I got my first Apple Watch in November of 2019. I had previously used Fitbits in the past but after getting an iPhone, I wanted to check out the Apple Watch. For the first few days I absolutely hated it. Once I got used to it and figured out all the settings, I absolutely loved…
Tag: thetravelbugbite
The Woman in the Wall by Patrice Kindl: Book Review
I had just finished Odd Child Out and was slightly tipsy from wine tasting. I wanted a find shorter book that would still be interesting. So I browsed my library, packed to the brim with second-hand books from Saver’s 50% off days. That’s when I found The Woman in the Wall by Patrice Kindl! The…
Medal Displays to Show Off Your Wins
Whether you are a runner, participate in sports competitively or have a bunch of childhood medals that you want to show off – good storage or a way to display them can be a head-scratcher. There are display stands that can be purchased. But you can also create your own and save some money such…
Virtual Train Rides & Tours: Youth Time Magazine
Virtual travel allows travelers to go anywhere, anytime without disrupting nature of the locals. It also offers a unique chance to see some of the world’s busiest places completely empty! In this article, you will find out how to take virtual train rides in Norway, visit Machu Picchu, and see breathtaking landscape of Alaska. This…
Odd Child Out by Gilly Macmillan: Book Review
Earlier this year Gilly Macmillian got me out of my reading slump with her book What She Knew. If you read my review of it, you’ll know that I didn’t love it or hate it. But I did enjoy it enough to buy The Perfect Girl, another book by Gilly Macmillan. Odd Child Out happens…
Yes.Fit – Virtual Fitness Challenges
Another virtual challenge? Yes! I’m obsessed. Virtual fitness challenges are all the rage and I’m not the only one who’s addicted. These Yes.Fit challenges aim to motivate people to get moving and get into better shape. There are many virtual races to chose from and they all have beautiful intricate medals! Many virtual races rely…
Fit2Fat2Fit by Drew Manning: Book Review
I discovered Drew Manning’s Fit2Fat2Fit on Hulu. The TV show, available on Hulu and other streaming websites is called Fit to Fat to Fit. I knew nothing about it and just wanted to watch something that would motivate me to work out more. The show led me to wanting to learn more about the original…
Trailforks App: The Best Hiking Companion
Isaac and I have been hiking every weekend! People often ask us how we find great hiking spots and honestly, most days we just find a green spot on the map and set the GPS. More recently, with higher distance goals, we have started doing a little more planning ahead of time. Trailforks is a…
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris: Book Review
This book was recommended to be by another avid reader of psychological thrillers. She mentioned it to me with a warning, saying that Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris was dark. I laughed. After all, I grew up watching horror movies. Not just the typical ones like the Ring. I saw some pretty horrible stuff….
Vegan Cheese: 5 Top Choices
Vegan cheese does not have a great reputation. It is extremely hard to recreate the delicious creamy gooeyness of dairy cheese. Unfortunately, a lot of people can’t eat the real thing due to allergies or other reasons that include health, religion, ethics, etc. I personally have a mild lactose intolerance, plus even a small amount…
It’s Always the Husband by Michele Campbell: Book Review
I spent all of 2019 reading psychological thrillers. I read some super dark books and it was nice to take a break from the violence. But part of me began to miss that world. That is why I picked up It’s Always the Husband by Michele Campbell. It actually showed up in a Facebook ad…
Big River Management Area: The Best RI Hiking Spot
I have been exploring hiking spots in Rhode Island ever since I moved here about a year ago. For such a small state, it has a surprisingly impressive amount of diverse spots to explore. I have managed to visit quite a few of them during my brief time here. So far, my absolute favorite has…
The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty: Book Review
Finally, my mission to reading all of Liane Moriarty’s adult books is complete. It has been my mission ever since I fell in love with the author a year ago. After my disappointment at Three Wishes, I almost put off reading the remaining two books. But The Last Anniversary was awesome and so was The…
Apothic Red Blend: My Favorite Wine
I do not consider myself picky when it comes to wine. In my early 20s I was happy drinking $2 bottles of wine in Prague. A few years later, I was paying ten times more in Shanghai for fake imported wine that could not have been worse. Suddenly, I found myself tolerating most wines but…
Amerithon: 3,521 Miles for a 6-Piece Medal
The Amerithon is an amazing challenge by Run the Edge. The goal is to complete 3,521 miles (5667 km) by doing any sort of activity. Whether you are running, walking, biking, swimming, you can accumulate miles however you want. If 3,521 is too much of an intimidating number, you can complete the race with another…
The Institute by Stephen King: Book Review
Stephen King’s The Institute is one of Stephen King’s latest releases, and it proves that the master of horror and science fiction is not out of steam yet! He keeps churning out voluminous masterpieces – and The Institute doesn’t disappoint. I’ll only give a small snapshot of a Goodreads summary, because in my opinion it…
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: Book Review
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson is an f-bomb filled self-help book that presents a counterintuitive approach to living a good life. I picked up this book after reading Brendon Burchard’s High Performing Habits. The two books couldn’t be more different, but there were a few similarities. In particular, both…
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: Book Review
I just finished Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng in just four days! Since I’m quickly running out of TV shows to watch, I was in a hurry to watch the show on Hulu. I read the book without even seeing a trailer for the show. After just a few chapters, I was hooked and…
Udemy Online Courses: Everything You Want to Know About Wine
I discovered Udemy while writing articles about ways to stay busy while we’re stuck indoors. Luckily enough, I discovered the website during a 48-hour flash sale. This made all courses 90% off! Of course, I ended up snagging 15 classes worth $2,000 for just over $150. I did notice that there seems to be other…
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty: Book Review
Nine Perfect Strangers is my favorite book by Liane Moriarty. You may gasp and say, “but what about Big Little Lies?” Meh, I enjoyed it but I didn’t fall head over heels for it. It also took me a few tries to get into. Nine Perfect Strangers, on the other hand, had me hooked from…
Iceland: SDGs & Youth Organizations – Youth Time Magazine
Iceland is one of the most unique countries in the world. It has the smallest population of any NATO member and is the only one with no standing army. At the same time, Iceland ranks high in economic, democratic, and social stability as well as in equality. In 2018, it was ranked the sixth most…
Owning a Tesla – Expectations vs. Reality
Do you have a Tesla? Thinking about buying one? If you are, please use my referral code, we’ll both get 1,000 free supercharger miles! Owning a Tesla has been quite the experience – here are my expectations vs. what I experienced in reality after a year of owning this wonderful car. Was it Expensive? This…
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty: Book Review
I just finished The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty and I really enjoyed it. I picked up Little Fires Everywhere right after and despite the dramatic start, I am not as excited about it as I was about The Last Anniversary. It was a nice surprise after the disappointing read that was Three Wishes. Since…
Nuggs: Vegan Chicken Nugget Review
Nuggs are a very popular vegan chicken nugget that’s advertised all over the internet. I actually bought some to try because of the fun ads and great price. Their tag line is “don’t be a chicken” which I found absolutely hilarious. Sadly, if prepared in a healthier oil-free way, these Nuggs tasted about as good…
High Performing Habits by Brendon Burchard: Book Review
I just finished High Performing Habits by Brendon Burchard. Before you read my review, I wanted to share a few facts with you. First of all, this is the first self-help book I have ever read. Second, I took a photo of it on a shelf with Steven King because I was more scared of…
Love Day in the Czech Republic: May 1st
“Love day? Did she just misspell labour day?!” you may be asking yourself. So technically, today is a public holiday in many countries around Europe known as labour day. Labour day, as you may already know, dates back to 1886 when workers had a strike in Chicago. But in the Czech Republic the holiday has morphed…
Best Apps for Making Friends: Youth Time Magazine
As little children we can just walk up to each other and become friends, even if there is no common language. The older we get, the harder it is to meet and connect with others. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found out that 3 out of 4 Americans feel lonely. Today, there…
Burning the Witches on April 30th: Czech Holiday
Burning the Witches is a popular holiday in the Czech Republic that takes place on April 30th. Despite the negative connotation, it is a happy holiday where many participants like to dress up as said witches. Although a large bonfire is a necessity for this event, no humans are burned during this event, even if…
Noom: First Impressions of the Weight Loss App
Everybody and their mother has probably heard of Noom. They clearly spend a lot of money on advertising. I have seen them on every single social media channel and streaming service. Even my husband, who is clueless about weight loss apps heard about Noom in a podcast. I finally decided to try it, despite the…
MyFitnessPal: Weight Management App
I have been using MyFitnessPal on and off since 2016. It is a fitness tracking app that lets you log your progress. This includes the food you eat, the exercise you do and so much more. The basic app is completely free although the paid app has some features worth the investment. When I first…
Traveling Home During a Pandemic: A Pivotal First in My Life
Sitting down and finally writing feels so good and something I truly miss doing it as a hobby. When Olena asked me to write about my experience of a lifetime, I was all in to shed some light. The current state of our world right now is very uncertain, unpredictable, and at times scary –…
Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty: Book Review
Liane Moriarty is one of my favorite authors of all time. Her books such as What Alice Forgot, Nine Perfect Strangers and Her Husband’s Secret are among my all time favorites. Of course I’ve also read her more popular books Big Little Lies and Truly Madly Guilty, but these did not make my favorites list….
I Got A COVID-19 Test Last Week in Rhode Island
Last week, I was one of some 2,000 people tested for COVID-19 in Rhode Island that day. Rhode Island is one of the leading states in COVID-19 testing. They are one of the few states with rapid testing by CVS, along with Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts and Michigan. As recent as a few weeks ago, you…
Trader Joe’s Vegan Protein Patties
Move over Beyond Burger, Trader Joe’s Protein Patties are the best alternative meat product out there. These vegan patties only have 260 calories and 26 grams of protein and five grams of fiber. These are by no means a healthy food that should be consumed regularly. But they are delicious and a great treat for…
US Road Running: Virtual Races
US Road Running is one of dozens of companies that organize virtual races. I feel like a broken record because I have already written about two other companies that do this. However, they are all very different! In the future, I may stick to US Road Running exclusively because they are by far the cheapest!…
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty: Book Review
Today I received what I believe is the last Liane Moriarty book that I haven’t read yet. I ordered The Last Anniversary the moment I started reading Three Wishes. The author made her way into my heart the as I read my first book by her. Alice Forgot was a really great book and has…
Why Pick Wild Mushrooms?
Mushroom picking is a popular hobby all over the world. In the Czech Republic, it is a very popular activity and families will often go mushroom picking with young children. I grew up identifying and picking mushrooms from a very young age. It is a hobby that I still enjoy today! Connecting with the Natural…
Online Wine Tasting: Youth Time Magazine
Enjoying a glass of wine with dinner is a great way to unwind. But it can be really disappointing to bring home a bottle of wine with a taste that doesn’t match the cost. Sometimes it’s due to the brand, but other times it’s simply served wrong or paired incorrectly with a meal. Luckily, it…
New Asia House: Sushi in Warwick, RI
New day, new sushi place discovery – coincidentally called the New Asia House! The New Asia House is by no means a new restaurant. It has been on Quaker Lane in Warwick since September 2016. While their website isn’t particularly modern or informative, you can get a lot of information about the via Yelp. We…
Grounds & Hounds: Good Cause Coffee Subscription
Grounds & Hounds is an amazing coffee subscription that donates a percentage of their profits to help dogs. The subscription starts at $13.99 + $2 shipping and can be fully customized to suit your needs. The company also sells coffee normally with no subscription needed. They have a wide selection of delicious products. “20% of…
You by Caroline Kepnes: Book Review
You by Caroline Kepnes is an award winning thriller, known for being on the list of one of Suspense Magazines Best Books of 2014. It was also made into a TV-show featured first on Lifetime and then on Netflix in 2018. I first heard about it by seeing the ads on the NYC subway. This…
Morels: Easy to Identify Mushrooms
Morels are delicious mushrooms and one of the most desired wild mushrooms in the world. You can buy them dried in stores such as Walmart, but a mere 2 oz (57 grams) will cost you $24! This is because morels aren’t generally farmed – they are gathered in the wild. I am writing about them…
Pysanky: Ukrainian Easter Tradition
You can’t celebrate Easter in Ukraine without pysanky, or decorated eggs! The word pysanka (singular) or pysanky (plural) comes from the word pysaty which means “to write” in Ukrainian. The traditional folk designs are not painted on, but rather written or inscribed with beeswax. Ukraine isn’t the only country that decorates Easter eggs using wax…
Gudetama the Lazy Egg 101
I discovered Gudetama when I lived in Shanghai, China. One day on the subway I saw someone with a backpack that was covered in images of a sad-looking egg with a juicy butt. I was immediately intrigued and started Googling. Turns out this lazy egg is a sibling of Hello Kitty and he is popular…
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn: Book Review
The Grownup was the last Gillian Flynn book that I had read. After Gone Girl, Sharp Objects and Dark Places I was dying for more from the author. She currently doesn’t have any other books published. If you haven’t already, I definitely recommend that you read The Grownup. What is the Grownup about? “A canny…
Gansett Cruises: Morning Narrated Mimosa Cruise
A great way to learn more about Newport, Rhode Island is on a cruise. There are many companies that offer tours in the area. You can pick from dinner cruises, sunset sails and child-friendly tours with live lobsters. The full list of tours is available here. I highly recommend checking out the Gansett Cruises, in…
Easter Pussy Willow Whips: Czech Tradition
In the past few weeks I have had dozens of views on my article about nudity in the Czech Republic. This PG article is all about the culture of being open about nakedness. Sorry to disappoint! This article is also about culture. While Czechs definitely have their kinky side, they use pussy willow whips to…
Social Distancing Run: Virtual Marathon Training Academy Race
COVID-19 has seriously impacted my workout routine. Prior to this craziness I actually managed to lose 15 pounds in just six weeks. In the past month, I have gained almost all of it back despite having a treadmill in my home. Thanks stress-eating. Yesterday I received an email that a race I registered for in…
Tesla Model 3 – A Year of Adventures
It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since I bought my Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. Considered a luxury car by many, my Black Pearl has been through some rugged trials this year. Your jaw will drop when you read 10 of the many adventures this thing has brought us on. Use…
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn: Book Review
Gillian Flynn is best known for her bestseller novel that was made into a movie. Of course, I am talking about Gone Girl, a.k.a. the book that every single psychological thriller is compared to. While Gone Girl was a great book that broke the literary world, I was much more fascinated by Sharp Objects. It…
White Dog Distillery’s Moonshine Tasting, RI
Growing up in Europe I heard a lot of jokes made about moonshine. This led me to have quite the negative opinion about this misunderstood beverage. I remember trying a homemade batch that a friend made and it was okay. The second time I tried it was at a farmers market and it was pretty…
Whalers Brewing Company: South Kingstown, RI
My friend Matisse introduced me to Whalers back in September. Even though I live about a 45-minute drive away, we have met up there twice since! Whalers is great because of their beer, atmosphere and the fact that they are dog friendly. I’m excited to visit again once the world is successfully unplugged and plugged…
What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan: Book Review
Last year I read 45 books! I was excited to start 2020 reading up a storm. Somehow it didn’t happen. I picked up four books, got a few pages in and forgot about them. Finally, my fifth book caught and kept my attention. What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan was the first book I read…
OrsaraRecipes: Learn to Cook or Watch to Smile
I discovered OrsaraRecipes while writing an article about learning to cook for Youth Time Magazine. Browsing through various channels, I discovered adorable elderly people, apparently a popular trend. I was immediately drawn to Pasquale Sciarappa, an 81 year old Italian grandfather. Not only is he a great cook but he also has natural charisma and…
My Top 25 YouTube Videos By Views
As a YouTuber, I have my favorite videos. The one’s I’m proudest of making, or the ones that make me laugh (or cry) with nostalgia. For some reason, viewers and I seem to disagree on which videos are the best! That’s totally fine, I’m glad that people are watching. These are the top 25 videos…
Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery: Review
I went to a wine tasting at Leyden Farm in July 2019 and finally got to writing about it! Until recently, these tastings were available for as little as $13 for two people on GroupOn. This includes two wine glasses with the logo and I still use mine to this day! Isaac, obviously, broke his…
Learn to Cook Italian: Youth Time Magazine
Cooking is a wonderful skill to have, one that creates a special relationship between you and your food. Creating delicious and beautiful meals from scratch is equal parts science and art. Luckily, cooking doesn’t have to be a talent you are born with. You can easily learn to be a great cook and to fall…
The Travel Bug Bite is Shutting Down
Just kidding! Look at the calendar. I was going to write a regular post today but decided to have some fun. Plus I wanted to share why I do what I do on The Travel Bug Bite! Fine, I also wanted to show off being on a roll and posting every day for the past…
Plant City: Vegan Restaurant – Providence, RI
Plant City opened in Providence, Rhode Island on June 14th, 2019. It has an extremely wide selection of vegan food featuring Italian, Mexican and a smoothie bar. They also sell retail vegan products and have an amazing bar full of cruelty-free alcoholic beverages and more! “PLANT CITY is the world’s first plant-based food hall +…
Back to the Roots: Grow Your Own Food Kits
Yesterday I wrote an article about starting a garden. But not everyone has the time or space to grow their own food. It is quite the time commitment and can cost a lot to get started. We spent several hundred dollars on the soil and raised garden beds alone! This is where Back to the…
Time to Start a Garden: Tips for Beginners (Like Me)
It’s that time of year to start a garden! While outdoor gardens or greenhouses are the best way to go, it is also possible to grow a bunch of things indoors. As long as you have the good light, anything is possible! We are finally starting our outdoor garden, indoors today. Last year we planted…
Elmhurst 1925: Delicious Alternative Milks
Before I cut dairy out of my life, I was obsessed with cheese. However, I was never one of those people who enjoyed a glass of cows milk and I could barely stomach yogurt. This changed when I switched to a plant-based diet. Today, I’ll sneak over to the fridge to sip on some almond…
Bring the Stage into Your Living Room: Youth Time Magazine
Going out to see performances can be a lot of fun. But what if you don’t have the time or want to stay in your comfy clothes? Turns out that there are so many ways to stream world-renowned productions directly to your TV. The Berlin philharmonic, Broadway, the Vienna Opera, the London National Theatre, and…
DoodyCalls: Pet Waste Removal Service
DoodyCalls is a service that looks amazing but one that I haven’t been able to try out for myself. I was really impressed with their ads, Facebook comment responses and customer service. This is why I want to share it with you without trying it out first hand. DoodyCalls is basically the Waggle of dog…
Poo-Pourri: Spray Before You Go
This week on my blog, the theme appears to be poop. Two days ago, you got to read about TUSHY, an eco-friendly and affordable bidet attachment. Tomorrow, you can read all about DoodyCalls, a service that picks up your dog’s poop for you. Today, you can read about Poo-Pourri, an evolutionary toilet spray that traps…
JOI Almond Milk Concentrate: Just Add Water
We live in Rhode Island where stores are still open. However, there are limits on how much you can buy per person and every time you go, you risk spreading the virus. The last time we went shopping was at Trader Joes. They only let 25 people inside at one time and didn’t let anyone…
TUSHY over Toilet Paper: Affordable Bidet Attachment
We live in an interesting time when many people in the world are hoarding toiler paper. Do they have chronic diarrhea? Are they building toilet paper castles and singing, “the poop never bothered me anyway?” We’ll never know. But we do know that there are better alternatives to toilet paper. TUSHY is an amazing and…
Khoo Restaurant: Emergency Take-Out Sushi
Recently I wrote about my favorite sushi spot, Ye Express. We eat there every time we get paid for our traditional pay day sushi! In the past month we went overboard and ate away our COVID-19 depression here. To our absolute horror, when dining in was banned in Rhode Island, Ye Express shut down completely!…
Oakland Beach: My Favorite Spot in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is known for its popular white sand beaches that draw crowds from all over the country. One beach that is less known, and thus not as busy, is Oakland Beach! It is quite small and the actual beach isn’t particularly special. However, this beach is home to Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House with an amazing…
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: Book Review
It’s a strange time when most of the world is stuck indoors and people are either encouraged not to or not allowed to leave their homes. This is a great time to make a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or all of the above and curl up with a good book. I highly recommend…
Tile to the Rescue: Hidden Keys & Wallets Beware
It happens to the best of us – it’s five minutes after you’re supposed to leave for work, you’re all ready to go, coat on, bag packed, dogs fed… but where are the damn keys? Come to think of it, where’s your wallet? Ugh, this happens every day. On the kitchen counter? No… Dining room…
Camp Bow Wow: Doggy Daycare & Boarding
Dogs make our daily life so much better. However, travel can get complicated and expensive. Especially if you’re the spontaneous trip taker type. One option is to take you dog with you and find a pet friendly hotel. This isn’t always possible or convenient. This is why I’d like to recommend Camp Bow Wow, an…
Adam Boro: Inspirational People Series
I am part of a YouTubers group on Facebook where we help each other by watching and commenting on videos. I was doing my regular weekly thread when I discovered a video by Adam Boro called “The best year of my ENTIRE LIFE.” The title made me roll my eyes, since I am used to…
10 Home Office Buys to Make Work From Home Better
I have been working from home for 10 months now and have done so in the past. Personally, I hate it. However, it is the best option for me at this time so I have embraced it. It took me a while to create the perfect set-up that helps me feel comfortable, more focused and…
Quarantine Activities: Safe Things to Do From Home
If you are reading this, you are probably already quarantined or will be soon. The world as we know it is gradually being canceled until further notice and there is nothing we can do to stop it. If you’re still skeptical about the necessity of quarantines, read this article. There are lots of ways to…
10 Do-Gooder Apps – Youth Time Magazine
You don’t need to have a lot of free time or money to make a difference. The following apps help you to give back without changing your daily routine. Donate to a good cause by tracking your exercise, eating, sleeping, taking a break from your phone, doing surveys while taking a bathroom break, taking photos…
Kvass: Ukraine’s Version of Kombucha
Long before hipsters (like me) drank kombucha, Ukrainian’s and other Slavs drank kvass. What is it? It’s a fermented beverage traditionally made from rye-bread. Today there are so many kvass recipes that go beyond bread and incorporate other healthy ingredients such as apple cider vinegar. Just like kombucha, kvass is non-alcoholic although it naturally contains…
Kombucha = Yum. Alcohol = Yum. Alcoholic Kombucha = 🤢
The moment I heard about alcoholic kombucha, I went on the hunt for it! I am your typical kombucha-chugging hipster and rave about my favorite flavors to anyone who will listen. While the best kombucha I have ever tasted was from a small local company, I do love G.T.’s Synergy and drink it regularly. When…
Edible Insects Buying Map
Eating insects is perfectly normal in many parts of the world. However, if you live somewhere where it’s not the norm, it can be tricky. Edible insects are super healthy to eat and many believe that they are the future source of protein. This doesn’t mean that you can just go outside and begin eating…
Discover Iceland: Youth Time Magazine
Youth Time announced exciting news – this year’s International Youth Summer School will be held in Reykjavik, Iceland. But why Iceland? A country with no forests and an average temperature of 9°C in June? There is so much to see and so many natural places to explore! Iceland was one of the last places on…
The Pill Club – Get Birth Control Pills Online Hassle Free
One of the more stressful aspects of moving to a new country is healthcare. Back home, I was able to call my gynecologist and have her mail me a prescription for three months of birth control pills. I was nervous that it would take longer and cost more in the USA. Since it took me…
Who Gives A Crap – Green Toilet Paper that Does Good
My journey to a zero-waste lifestyle has been full of ups and downs. One of the biggest shocks for me after moving to the USA is that so much toilet paper comes individually wrapped in plastic. This is great if your toilet floods and you happen to store your toilet paper on the floor. It…
Ye Express: My Go-To Sushi Spot in West Warwick, RI
Ye Express is a great sushi place located on Main Street in West Warwick, Rhode Island. They have a great staff that is always friendly, and the owner knew our order by heart after our third visit. Ye Express has a great combination of American Chinese food, Japanese sushi and Western alcohol – they also…
Exo: The Cricket-powered Protein & Energy Bars
Replacing livestock with insects as a protein source can save the world. The UN has been telling us this for years now, yet few people consider bugs to be food. People will gladly put on bibs to devour shrimp or craw fish, pulling out their intestines with their bare fingers. Yet eating a a crunchy…
5 Browser Add-Ons: Youth Time Magazine
Technology often gets a bad rap for disconnecting us from other humans and from the real world. While it is true that burying our faces in our phones can do just that, there are many ways that our smart devices can actually make our planet a better place. Sometimes, this doesn’t have to require any…
Petco’s Dog Training: Review
A year ago, we brought our rescue dog Smiley to Petco for their Adult Dog Training program. Dog training is great for all dogs, even semi-perfectly behaved boys like Smiley. He was our first rescue and I was surprised at how easy he was to integrate into our lives. He was already potty trained, knew…
20 Quirky Earrings from Everyfelt
I am a huge fan of earrings. In middle school I wore a different pair every single day and it was all I asked for on my birthday. My collection of pretty sparkling earrings got more fun as I aged. Today, I wear the weirdest, craziest earrings that make a statement. I also sell quirky…
Succulent Studios: Subscription Box Review
Two weeks ago I wrote a piece about a succulent subscription box. It looks like an amazing company and you should read all about it here. However, the one that I have had personal experience with was in fact Succulent Studios. How did I manage to mess this up and write about a different company?…
AliExpress Online Shopping: Pros & Cons
Despite my environmental goals, I am a big online shopper. I am working on buying less and have successfully reduced my online purchases. However, it isn’t always possible not to shop online. Especially when it can save you a significant amount of money. This is why I’d like to share my experiences with AliExpress. What…
Crazy Hair Dye: oVertone Review
I am writing this while binging America’s Next Top Model. The girls are getting makeovers, some are leaving the show and others are merely simply. Then here I am, inspired to write about a super fun topic: oVertone hair dye! Like most girls, I have gone through many hair changes. I’ve had my hair dyed…
8-in-1 Zip Lines at Toroverde, Puerto Rico (VIDEO)
This was one of four activities that we did at Toroverde in Puerto Rico. You can read all about Toroverde here. This was probably my favorite activity!
Paint Your Pet with Create Color Art Studio: Narragansett, RI
I am that basic dog mom that is all about her pup, or in my case, pups. Smiley and Pablo are both rescues from the Brooklyn ACC. They weren’t always living the best lives, but now they are because my husband and I are obsessed. Although we are both artsy, we cannot draw or paint…
Gather Glass Blowing Studio – Providence, RI
Blowing glass has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. A few weeks ago, I finally got to try it at Gather Glass Blowing Studio in Providence, RI. Using Groupon, I got a discounted ticket for $60. It was so much fun that I will definitely be coming back for…
Axe Throwing in Lincoln, Rhode Island
What came first, lumbersexuals or axe throwing bars? Whatever the answer, I now regret not dressing up more appropriately on my adventure to throw axes. There’s always next time! My first time axe throwing was in Lincoln, Rhode Island at the Axe Bar – R1 Indoor Karting. I first heard of axe throwing years ago…
BarkBox Subscription: Dog Toy Review
The BarkBox is the first dog toy subscription that I have ever tried. I recently wrote about Bullymake, which is very similar. I’m not here to compare the two since I love them both. However, I will say that BarkBox is more versatile and offers toys for calm dogs that don’t shred toys. We rescued…
Ice Bumper Cars: The Providence Rink, Rhode Island
The groundhog claims that winter is almost over, but I’m not so ure. I am prepared for several more months of gloomy coldness here in Rhode Island. While it has been a warm week, I expect temperatures to drop. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Take advantage of this and visit the Ice…
Going to Puerto Rico: Plans & Expectations
Tonight I will be on a flight to Puerto Rico! I could not be more excited to visit this wonderful island that I’ve heard so much about. The plan is to stay for a week and make the most of the trip despite the politics and weather. The three big things on my list are…
It’s Okay to Love Valentine’s Day & its Romantic History
Yes, you should love your SO every day of the year. No, you shouldn’t feel forced to buy anyone flowers, chocolate or anything else for that matter. However, it is inaccurate to say that Valentine’s Day is just a Hallmark holiday… it does have a romantic history. Although even if it didn’t, it’s okay to…
What do Snails, Cupid & V-Day have in common?
Valentine’s Day is based on St. Valentine who secretly married couples to spare the men from going to war. So how did snails or cupid become involved? Turns out that when snails mate, they use love darts that they shoot at their love interest. Some believe that this bizarre mating ritual is where the idea…
Bullymake Box: Dog Toys Review
The Bullymake Box is a dog toy and treat subscription box. Today there are many options when it comes to monthly subscriptions for dogs. This one is different because it specifically targets power chewers. As a proud owner of two 75 pound naughty boy doggies, I had to try it out! Also, all toys are…
Succulent Subscription Box – Yay or Nay?
Everything comes in a subscription these days and it can be annoying. I don’t want to pay a monthly fee to get discounts on lingerie, for example. But I love plants, which is why I subscribed to get two succulents a month with the Succulent Subscription Box. This post is not sponsored, and full disclosure,…
Relaxing at the Bodhi Spa – Newport, RI
A few weeks ago Isaac and I took the evening off to go relax at the Bodhi Spa in Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is one of my favorite cities in the state, so the scenic drive down was just the beginning of a great experience. The Bodhi Spa offers hydrotherapy, massages, facials, enhancements and body…
YMCA Gym: Pros & Cons
On January 3rd I signed up for the YMCA to help me with my weight loss resolution. It was the only gym in my area that not only had a bunch of classes but also a pool! I love to run on the treadmill but my joints can’t handle it unless I can swim afterwards…
Beyond Sushi: Vegan in New York City
Sushi was the one thing preventing me from going fully vegan when I first decided to change my eating habits. Like many people, I was just obsessed with raw fish. I would literally dream of eating salmon nigiri. One of the best culinary moments of my life involved eating raw fish in Ginza, Japan. Does…
Broadway Roulette: Review
I discovered Broadway Roulette just over a month ago. Even though I lived in New York City for almost a year, I didn’t get to see a show because of the price. I wish I had known about it when I didn’t live a four hour drive away. Broadway Roulette allowed me to see Chicago…
Dogs in a Hotel: Our Experience with Smiblo
Last weekend our rescue pit-mixes Smiley and Pablo (Smiblo) had their first experience staying at a hotel. I love our boys but I hate how much they limit us from traveling, so I wanted to give it a go. I am not going to lie, having dogs in a hotel was stressful but worth it…
Virtual Challenges, Real Medals: The Conqueror & Medal Mad
One of my New Year’s Resolutions this year was to get back in shape. I started running again on January 3rd and by the end of the month I had signed up for six races! Unfortunately, the soonest one is in May and I needed a little motivational push. This is why I looked into…
Vegan V-Day: Love the Planet, Animals and Your SO
Valentines day is around the corner and heart-shaped merchandise is flooding stores. It can be easy to get overwhelmed and end up reaching for the closest box of chocolate placed directly at eye level by rich advertisers. Or you can do a little bit of research and make the best choice for the planet and…
Blood at Maidan – Kyiv, Ukraine 2014
There was no physical blood present when I stepped onto Maidan Square in Kyiv, Ukraine. Yet signs of it were everywhere. Bullet holes pierced the shields and helmets that memorialized the fallen. Flowers, the color of blood, sat inside the cavern of the helmet. The space, once occupied by a human mind, was now an…
LuminoCity Festival: Is It Worth It for Adults?
LuminoCity was a light festival that opened it’s doors on November 23rd. It was open for just 29 days during this holiday season. I saw the ads on Facebook and bought tickets for the last day of the event on January 5th. Now that I live in Rhode Island, this also meant 7 hours driving…
Xuan Huong Lake Walk Around – Da Lat, Vietnam
Da Lat is a beautiful city in the center of Vietnam. Originally, we had only planned on spending a day and a half here. The moment we arrived and saw everything there is to do, we extended our stay to three full days. It was just that awesome. Two of our days were spent going…
Canyoneering in Da Lat, Vietnam
Canyoneering or Canyoning is a popular activity in Da Lat, Vietnam. In fact, visitors from all over the world are drawn to this small city that was once occupied by the French. Oui, c’est vrai. We happened to be the ignorant kind of tourists who had never even heard of such an activity. This quickly…
New Year, New You: Free Apps that can Help
Whatever your 2020 resolutions are, there is an app that can help you. I get many amazing app advertisements on Facebook. Naively, I click on most of them. I then take the time to sign up just to find out that it is not free. Don’t get me wrong, I pay for apps all the…
$89 Orchestra Seat Broadway Tickets: Catch? You Don’t Pick the Show
Today I spent a total of $198 on two orchestra seat tickets for a Broadway show. I chose the date and I upgraded from $59 for regular seats to orchestra seats. The one thing I cannot chose? Which show to see. Broadway Roulette will tell me the morning of! I discovered Broadway Roulette in a…
Waste Less: Easy Greener 2020 Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions seem to be more controversial than ever in 2020. It’s cliche, and writing down a list of resolutions won’t change your life. Working on goals and changing your lifestyle, however, can make all the difference. One of my goals this year is to waste less. 1. Plastic is Scary Plastic has been…
Great Gatsby Party: 2020 Begins
We welcomed 2020 at a Great Gatsby Party benefiting the RISPCA. The event was huge and we were lucky to snag two of the last 20 tickets. Ticket prices started at $60 for early birds and went up to $500 for the VIP section. We managed to snag a wingman ticket for two at $135….
The Travel Bug Bite: Who Are We?
I was bitten by the travel bug at the young age of three when my parents took me out of the comfort of my birthplace, Kyiv (Ukraine) and brought me to the Czech Republic. I found my home at the International School of Prague where I spent 13 years of my life traveling and discovering my…
Christmas in Vietnam: Confetti & Selfies
Christmas in Vietnam is not as new as you may think. This is because Vietnam used to be part of the French Empire. French influences can be seen all over the country. However, Christmas is the most popular in the capital city Ho Chi Minh or Saigon. Christmas Eve is more important than Christmas Day….
Christmas in China
Christmas in China has gotten big this last decade. Chinese schools, especially those that employ foreigners, enjoy Christmas holidays. All shopping malls, parks and public venues in major cities get as festive as New York City. There are also many events for both Chinese locals and foreigners to attend. I celebrated my first Christmas in…
Christmas in India: Decorated Mango Trees & ‘Christmas Baba’
Christmas in India is unique because 97.2% of the population is not Christian. They also don’t have pine trees, so they decorate banana and mango trees with fairy lights. The one who brings the gifts is Father Christmas, or ‘Christmas Baba’. The city with the most Christmas spirit is Mumbai, because of their larger Christian…
Venezuelan Christmas: Mass on Skates
If you’re been following this blog, I doubt Christmas tradition will surprise you anymore. Venezuelan Christmas isn’t complete without skates. The capital city of Venezuela, Caracas, sees thousands of participants for this festive, fast-paced mass. “Venezuelans are known for their love of fireworks and Christmas is no exception – residents awake to the sound of…
Zero-Waste Christmas 2021
Most modern holidays come with a lot of unnecessary waste. Single use plastic, paper packaging that ends up not decomposing in the landfill and presents that people don’t actually want or need. Having a zero-waste Christmas isn’t as hard as it seems. You can follow some or all of these steps to make a difference….
Czech Christmas: Carp, Baby Jesus & Prophetic Shoe Throwing
‘Veselé Vánoce’ is how the Czechs say Merry Christmas. Prague is a popular Christmas destination because of their famous Christmas markets. At first glance, it looks like your regular Christmas festivities. But there are a few things that make Czech Christmas unique. Baby Jesus The Czech Republic is one of the most atheist countries in…
Sankta Lucia – Christmas in Sweden
St. Lucia’s Day is also known as the Feast of Saint Lucy or Sankta Lucia in Sweden. It is a Christian feast day that commemorates her sainthood. Her feast day also coincides with the shortest day of the year prior to calendar reforms. Scandinavians celebrate it. “In Scandinavia, where Saint Lucy is called Santa Lucia…
The Best 5 Binoculars For Birdwatching Overseas (Guest Post)
Do you love birding? Nothing sucks the fun out of birdwatching like a bad pair of binoculars. If you want to have the best birdwatching experience, you need the best pair of binoculars. A good pair of binoculars should offer a perfect combination of lightweight construction, adjustability, and features. Because, you will be carrying it…
Syrian Christmas: An Immortal Camel Brings the Gifts
The Santa who brings presents to American children was invented by Coca Cola in 1931. This was a full two years after they removed all traces of cocaine from their soda. Czech children, on the other hand, get presents from baby Jesus. Even though the Czech Republic is the most atheist country in the world….
Christmas Spider: Ukrainian Legend
In some cultures, Christmas is closely tied to things that are spooky. Ukraine is no different, with its tradition of a Christmas spider. Even today it is considered good luck to find a spider in your tree. If you want to enhance your luck, you can get a spider ornament that will bring you a…
The Mysterious Christmas Pickle Tradition in the USA
Christmas Pickles sound like something from Rick and Morty. But I’m not referring to the Pickle Rick episode of the show. I’m talking about the strange tradition where families hang a pickle-shaped ornament on their tree. Why a Pickle? This is where the mystery begins. The Americans point at the Germans. Supposedly Woolworth stores were…
Kentucky Christmas: Japanese Tradition since 1974
Japan is not crazy about Christmas. Or at least it didn’t used to be. Westernization is bringing new holidays to all corners of the world. Bizarrely enough, the mention of winter holidays in Japan doesn’t make them think of Santa. It makes them think of Kentucky Christmas. Kentucky Fried Christmas Chicken is popular all over…
Krampus Brings the Scary Back to Christmas: Austria
Growing up in the Czech Republic, I experienced some of the scarier sides of Christmas. Czech parents often hire actors who come dressed as Mikuláš (St. Nick) and the devil. Their job is to literally scare children into being good. It sounds silly, but when you’re five years old, a chain-bearing devil is pretty darn…
Newport Illuminated Boat Parade: Christmas in RI
The Newport Illuminated Boat Parade of 2019 took place on November 29th. The crowds were huge, the atmosphere was festive and the boats were beautiful! EDIT: Newport Illuminated Boat Parade: A kind person commented on this post and pointed out that I was confusing Newport, RI and Newport Beach in California! So I am rewriting…
Gifting & Reading Books for Christmas – Icelandic Traditions
Books are amazing because they have the unique power to take you on a wild adventure without requiring you to leave the house. They teleport you to worlds that do exist and those that don’t. Nothing is impossible in a book. People in Iceland understand the magic of reading and the holidays. So they combine…
Gävle Goat, Christmas in Sweden
While Rhode Islanders decorate a termite for Christmas, other cultures have their own quirks and traditions. The town of Gävle [say: yeah-vleh] puts up a giant straw statue of a goat. Then they wait—and sometimes even bet—on whether the goat will make it to Christmas. The reason they worry about the goat is because every year…
Big Blue Bug: Rudolf the Red-Nosed… Termite – Christmas in RI
Move over Rudolf, bring in the Big Blue Bug! Because the residents of Providence favor a giant blue termite decked out in Christmas lights over the boring traditional reindeer. Rhode Island is a quirky little state when it comes to a lot of things. But who could have known that the smallest state with the…
Lobster Pot Christmas Tree: Block Island Tradition
Block Island is a popular summer destination for thousands of American as well as visitors from abroad. It is one of those places that is bustling in the summer and turns into a peaceful town during the colder months. However, it is still a fun place to visit during Christmas! Although the ferry ride to…
Vegan Thanksgiving 101: Meatless Turkey Options
This morning I read that one-third of Americans are considering going meatless this Thanksgiving. These numbers seem too good to be true, but I’m staying hopeful! I am also hoping to be mostly vegan this Thanksgiving for the environment, animal welfare and for my health. From my past experiences, a 100% vegan Thanksgiving is super…
Veselka – Best Ukrainian Restaurant in NYC
Moving to Rhode Island was a great choice for my family. However, one of the things that I really miss about New York City is Veselka. It probably sounds familiar to you because it is quite famous and is mentioned in the TV show Gossip Girl. ‘Veselka’ means rainbow in Ukrainian. At the prices they…
5 Fake Czech Tourist Things to Avoid, or Not
Many “traditional” tourist experiences in Prague are actually fake Czech. From trdlo, to nesting dolls to Kafka. Read to learn more!
Ukrainians in America: Diaspora near Rhode Island
One of the best things about America is that it is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. While no cities and towns are quite as international as New York, it is not unusual to see various cultures living and thriving together. Looking more into this made me realize that there are…
United Skates of America: Halloween Skating, Rhode Island
United Skates of America offers old fashioned skating for people of all ages. They offer rentals, snacks and other refreshments.
Avocados to Save the Planet – Zero-Waste
Scott Munguia, a Mexican biochemical engineer named Scott Munguia has figured out a way to turn avocado pits into straws and single-use utensils.
The Highest View in Kyiv, Ukraine: Iron Maiden
Please get the images of heavy metal devils out of your head this instant. Ukraine’s Iron Maiden has nothing to do with the band. Although anyone who has seen it in person will agree that it is pretty metal. A little bit of history: This statue is actually called Rodina Mat (Motherland). It sits on…
Are the Dogs in Chernobyl Radioactive?
Last December, my mom organized a trip for me and my husband Isaac to Chernobyl, Ukraine. We went with a tour group and had a great trip learning about the tragedy that almost wiped out the entire continent of Europe. Oh and I’d like to point out that we went there before the Hulu show…
Red Envelopes & Money Giving Parties
Money can be a taboo topic, especially when with friends or family. In China, however, it is not taboo to get excited about giving and getting money. This is why red envelopes are a fun tradition around the holidays! And by holidays, I mean any and all holidays. Taobao, the Chinese equivalent of AliExpress, owned…
Exploring Rhode Island: Narraganset, Newport & Providence (Video)
Rhode Island is the smallest state with the longest name! It is a popular tourist destination and has so much to offer. Check out this video of a day exploring Rhode Island!
Palisades State Park Drone Video: DJI Mavic Air
New York is a great place to fly a drone, especially during fall. Our DJI Mavic Air captures the autumn foliage in Palisades State Park perfectly!
Exploring Rhode Island: Narraganset, Newport & Providence (Video)
Rhode Island is the smallest state with the longest name! It is a popular tourist destination and has so much to offer. Check out this video of a day exploring Rhode Island!
Palisades State Park Drone Video: DJI Mavic Air
New York is a great place to fly a drone, especially during fall. Our DJI Mavic Air captures the autumn foliage in Palisades State Park perfectly!
King Richard’s Renaissance Faire: Massachusetts, USA 2019
King Richard’s Faire is a popular annual renaissance fair held in Massachusetts in October. This year was my first time visiting and I made the mistake of going on the very last day, and arriving 2 hours before it closed. In those two hours, I still managed to grab a drink, enjoy all the people…
Affordable Singapore Infinity Pool: Hotel Jen Orchardgateway
Everyone who visits Singapore wants to take a dip in the iconic infinity pools of Marina Bay Sands. I am not going to pretend that I am too hipster to go to the mainstream infinity pool with an absolutely priceless view of the Gardens by the Bay and the Supertree Grove. I do admit, that…
Are the Dogs in Chernobyl Radioactive?
Last December, my mom organized a trip to Chernobyl, Ukraine, for my husband Isaac and me. We went with a tour group and had a great trip learning about the tragedy that almost wiped out the entire continent of Europe. Oh, and I’d like to point out that we went there before the HBO show…
Travel Blogging as Inspiration Fictional Writing? – My Writing Story
I’ve had a passion for writing for as long as I can remember. My parents still have the illustrated stories that I wrote in first grade. I could barely speak English but I turned the adventures I had with my friends into stories. These were comically written in a mixture of English, Ukrainian, Russian and…
Flying to Prague, Czech Republic for Just $322
Sometimes, people in America ask my husband Isaac why he prefers to travel abroad when he could be exploring his own country. When we lived abroad the answer was “because it’s too expensive to fly to America.” We finally made the move to America in July 2018 and over a year later we have only…
Flying to Prague for $322: Czech Republic Travel
Sometimes, people in America ask my husband Isaac why he prefers to travel abroad when he could be exploring his own country. When we lived abroad the answer was “because it’s too expensive to fly to America.” We finally made the move to America in July 2018 and over a year later we have only…
St. Martin’s Day – Czech Thanksgiving
While the Chinese celebrate their singleness, Americans enjoy a day off in remembrance of veterans, Czechs are busy stuffing their faces with goose on November 11th.
Chinese “Singles’ Day” on 11/11 is like Black Friday
Happy singles day! Although I am not currently single, I can’t promise you that my husband won’t file for divorce once he sees how much I bought today. Why do I always become a crazy shopaholic on November 11th? Because AliExpress, my favorite place to shop, has everything on sale! To make things even better,…
Human Digestion System – From the Food’s Perspective
Hello, my name is Sally, and I am a chicken and vegetable salad. I am quite a nutritious salad, full of spinach, peppers, onions, sesame seeds and grilled chicken. Though I’ve enjoyed my time in the salad bowl, it’s time for what I was made for- to be eaten and digested by Isaac! Isaac likes to get…
Plant-based is NOT a Synonym for Healthy
I began my plant-based (or vegan) journey over two years ago. In that time, so many alternative products have hit the markets and now you can buy vegan ice cream, pizza and even cheese at most grocery stores. Since changing my diet, I have actually gained about 20 pounds by eating the wrong kind of…
Bali Tourist Traps – Fake “Traditional” Villages
Bali was one of the coolest places I have ever visited! It was a tropical paradise, everything was affordable and the food was delicious. One of my only disappointments on the trip was the time wasted at tourist traps that were pretending to be traditional villages. These so-called villages are mentioned in all the tour…
Plant-Based Eating Tips: Infographics
Plant-based eating is very trendy right now and it can be a little confusing to start. When switching to a plant-based diet it’s important to keep track of your macros and make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need! There are plenty of guides online, but what I found particularly helpful are these…
Why I Spent $79 on Gum – My Zero-Waste Journey
Today, my $79 piece of gum has finally arrived! It is a fancy chew, imported from Switzerland and the second main ingredient to xylitol are actual flakes of 23 carat gold. It’s created by the same people who invented the $1,000 ice cream Sunday made with gold. You can pick up your jaws off the floor…
Camping on the Great Wall of China
It was three years ago that we went camping on the Great Wall of China. It is an experience that I think about often for two reasons, because: 1. It was a unique and once in a life time trip that was absolutely amazing. 2. It rained overnight and we were only able to actually…
The Geography of Rhode Island
Encompassing only 1.212 square miles, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is the smallest of the United States of America. Despite its size, it has a rich history, fascinating geography, and a diverse population of plants, animals and people. Rhode Island‘s landscape as we know it today was formed, along with much of New England‘s, by glacial erosion….
Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson: Book Review
One of my most recent reads has been Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson. It is basically the psychological thriller version of 50 First Dates. Except instead of a young woman going to the same diner every morning, Christine is waking up in a house that she doesn’t recognize next to a man that she…
Czech Halloween – Dusicky & Anti-Vampire Measures for the Dead
Czech Halloween (Dusicky) and the reason Czechs take “anti-vampire” measures with their corpses…
Why I Traded in my Pixel 3 for an iPhone 11
I traded in my Pixel 3 for the iPhone 11 to play Tiny Wings. Just kidding, there’s more to it than that…
Traditional Ukrainian Halloween: Veles Night
Ukrainian Halloween is all about Veles, the pagan god of art, music, poetry, beauty, talent, happiness and love.
What is National Novel Writing Month?
Happy Halloween everyone! I hope your day will be fun and only the the good kind of scary. Speaking of fear, I have just signed up for my second round of NaNoWriMo to push myself to finish my novel. Since I know many people with writing aspirations, I’d like to share this in hopes of…
Fall Activities at Salisbury Farm: RI 2019
October is one of the best times to be in New England. People all over the country and even from abroad come to see the spectacular foliage. Being new to Rhode Island and still somewhat new to the USA, I have been looking forward to this for a long time. Naturally, all the typical fall…
I Puked on Mt. Everest: Altitude Sickness 101
I went to Tibet two years ago back when I lived in Shanghai, China. Recently it has been coming up in my Facebook memories and looking back, I see that I only posted about the good and happy moments of the trip. Although it was a positive experience that I would be happy to relive…
Vegan Guide to Block Island, RI: 2018
While the Oyster Bar’s half-shell platters and Winfield’s award-winning clam chowder are Block Island staples, local restaurants also cater to the growing vegan community. Vegan diets that exclude all animal products including meat, fish, dairy and eggs have been on the rise. The main motivations for a vegan lifestyle are health, animal welfare and the environment. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based options all over the Island! Breakfast: Start the day…
Plastic is Scary: Green Halloween Costumes & Decorations
Single use plastic has found its way into every fiber of modern life (pun intended). Micro plastic can now be found in over 90% of birds, in virtually every fish and even in bacteria that lives in the darkest caves in the depths of the vast ocean. It can be found in our stores, homes,…
Revival Brewing Company: Delicious Craft Beer & More
Yesterday, on October 25th, 2019, Revival Brewing Company celebrated Halloween, their 8th anniversary and crew birthdays all at once. I had originally planned on having a quiet Friday in, but this was one event I just couldn’t miss. I discovered the Revival Tasty Room & Brewery simply because it was one of the closest breweries…
Don’t Scare the Planet on Halloween – Pumpkin Recycling & Other Uses
Carving pumpkins and consuming everything pumpkin-spiced are among my favorite October activities. I embrace the basic status and I don’t hold back. But I also take on the season with the environment in mind. This means that I bring my to-go cup for that PSL and I don’t let a single bit of pumpkin go…
ThredUp: My New Shopping Addiction
ThredUp combines my two favorite things: eco (and wallet) friendly clothes plus online shopping! I have no idea how they keep up with demand and I don’t understand how they can afford to sell clothes for as cheap as $2… but I’ve just received my first order of 24 fabulous pieces of clothing that is…
Smiley the Beach Dog: Rockaway Beach NYC (YouTube)
Rockaway Beach is a great place to take your family, including your fur babies! You can only bring dogs here during the off season but it’s so worth it! Check out this happy boy on the beach for the very first time.
Reykjavik View from Hallgrímskirkja Church
Reykjavik is a quiet little city and the Hallgrímskirkja Church is the main landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Check out our video about the church and the view from the observatory.
It’s Official: We’re Moving!
Sorry for the delay in blogging! I got carried away with our move. I will resume writing posts every other day! The content of The Travel Bug Bite will keep changing and evolving. Prepare for more DIY home projects, less New York and more Rhode Island – our new home starting end of May.
$2.75 Ferry in New York City
There are many fancy cruises you can take in NYC! You can also just take a one hour ferry ride for just $2.75. Check it out:
Cape May, New Jersey: DJI Mavic Air
Droning over a lighthouse in Cape May, New Jersey with the DJI Mavic Air!
36 Hour Layover in Iceland (Winter)
The best way to spend 36 hours in Iceland (winter time)!
Smiley in Central Park (Video)
Our rescue pit bull Smiley took on the most iconic park in New York City!
Droning on Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island, Rhode Island is an amazing spot to fly our DJI Mavic Air!
The New York Mycological Society
There are strict rules about foraging anything in state parks and city parks. The laws aren’t clear at all, so it’s always best to ask someone more experienced. Whenever we go picking mushrooms, we bring a towel/picnic blanket to drape over the basket just in case.
Tourist in Pripyat – Visiting the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (Part 2)
You have to see it to believe it – Almost falling backwards in an attempt to get a good photo, my jaw dropped as the guide explained that for a while, conspiracy theorists thought that these Duga radar devices were used by the USSR as a means of weather and mind control.
Dog Videos Coming to The Travel Bug Bite
Smiley the rescue Avocadog is famous on the Dodo already but he’s hungry for more!
One World Trade Observatory: New York City
The One World Trade Center has one of the best views of New York City!
Tourist in Pripyat – Visiting the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (Part 1)
I anxiously kept my eyes glued to Google Maps. What would it be like? What would the city be like, once a bustling Soviet metropolis of 50,000 people, now a wasteland – abandoned in a moment during the disaster in 1986?
2018 Adventures: 10 Countries & 20 Places (Video)
In 2018 we visited 20 unique destinations in 10 different countries!
5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Chernobyl
There are lots of homeless dogs living around the check points in Chernobyl and the general vicinity. These dogs are no more radioactive than the ones you’ll see around Kyiv.
Bezzikapa Illustrations by Kate
I think I always wanted to be an artist. I even went to art school, but for a long time I wasn’t considering it as a serious carrier, somehow. Couple of years ago, I realized that I’m not happy with what I’m doing…
What’s it like to live in Ukraine?
Two expats talk about what it’s like to live in Ukraine and what they do or don’t like!
Everyfelt: My Etsy Store Got a Makeover!
Everyfelt sells the coolest food themed earrings!
Free Coffee in NYC: Pret A Manger
In case you were wondering, yes, they do have pumpkin spice lattes that can be vegan or not! There’s nothing basic about enjoying some pumpkin spice in the fall time! *glares at haters*
Chinese New Year Parade in Manhattan, NYC
The highlight of the day for me was two dogs, a husky and a golden retriever dressed in traditional golden Chinese lion uniforms. Just like the ones that are worn for the lion dance!
Best Vegan Food in China Town, NYC: Bodhi Kosher
On our way in I saw sashimi in the display window and I was disappointed that we weren’t in an all-vegan restaurant. It turned out that the sashimi was vegan too! Another customer who had lived in New York her whole life told us that it was her favorite place in the city.
Cheap Ferries with Great Views of New York
Depending on the time and day of the week, it can be faster to take the ferry than the subway to get from lower Manhattan to Brooklyn. After a day of exploring New York a few weeks ago, we did just that. We managed to get on the last boat of the day and made it to Dumbo in less than five minutes. From there, we got to enjoy a beautiful view of the city…
Patriots Punished in Northern Cyprus: A Modern Day Political Occupation
Koray Basdogrultmaci and Cinel Senem Husseyin, a Turkish-Speaking Cypriot couple, were charged for hanging the Cyprus Republic’s flag outside their home and shop in Famagusta in June 2013. They were arrested and put in jail on June 21st 2013 and their original trial was postponed until June 11th 2014. “Northern Cyprus is legally part of…
November 17th 2014 – Romanians and Czechs Choose Democracy
In London, Madalina stood yesterday in the queue outside the Romanian Embassy for eleven hours and was among the last group of ten voters to be allowed into the Embassy to vote – with thousands left outside who were not able to vote…
A Quick Trip to Vietnam… Without Leaving Prague
Anyone living in Prague today knows that this city is practically littered with Potravinys, Vecerkas and a variety of Vietnamese owned stores and restaurants. The Vietnamese began building a community here during the communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia: they worked in machine-building and light industries while students studied in technical fields, Czech literature, some…
Home in Hilo – Hawaii Travel
I didn’t know much about Hilo before coming here, but it didn’t take long to fall in love with it. The culture shock began on campus, where strangers said hello to me left and right and a friendly cleaning lady asked me to call her “Aunty.” Five weeks later the various aspects of the laidback nature of…
Flying with Germanwings – Budget Travel in Europe
When I decided to spend a few days of my summer vacation visiting my friend in Germany, I knew there were several different options for getting there: by car, bus or train. Looking for the cheapest one I stumbled upon Germanwings, a German airline offering roundtrip tickets for 1,500 CZK.
Experiencing UH Hilo – Hawaii Travel
Being Ukrainian and growing up in the Czech Republic, I came to Hawaii with my head full of expectations and uneducated stereotypes. My home university, Anglo American, happened to have an exchange program in University of Hawai’I at Hilo.
UHH Students Help Watershed Project
The Kohala Watershed Partnership is dedicated to helping rid of non-native species and helping those that are native strive. Every month volunteers go to the mountain to do a variety of tasks from planting trees to sterilizing those that shouldn’t be there.
Living with Pets, Nika Kagui
I will never forget the day I came home from school to find a tiny puppy sitting on the stairs. With her big eyes, wet nose and chubby pink tummy, it only took Nika one second to make me fall in love with her. She made my whole family come alive and change.
Adolf Wölfli’s Crazy Controversial Art
Adolf Wölfli (1864 – 1930) a self-proclaimed Swiss artist, composer, writer, farm-laborer, soldier and much more was orphaned at the age of 10 after being both physically and sexually abused. He was sentenced after attempting to commit a pedophilic act and was eventually hospitalized in the Waldau Mental Asylum near Bern, Germany, where he spent nearly half his life. The Asylum was also the place where he developed his passion for creating art.
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