Visiting Vancouver Canada in the Winter: A Complete Guide to a Cozy, Festive, and Surprisingly Easy City Escape

Vancouver in the winter has a kind of magic that sneaks up on you. It's crisp but not freezing, festive without being chaotic, and bursting with gorgeous views even when the clouds roll in. It's the kind of winter getaway where you can park your car once, explore world-class neighborhoods on foot, warm up with incredible food, and hop between Christmas markets, museums, gardens, and waterfront views all in the same day! And the US dollar goes far right now giving you a discount on everything you buy.
Whether you're planning a long weekend, a family trip, or a midweek escape, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Vancouver in the winter, including where to stay, what to do, how to get around, and can't miss seasonal experiences.

0

A Relaxing Escape to Coronado: A Local Staycation Meets a Parent's Visit to San Diego

Whether you're a local looking for a coastal staycation or a visitor coming to San Diego, Coronado offers that perfect blend of laid-back charm and upscale relaxation. Nestled just across the bay from downtown, this sun-soaked area is full of walkable streets, great food, gorgeous sunsets, and just the right amount of luxury.
One of the best ways to experience Coronado is by staying at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, a serene property tucked away on its own private peninsula. It offers everything you need to park your car and forget it while still being just minutes away from all the action in downtown Coronado! I recently visited my daughter who has lived in the San Diego area for the past year, and I got a few tips from her on things to do in the area and I'm passing them on to you! So take notes and get ready for an incredible trip!

0

Creating a Meaningful Slideshow for a Funeral or Memorial Service

I hate that I even have any expertise in this. It was truly the most horrendous task. But if you are like me, and you were tasked with creating a memorial slideshow for a funeral or memorial service, I hope I can offer a little comfort and let this be your guide. Creating a memorial slideshow can be one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the life of a loved one. Photos have the power to tell stories that words often cannot. And at a time when words may be hard to come by, they offer a great way to express the fullness of someone's life. Even a life that might have been gone too soon. 
After my younger brother suddenly passed away, I was set with the difficult task of creating a memorial slideshow. It was a task I dreaded. You'd think that after a 15-year long career in content creation, often making reels and videos with photos and snapshots of life, that this would have been second nature. I thought that too. It was not. And after quick google searches on how to make a memorial slideshow, I came up empty.
Here's the good news. You don't need to be a tech expert or hire a professional to create a beautiful slideshow. I want to walk you through the steps on how you can design a heartfelt tribute with ease because this shouldn't be something that needs to consume you when you are grieving.

0

Parents Weekend Prep Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for a Parents Weekend Visit

You might be a seasoned college parent like we are or maybe you're brand new to this phase of parenting, regardless, attending your child's college Parents Weekend is a bit of a milestone event. It's a chance for you to get to step into your student's world, get a peek at their day-to-day life, and reassure both of you that everyone is adjusting. It's also a great time to remind your boys to wash their sheets and towels more often and for the girls to beg for some shopping time...you know, for bonding and stuff! You'll be reminded of how expensive kids are and while you'll roll your eyes at the total as you stock them up on supplies, you'll be grateful for that little squeeze and quiet thank you.
But keeping it totally real, sometimes planning a visit to your child's college campus isn't always simple. Especially if you are like us, and are visiting from out of state. You'll need to navigate hotel bookings and campus schedules and try to manage emotions {yours and theirs}, and there's a lot to think about and keep in mind. After going through this many many times and talking with other parents in the same boat, I've gathered my best tips to help you prepare for a smooth and memorable Parent's Weekend experience.

0

What Really Helped After Losing a Loved One: Practical Tips for Support During Grief

There is  no way to fully prepare for the loss of someone that you love. When my 42-year-old brother died suddenly after a very brief illness, I found myself thrown into a new and heartbreaking reality. People often say, "Let me know what I can do," but the truth is, when you're grieving, you don't know what you need. Decision overload becomes all too real. During that first week, I did notice that there were some practical tangible and thoughtful gestures that made my family feel seen and loved by those around us and that made all the difference. If you've never experienced loss before, these things might help you relate to someone you love that's walking through it.

0

Practical Tips for Saving Big So You can Afford the Life You Really Want!

Saving money can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you are dreaming of big things like traveling the world and being financially free! One of my greatest skills is stretching a dollar and because of that, we've been able to pay off our home mortgage, send three kids out of state to college with no student loans, and have lived a Nordstrom life on a garage sale budget! I can't even say a Walmart budget because sometimes even that is more than I want to spend! I'm putting together a few practical strategies so that you can save more every day and make the dreams that you have a reality. Here are some actionable tips to help you save money without feeling deprived. 

0

Exploring the North Cascades: The Guide I Wish I Had Before My First Visit

The North Cascades, often referred to as the "American Alps," are a majestic range of mountains offering breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor activities. I have lived in the area of the North Cascades for more than 20 years and I finally made my way for a visit after years of hearing just how special they are. I also have a theory about why it is the least visited National Park in the United States! If you are a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast or just someone looking for a peaceful retreat and some beautiful views, the North Cascades has something for everyone. This is the guide that I wish I had had while planning our long overdue visit, including how to get there, the best times to visit, forest fire precautions, and some of the must-see spots and activities in the area.

0

Cultivating Wanderlust: Raising Kids That Love to Travel

When you have kids, one of the greatest gifts parents get to experience is the ability to see a new human discover and experience things for the first time. With travel, you often get that opportunity together! The world is brimming with all kinds of things just waiting to be discovered and explored and giving your children a love for travel can be one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Recently, as my husband and I wandered through a busy airport on a layover on our way home, we saw moms and dads with little ones strapped in front backs, holding hands of kids doing their best to carry their own tiny backpacks, and older ones in a line following behind rolling suitcases with earbuds in place. The thought of travel for a lot of parents can be daunting, but in the midst of all of those challenges, there is an opportunity to nurture a sense of curiosity, resilience, and open-mindedness in your kids that will change their lives. I'm hoping you'll read on so that you can discover how you can raise kids who not only tolerate travel but embrace it and make it their own. 

0

Three Must Visit Islands Around Seattle

The Seattle area is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking islands, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you're seeking a serene escape, outdoor exploration, or a cultural getaway, the islands of Camano, Vashon, and Whidbey all have their own distinct charms. They are each my favorite and all for very different reasons! I'm sure that you will see why and you'll be drawn to do your own exploration and discovery as well! Take some notes, and start jotting down all the reasons to explore a few of my favorite islands around Seattle!

0

Exploring San Diego Pacific Beach Area

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Southern California lies the coastal gem we know and love as San Diego. It's a city known for it's vibrant culture, stunning beaches and year-round sunshine. It has many beachfront neighborhoods, but Pacific Beach stands out from the rest as a haven for surfers, sunbathers, and young {and young at heart} folks! You'll find an iconic boardwalk, breathtaking sunset, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Pacific Beach is the perfect place to explore when you visit San Diego on that quintessential California beach getaway!

1

Rediscovering Yourself-Wellness Tips for Empty Nesting Women

Becoming an empty nester is a significant life transition that brings many emotions. While it may feel bittersweet to see your children leave the nest, it also presents an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. If this is a transition that's not far off for you or if it's one you've found yourself in recently like I have, we'll explore various wellness tips and practices to help empty-nesting women navigate this new chapter with grace and find their identity beyond parenthood. I feel like once the kids moved out, I finally had no more excuses to not use the energy I used on their health and well-being and use it on my own. Here are some things I did that might help you too!

0

A Month-to-Month Guide to Making Family Memories

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to get caught up in routines and forget to prioritize quality time with our loved ones. However, building lasting memories as a family is essential for fostering strong connections and creating a sense of unity. This month-to-month guide is designed to inspire families to embark on a journey of intentional togetherness throughout the year, with each month offering unique opportunities for creating cherished moments. Feel free to change things up and add your own personal family flare to it!

0

Underrated Destinations to Put on Your Must Travel List

The world is full of breathtaking destinations, each with its own unique charm and allure, waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers. While popular tourist hotspots are undeniably enchanting, there's a whole realm of lesser-known treasures that often go unnoticed. These underrated destinations hide in plain sight, waiting for intrepid travelers to uncover their secrets and create unforgettable memories. You're going to want to take notes!

0

Day Hike Colchuck Lake Without A Permit

Nestled deep within the enchanting Wenatchee National forest in Washington State, just outside of the cutest little Bavarian town, you'll find the Colchuck Lake hike. You've probably seen images of this beautiful alpine lake hike and wanted to know more about it. It's one of the most unforgettable day adventures for you can take! With its crystal-clear alpine waters, breathtaking mountain vistas and serene surroundings, Colchuck Lake is a destination that beckons hikes to embark on an unforgettable journey. You may have heard lots of rumblings about permits and maybe even something about the longer trek, The Enchantments, I'll cover everything you need to know about this popular trek.

0

25 Things We've Learned in 25 Years of Marriage

Today is our 25th wedding anniversary. It's funny, because only old people are celebrating their silver anniversary and we are still young kids just learning how to adult. At least that's what it feels like! We married young {I was 19, he was 20} and we immediately started our family {ahem...I was 26 weeks pregnant when we walked down the aisle}. We were the first of our friends to get married and we've seen our fair share of couple friends get divorced. We've had a lot of good years and some bad years in there, but overall, I think at 25 years we have a few things we've learned that we can share to those coming up behind.

0

New Year's Resolutions That Aren't Really Resolutions!

You may be feeling like you want to do something different this year for your new year’s resolution. If you feel you’re struggling to stick to your new year’s resolution, it could be your outlook on them. There are a ton of great new years resolutions that you can make this year that aren’t traditional but will inspire you to make your life better in the new year. Here are a few new year’s resolution ideas that aren’t really resolutions.

0

Traveling While Leaving Pets Behind

We travel a lot, and one of the hardest parts of those trips is the pets we have to leave behind. Our pets are like an extension of our family, and we want to ensure we do everything we can to make them comfortable and safe while away. It has taken a lot of experimenting, but we have found various options perfect for traveling when we need to leave our pets behind. Here are some of my best suggestions, and I hope they help you too!

0

How to Host a Party on a Budget

People often feel hosting a party can cost more than they can afford. It's easy to spend when preparing for a party; the dollars add up fast. But it is possible to have an elegant affair on a tight budget. Careful planning, a creative menu, and twenty-five bucks are all you need. Here are some tips on how you can host a cocktail party on a budget!

0

Preparing for a Bucket List Trip and What to Know When You Take It

What is your bucket list trip? The answer to this question is as unique as the person who is asking it. However, what is true for any trip is that a little bit of advanced prep can help make sure that your trip is everything you dreamed it would be. If you are taking a bucket list trip, here is how to prepare and eventually take that trip of your dreams.

0

5 Ways to Make Life Simple Again

Life has been crazy and dare I say unpredictable. These past few years have taught me that nothing in life is ever certain. Life is too short to get caught up in our busy lives that we forget about the reason we have life in the first place, to live it! If you are ready to slow down and stop rushing through your daily life, here are a few simple ways to make life simple once again.

0