Post-Vacay Feelings and General R&F Updates

Returning from holiday is such a mix of emotions; I'm anxious about returning to work (what has happened and been piling up on my to-do list since I left?); I'm sad my best friend is going back home to the States (thankfully, I will see her again in July); and I'm relieved to be coming home to my husband, our bed and to London (such a big city but it just feels so homey and safe to me).

Seville was an interesting experience. If you follow Rove and Frolic on Instagram, you saw some of the fun. And it truly was fun, but it was also frustrating at times. I have travelled to places very unlike my own culture (Cambodia, for example) but have never felt more like a fish out of water than during this trip. The language barrier proved to be incredibly difficult at times. Most people either didn't speak English at all or spoke very little of it, which was fine ... we were in Spain, after all. While we tried our best to speak in Spanish when we could and fit into their way of life (ahem, 10 p.m. dinners instead of 6 p.m.), we never seemed to shake the stereotype that's placed on Americans when we travel abroad. On top of that, unfortunate things happened like Madison's luggage being just slightly too large to be considered a carry-on so she had to pay an extra £75 on the spot to get it checked (Ryanair is infamous for that, though. We should have known.) She also got the 24-hour stomach bug on our first day which certainly didn't make for the greatest of starts to a vacation.

I hope this doesn't come across as ungrateful or negative but rather just real. Travel is so fun and exciting and such a privilege, but it's certainly not perfect -- at least not for me, but I get some funny stories out of those mishaps ... ask me why I always carry pocket tissues in my purse. We did have some really sweet moments, too. A nun showed us around the museum in her convent, and Madison had a wholesome conversation with her. We got a free cookie from the café we were hiding from the rain in. We giggled and had heartfelt conversations over margs on a rooftop bar. It's always nice getting to spend time with people you love, even if it goes a little sideways from time to time. The simplest of moments turn out to be the sweetest memories when the right people are making them with you. I'm working on writing a full blog and creating a multi-day itinerary for you in case you're interested in a trip to Seville some day (or are just generally curious about our experience). I can't guarantee your trip will be without it's own obstacles or mishaps, but I can guarantee good coffee recs.

Now that I am back in London and settling into my normal routine (at least for this week), I am looking forward to what's next for Rove and Frolic. Next month, I am hosting a Charity Shop Walk + Lunch which is a nearly sold out event. I just secured some tickets to a line dancing event in Chiswick which I think is going to be so fun. Can you imagine a group of girlies rocking up to a place called Lil Nashville in London while in our cowgirl hats and pointy boots?! Unreal. It's going to be a hoot. I'm also trying to create content instead of just adding to the ever-growing list of "good ideas for content." I love that I always have ideas but hate that I never seem to have the time to execute them in the way I would like. It's a work in progress. I feel like I'm only now finding my personal style. I'm also working on showing more of my personality, but that's kinda scary. I feel a bit too exposed on social media. And it's difficult exposing yourself to the possibility of being rejected or judged by thousands, but I don't want to live for the validation of others; I want to live for Jesus.

I have a few more work trips to end the month of April on, then the month of May is relatively quiet (aside from the next event I just mentioned). I keep trying to cram a lot into what's currently a more relaxed month (I see empty days on my calendar and think I need to fill them), but I felt the Holy Spirit say to leave space to be creative and to be alone which is ironic considering my entire brand is about community and friendship. But, hey, you can't pour into others if you're an empty cup. Sometimes, your cup needs to be filled by doing things you love alone, like journaling in the park or taking yourself on a solo coffee date. Clearly, this is a lesson I have learned the hard way. But once my cup is sufficiently filled, I want to host a creativity night with some cocktails and charcuterie boards for some of my closest friends. Seems like a good way to mesh all my favourite things -- cocktails, my besties and creative expression. There will probably be some singing and dancing thrown into the mix, as well. You know how it is when the girls get together. We know how to have the most wholesome fun.

Speaking of singing and dancing, I've been loving Addison Rae's newest song, "Headphones On." You might see it make its way into some of my curated playlists. You'll want to add Maggie Roger's new cover of "Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old" with Sylvan Esso to your "must-hear" list, as well. This one is already on my summer playlist. I've kind of bypassed spring and started prepping for summer; this playlist marks the inauguration of summer for me (though we're still very much in spring). But really, I am very proud of my curated playlists. I like creating them for specific trips and occasions, gatherings, events, etc. It's another little hobby of mine. So, if you ever have any song recs, do send them my way. And if you aren't following me on Spotify, go find me at Rove and Frolic. ;)

Now that you're mostly up to speed, I'll put a bow on this blog post and call it a day. Can't wait to share more updates and ramblings with you in future. Will check in again soon. x Stay well, friend.