January somehow turned into a month of travel for me, and I still can’t quite believe I got to experience two incredible trips in such a short span of time.

I kicked off the month with a birthday/PSC girls’ trip alongside three of my closest friends. We caught an early morning flight to Edinburgh, landed late morning, and immediately spent the day walking, wandering, and exploring the city. There’s just something about Edinburgh that makes you want to slow down and take it all in.

That evening, we attended an Islander workshop where we each hand-made our own purse using authentic leather and home-sewn wool fabrics. We spent so much time choosing the perfect colors and blends, and fully committed to making the purse. It was creative, intentional, and honestly one of the coolest experiences. Afterward, filled with laughter and excitement, we rushed off to dinner at the most quaint and darling Italian restaurant. Wine, carb-filled plates, and cheers to an amazing first day felt exactly right.

The next morning, we popped into a local coffee and brunch spot that had the best breakfast which was truly drool-worthy. Spoiler alert: we loved it so much, we went back the next morning too.

We spent the day wandering St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, strolling through Dean Village, and walking along the picturesque Circus Lane. From there, we made our way up the Royal Mile, passing local markets, listening to bagpipes, and eventually heading down the colorful, curved Victoria Street. Dinner that night was at Cocina Mexicana Mariachi, and Let Me Tell You, this was hands-down the best Mexican food I’ve had since moving to the UK. The spicy margaritas were smoky, spicy, and perfect. The tacos melted in your mouth, and the salsa was blended to absolute perfection.

We ended the night at Panda & Sons, a hidden speakeasy that takes cocktail creation to another level. We laughed, talked, and soaked in every moment, it was the kind of night you wish you could bottle up.

Sunday greeted us with cold, rain, and wind, so naturally, we spent the entire day at the spa. Massages, facials, rotating between the sauna, pool, and jacuzzi. Which followed by a late lunch at the hotel restaurant. It was the perfect ending to such a fun and full girls’ trip. We caught the last flight home and were still able to kiss and snuggle our babies before the next week began.

Then, on the 31st, I somehow squeezed in an extreme day trip to Madrid.

A group of ten of us caught the first flight out in the morning, landed around 11:30 am, and then took the very last flight back, landing in the UK five minutes before midnight. Exhausting? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. I would do it all over again.

As soon as we arrived, we grabbed lunch and had the best empanadas. Everyone was raving about their choices. Afterward, we walked down to the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. From there, the group split up, and I explored the Royal Palace with a few others. I loved learning about the history, like how the palace was built entirely of stone and brick to prevent fire, and that one of the rooms we toured was built in 1773 and still holds all its original pieces and decorations.

We wandered (and got delightfully lost) through the Spanish streets before making our way to Churrería Chocolatería 1902, where the original churros were made. Full honesty, I’d rate them a 3.5/10. But the experience and watching them make the churros was still a highlight. From there, we found the El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree) statue, which was absolutely darling.

We continued wandering until dinner at Tapa Tapa, and it did not disappoint. The sangria was poured perfectly, and the food was incredible. I ordered the chicken skewers and vegetable wok, while a friend grabbed buttered shrimp and fries with aioli. We shared everything, and it was truly worth the stop. The locals were right about this place.

After dinner, we took one last stroll around the square before heading back to the airport. We were tired, happy, and full in every sense of the word.

January gave me memories I’ll hold onto for a long time, and I’m endlessly grateful to Mark for holding down the fort and loving on our kids while I was away. These trips filled my cup, and reminded me how good it is to step away, laugh, explore, and come home refreshed.