Dubai is one of the world’s most visited cities, thanks to its eclectic vibe with unmatched offerings. Rightly so, Dubai has the unique capability to satiate every interest, no matter you are here for its avant-garde modernity, fascinating culture, modest past, or multicultural ambience. In fact, there are manifold reasons to visit Dubai and here…
Tag: travel
First Day of Summer 2021: Making Eco-Friendly Resolutions
Today is the first full day of summer in 2021! The good news is that summer is officially in full swing. The bad news is, it is hotter than ever, and temperatures keep rising. It can feel like individuals can’t make a huge difference when it comes to global warming. However, we can all make…
10 Ways to Have an Eco-Friendly Summer Vacation – Youth Time Magazine
As we all gear up to travel again, we should not travel the same as before. So here are ways to go on vacation and look after our world. Summer is something we all look forward to, but many of us don’t realise the negative impacts of our basic vacation rituals. Consider turning over a…
Universal Yums Review: A Five Star International Snacks Subscription
After receiving three boxes, I am finally ready to write my Universal Yums review! As you may have guessed from the title, I give it five stars. So far, we have received Ukraine, Germany, and most recently, Spain. Although I only liked one snack out of the six in my Spanish box, I’ve been super…
Best Moet & Chandon Champagne Deal: $35 at Iggy’s, Oakland Beach, RI
Moet & Chandon champagne is the ultimate fancy celebratory drink, and we had a few things to celebrate last weekend. However, we did not go to Iggy’s at Oakland Beach in Rhode Island with champagne in mind. But when we saw it on the menu for $65, which is about how much you’d pay at…
Is TimeStope Legit? How to Make a Passive Income with Crypto
I am currently mining cryptocurrency with the Bee Network (olenaroosa), Pi Network (olenakagui), Midoin (olenakahujova3102,) and, most recently, TimeStope (olenakagui.) But one is not like the others. TimeStope screenshots can be seen all over the internet with a dollar value displayed next to the TIME number. This implies that it is already worth actual money and can be exchanged….
West Shore Coffee Bar in Oakland Beach, Warwick, Rhode Island
Last weekend we visited West Shore Coffee Bar and got our first taste of summer in 2021! Although they are called a coffee bar, they have a bit of everything. They serve craft beers, acai Bowls, less healthy meals, and even CBD oil alongside their delicious coffees. The staff was super friendly, and the food…
National Big Wind Day: Featuring Rhode Island’s Offshore Wind Farm
April 12th is National Big Wind Day here in the USA! Since moving closer to the ocean, I have experienced winds like never before! It also gave me a newfound appreciation for Rhode Island’s offshore wind farm. So I thought that today was a great day to talk about the power and potential of wind!…
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine – My Experience
The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has gotten a lot of press over the past few weeks. Lots of people have been wondering whether this single-dose vaccination is as safe and effective as the other two on the market from Pfizer-Biontech and Moderna. This article isn’t meant to weigh the pros and cons of this…
Ecosia Plants Trees: The Greener Way to Browse the Web
A few days ago I wrote about Google being carbon neutral since 2007. It made me realize that I somehow forgot to share the wonder that is Ecosia. Like Google, Ecosia is a web browser, except instead of being carbon neutral, it’s carbon negative. This means that instead of making up the carbon that they…
Long Motorcycle Trip? Follow These Smart Packing Hacks
Everybody loves going on long motorcycle trips because we all need a break sometimes! Without a doubt it is easier for people who ride motorcycles to plan their trips because they don’t need to worry about the traffic too much. They can just plan a weekend getaway and drive to the mountains to enjoy a…
Imbolc: What Is It & How to Celebrate?
Imbolc is also known as Imbolg and sometimes also called Brigid’s Day. It is a Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring. Traditionally, it is held on February 1st and it lands about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is celebrated throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man –…
Rocky Point, Rhode Island: History, Photos & Drone View
Rocky Point is a great spot in Rhode Island for a day trip. Today, it is a state park with almost 120 acres of land. One of the highlights for me was the pier that offers breathtaking views of the ocean. If you stay long enough, you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset and even a moonrise,…
MaxiClimber XL Vertical Climber: A Cardio Revolution
We got our MaxiClimber XL Vertical Climber (#affiliate) a few days ago. Assembly took about 30 minutes and was not a pain in our butts. The machine, however, was a pain in our butts, legs, arms, core and then some. Just as it’s supposed to be! My dreams of getting this machine and spending 30…
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen: Book Review
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen caught my eye while I was browsing new books to buy. I have already read The Wife Between Us that was co-written by the authors so I knew it would be good. While I found An Anonymous Girl really interesting and unique, there was something that…
Foraging Wild Mushrooms Class Class: Learn Your Land by Adam Haritan
A Foraging Wild Mushrooms Class can be a great way to learn more about mycology. I have picked wild mushrooms from a young age with the guidance of my parents. Without my dad by my side nodding if I find something edible or shaking his head if I have a poisonous lookalike in my basket,…
Fort Wetherill State Park: Jamestown Day Trip, Rhode Island
Fort Wetherill State Park is a great spot to visit in Jamestown Rhode Island. I wrote about it once before, but this time I did more research and even took a video. After exploring the bunker we also took a drone video of the sunset over the cliffs, you can find it at the end…
MUD\WTR: A Healthier Mushroom Coffee Alternative
Yesterday we talked about Four Sigmatic, a mushroom-infused coffee. MUD\WTR is a little different… with 1/7th the caffeine of coffee, mud gives you natural energy, focus and more without the jitters and crash. Spoiler alert: it is also delicous! The ingredients are simple: That is all! These simple ingredients can upgrade your morning routine. Can…
CAUSEBOX Winter Box 2020-2021: About the Products
The CAUSEBOX Winter Box showed up on my doorstep a few days ago! Somehow I had completely forgotten that it was on its way and I didn’t even think that I had personalized it. Looking back through my emails, it looks like I did in fact go through the customization process. Just like with the…
Sunwink: Alcohol-Free Cocktail to Try This Dry January
Dry January is a the perfect time to try some new alcohol alternatives such as Sunwink. As a Ukrainian-born Czech, drinking is part of my culture. Alcohol alternatives such as non-alcoholic beer are pretty much a joke in both my home countries. I really enjoy a good pint of beer, glass of wine and even…
Virtual Runs & Races: Motivational Medals & Communities
Running isn’t the first thing you think of as something that suffered due to COVID-19. Not only were gyms closed and outdoor activity limited, but organized races were canceled. Before I discovered virtual runs, I had already spent hundreds of dollars signing up for in-person races. Organized races are fun because of others participants. There…
Eat Lentils, Get Rich: Czech New Year Traditions
Czechs believe that you should eat lentils on New Year’s Day because they will bring you good fortune. There is a Czech saying that goes: “Jak na Nový rok, tak po celý rok” which translates as “As on New Year’s Day, the same throughout the whole year.” Many countries in Europe believe that the way…
Ollie’s Pub: A Local Warwick Sports Bar
Isaac and I discovered Ollie’s Pub coincidentally, while driving to the Conimicut Village post office in Warwick, Rhode Island. It looked like a great small local spot and there was a bully-looking dog in the logo. Since we moved a few months ago, we’ve been looking for a new go-to bar in the area and…
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins: Book Review
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins is the second book I’ve read by this author. My first, of course, was Girl on the Train. It was the first book I read with so many twists, and I was super excited to read more by Paula Hawkins. The first time I tried to read it, I…
Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens: Book Review
Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens was my third book by the author. My first book by Chevy Stevens was Those Girls and I found it too graphic for my tastes. Next I read Still Missing, which was still disturbing but not enough to turn me off. I ended up buying a whole bunch…
Overture by Skye Warren: North Security #1 – Book Review
I read Overture by Skye Warren back in December 2019 but I never got around to reviewing it. Part of me was embarrassed that I even read it, to be honest. Like many things that I buy, I discovered Skye Warren in a Facebook ad. While I am an avid reader, erotica is not my…
5 Good Cause Christmas Gifts: Presents that Give Back
Consider giving Good Cause Christmas Gifts this holiday season! Christmas is a great time to shower your loved ones with gifts that will make them smile. Most people love to give and receive gifts, but what if the gift itself brings happiness to even more people? There are many companies that donate some, if not…
Sunset Science: How Are The Colors Different Every Day?
Isaac and I recently moved to Oakland Beach in Rhode Island, where sunsets are particularly beautiful. Every day there is a pretty spectacular sunset and the colors are different every day. But what determines the color? How exactly do sunsets work? What conditions are necessary for the perfect sunset? Let’s find out! What is a…
National Absurdity Day: November 20th
While social media is full of arguments on whether it is too early to decoration for Christmas, let’s spend today celebrating National Absurdity Day! How does one embrace this absurd holiday? Absurdly… duh! Put on that silly hat, dance around your home naked, do all those crazy things you’ve always wanted to do. As long…
Monthly Earring Mania: Earring Subscription as a Christmas Gift
I created Monthly Earring Mania because I am obsessed with fun subscription boxes. They have done irreparable damage to my wallet, so I wanted to make my subscription as affordable as possible. I decided to start my subscription when I discovered CrateJoy while working on an article about 99 monthly subcription boxes! It took me…
5 Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts for Zero-Waste Fans
Christmas is a stressful time for people who are into a more eco-friendly lifestyle. It is hard for us to try and find Eco-Friendly Christmas gifts for friends and family that they will love that won’t harm the environment. We are also worried that we will get something that is awesome but will end up…
Cotton vs. Bamboo: Which Is Better for the Planet & You?
The cotton vs bamboo discussion has been ongoing for years. But to be completely honest, there is very little to debate. Bamboo is 100% better for the environment and for your body. Let’s rewind a little and go back to when I received a cute cotton bathrobe from CAUSEBOX. I was so excited about everything…
Marie Kondo: Is She a Hypocrite? KonMari Method vs. Store.
Before I get yelled at for speaking negatively about Marie Kondo, let me start by saying that I love her. I don’t quite remember when I first heard about the queen of organization and minimalism. It was after she published her first book in 2011 but before her show came out on Netflix. Despite, or…
ASMR: What Is It? Why Some Love It While Others Hate It?
I first heard of ASMR a couple of years ago via the viral breadfacing videos (see below). While the concept of breadfacing is still a mystery to me, I have learned more about ASMR. Basically, it signifies the subjective experience of “low-grade euphoria” characterized by “a combination of positive feelings and a distinct static-like tingling…
Plant-Based Sushi Options: Vegan Rolls, Nigiri & More
Sushi is one of those surprising foods that is known for it’s raw fish, yet has a lot of plant-based sushi options. Even in the most famous Japanese restaurants in Ginza, the menu will offer completely vegan rolls. The typical ones are cucumber and avocado. Of course, there are also restaurants that offer explusive vegan…
Qwerkywriter: Typewriter-Style Bluetooth Keyboard
I don’t know many writers who don’t dream of typing out their thoughts on an typewriter. These romantic ideas are not always practical and I experienced this first hand. Now, I’m ready to sell my pretty but rusty typwriter that weighs as much as a bag of bricks. Thanks to Qwerkywriter, I can have the…
FabFitFun Winter Box: Customization & Add-Ons
I ordered my FabFitFun Winter Box on a whim after already ordering a CAUSEBOX. It did earn me a “do you really need both?” lecture from my husband who wishes he married Marie Kondo instead. However, this is not only a fun box full of heavily discounted lifestyle items that will spruce up my life…
CAUSEBOX Fall Welcome Box – Thorough Review and Item Investigation
A week ago I received my CAUSEBOX Fall Welcome Box. I have seen ads for CAUSEBOX for years and I was super excited to finally order one. Unfortunately, I chose the worst time to do it and it took the box weeks to get to me because I had moved and was unable to forward…
Hotel Living, Working & Etsy During COVID-19
Hotel living sounds like it should be amazing, at least to me. Why? Probably because I love travel and grew up watching Gossip Girl where Serena lives in a fancy hotel. Despite booking a cheap 2-star hotel for an eight-day stay while we finalized the paperwork to buy a new house, I was excited. Free…
After the Fire by Will Hill: Book Review
After the Fire by Will Hill is a book that I knew little about when I picked it up. Somehow, it ended up right on theme with all my latest reads. Cults and fires are popular literary topics! This was one of the books that I saw advertised on Goodreads and bought without looking at…
Canva.com: Great Resource for Bloggers, YouTubers & More
Canva.com is an amazing resource for bloggers, YouTubers and other content creators. I am baffled that I only discovered it a few months ago. If you follow my blog, you’ll have seen the changes. For just $9.95/month if billed annually, you can create these amazing designs. I have only begun exploring all that Canva has…
New MacBook Air Upgrade: Expectations, Reality & Disappointments
I got the new MacBook Air #affiliate after my 2014 MacBook Air decided to shut down on me for no apparent reason – five times in a row. Since I use my laptop for work, I absolutely couldn’t end up without one so I finally bit the bullet. Normally, I’d save up for a $1,000…
kencko: Instant Organic Smoothies – Just Add Water
I love smoothies but I hate the mess, wasted food and taking out the large blender – that’s where kencko can make life simpler! Basically, they grinds up fruits and veggies into a powder that comes in compostable single-serving packets. They don’t use any preservatives or even artificial coloring and the smoothies are beautiful, delicious…
Grove Collaborative – Cleaning Products & Free Gift Set
Grove Collaborative is basically a subscription of natural household and personal care products. For those averted to subscriptions, you can also buy individual products on their website. Or, if you’re subscribed, you can add or remove products as needed – plus you can pause your subscription if you don’t use up all your products in…
Crafted on the Cape – Cape May Brewing Co
Crafted on the Cape is a great brewery located in Cape May, New Jersey. We happened to visit Cape May on a gloomy rainy day and we couldn’t enjoy the beautiful beaches. With a few hours to kill between visiting the light house and going whale watching, we discovered Crafted on the Cape! Did I…
Whale & Dolphin Watching in Cape May, New Jersey
Isaac and I went whale & dolphin watching in Cape May, New Jersey around two years ago. When it showed up in my memories, I was shocked that I haven’t already written about it. Better late than never, right? Cape May is known for its whale and dolphin spotting! The Cape May Whale Watch &…
Daily Harvest Review: 5-Minute Prep Meals for $5.99+
I have been so excited to do this Daily Harvest review ever since we got our box! My husband, Isaac, and I have never been busier than we are today. We wake up at 5 am most days and get straight to work until the moment we pass out around 10 pm. This doesn’t leave…
Pick Shaming: Mushroom Hunting Dos & Don’ts
Social media brings out the worst in people and pick shaming is common in mushroom picking or foraging groups. Just like anything that you post today, you may experience backlash. It happens if you post a photo of a dog, baby, recipe, literally anything can set off a keyboard warrior. Two days ago, my blog…
Birch Polypore Mushroom: Disgustingly Healthy Tea
The birch polypore mushroom is an incredibly easy to identify mushroom with some miraculous health properties. Fomitopsis betulina, commonly known as the birch polypore, birch bracket, or razor strop, is a common bracket fungus. As the name suggests, grows almost exclusively on birch trees. The brackets burst out from the bark of the tree, and…
Thermal Label Printers Save Money, Time & the Environment
Thermal Label Printers have been on my radar for quite some time. But I was hesitant to get one for my growing Etsy business. Why? I wanted my store to be as eco-friendly as possible and the $168 printer that I was considering seemed like it would create a lot of plastic waste. Yes, I…
The Cliff Walk: Scenic 3.5 Mile Path – Newport, Rhode Island
The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island is probably the single most scenic walk in this state, if not the entire East Coast. It is 3.5 miles of seaside path – sometimes on smooth pavement, other times rocks. I 100% recommend coming a little later in the day so that you get to enjoy a…
The Pub at Matunuck: Beach Dining, Rhode Island
We ate and drank at The Pub at Matunuck this past weekend. Our friend Patrick wanted to check out the surf but the rest of us wanted to stay out of the freezing water. Isaac, Jenn and I wanted to find a spot to relax while still watching the surfers. It was a super busy…
Renting a Sailboat in Newport: Rhode Island
Renting a sailboat in Newport is a great way to spend a day enjoying all the most beautiful ocean views. Keep in mind that this is for people who know how to sail already; it’s not like a paddle or row boat. A lot of skill is involved and they will test you beforehand. Plus,…
Tavern By The Sea: Historic Wickford, Rhode Island
Tavern By The Sea is a great spot located in the historic village of Wickford, my new favorite spot in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. We discovered the Tavern By The Sea by coincidence, while waiting for a spot to open up at Gooseneck Vineyards for a wine tasting. If we had more time, we would…
The Oxford Comma is Unsightly, Redundant, and Makes People Lazy
The Oxford Comma is something that I feel strongly about. At school, I was taught that it was optional and my teachers never penalized me for not using it in essays. That could have been it for me and the Oxford Comma, but then I decided that I was passionate about writing. So suddenly, here…
Apple Picking at Narrow Lane Orchard: Rhode Island
Apple picking is a fun fall-time activity popular for families all across the USA. I had always wanted to go but never got the chance until September 13th, 2020! Finally I found a cool spot to go pick some apples, Narrow Lane Orchard. It was an unexpected experience that I’d like to share. Apple Picking…
Gooseneck Vineyards: Wickford, Rhode Island
Gooseneck Vineyards was started by two cousins who have a simple life philosophy. They believe that doing what they love and loving what they do is essential to their being. Isaac and I visited Gooseneck Vineyards last week and we were surprised at how small the space was. Our first question was, ‘Where is the…
A Cucumber Can Cure Cellulite: Weird Food Facts
The mighty cucumber is a fascinating food item. I say food item because there is a debate on whether it is a fruit or a vegetable. Kind of like the tomato… although if you ask Google then there’s no question. Google doesn’t have time for your fruit vs. veggie debate. But it is more important…
99 Monthly Subscriptions You Don’t Need but Probably Want
Monthly subscriptions are everywhere these days and available for just about anything. Somehow over the past few years, companies realized a great money maker. Give people a free box or a discount on something cool, then hope you can no longer imagine life without receiving it regularly. Some monthly subscriptions make perfect sense, like coffee,…
National Make Your Bed Day: September 12th
National Make Your Bed Day seems like a very silly holiday. To be honest, I only make my bed when I have company over. At a Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program, participants learn that the sleep environment is a major component of a restful night’s sleep. In a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, people…
10 Facts About Chickens That Will Blow Your Mind
This past weekend I got to learn some facts about chickens while visiting a new friend who loves birds. You should follow her on Instagram. Along with her son, she taught us so much about chickens! It was a wonderful experience and now we’re considering getting chickens ourselves. They are cute, smart and so much…
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes: Book Review
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes is the second book I read by the author. Yes, I am one of those weird people who happened to read The Arsonist first. I loved it so much that I bought this book immediately. Since all of the reviews on her other book complained that…
National Ampersand Day: Celebrating “&”
Today is National Ampersand Day! As a blogger, I have a deep appreciation & love for the ampersand. It is more than just a useful shorthand. It makes article titles look neater & it looks great in my Canva-made featured imaged. In fact, wouldn’t it be great if we scrapped the word ‘and’ altogether &…
Mulberry Vineyards: Historic Chepachet, RI
The Mulberry Vineyards are located in historic Chepachet in Glocester, Rhode Island. We discovered this great spot due to a recommendation from friends who live in the area. We arrived on a beautiful day, with a large crowd sitting at a safe distance on chairs and blankets brought from home. There was live music by…
Labor Day: History of the Holiday
Tomorrow, Monday, September 7th, people all over the USA will celebrate Labor Day. In fact, the entire long weekend is festive and companies use this occasion to offer sales on their products as well as services. But what do you really know about the history of this holiday? Other than the fact that it takes…
Green Sand Beach: The Big Island, Hawaii
Visiting the Green Sand Beach was one of my top 10 experiences in Hawaii. I spent four months living there as part of a study-abroad program but somehow, I never wrote much about it. Today, as I get my annual Facebook reminders about being in Hawaii this time eight years ago, I was inspired. So…
Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours: Rhode Island
Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours only river based tour boat on the James River at Jamestown Island. Their U.S.C.G. Certified pontoon boat is able to accommodate up to 28 passengers, however we only had 8 others on the boat with us. We had to keep our masks on throughout the ride except when we enjoyed our…
Fort Wetherill State Park: Abandoned Military Base in RI
Fort Wetherill State Park is located in a scenic part of Jamestown, Rhode Island. After turning my nose at seeing some old bunkers (they may as well grow on trees in my home country), I finally agreed to make the trip. Now, this may be one of my favorite places in Rhode Island. First, there…
Waterfall in West Warwick: River Walk, RI
There is a waterfall in West Warwick! When I moved to this town, I was excited about the central RI location and affordable houses. A beautiful waterfall and a scenic River Walk were a great bonus! The River Walk also offers a view of the Royal Mills Riverpoint Apartments. But I’ll get to those in…
Photography 101: Cheap Tools for Aspiring Photographers
Photography 101: in a world where most people have a smartphone, there are many people who dabble in photography. I am one of those people. In the past I had a DSLR and even enjoyed organizing a few super amateur photo exhibitions. Finally, I decided to step it up and actually learn about photography! While…
15 Creepy Places to Visit this Fall: Haunted Halloween
Yes, it’s still August but I’m already thinking of all the creepy places to visit this fall! Although, when I say visit, I don’t necessarily mean in person. It is my goal to see all of these places at least once when it’s safe to travel again. Until then I will plan, research, and tell…
Independence Day of Ukraine: August 24th, 2020
Independence Day of Ukraine takes place on August 24th, 2020, one day after Ukrainian Flag Day! Independence Day of Ukraine is the main state holiday in modern Ukraine, celebrated on 24 August in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991. That’s a year before I was born! Is it appropriate now to show off…
Ukrainian Flag Day: August 23rd
Today is Ukrainian Flag Day! It is celebrated annually on August 23rd. It was on the day of dawn of independence in 1990 that a blue-yellow flag was hoisted above the capital’s city administration. After the failure of the coup in Moscow on August 23, 1991, a group of Ukrainian MPs brought a blue and yellow flag…
15 Octopus Facts: 8 Tentacles, 3 Hearts, 9 Brains
These octopus facts show just how fascinating these creatures are. Despite my love for all things cuddly, especially dogs, the octopus is my favorite animal. Although surprisingly, they have a lot in common with each other, but I’ll get into that in just a bit. Octopuses (not octopi!) are interesting animals and there is so…
10 Pumpkin Scented & Flavored Things
After three heatwaves this summer, pumpkin scented and flavored things have a bigger appeal than usual. As September slowly approaches, a pumpkin spice latte sounds more necessary than basic! Although it is difficult to picture the humidity disappearing and the leaves turning colorful, fall is just around the corner. Normally, I try to hold on…
10 Czech Cities To Visit From Prague
There are many great Czech cities to visit. This beautiful country may be small, but it has a lot more to offer than it’s amazing capital city of Prague. Plus, because it’s so small, you can get to all of these places hassle-free. Rent a car or get a super affordable bus ticket and explore…
National Roller Coaster Day: August 16th
National Roller Coaster Day takes place annually on August 16th. This is a popular time for people to visit theme parks and enjoy their favorite ride. Even though that might not be possible today, we can still celebrate roller coasters from a distance. Plus, there are some fascinating facts about these large metal beasts that…
World Honey Bee Day: Raising Awareness
World Honey Bee Day is celebrated globally on the third Saturday of August. On the surface, bees seem like one of your typical insects, however, bees have been declared the most important living beings on this planet. That’s right, not just the most important insect, THE most important LIVING BEING. And their rapidly declining population…
Burčák: Why Do Czech’s Drink Wine Before It’s “Ready”?
Burčák, also known as young wine, is a popular late summer/early fall beverage in various European countries. But Burčák is not just young – it is partially-fermented wine in an earlier stage of production. Czechs feel strongly about the six-week Burčák season and some even believe that it is healthiest to drink at least seven…
National Prosecco Day: August 13th
National Prosecco Day takes places every year during the middle of August. It is supposed to remind us to relax, sip a chilled delicious beverage and enjoy what is left of summer! It is a super popular beverage all over the world and by the end of 2020, the worldwide consumption of Prosecco is expected to…
Switching Homes: Unexpected Hurdles When Buying & Selling
Switching homes can be extremely exciting, but also quite stressful. As a homeowner, you think you already know a lot of the things you will need – gotta get your documents in order, you’ll have to contact an agent, and you’ll need to have a lender in mind to get a new mortgage. When my…
Antoine Repessé: Motivational Zero-Waste Photography
Antoine Repessé made a big impact on my life with his photography of the daily waste that regular people create. I was completely unaware of the effect of my consumerism until about three years ago when I met a group of passionate zero-waste individuals in Shanghai. Around the same time I coincidentally discovered Antoine Repessé’s…
Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman: Book Review
Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman was on my ‘to read’ list ever since I read her first book, Something in the Water. So apparently people have given the author a hard time because Catherine Steadman is originally an English actress. She is best known for playing Mabel Lane Fox in series 5 of ITV drama…
10 Nautical Decor Items for Your Beach House
Nautical decor items can get a bad rap because they can be kitschy. But I am moving to a house by the beach and I don’t care what anyone says, I will have some nautical decor items all over the place! Whether you are decorating a beach house, a house that you wish was a…
10 Tips for Etsy Sellers to Boost Sales
These 10 tips for Etsy sellers can help you if you are just starting a store or hoping to boost your existing business. A year ago I would have laughed at the idea of giving Etsy advice to others. I started my store in November 2018 and I didn’t hit 100 sales until May 17,…
Middle of Nowhere Diner: Rhode Island
The Middle of Nowhere Diner is located, as the name suggest, in the middle of nowhere. My husband Isaac and I discovered it on our way back from a hike at Step Stone Falls. Yesterday, I wrote about the Next to Nowhere Creamery, a place that serves delicious ice cream. It is located right next…
NUGGS 2.0: Vegan Chicken Nugget Review & Comparison
A year ago I tried an older version of NUGGS. I wanted to love them, but my honest opinion was that they tasted like cardboard. The only thing was, I prepared them without any oil in the air-fryer, so that could have been a big reason I hated them so much. So when I got…
Walk 10,000 Steps a Day: Random or Healthy?
Walking 10,000 steps a day is always on the list of things to do to be healthier. 10,000 steps is also the standard goal setting on most fitness trackers and watches. Distance-wise, 10,000 steps is between six and seven kilometres if you are walking – at least that’s what my Apple Series Watch tells me….
John L. Curran State Park & Management Area: Rhode Island
John L. Curran State Park & Management Area is a hidden gem located in Cranston, Rhode Island. Isaac and I discovered it the way we discover most cool parks. We searched our house on Google maps and zoomed out until we found a green spot. We saw the two ponds, got in the car and…
5 Health Benefits of Living Near the Water
Many people enjoy or dream of living by the water. There are many reasons to like being close to water *cue Moana singing*. However, there are even more health benefits of living near the water! Swarms of mosquito and fear of hurricanes aside, there are many reasons why living by the ocean or a lake…
Run Motivators: Pizza, Pizza! 40K Challenge
Run Motivators is one of my go-to companies for virtual races. They have amazing medals, really fun challenges and a great support team. Although I have written about many other virtual race companies, this one was actually one of the first I bought a medal from. I ordered my Pizza, Pizza! 40K Challenge medal several…
Word Genius: Daily Vocab Expander
Word Genius sends me an email or two every day. I waste a lot of time clearing spam and emails that I once thought I’d want to subscribe to. However, I always open and enjoy my emails from Word Genius. You can subscribe to get a word a day and I feel like I have…
10 Celebrities that Eat Bugs
Celebrities that eat bugs don’t all do it for the right reason. Which is a shame, because celebrities are often trendsetters in today’s society. Like it or not, famous people can have a lot of influence even if one doesn’t read celeb gossip magazines. Now, I am a big fan of entomophagy because it is…
Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris: Book Review
Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris was my third book by this author. Of course, I started with Behind Closed Doors, then devoured The Breakdown and finally got Bring Me Back delivered to my doorstep. Sans yellow Russian dolls, I already had a bunch of those laying around. You’ll get it when you read the…
Pickles Made Cleopatra Beautiful: Weird Food Facts
Pickles are a staple in many people’s homes. They are a popular hangover food in Ukraine, a fun street food in the USA when deep-fried and Cleopatra ate them as part of her beauty regime. Did I just say Cleopatra? Yes. Pickles have been around for a ridiculously long time. Some believe the first pickle…
Chicken of the Woods: Easy to Identify Mushrooms
Chicken of the Woods is an amazing mushroom that is known for its taste. Somehow, it tastes exactly like chicken! Sure, they say that about everything but it’s not just the flavor, it’s also the looks and texture. If you follow my blog then you may be feeling some déjà vu. Beware, chicken of the…
Jan Hus Day: Anniversary of Martyrdom
The name Jan Hus may not ring a bell to too many people who haven’t lived in the Czech Republic. Every year on July 6th, Czechs celebrate the day that he was burned at the stake in 1415. As shocking as it sounds, Czech history is full of macabre stories and holidays. To be fair,…
Ellis Artistic Wonders: $3 ‘Bad’ Pet Portraits
Ellis Artistic Wonders popped up on my Facebook newsfeed while I scrolled through adorable photos of dogs. It is not uncommon for artists to show off their work and accept commissions. This particular artist, however, stood out because she was creating simple sketches that she dubbed ‘bad pet portraits.’ I have been thinking of commissioning…
Fingerprinted Hearts by Amy Spitzfaden: Book Review
Fingerprinted Hearts by Amy Spitzfaden is an amazing book that has a little bit of everything. Love, friendship, family bonds and, of course, strong inspiring female characters. This was my second novel by Amy Spitzfaden and I really enjoyed it. I binge books and have read at least 150 since I have read Fingerprinted Hearts….
July 4th: Fun Facts About America’s Biggest Holiday
July 4th is arguably the biggest holiday in America. It celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Essentially, it is the birthday of the United States of America as an independent nation. The declaration was signed on July 4th in 1776, a reminder of just how young this country really is! But I’m not…
Live Concerts and Fireworks: Youth Time Magazine
Summer is finally here, and it wouldn’t be complete without music, concerts, and performances. In the USA, the first weekend of the month begins with various 4th of July performances in celebration of American Independence Day. This month you can look forward to free virtual events that feature various genres of music and unique shows…
National Day: Fried Clams, Chocolate Wafer & Beans
Every day is a national something today. Some days it’s not just one something. Today, for example, is a very confusing day. On July 3rd we’re supposed to be healthy and eat beans but also fried clams as well as chocolate wafers. A balanced diet involves a little bit of everything, right? Let me tell…
The Cabin by Natasha Preston: Book Review
The Cabin by Natasha Preston was a much anticipated read for me. I skipped seven books on my “read next” list after I loved The Cellar so much. Maybe I set the bar too high or I wasn’t in the right mood, but I really didn’t like this book. One of the things I hated…
Over-Reliance on Tech: Youth Time Magazine
We humans rely on technology to wake us up in the morning, remind us of our appointments, and to keep us connected to the rest of the world. Technology can bring a lot of convenience into our lives. But it can also make us rely a little too much on our phones, tablets, laptops, and…
Dice Facts: Oldest Gaming Implements Known to Man
Dice facts: dice are defined as small, throwable objects with marked sides that can rest in multiple positions. Although a traditional dice has six sides, the record number of sides is a whopping 120! But that’s not even the most interesting thing about them. Turns out that they are so old that they pre-date recorded…
The Dinner by Herman Koch: Book Review
Reading The Dinner by Herman Koch was an interesting literary as well as culinary experience. It was a unique read because the entire story took place over one dinner. The entire book is even split into courses: aperitif, appetizer, main course, dessert and digestif. The story itself is different and unexpected from anything else I…
Camp Nowhere, RI: $3 Food & Drinks
After being cooped up at home for months, a trip to Block Island broke our stay-at-home seal. While staying at home is still the safest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people are beginning to go stir-crazy. While it is still best to stick to outdoor activities like hiking, there are pubs like Camp…
Planning a Trip is Good For You Even if You Don’t Go
A few days ago I read a blog post that listed some strange statistics. It claimed that 80% of people were so stressed to plan a trip that they would rather cancel it to avoid said stress. Now don’t get me wrong, I have felt stress while planning trips… but I’d like to share some…
The Breakdown by B.A. Paris: Book Review
The Breakdown by B.A. Paris is my second book by the author of one of the most disturbing books I’ve read. Behind Closed Doors was an intense book full of darkness and twists. I expected no less from The Breakdown. It wasn’t quite as crazy but I may have set the bar too high. It…
Motorcycle Tips for Women: Interview with Ichico
When I picture a typical motorcycle rider, I imagine a big, muscular, tattooed man with a bushy beard and probably some piercings. Ichico breaks that stereotype and has been riding since she was just 22 years old. She went from getting a license for a middle class (~400cc) bike to racing 200km/h (125m/h) on the…
Job Opportunities in Space: Youth Time Magazine
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars.” This is one of Les Brown’s most famous quotes. Although it was used by the well-known motivational speaker to encourage us to dream big, it is now a literal possibility for humans to work or even live in space. Between…
ShadowQuillsInk: Editing Services & More
Creating content is an art and a skill. It takes talent, ambition, and a genuine love for breaking new grounds. But it’s also difficult, competitive, and utterly unforgiving to new creators, making it one of the hardest fields to break into. Especially online. That’s why ShadowQuillsInk is devoted to bringing indie creators together in one…
Block Island, RI: Visiting During a Pandemic
Isaac and I have been extremely careful since we first heard about the COVID-19. We stopped going out even before the lock-down and have done our best to stay away from people on our weekend hikes that kept us sane. After such long months of being stuck at home, we finally had a reason to…
Harry Potter Read by Daniel Radcliffe – FREE
This is not a drill! I repeat, this. Is. Not. A. Drill. Daniel Radcliffe recorded himself reading the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone. But that’s not all! Other celebs will be reading other chapters in the book, and it’s completely free. The audio is available on Spotify but you can…
Sushi Began as Cheap Fast Food: Weird Food Facts
Yesterday, June 18th, was International Sushi Day! I don’t normally celebrate these holidays because there’s something like this happening literally every day. If I ate whatever food was being celebrated, I’d gain even more weight than I already have. Anyway, I decided to use this fun occasion to tell you a little bit about sushi….
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware: Book Review
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware is my fourth book by the author and I have no idea why I haven’t reviewed any yet! You’ll have to stay tuned for the others. My first experience with her had an amazing plot and buildup, yet a disappointing and rushed ending. The second book I read by…
The Avocado Was Once the Alligator Pear: Weird Food Facts
Alligator pears are delicious and I could eat them every day if I could. You may wonder why I am referring to avocados as alligator pears? I’ll get to that soon because this article will be all about avocados! Scroll to the end if you’re only here for the earrings, but I definitely recommend that…
The Starter Wife by Nina Laurin: Book Review
I discovered The Starter Wife by Nina Laurin purely coincidentally. It was abandoned along with with another book near a trashcan on a rainy day. Shame on whoever left it there, but one person’s trash is another’s treasure! Girl Last Seen was a great book and the moment I finished it, I ordered The Starter…
Plogging: An Eco-Friendly Sport – Youth Time Magazine
Some people enjoy running, while others enjoy picking up trash to help protect the environment. Then there are those people who combine the two and call it plogging! Plogging was born in Sweden in 2016, and by 2018 it had become a global “sport” of sorts. Today, plogging is known as a recreational activity that…
8 Books That I Will Read & Review Next
I have always loved to read but I have phases when I binge books like it’s my job (if only.) Currently, I’m reading I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney and I plan on finishing it tonight. After that, there are three books that I have already reviewed. They are scheduled for posting in…
Figs Contain Dead Wasps: Weird Food Facts
We live in a strange world where humans spend less and less time outside. So many of us are disconnected from the natural world. Most things in our lives are virtual, processed and synthetic. Nothing depresses me more than those videos of children being shown vegetables and asking “what is this?” While I can confidently…
Book Review: I’m a Therapist, and My Patient is Going to be the Next School Shooter
Facebook has discovered that I am a bookworm and is now bombarding me with ads for all sorts of books. My husband is upset, my wallet is upset but I am so excited to get so many cool suggestions! One of them was I’m a Therapist, and My Patient is Going to be the Next…
Dropps: Eco-Friendly Detergent and a Naked CEO
Detergent pods get a bad rep cause some of the less intelligent individuals in our society confuse them with candy. Fortunately, not everyone watches pod-eating videos. People like me prefer to watch naked CEOs advertising awesome products in a fun and memorable way. I didn’t order Dropps right after watching the following ad and I…
Japanese Toilet: FLIP Guide, Japan Travel
Japan is an amazing country to visit because of its fascinating culture, delicious food and kind locals. One of the less-expected perks during my trip was discovering toilets in Japan are the best toilets in the world! A lot of Japan is known by foreigners for being a perfect mashup of historic influences and futuristic…
TENVIS: Best Wireless Home Camera Review
Do you have a dog that you want to keep an eye on when you’re not home, or a kid who likes to play in a different room than you work in? There are many reasons why one may want to have a camera in their home. While I bought mine to spy on my…
Married for Four Years: Moët & Snail Cake
Four years ago, Isaac and I got married in Prague, Czech Republic. It was a small ceremony with just a few close friends and an after party at a pour-your-own-beer bar. We danced on the table, did shots of Becherovka and ate on adorably terrifying-looking wedding cake in the shape of a snail. Isaac and…
When She Returned by Lucinda Berry: Book Review
When She Returned by Lucinda Berry revolves around one of my favorite topics ever: CULTS! Well, just one cult. But you get the point. I read When She Returned right after reading The Perfect Child by the same author. When I say right after I mean I literally read the last sentence of one book…
10 Wine Drinking Essentials on a Budget
Drinking wine is one of my favorite hobbies. I used to be more of a beer girl, but it turns out that I prefer my beer on tap, especially in Prague, Czech Republic. So the quarantine threw me through a bit of a ringer until I decided to find a wine I loved. What started…
Magazine Subscriptions: Youth Time Magazine
Social media can be a great source of news in 2020. Unfortunately, the spread of fake news has become a serious issue, especially on these platforms. Magazine subscriptions are a great way to become more informed on a wide variety of topics. Although print journalism is said to be slowly dying, there are still plenty…
Digitization in Iceland: Youth Time Magazine
The job market is constantly changing as new technology is developed. It has been a common theme in human history to fear robots taking over our jobs. In a way, this has been happening for decades, albeit not in a sci-fi horror movie way. Technology has made its way into our daily lives and workplaces….
The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry: Book Review
The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry: Janie is a young child who loves and manipulates her father but fails to bond with her mother. The child comes in between the couple because the father fails to see her shortcomings including her treatment of the mother. This may sound familiar to a book recently reviewed, Baby…
CalorieKing: Nutritional Info to Aid Weight Loss
While writing my blog post about Fitvine, I needed to do some nutritional research and calorie comparing. That is how I discovered CalorieKing! CalorieKing is a unique nutrition website because it tells you how long it would take you to burn off the calories consumed. I have been counting calories and tracking my macros on…
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman: Book Review
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman was another book that came in my set of water-themed hardcover psychological thrillers. If you read as much as I do, I highly recommend checking out book lots on eBay and Facebook Marketplace. You don’t always find what you are looking for, but you might just discover something…
Adventure Travel with Lucian: Youth Time Magazine
Lucian is originally from Râmnicu Vâlcea, a small Romanian town near the Carpathian Mountains. The quaint town is surrounded by hills; and on a clear day, you can see the nearby mountain peaks in all their majesty. Today, he lives in Prague, Czech Republic and works in procurement. But he doesn’t stay in the city…
Top Tips for Travelling in Japan by Flip Guide
No matter if you are planning to move to Japan or travel here, there are many things here in Japan that might shock you. For a more comfortable and convenient time in Japan, here are some travel tips and travel hacks to help you have an amazing time here in Japan! Author: FLIP GUIDE Your…
The Never List by Koethi Zan: Book Review
I read The Never List last year when I was binge reading psychological thrillers like my life depended on it. Some of the stories I read have blurred in my memory. Others disappeared completely. Earlier this year, I picked out an interesting looking book from my extensive library. I was a few pages in before…
Start Your Own Blog for Free: Youth Time Magazine
There are many reasons why having a blog or your own website is a good idea. It can be a way to market yourself to a future employer, it can be a creative outlet, and it can be a way to make some extra money. Before you can create content and put it out into…
FitVine: Healthier Wine with Less Sugar
Thanks to Mr. Zuckerberg, I discover many things via Facebook ads. Since Facebook knows that I love to run and drink wine, it hit me with the most perfectly targeted ad: FitVine! Since I’d Just ordered over 40 bottles with Splash Wines, I was not shopping for more wine. But I couldn’t resist buying one…
Adultery by Paulo Coelho: Book Review
The name Paulo Coelho might ring a bell, and it should. He is the author of one of the best known books in the world, The Alchemist. I’m embarrassed to say that I have not read his other books yet. But I was definitely intrigued when I heard about Adultery. Classics meet 50 Shades of…
Virtual Brew Run 5k: Shirt, Glass & Medal for $25
Run before beer and you’re in the clear! That is my personal motto for this Virtual Brew Run. This run, like the ones I previously wrote about, is a virtual run that can be done at one’s own pace. While the other races that I have mentioned only include a medal in the base price,…
Girl Last Seen by Nina Laurin: Book Review
This book was nowhere near my radar. I discovered it coincidentally while scrolling on Marketplace, as one does while peeing. Turns out a crazy lady in my neighborhood was selling 20 books for $20. Most were by Jodi Picoult so I couldn’t resist making the purchase. But the book that caught my eye was Girl…
Best Rowing Machine: MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine for $246 Review
I received my MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine about a week ago and my entire body has been sore ever since. Since I didn’t act fast enough when the quarantine hit, I waited for almost a month to receive it. It seems like everyone had the same thought process – can’t go to the gym, let’s…
East Coast Greenway: RI Hike, Bike & More
Last Saturday Isaac and I went on a 10-mile walk along the East Coast Greenway, also known as the Coventry Greenway. This path is popular for walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, dog walking and even roller skating! There are 48 total miles (77 km) of path of which 32.5 miles (52 km) is protected greenway….
Canyoneering in Southeast Asia: Youth Time Magazine
Canyoneering is a fun activity that simply means exploring a canyon from point A to point B using a range of techniques. This can include walking, rafting, climbing, sliding, jumping, and more! This type of activity is especially popular in Southeast Asia, and many people travel to gorgeous canyons in that part of the world…
Being Magdalene by Fleur Beale: Book Review
Being Magdalene is the third book in a series by Fleur Beale. The series is about a family growing up in a religious cult. The first book, I Am Not Esther, introduces us to this world and the characters. The second book, I Am Rebecca takes place several years later and focuses on another character…
Digital Fine Art: Youth Time Magazine
As human beings, we are often drawn to art because it is a way for us to channel our creativity. Some people are talented with a paintbrush while others prefer other mediums. Today’s technology creates even more opportunities to express ourselves artistically. Digital art, including digital painting, is gaining popularity and opening up a whole…
Apple Watch Series 5 as a Fitness Watch: Yay or Nay?
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Entertainment from Home: Youth Time Magazine
Hearing your favorite musicians perform live is an amazing experience. It can also cost a pretty penny and have other downsides such as crowds. Luckily, it is possible to enjoy real-life performances from the comfort of your home. Virtual concerts give you all the control and convenience. You can watch on your phone, computer or…
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…
Splash Wines: 15 Bottles, $6.99 Each, Free Delivery
People have argued about the definition of irony ever since Alanis Morissette gave the world a list of ironically incorrect examples. According to my understanding of irony, it applies to discovering an amazing deal for wine the day after you decide to have a dry month. Thanks for the temptation Splash Wines, but I shall…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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!
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…
Toroverde, Puerto Rico: $99 Zip Line Day Pass
Puerto Rico is an amazing place to visit because of its beaches, the culture and the only tropical rain forest in the USA. Another perk is that it is home to the world’s second longest zip line! Toroverde is an amazing zip line park that offers various different activities all for the grand price of…
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,…
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…
$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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Czech Halloween – Dusicky & Anti-Vampire Measures for the Dead
Czech Halloween (Dusicky) and the reason Czechs take “anti-vampire” measures with their corpses…
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…
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…
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)!
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.
Waiting for the Icelandic Geyser to Erupt
They second most famous geyser in Iceland erupts every 10-15 minutes!
Dog Videos Coming to The Travel Bug Bite
Smiley the rescue Avocadog is famous on the Dodo already but he’s hungry for more!
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!
Our December Icelandic Adventure (Photos)
How much can you really see in Iceland on a 48 hour layover when there’s only 4-5 hours of daylight every day?
Is Kyiv, Ukraine Safe to Visit?
Kyiv is also not the only safe place to visit in Ukraine. There are dozens of safe and exciting places to see. The only reason I spend most of my trips to Ukraine exclusively in Kyiv is because that’s where my parent’s live.
Jane’s Carousel: 100 Years in NYC
For $2, you can ride a 100 year old carousel with a view of New York City!
Vegan Meals on Flights
Obviously, different airlines have different standards. On our Chinese flights, there was a little less creativity in the meal. There was no vegan butter and the dessert was a simple fruit salad. On our more recent Singapore Airlines flight, on the other hand, there was not one but two meals with a different fancy dessert each time.
What to Expect from Reykjavik in December?
4 hours of sunlight, below zero temperatures but very few tourists…
Flying Cheap from NYC to Europe
Consider layovers, free trips from the airport and booking long in advance, forget 6 weeks.
Exploring Buffalo, New York
Road trip time!
Exploring Shanghai Day, Sunset & Night
You can see all of this in one day in Shanghai. Did you know that the financial center has some of the tallest buildings in the world?
Discovering Kyiv, Ukriane feat. Music by The Vinogrooves
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and it’s a great place to go on holiday if you wish to relax, have an adventure or learn some exciting history.
Beach Day on Phi Phi, Thailand (Video)
Phi Phi is all about beaches and sunshine. The dramatic tides and clear waters, it may be one of my favorite islands to spend the day on the beach on. Thailand is the only place we’ve travelled to twice because of it!
Phi Phi Parties: Buckets & Beer Pong (Video)
Phi Phi is known for its party scene. Even when it’s off-season, there’s plenty to do including go to fire shows, beer pong and drinking from buckets! There is also lots to do in Phi Phi other than parties, which we spent 4 days and 3 night doing, but we couldn’t miss out on this experience – especially on Isaac’s birthday!
Bamboo Island, Krabi: Thailand 2018 (Video)
Just four months ago, we were on a spontaneous trip to Thailand! One of the best days on Phi Phi was spent visiting Bamboo Island. Krabi is a beautiful part of Thailand worth exploring.
Tonsai Sucks During Monsoon Season, Thailand 2018
While it’s the perfect getaway during high (and dry) season, it’s really not enjoyable during the low (monsoon) season. Unless you enjoy being one of 10 tourists on a hard to get to spot with only two available restaurants that mainly serve fried food…
Ao Nammao Pier to Railay: Monsoon Season 2018
The second time we visited Thailand was the middle of July, which is right when monsoon season is wreaking havoc on the island and keeping all those selfie-taking tourists away – but clearly not all of them.
Maze Bar (100 Rooftop Bar) in Da Lat, Vietnam 2018
From the moment we set foot in Da Lat, all that we heard other tourists talking about was the Maze Bar also know as 100 Roofs Bar/100 Rooftop Bar – supposedly, the coolest bar in all of Vietnam!
Video Highlights of Niagara Falls 2018
Two months ago we visited Niagara Falls and I haven’t had a chance to write about it yet. It was an exciting trip full of little adventures all wrapped up in one amazing experience!
Helicopter Ride Over Niagara Falls (Video)
On my 26th birthday I got to make my helicopter flying dream come true! On August 6th, we took a trip to one of my bucket list locations, Niagara Falls, and we did an amazing 12-minute flight over one of the worlds most spectacular waterfalls!
New to New York: First Impressions
So our first impressions are: New York is awesome! It’s overwhelmingly huge and the atmosphere, in Manhattan especially, is boisterous and pregnant with possibilities that make you want to follow your dreams and shoot for the moon! The people have been friendly, chatty and very welcoming. It’s so diverse and international that no one bats an eyelash about a Ukrainian-born Czech moving here from China…
Droning Over Phi Phi Islands, Thailand 2018 (DJI Mavic Air)
Thailand is a beautiful place and offers breathtaking views from land, boat and plane. This time, we got to experience it’s beauty from a unique angle – birds-eye view via our DJI Mavic Air drone. Thailand remains one of the few countries where droning in public areas is still legal and not regulated. Check out the shots and make sure to turn sound on for the full experience!
Singapore Infinity Pool: Hotel Jen Orchardgateway (Video)
We did a lot of research before our trip to Singapore to figure out the best place to stay and enjoy an infinity pool: Hotel Jen Orchardgateway won hands down! Find out why…
Tonsai Bay in Summer and in Winter – When to Visit Thailand?
My wife Olena and I may be two of the only people on Earth who have ever visited Tonsai Bay in Krabi, Thailand in both Winter and Summer. The first trip was a magical ten days full of perfect weather, daily excursions, and lots of swimming and lounging in the sun. Though it probably shouldn’t have, the atmosphere of our second venture to Tonsai really caught us off guard…
5-Day New York City Guide 2018 (Guest Post)
If this is your first time in NYC, you know why you’re here: you want to see Times Square. Sure, go see it. Everyone should see it once in their lifetime (and only once). Do some touristy stuff on Day 1. Day 2: West Side, Day 3: Central Park, Day 4: East Side and Day 5: Downtown.
Marina Bay Rooftop Bar & Infinity Pool, Singapore 2018
One of the highlights of our trip to Singapore was visiting the Marina Bay Rooftop. We almost spent the ridiculous $500 per night for a room just to get a chance to take a dip in the worlds highest infinity pool. We ended up splurging a much more modest $200 on a different hotel with its own spectacular infinity pool, but we still visit the Marina Bay Sands and got a peek at the infamous pool!
Volunteering at a Dogsled Farm – Snowdragons, Austria Part 5 (Guest Blog)
The next two days, some friends visited for watching the race. Lukas was able to keep his third place, even it really took him a lot to keep up with the others. The track was obviously very challenging. Still, we had a lot of fun, everything was organized very well, but we were happy when everything ended on Sunday with the ceremony and with a final emotional song I am from Austria (the secret Austrian hymn).
YouTube Diet: How $5 YouTube Promo is like a Fad Diet
Paying a stranger on Fiverr to promote your YouTube channel is very similar to a fad diet. One promises 1,000 views while the other guarantees that you’ll lose 10 kilos in one week without exercise. Neither result in success…
To Japan (Guest Post)
On Sunday, March 01, I stood next to my husband as we waited for the bus. It was early and his eyes were still squinting at everything as he wasn’t fully awake yet. I squeezed his hand in the cold, feeling the warmth. My stomach felt like it was in my throat with nervous energy. The bus for the airport pulled up and I shoved my way through the crowd of people squeezing through the doors…
Throwback Thursday: Italian Adventures
How cancelled flights, stolen deposits and ankles sprained by angry volcanoes made our trip to Rome, Naples and Pompeii impossible to forget! Prologue: “Ickily! Easyjet is offering flights to Rome for less than 2,000 crowns!” This was the excited exclamation several months ago from my girlfriend Olena, who is an expert when it comes to…
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japan (Guest Post)
The Children’s Peace Monument (just below) was built in dedication to all the children who died as a result of the bombing. The sculpture is based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki (佐々木禎子), a young girl who died after the bombing due to radiation. She truly believed that if she folded 1,000 cranes, then she would be healed…
New York City Explorer Pass vs. Sightseeing Pass
Quick facts about both passes:
– They both offer free entry to over 80 attractions (though some are already free anyway)
– They both offer to pay by the day or pay by attraction packages
– The included attractions are quite similar for both passes
– They both exaggerate how much each attraction costs when bought separately
Hunting the Aurora Borealis in Norway (Guest Post)
Actually, I hate the cold. since I can remember I am trying to flee into countries where the sun is shining and it is at least 25 degrees. Don’t get me wrong, I love the way it looks when outside everything is covered in white and the sounds are dulled, everything seems so quiet and peaceful, but I cannot handle the cold…
Train to Tokyo, Japan Travel (Guest Post)
The train from Osaka to Tokyo is about 4 hours. We ended up taking a train from Osaka to Tokyo and then from Tokyo to Hiroshima a few days after that. My point is that we had an odd experience on the train but I don’t recall on which train ride it happened. I’m pretty sure it was on the train ride from Osaka to Tokyo…
Hiroshima Castle – Japan Travel (Guest Post)
Our Sunday officially started with a bike ride to Hiroshima Castle, only a few blocks away from the Cooper home. It was so refreshing to ride a bike again. Hiroshima, the city, is actually quite flat and it’s easy to get around on a bike even if you’re out of practice (like me).
Some Words About Sheida Nasseri (Guest Post)
I did like ten steps backward…
1. Getting rid of my car
2. Getting rid of my own flat into sharing a flat
3. Getting rid of my stable salary into doing onside jobs …
But gaining, therefore…
1. More knowledge
2. The chance to travel and work in Bangkok for 6 months
3. Getting to know wonderful people and feel younger and party as much as possible 😀
Flying a Drone Over a Jet Ski in Bali (Video)
This was one of the first times we flew our DJI Phantom 3 SE over the water. Isaac flew while I did the jet skiing and he only almost decapitated me once!
Tubing in -25°C: Harbin, China 2018
Wearing an entire suitcase worth of clothes, tubing in Harbin, China was so scary that we weren’t even cold!
The New York Explorer Pass Saved Me $100 – 2018
The New York Explorer Pass did, in fact, save me $100, this isn’t just click bait. But it could have saved me even more! Or nothing at all… The New York Explorer Pass is the way to go if you want to use it to do some expensive tours and sightseeing, however, it can also lose you money if you only use it for the cheaper options.
Volunteering at a Dogsled Farm – Snowdragons, Austria – Part 1 (Guest Post)
I did travel to a few spots, always with friends who inspired me to do what I think is right for me. Nevertheless, I did not dare just to quit without knowing what will be my next step, what my next job, how to realize what I want or more, what do I really want. I know I love to travel, take pictures and be around people, animals and try the most crazy activities, but what kind of job description is this?
How to Get Free Coffee in Bali, Indonesia 2018
Another clickbait title that shouldn’t upset you, because the answer is simple: you can get free coffee in Bali by going to literally any coffee plantation. They all offer a tray full of free coffees and teas to try, including rose tea, durian coffee and a delicious vegan hot chocolate. The only coffee that you need to pay for is Luwak coffee, which we didn’t drink because we 1. tried it before and 2. consider it cruel.
The Hypocrisy of Singapore’s Green Initiative 2018
Yes, the Gardens by the Bay are an amazing green initiative that uses waste from the city and turns it into energy to power the entire park. Then there’s the tap water, that is cleaned using reverse osmosis which turns sewage into safe drinking water. It’s absolutely genius and the epitome of zero-waste. But…
Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali 2018
The monkey forest sanctuary in Ubud, Bali was an exciting place where monkeys rule and humans are allowed to feed them under supervision. Not sure how good this is for the environment, probably not at all, but the monkeys seemed happy and cared for and several badly behaved humans were told to leave.
Jet Skiing in Bali, Travel 2018 (Video)
One of the highlights of my 10 day trip to Bali was a 15-minute ride on a jet ski (my first time!) while my husband filmed the first 5 minutes of it with our drone, almost decapitating me once and managing to slice his arm while landing. Oh, the stories we have to tell our future grandchildren…
Cheap $5/Person/Night Airbnb in Ubud, Bali 2018
Please excuse the clickbait title of this blog post, there is no single cheap Airbnb in Ubud! In fact, most Airbnbs and Guest Houses have a similar price that will take your breath away. On average, a room (or in this case, mini-house) that can sleep four people in two double beds costs $15 per night for three people. At this particular place, it included a free breakfast (eggs, pancakes and/or fruit) and a steaming cup of coffee!
DOHA Cafe Review: Da Lat, Vietnam
The cafe has lots of seating across three floors, although the top one wasn’t being air-conditioned when I was there. However, the view of the Xuan Huong lake and Lam Vien square was worth it. They have a great selection of drinks including coffees, teas and juices. Although the prices are relatively steep for Vietnam, it’s still affordable on a Western budget. We didn’t get a chance to try any of their food although we were definitely tempted by their cakes and pastries.
Bali Basics: Trip Highlights & Summary 2018
In February 2018, my husband, mother-in-law and I spent 10 days exploring the wonderful island of Bali! We stayed busy during this time and visited between two and five places a day! We were on a mission to discover everything it had to offer. As a result we are now self-proclaimed experts on what to do and see in Bali and I have an overwhelming 43 videos in my Bali 2018 YouTube playlist.
Global Warming by Singapore’s Super Tree Grove
Our recent travel adventures took us to Singapore! A city known for it’s cleanliness, passion for sustainability and of course, the Super Tree Grove at the Gardens by the Bay. Although Singapore was beautiful and I could spend weeks exploring it, I was a little disappointed by it’s hypocrisy when it comes to protecting the…
Ubud, Bali: A Vegan Food Paradise 2018
When I talked to my Indonesian friends about finding vegan food in Bali and they were skeptical. They told me that Indonesians are obsessed with their meat and all traditional dishes are loaded with animal products. I’ve always been able to find plenty of vegan options despite meat eaters claiming that I’ll starve to death in their country… so I wasn’t too worried but I was a bit disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to feast on delicious unhealthy vegan comfort food. #firstworldveganproblems
Crazy House, Da Lat, Vietnam 2017
The name of this place, the Crazy House, is no exaggeration. We got lost soon after entering since there are dozens of rooms on various floors with several ways to travel between them. You will find bizarre animal statues and beautiful views of the city – this might be one of the highest points in…
Da Lat Backpackers Hostel Review
We had very high expectations for this hostel because of all the raving reviews and we were not disappointed! My husband and I booked this hostel last minute after having problems with a different hostel. The staff were helpful and welcoming even before we arrived! Although we had originally planned on only spending two full…
Da Lat Countryside Tour: Weasel Poop Coffee Plantation
The last stop on our $10 Countryside Tour of Da Lat was the weasel poop coffee plantation. The first thing you should know about it, is that the animal that eats and poops out the coffee bean is not actually a weasel. It’s a luwak. The second thing you need to know is that it’s…
Da Lat Countryside Tour: Cricket Farm
The second to last stop on the $10 Da Lat Countryside Tour was a cricket farm! Forget what your mother told you when you were a toddler sticking bugs in your mouth. They DO belong there! As long as they are raised for human consumption, that is. Crickets are a great source of protein and…
Da Lat Countryside Tour: Buddhist Pagoda & Elephant Waterfall
The third part of the $10 Countryside Tour of Da Lat was the Buddhist Pagoda and the Elephant Waterfall. The first part of the tour included the rose garden and minority village and the second part was the silk factory. This half day tour was a great way to discover Da Lat, Vietnam! The Elephant…
Da Lat Countryside Tour Summary
Our expectations for this very affordable tour weren’t too high. We’ve been on several day tours that were packed with way too many activities to enjoy – this one was NOT like that! The tour started at 8:30 and ended at around 14:30. We were picked up a little late, but our enthusiastic guide completely…
Why is Da Lat the Coolest City in Vietnam?
Da Lat is located in the south of Vietnam about 7 hours north of Ho Chi Minh City. I might be biased after living in Prague for 20 years and coming to Da Lat from Mui Ne, a city that I really didn’t like. As soon as I got out of the sleeper bus and…
Bali 2018: Seawalker Experience
For the underwater sea walker experience, our driver took us to a small beach on Turtle Island. This area is generally pretty controversial because of their treatment of turtles and other animals, so we skipped the animal experiences and went straight for the Sea Walking. Upon arrival, we were sat down and shown a list…
Worst Bus Ride Ever: Mui Ne to Da Lat “Sleeper Bus”
After having an amazing experience taking a Sleeper Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne, we expected another great bus ride from Mui Ne to Da Lat. We could not have been more disappointed. We had booked the bus with Vietnam Bus Tickets over a month in advance but decided to leave Mui Ne…
Cebu 2018: Bus from Cebu City to Dalaguete
To get from Cebu City to Dalaguete, we had to take a 3 hour bus from the Cebu South Bus Station. We weren’t given too much information, except that the buses leave all the time and the internet didn’t give us any useful details either. Luckily, our taxi driver pointed us in the right direction….
Inspiring Stories: David Roosa & the Beach Cleaning Dogs
David Roosa has lived on Block Island, Rhode Island for more than 40 years now. 10 years ago in 2008 he completed his first clean up of the entire island’s perimeter. Since then, he’s gone out every morning with his pack of dogs to clean the beach! His King Charles Spaniel helpers are Finnegan, Albie,…
10 Tips for Travelling to Bali
Bali is a wonderful place to visit from anywhere in the world, at any time of year. To get you ready for your trip, here are some tips for travelling to Bali. The first 5 are tips for preparing to go, and the last 5 are things to keep in mind after you’ve arrived. 1….
Bali: Uluwatu Sunset & Evil Genius Monkeys
The sun was just beginning to turn from a bright yellow to a soft pink that would soon spread across the entire horizon, illuminating the perfectly placed clouds. We let our guard down for just a minute to enjoy the sunset at Uluwatu temple with our real eyes as well as through their digital extensions…
Bali: Private Driver Hire for the Day – Dos & Don’ts
Before visiting Bali we were worried about how we would get around all the sights without spending a fortune. The island is a lot smaller than it appears on a map and Uber, Grab as well as several taxi companies are readily available. You can also rent a motorcycle if you prefer living on the…
Bali Holiday: A 10(ish) Day Itinerary
So you’re thinking about a trip to Bali, or at least a way to vicariously live through a fantasy trip, but you aren’t sure what you’ll have the time or money to do there. Well, we’ve just returned from an unforgettable trip in Bali, and we managed to do everything we dreamed of and more,…
10 Signs That You Travel Too Much
This year I’ve been lucky enough to travel. A lot. I spent New Year’s Eve in Seoul during a long layover after visiting the USA already anticipating my trip to the Philippines and Indonesia for Chinese New Year. Between working full time and working on my blog and YouTube channel, I was excited to have…
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival 101: Weekend Guide
By Isaac Roosa Is a winter trip to Harbin worth it for just the weekend? If you live in Eastern China, the answer is “Yes!” Not only is it possible, but we wholeheartedly recommend it! You may have been searching around trying to figure out how to “Do Harbin in one Weekend” but have been…
20 Best Photos of Harbin’s Snow & Ice Festival 2018
The Ice and Snow Festival have been popular tourists attractions since Harbin began hosting them in 1989. The Snow Festival is held on Sun Island, close to the city center and the Ice and Snow World is only a few kilometers away. Tickets to each event cost 330 RMB for adults. If you’re limited on…
Harbin Ice Festival Teaser (Video)
Our first trip of 2018 is very different from our usual warm destination getaway. While we usually pack swim suits and straw hats, this time our backpack is filled with thermal leggings and even a electrically heating vest. The highlight of our weekend trip to Harbin will include the Ice and Snow Festival which is…
Tibet Adventures: Chapter 1 – Lhasa
I’m in bed at our hotel, trying to sleep. We’ve read so much about the fabled “Altitude Sickness,” and now it’s finally happening. Olena, by some miracle, is sleeping peacefully to my right. She had a headache and some carsickness on the bus ride to the hotel, but aside from that she’s been fine. I was also…
A Song of Ice and Tired – An Unforgettable Week in Tibet
Our plane is descending towards Gonggar Airport in Lhasa, Tibet. Looking over my father’s lap and out the window, I see more mountains than this New Englander could ever expect to see back home. The clouds circle around the mountain peaks like the fog from dry ice, and presently a larger one passes under our plane, momentarily…
Don’t Ride Ostriches at the Fairy Stream – Mui Ne, Vietnam
The Fairy Stream is an incredibly unique place where a shallow river flows through sandy mountains, trailing red and yellow sand through the water. When you visit most rivers, you walk alongside their banks. At the Fairy Stream, you walk through the water and the warm mud feels amazing on your feet. Free foot spa?…
TheTravelBugBite 