Pictures and souvenirs are probably the most common ways in which we attempt to catalog and remember our travel experiences. These images and items transport us to the memorable moments we spent on our vacation adventures. I love pictures and I love to purchase souvenirs or travel treasures as I call them. Despite having walls…
Travel Christmas Tree
A good deal led to a good idea. While browsing a favorite craft store I came upon a super slim, 7-foot, pre-lit Christmas tree on sale for $40. Boom, a travel Christmas tree was born. Once purchased, I was on a mission to scour a dozen stores and all corners of the Internet for the…
Sam’s Christmas Village and Light Tour
Christmas lights. The sparkle and glow of Christmas lights are one of my favorite parts of the entire holiday season. Every year our family visits one (sometimes several) Christmas light displays. This year we chose Sam’s Christmas Village and Light Tour in Somerset, Wisconsin. Sam’s is just two years old, it first opened in 2019,…
Holiday Tablescape
Gathering family around a dinner table for a festive meal is one of our family’s most beloved holiday traditions. The flickering candlelight, the laughter and the smells of delicious food is the content of many of my most precious Christmas memories. The memory of those gatherings and the traditions wrapped up in them are important…
Yurt Camping at Glendalough State Park
One of the heaviest things you carry into the backcountry is your tent. The thought of unloading that burden while on the trail in exchange for a reliable and weatherproof structure is appealing. Enter yurt camping. Yurts are circular, canvas-covered structures that provide the convenience of a sturdy shelter but still allow for a “roughing…
Destinations to Die for in Death Valley
Death Valley National Park is the lowest, hottest and driest place in North America, yet it has so many unique features worth exploring. Truth be told, this vast and varied national park was not on my list of parks to visit. That is until several pieces fell into place and we found ourselves with a…
Fabulous Sights in Philly
There are quite a few fabulous sights in Philly. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market and of course the Liberty Bell. In a few short hours in this historic city, you can check many must-see sights off your travel bucket list. Before you set out for a day of adventure your…
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Birthday Party
Birthday parties are very special occasions at our house. A day to celebrate our little ones and mark the start of another year of milestones. When our youngest turned four-years-old he was obsessed with the Teen Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT). Naturally, this became the theme of this birthday party. I made the parties decorations using…
Date Your Spouse: Play Hooky
I’m not suggesting you neglect your work responsibilities or lie to your employer. I do, however, suggest you plan a day off of work (get your supervisor’s approval) and devote some daylight hours and your full attention to your partner. We recently loaded up our kayaks, dropped our kids off at school and made our…
Pumpkin Carving and Cocktails
Set out some pizzas and some spooky beverages then invite friends and family for an afternoon of pumpkin carving and cocktails. Of all our seasonal parties, the pumpkin carving and cocktails is the easiest to put together. Seriously. There are no crafting skills required. Here’s how you can make it happen. Carving Station We swept…