How to Spend One Day in Pittsburgh – Oakland Style!
Part of our overall trip as a family right now is prepping our firstborn for college soon. We’re out there, trying to navigate what it all means, what the options
How to Send Teens on Flights Alone (Tips on Teenagers Flying Unaccompanied)
Would you ever let your teenager fly unaccompanied – without you or a guardian adult? This was a question I never thought to ask myself until a situation came up
A Day in Bimini, The Bahamas (a popular cruise destination)
On my first-ever cruise (all the thoughts on that coming soon, so subscribe!), we made a stop in the Bimini Islands, in the Bahamas. We were looking for things to
Kid-Friendly Activities in Salt Lake City, Utah
Do you know how your state was founded? Can you stand on the exact spot where someone once said, “YES! We shall begin a society here, let’s build things!”? (Trivia
Things to do in Wilmington, Delaware
Fun fact: At one point in life, my brother and I lived in dueling Wilmingtons. I was with my family in coastal Wilmington, and he was living in New England
A G Adventures Review – An Honest Review by a Tourist
When I was planning my trip around Sri Lanka, I knew there were many places I wanted to see, and that I would be traveling solo. While Sri Lanka was
Things to do in Roanoke, VA: The Star City with a lot of adventure
Roanoke, Virginia, is my hometown in some ways. We moved to the area when I was in high school (which was a fairly crazy phase in my life). I have
Visiting Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka
I had fallen into the role of a tour guide by accident, and everyone looked at me, asking, “Are you sure the Dambulla Cave Temple is worth the visit and
My Boys Made Me the Mom I Was Meant To Be
This post was originally published in a mothering magazine and is reprinted here with permission. I jogged along in the newly minted fall morning. I had Spotify on, tuned to
Going on an Elephant Safari in Sri Lanka
This was the adventure I was most looking forward to – and, if I can be honest, most people are envious of. I went to a remote island in Asia,
10 Ways to Savor Your Travel Moments & Memories
We invest so much in our trips and travels – we plan, anticipate, and spend a lot of money on them. And yet, they seem to go by in the
Things to do in Galle, Sri Lanka
I am not sure what I was expecting, but after spending one day in Galle, Sri Lanka, I realized the place was very different from what I anticipated. There are
How to Spend One Day in Ella, Sri Lanka
It is hard to know how to feel about Ella, Sri Lanka. I was only able to spend one full day in Ella, so I am hardly an expert. But
What Worked for Me in 2025; What I am Taking into 2026
I don’t offer a lot of personal reflection posts anymore (that’s not what the Internet seems to want), but as 2025 has now ended and 2026 begins, I wanted to
Best Books Round-up 2025
It’s my favorite time of year: my annual book round-up post! What were the best books I read in 2025? What books would I recommend to you? As I compiled
The Best Family Christmas Movies That We Watch Every Year (and some unpopular opinions)
Let’s stop traveling for a moment and focus on Christmas – specifically, the best family Christmas movies out there. Some of these picks will be obvious, but just for fun
What to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka & the Temple of the Tooth
During my trip to Sri Lanka, I knew I’d be heading to Kandy, and I was very much looking forward to it. While in general I don’t find cities as
Tips to Visiting Sigiriya Rock (Lion Rock) in Sri Lanka
Prior to traveling to Sri Lanka, while planning my trip from my comfortable couch, I knew that I was going to be visiting Sigiriya Rock (also called Lion Rock). Sprawling
Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka – Is it really an “unlovable” city?
I arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka (the capital city) absolutely bleary from over 24 hours of travel. I held in my hand my list of things to do here, but
A Look Inside Fallingwater (A Frank Lloyd Wright Masterpiece) with Tips on Visiting
On our road trip to Cleveland and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we stopped at Ohiopyle. As I shared, Ohiopyle was a beautiful surprise all around, and we learned that it
My Honest Review of Burn Boot Camp: Does Burn “Work?”
I love health and fitness – I love working out and moving my body. Twice now, I’ve gone to Burn Boot Camp for a few months each rotation to give
Things to do in Ohiopyle, PA & Ohiopyle State Park
On our way to Cleveland this past summer, we were looking for a spot to break up the drive. After using Google Maps and travel blogs, I discovered Ohiopyle, PA.
Visting Sitges, Spain
During our soccer-centric trip around Spain, we had the opportunity to visit Sitges, Spain. Truthfully, we didn’t get enough time here at all. Most of our group was pretty despondent
The Best Things We Did in Madrid, Spain (even with one of us on crutches!)
Our soccer-centric trip through Spain landed us in Madrid for five days (with time for excursions to cities such as Toledo). In theory, we had time to explore. Yet in
How to Spend One Day in Cleveland, Ohio – Especially When It’s Warm!
On a quick escape road trip to commemorate the end of Summer 2025 (may it R.I.P.), we had one day to spend in downtown Cleveland. The weather was sunny and
What to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
When trying to figure out what to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it is important to know that this park is different from the other national parks – there
The Top Things to do in Barcelona (& do they really hate us)
If you’ve been following along, you know that in June, my youngest and I went on a crazy, soccer-centric trip through Spain. We had a stop in Barcelona and were
Things to do in Lloret De Mar & the Costa Brava in Spain
Recently, my youngest and I went on a whirlwind trip through Spain, complete with a visit to a Spanish hospital for a soccer-related injury, and tons of time enjoying all
Things to do in Toledo, Spain (even if you only have one day)
My youngest son and I completed a whirlwind trip around parts of Spain, traveling with his soccer team and, as you may have guessed, doing all the soccer things we
Black Bean Recipes: How to Use Black Beans Four Ways
I love easy, home-cooked meals. Years ago, when my kids were younger, I posted a popular (real mom’s) guide to meal planning. Now, even though my kids are teenagers, meal
Where to Eat and Things to Do in Downtown Bar Harbor, Maine
When Mr. Family Trip and I did our annual “parents only” trip, we had a fantastic time finding places to eat and play in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine. Bar Harbor
Best Things to do in Acadia National Park (and what not to do). All the Tips You Need!
When we were planning our visit to Acadia National Park, we wanted to know the best things to do, but we also wanted to know how to navigate crowds. You
Biking the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park (A How-To)
After one epic day of hiking (coming soon!), we spent the next day “resting” our legs by biking the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park. Twenty miles and three hours
What Stayed with Us from Things We Did in Australia – 15(+) Years Later!
We’ve been going on a trip down memory lane just a bit: check out our trip to New Zealand post. On the heels of that article, I opened our Australia
What Stayed With Us From Things We Did in New Zealand 15(+) Years Later!
We had something we wanted to do before we started a family: go to New Zealand and Australia. Freshly married, so young, and DINKs (dual income, no kids), way back
Taking the Bus, in 100 Words
The challenge given to this writer: write a story in 100 words. Taking the Bus The parking lot was 95 degrees as I buckled my uncooperative preschooler in. Then her
Which is the Best Korean Spa in Northern Virginia?
Like most modern parents, I work hard and play hard. Because of this, I have come to appreciate the value in taking a day off for wellness and restoration. Lucky
Best Things to do in Placencia, Belize -Complete Guide to Visiting This Fantastic Beach Town
There are so many things to do in Placencia, Belize, that the hardest part is balancing time lounging on a beautiful beach with perfect seawater against having all the adventures
Things to do in Cappadocia, Türkiye
Although prior to leaving the States I couldn’t pronounce the place properly, finding things to do in Cappadocia occupied a lot of my daydreams. I was incredibly excited to see
Hiking Rose Valley in Cappadocia, Türkiye
Prior to connecting with our Intrepid Travel tour through Türkiye, my travel companion and I spent a couple of days in Cappadocia. We were there early because we had a
Things to do in Eskişehir, Türkiye
On our tour through Türkiye, we found ourselves in Eskişehir, looking for things to do. Eskişehir was a convenient stop on our itinerary from Ankara back to Istanbul. Yet it’s
A Parent Review: Bark Phone & Bark App – Keeping Teens Safe in the Digital World
As parents, we work hard to keep our kids safe. It was the reason for this post and we’ve already discussed internet safety for younger kids here. Now, as a
An Intrepid Travel Review – An Honest Review by a Tourist
If you’ve been thinking about booking a tour for your next trip, you might have come across Intrepid Travel, and I am here to provide an honest review based on
Things to do in Ankara, Türkiye (the capital city)
While on our Intrepid Travel tour of Türkiye, we found ourselves looking for things to do in Ankara. Our tour (full review coming later, so stay tuned) provided a lot
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia,Türkiye : Is this experience worth it?
I was in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to believe this is even my life. A hot air balloon in Cappadocia! This
Top 11 Things To Do in Istanbul, Türkiye with 48 Hours
While on our Intrepid trip in October, we ended in Istanbul. We were on the prowl for things to do in Istanbul in 48 hours (or, actually, even less!). I’ll
What to Expect Inside a Turkish Hammam (A Beginner’s Guide to the Turkish Hammam)
When I went to Istanbul last October, I wanted to try a Turkish hammam (also called a Turkish bath) but had no idea what to expect. I understood this to
A Two week (+) Family Friendly Itinerary the Alps (lots of Switzerland!)
When I started to craft our itinerary for our huge European trip, our itinerary in the Swiss Alps, for our family it was a fair amount of work – and
What to Do Around Neuschwanstein: Hohenschwangau & Füssen Germany Ideas
This was a travel moment of magic and tear-jerking beauty for us. While in Füssen, near Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein, we were exploring without a plan one beautiful summer evening. Since
Book Recommendations 2024
It is time for one of my favorite yearly traditions: my annual post on books! For the past several years, I have been busting through anywhere between 50-60 books a
How to Hike Northface Trail in Switzerland – and Visiting Mürren
Hiking the Northface Trail in Switzerland was one of our favorite adventures during our summer family tour through the Alps. While we loved the Eiger Trail, it was the Northface
What to do on a Girls’ Weekend in Miami (even if you don’t go clubbing)
It was a surprise pick: to spend our Girls’ Weekend in Miami, Florida. We had so many other tabs open on our web browsers – the Bahamas, Aruba, Asheville. We
Top Things to do in Innsbruck, Austria
Spending time in Innsbruck, Austria was a last-minute addition to our travels, to be honest. We wanted to make our 16-day trip around the Alps with our kids a loop.
How to Spend a Day in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Coming to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, to Interlaken, Grindelwald, and the Alps was the driving force of our huge 16-day trip around the region with our kids. Mr. Family Trip had
Things to Do in Lugano, Switzerland (Where Switzerland Meets Italy)
When we originally planned our 16 day European family vacation, we were going to take a day trip to Lake Como. But, instead, we went to Lugano, Switzerland for a
Things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland (including a special recommendation you won’t see elsewhere!)
Lucerne, Switzerland was over a week into our 16-day tour around the Alps in Europe and when we wanted things to do, we wanted some rest. Every human has a
Hiking Monte San Salvatore in Lugano, Switzerland
When we rolled into Lugano, Switzerland, we didn’t even check in to our hotel: we went right to the spot where we’d start hiking Monte San Salvatore. We were on
Tips to Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
We made a special stop to visit Neuschwanstein Castle during our 16-day European adventure through the Alps. This place wasn’t exactly on the way but it wasn’t not on the
How to Spend One Day in Liechtenstein
On our big 16-day European adventure through the Alps, we had one day to spend in Liechtenstein. We wondered before we turned the car towards this country: is Liechtenstein worth
How to Spend Two Days in Milan, Italy (with kids!)
On our huge European adventure this past summer, we started with two days in Milan, Italy (with kids!). I love Italy. I lived in Tuscany for a summer, performing jazz
The Eiger Trail Hike in Switzerland – and more about hiking in the Jungfrau region
We spent 16 days in Europe, on our most amazing vacation, with four nights outside of Grindelwald and Interlaken Switzerland. We hiked as much as we could around the Jungfrau
Hiking Lisleibane Loop Under Carrauntoohil Peak in County Kerry Ireland
During our trip to Ireland and while we were staying near Killarney National Park, we knew we wanted to do a family hike. County Kerry is gorgeous and we were
Things We Learned Spending 10 Days in our Pop-up Camper (Road Warrior Itinerary and Plans: Camping Virginia to Niagara Falls)
About one year ago today, we were just returning from a 10 day camping trip in our pop-up camper, Shirley Jean. We camped and road-tripped from our home in Virginia
10 Ways to Use Fresh Blueberries
It is summer in the heart of Virginia. And with that comes fresh blueberries. Whether from the Farmers Market, from a local pick-your-own, or from your own backyard, there are
How to Spend a Weekend in Baltimore, MD, the “Comeback City”
When we had a chance to spend a weekend in Baltimore, MD, it was about a return. It was about seeing this “Comeback City” through the eyes of my adult,
How to Make Your Own Granola (A Recipe)
I love being in the kitchen. Luckily, homemade granola is easy to make (and delicious, too!). Using the granola recipe below, one batch can give my family a great breakfast all week.
How to Spend a Day in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
After our successful trip to Sayulita, Mexico, we found ourselves with a day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to explore. To be honest, we were in Puerto Vallarta for quite a
The Best Things to Do in Sayulita, Mexico – a Fabulous Bohemian Beach Town
When we knew we were headed to the west coast of Mexico for an intergenerational spring break trip, I knew there were things to do in Sayulita, Mexico that I
5 Awesome Dessert Recipes (including an original chocolate cake)
As I’ve aged, I have come to appreciate baking much more. While I honestly don’t eat a lot of sweets, the creativity of baking is fun. There is also much
Top Things to Do in La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica- And What You Can Skip
When deciding what things to do in La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area in Costa Rica, I, of course, turned to travel blogs and articles. Personal recommendations and reading
15 Easter Basket Ideas for Teens & Tweens You Still Have Time to Get
As a follow-up to one of our most popular posts years ago, we’re sharing Easter basket ideas for teens and tweens you still have time to get. We are staring
Hiking Valley of Fire in Nevada – How To Spend One Day in This Park
During our (surprisingly amazing) trip to Vegas earlier this year, we had one day to spend in Valley of Fire State Park. This was, by far, my favorite day of
What to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica – Pura Vida Living!
I am not sure the world needs one more blog post on what to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. But here I am. Unafraid to share my own opinions
7 Things I Learned Wearing a Fitness Watch: Is it a Good Idea to Wear One?
For years, I was against wearing a fitness watch of any kind. I kept saying to anyone who would listen (and there weren’t many), “I don’t need a glorified pedometer!”
Best Things to Do in Stowe, VT in the Winter
“Everything here is just so cute,” my brother said. “I am sorry, but that’s just the best word for it.” And that is what a trip to Stowe feels like:
It’s Okay to Say No: A Book Review of “Hands Free Mama”
This post was originally published on another site, but I resharing it here as I think it is such a valuable conversation. Note: There are some affiliate links below. This
Best Things to do in Las Vegas That Aren’t Gambling
This is an article about taking a risk. It is an ode to the surprise that Vegas is. It is an invitation to create your own trip, wherever you go.
10 Things to Know About a Mud Run & Why They Are So Much Fun!
Somehow, I had committed to a mud run (Step Up For Soldiers). I am not really a runner. The first 5k I did was with my friend Sarah to get
Visiting Letchworth State Park in New York (“Grand Canyon of the East?”)
On our Road Warrior Trip (hauling our pop-up camper and making our way from Virginia up to Niagara Falls – and all the way back again!), we stopped at Letchworth State Park
What to Know About Visiting Costa Rica & How to Plan the Perfect Itinerary
It’s been pretty rare that I return to a country to vacation. With so many places to be discovered, I am always ready to explore the next place. But visiting
Is Massanutten or Wintergreen Better Virginia Skiing for Families?
It’s no secret that we love living in Charlottesville, Virginia. One thing we take advantage of? We are close to two different ski resorts. People often debate, too, which is
6 Things That Worked for Me Last Year
Inspired by Everyday Reading, I decided to get a little personal today and talk about what worked in 2023. Years ago, when I was a successful freelance writer, I learned
Best Books (I Read) in 2023
It’s my favorite time of the year: the annual round-up of the best books I read over the year! In 2023, I read over 60 books. I haven’t seen those
8 Things to Do in Chicago: How to Spend an Awesome Weekend in the Windy City
When I was lucky enough to head to a work conference solo (which I know how to rock), I wanted to also take my own advice and use the opportunity
How to Kayak a Glacier Lagoon in Iceland: A Top Iceland Experience!
It is impossible to understand, deep down, that the places we visit will never be the same again. As tourists, we take our snapshots and that’s how the place stays:
How to Have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
This is a throwback post, which seems right as it celebrates a throwback party: The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Years ago, we had the honor of hosting a kid-friendly holiday
Are Kids “Worth” It? A Book Review on All Joy and No Fun
Many moons ago according to my Goodreads, I devoured the newly released book All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood by Jennifer Senior. While at the time, I didn’t
About Watkins Glen, New York (It’s GORGEous!)
Watkins Glen State Park is where things went off the rails for us on our Road Warrior Trip (quite literally). Pulling in after a long drive from Gettysburg National Battlefield,
Things to do in Steamboat Springs, CO in the Winter (& Tips to Ski Steamboat Springs)
My winter visit to Steamboat Springs, CO was filled with lots of phrases like “best outdoor activity yet,” “my favorite yet,” and “absolutely wonderful.” There are so many things to
Hiking on a Glacier in Iceland – Walking on Vatnajokull in Skaftafell
This is a hard post to write. Hiking on a glacier in Iceland, hiking on “Europe’s largest glacier,” was a remarkable and unforgettable experience for me. As far as the
10 Ways to Prepare NOW for the Holiday Season
It might seem a little crazy to start planning for Christmas now. But I know if I spend time doing things that help me prepare for the holiday season now,
10 Things to Know about Skiing Snowshoe Resort, West Virginia – and other fun family adventures!
I love to ski. I have been to Snowshoe Resort, West Virginia quite a few times, including with the kids. It has been the largest ski resort within driving distance
Visiting Gettysburg National Battlefield: All the Tips You Need Because it is BIG!
We’ve revealed that the ultimate destination of our Road Warrior Trip was Niagara Falls, but our first stop was the Gettysburg National Battlefield. This place is HUGE, so I thought
What to See & Things to Do in Niagara Falls (Go to the Canadian Side!)
Our Road Warrior Trip had one epic goal: to see Niagara Falls. Is Niagara Falls the tallest waterfall in the world? No. Is it the “biggest?” Also, no. But it
Tips for Visiting Hersheypark, PA (with a review of the Hersheypark campground!)
On our late-summer Road Warrior Trip, pulling Shirley Jean all the way from the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia to the Canadian/NY border, our last stop was Hersheypark, PA. While
An Organized Art / Homework Station & 40+ Great Art Supplies and Kits for Kids
I don’t share much by way of home design, styling, or our renovations. I love unleashing my creativity on our home, but nothing ever feels finished. Additionally, most of the
Hiking Glymur Waterfall in Iceland: What to Know
“I am not going to be dramatic about this or make a big deal out of this, but this is as far as I want to go. You can continue
Classic Cocktail Hour: How to Make the Best Gin & Tonic
The gin & tonic drink is a summer classic, but there are some tips and tricks to making it the best ever. This drink, when made right, has all the
Things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland: The Best Tours, Things to See, and Places to Go!
We don’t really love big cities, Mr. Family Trip and I. We love seeing them, we love experiencing them, but after a few days, we’re usually ready to see land
A Perfect Night with an Oontz Beat: What We Miss As Parents
I wanted to roll in this night, live in it forever. The cooling saffron air, teasing my pallet with the first hint of fall, was lapping my newly styled hair
What to Know About Camping and Campervan Rentals in Iceland
We’re campers – we love camping, living outside, exploring nature. We bought a pop-up years ago and haven’t looked back. Yet camping in a different country was a totally new
An 8-Day Itinerary of Iceland: The Ultimate “Best of” Iceland
Iceland: the land of fire and ice. It is a place popular right now with tourists (particularly Americans) and for a lot of great reasons. What appealed to us? Low
Easy Ways to Love and Create More Peace in Your Life
This article was originally shared on a different site, but I still find the thoughts relevant to today’s world, so thought I’d take a moment to refresh it and share
The Best Travel Books to Read (Including Travel Book Classics and Newer Releases)
I read a lot – and by nature I read a lot of travel books. There are so many great travel books out there and many get overlooked. Below are
Yogaville in Virginia: All About it, The Bizarre History, and What a Retreat is Like Today
The Christmas before COVID, my parents gifted me a certificate to stay at Yogaville in Virginia. A large ashram located just an hour outside of Charlottesville, in Buckingham, the idea
101 Things To Do in Charlottesville, VA
We love living in Charlottesville, VA and raising our kids here! There are so many things to do. And while Charlottesville is small enough to feel comfortable and easy to
Visiting Congaree National Park: Which Parks are “Worth” it?
It’s not the most glamorous national park. While people fly across the country to visit Redwood and Arches, visiting Congaree National Park doesn’t have the same allure. The numbers tell
Why I Sleep with the Window Open (An Essay on Motherhood)
I get so tired of the whir of our nebulizer. I have spent countless hours, countless minutes, getting a secondhand inhalation of albuterol. Of course, the need to apply the
What to See & Do in Antigua Guatemala: A Quick Guide (with Lots of Pictures)
Antigua Guatemala was full of surprises, texture, warmth, and rest for Mr. Family Trip and me. This UNESCO world heritage city is small – with under 50,000 residents and the
Top 5 Things to do in Puerto Rico: The Easiest Caribbean Vacation You Haven’t Taken
I’ve been to Puerto Rico twice. But the first time I wore my Lollapalooza T-shirt the entire time and had my nose buried in my required Norton Anthology reading for
How to Start – and Keep – a Hobby
As busy parents, it is easy to allow the time we set aside for ourselves be the first thing to slip away. But time for ourselves can be the most
Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula? Here’s Why We Did the Dingle Peninsula Drive
When planning a trip to Ireland, there is one big question every visitor has to answer: the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula? These two beautiful circuit drives around
Visiting the Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, CO
When my siblings and I went to Colorado to ski Steamboat Springs, I knew part of my trip would involve soaking my ski-weary legs in a natural hot spring. Before
How to Spend a Day in Killarney, Ireland & Killarney National Park
If ever there was a town that bewitched us with its magical charm, Killarney would be it. After days of traveling to other spots in Ireland, including the big city,
My Favorite Go-To Cookbooks (The 5 Cookbooks You Should Own)
Cooking and meal preparation doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. I think that easy meals are lovely, I think meal planning helps a lot, and I also think that
Are the Florida Keys a Good Family Vacation Spot?
Ah, the Florida Keys, the legend of Buffet songs, and the promise of a lazy day. Sun and sand and clear waters tease our imagination when we think of the
How to (and why) Go on a Solo “Mini”Retreat
Quiet. That was all I wanted – literal quiet. When you are a mom, in a busy life with a busy home, there is much to be grateful for. But
The Famous Cliffs of Moher: Worth It?
Nature creates landscapes more stunning and beautiful than our imaginations could ever dream. If someone gave me playdough and said, “Make some landscapes that human beings would want to see,”
Visiting Biscayne National Park (Are Parks Now for the Elite?)
Florida has never really captured my heart, at least not compared to the way it seems to have a love affair with many other people. Maybe because we are “Non-Disney
Best Books I Read in 2022
I still have so many travel-related posts to write, but these book-related round-ups are some of my favorites, so here we are! The best books I read in 2022. Reading
Our Monthly Tips & Trips: December 2022
December always scares me with its demands and yet I also relish it. Days that are busy fly by and resolve into a quiet week of peace and restoration. The
An Honest Review of the Most Popular Planners
I love a good paper planner. I always have. While I will pop stuff on Google calendar so Mr. Family Trip and I can stay in sync, keeping my weekly
The Best Classic Christmas Cookies to Make
Everyone has a different approach to holiday baking. Some love to gather with others and do one big afternoon of baking multiple recipes together. In our house, we take a
Travels Around Ireland: How Clonmacnoise Hurt My Knee, Visiting the Burren & Heavenly Lahinch
I know firsthand how adventures and travel are always just a slip away from injury and trauma. It really shouldn’t surprise me anymore when a moment’s misstep waylays a plan
Our Monthly Tips & Trips: November 2022
This post was supposed to be easy to write – and written last week. But here we are. I find myself practicing more and more moments of grace in regard
20 Fun Stocking Stuffers for Kids & Tweens
I love Christmas, and in particular, Christmas stockings! In my mind, stocking stuffers are where we have fun. We get a little ridiculous and silly and really enjoy it. Sure,
Fun Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland for the Family
Dublin is a raw city, with a big history and a large underbelly chained to it forever. James Joyce writes with both nostalgia and darkness about this place, yet popular
Visiting Lake Atitlan in Guatemala – and What Expats “Owe” a Community
It was an eerie feeling: to be dropped off by a shuttle bus driver in the middle of a town we didn’t know the name of, not really functional in
Our Monthly Tips and Trips: September and October 2022
The joys of fall, quick weekend jaunts, the best things I bought and the book that surprised me.
What to do in New York City During Christmas – How to Experience all the Holiday Magic
New York City at Christmas – it captures our imaginations, makes us feel like anything is possible, and encourages us to lean into the magic. The bustling crowds, the parties
A 9-Day Family Itinerary Around Ireland (where to stay, what to see, and what to know about rental cars)
Ireland. The emerald island people dream about. In the U.S. we celebrate the culture: St. Patrick’s Day, leprechauns, Guinness, shepherd’s pie, sheep, rolling green hills, and tin flute music. We
Guide to Wineries (including the best and our favorites!) in Charlottesville, VA
We love living in the Charlottesville area. Between the fantastic hiking, the University and history, the nearby National Parks, the paddling, the hot air balloons, the access to so many
Super Easy Updates for Your Pop Up Camper
I love our pop up camper, Shirley Jean. But, truth be told, she was a bit outdated when we got her. Additionally, one of the previous owners had done some
Our Monthly Tips & Trips: July & August 2022
I like to pretend that I am in control of things – all the time – it is the great lie I tell myself. And it is a beautiful lie.
Best Places to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), or otherwise paddle, in Charlottesville, VA
A list, and reviews, of the best places to stand up paddleboard in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Antigua Guatemala
Don’t worry, our time in Antigua Guatemala wasn’t all backpack food and CLIF bars. Antigua Guatemala is a place brimming with locally owned cafes, outdoor patios trimmed with lights, and
Hiking Acatenango Volcano Guatemala: Everything You Need to Know
When the white mist hit my face at 7:00 am and my body’s chills shook me, tears eked out. This wasn’t what was promised, socked in with zero visibility and
Our Monthly Trips & Tips: June 2022
June was, as my kids would say, EPIC. It was chock full of all of my favorite things: momentous occasions with my children as they grow, adventure travel with Mr.
Things to do in Bedford, Virginia
All I wanted after college was a big city full of opportunity and creativity. I wanted hum. I wanted constant movement. I wanted to be faceless and nameless in a
A One Week Clean Eating Plan, Recipes & Shopping List
Every now and again, I will spend one week bringing awareness and conciousness to what I am putting in body, to what I am eating. I spend one week “clean
Things to do in Staunton, Virginia
We love living in Virginia. You may recall from our personal story that we lived at a beach in North Carolina for awhile, but Virginia speaks to our hearts in
Our Monthly Trips & Tips: May 2022
May’s been called December 2.0 – and it is fitting. It is a time of transition and change, of running to and fro to close things down yet also beginning
The Secret to Being the Sexiest One at the Pool
My friends and I who have kids frequently discuss how attractive our bodies used to be and how terrible swimsuit season makes us feel. We buy suits to cover up,
Questions to Ask Before Travelling Abroad
It’s happening! International travel is picking up again as so many put plans, dreams and trips on hiatus during a worldwide pandemic. I love Scott’s Cheap Flights predictions and they
The Case for NO Summer Bucket List This Year
The case for not having a summer bucket list and approaching summer as a family with love and openness.
A Really Great (seriously, a REALLY GREAT) Itinerary for the Family in Washington, D.C.
Taking the kids to Washington, D.C.: the heartbeat of our government, the scene of current events, and the pulse of our nation. It seems like a must-do at some point.
Our Monthly Trips & Tips: April 2022
As we reflect on our family trips and tips in April, it is a moment to recall how tender family life is. It is brittle, and on a scale that
A Weekend in Harpers Ferry (with kids)
Sneaking off to Harpers Ferry for a weekend in spring was highly anticipated and desperately needed. After slogging through spring sports, heavy work projects, rejuvenated social demands after a sleepy
How to Travel While Working a Full-Time Job
It’s hard to balance an extreme love of travel with a strong sense of responsibility or, even, just a desire for some stability. I feel it. I especially feel the
6 Tips to Make Packing Easy and Efficient
Let’s face it: packing for a trip takes time and care. It can also create stress. When you travel frequently, like we do, it’s nice not to have trip preparation