Goodbye 2015

The last month of 2015 went by in a total blur. Eunice, my 2nd cousin, arrived from Singapore and we got to spend time together and got to know her a little better. December is filled with traditions and adventures for us. Here are some things that I want to remember as we close out 2015.

1. Making Christmas cookies with little children is something I absolutely love love love doing. So glad I managed to squeeze it in before the year ended. We tried a spelt/almond hybrid that turned out fabulous. Comment below if you'd like the recipe.

2. Road trip to Sedona for Christmas. Beeswax modeling in the car and Kevin takes it super seriously, using his tyre pressure gauge to carve out, what we believe to be, a tiger? Kyan made a swan and a family of alligators. Mine turned out to be Tiptoes Lightly, the forest fairy from Red Downs's endearing book series.

3. We have been skipping decoration in our home since we spend Christmas in Sedona with grandparents. At least that's how we justify it. Next year, I am getting our own tree. 

4. The most expensive chilli. Absolutely delicious. 

5.  It's official. Kyan skis solo.

6. Snow day with our buddies at Arizona Snow Bowl. The key to happy kids in snow - Snacks, warm clothes, lots of patience and positive energy.

7. Christmas eve at Red Rock Crossing with buddies, Sedona AZ.

8. Keeping traditions. Juju (and Eunice) makes Italian sausage and peppers.

9. Kevin passing down his grandmother's Pizzelles making tradition to the little ones. 

10. Christmas morning  Kyan tiptoed into my room while everyone was still sleeping "Mommy, Santa was here! And he brought me the polar express train and A L O T of presents!" He proceeds to tell Poppy he wants to grow up to be as tall as Santa.

11. Christmas Day tradition - Hike. Long Canyon Trail, Sedona.

12. VIP seating at Kevin's New Year's Eve countdown fireworks show with Eunice. The busiest, craziest day of the year for him and he still remembered to take care of us. Just like he said, it was a BIG-ass finale. 

Goodbye 2015! 

What Shoes Do You Wear for City-Trotting?

Kevin and I are headed for Spain and France next week! I am besides myself with excitement and joy. I love to travel. It feeds my soul and inspires me. Having lived in California the past 5 years without traveling out of United States much (except for going to Singapore and Shanghai 2 years ago), I am so looking forward to going back to Europe. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love California and what it has to offer. But exploring new cities, cultures and revisiting old places, plus I get to do it with Kevin! 3 weeks of city-trotting on our own, in my most-loved part of the world. Can you tell I'm really REALLY excited?  

Having said that, I need to pack! Even though I'm still in Sedona transitioning Kyan into his new routine with preschool and grandparents, I'm starting to plan in my head what I need to bring. Now that I have birthed a child out of my pelvis and nearing thirty-six, my body is starting to ache in places that's never given me problems before, namely my lower back, and more recently my heels. I find myself looking for shoes with more support and cushion. Living in California, driving everywhere I go from door-to-door, I can afford to wear flip-flops with next to no cushion and no support. But I have a feeling for this trip, I am going to need something more functional than my rainbows. 

I have a few pairs of Birkenstocks that I love that is cute, comfortable and cushioned. I can wear them all day, around the house and not feel like my back or heel is killing me. But that's about it for long walking. For shorter walking, I have my go-to Bensimons that I practically lived in when I was living in Paris. They are cute, easy and comfortable. I call them The French Converse - every French girl wears them. I also recently bought a pair of Soludos and they are super comfy too, especially for hot weather, but unfortunately lack cushion for my heel for all day walking. And my favorite Repetto ballerina flats which I love, goes everywhere with me, because it is super light, but they absolutely kill my back so I reserve only for short (fancier) outings.

So, you see, I keep wondering about better options out there and I'm stuck. Everything I've looked at, that are more functional, are either too clunky or too touristy. What do you wear when you know you have to walk a lot and definitely need cushion, comfort and cute? What are your favorites to bring on a vacation that won't blister or kill your backs and heels? I would love to know!