Category Archives: Travel

5 Reasons To Move To Edinburgh

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5 Reasons To Move To Edinburgh

There’s no shortage of great cities in the UK. Brighton has a lovely charm, Bristol has a bohemian feel, and cities like Manchester and Liverpool very much have their own identities. And then, of course, there’s London, which is rightly regarded as one of the best cities in the world. People looking to move north of the border will find much to love, too. Glasgow’s identity is even more distinct than Liverpool’s, while Abderdeen’s cosmopolitan feel contrasts well with its wild surroundings.

But there’s nowhere quite like Edinburgh, a city that is highly sought after by people looking for all the convenience of living in a city without the “big city” feel. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key reasons people choose to move to the Scottish capital:

Don’t like having to drive everywhere? Then Edinburgh will be just right. This highly walkable city makes it easy to get virtually everywhere on foot. Whether you’re going for a meal, to the shops, or even to the city’s main tourist attractions, you’ll find that you can get there using your legs — and what’s more, you’ll have great views to accompany you on your journey, too.

And we mean, really picturesque. There’s a reason why tourists who visit Edinburgh fall immediately in love with the city. After all, it’s hard not to be enamored when there’s just so much charm to be found wherever you look. From cobbled streets to centuries-old buildings, it feels like a place right out of the movies or books. And actually, that shouldn’t come as a surprise — many iconic, famous stories have drawn inspiration from the city; you can even go on a Harry Potter tour of the city.

Edinburgh is a much-visited city, and there are plenty of Airbnbs and hotels available. But what about actually living there? Well, there’s good news on that front. As you can see by visiting https://www.estateagencyedinburgh.co.uk/properties, Edinburgh’s property market offers excellent homes at reasonable prices. And because the city is so compact, you’ll find that it’s possible to get just about everywhere regardless of where you live.

Moving to Edinburgh with the intention of finding a job? You’re in luck — Edinburgh has one of the best job markets in the country, with many different types of industries having a big presence in the city. While you can’t expect to simply turn up and land the job of your dreams, you’ll find that the city rewards the professionally-focused.

You’ll love spending your weekends exploring all the attractions and events that Edinburgh has to offer, but should you decide that you’re ready for a weekend away, then you’ll have plenty of options available. Edinburgh’s train station connects with all parts of Scotland and England, while the city’s airport offers low-cost flights to Europe and beyond. And when you come back, you’ll have beautiful Edinburgh waiting for you.

Need a change of scenery? Edinburgh might be just the place for you!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Weed Boutique

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Weed Boutique

Hello!! Not a ton of cool stuff happens in Ohio. In 2023, however, a legalization for recreational marijuana use passed and that was pretty damn cool lol. Since then, dispensaries have popped up all around the greater Akron area – one of which being a mere fifteen minutes from Johnny and me. I have never visited a dispensary before and that changed this past Saturday when we made a trip to curaleaf. It was definitely not what I expected!!

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^^^ Lol at the copy of Shrek that was on a display shelf!

I’m not sure what I thought curaleaf was going to be like. Was it going to be a hazy hangout like local head shops? Was it going to be set up like you were in a lab? I had no clue because I had no experience to base it off of! Upon my entry, it was a bit of a shock – you basically walked into an office where IDs were checked. Then, the doors opened into the store itself and it really was like walking into a Weed Boutique. curaleaf was smartly decorated with lush plants, brightly hued marketing, and no product. Rather than browsing through the store, iPads were set up and you would shop from there, place an order, and receive your purchase at the checkout counter.

Honestly, looking through the online catalogue was overwhelming. There were SO many different options for however you prefer your cannabis and all of them sounded good lol. We opted for gummies and a vape cartridge that were extremely reasonable in price. The staff was also most knowledgeable for any questions we might have had while we shopped and we were in and out in about twenty minutes. After exiting the sterile environment of the store, it felt really weird to be deposited back into a rundown plaza. The weirdest of all, though, was that we literally just left a store to purchase cannabis products – that certainly was novel!!

This outing was a brand new experience to me and curaleaf made it a great one. I have a for sure feeling that we will be back!

How do you like to relax? Are there any dispensaries near you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

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From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

Europe’s coast is a patchwork of beautiful landscapes, cultures, and views. From the Amalfi Coast’s cliffs to Ibiza’s beaches, a trip to these iconic coastlines is a chance to relax, explore and sunbathe. Each has its magic so whether you’re a beach lover or an adventurer this guide will take you through some of Europe’s most iconic coastlines and what makes each one special:

1) Amalfi Coast, Italy:                                                            

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in southern Italy that has been a favorite with travelers for years. Famous for its villages like Positano and Ravello, the Amalfi Coast has cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can eat fresh seafood, shop in charming boutiques, and enjoy views from cliff-top terraces. Whether you’re wandering the narrow streets of Amalfi or lounging on the beach with a good book the area has the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear for a dip in the blue waters!

2) Costa Brava, Spain:        

In northeastern Spain, Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves, and fishing villages. From the French border to the bustling city of Barcelona, this region has something for everyone, especially when planning a road trip never to forget. Spend your days on beautiful beaches like Cala Montjoi with its turquoise waters and cliffs or take a leisurely walk along the coastal paths that reveal stunning views of the Mediterranean. Costa Brava is also steeped in culture with Salvador Dalí’s surrealist art and the medieval castles of Tossa de Mar giving a glimpse into the region’s history.

3) French Riviera, France:        

The French Riviera or Côte d’Azur is all about glamour and luxury. Along the southern coast of France, this beautiful region is home to glamorous cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. The beaches are lined with beach clubs and restaurants so you can sunbathe and people watch. You can try water sports like jet skiing or sailing or simply relax on the sand with a glass of rosé in hand. The views of the Mediterranean, the nightlife, and the cultural experiences make the French Riviera a must-stop on your coastal journey.

4) Ibiza, Spain:        

Famous for its nightlife and beaches, Ibiza is the jewel of the Balearic Islands. This island has the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Spend your days on iconic beaches like Playa d’ Bossa or Cala Comte where you can sunbathe at beach side bars. As the sun sets, Ibiza becomes a party destination with world-famous clubs like Pacha and Amnesia drawing crowds from all over the world. But the island also has peaceful spots like the charming village of Santa Gertrudis where you can eat local food and enjoy art in a quiet atmosphere.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the towns, or party the night away this coastal journey has it all. So pack your bags, gather your friends, and get ready for a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Asian Lantern Festival

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Asian Lantern Festival

Hello!!! This past Friday evening was an absolutely magical one because my entire family went to the Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Zoo. This is an extremely popular event that happens every summer and we have wanted to go for years. We finally made it with all of my siblings, nieces, and nephew in tow and that alone made it worth the wait. During our time at the zoo we saw the most incredible inflatable and light displays, acrobatic performances, and of course some animals too. Everything was glorious and I couldn’t stop taking pictures if my life depended on it lol. I wanted all of my darling readers to be able to see everything and even this massive photo dump doesn’t cover it all. Check it out:

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I knew we were all in for a huge treat on Friday based on all of the pictures I have seen from other attendees on social media. However, after experiencing the Asian Lantern Festival for myself, I can say that pictures don’t do it any justice. From the moment we walked into the zoo there were spectacular wonders at every turn. From glowing gems in the trees to delicate light up flowers, the displays big and small were beautiful and even the most camera-happy guest (Like me!) couldn’t capture all of it. Every single fixture filled me with delight to the point that it was kid on Christmas Day level. Each moment was joyous and being with my whole family made it even more so. Cameras capture images, but not necessarily the atmosphere of the event and I wish I could bottle it up. The zoo was completely buzzing with families, friends, and partners making their own special memories too.

While every display was gorgeous, I definitely still had my favorites. I loved the unicorn and dragon, the gemstone trees, and the pagoda surrounded by cherry blossoms. Strolling through the light up tunnels also harbored a sense of adventure because you didn’t know what beautiful sight was there to greet you on the other side. Some of the displays like the dragon in the egg, butterflies, and monkeys surrounding the Tree of Life even moved! This was way cool because there were wands that the kiddos could wave to activate the motions – kind of like at Harry Potter world at Universal Studios. These surprises made the night even more magical and I will never, ever forget it!

By the time we were leaving the zoo it was getting fully dark out and my niece claimed that the displays looked even better at night night time lol. She was so right, but we were exhausted after our big evening out and ready to head home all happy as can be!

Does the zoo in your area host events like this? What is a yearly event that happens in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mini Golf Fun

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Mini Golf Fun

Hello!! During mine and Johnny’s Fourth of July staycation, we did ALL of the activities. One of my favorites was going mini golfing together with my brother. We hopped into the Little Red Love Machine and headed to Fun n’ Stuff, which is an amusement center in my neck of the woods. There’s a little something for everyone young and old at Fun n’ Stuff – arcade games, laser tag, roller skating, bumper cars and boats, go karts, and two huge mini golf courses. The mini golf set up is awesome and has a pirate and dinosaur themed course. There were fun surprises scattered throughout like animatronic dinos, an octopus that shoots water, and challenging twists and turns with each put! Check it out:

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In my neck of the woods, there aren’t too many mini golf courses in a close vicinity. The only other one within a fifteen mile radius is called Downview and it is not the best lol. It is small, expensive, and can be completed in under a half hour. At Fun n’ Stuff, the pricing was infinitely better and you got so much more for it. For a whopping eight dollars and fifty cents, you could play the two mini golf courses for as long as you’d like. It took us at least an hour and a half to finish both the dinosaur and pirate courses and it was worth every penny!

Visually, the dinosaur course was a lot more appealing and the gigantic moving dinosaurs really stole the show. I also loved the smoking and steaming volcano. However, I think I liked playing the pirate course more because it was just cool! Putting the ball through cannons, going on the pirate ship, and the skull tunnel with glowing eyes really spoke to me. So much so that I actually won the game with fifty-three strokes on the pirate course which literally never happens. Let’s just say I lack finesse when it comes to the subtle art of put put golf! I am pleased to report that between both courses I got FOUR hole in ones so it was a banner day for yours truly. We definitely plan on going back before the summer is out. 😀

Mini golf is one of my favorite summertime activities and I am so glad we got to squeeze it into our staycation. There is nothing like some good competitive fun and next time we go back I am manifesting a win on both courses!!

What is one of your favorite summer outings? Are there any cool mini golf courses in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Date Day!!

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Date Day!!

Hello!! This past week has been so super nice because Johnny and I both had time off from work. We took some time to relax but we mainly jam packed each day with SO many activities. It felt really weird to be having all kinds of adventures when I should have been at work but the good kind of weird! My favorite day of my time off was definitely Tuesday because Johnny and I went on a date day in downtown Cuyahoga Falls AKA the Riverfront. It is such a quaint little area with all kinds of cute boutiques, eateries, and bars. I have wanted to do a shopping day there for so long and it was perfect!

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We began our date at the vintage shops and they are plentiful on the Riverfront. Surprisingly, I have never been to any of them before and now that I have, it is a dangerous combination lol. They were fabulous! My favorite one of all had to be A Signature Antiques and I could have literally spent all day and all my money there. A Signature had clothing, accessories, and decor fresh from the 1930s to the 1990s and it was like shopping in a time capsule. Everywhere I looked offered even more surprises with vintage ware that I have only seen in magazines and movies. It was enchanting, to say the least, and I walked away with two simply amazing accessories. I can’t wait for you to see them soon!

After spending time shopping in the past, we skyrocketed into the present. We visited a coffee shop/bar and got cocktails that we were able to sip as we strolled the Riverfront. There were a few other boutiques I wanted to check out but none of them held a candle to the vintage shops. That was okay, though, because it was just about time for our favorite bar, the Cashmere Cricket, to open. The Cricket is where we had our first date and we also went there to celebrate after getting engaged. It is a very special spot for us and we like to go as often as we can. We enjoyed sharing appetizers and the most divine cocktails. A watermelon mojito for Johnny and a pickle martini for me. It was the perfect way to conclude a perfect day. ❤

I loved my Date Day with my Johnny and being able to spend so much time together having fun this week. It will be hard to go back to work, but I will be looking back on our little staycation most fondly!

What is an ideal date day for you? Do you have any favorite vintage shops in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Louie Run Fun

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Louie Run Fun

Hello everyone! This past week has been a crazy busy one because I started my brand new job as Tim Misny’s social media manager. It has been an absolute whirlwind and I have been enjoying myself so much! My first assignment, so to speak, was this past Sunday at the Lake County Fairgrounds for the 40th Annual Louie Run. The Louie Run is the “unofficial official” kick start to the motorcycle riding season in Ohio and honors those who lost their lives or were injured through motorcycle accidents. It also tips its cap to those who have made a positive impact on the motorcycle community. This was definitely an event that Johnny and I didn’t expect to find ourselves at, but it was SO awesome!! Check it out:

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The Louie Run was jam packed with activities (classic car and motorcycle shows, stunt shows, etc) food trucks, vendors, and musicians and it was my job to capture it. As soon as Johnny and I arrived on scene, it went straight to shooting Facebook Live segments and snapping pics and videos to post on social media throughout the week. We were going here, there, and everywhere so I could conduct interviews and showcase all of the excitement of the day. Even though it was exhausting, it was a complete dream come true! I have conducted several interviews in the past, but it was always with people I knew. On the spot interviews are something I have never done before or even had the opportunity to do and I think I nailed it. 😀

Basically every single moment at the Louie Run was hectic and every time I thought Johnny and I had a moment to catch our breath, it was onto the next thing. That’s not to say that we didn’t love every minute of it, though! We were also still able to pencil in a few moments for non work related fun too. We adored seeing the tiniest rider of the day proudly rolling around on his mini bike and all of the random conversations we had with the attendees. Johnny and I also got the biggest kick out of the several requests for pictures I got as we strolled around the fairgrounds. It had me feeling like a celebrity and it was really cool!!

You can watch all of my Live segments from the Louie Run on Tim Misny’s Facebook page and there is much more to come all week. I can’t wait to see what my new job has in store for me next!

What is an annual event that takes place in your neck of the woods? Have you ever rode a motorcycle before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Hawaii Haul

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Hawaii Haul

Hello!! In mid April, my mom, dad, and brother went on a guided vacation to Hawaii. This was their dream trip and we were all thrilled that they got to go on such a wonderful adventure. Although I was happy for their fun in the sun, I was missing them something fierce. Honestly, I couldn’t wait for them to come home as soon as they left! Prior to their departure, they asked all of the family what kind of souvenirs they might like. I answered with jewelry and my history buff husband wanted something from Pearl Harbor. I am pleased to report that my travelers delivered! Check it out:

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When I visited my family after they returned, it was like a mini Christmas on the dining room table. It was laden with gifts for the kids and grandkids and it warmed my heart that all of us were thought of no matter how far apart we were. Johnny received some guitar picks and a model of the USS Arizona Memorial. He was SO excited to build the model and when I returned home from work the following day, he was almost done with it already. In fact, he enjoyed the build so much that he plans on buying more from the brand. Both the picks and model are proudly displayed on our knick knack shelves.

For my gift, I got exactly what I wanted – a stunning necklace and earrings! I am loving the shell necklace and it will be a fabulous accessory this summer. I am going to wear it wrapped as a bracelet and the pretty, neutral palette will allow me to wear it with anything and everything. The piece de resistance, however, was the earrings for sure. The delicate gold cutouts of sea turtles blew me away and they are also highly sentimental. Sea turtles are my brother’s favorite and what he was most looking forward to seeing. Like the necklace, these earrings are going to enhance any outfit and it will be like a hug from my family every time I wear them. ❤

My family had the best time on their trip and I had the best time welcoming them home. I call dibs on next vacation!!!

Do you have any vacations planned? Where are you going? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Total Solar Eclipse

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Total Solar Eclipse

Hello! The solar eclipse this past Monday has been the buzz in Akron, Ohio for months because we just so happened to be in the path of totality. For once, something cool was happening here and everyone was SO excited for it and for good reason. The Total Solar Eclipse was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced and Ohio delivered. I mentioned earlier that we were fearing a cloudy day and, thankfully, that wasn’t the case whatsoever. We had the most perfect, sunny weather for the ultimate view of the big show and it was truly spectacular.

These pictures I took are not the best and they do not do justice to the solar eclipse at all. But, I did the best I could with limited visibility lol! Check it out:

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There were countless eclipse festivals that Johnny and I could have attended on Monday, but we opted to stay home and watch it with our downstairs neighbor from the porch. I’m so glad we did because we were delighted by what we saw when we walked out the door. It seemed like every single person in our apartment community was outside watching too and it was such fun to be all together and cheering as the sun and moon performed. Even if we did go to a festival, I highly doubt we would have had a better view because ours was crystal clear and mainly unobstructed.

The total eclipse happened around 3:15 and Johnny and I were able to go outside as soon as we finished up with work at 2:45. During that time, the moon was moving and grooving closer to the sun and rapid progress was being made every time we looked up. This was neat to see, but the magic happened when totality was reached. During that four minute window, everything went completely dark. Street lights came on and the temperature dropped ten degrees. You could feel it immediately! It was such a surreal feeling to experience nighttime in the middle of the day and I think everyone was simply blown away. I sure was!

Minutes after the total eclipse, we were back to a typical afternoon level of sun and warmth. However, the feeling of witnessing a once in a lifetime phenomenon remained. Johnny and I are still not over it and why should we be? It was beautiful. ❤

Did you watch the solar eclipse? What is something cool that you experienced in nature? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Treat Day!!

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Treat Day!!

Hello!! This past week, our darling niece turned five years old! Both Johnny and I are SO not okay about Val being the big five, but we had so much fun celebrating it. For Val’s birthday, we took her out for a Treat Day. What is a treat day, you might ask? It basically solidifies my husband and I as the “fun aunt and uncle” lol. On treat day, we take Val out for one major activity as well as lunch, ice cream, shopping or whatever her little heart desires. For her birthday outing, we went to Fun ‘n’ Stuff and Dairy Queen and it was the best, most exhausting day haha. Check it out:

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Fun ‘n’ Stuff is a staple in Northeast Ohio and has been around for as long as I can remember. In fact, I went there for field trips in grade school! It is an indoor/outdoor attraction center, but we were limited to indoor activities because the outdoor ones aren’t open yet. This was fine, though, because there was so much to do inside that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else! The indoor attractions at Fun ‘n’ Stuff include a gigantic playground, a ton of arcade games, roller skating, laser tag, bumper cars, a mini rollercoaster, and so much more. We can’t wait to take Val again in the summer so she can do the outdoor activities too like bumper boats, go karts, and little amusement park rides!

For our Fun ‘n’ Stuff adventure, Val was extremely partial to the playground. It was the first thing that caught her eye and it would have been hard not to – this thing was like a McDonald’s Play Place on steroids! We spent a majority of our time there running after Val as she explored all of the different obstacles and ended up circling back to it at least three times. When we weren’t at the playground, Val loved doing the trampoline bounce and playing games with Johnny and I. We also took adorable photo booth pictures which I’m so happy about because those are my favorite keepsakes. ❤

At the arcade, we went for easy games that Val could catch on to quickly, but still reward us with maximum tickets. Johnny and I were dead set on getting ALL of the tickets for her to pick out prizes with! By the time we were finished with games like ball drop, token toss, and Wheel of Fortune we had fourteen hundred tickets for Val to shop with. We were thrilled that Val was able to get two stuffed animals and some extra candy for her stash with them. After we cashed out our tickets, we went to Dairy Queen for a snack, and dropped Val off at home. Then, we came back to our apartment and literally dropped!

Johnny and I legit couldn’t move after Treat Day, but it was a small price to pay for such a wonderful time. We all had a blast and it was the perfect way to celebrate our sweet niece! ❤

What is your favorite arcade game? Do you have an amusement center like Fun ‘n’ Stuff in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah