Today, I realized I've been in Europe almost a month and a half. These past six weeks have absolutely flown by—the first four in London, a few in Paris with friends and the last week in Stockholm.

Between freelancing, exploring these cities and eating at every bakery possible (the ones here in Stockholm are delightful, especially the kardemummabullar), I haven't been keeping up with the Internet or the news or admittedly, my friends and family at home too much. Honestly, it's been nice to break from the constant flood of information and the vitriolic mess that is the United States at the moment.

I'm reading books, getting in 15,000+ steps in per day (the cardamom buns don't burn themselves off), journaling consistently and relaxing more than I have in a very long time. That's not to say the experience hasn't been without its difficulties, namely loneliness, but I really feel appreciative for all the parts of it—good and bad.

I think I've also won back a bit of blogging motivation too! I have a few posts I'm working on, including an in-depth packing guide for my trip, so if you've got any other requests, shoot them my way.

Until then, here's a handful of worthwhile links, hot European trends and some book recommendations to share with you. Enjoy, friends.

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This made me snort laughing.

So did this.

These Stan Smiths are on the feet of every cool girl in Europe. Might need a pair?

Also in Europe — long wool coats, fur coats and touches of leopard.

Advice to My Younger Self. I especially loved Michelle Obama's.

More great advice.

Sarah is my food guru, and I cannot wait to dig into her new cookbook.

And this book! I've been reading a lot about ADHD + adult women (this article is a good start), and working on implementing better systems in my own life to manage it.

Speaking of books, I finished this and this, now I'm on this.

The adorable tote bags I designed for Eating Bird Food are on sale. Get one here.

Experiments in slow living.

The secret to productivity (hint: it's not doing more).

Tracee Ellis Ross is my fave Instagram + current style icon. This post = all the feels.

(photo by Brooke Kiernan, letterpress print by me)

A funny thing happened this Sunday morning. While journaling + sipping my second cup of coffee in my flat, I had the sudden urge to blog. And since I've had a handful of people ask for an update from across the pond, I thought it time to do so.

So, here we go: I'm in London! And it feels exceedingly good to be back.

I've been here more than a week now and finally starting to feel less discombobulated. I'm settling into a new normal, of sorts. Managing design work while enjoying all the lovely bits of London has required readjusting (and more focus), but I'm getting there. In the meantime, I've been spending lots of time with friends, wandering my neighborhood (East Dulwich/Peckham) on foot, commuting via bus and train and tube around the city, enjoying afternoons in museums, and of course, eating a lot of good food. I've also been working on finalizing my brand new website, which will be launching VERY soon, and dedicating some time to myself.

While most people have given up on their new year's resolutions by now, I'm feeling even more dedicated to mine. Which is to take advantage of my current work-from-abroad situation and spend time on myself. It's something that's eluded me the past few years as the demands of running my own studio took over. Lately, I've simply been journaling whatever comes to mind about my priorities, wants, needs, anxieties, goals, future. It's small, but it's a start.

You'll see it has somewhat taken over my brain, however, by the mostly personal growth-related links below. I do hope you find them (or even one of them) elucidating for your own lives.

Hopefully, I'll be back soon with more photos and a brand-spanking-new website. Cheers, friends.

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My kind of wall art.

On the hunt for a sweater (I forgot to pack one), I'm thinking this or this?

10 Quick + Easy Ways to Get Your Greens. Gimme those garlic Brussels sprouts.

If you're feeling down about the election (like myself), FRENCH TOAST PIZZA.

A Buddhist monk explains mindfulness for times of conflict.

30 ways to live more simply.

To be happier, do one creative thing every day. <3

How to Prioritize When Everything is Important.

How I Got My Attention Back. If technology has an unwanted hold on you (like it does me).

Let 2017 Be the Year of Working Hard and Resting Hard. As someone who is terrible about resting, I needed this: "We are going to hustle, sure. But we’re also going to rest. In fact, we’re going to be as good at resting as we are at crushing things."

Protest signs from women's marches around the world. <3<3<3

A few London favorites thus far: an afternoon spent at the Tate Modern, breakfast at Blue Brick Cafe, wandering Liberty department store, Ganapati Indian takeaway (ridiculously good onion bhajis), Peter Pan at the National Theatre, and the London Women's March.

More London photos on Instagram @hollisanne_

A few years ago, my friend Elle gave this advice to my other friend Rassa at a moment when she needed it most. A moment when Rassa needed someone to give her the most basic, yet most necessary piece of wisdom that exists in this human life: TAKE A FUCKING BREATH.

It's stuck with me ever since that day.

The past few months have taken a toll on just about every person I know. The election (UGH), the holidays and the coming new year always seem to drudge up heated emotions + old insecurities we wish we could obscure from the world. And that collective sense of unease doesn't account for the personal struggles we endure daily that seem magnified by all we can't control.

It's a lot. (I'm pretty sure I became slightly depressed just reading that last paragraph)

So perhaps, it's time I take my own fucking breath.

One gigantic inhale — pause — and an equally gigantic exhale.

This will be my last blog post for awhile. Taking a break (and a fucking breath) are non-negotiables when it comes to leading a happy, sane life. We (read: I) can't do it all, and we (read: I) really need to stop trying. There's been a lot of life jammed into this year, both good and sad — break-ups, big work projects, travel, a website + portfolio update, BABIES, health things — and I'm encroaching into serious burn-out territory. I need auntie time, couch time, nacho time, wine time, friend time and most important, cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie time.

To add to it all, I'm heading to Europe in January for an extended stay! While I planned this trip pre-election, I'm even more excited to travel my way through a handful of countries while working remotely (with a lighter workload!). So, maybe there won't be too much relaxing as I get ready to leave, but when I'm on that plane cruising high over the Atlantic Ocean, be prepared for this.

Until then, here's a list of cute things, worthwhile reads, and some holiday fun, for good measure. If you've got any uplifting additions to this list, please oh please leave links in the comments.

Happy, happy holidays! Be well, friends and see you back in 2017.

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The perfect striped tee.

Sweater of my dreams.

On the hunt for a nice dress for the winter / holidays: velvet, metallic polka dots or texture?

H+M nailed their holiday campaign (Wes Anderson #FTW).

I made this easy Coconut Curry Ramen a few weeks ago to rave reviews.

Currently reading these two books (here and here).

Solving the problem of fake news. So good.

The science of happily ever after. EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS NOW.

How to coach your brain to stop being mad at someone.

How to overcome worry and be a friendlier person.

How each Myers-Briggs personality type reacts to stress. I'm an ENFP, and this could not be more accurate. (via Teri)

Holiday shopping guides! It seems every blogger I read has put one together, and here are a few of my favorites thus far:

• For the guys
• For the gals
• For the kiddos
• Giving the gift of charity (how to do it right)
• How to holiday shop ethically + smartly

Simple reminders for the holiday season. <3

Also, the print I designed for Oh, Ladycakes is back in stock! 25% off right now.