It’s no secret that I love Southeast Asia, especially Thailand. After three trips to the region, the one thing I can’t stop craving is the tropical fruit, especially pineapple. I love wandering through the wet markets and discovering new fruits, smells and flavors; which are beyond plentiful, and many very curious looking or downright intimidating. Have you ever seen a…
Is it just me, or is flying coach getting worse and worse? Ok, I know it’s not just me, just looking at the recent headlines involving airlines is more than enough to make one want to take the train or splurge for business or first class. Alas though, if you’re like me, and not a millionaire or frequent business traveler,…
There’s a certain nostalgia to summer— weekend camp outs, days at the beach, campfires and of course s’mores. Since discovering them at the Girl Scout campouts I frequently attended as a kid, I’ve always had a soft spot for the melty, messy treat. When there was a campfire, you’d better bet I would be making the delicious concoction of graham…
A dessert with many names, basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert originating in Egypt that is commonly found throughout the region. As versions of this dessert moved through the area, each country adapted its ingredients and name: Lebanon (nammoura), Armenia (shamali), Turkey/Greece (revani), Egypt/Jordan (harisa). Some recipes call for eggs, while others call for yogurt, milk or buttermilk. The…
As soon as you step out of the airport and into the city, the sound of buzzing motorbikes, and honking traffic hit your ears. The millions of motorbikes zipping through traffic ignoring the few traffic lights around and narrowly avoiding pedestrians crossing the street is truly a sight to behold. To say the traffic in Saigon and Hanoi (two of the country’s largest…
As a lifelong Michigander, I may be a little bias, but summers in my humble state are unlike anywhere else in the world. However, Michigan doesn’t usually top most people’s summer vacation list. Many associate it with Detroit and as a destination that is less than desirable. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Here’s why Michigan should be on your…
The first country you visit overseas will always hold a fond place in a traveler’s heart, and England is mine. In 2010 I spent a glorious week in London with my bestie wandering the streets and taking in all of the history the city has to offer. One afternoon while exploring the famous Portobello Road in Notting Hill, we stumbled upon Hummingbird…
The door jingled as my husband and I ducked inside the Super Cream Bakery to escape the pouring rain. “Hola” said the smiling dark-haired woman behind the counter. Several customers milled about the small bakery crammed with display cases, piñatas, and other party supplies. I had heard the rumors of the bakery’s amazing authentic desserts, and by the advice of…
Through my years of travel, through much trial and error, I’ve amassed quite of list of preferred travel resources. These are all sources I personally love and use or reference on a regular basis (and am NOT being paid to promote). All of these have helped me create a more fulfilling travel experience, all while saving a bundle. TRAVEL INSPIRATION Lonely Planet…
Whiskey is no longer just your grandpa’s liquor of choice. Over the past few years whiskey sales have exploded, and according to the Distilled Spirits Council, they were up 4.1% worldwide in 2016, with American whiskeys at a 7.8% growth from the previous year. As millennials tastes continue to change, the demand for locally produced craft products has seen a major uptick….