I never pass up an opportunity to explore, even if I only have a few hours! So, when I booked our flights to Norway, I was thrilled to discover a 7 hour and 40 minute layover at London Gatwick on our return trip. Booking European…

So Christmas is over, and now comes months of cold without the holiday cheer. Assuming you’re not into ice fishing, skiing or otherwise freezing your tush off, rejoice, there is more to do!  I’m not going to mention the obvious Chicago landmarks, so don’t look…

I love Christmas cards, birthday cards, Valentines’ cards, you name it, I love receiving a card! Christmas cards are a tradition I look forward to, hanging them on the refrigerator or inside the front door. They must come down though. I have several shoe boxes…

I’m far from one of those Californian girls, but I seem to keep landing back in the state, particularly in San Francisco! Thanks to my actual, bill paying job I’ve been to the bay area quite a few times and have collected some ideas for…

I’ve just come back from four days in Iowa at the 2019 Geode Fest. As I sit here writing, I’m eyeing my finds like Smaug the Dragon guarded his gold and treasures. I guess it’s official- I’ve become a rockhound! So, what is Geode Fest?…

Michigan’s shoreline, along Lake Michigan, is lined with sand dunes. Some small, some gargantuan, but all lovely. When I moved to Chicago from Florida, one of my first camping trips was to Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, Michigan. I had never seen anything like…

I am no fashionista and you’re probably not going to ask me what’s the most stylish thing to wear. So this is not a ‘how to look like a celebrity’ packing guide, but practical advice on what you really should take to Italy for your…

Everyone has heard of Sicily, but Sardinia is often overlooked. Roughly the same size as Sicily, Sardinia is within sight of Corsica and is about as close to Africa as it is to mainland Italy. It has a vivid history, sitting at the crossroads between…

I’ve spent the last couple weeks writing about ancient Roman sites in the modern city of Rome, and then all about the Vatican. Now, I want to focus on Rome beyond those two subjects- the food, the other sites, and practical traveler information! So yes,…

Visiting the Vatican can be an exercise in frustration, or it can be an interesting, educational, or religious experience. Here are some tips to assist in making your trip pleasant, plus insight on a so-called ‘secret’ tour! Vatican Museums Buy your tickets in advance! The…