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Family Activities in Florence and Tuscany

Tours and Tips: Florence has a tour or museum for just about every person out there — they have them for the history buffs, for the “just want to learn a little something” travelers, and there’s even options for the “I’m too cool for school” adventurers. However, no matter which category you fall into, if…

A Foodie’s Guide to Florence and Tuscany

Where or where to start with Italy and food?! Love letters could be written to Italian food — and it would be understandable. Italians appreciate quality food, fresh ingredients, and they are true masters at their craft. Here were the spots that left me wanting more. Favorite Food in Florence: My favorite spots on the…

Luxury Hotel Review: Borgo Pignano

Where to begin with Borgo? Do you only have a second to spare, and want to know if you should go? It has become my happy place. Yes, book it! More time to spare? Borgo is one of those hotels where upon pulling into the driveway, you instantly feel lucky to be there.…

The Best Family Activities in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has something to offer every age, but this journey out West was all about the toddler time. Claire loved it, and it’s safe to say that my husband and I had just as much fun. The city is well equipped to entertain families, and here were my favorite spots: If you are exploring…

The Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara California food has a reputation for being fresh, natural, and healthy. Santa Barbara did not disappoint. First stop for breakfast was Malibu Farms at the Rosewood Miramar. The weekend brunch is a must-try, where you will find it hard to choose between ordering from the bountiful buffet, or choosing something homey off the a…

Luxury Rental Review: Bardi Apartment

As mentioned in this post about Florence/Tuscany, renting an apartment is an absolute cost saver, compared to the cost of a hotel room during high season! I booked a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment for a fraction of the cost of booking a 4 or 5 star hotel; the rental also included a full kitchen…

Family Friendly Restaurant Guide for Whistler

Breakfast: Before you hit the slopes, stop by Wildflower Grill at the Fairmont Hotel. I had a hard time deciding between the buffet, or the mouth-watering menu items. The buffet featured pastries, fresh smoothies, roasted potatoes, eggs, fresh fruit, pancakes, waffles, an omelette station, carved meats/fish and cheeses, hard boiled eggs, and homemade yogurt and muesli.…

The Top Whistler Winter Adventures with kids

If you’re headed to Whistler there is plenty to keep your day filled, besides skiing or snowboarding! I have visited three times and have still only seen the tip of the iceberg (pun?) On the Way There… First stop is the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish. You will pass this destination on your journey…

Luxury Hotel Review: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Fairmont Chateau First impressions: If you’re itching for a mountain escape that offers that quintessential winter lodge, cozy-up-by-the-fire feel, then look no further…head to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler! You’ll immediately enter into a spacious lodge, filled with comfortable sofas, warm fires, and floor to ceiling windows that hint at the slopes outside. Live music pours…

What to Pack for a Ski Trip

So you’ve booked your ski trip and now it’s time to pack? A winter trip hopefully means you’ll get to cozy up by the fire in a comfy outfit…but winter clothes aren’t exactly space efficient. If you want to know what to pack, and some gear to help make it more efficient, check out my…