5 Things I'm Glad I Packed for a Caribbean Cruise

Ahoy mateys! If you are like me, the mere mention of a cruise to the Caribbean gets you excited for sun-soaked shores, crystal-clear waters, and the rhythmic sway of the ocean. I thrive on new experiences and exploring new places, plus the thrill of the open sea and the possibilities ahead always make cruise travel exciting for me. I recently embarked on a memorable spring break cruise with one of my college kiddos to the Caribbean that left me with a treasure trove of memories and a newfound appreciation for the art of packing just the right thing to make your life that much more enjoyable! It is essential to be well-prepared and I'm excited to share this top five list of items that made my cruise experience not only unforgettable but also seamlessly enjoyable. If a cruise is in your future, take note!

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10 of the Hardest Things About Becoming an Empty Nester

When you have a house full of young kids constantly vying for your attention, it feels like you'll never have a moment to yourself ever again. You are never alone in your own home. You're always keeping track of multiple schedules and don't get me started on the never-ending grocery runs and last-minute errands you are making because someone just has to have something {poster board at 10 pm anyone?}. But then it all sneaks up on you. The house is empty. The kids are gone, and you are sitting in that empty nest you never thought would clear out. We had kids young, so many of our peers still have kids at home and look at our empty nest with longing. I'm not sure I could tell you how many times I've been asked what it's like or how we are doing as empty nesters. I often can't put it into words if I'm honest. Usually, I just say it's quiet. Sometimes I say that the house stays clean a lot longer. But really, if I had a captive audience that really wanted to know, these are the 10 hardest things I've found about becoming an empty nester.

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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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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!

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How to Plan a Cheap Staycation That Feels Expensive

Have you ever found yourself desperately in need of a vacation, but you can’t actually travel? Our family loves traveling and exploring the world as a family. But sometimes, traveling away from home just isn’t in your budgeting cards. If it feels like everyone is headed out of town, but you can't leave your backyard, I've got some tips so that you can help plan a cheap staycation that feels expensive and can give you that break that you need!

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Setting Boundaries for College Students Home on a Visit

Parents know the crash and bangs at all hours of the early morning, making you wonder if you’re being robbed or if that’s your college student getting in from a night out with friends. When your baby comes back home as a new young adult, it can be challenging to have that first initial visit when they come home. And I've found, every break when they boomerang back changes a bit, so these are always ongoing conversations. While things can take a while to adjust fully, here are a few tips for setting boundaries for college students when they come home to visit.

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How to Plan Vacations with Young Adults

While traveling as a family can be a great time to make memories, sometimes taking a vacation when your kids are older or with other adults can be where the longer-lasting memories are actually made. But trying to get a vacation on the books with young adults can prove to be tricky and can raise a few questions you might not have considered before. If you’re looking for some tips to help you plan a vacation with young adults, here are some things to consider while planning.

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Stocking Stuffers for Older Teens and Young Adults

The first thing that gets opened up on Christmas morning at our house is stockings. All winter long, as soon as the decorations get put up, the stocking are hung on the mantle. On Christmas morning, the stockings, bursting with a combination of wrapped and unwrapped items are on the floor in front of the roaring fireplace. As the kids get older, the task of stuffing stockings can feel like a daunting task. When they were little it was easy to put candy and small toys inside, but as they've gotten bigger, it can seem more challenging. I've put together a list of 100+ items! This list isn't exhaustive but should get you thinking out of the box a bit.  I've linked our favorites when I could, so make sure you check the underlined items and add those to your cart for easy shopping!

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Easy Ham and Potato Corn Chowder

Growing up one of my favorite meals we had was a potato soup my mom made. I always cut up a hot dog to put in it! I can't remember the last time I ate a hot dog, but ham is just as easy to come up with and an even more delicious way to pack flavor into a creamy chowder. Our family has a soup night at least once a week. Soup is a great way to use up veggies in the fridge that might be getting close to being tossed and since I'm always cold, it's a great way to heat up from the inside out! I am convinced that your family will love this easy ham and potato corn chowder too!

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Benefits of One-on-One Travel With Kids

As a travel enthusiast, I have ventured all around the globe, including family vacations and solo travel. Traveling has made me realize how much I value experiences and how much more I treasure them when I share them with others. I just got back from a trip to France with my daughter, and the year before that, I took my son to Alaska on a cruise. While these may be a bit more lavish than your budget, traveling 1-on-1 with your kids can have many benefits!

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The Locals Guide to Hike the Cliffs of Etretat, France

You'll probably recognize the location, but might not be able to name it. Monet famously painted these chalk white cliffs located about two and a half hours from Paris and an hour from Honfleur. The Cliffs of Etretat are located in the region of Normandy in the town of Etretat and are definitely worth heading off the beaten path to experience. As I planned our mother/daughter trip to France, hiking the cliffs was high on our list, but I didn't find a lot of information on where to park, what trail to walk and how to experience them. We got lucky and stumbled on a lesser-known footpath once used by fishermen, and found that it was the perfect way to hike the cliffs without the typical tourist crowds. Want to know the best way to hike the Cliffs of Etretat? Read on!

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Why You Should Learn a Few Phrases Before You Travel Internationally

I recently had a post on Instagram go viral. It was a reel sharing how you ask for tap water in French at the local cafes so that you didn't get charged for bottled or sparkling water. The comments were ridiculous. Most people {ahem, Americans}, weren't sure why you would bother learning a phrase in another language before you travel to a tourist destination where {their quote not mine} "they should know what you want in English." It just solidified a problem I know has long existed in the travel and tourism industry, especially for those of us who speak English. Sometimes we are under the assumption that we don't need to learn the language before we travel to another country, but making an effort to learn a few phrases is important for a few different reasons. Read on!

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Make the Most of One Day in Zion National Park: Maximize Your Time With These Tips!

The Southwest has some of the most magnificent National Parks out there. Zion was Utah's first National Park and is often on the top of people's favorite US parks. The massive sandstone cliffs will dwarf you and the narrow slot canyons will draw you in. There is plenty to explore at Zion National Park, but if one day is all you have, you can most definitely get a generous taste of this beautiful park. I'll give you all the best tips so that you can maximize your time at Zion National Park.

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Easy Meal Ideas for College Students or Young Adults Who Don't Have a Meal Plan

You’re heading to college, or maybe you have a child leaving the nest for the first time and are wondering if they’re ready for life outside your humble abode. Being out on your own means more independence and that also means learning to cook for the first time. Dining hall meals won’t last forever, and boxed mac and cheese can only get you so far. If you are a young adult or know someone who could use some easy meal ideas to help them get started on their cooking journey, here are easy meal ideas that are perfect for college students or young adults.

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The Best 5 Day Normandy Road Trip

Most people hear Normandy and think D Day beaches. Heck, even I did before I did my research! But Normandy is a region, not just a beach and it holds some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of France. Normandy is one of the most famous destinations in France and it's just a few hours outside of Paris. It's an easy addition to any trip, and it can be experienced with a road trip. There are miles and miles of rolling countryside and dramatic coastal cliffs and everything in between.  You really aren't going to want to miss it! Here's the ultimate 5 day Normandy road trip.

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5 New Ways to Get Over Jet Lag

I didn't start traveling internationally until I was well into my 30's. I remember returning from a trip to Uganda and jet lag hit me hard. I was up before the sun, usually dragging by the afternoon and forced into a nap and then by the evening, I was useless after eight. I knew there had to be a better way to overcome jet lag. On my next international trip, I adapted so much better, I think because I learned a few skills that have helped me overcome jetlag. I'm sharing a few new ways for you to get over jetlag too.

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Family Fun with Teens in Wilsonville, Oregon

A few years ago, I realized I hadn't spent a lot of time exploring the beautiful area that we live in and I set out to change that. The PNW is arguably the most beautiful place to be in the summer with mountains, rivers, trees, and trails. The weather is mild and it's easy to be outside or relax inside. Our family was hosted by ExploreWilsonville recently and we had the best time. Wilsonville is in the heart of it all and only 16 miles south of Portland, making it the perfect home base to explore Oregon. 

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The Best Frugal Living Tips for Beginners

Being a beginner at anything kind of sucks. Even something simple like frugal living can be hard and even daunting when you’re just getting started. If you are new to being frugal and are looking for some tips on how to get started, I put together a list of the best frugal tips for beginners to help you out!

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Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon in Iceland?

When we traveled to Iceland on a 24-hour Icelandair stopover, we knew we couldn't visit without stopping at one of the local geothermal pools. The first one that comes to mind is of course Blue Lagoon. It's the oldest and definitely the most well-known, but after doing some research we found that there was a new kid on the block and it was getting some good reviews. I probably was overthinking our decision, but in case you have to make the same decision and choose a visit to Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, here are the factors we used to decide.

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Making the Most of a 24 Hour Stopover in Iceland: Tips for Hiring a Local Guide

When I found out that we could take a trip to Paris and include a stopover in Iceland, I knew I had to book the ticket! Icelandair started doing a stopover for those flying to or from major European countries back in the 60s, but it didn't really start to gain popularity until the 2000s. And heck, even then, I'd say most travelers don't even know this exists! If you book your ticket on Icelandair and select the option for stopover {it's easy to miss, so take caution when you book your tickets!}, you can stay in Iceland anywhere from 24 hours to 7 days for no additional fee. Once I started researching things to do, I realized that 24 hours may not be enough time to see what we wanted to see. At least in the most traditional way. I started to get frustrated, thinking that maybe all we'd get to see was a geothermal lagoon and the airport hotel! But I didn't give up and let me tell you, we saw more of Iceland than most get to see! Want to know how? Keep reading!

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