What exactly is a Highland Coo? And is Nessie every bit the legend you’ve heard? Spend a day in the Scottish Highlands and you will learn all of this and so much more. You might come for the coos and the gorgeous movie screen views but you’ll leave with a heart full and the overwhelming desire to book a return trip. A Visit to the Highlands After exploring the historic heart of Edinburgh, strolling the Royal Mile many times over, raising a dram in a lowland distillery and making the rounds to all the Harry Potter inspired city locations on…
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Two weekends ago marked the end of ski season and what a season it was. Ski season 2026. The snow started flying in December and all of January was perfection, as was February. March might have been a little rockier weather-wise but wow the snow was peak almost the entire season with the exception of about a week of rain. To be clear, I was laid off in late November and that was terrible and a big hit financially. But ski season started maybe 3 weeks into the layoff. THANK GOD. Before mid December the doors were open at our…
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Long after the mud has been washed off your boots and the suitcase is back in the basement, you will find yourself thinking about St. Martins Sea Caves. The caves and the area itself is just that unique. For my family, our trip to New Brunswick a couple of summers ago was extremely memorable, even weeks and months after we returned home. If you’ve never stood on the floor of the ocean and looked up at towering red sandstone cliffs, put it on your bucket list immediately. We spent a full day exploring the St. Martins Sea Caves and the…
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Whether you’re a history buff, a “Potterhead,” or a ghost hunter, Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh will capture your attention. In the heart of the Old Town, Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh isn’t just a graveyard; it’s a time capsule of Scotland’s most dramatic chapters. The Legend: Greyfriars Bobby You can’t talk about Greyfriars without mentioning the story of the world’s most loyal dog. And you must not leave without placing a stick on his grave near the entry of the kirkyard. It’s simply tradition. The Story Bobby was a Skye Terrier who reportedly spent 14 years guarding the grave of his master, John…
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Consider this a Get Ready With Me kind of post for those days when you want to get outdoors but need to brave the -20°C temperatures. You know, polar vortex kind of weather? So what’s the best ski clothing for the coldest conditions. Post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission from purchases made via qualifying links. To be clear, this is a women’s clothing post. I wear women’s ski clothing. If you are a man or a youth, several of these tips still apply but you probably need to modify the brand names of the clothing to suit…
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So, you found yourself with just 24 hours in Glasgow. There’s no way to do everything in that timeframe but you can prioritize and hit some highlights. Enjoy your short time in the city and dive in fast. I mean you can always sleep on the plane ride home, right? Recently we found ourselves in Glasgow after a week spent exploring Scotland, from the Highlands to all things Edinburgh, and while we were pretty exhausted, we had to speed through what we could when we got to Glasgow. The opportunity was too good and we didn’t want to feel like…
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You know those trips that just stick with you? The ones you think about in the middle of a mundane workday, wishing you could swap that office chair for a quad chair or gondola and the smell of pine and cold air? For me, lately that trip is skiing Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, New York. I visited Lake Placid and skied Whiteface with my family a couple of years ago and it’s been too long. The History Whiteface isn’t just another ski resort; it’s iconic. Tucked away in the stunning Adirondacks, this mountain has a pedigree few others in…
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Edinburgh is a city that feels like it was plucked straight from the pages of a gothic novel. With its jagged skyline, misty atmosphere, narrow cobblestone “closes,” and gorgeous architecture, it is one of the most impressive cities you could ever visit. Edinburgh has a gravity that pulls you in. But as any traveler knows, visiting another country can be pricey. So, we, as a family, love to find budget friendly things to do when we travel. Here are a few free things to do in Edinburgh that we enjoyed. The very best of Edinburgh—its soul, its history, and its…
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Clearly, the holidays are right around the bend and honestly it’s time to get shopping. So, here are a few of my hot gifts for Car Guys and Gals, you know who I mean, the guys and gals who know what they like and can name the brands they need in their lives. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links provides me with small commission from Amazon. Interior Tech & Gadgets Tools and Safety Gadgets: Battery Testers Tool Kits and Maintenance EMERGENCY Items: Maintenance Kit Battery Maintenance Practical gifts for the DIYer…
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Dreaming of a trip to the Netherlands? Visions of Amsterdam’s canals, windmills, iconic houses, and liberal culture might already be top of mind. Amsterdam is undeniably vibrant and an iconic tourist destination. But there are equally lovely quieter and more affordable alternatives for your home base, just a short train ride away from the hub. Alkmaar Netherlands offers all the Dutch charm with a side of relaxation and is easier on your wallet. Swap Crowds for Charm in Alkmaar Let me introduce you to the wonderful city of Alkmaar Netherlands. Forget what you think you know about needing to be…