On a dreary fall day like today, the memory of a great sunset can bring a smile. This one was taken in Maui last March – it was probably the fastest sunset I have ever seen. Beautiful. Spectacular. Memorable.
We welcomed our newest traveler on October 15th at 10:36 a.m. Maggie has brought us such joy ever since we learned we would be her parents. Doug and I have often talked about how we would pass on our love of travel to our little girl and we started with her nursery. I have always loved the book “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Suess and felt this would be a great theme to help inspire her journeys. We plan to explore a few new states this year and in this blog, I hope to document our adventures together. I know it won’t be easy traveling with a baby – but we know that sharing the world with our little girl will be rewarding. So look forward to some traveling tips for families and what I am sure will be some amusing learning experiences along the way.
In the great words of Dr. Suess to our dear little Maggie: Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!
A year ago today I was headed to Barcelona. This was a trip of a lifetime – my dad and I went on an adventure to discover the places he visited over 30 years ago while stationed on an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. We arrived early afternoon and walked along La Rambla. The street was buzzing with excitement and energy and offered a beautiful taste of this vibrant city. Taking the advice of a friend, we boarded a tour bus for a guide around the city and scouted out the attractions we wanted to visit the following day. The double decker bus provided a detailed history guide in over 12 languages and we caught our first glimpses of Gaudi’s best work, the Roman ruins of the Gothic Quarter and the breeze of the harbor. We ended the day with a perfect meal of tapas. It was a perfect day with my dad – one I will always remember.
Airport security can be a breeze if you are wearing the right shoes. Here are a few of my favorite pics – from comfy to chic – the ballet flats are on my wish list!
1. Aquatalia by Marvin K. – a splurge but these would fit in great on an urban getaway.
2. Sanuk Vagabond Chill – it’s a sandal that looks like a shoe. I love how comfortable this brand is – I bought a pair in Hawaii and I am hooked.
3. Crocband Flat – I am not a huge fan of crocs normally – but these cute flats have broken outside of the “croc” stereotype. I bought a pair for a trip to Europe and loved how light, comfy and easy to clean they were. These are great for the beach or outdoors.
4. Me Too Kaden Flat – If I have a long business day ahead (flight- meeting – return flight – drive home) – I will opt for the comfy classy flats.
5. Yosi Samra Samara Fold Up Ballet Flat – These cute flats are compact enough to fold up in your purse. These are on my wishlist – so I can wear my heals to the meeting but make it through the airport in a flash thanks to fold up flats. I have also heard rave reviews about how comfy these are.
Do you have a go-to shoe for travel?
Turning 30 has inspired me to set some goals and try some new things. So here is my list for the year:
1. Visit a new state (21 to go till we hit all 50)
2. Start a family
3. Print photo books of our past trips
4. Finish my Masters Degree at SCAD in Interactive Design (3 classes left to go)
5. Blog for a year
6. Take a family roadtrip
7. Get or renew passports for the whole family
8. Use our passports
9. Make an ebook and post online
10. Buy a piece of original art
11. Fly somewhere as a family
12. Surprise Doug once a month
13. Finish a painting inspired by travel
14. Learn how to split hostas
15. Buy a piece of original art as a souvenir
16. Go to the zoo
17. Get a family picture taken
18. Can vegetables
19. Lose the baby-weight
20. Find a pair of shoes to replace my famous “red pair” that Chloe ate a year ago
21. Design and decorate our guest room
22. Write and illustrate a children’s book for Maggie
23. Visit a new art museum
24. Go hiking as a family
25. Do a pro-bono design project for something I believe in
26. Make a family portrait wall
27. Write a letter or card once a month
28. Find a black hat to replace the one I lost in LA earlier this year
29. Find a new signature hairstyle/haircut
30. Read through the New Testament