Deep down, I think I hoped the situation might change. I spent almost three years in crazy London. During that time, I evolved more as a person than I have my whole life, impacted by the chaotic environment, new cast of characters ad crazy work opportunities. I soared and succeeded, then crashed and burned. Through it all though, it was an indescribable adventure I loved, living the expat life. Then the time came to move on, as all good things come to an end. My husband and I chose to…
We all know I dig wine. Like here and here. Over the years my palate has matured and I try not to waste money (or calories) on sub-par bottles. I’m no sommelier or snob, but as I really do love a glass or two most evenings, I figured it’s time to invest in some higher-end accessories that compliment my new hobby. I also tend to pass bottles on that aren’t as good to my little brother, who is still happy to drink just about anything! Here’s some ideas to truly elevate…
There’s no easy way to talk about it. Cancer is just one of those pure evil things that affects everyone in life, one way or another. Nearly 40% of people will have a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Last year I lost my grandmother. Her and I were close, as we shared a love of travel and old movies. While she lived until she was 97, in her 80s she had a bad case of breast cancer. She has a double mastectomy and carried on though in remission for another…
I love the holidays up in the winter-y north, but I’ll take a jaunt to the islands any day. The trip to Barbados was a wonderful escape form the cold both in the UK and the US, especially when I saw where we’d stay for a few days. Down a long road lined with trees and Rhianna’s hometown mansion is The Club. All-inclusive, catering toward an adult-only crowd, this property is one of the Elite Island Resorts’ more laid back and relaxing spots for vacation. Rather than drone on about…
The woman looked at me warningly as I hacked away at my bamboo reed. The attempt at making a bag clip was not going smoothly. Everyone else seemed to gracefully cut a long slit through the reed and had already begun sanding. I still was wedging my sharp blade bit by bit into the tough material, coming dangerously close to my thumbs. It’s safe to say I wouldn’t survive very long in rural Southern Portugal. Memories of the Algarve often included lots of fruity drinks, beach time with optional clothing…
It’s one thing to gear up and brave the outdoors on purpose, but fall and wintertime means a whole other animal to city dwellers. The streets can get pretty precarious as the temperature drops, which means the winter weather gear has to surface. Choosing clothes that are warm, sturdy and can handle almost any conditions for those who often commute by foot or brave the elements on a daily basis is essential. Layer, Layer, Layer If you’re a public transport warrior, you know how it can be breezy on your…
I feel like life hands you opportunities backwards. At least, when it comes to dealing with buying your first home. I rented for the better part of a decade after college, gathering bits and pieces of kitchen items and furniture as I went along. Then before getting married, I drooled over all the dumb things we could add to a registry – from garlic presses to a zillion small spice bowls. Newsflash new home buyers – you don’t need all that crap. Or the three French presses currently sitting on…
I had no desire to go here today, but with all these jokers flapping their yaps lately, I have to say something. I thought my fellow college peers and old co-workers and even men close to me were smarter and more aware than this, but here we are. I’m going into some detail about my past sexual assaults, harassments and encounters. Feel free to skip down to my reasons for sharing below though. Friends and family, I’m sorry, but I am done being quiet and want everyone to make sure…
Winds threw the ocean around while we tried to have a conversation over the noise. It was the first day of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands trip off the gulf coast of Florida, and I’m being hit with a storm. There’s a riptide advisory against swimming, but it went ignored as my husband was determined to get in the water. We has endured months of freezing London weather, then an additional two snowy weeks in Boston. It was time to vacation no matter what. Growing up, my family often migrated…
Spain has so many wonderful destinations on the Mediterranean coastline and in the south, it’d be a shame not to see all of them! A good place to start is the Costa del Sol and Andalucia, which makes for a great road trip route for you and your travel crew. Grab some beautiful seaside places to stay, sip some sangria and just relax. And what’s the most perfect part about exploring Spain’s sunny spots? The FOOD. Now some of Spain’s cuisine can be wonderfully complex and beautifully presented, but I…
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