tiny boxwoods | houston

Growing up my parents were always loading us up in the car and taking us somewhere for the weekend. Although I loved traveling, I hated how long it took to get to our destination. Thus, I decided I wanted to invent a machine where you pressed a button and were transported instantly to your destination. Twenty years later, I still wish that machine existed. If it did, I'd transport myself to Houston, grab my friend who lives there, and we'd hit up Tiny Boxwoods for an afternoon snack. This spot is one of the places we went to on our recent trip to Houston and I'm obsessed! 

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I love the decor. I love the menu. I love the concept. I love the drinks. And, I love the food. Clearly, I'm a fan. Seriously, the atmosphere feels like you've stepped out of Houston and into a hidden greenhouse in Europe. They pay attention to all the details - from the chalk board fonts to the hosts' and hostesses' uniforms. The House Cheese and Meat Plate and the French Picnic are two of the best cheese plates I've ever had. And, the lemonade is so fresh and full of herbs that make it hands down my favorite lemonade in the U.S. And, there aren't words to describe the deliciousness that is the chocolate chip cookie (they've been named one of Houston's 10 Best Cookies). Bottom line, if you are in Houston and want a great afternoon snack - or a late lunch, you HAVE to go to Tiny Boxwoods!

TINY BOXWOODS // mr.&mrs.h's Late Afternoon picks: 

House Cheese and Meat Plate

French Picnic

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Brownie

Lemonade

-mrs.h 

wanderlust wednesday // pärlans konfektyr

It's "humpday" and I'm (not surprisingly) dreaming about being in another place. Today, if I could be transported anywhere I'd pick Stockholm. It's home to Pärlans Konfektyr (translation: Pearl Confectionary). I've been enchanted/obsessed since I saw these beautiful images while perusing Pinterest one day. I love when a business has an amazing product, but also carries out their brand through every detail of the customer's experience. Founder Lisa Ericson did just that with Pärlans. When you walk into Pärlans you are transported back to the 1930's. It's an amazing concept and one I'm dying to experience in person! 
-mrs.h

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afternoon tea in heaven... a.k.a. Ladurée

After weeks of living out of our suitcases, it feels great to be home again. Where to start? Since we began the European portion of our trip in Paris, it's seems best to begin with a Parisian post. But, we could never cover Paris in just one post. So, I'll begin with our favorite sweet spot in the City of Love.... Ladurée. 

Ladurée is one of the city's most beautiful and tasty patisseries. Established in 1862 on rue Royal, this pastry shop makes the most heavenly macaroons I've ever tasted. It's the perfect stop amidst a stroll along the Champs-Elysées. If you choose to sit outside and enjoy the weather, make sure to still walk inside and take a look at this iconic building. It will transport you to the glory days of Paris. The perfect shade of green that coats the building with a ceiling that includes painted angels baking the pastries makes Ladurée one of the most romantic spots for an afternoon tea in Paris. You'll literally leave feeling like you just had afternoon tea in heaven after tasting the macaroons and other pastries. 

What to order:

➺ A sampling of macaroons - the flavors constantly change, but lemon was our favorite. 

➺ A sampling of tarts and pastries... you can't go wrong with any you choose!

➺ If you are a tea person, this is an iconic salon de thé (tea salon) in Paris and the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea. 

➺ For you coffee drinkers, don't worry the café is delicious here too. Mr. H and I were exhausted when we arrived at Laudrée so we ordered a café au lait for an extra jolt of caffeine.

Bon appétit!

-mrs.h

vert kitchen | denver, co

In her classic '80's hit Belinda Carlisle said, "Heaven is place on Earth" and when I'm at Vert Kitchen I have to agree. There are few things I love more than sitting on Vert's perfectly intimate patio enjoying great conversation over one of the freshest, most flavorful lunches in Colorado.  

Vert uses locally-grown, organic produce and all-natural, sustainable meats and you can taste the difference. All of their sandwiches, salads, and sides have the most mouthwatering flavor combinations... so much so that it's impossible not to steal a bite from your friend just to taste the deliciousness of another heavenly Vert creation. It's located in the charming neighborhood setting of West Wash Park. I can't think of a better way to spend a leisurely, Saturday afternoon in Denver than a walk through Wash Park finished with lunch at Vert. Every time I arrive in the Mile High City, Vert is the first place I want to go eat and it's always the place I crave most when we leave. 

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Lastly, don't step a toe outside of Vert's doors without trying their Fleur de Sel cookies. These cookies seriously are a form of heaven of Earth. They are more delectable than words can accurately describe, so just trust me and go try them (and all of Vert's other wonderful offerings) asap!
-mrs.h