on a personal note...

Our apologies for the radio silence. Don't worry, we're still alive. We've just been in a major season of transition. Normally, we stick to telling you about our travels - where to eat, sleep, and play... but things have gotten so busy that we'll fill you in a little. 

To start, let's go back to February of 2013... 

We decided to move back to Mr. H's hometown - Mobile, AL. As you know, we love to travel and we're not scared to do a little "semi-permanent traveling" (a.k.a. moving). We'd lived in 3 different states in our first 3 years of marriage.  At the end of 2012, when we got the itch to move again, our thoughts immediately went to some of our favorite cities... namely, San Francisco and Denver. However, in January of 2013, two amazing opportunities opened up for us in Mobile and we headed southward. 

We'd always known we'd eventually move to Mobile because we think it's a great city with tons of potential (translation: ending up in Mobile was a prerequisite to marrying Mr. H because he has always had a slight obsession with his beloved hometown). But, seriously, Mobile does have tons of untapped potential that's waiting to come into being. For that to happen, we realized our city needed people who are willing be a part of the incubation stages of its progress. So, we packed our bags and headed to bottom tip of Alabama at the beginning of 2013. 

In January, we took some time to reflect on our first year here and it hit us... we'd been so busy traveling that we still hadn't put down roots in the city. And, if you move somewhere with the purpose of seeing that place progress, roots are necessary. Thus, our 2014 resolution was to travel less (which is incredibly strange to say as a two people who feel most alive when we're doing anything related to travel and hospitality). We're not stopping  Mr.&Mrs.H or the blog, but our travels will definitely be less frequent and more confined to the South. Plus, we'll add an extra focus on promoting what is awesome about our city! Hopefully, you'll come visit soon. But, in the meantime, thanks for reading... don't stop. We'll still have great adventures that we'll fill you in on. Also, if you're a hotelier or restauranteur, we'd still love to work with you - our consulting work is simply now confined to the weekends. 

Thanks for the patience and we'll talk soon!

-mrs.h  

traveling the world with people you love

{I'll never forget walking around Paris with Mr. H. It's a memory that no gift or object could compare with.}

At mr.&mrs.h, we clearly love all travel. But, there's one kind of travel we love most - adventures with the people you love. I remember traveling in college with people I liked, but didn't necessarily love. I would always tell myself, "I want to come back here with a person - or people - I love." 

{Exploring Edinburgh and road-tripping through the UK was such a fun adventure for us.}

When you travel, even if it's near your home, you experience so many amazing sights, sounds, tastes, and emotions. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to travel -  alone or with people. But, I think there's something intangibly valuable about sharing adventures with someone you love. It creates a bond like nothing else because you've experienced things with that person that you could never fully describe to anyone else.

{I'm so glad I had someone to share the little moments of travel... like pulling off the road to explore the ruins of a   Medieval Abbey and watching the sheep in a neighboring field.} 

I am definitely an introvert. I love people and being with people, but I get energized when I'm alone. Still, being alone in a foreign country always leaves me desiring the people I love. I feel like there's something missing when I don't have someone I love to share my experiences with. During my recent trip to Europe with Mr. H, I got to be in Paris with the one I love. It was such a dream come true. I'd been there before, but dreamed of coming back with the love of my life (this was years before I'd met Mr. H). 

{A rainy day in Paris is so much more fun when you have your best friend next to you.}

It was so much fun to walk down the Seine with Mr. H by my side, to experience the beauty of Sainte Chapelle with someone I loved, and share a crepe from a street vendor with him. It made me ponder the material things I want and how I tend to prioritize those over travel, but a trip with someone you love creates a memory that is more valuable than any gift or material item I could receive. That's something to remember as the holidays approach... what about asking for a memory making adventure that will last forever instead of a present that you'll get tired of in a year or two?
-mrs.h

Adventurer Profile: Beth McCabe

We are thrilled to highlight Beth McCabe as our newest "adventurer" in our Adventurer Profiles. We became friends with Beth during our time at Blackberry Farm, where Beth serves as an Event Manager. Although her job sounds glamorous - and there are many perks (celebs, beautiful events, etc.) - the chaotic schedule that comes with running events at one of the world's leading resorts can be consuming. Still, Beth manages to find time to keep travel a top priority in her life. 

We all have crazy lives and schedules that can prevent us from really living life - and many of us find ourselves falling into the trap of existing through the day-to-day. But, life is such a beautiful gift and it's so critical to find a work/life balance that  allows us to suck in every drop of life at work and at play. Beth always inspires the two of us to do just that. As you read Beth's top spots and travel tips, we hope you too are inspired to make time for travel so when you look back on this life you can say you worked hard and played hard. 

MMH: Do you have a favorite place you've traveled? 
BM: I suppose I have become a repeat offender and throw it back quite often.  So, when I fell in love with New York City so I moved there for 4 months to do an “internship” my father likes to say that I was on his Full Scholarship.  We differ in terms.  Needless to say, I try and make it there at least twice a year.  Then I have started to make an annual Napa Trip.  However, if I had to narrow it down, I would have to say Great Britain in general.  My mother lived in England for 2 years.  My my older sister, Campbell, and I decided to piggy-back a trip to see her that just happened to fall over the Open Championship in 2007 (this was not a coincidence).  On the day of our departure… I may have missed my train in Manchester, therefore missing my flight to the States.  My mother scooped me and we spent the day in a little town called Knutsford, England and traveled all over.  I am in love with British sense of humor and landscape.  Oh and a girl has to love some Italy… so I have quite a few.

MMH: What does your perfect Saturday look like? 
BM: Fall: Football… Tailgate, crisp weather, the end.  Not Fall: Waking up on a trip in a great city with coffee and my sisters or best friends, The Wall Street Journal...Run/Yoga…cocktails, great food and new things.

MMH: Has working at one of the top destinations in the world changed your view of travel? 
BM: 100%.  I have always been a constant trip-planner. Whether it is a sporting event, concert, or visiting friends wherever they may be.  But working at Blackberry Farm has given me the a new desire to see the places I read about on a daily basis.  I pass the airport (tiny) every morning on the way to the Farm and I am always yelling at the planes “take me with you!!!!!!”  I think most of all Blackberry Farm as given me a greater appreciation for superstars in different industries, such as Chefs, Vintners, Musicians and even Athletes, thus making me want to experience their talents firsthand.   

MMH: If you can narrow it down to one, what is your favorite city/town you've visited during your travels? 
BM: Barcelona, Spain. I lived there during my Junior Year of College and was blown away by the culture, lifestyle and architecture.  I hope to go again sooner than later to see and experience it as an adult versus a College Sorority girl.

MMH: Favorite hotel? Why?
BM: Auberge du Soleil.  It is nestled in the hills of Rutherford, California.  It is the perfect setting, luxurious, but understated in the details which are important in the Hospitality Industry which I have learned!  Oh, and surrounded by a view of the Napa Valley Vineyards.  Yes, please.

MMH: Top three restaurants?  
BM: Freeman’s in the East Village, New York, New York– my loveable little sis (Haley) introduced me and I have been addicted since.  Husk in Charleston, South Carolina.  French Blue in Napa, California.

MMH: Most memorable travel experience? 
BM: Might be a toss up - The Vatican on Palm Sunday or St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin.  Total contradiction, but both experiences I wouldn’t trade.

MMH: Any other travel tips?  
BM: Be open to new people, experiences and cultures.  Being from the South there is a certain stigma of being a “certain way” so I think sometimes people miss out in the beauty of diversity.  My mother instilled the importance of travel at an early age and I have been lucky enough to see some of this beautiful world.  I am not finished, planning my next trip currently.

MMH: Beth, thanks so much for the interview. We love the way you live life and are honored to have you on the mr.&mrs.h guide!
-mr.&mrs.h

thursday's travel truth

It's important to DREAM BIG. A little inspiration from a great dreamer, Bob Dylan... think about it: who are you made to be? Once you figure that out start pursuing it, even if it's one small step at a time. 

-mr.&mrs.h

tuesday thoughts on dreaming

We talk a lot about dreaming on the mr.&mrs.h guide. Some of you may read our thoughts on dreams and think Mr. H and are those rare, fearless individuals who aren't afraid to dream. Well, I hate to disapoint you, but we're not that. We are dreamers, but we are also the first to admit dreaming is scary. 

Believing something impossible is scary. Stepping out in hope for something that's deep within your heart is scary. What if it doesn't happen? What if I fail? What if it doesn't work? What if...? The "what if's" used to stop me from dreaming. At one point in my life my motto was to live life with no expectations. Expectations were too painful if they didn't happen. I always focused on the what if this doesn't happen. Ater a few years of living life that way, and hating the result, I found there's another what if. It's the what if this does happen and it's super powerful. 

It's powerful enough to take me, someone who was totally afraid of dreaming, and turn me into someone who now lives a life guided by dreams. Focusing on what if this does happen is a major key in dreaming. So, what are the dreams lying dormant within your heart? What if they happened? I've seen so many dreams come true in the past three years since I married a dreamer and began my own journey of dreaming. It's been scary at times but when a dream comes true it quiets the voice of what if this doesn't happen and the voice of what if this does happen grows stronger. Let your dreams become bigger than the fear. If it doesn't happen you'll keep living life as you are right now, but if it does happen you'll be living in your dreams. I think that's a risk worth taking. 

-mrs.h

travel truth thursday

A few good words to live by...

-mr.&mrs.h

Are you living your dream?

{via}

I have a strong suspicion that it's a great day for your dreams to come true. I've noticed an increase in dreams fulfilled of late--from my parents, to us personally, to friends. Sometimes I think it's just a good day for a dream to come true.

How do you know if you are living your dream if you don't know what you dream is? You don't. So first, you have to get quiet and listen. Who are you made to be? What are you here for?

Then, GO FOR IT!

Mrs. H and I have a lot of dreams: big dreams, small dreams, odd dreams, serious dreams, short-term dreams, long-term dreams...

They all matter though. If you're anything like me, the presence of dreams means I am doing something right. When my internal dreamer is turned off, then I know something is wrong. So manage your dreamer well. Make a list, and watch your dreams come true.

Off to conquer a dream or two.

-Mr. H

Adventurer Profile: Katie Harvill

We love to live--really live. People who live life fully inspire us. Sometimes when we get in a rut of "living life as usual" we just need a reminder that a life of adventure is possible. We all want an extraordinary life, but we have to do things  "out of the ordinary" for it to be "extra-ordinary." Right? For the two of us, it can be hard to move out of "life as usual." One of our antidotes for that has been to read about/talk to/and surround ourselves with people who aren't afraid of living life outside of the box. We know many of our readers also long for and/or appreciate living life fully, so we thought we'd highlight some of the people who have inspired us to do just that. 

Katie Harvill is someone who constantly inspires us. She lives life with adventure and passion. Her job takes her around the world (we live vicariously through her at times). She's not afraid of "life outside of the box" and has been a huge encouragement to us on our journey of walking towards our dreams. Thus, we chose Katie as the first person in our "adventurer profiles"!

Katie's career in her own words: 
I have been working with Solera Holdings, Inc. based out of Dallas, TX for the last 6 years. Initially as a meetings contractor and now, within the last year, full-time. My official title is Director of Marketing & Global Events, but what I feel my role’s main purpose is to provide an environment for experiential learning and ideate our programs around the uncommon. This opportunity to work in and among the 63 countries we operate has provided me the most incredible education and travel opportunities. However, what I have come to appreciate most about my job are the principles and values they have built their foundation on and work to instill within all 3,000 worldwide employees. It’s an art of working and living that inspires accountability, teamwork and  philanthropy. I’ve learned the best mentality within any role is to remain in a constant state of dissatisfaction, always striving to raise the bar.

M&MH: If you can narrow it down to one, what is your favorite city/town you've visited during your travels?
KH: That’s a tough question. If I think about the places that rank as my favorite, it’s usually easy to pin-point between a few that allowed for a personal connection – something outside of the city streets, hotels and restaurants. To me, that top spot goes to South Africa on safari. There’s no place on earth that allows for such an authentic experience – being caught in the middle of nature’s best. There’s something a little intimidating in the lack of control over your outside environment, but at the same time being completely in awe of your surroundings.

The second place, I’d be remiss not to mention, is Siem Reap, Cambodia. This will always be special because it holds a lot of life lessons for me – learning to navigate some changes as well as the true meaning of giving back. Seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat is my most treasured travel moment.

M&MH: Favorite hotel?

KH: Easy… Singita Boulders Lodge in South Africa (I sound like a broken record).

M&MH: What made it so special?

KH: Any time a hotel or lodge can make you feel like you’ve arrived home takes a special talent. Beyond the food and rooms, it’s the hospitality that makes a good hotel great.

M&MH: Top three restaurants?

KH: My favorite subject!! Sometimes the mediocre restaurants can be remembered as a favorite based on the company at the table, but if I had to rank for food alone, I would say:

1.    Georges Blanc in Vonnas, France – glutinous escape into rustic French cuisine.

2.    Belcanto in Lisbon, Portugal – innovative menu that played tricks between your brain and your palette with the crazy gastronomic techniques.

3.    If I had to give a 3^rd, I’d say a food city – my favorite is New Orleans – Restaurant August, Clancy’s, Jacques-Imo's, La Petite Grocery... the list goes on!

M&MH: Most memorable thing you've done while traveling? (Something we can recommend to our readers-an activity, sight, etc.)

KH: I think the most memorable part of traveling (the good and bad) is when you step out of your comfort zone. That’s usually the time that you’ll never want to forget or never want to repeat. Some of those moments include some crazy adventures like jumping into Devil’s Pool in Zambia which is a little tiny wading pool right on the edge of the Victoria Falls. Another recent trip allowed for me to fly a fighter jet and jump off a few bridges in New Zealand. I think all of these were both the most memorable, but also ones I don’t plan on repeating. J

As a far as a recommendations for travelers, when it comes to visiting a new place, I like to find out the “in the know” spots prior to any trip. LUXE City Guides are a great way to get the “live like a local” perspective as well as Condé Nast Traveler for unbiased insight and good travel app recommendations.

M&MH: What are your "must-haves" in your suitcase?

KH: My suitcase is pretty boring. It usually includes mostly black basics and flat shoes. My backpack however holds all my go-to travel essentials: iPhone, ChapStick, always a hat of some sort and typically tacky magazines that I like to cover up with a Time or Newsweek. My world sort of revolves in or around my iPhone as it gets me where I need to go and helps me figure out everything in between. Plus, my favorite thing to do when I’m in a random destination is put on Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World and see my surroundings with that in my head… It always gives me goose bumps.

 

don't let your dreams be dreams

We've mentioned before that we're really into dreams here at mr.&mrs.h. We believe in the beauty of dreams and that dreams come true. We believe dreams have a purpose in pulling us into the person we were made to be. As Andrea Scher said, "Dreams pull us toward a new version of ourselves. If our aim is to become fully who we are, then our dreams are like a moon pulling the tides. Even before we achieve a dream, we are becoming the kind of person who makes those kinds of dreams come true."