Last year was the first year I shared a few favorite moments from the year, rather than a giant collage like I’d done in the past. I decided to do it again this year–because who doesn’t need a few happy things right now? (See my 18 for 2018!) So, in no particular order, read on for my 19 for 2019 favorites list! ONE: Getting published in a book! I started this year with the goal to really get paid for my writing. It’s been quite a road, mostly filled with a lot of rejection, but I still completed that goal! Mostly with online articles, but one did make it into a book. It was so, so exciting to ..read more

Once, in one of the many travel books I’ve perused over the years (so many, I can’t remember exactly where this bit of wisdom came from–perhaps one of Rick Steves’ many tomes on Europe?) I read a passage that said something along these lines: You’ll never see it all. It’s better to just assume you’ll come back–even if you never do. This sentence completely changed the way I travel. I felt myself relax, and my desperation to see.it.all fade a little bit. It’s hard to completely let go of the fomo-mentality, but it’s really made me enjoy my travels so much more. This point was driven home when ..read more

Bruges, Belgium has the distinction of being one of those rare places I’ve visited more than once while living in Europe. I’ve been there in summer and over Christmas and it is such a delightful little town. I love it so much I’m hoping to experience it, someday, in the autumn and the spring! Try the waffles Let’s be real: one of the main reasons you are probably going to Belgium is the famous Belgian waffles, and you must try them immediately! Try the Liege waffle, named after a city/region, and take it for a stroll while you get oriented to the adorable Bruges. You can get it loaded with ic ..read more

Are you planning your first trip to Thailand? You’re in for a treat. This country is every bit the paradise it looks on Pinterest and in travel guides. But there are also a few unexpected things to be aware of before your first visit. If you’re getting ready for your first adventure there, here are five ways to make the most of your trip: 1. Get ready to negotiate If you plan to do some shopping while you’re there—or even take part in excursions—be prepared to negotiate. Haggling is common—and even expected—in most parts of Thailand. This is especially true in the markets, so don’t take the fi ..read more

The Pacific Northwest of the United States doesn’t necessarily have any clear boundaries, but to most, it includes the states of Washington and Oregon and the Canadian province of British Columbia (although apparently some think the region extends all the way up to Alaska, into northern California, and includes Montana and Idaho–but I digress). My in-laws live in Washington, and we have friends scattered around both Washington and Oregon, so I have been lucky enough to visit this region often, at least once a year. There is something about this region of the world that is just…kind of special ..read more

Image source Whether you choose to fly or drive across Europe, Germany offers excellent and diverse opportunities for a great family holiday. Booking a holiday is relatively straightforward nowadays and there’s a range of options available. Taking your kids on holiday does require some preparation and planning. Packing, for instance, is a whole new ball game with a child. Check out lots of kid friendly tips such as bringing along a spare pair of shoes ready for the inevitable broken shoe drama. Luckily, Germany is very much a child-friendly country and any forgotten items can easily be located ..read more

It was our last morning in Paris. We were due to fly out in just a few hours—but, like the rest of our week-long sojourn in in the City of Lights, we were making the most of every second. We were standing in line to climb up the Tours-de-Notre-Dame, the famous Notre Dame towers. As it was Sunday, admission to the towers was free, and I was determined to see the famous gargoyles and the view over the entire city. It was early January, just a few days after the New Year, and it was absolutely freezing. Although we’d tried to get there early, there was already a line—that’s Paris for you. Since ..read more

When I was a teenager living in a small town, I dreamed about travel. I made lists of all the places I wanted to see, I read books based all over the world, I wrote stories about people who lived in different countries. In my brief experiences with travel, I had always found happiness on the road, and I longed to get back to it. Fast forward a decade (give or take), and just like I always wished and dreamed and planned, travel is an essential part of my life.  I get so much joy in the planning and the doing of travel, and it is truly one of my passions. When I first started to dream of tr ..read more

This is the first year since I started my blog that I haven’t made my giant collage of the year and all it’s best moments. (see: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017!) Instead, I’m going to pick 18 highlights–small ones–of 2018 to share with you all. I decided to do this in favor of time, and also because, with a new baby, it’s too hard to pick just a few pictures to highlight. I would end up with a million pictures, most of them of my daughter. Since my main goal for 2019 is to be in the moment and appreciate the little things, it also seems fitting to focus on my favorite little memories fr ..read more

Last year was the first year I shared a few favorite moments from the year, rather than a giant collage like I’d done in the past. I decided to do it again this year–because who doesn’t need a few happy things right now? (See my 18 for 2018!) So, in no particular order, read on for my 19 for 2019 favorites list! ONE: Getting published in a book! I started this year with the goal to really get paid for my writing. It’s been quite a road, mostly filled with a lot of rejection, but I still completed that goal! Mostly with online articles, but one did make it into a book. It was so, so exciting to ..read more