For many women, the selection of the perfect bikini begins long before it’s time to hit the beach during vacation. It may very well be the first to-do item on a vacation preparation list. And for far too many women, there is no greater vacation angst than finding the right swimsuit – whether that’s a modern bikini, two-piece suit, or some other type of women’s swimwear. Learn about the history of the bikini. History of the Modern Day Bikini Archaeologists date the existence of a skimpy swimsuit back to 1600 BC., but the modern world was shocked by the debut of a new swimsuit made of mere inches of fabric. The bikini’s birthdate is considered to be July 5th, 1946. Two competing French designers, Jacques Heim and Louis Reard, are credited with creating a new style of swimwear and changing […]
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More Than 25 of the Best Books Set in Washington State
We’ve narrowed this reading list down to some of the best books set in Washington State. These books will help you better appreciate not only the notable locations in Washington State but also some of its smaller cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Those of us who live in Washington State tend to take our home state for granted. It’s the birthplace of global corporations like Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, UPS, Starbucks, and more. Washington State produces more than half of the nation’s apples. We have national parks, mountains, forests, water, with incredible bio-diversity. And the people who live here are richly diverse in background and culture. But wait – there’s more. Washington State makes regular appearances in books that make the best-selling and best-of lists. Seattle, the Olympic National Park, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier are just some of the locales that appear […]
Read More2021 Travel Reading Challenge (4th Annual)
Happy New Year! I am so excited to welcome in 2021. I have high hopes for the year – finishing the book that I’m writing (Secret Seattle has been delayed due to all the state restrictions), traveling again, tasting new wines, and discovering new books and authors. I did a lot of reading in 2020, completing 88 books. I did most of my reading curled up on the couch, lounging in a bubble bath, or in bed. I’m hoping this coming year, I’ll be reading on a plane, a cruise ship, or on a balcony somewhere with a great view. I’m so optimistic that we’ll be traveling again, that I’m putting together a travel list and related books so I’ll be ready to go. I’m generally a Kindle reader. I like having dozens (actually hundreds) at hand. It makes for […]
Read MoreWeekend Getaway: Discover Things to Do in Walla Walla
When planning a weekend getaway in Washington State, check out this useful guide to Walla Walla. We cover where to stay, where to eat, as well as things to do in Walla Walla. You may come for the wine, but you’ll find so much more. Walla Walla is in southeast Washington and takes its name from the Walla Walla people who lived in the area alongside other Native American tribes. The city is close to the Oregon border, just six miles north. Things to do in Walla Walla, Washington Whether you prefer to sample fine food and wine during a weekend break, like to discover a region’s fascinating history, or simply want to kick back and relax, Walla Walla has lots to offer. Browse the farmers market for local fare, explore history at a museum, or enjoy the Balloon Stampede […]
Read MoreAwesome Things to Do in Mansfield, Ohio
Located in Richland County, Ohio, Mansfield may not be your first choice for a weekend getaway, but there is certainly enough here to keep you occupied. In fact, you may find that there are so many things to do in Mansfield that you’ll need to make a return trip. Mansfield has many claims to fame: it professes to be the haunted capital of Ohio, the number one movie of all time – The Shawshank Redemption – was filmed here, and America’s first working robot, Elektro, was built in the city, to name just a few. While we’re all taking a pause on international travel, and much of travel in general, I’m featuring smaller, perhaps overlooked destinations, that are perfect for a road trip, a slower getaway, or just don’t want to be sandwiched in with a throng of people. Of […]
Read More6 Products for Self-Care at Home and For Travel
I don’t know whether it’s because of inactivity or advancing years, but it seems the everyday aches and pains are a little more prevalent these days. We’re sheltering at home, enjoying the things we can do while in self-quarantine and unable to travel, and focusing on keeping a positive attitude about things. But there’s no doubt, I’m feeling in need of a little self-care these days. Since many of my usual self-items are not possible during our current situation – manicure, pedicure, hair cut, massage – I’m developing a keen sense of what soothes my spirit on a DIY basis. While a relaxing bubble bath, a good book, and a glass of wine are always delightful ways to relax, sometimes I need something a little more targeted. No self-care will take the place of medical advice, so call your physician […]
Read More51 Things to Do While Self-Isolating from the Corona Virus [with resources]
Unless you’ve been totally cut off from civilization, you’ve heard of Covid-19, colloquially called the coronavirus. People are quarantined, countries are closed off from the rest of the world, schools are closed, professional and amateur sports have canceled seasons and tournaments, travel restrictions are in place around the world, employees are encouraged to work remotely, there are restrictions in place about people gathering, and it feels like our lives are in disarray. We’re encouraged to engage in social distancing – which for a social introvert like me is my status quo when I’m not traveling. I love being home and reviving after people with a bunch of people all day long. Before we get too wrapped up in the changes in our own lives, remember that around the world people are sick and dying from the coronavirus. My home state […]
Read MoreHow to Save Money on Seattle Sights with CityPASS
If you’ve decided to take a trip to Seattle, you’ve made a great choice – Seattle is a great vacation destination. It’s a city full of cool museums, it has an understated hip cafe culture, has a vibrant live music scene, plus it’s perfectly situated to enjoy the beautiful surrounding natural landscape. However, as with all major cities, the cost of a visit to Seattle can add up fast. When it comes to saving money when visiting the top Seattle attractions, you can save money with the CityPASS Seattle. How CityPASS Works You can either buy the Seattle CityPASS online or from one of the partner attractions, i.e., the first Seattle attraction that you visit. If you opt to buy them online, the tickets are then either sent to you via email for mobile download or you can opt to […]
Read MoreWeekend Getaway: All Year Round in Mammoth Lakes, California
I love it when I find a destination that’s perfect for both a summer and winter getaway. Mammoth Lakes, California, manages to tick all the boxes. It is a location with plenty of activities all year round and has an excellent infrastructure to make your stay a pleasant and convenient one. While many people think of Mammoth Lakes primarily as a ski resort – and it is a popular one – there is so much more here to enjoy regardless of the season. Here is our guide of things to do in Mammoth Lakes and how to enjoy a Mammoth getaway weekend. Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes If you are an active person, you will find plenty to do in Mammoth Lakes. But while Mammoth Lakes is known for being an outdoor activity destination, there are also options for […]
Read MoreThird Annual Travel Reading Challenge
The four things I love most in life are my family (including a rather chubby Siamese cat), travel, food and wine, and reading. Life is the best when I can combine any of those things. Sitting in a cafe in Italy, drinking a glass of Barolo, and reading a book? YES! Reading in a bubble bath with a glass of wine? Bliss! Lounging on the couch with my cat on my lap and reading? Absolutely. Curled up in business class with the latest best-seller? Anytime! See what I mean? Those things all seem to work well together and I’m happy to indulge. I also love picking up a book set in a destination that’s on my travel schedule. I’m generally a Kindle reader, with the exception of some gorgeous coffee table books I’ve picked up. While reading with Kindle has […]
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