Packing for a vacation to Europe can be a bit stressful.  Packing for a last minute 21-day trip to Europe with just a carry-on bag?  That notches things up to a whole other level.  This kind of adventure requires some super strategic planning, some smart packing and maybe even a little bit of luck. Want to know a secret? It can be done. This past summer a fun challenge was thrown in my lap.  A very, very lasting minute invitation to meet my daughter in Milan Italy and spend the next 3 or so weeks tripping through Europe with her. The only catch?  I had only 48 hours t ..read more

Where would you go if could go anywhere in the world? Seriously. Anywhere.  This is the question my Hubby and I recently found ourselves asking each other and this time….we gave ourselves permission to dream big! We’ve stayed in laid back Caribbean resorts, been to Florida countless times and made memories on some life changing trips to Europe, the only problem? Instead of our travel bucket list getting shorter it just keeps getting longer. So where do you start? If you could go anywhere, where would you and how would you do it?  Simple. You start with HomeExchange. What exactly is H ..read more

There are fewer things that can throw me into a tizzy then those who try to pack without a list.  Why would one try to do this?  Lists.  Are.  Good.  The only thing that makes packing more difficult than doing so without a list? Packing for a trip during a pandemic.  Now of course we can debate all you want about whether one should be travelling right now – but I’m not going to do that.  For me, for my family, what we need right now is some quality time together and to leave the conversations about Covid behind for a little bit.  So today I bring to yo ..read more

Current mood; frustrated.  I feel like we’ve been living life on a treadmill.  Going about our days, getting it done but not really living our best lives.   I’m feeling a tad stir crazy.  I’ve gone from someone who was self admittedly spoiled – travelling multiple times a year – to being trapped in our house, in our town, in this Province.  Maybe trapped is a bit strong of a word because honestly I know we could have jumped on a plane but I’m a rule follower and I’ve been waiting for that proverbial green light.  Here’s the thing, I am missing my travelling life ..read more

By now you all know I’ve left a piece of my heart in Florida.  A quick flight or even drivable from Ontario, it’s the perfect place for that family vacation, a quick romantic getaway, a place for foodies or adventurers, Florida offers a little bit of something for everyone.   One of the places that’s calling me back?  Tampa and I’m looking for inspiration for my next trip by looking back on my last one. Last time I was in Tampa we stayed at the Fenway Hotel, spent hours wandering around The Oxford Exchange, explored Honeymoon Island and fell in love with the Florida Aquarium. &n ..read more

Not so long I stumbled across a little something that struck a chord with me.  A challenge?  A call?  Boiled down…simply an idea to start building a list of dreams.  To take some time and create an unedited list of anything you want out of your life.  I started.  I stopped.  I worried.  Was it silly to create a list now as I crept closer and closer to 50?  Um no.  I think because I AM celebrating my 50th birthday -THIS WEEK – while at home riding out a worldwide pandemic (instead of in the French Rivera as we’d planned) it’s more important tha ..read more

Current need.  Sunshine.  I just want to sit on a beach and soak in the sun – but not just any sun.  That Florida sun.  It just seems to shine a little brighter, last a little longer, show off a little more.  Maybe this is why Anna Maria Island is calling me back. Known for its bike-able roads, beautiful beaches, quaint shops, galleries and restaurants, it doesn’t take long to fall in love with the area and feel like a local.  Once you’ve been all you will do is dream about going back. Where To Stay A fabulous choice while staying at Anna Maria Island is the simpl ..read more

Hold on tight.  This is the part where I confess all my deepest darkest secrets.  One of my favourite parts of travel?  It’s the planning. Yes, I love every single part of it.  The research, the hunt for the perfect hotels or rentals, the narrowing it down to the best places and searching for the undiscovered gems that turn ordinary trips into lifelong memories.  We may not be able to travel just yet …but we can certainly do a little dreaming!  (and I’ve been doing a LOT of that for the last few months!) If you dream of exploring parts of Florida you’ve never see ..read more

Can you see it?  There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.  Our “numbers” here in Canada are on a steady decline, restrictions are gradually being lifted and the vaccine is on the way.  It has been a long, hard year and now instead of doom and gloom its time to talk about something else.  Something that I daydream about daily – my obsession.  Travel! This past year meant a lot of cancelled trips for us.  Some “for work”, more than a few for pleasure.  On top of that while in quarantine my Hubby celebrated his 50th Birthday, mine is right around the corner (gu ..read more

A few years ago I decided Valentine’s day was the best time to tally up my top 10 Romantic Movies of all time! Hmmm of all time? That might be putting too much pressure on myself. Perhaps my top ten date night movies rating from one tissue to an entire box!  Considering it looks like we’re all in for a Valentine’s Day in lockdown it seemed appropriate to have another go at it.  Turns out no matter how many years pass, these movies remain my forever picks.  Without further ado, here are my Top 10 Romantic Movies For Valentine’s Day.  So go pop some popcorn, pick out your fav ..read more