George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Top of my must visit list in Dallas was the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The 13th Presidential Library and Museum, the attraction is located on the SMU campus in the heart of the city.

The Presidential Library provides an depth look into the eight years of the Bush presidency, with many key exhibits on display. Perhaps the highlight of the Museum, and the big draw for me, was the replica of the Oval Office. Created to scale, visitors are able to sit behind the Resolute Desk, in the President's chair in front of the fireplace and generally experience what it's like to be in the most powerful room in the world!

I also loved the Texas Rose Garden which is situated just outside the Oval Office. A great view of the Dallas skyline and some beautiful plants and trees!

The exhibition into life in the White House was fascinating, and with items from Air Force One, state dinners, the Easter Egg Roll and a special section on Barney and Miss Beazley, this part of the Museum provides an intimate look inside the public and private side of the President and First Lady.

Presidential libraries providing a fascinating insight into the role of the President and the legacies left by the country's most powerful leaders. This was definitely one of the better Presidential libraries I've visited, and I'd visit again in a heartbeat!

For more photos of my trip to the George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum visit my Flickr page. 

Adventures in Dallas

If you've been following my Instagram feed, you'll know that for the past week I've been in Dallas! This was my first trip to Texas, and I was excited to visit a city that I've heard lots about!

I stayed at the Hilton Anatole. The hotel is HUGE and it took 10 minutes to walk from my room to breakfast each day. Great for working up an appetite and walking it off! The hotel also has a tonne of art, and many priceless pieces amongst its collection. The quirkiest of them all has to be a piece of the Berlin Wall!

I was in town for some St John business functions, but made time to visit two of the most interesting spots on the tourism list.

The first was the George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Regardless of your political persuasion, the Library and Museum is a must see attraction. The highlight for me was the to scale replica of the Oval Office, and the fact that you could sit behind the Resolute Desk and have your photo taken. Total tourist!

I also visited the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Forever associated with the death of President Kennedy, the Museum provides a fascinating insight into the President's visit to Dallas, and the events and aftermath of that tragic day. If like me, you've watched the documentaries and movies about the assassination, visiting Dealey Plaza is instantly familiar. It's almost like walking onto a film set- with the Grassy Knoll, Book Depository and white picket fence all untouched. It was an eerie experience.

During the weekend, I also visited the Number One British Flying School. Located outside Dallas, many British servicemen and women came to the area to train to fly during WW2. Some never returned, and the extensive museum and memorial is dedicated to their memories. Manned by volunteers, it's a hidden gem and one which was fascinating to visit.

The Texan hospitality was wonderful, and it was great to catch up with many friends and new faces during my time in the Big D!

Bookcase Dilemma

Help! I am a self-confessed book addict and I'm slowly running out of storage space for my lovely literature! A custom built bookcase is stocked full of paperbacks, coffee table books and other terrific tomes and I'm finding it difficult to find storage options.

So readers, how do you store your favorite books? Do you use a traditional bookcase or something a bit more modern? How often do you cleanse your book pile, or is this something you couldn't bear?

All suggestions and tips gratefully welcomed, plus a photo or two of your storage solutions would be great!

Photos of my very cluttered bookcase!

Washington DC: My Photos

Later this week I'm headed back to Washington DC! It's one of my favourite cities and where I find lots of inspiration for my blog! Here's a photographic look at some of my most treasured haunts and memories of this great city!

I love visiting the Smithsonian Museums! My favorite is the Museum of American History, where you can see items from the White House, dresses worn by the First Ladies and lots of Presidential memorabilia! The china above is from the George W Bush Administration.

I also love that you can see and experience Julia Child's kitchen- definitely a highlight!

Another great place to visit is the Newseum. It's packed full of interesting artefacts, hands on exhibitions and has a fab gift shop! You can see items such as Kennedy's debate notes, the door from Watergate and Tim Russert's desk.

I always try to visit Arlington National Cemetery when I'm in the city, and make a particular stop at the Kennedy gravesite. It's such a moving place of rest and it's a peaceful place in the heart of such a busy city.

Similarly I really like visiting the National Cathedral. It's magnificent! The circular stained glass window is so impressive and the views from the gallery are like no other!

Georgetown is my favourite area to stroll and shop. I love the houses and how unique the area feels.

The US Capitol is one of my favourite buildings and I have so many great memories from working there. I love all the history, the stories and the Rotunda is so impressive.

I like to visit the Memorials at night- I think the Lincoln Memorial is quite spooky in the dark!

All Author's Own

No trip to DC would be complete without a tour of the White House!

Check out more of my photos here.

What do you love most about DC? What are your favourite places to visit? Let me know! 

White House Week: 2014's Best Photos

This week, the White House released their pick of the best images taken during 2014. There are some absolute great images in the mix, and here are a few more of my favorites.

Official White House Photos

Links of the Week

This week I've been reading...

Foundation Louis Vuitton takes flight

Inside Bunny Mellon's breathtaking private collection at Sotheby's

Ben Bradlee: His life in photos

Laura Bush pays tribute to Oscar de la Renta

Behind the Scenes at the White House: August 2014

Here are some more great photos detailing the work of the President and the Administration. They were taken in August 2014 and you can see more of the reel here.

The White House