A few years ago, a friend of mine from Russia taught me how to say, "Happy New Year" in Russian. Well, not in Russian, but rather how the new year greeting shared among Russians translates to English. I really liked the translation of "Happy New Year" into "Happy New Happiness". "New Happiness" describes the feeling … Continue reading Happy New Happiness
If relaxation is what you desire as you head into the new year, a cruise is the perfect way to accomplish that goal. A couple of years ago, I had to delay my plans for an Alaskan cruise with Disney Cruise Line. Thankfully, I realized the need to change my plans early in the year … Continue reading New Year Wonder
A vacation that will forever stay on my mind is the one I took to Banff National Park and Lake Louise, Alberta in February. Honesty is the best policy, and when it comes to vacation destinations, my preference always leans towards tropical climates. I mean, how easy is it to pack swimsuits, shorts and sunglasses? … Continue reading How A Visit to Banff Started A Love Affair with Soap
In keeping with the title of my blog, I am going to share a few of the beautiful things I've observed this fall. This is an exercise in gratitude for the blessings I often overlook. For the past seven years, it has been my joy and responsibility to prepare my family for holiday travel. In … Continue reading All Things Beautiful
Last year I decided to spruce up my holiday decor with pine cones. I had it all planned out: Step 1: Gather pine cones. Step 2: Decorate pine cones. Step 3: Decorate house with decorated pine cones. Simple and easy. One of my husband's clients even took the work out of Step 1 by sending … Continue reading Holiday Decor on a Budget
Have you ever thought of holiday travel as therapy? Your answer may be a quick and resounding IN ALL CAPS, “NO!”. And I understand. I get it. Your version of holiday travel is probably as stressful as the scene in "Home Alone” where everyone wakes up late and runs around the house in complete and total … Continue reading Holiday Travel for the Soul
If you pay attention to advertisers, it’s that time of year when you should get started with your Christmas shopping. You have a list, and if you wait too long, someone will be left out! There’s a list for everything these days, which made me think about how I have used lists to my advantage. … Continue reading Making a List
It wasn’t my original intention to write about my Alaskan adventure in a series. But as I reviewed my photos and videos, I realized that I couldn’t do justice to the places I went and things I saw by trying to squeeze them into one post. Through the process of writing each blog entry I’m … Continue reading The Wonder of Alaska: Part 3
I started traveling when I was very young. Back then, I had the luxury of having my parents pack my luggage for me. If I didn't have my toothbrush and toothpaste when I arrived at grandmas house, I let the adults responsible for my missing toiletries work it out. Ah! Those were carefree days. Now … Continue reading Twelve Quarts of Happiness
After spending three days on the Disney Wonder and taking in breathtaking scenery of the Vancouver coastline and Alaska, I decided to stop calling my vacation a cruise. It was obvious that this was an adventure. Adventure was now taking me to the northernmost point of the Inside Passage: Skagway, Alaska. Join me as I … Continue reading The Wonder of Alaska: Part 2
