• Travel

    Holiday Gift Guide: Powerful Reads by International Authors

    October 29, 2026 - By 

    As the holiday season approaches, there is a distinct joy in finding a present that feels truly meaningful. You know the feeling. The one that invites a loved one to slow down, explore new horizons, and see the world through a fresh perspective. For the passionate readers and armchair travellers on your list, this entry in my gift guide should help. For a reader, few gifts carry quite as much weight as a book. These translated books from international authors are well worth considering for the book lovers on your list. Translating literature across borders bridges cultures, fosters empathy, and…

  • Inside a colourful restaurant in Alkmaar Netherlands. A woman is seated at a table in the foreground. There are cherry blossoms that are pink hanging from the ceiling off of a fake tree with twinkling lights and brown brick walls that make it look cozy. In behind a server is waiting on a table and the restaurant is about half full but not overly crowded. The server appears to have Down syndrome
    Travel

    How to Enjoy Travel When Things Don’t Go to Plan

    October 26, 2026 - By 

    Your vacation doesn’t have to be perfect to be perfectly enjoyable and memorable. I was reminded of that recently when I was going through my old photos and videos from that time we visited Alkmaar, The Netherlands, not far from Amsterdam. If anything, that trip down memory lane was also a good reminder of how to enjoy travel when it threatens to be less than magical. Our First Huge Europe Adventure Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. Purchases made via qualifying links may mean a small commission for me at no added cost to you. Amsterdam,…

  • Travel

    A Visit to Copenhagen Botanical Gardens: Botanisk Have

    September 29, 2026 - By 

    Is it worth the time to visit the Copenhagen Botanical Gardens, or Botanisk Have in Copenhagen? If you adore butterflies, beautiful architecture, strolls in the park, and stunning plants, lunch by a tiny lake, then yes the botanical gardens in Copenhagen are well worth a visit when you are in Copenhagen. Plus what an affordable whimsical way to start a trip through the city. On our first full day in Copenhagen we woke up with Danish pastries on our minds. And coffee or lattes of course. Immediately after our first Danish treats of the mother daughter trip, we were ready…

  • young girl with red hair looking at the camera and smiling with black sweater on and rocks across the horizon as the sunsets behind her on a Rocky point and green evergreens across the horizon
    family - parenting - Travel

    The Ultimate Camping Gear Guide: Things We Can’t Live Without

    September 14, 2026 - By 

    We just wrapped our fourth camping trip of the season. And while I also love Fall camping and have an entire post about the merits of camping through September, we are not likely to do that this year. At the end of the season we clean and put all of our camping gear away. It’s a good time for us to assess what we have and what we want or need next year. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links equal a small commission for me so that I can keep the…

  • Travel

    What to Expect at Stonehenge

    August 25, 2026 - By 

    When my oldest daughter Payton graduated this year from university with her undergraduate degree, I knew we had to plan an epic adventure together to mark the occasion. Since we loved Scotland so much last fall during Reading Week, we decided London would be logical and it just made sense. We still had our UK electronic travel visas, because they are valid for two years from the time you receive approval. Beyond that, we were both dying to see a few unique landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Stonehenge. So we were off to the UK again! Our Unforgettable…

  • Travel

    10 Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Southern Ontario

    August 15, 2026 - By 

    This summer, as we explore, we are doing so close to home camping and embracing budget-friendly day trips in southern Ontario. We are so lucky with so many great beaches and day trips in a short drive. WE will be camping and finding fun adventures together when time permits. become exceptionally resourceful at finding opportunity near London Ontario. I mean ever since the pandemic of 2020, we have come to value day trips even more. We perfected day trips from 2020 to 2022. In fact I have a post about that very thing. Iconic Day Trips it’s called. Rediscovering Local…

  • Travel

    How to Build a Cozy Travel Wardrobe That Lasts

    August 10, 2026 - By 

    A cozy travel wardrobe should feel soft, look polished, and suit several parts of each trip. Every piece needs a clear purpose, a comfortable fit, and enough versatility for repeat use. Thoughtful choices also reduce suitcase weight and simplify daily outfit decisions.  Sleepwear deserves the same care as daytime clothing, especially during flights, hotel stays, and quiet mornings. Quality bamboo pajamas for women can provide breathable softness, flexible comfort, and light coverage without excess bulk. Allow me to explain how fabric, colour, fit, layers, and proper care can create a travel wardrobe that lasts. Start With a Coordinated Colour Palette A simple…

  • sable beach camping at provincial park trees in the background and two young adults in front of a tent. One is in black and covered and getting ready to start a fire
    Travel

    The Secret Ingredient to Successful Tent Camping Trips

    July 25, 2026 - By 

    Since 2020, our world has looked a little different, hasn’t it? For many of us, the global shift sparked a newfound, deep appreciation for the great outdoors, a need for wide-open spaces, fresh air, and the simple, grounding act of sleeping under the stars. For my family, that year marked our official transition into the world of tent camping trips, because travel was limited and flights were not happening and honestly? We all needed a break. So tent camping was something we decided to try. We bought a small-ish tent for our family and loaded the cooler, tossed the sleeping…

  • roman baths and two women on the top level of a Georgian building that appears open below with ancient city in background and green water in the baths below
    Travel

    Why Bath England is the Ultimate Regency Delight

    July 8, 2026 - By 

    If you’ve ever watched Bridgerton and thought to yourself wouldn’t it be grand to be transported to the set for real, then you might need to visit Bath England. My recent trip to Britain and side quest to Bath on a bus tour, with my daughter Payton felt a lot like stepping onto the set of a Regency-era daydream. By now you know that we are big fans of our mother daughter trips. Payton and I travel well together and this year after I completed a strategic communications course and Payton graduated from university with her Bachelor of Arts in Thanatology,…