This year, like many people, I am really crunched for time to do my Christmas shopping. But, I still want to get thoughtful holiday gifts for everyone on my list. Of course, I want to stick to my Christmas gift budget, so I need affordable gifts! While shopping for my family online, I thought I … [Read more...]
Cruise tips and tricks: How to eat healthier on a cruise (it’s easy!)
This post contains links for which I might receive a small commission. Just before I went on my cruise last month, I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. It causes lots of serious health problems (which get worse the longer you have it). I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lots … [Read more...]
Riverboat cruises: See Pittsburgh from a new perspective
On a trip to Pittsburgh last month, I took my first riverboat cruise in the Steel City! Our group was hosted by the Gateway Clipper located in Pittsburgh's historic Station Square. Riverboat cruises are the perfect way to see this beautiful city by water. We took our trip, a historical … [Read more...]
Conquering fears: Take two!
A couple months ago, we went to a high ropes course close to home. Rob and Ellie attacked it with gusto. I looked at the first obstacle and froze. Totally. Chickened. Out! That kind of thing used to stop me in my tracks. Fear would keep me from trying new things. But, I'm a new me. A … [Read more...]
Visiting the whimsical gardens of Phipps Conservatory
This post contains links to products for which I might receive a small commission. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood (near the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon), has been entertaining visitors with world-class gardens since … [Read more...]
High flying fun on the Xtreme Park ropes course
This post contains affiliate links for which I may earn a small commision. Every time I try a new adventure course, whether it’s a zip line or a ropes course, it seems that each one gets more challenging. That’s certainly the case with the ropes course at Xtreme Park Adventures, an adventure park … [Read more...]
History preserved: Birmingham’s Sloss Furnaces
Many years ago, I drove by Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham for the first time. I thought it strange that this obviously abandoned factory would be left there for all to see -- an eyesore to passersby and a strange way to make a first impression on people coming to this modern city now known as a hub of … [Read more...]
Safety tips: How to prepare for a hurricane
We had a bathroom toilet overflow during the night in March that caused $40,000 in damage to our house. It took almost six months to repair, completed just two weeks ago. Today, we are preparing for the onslaught of Hurricane Florence -- with my house in the direct path of the hurricane track. We … [Read more...]
Fall getaways: Why let summer have all the fun?
This is a sponsored post based on my personal experience with Ibotta. All opinions are mine. With fall travel season just around the corner and the stunning North Carolina mountains just a few hours away, I am saving up for a weekend getaway to a mountain cabin. My son requested a trip to the … [Read more...]
Hiking 101: Hiking for beginners on a budget
Day hiking for beginners -- it might seem a bit intimidating. Visit an outdoor supply store, and it can be downright overwhelming: What are the best hiking clothes? Which are the best hiking boots for beginners? With all that gear, what is essential hiking gear for beginners? The truth is hiking … [Read more...]
