of us slid down an icy hill without ski poles and falling on our rear to stop while the others went ice skating. It wasn’t pretty, but the VHS tape sure was hilarious. Anyway, I went maybe a handful of times since then to spots a few hours away. While I gradually learned to use poles, wedge to stop, ski off the chair lift without crashing and keep my balance, I still would not describe myself as a skier. But I married a skiing enthusiast, so away to Park City, Utah we go. My first trip to Utah and first attempt at skiing west of the Mississippi! Of course one of my first questions was: could I pack for this getaway using a carry-on bag only?
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Disney Dining
The infamous Mickey waffle!
by Sunny
While in Disney, my daughter is not one for sitting down to a meal when there are characters to meet, shows to see, and rides to tackle. On her 4-year-old trip, we were wearing down at around 6pm having gone nonstop since our quick-service breakfast at the resort that morning. Our party of 5 started heading to the nearest restaurant when my daughter inquired as to where we were going. “To dinner,” I responded. She scoffed in return, “But we already ate breakfast today!” See what I mean? She would be more than happy to just eat Mickey-shaped ice cream on a stick while waiting in line as opposed to sitting down with the fear of missing out. On our trip earlier this month, we decided that it was time to branch out and experience the variety of dining options that Disney has to offer. We were pleasantly surprised, and it even won over our little princess… Continue reading
The Art of Paying the Check in Spain
By Wendy
American visitors can be surprised by how long it takes to get the bill after eating in Spain (or France and some other European countries). If you’re sitting down at a table and served by a waiter or waitress, you’ll almost always have to ask for la cuenta por favor – they don’t just bring it when it looks like you’re about finished eating. And even when you ask, it could be awhile. Relax and get used to this, because you will likely run into it. And you’ll quickly see how this endearing custom of lingering at the table to enjoy food, drinks and good company, is very addictive and fun. Continue reading
Weekend Trip – Lake Barkley State Resort Park
by April
I love to get away for a weekend and consider it all the better if I don’t have to go far to feel a world away. If you live in or near a state with fantastic resort parks, a fun and affordable trip may not be far from your back yard. I recently traveled to Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz, KY with my son, sister, niece and parents for a weekend adventure not far from home.
Spain for one week: Itinerary #3
by Wendy
This is part 3 of my series on one week itineraries (nine days counting both weekends) in Spain. The third Spain trip took place in 2013 and was very special, since my parents were going with us! They had never been before, so we designed an itinerary with them in mind. This evolved over several conversations as we researched logistics and available hotels. We debated including Cadaques, or exploring Rioja, but thought we’d have to skip the Andalusia region as a result. A week itinerary does require some very tough choices! So we ultimately decided to include Madrid (again, easy to fly into and all-around all-star city), keep Andalusia but visit Cordoba (a new city for me and Jack), Valencia (must-see Spanish coast and another new city for me and Jack), Barcelona (Gaudi of course), then back to Madrid for the weekend. Continue reading
A Dress for all Seasons
A Dress for all Seasons
by Sunny
Two years ago, my sister, Wendy, bought me this dress; a gift for my birthday. At that time, there were no H&M stores in my hometown, so I was thrilled to be getting a dress that I would more than likely not see on anyone else around town. I wore it out that night for my birthday dinner and have worn it regularly ever since. I also found that I could change the look of the dress to fit the season. In fact, I feel that I can make this dress work for all four seasons. Take a look below and decide for yourself! Continue reading
Spain for one week: Itinerary #2
by Wendy
Welcome to part 2 of my series on one week itineraries (nine days counting both weekends) in Spain. The second trip was made in 2012 and covers: Madrid-Barcelona-Cadaques-Madrid
No Promise No Bake Cookies
No Promise No Bake Cookies
by Sunny
Every year I set out to make a batch of no-bake cookies for my father-in-law. These are his all-time favorite cookie, and I make sure to have a full container of perfect confections ready when I see him for the holidays. However, obtaining that full container of perfection is not always easy. Having the consistency and temperature just right is the key for getting the cookies to set properly. Over the years I have had many batches go awry, from cookies that remain a gloppy mess to cookies that crumble to pieces before they reach your mouth. Now, I am not promising that my recipe will work for you (it’s definitely not fool-proof for me), but hopefully these tips and tricks will help you produce a kitchen chock-full of chocolate no-bakes!
I have adapted this recipe from several different ones that I have found. No matter what, I always start with fresh ingredients. I never use an already opened jar of peanut butter from my pantry or the cocoa powder left over from a previous project. I think fresh, just-bought ingredients tend to work the best and are the key to success.