• Decorating,  Uncategorized

    Popular Travel Gifts

    I always struggle with what gifts to purchase for our family and friends when on a trip. After opening my parents’ cupboard to be greeted with an inordinate amount of travel mugs we had given to them, I decided we really needed to branch out. Wandering around, trying to find the perfect gifts, and then ending up buying something in the airport just wasn’t working for my Type A personality any longer. So, I felt a good list was in order (naturally). Oh, and this isn’t researched; these are just gifts that are popular on my list. 

  • Necessities,  Uncategorized

    Versatile Travel Accessories

      There are a few things that are ALWAYS with me on my trips. Well… a lot of things are with me on trips but this is the fun stuff… Who doesn’t love some fun accessories? And, the fact that these can serve several purposes makes them that much better. *This post contains affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. #1 Travel Accessory: I just purchased the Dawson oversize shopper from Sole Society, and it is already my favorite. It has been with me on two trips in three weeks. It can be used to hold a laptop and work-related items or even more important things like…

  • Uncategorized,  US Travel

    Wandering in NYC

    I had never been to New York City in the springtime, so I decided to come along for a long weekend with my husband. He had been there several years back for the US Open and I had been as a teenager for some shopping and all of the historic sites, so we were really just up for wandering. Some random wandering. And some wandering with a purpose… Mostly, pure randomness, though, because that is what we do best… Central Park- It is the place to be on a Sunday afternoon. Absolutely Gorgeous. There are so many blooms, and it just feels romantic to be walking around the famous park in…

  • Michigan Travel,  Uncategorized,  US Travel

    A Few Hours in Saugatuck

    There are seriously so many cute stores in downtown Saugatuck, Michigan, that it was difficult to make a short-list (because, of course, I have a list). Nonetheless, here are my suggestions if you only have a  few hours. Autumn is the perfect time to go for a stroll in this cute and artsy village. It is considerably easier to find a parking spot and, well, the picture above demonstrates the pure beauty of it all. One word to the wise, Saugatuck truly is on its own time, so just because a store opens at 10am one day, doesn’t necessarily mean it will open at 10am the next day (because some…

  • Food and Drink,  Uncategorized

    Michigan Blueberry Muffins

    If you have lived in Michigan or visited Michigan or are thinking about traveling to Michigan, come in mid-to-late July and Early August. Not only is the weather typically gorgeous, but the blueberries are plentiful and divine. Rarely do blueberries make it into a pie or muffins or smoothie at our house… they are just that good. However, my son (also known as The Captain) and I needed an activity as well as a little snack to bring to a playdate, so we decided to make some muffins. We used Ina Garten’s recipe for Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins from her Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook as a jumping off point but…

  • Canada

    Banff: Something for Everyone

      I have to admit, before last fall, I had no idea Banff even existed. I thought we would just go to check it off of our Places We’ve Been list. Little did I know, it quickly rose to the very top of my Favorite Places list (have I mentioned that I love a good list?) and we were already planning our Next Trip Back before we reached the airport. There truly is something for everyone in Banff. As I have mentioned, we will likely never qualify as outdoor adventurers. However, if you do meet the qualifications, there will plenty for you do in Banff. If, on the other hand,…

  • Michigan Travel

    A Long Weekend in Northern Michigan

      Just look at this view! THIS is why I love Michigan. And this is just not even touching on all of the cute, gorgeous towns along the way (I’ll save that for next time) or the MANY activities we did not get too (more on that in a bit). Traverse City is a great town~ the downtown is nice, the food is delicious, and the views are spectacular. We had a voucher to use at The Grand Traverse Resort, so we decided to head up that way for a night… only to find out that our very close friends were also headed that way. Major bonus! We all had…

  • US Travel

    6 Kid-Friendly, Rainy Day Activities in Boston

        Cheers!!! The crew and I made it to Boston. We were so excited to see the sights and walk the city… And then it got cloudy…and sprinkled…and rained. The Freedom Trail and all that goes with it was out. The Duck Tours were possible but not probable for us. Whale watching seemed considerably less desirable. Wandering down Boylston and Newbury Streets was unlikely. So, here is the list of 6 things we did in Boston with our children on our rainy day(s) trip.