From Smalltimore to. . .

{Baltimore is has many nicknames. . . by ASD}

Baltimore is just one of those cities – it’s a big city, but small world, and you can’t help running into people you know all over the place and meet people who know so and so – hence, the nickname “Smalltimore.” I still can’t get over the fact that I feel so connected to this place and so many people here in the few short years I’ve lived here. So, one of my goals with this blog is to help put Baltimore on the map.


{from my flickr collection of images I took in Amsterdam}


I’ve always been an avid traveller, but by the power of the internet I feel connected across seas and to people with amazing talents and similar interests. After following a few Dutch design blogs I felt inspired to take a spontaneous trip to Amsterdam – and I did, last May. I came across Irene’s [of Bloesem: design & inspiration blog] “Weekend Read” that was all about her Amsterdam favorites (and it was very exciting when she posted my flickr set – which has it’s own set of links and tips – on her blog upon my return). I contacted two other Dutch designers, Danielle [of Style Files: design and (life)style] and Marieke [of Treats & Treasures: blog of a journal keeper] who offered me more great advice (in exchange for my suggestions for California tips). Marieke sent me the tear sheets of Lucky Magazine’s City Guide for Amsterdam with notes on her favorites [Lucky has more than 60 guides in all] and was kind enough to meet up with me for a coffee in Vondelpark. Thanks again, ladies! It was an amazing trip with your insights and suggestions!

While every blog and blogger has a slightly different spin, my blog is about design meets travel, so I hope to add my own contributions of guides and tips, and also be a resource to what is already out there. Grace from Design*Sponge (home & product design blog) is another favorite, and has great guides on Brooklyn (and a fantastic article in Budget Travel Magazine) and LA (compiled by Lizzie Garrett of Design Watcher) that I’ve used. And Holly of Decor8 often features her travels on her blog about interiors (be sure to read the comments for feedback and suggestions).

It’s too soon to give away all my tips and tricks, but I had to get some out before my head explodes with ideas. Cheers!

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