• New_orleans_carriage
    Travel

    New Orleans Beignets Three Different Ways

    December 7, 2020 - By 

    New Orleans beignets are legendary. They are synonymous with the destination and just one of those things you need to sample when in NOLA. The city of New Orleans is known for its spirited nightlife, raucous bachelorette parties, and an abundance of internationally inspired foods. Perhaps nothing is more synonymous with NOLA though than beignets. Everyone makes them and has their own slightly unique take on the fluffy doughy sweets. New Orleans Beignets Recently, I went in search of New Orleans best beignets and what I found might surprise you. So, what’s all the fuss? And more importantly, what are…

  • st_marys_bridge_southwestern_ontario
    Travel

    Iconic Things to See and Do in Southwestern Ontario

    September 22, 2020 - By 

    Not surprisingly, this entire year we have spent more time close to home in Southwestern Ontario. Small adventures in a controlled manner close to home are the name of the game. On a recent day off, my daughter Payton and I drove to Port Stanley after visiting a park in Aylmer. That got us talking about what the iconic tourist attractions are in each city nearby us in Southwestern Ontario. Why Southwestern Ontario? Southwestern Ontario is where I have lived my entire life to date. While I have considered moving to B.C. or the USA, I am so glad we…

  • road-trip-travel-games
    family

    Easy Road Trip Travel Activity Book for Kids

    August 30, 2020 - By 

    Have you got a road trip travel activity book for your next road trip? All the EPIC road trips in the world cannot make up for this year. But, that said, I am thrilled to be able to take even small adventures close to home these days. Right now, t’s all about the road trips. If you are road tripping with teens or kids any time soon, then this travel activity book may come in handy. This travel activity book post contains affiliate links as a service to my readers. Purchases made via qualifying links equal a small commission for…

  • cottage-lake-at-night-muskoka-chairs-on-pier
    Travel

    Top Rainy Day Cottage Activities: What to do When Weather is Poor

    August 6, 2020 - By 

    Almost every year of my life I’ve spent at least a week at the cottage. Typically, we visit in the summer, and sometimes in the fall too. It’s a Canadian tradition. Camping and cottages and long summer nights and wildlife.  Bad weather can also be a Canadian tradition. Don’t let your cottage vacation be a rainy disappointment. Plan ahead for some Rainy Day Cottage Activities and keep everyone happy for the week, or weeks ahead. This Rainy Day Cottage Activities Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. I receive s all commission on qualifying purchases. There’s no…

  • Yellowstone_woman_green_jacket_near_biscuit_basin
    Travel

    Ultimate Tips for Your First Yellowstone Visit

    June 30, 2020 - By 

    With parks cautiously opening up again in various US states and Canadian provinces, I thought it seemed like a great time to share some tips for your first Yellowstone visit. Planning is important to get the most out of your Yellowstone trip, so take the time now to read up on where to stay and what to see and get it right, whether you are visiting this season or next. I visited Yellowstone and Cody, Wyoming with Austin Adventures in 2019. Here, I gathered my research, personal experiences and reached out to some contacts and friends who are National Parks…

  • Gulf Shores Alabama sunset on the beach with cottages facing the shore
    Travel

    The Ultimate Guide to a Gulf Shores Girl’s Trip – What to Do, Where to Stay and Dine While Here

    May 19, 2020 - By 

    I was a guest on a Gulf Shores girl’s trip recently. Flights, accommodations, meals and excursions were included. This is my honest take on what I loved, the things we did and the ideal girl’s getaway to Gulf Shores. My dream state often involves a beach house, waves, tangerine sunrises and blazing crimson sunsets that stain the sky. In this scenario, I picture myself staying here writing for a month, or more. Recently, I had a brief taste of that on a Gulf Shores Girl’s Trip to Fort Morgan’s Barefoot Beach House. In November, as our 12-day girl’s trip neared…

  • Coastal Mississippi coast and causeway
    Travel

    Fun Ways to Revisit The Coast While Home During the Pandemic

    April 27, 2020 - By 

    The charm of Coastal Mississippi is an easy, subtle, one that washes over you gently when you visit. As soon as you leave, you’ll want to revisit the coast. Believe me, I know. Missing Coastal Mississippi Right Now? Of course, you and I both know that if you have ever been to Coastal Mississippi, you probably can’t wait to return. But, right now, that’s not so simple, is it? Currently, we are all doing our best here right now to follow the protocols and be safe during the pandemic. In fact, it’s the only option and the best weapon we…

  • living_with_gratitude
    Travel

    Living with Intention and Gratitude Even in Hard Times – Getting Spiritual in Durham Region

    April 6, 2020 - By 

    “Wake Up Every Morning with the Thought That Something Wonderful is About To Happen,” – Winston Porter Living with intention and gratitude is something I choose every day, even when the days are hard, when the silver lining is hidden so far back behind the clouds you doubt that you could ever find it. Here’s how a trip helped drive this new mindset. My visit to Durham Region was hosted by Central Counties Tourism, Durham Region and the Hive Bee and Bee through Toronto Bloggers’ Collective. Travel changes you in many ways. Sometimes it’s a relaxing, restorative, experience after a…

  • family

    Best Live Aquarium WebCams and Underwater Livestreams

    April 2, 2020 - By 

    Last week, I posted a list of live zoo webcams and that was a big hit. So, in that spirit here is a list of live aquarium webcams and Youtube videos that delve into underwater worlds providing entertainment and education for all of you. Aquariums are Soothing For So Many Reasons Let’s be honest, the research for me was awesome last week when I hunted down a huge list of zoo webcams. I am totally addicted to the live webcam of the Edinburgh Zoo pandas and have been watching it every day. Who knew that pandas could be so entertaining…

  • adult panda in a zoo
    family

    Best Zoo Webcams to Watch Right Now

    March 24, 2020 - By 

    Clearly, we can’t get to the zoo right now, during the pandemic. But what if you could bring the zoo to you? These Zoo Webcams do just that! Do the kids want to watch and learn about their favourite animals and species right now anyways? Are they concerned about their favourite zoos or the animals there? Well, let them watch some of these Zoo Webcams and they will be entertained for hours over the next few weeks. Oh I know there are so many potential puns and jokes to be had regarding zoos and kids and families. Bringing the literal…