How to Save Money on Popular Vacation Rentals (Without Sacrificing Location or Comfort!)

We planned not one, but two beach vacations this year on totally opposite coasts of the United States. I heard more than once from readers in my DM's that they'd been dreaming of going to those locations but they were finding them too expensive! If you are dreaming of the perfect family or couples getaway, the cost of accommodations at some of those popular locations can feel like a reality check. Heck, we even found that ourselves as I looked for rentals at both Kiawah Island, South Carolina and Seabrook, Washington. Both of these are resorts and master-planned vacation communities that often promote their rentals through official real estate management companies. While convenient, that booking route can also come with steep markups, resort fees, and hidden charges. 
The good news? There's another way. With just a little research and flexibility, you can often rent the exact same or similar properties for significantly less without giving up the prime location or amenities. The secret is renting privately or off the official real estate listing site. I've done it myself, and it can be the difference between being priced out of a location or enjoying it well within your budget. 
Here's how you can save money while still enjoying some of the most beautiful vacation communities in the United States!

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What it Was Like Being Cast and Filming My First Commercial

When I think about some of the unexpected adventures my work has brought me, filming my very first commercial easily makes the top of the list. If you'd told me even a year ago that I'd be on set, sharing a "stage" with a famous actor, working with a director, learning phrases like "call time" and "craft services", I probably would have laughed. But I've learned time and time again, saying "yes" to new things has a way of opening doors you didn't even know were there.
I have gotten so many questions about my experience, so I thought I'd share what it was really like to be cast in and film my first commercial, from the casting process, to the filming, and even some of the unexpected after when the commercial was airing. I hope you'll come along on the ride!

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My First Small Group Tour Travel Experience: An Honest Review

Several months ago, I challenged myself to sell or resell items for one month as part of something I called Trash to Travel to create a travel budget from nothing. At the end of the month, the budget dictated where I would go. I didn't know when I started the challenge if I would be taking a staycation locally or if I'd be able to afford a bucket list trip. Well friends, I'll bury the lede and tell you that I did indeed create enough of a budget through reselling to fund a 10 day trip to Vietnam, a bucket list destination for me. At first, it felt like the travel possibilities were endless, but I took a lot of things into consideration. And as someone who has for years planned and created her own travel itineraries, I chose to join a small group travel company. 
Full disclosure, this is not sponsored at all. I receive NO kick back from the travel company, as far as I can tell they don't even have an affiliate program. The thoughts are 100% all mine and were not swayed at all by any compensation or any free incentives. I paid for the trip myself and have the receipts to prove it. 
Taking a small group tour turned out to be one of the most rewarding travel decision I've made. It provided the perfect balance of structure and flexibility, cultural immersion and comfort, and the trip exceeded my expectations in every way. 
When I booked this trip, I knew travelling solo would add an additional layer to my experience, and I'm so grateful that I was pleasantly surprised and think that I chose the right small group travel company for this trip. If you are like me and are a solo traveler looking to make friends, a couple wanting a guided experience, or someone craving authentic cultural connections without the logistical headaches, here's everything you might want to know about booking your own small group tour.

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N Concourse Seattle Tacoma Airport: Where to Eat and What to Do During a Layover or Before a Flight

I spend a LOT of time at the Seattle Tacoma International Airport. Like a lot of time! Not only do we have three kids who live out of state, we also enjoy traveling. It's not uncommon for me to be at the SeaTac airport {or as it rebranded itself a few years ago SEA}, several times a week. We all love our local Alaska Airlines and the ease of so many direct flights to most of the places that we want to go.  If you are flying in or out of Seattle on Alaska Airlines, you might just find yourself in the N concourse. The N concourse at SEA just completed their final phase and if you’ve got some time before a flight, or heck, if you want to get a local taste after you arrive, here are some of my favorite shops, dining and entertainment in the N concourse. You might want to get to the airport early to enjoy all of them!

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Visiting America's Favorite Christmas Town: Natchitoches, Louisiana

Visiting Natchitoches, Louisiana at Christmas is a magical experience that perfectly captures the charm, history, and warmth of the holiday season. This small town, which is one of the oldest settlements in Louisiana, becomes a holiday wonderland every year with its annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival, a tradition dating back to 1927! The festival, which usually spans six weeks, brings together locals and visitors from across the country, offering a blend of holiday lights, music, food and good old Southern hospitality. I know European Christmas Markets are all the rage right now, but I'm telling you, there's no reason you need to fly across the Atlantic when you can get the same kind of charm this holiday season!

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Renting a Car in Ireland: What You Need to Know To Give You the Freedom to Explore Ireland on Your Own!

Renting a car in Ireland can be one of the best decisions you make when visiting this beautiful country. It gives you the freedom to explore the rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and charming villages at your own pace. However, the process can be a bit overwhelming, especially driving on the other side of the street on the other side of the car! This can be quite precarious, as you navigate narrow roads with lots of hidden corners not to mention the hidden obstacles you'll find as you drive. More on that later! You'll want to make sure you are well-covered with insurance. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about renting a car in Ireland, from understanding all of the insurance options to providing essential tips for driving around the Emerald Isle.

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Favorite Buys on Amazon Even if They Aren't on Prime Day Sale!

Amazon Prime Day is known for its incredible deals and irresistible discounts, but there are certain items I'd buy on Amazon even without the allure of a sale. Whether it's because of their exceptional quality, daily utility, or the joy they bring into my life, these products are worth every penny, regardless of any special promotions. From essential gadgets to home comfort items, let's dive into my top Amazon picks that are worth the splurge any day of the year.

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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!

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This is Everything You Need to Know About Working Out at Home From Someone Who Cut the Gym Membership 8 years Ago!

Have you ever kept a New Year's resolution? I've kept one that I can think of in my whole entire life and I know I've made far more than that! But I feel really good about the one that I kept, so I'm calling that long-term success! I was one of those people who flooded the gyms in January with a resolution to create new healthy habits. I had never really worked out before. I wasn't super athletic and I didn't do any sports outside of rec gymnastics for a handful of years at the Y when I was in elementary school. I was often last picked for any PE group and despite finishing in the top every year when I ran the mile for the presidential physical fitness challenge, no one really saw any athletic potential in me. So I just figured it wasn't important. Until I started getting older and I kept hearing how your body changes with age and I knew I needed to probably do something. So I joined a gym. Of course, I switched as soon as my free six-week trial was over and I tried another gym! But through it all, I remained consistent.
I gained confidence in what my body could do, and I genuinely felt better and stronger. I loved group fitness classes and I had a routine. That was until we moved. We didn't move far, but it didn't make sense to continue to drive out of my way for 25 minutes just to work out, so I switched gyms. The new gym was close to home, but it lacked those group fitness classes I really liked. I tried a multitude of things from specialty gym facilities to online programs, before I finally found something that worked for me; working out at home. I cut my gym membership eight years ago and I haven't looked back!
Here is everything you need to know about working out from home! I've got the good, the bad, and the ugly! Are you ready for it?

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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!

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How to Teach Budgeting to Teens in the Age of Consumerism

Admittedly, this is the most boring title for a post ever, but after raising three kids through junior high and high school, I'm telling you, this is something that will come up in parenting and it's best to have a plan. We are constantly bombarded with messages everyday tempting us to buy things we don't need. But we are adults. Teens are walking the halls of school or hanging out at sports events or scrolling social media and they are REALLY getting bombarded. They get messages that they can only be cool if they have this new pair of shoes {that cost $125}, or to look their best, they need the super special lip balm that costs $25 {and they will promptly lose it in under a week}. They see viral and trending videos with quick and easy ways to purchase BUT only for a limited time or it will run out and you will suddenly be the uncoolest uncool person in your whole school. 
As parents, how do we raise budget-minded kids in a world full of consumerism? I'm going to lay out a few practical tips that we did while we were raising our kids and hopefully, you'll get an idea or two so that you can help created budget-minded teens in a world full of consumerism.

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Fall Finds for a Cozy Home: Transition Between Summer and Fall

Fall is a great time to really start to focus on home. There's a cozy factor I think people fall in love with as the weather starts to turn and there is a real desire to take advantage of the cooler weather to feather your nest so to speak and get ready to enjoy being inside those four walls you've created. I know I always put off a lot of home projects during the spring and summer because I would rather opt to be outside, but this time of year always has me turning my focus back on home inside my walls. Here are some of my favorite fall finds.

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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.

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Preparing Your Home for Vacation

Preparing for a vacation can be a lot of work. Whether packing up the car, hitting the road, or dusting off your passport for a long flight, taking a vacation requires more than just preparing an itinerary. Your home will be left vacant while you’re gone, and you want to ensure your home is ready for it! Here are my best tips to help you prepare your home for vacation.

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6 Tips for Reducing Food Waste

The amount of food waste the average family wastes each year is higher than most of us would like to own up to. Now that the teens and young adults have moved out and left the nest, it can feel like you still need to make those massive family dinners for five even though your family has shrunk. Here are my secrets to help you avoid food waste as a smaller family and help you avoid wasting both food and money!

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Fun Things to See and Do in Cairo and Giza

Cairo Museum included, this Egyptian capital also promises perfume palaces, papyrus galleries, Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar and exciting camel rides! Egypt's capital Cairo and its town on the outskirts - Giza - are not just about history. A traveler can unearth fun experiences, by digging a little deeper with an Egyptian guide, even on a short trip. I've got fun things you can see and do when you travel to Cairo and Giza. It's a trip you are going to want to add to your bucket list!

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The Best Time to Visit Iceland: The Answer Might Surprise You!

I don't like to be cold, so Iceland really wasn't at the top of my travel list. However, when my daughter and I started planning a high school graduation trip {that had to be thrice rescheduled...sorry class of 2020!}, the stopover flights through Iceland had me intrigued. We could add a stopover and explore a new country without any extra cost for airfare! So we booked the trip. We made the most of a 24-hour stopover {you can read about how we maximized our time here} and after getting a small taste of this beautiful country that my daughter says is like a colder Hawaii {an apt description}, it's definitely on my radar to explore again!  So when is the best time to visit Iceland? Read on! The answer might surprise you!

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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.

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Top Books To Read in the New Year

I have always been a reader. I loved silent reading days in school and as a kid, I remember buying a hammock at a garage sale, hanging it up between trees in our backyard, and curling up for hours with the girls from the Babysitter's Club and Sweet Valley High. If I hear a conversation about books, I generally join in and take notes. I love hearing not only what others are reading, but what others are loving! And since we don't all have a lot of extra time, I want to recommend books that people will love and want to take the time to read. So I put together a list of my top favorite books that I read this year. There is not a single book on this list that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Welcome to the top books to read in the new year, Rachel edition!

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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!

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