Growing up in a tropical country like the Philippines, there was no such thing as a winter. So as a child, one of my dreams was to be able to spend my holidays in different winter destinations. Fortunately enough, I have been able to spend the winter season in several different winter destinations such as Iceland, the Christmas markets in Europe, and most recently, Lapland. 
As someone who has spend most of my life in the Bay Area, I still do kind of freak out when our weather gets funky and starts to get below the 60's. It's true...ask any Bay Area native! Lol. 
Hence, the first time I traveled to the cold, I completely over-bulked my luggage!--rookie mistake!

One of the things I’ve learned (and probably the MOST IMPORTANT) in my travels to countries that border the arctic (i.e. Iceland and Finland), that the weather quickly! So LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS are your best friend!
When traveling to countries who are specifically known for being a winter destination, keep in mind that their indoor facilities are always kept warm: which is why layering comes in handy.
There is nothing worse than being bundled up and unable to remove your layers inside a warm restaurant... sweating, and then stepping out into the freezing cold. Talk about a sudden change of weather! lol. That'll get you sick in a heart beat!

Winter time has always been my favorite season. The holiday festivities, the season cheer, the atmosphere. It’s all just so JOYFUL. When one thinks about the winter holidays, we think busy, lit, and loud shopping malls, streets, and Christmas markets.
Lapland is the opposite of that. (I can almost hear you scratching your head like, WHAT?!) lol. let me continue...

Blanketed with dense forests and white winter snow during the winter time, Lapland is truly a lonely but magical place waiting to be discovered by those who choose to brave the arctic temperatures. It is a place where Mother Nature herself puts on the show!
Little do people know, there has been a steady explosion of visitors coming from Asia, Europe and North America looking to celebrating Christmas in this part of of the world!

But why is that?
Besides being the a winter wonderland, Lapland is home to the Santa Claus. Yup, that’s right the MAN himself’s main workshop is located here! And if you are patient enough, you can have a meet and greet and tell him your Christmas wishes yourself :)

Because this area is so far north, away from bustling industrial Europe, filled with forests and fresh lakes, you can only imagine how crisp the air is in this place! I can honestly say that this is probably the freshest air I’ve ever inhaled in my life.
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Yountville has been known to be the culinary capital of Napa Valley. Numerous well-known Michelin-star restaurants such as the French Laundry, Bouchon, Bottega, Ad Hoc, and many more hold residence in this small town, thus placing itself on the culinary map of America.
But upon walking though the row of famous Michelin-star studded row  of restaurants in Yountville, you cannot help but stop and at least take photo of THIS beauty-- Restoration Hardware.
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​Restoration Hardware has been known for being an upscale and luxurious interior design brand. Their design galleries that are found in multiple design capitals all over the US, just redefine the experience of home design completely!

So you're probably thinking, "Wait, WHAT is a furniture store doing in a row of Michelin restaurants?" Ingenious things, I tell you!!
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RH Yountville is a pretty special place, in my opinion. After years of development, it has created a compound that is the first of its kind in Yountville -- a furniture gallery, stand-alone restaurant AND wine tasting establishment. Being the first of its kind, RH Yountville has created a multifaceted experience for its guests.

With this unique approach, they somehow they had seamlessly created an experience that blends the three--food, wine, and art, PERFECTLY.
Right when you walk into this compound: chandeliers everywhere! I can just LIVE there! But, with a budget of a girl like me, a visit every now and then will do ;)
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This over the top furniture gallery setting is so fitting for the Yountville culture—nothing less than elegant. With its white couches, and marble sculptures, leather seats and wooden pieces for top dollar (of course) I can only dream to own these pieces (for now).
And even if I did, I mean, who has white couches??—unless you have no kids or pets, just don’t like red wine lol.I’ve considered it, but I just can’t imagine my anxiety level if had to have people over. Which is always. lol
Long story short, these pieces are MEGA dollar. Nothing surprising, as it is in the center of culinary bougieness. Lol

But don’t let this tear you down, there are other experiences that won’t leave you broken hearted! The WINE! :D
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​Right as you walk in, a supersized chandelier greets you, and around it are tables/booths each with its own fancy mini version of this gigantic chandelier to light your experience of their exquisite wine collection through wine by the glass, bottle, and flight! 

Downside: there isn't any food to pair with :\
And its outdoors, are several al fresco “tasting rooms” available to its patrons by reservation. 

Here is the STAR of this compound. I mean, where else can you dine under a glass roof surrounded by olive trees, lit with glittering Rococo chandeliers, while listening to the sound of trickling fountains? It is a dining experience of my dreams!
Blending natural elements and classical Venetian glass chandeliers, it is amazing how they had been able to execute a very elegant environment using so little—lights and plants!!

But let me get this straight, I loved their food. I do, however, wish that their menu was a little bit bigger (yes, portion-wise and wider choices). So you're rolling your eyes saying "omg Czarina, you American." lol So bite me, I like my bang for my buck! hehe.
But maybe there is a purpose-- of maintaining their overall theme of elegance through simplicity? On how they are able to elevate such simple ingredients into such gastronomic experiences that will make you want to lick your plate, and ask for seconds if it just wasn't such a darn fancy and expensive place?!

I don't know. But whatever it is, it's WORKING. Plenty of people come to this small 54-seater restaurant, to experience such elegance though eye-pleasing mouth-watering experiences! 
So if you are around wine country, i HIGHLY suggest making an appointment at this place that is not only such eye candy, but belly-pleasing as well
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RH Yountville hours of operation:
GALLERY 
Mon-Sun 10am-6pm

WINE VAULT
Sun-Thur 11am-8pm
Fri & Sat 11am-10pm

RESTAURANT
Mon-Fri: 11am-10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am-10pm 
Costs: $$$

When I was younger, my family didn’t travel a lot. I mean they did, but never with the kids, and rarely in large groups(unless they were to join a tour group). 
This was mainly because it was expensive, another was that many places aren’t as kid friendly. So every time I'd have to drop my mom off at the airport for one of her trips, I sometimes would feel left behind. But that was okay. I understood that there was just no money for that. I wasn't bitter. In fact, it was more of a motivation for me to study and work hard, so that someday, I’d get to travel as much as she did. 

Moreover, now that I’ve grown older, and plan trips on my own, I can totally understand as to why never the big group! It’s because it’s just SO DAMN OVERWHELMING to take care of a large group’s vacation.
So yes, I get it. I wouldn’t want to be in charge of meeting everyone’s expectations during a vacation.

Nowadays traveling is becoming more budget and large group friendly. More and more places are creating experiences that allow vacations to be more kid and big-group friendly, which is great for those who travel in groups.
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I actually find it quite funny that my family is made up of a bunch of travel enthusiasts, but very rarely do we travel TOGETHER. And as much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE my family, traveling with family is one of those things that that can be super stressful, especially if you are the only one organizing it. Trying to reconcile a dozen different interests in one whole trip that will suit everyone’s different travel styles sounds absolutely absurd, but it’s doable! With plenty of time and careful consideration, it CAN BE DONE! Here’s how:
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