Start planning your perfect trip to Ireland with these easy tips and tricks. These tried and true recommendations will help make your Ireland vacation full of adventure and memories. While our thoughts to turn Ireland in March because of St. Patrick’s Day, the Emerald Isle is a terrific vacation spot throughout the year. Whether you define Ireland as the Republic (an independent country) or as Northern Ireland (part of the U.K.), we have some tips and recommendations for planning your perfect trip to Ireland. So pour a cuppa (Irish Breakfast Tea, of course), grab some of those delicious shortbread cookies and start planning your perfect Ireland vacation. Are you excited to plan your Ireland vacation? Here are a few other things to keep in mind: The Republic of Ireland uses Euros as its currency, Northern Ireland uses British Pounds. There […]
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How to Make a Charcuterie Board
Cooking at home has been the most tried and tested activity while people aren’t able to travel. It’s been a means of keeping busy, a chance to learn new skills, and a way of expressing creativity. We’ve spent time trying to recreate our favorite meals from our travels. I’m relatively adept in the kitchen, we have a well-stocked pantry, and within certain broad guidelines, we’re adventurous in trying new dishes. Sometimes, though, I want something quick and easy. Something that doesn’t require hours of time in the kitchen. That’s where the charcuterie plate comes in. We’ve seen versions of the charcuterie plate in Italy, Greece, and throughout the Meditteranean. We’ve seen it at restaurants across the United States and around the world. It’s easy to assemble (even if you’re an amateur in the kitchen), doesn’t require any cooking, and can […]
Read More2021 Travel Reading Challenge (4th Annual)
Happy New Year! I am so excited to welcome in 2021. I have high hopes for the year – finishing the book that I’m writing (Secret Seattle has been delayed due to all the state restrictions), traveling again, tasting new wines, and discovering new books and authors. I did a lot of reading in 2020, completing 88 books. I did most of my reading curled up on the couch, lounging in a bubble bath, or in bed. I’m hoping this coming year, I’ll be reading on a plane, a cruise ship, or on a balcony somewhere with a great view. I’m so optimistic that we’ll be traveling again, that I’m putting together a travel list and related books so I’ll be ready to go. I’m generally a Kindle reader. I like having dozens (actually hundreds) at hand. It makes for […]
Read More2020: A Year of Non(Travel) in Review
2020 will be known as the year that I didn’t travel. At least not much. Although I had a couple of trips in January and February, before the Coronavirus kicked us all to the curb, I checked nothing off my bucket list. I had several trips planned to check off a few of the items, including a trip to Egypt and a Nile cruise, and two European cruises, so now I’m just hoping travel will be safe again in the second half of 2021. Instead, I worked on business stuff, including cleaning up some themes on my smaller sites, worked on my Pinterest strategy and tactics, launched a new site (although the pandemic meant it’s a very, very slow launch) – My Listly, binged a lot of television and movies, read a lot of books, hosted some virtual wine tastings […]
Read MoreWine with MJ: Virtual Wine Tasting with Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula
This virtual wine tasting features Mick Wilson, co-owner of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California. It’s a continuation of our celebration of the wineries in the Temecula Valley. What makes a great wine tasting for us, is learning something along with trying wines that are unfamiliar to us. That’s just what wine tasting with Wilson Creek Winery did – Mick Wilson hit it out of the park with his fun discussion style, useful information, and great wine. The story of how his family decided to change their lifestyle and go all-in on making wine is a feel-good moment at a time when there aren’t a lot of them. Here are some things we learned: Some educational resources for average wine consumers who want to learn more about wine: including the WSET program (Wine & Spirit Educational Trust), the Wine Folly […]
Read MoreWine with MJ: Virtual Wine Tasting with Oak Mountain Winery, Temecula
This virtual wine tasting features Kathie Pensinger, wine educator at Oak Mountain Winery in Temecula, California. It’s our continued celebration of Temecula Valley Wine Month and we hope it entices you to discover wines from the region in southern California. I learned so much during this tasting! From learning about the wine halo in the glass, to some simple wine etiquette. From learning about the winery’s Cave (a wine cave? how fun) to tips that will help me choose wines that I’m most likely to enjoy. The evening was jam-packed with good information. Watch a replay of the live tasting below. We also have the episode available in an audio format. You can listen directly from the player below. Or, we’re also set up on the major podcast player platforms and you can listen and or subscribe to this virtual […]
Read MoreWine with MJ: Virtual Wine Tasting: Akash Winery & Vineyard, Temecula
This virtual wine tasting features Akash Patel, owner of Akash Winery & Vineyards in Temecula, California. It’s our celebration of Temecula Valley Wine Month and we hope it entices you to discover wines from the region in southern California. I loved Akash’s story of the family journey from New Mexico motel owner/operators to California winery owners – and it shows proof that visualization (having that picture on the wall of your dream) works. Watch a replay of the live tasting below: We also have the episode available in an audio format. You can listen directly from the player below. Or, we’re also set up on the major podcast player platforms and you can listen and or subscribe to this virtual wine tasting series there. We’re currently on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Overcast Pocket Casts Radio Public Breaker Anchor FM […]
Read MoreHow to Have Fun at Northwest Trek
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a great place to view nature in a spacious, outdoor setting. You’ll see all sorts of native Northwest flora and fauna at this park in Eatonville, Washington. Read on to discover more about the touring options and the animals you’ll see at Northwest, along with our tips for making the most of your time at this wonderful place. Visiting Northwest Trek There are currently three ways to experience the magnificent Northwest Trek flora and fauna – Keeper Adventure Tours (recently reinstated), the Wild Drive. or the Wild Walk. Make the choice based on your budget and whether you want to walk, ride, or drive. All of the options allow you to see and learn more about the wildlife native to the Washington and Pacific Northwest area. Keeper Adventure Tours at Northwest Trek Keeper Adventure Tours […]
Read MoreWeekend Getaway: Discover Things to Do in Walla Walla
When planning a weekend getaway in Washington State, check out this useful guide to Walla Walla. We cover where to stay, where to eat, as well as things to do in Walla Walla. You may come for the wine, but you’ll find so much more. Walla Walla is in southeast Washington and takes its name from the Walla Walla people who lived in the area alongside other Native American tribes. The city is close to the Oregon border, just six miles north. Things to do in Walla Walla, Washington Whether you prefer to sample fine food and wine during a weekend break, like to discover a region’s fascinating history, or simply want to kick back and relax, Walla Walla has lots to offer. Browse the farmers market for local fare, explore history at a museum, or enjoy the Balloon Stampede […]
Read MoreWeekend Getaway: Visit El Paso, Texas
If it’s not currently on your bucket list, put it there, because it would be a mistake not to visit El Paso, Texas. Located in the far western part of Texas, at the intersection of Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua, Mexico, El Paso is rich in history and culture. You might not initially think of visiting El Paso, but as more and more travelers are prioritizing domestic travel over international, this is a city worthy of consideration. Whether you’re lining up a Texas road trip, going in search of Tex-Mex cuisine, or just finally getting to cities that you’ve overlooked, there are plenty of things to do in El Paso. Here is my guide on how to create a terrific El Paso vacation. Things to do in El Paso, Texas Since El Paso shares a border with Mexico, it was […]
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