BLONDE ATLAS GIVEAWAY FOR THE TRAVEL LOVER

In need of some last minute gifts for the traveler in your life? I've teamed up with some of my favorite bands and companies that I believe in and will be gifting one of you some awesome products just in time for Christmas! Enter the giveaway below for your chance to recieve: 

CUSTOM IRISH CORAL NECKLACE BY DOXAHLOGY 

My friend Danica owns Doxahology: an amazing jewelry line that specializes in custom one-of-a-kind pieces. When I found this beautiful coral along the coastline of Connemara National Park in Ireland during my trip in September, I knew she could do something beautiful with it. Sure enough, she created this beautiful coral-in-a-bottle piece that will let you carry a little piece of Ireland with you every day. 

TIE-UP TEE BY THREAD CO.

My friend Gracie just launched Thread Co. -- an amazing clothing company that specializes in basically, your favorite basics. I LOVE my tie-up tee and find myself wearing it on pretty much every travel day. It's flattering + comfortable and great to wear while you're on the go. The winner will be able to select the size + color of their choice, so go ahead and take a peek at their website to see your options (and do a little shopping in the meantime!)

SOY CANDLE BY HOLBROOK CANDLE CO. 

I was connected to Courtney from Holbrook Candle Co. last year, and I just love her amazing candles. Not only do they all smell amazing, but they're all inspired by destinations around the world. The winner will receive a full size candle of my favorite scent: French Chateau. 

FASHIONABLE TIRHAS SADDLEBAG

This Tirhas Saddlebag is one of my go-to purses. Aside from the fact that it looks beautiful, it's made of classic leather and handcrafted in Ethiopia. It can be worn cross-body or on one shoulder and is great for keeping all your on-the-go essentials organized + secure. 

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Tag 3 friends in this Instagram post.

2. 'Like' Blonde Atlas on Facebook

3. Follow @blonde_atlas on Twitter

Contest ends at 12pm CST on Thursday, December 22nd. A winner will be announced on the blog on Friday, December 23rd.

No purchase necessary. By participating in the contest, each entrant agree

SWEEPSTAKES PERIOD 

The Sweepstakes begins at TIME and ends on Tuesday Dec. 13 at noon CST. 

This Week in the World: February Edition

Hello from Thailand! This country is a beautiful place that's brimming with unique culture, incredibly kind people and delicious food. We’re about half way through our trip now, and I’ve really enjoyed so much about our visit. With that said, I've also been a bit caught off guard by some aspects— mainly regarding animal welfare. I know it’s an issue all across the globe, but it’s one I’m especially sensitive to. I’m still digesting and processing everything, and want to make sure I share everything in a way that respects nuance (so for now, I’m mainly sharing the highlight’s of the trip on Instagram stories… more to come soon about our full experience). Nevertheless, I’m so thankful for the gift of travel and the way it challenges our thinking, sparks some of our fiercest beliefs and invites us to have a more nuanced world view.

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a recap of content ranging from around the globe. Usually a weekly offering, this newsletter is currently sending as a monthly edition (hopefully will return to weekly eventually!) My hope is that no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious.

AROUND THE WORLD

There is a lot of doom and gloom lately: the train derailment in Ohio polluting terrible chemicals into the air, unidentified objects flying across North America, a catastrophic earthquake impacting Turkey/Syria…the list goes on. While I know it’s important to be informed, I also know it’s A LOT to digest (on top of all our own personal worries). I was pulling these articles while I’ve been processing some of my emotions regarding the animal welfare I referenced above, so you’ll notice this month most of the global issues are a). ways to help or b). some lighter topics in case it all feels a bit much right to you right now.

• To my fellow animal lovers: Tattered Paws Golden Hearts is raising money to help rescue and care for the animals impacted by the earthquake in Syria/Turkey. You can DONATE HERE to support.

• Another way for fellow animal lovers to help right now: Juniper Fox (an IG account I love to follow) has started a GoFundMe for animals injured & displaced by the train accident in Ohio.

• White Lotus fans: here is a list of the best guesses for which hotel and location will be used to film Season 3 (one I visited the Golden Triangle one yesterday!)

• #CaviarTok is trending on TikTok and GenZ is obsessed. In a world that feels like it’s falling apart in so many ways, it’s probably no surprise that we’re leaning into enjoying life’s little indulgences where we can.

TRAVEL NEWS + INSPIRATION

• 10 ways to reduce your flying footprint this year. I also would add “try to combine trips.” For example, I need to go to Puglia to do some final work before our Atlas Adventures trip in April… so I’m taking the train down when I’m in Rome next month for that Atlas trip. Even though it’s a longer stretch away from home, it saves me a journey back (meaning one less flight!)

• I loved this list of 29 historic hotels you must visit before you die (includes one of the hotels where we just stayed in Bangkok!)

• For those in my DM’s who have asked the very frequent question: “What are the best places to eat in London?” I’ve tried a handful of these spots and they were all delightful!

• We’ve announced the rest of our Atlas Adventures trips for 2023! (Technically, only to alum and subscribers officially… this is still a soft launch. We’ll be announcing on social media in the weeks ahead). The first two are on sale now, and the rest will be on sale soon (details to come). Learn more about each trip below:

  • London in the Spring (Final Spots Selling Now!)

  • South of France (On Sale Now!)

  • Florence (On Sale Soon!)

  • Scotland (On Sale Soon!)

  • London + Paris at Christmastime (On Sale Soon!)

  • Cosy in the Cotswolds (On Sale Soon!)

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• If you’ve been to any of the Big Mamma restaurants, chances are you’ve tried their mafaldine al tartufo pasta (and if not, you should correct that swiftly). Here’s the recipe to recreate it yourself at home!

• I discovered this ever-so-slightly oaked Sauvignon Blanc while I was in Africa… and it is DELIGHTFUL. Highly recommend getting your hands on a bottle!

• There’s absolutely a time and a place for a white wall…but I love these colors!

• I enjoyed this article: “A French girl on the problem with the French Girl Aesthetic”.

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BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER!

That’s all for today. Happy reading and thanks for being here!

xx

Whitney