• Necessities,  Uncategorized,  US Travel

    Top 5 Travel Hacks

    Hi all! I feel like it’s been awhile. It’s just incredibly wonderful to feel the spring sun and watch the beautiful flowers in bloom. Also, we’ve been out traveling twice in the last month… that along with birthdays, school plays, soccer, yard work, shooting hoops in the driveway too late past bedtime… you know how the springtime awakening goes… Since packing (and unpacking) have been fresh on my mind lately, I thought that a few travel hacks were in order.

  • Island Travel,  Uncategorized

    Where to Eat When Visiting Paradise Island

    We have been to Paradise Island several times. While it seems that the majority of restaurant options are in Atlantis, we have found several alternatives. So, if you feel like venturing off the resort grounds (which isn’t far since the entire island is something like 4 miles long and half a mile wide) or are not staying at Atlantis and don’t feel like walking over, here are some options.

  • Uncategorized

    What to Wear on a Plane- Keeping it Classy

    I’m sure you all heard the hulaboo (someone recently used this word and I have since adopted it and use it every chance I get- sorry) about the girls who wore leggings on the United flight. Honestly. Once again, our family debates are ahead of their time. Every time before we are leaving for a longer plane trip, there is discussion about what we will be wearing, which inevitably ends with me assuring everyone…not my yoga pants… even though stylish comfy clothes are my forte. But I get it. We are in public, we are going on a nice trip, and it really isn’t too much to ask that I not look…

  • Island Travel

    The Cloisters on Paradise Island, Bahamas

      Island Travel is amazing… white powder-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, peach-colored sunsets, blue skies with wispy white clouds, and, of course, yummy drinks. Paradise Island has all of these things… and more. *This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that, at no cost to you, I may receive some compensation. Thank you! Having a father who used to teach history, I have become accustom to travel that involves some sort of history lesson. This schooling, however, has the benefit of taking place in paradise. The French Cloisters is located in the One and Only Ocean Club’s Versailles Gardens. It overlooks Nassau Harbour. The Cloisters is what remains from a 14th century…

  • Island Travel,  Uncategorized

    007 in the Bahamas

    Are there any other Sean Connery fans out there? Let me tell you a story about my childhood… I was raised on James Bond. Now, I was not allowed to watch Jem or Growing Pains, but for whatever reason, 007 was a-okay. And what’s not to love about this spy series? There is mystery, intrigue, action, and beautiful scenery. I’m not sure how many James Bond movies were filmed in the Bahamas; I’ll have to ask my brother the next time we talk and get back to you on that one. However, I do know that, being the super fans that my parents are, his name came up just a…

  • Uncategorized

    To Plan or Not to Plan

    To Plan or Not to Plan? This is obviously a personal question and depends on, well, your personality. Before I share what we do, please understand, I honestly do not believe that there is a right or wrong way. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below, too. I think I may have mentioned this before… I love lists. So, you might think I am a huge planner for trips. I’m not. Maybe I used to be? Then, we had kids… Kids can either make you a crazy planner or a non-planner. After trying to plan with kids and having my husband and I disappointed because we…

  • Uncategorized

    Top 4 Best Spring Break Beaches

    Well, we are in our home stretch! Spring is almost here, and to be quite honest, this winter wasn’t even that bad (I think I may be scarred for life from the Polar Vortexes we had a few years back). You may have noticed that I have been posting quite a few beach pictures over on my Instagram lately, just to get in the mood. So, let’s talk Spring Break Beaches. Specifically, let’s look at 4 super doable beach vacations. No 8-hour flights for our crew this year! *Please note that this post contains affiliate links, meaning that, at no cost to you, I may receive some compensation… Thank you!

  • Food and Drink,  Michigan Travel,  Uncategorized,  USA Travel

    Friday Finds on Mackinaw Road: Tacos, Shopping, Bloody Mary’s, and Barre

      Welcome back to my randomness… with Friday Finds, Take 2….Hope you all had a great week! We made it to almost-Friady. Yay! And I made it through February without a broken bone- double Yay! Our only February hick-up was that our dog ate sand at the beach and had to spend the night at the Emergency Animal Hospital. Fortunately, he is back to his crazy, jumping, kissing 10-year old self.  [I have no more fun ways to say this, so just know… this post may contain affiliate links, meaning that, at no cost to you, I may be compensated. Thank you!] Donkey Taqueria- If you are visiting Grand Rapids, Michigan,…

  • Decorating,  Gifts,  Uncategorized

    Winter 2017 Giveaway Time!!!

    It’s Giveaway Time! I want to know… what is the biggest risk you have taken? What was your motivation? Inspiration? Any plans you are unsure of for 2017? Whatever it is, I hope that your 2017 is off to a fabulous start! And I want to give you this sign to remind you to stay positive. I hope you all find your wings and fly this year.  Tag a friend over on this photo on Instagram and subscribe to our updates (it’s over on the left side by the menu), and, just like that, you are entered to win.  Only caveat…. you must have a shipping address within the continental…

  • Decorating,  Uncategorized

    Decorating with Travel Trinkets

    Full disclosure (again): just the word “trinket” makes me cringe. And, yet we find ourselves tempted to buy souvenirs or street art all the time. Luckily, my inner voice often stops us. That said, we have found ourselves in possession of said trinkets because they do remind us of a fabulous beach vacation or a memorable experience. Here is how we have decorated with them…