WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Living Rich: Are You Living the Soft Life? Posted on December 10, 2023January 23, 2026 I may be late to the part, but I recently watched a bunch of videos titled “soft life”. While most IG influencers sell the soft life hawking expensive handbags, face creams, or designer candles, the term didn’t originate that way. #Softlife is a trend that started in 2020 because people began advocating for a stress-free life. The “soft life” philosophy and the spending habits of rich people are connected through their focus on choosing quality, long-term benefits, and transformational experiences over short-term indulgences or fear-based decisions. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES The 20 Most Beautiful Southeast Asia Destinations You Don’t Want to Miss in 2024 Posted on December 9, 2023November 15, 2025 Southeast Asia is a repository of natural marvels, cultural richness, and stunning landscapes. Unspoiled beaches and verdant rainforests to age-old temples and bustling urban centers. This region boasts many enchanting locations that beckon travelers searching for breathtaking beauty. The following article will share the top 20 most exquisite destinations in Southeast Asia (I have visited). Each one deserves a prominent place on every traveler’s must-visit list because of its ability to enhance your life. Prepare to be enthralled and inspired by the captivating, beautiful off-the-beaten-track destinations. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES U.S.-to-Canada Road Trip: From New York to Michigan via Ontario Posted on December 6, 2023November 15, 2025 We’re finally on the last leg of our drive across America to visit family. And today, I am driving from Rochester to Buffalo and across Canada to Grand Rapids, Michigan. The drive covers most of southern Ontario, and between today and tomorrow, the drive will take me past 4 of the five great lakes. Today, the drive straddles parts of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Lake Superior is the only lake I won’t see on this road trip because it is the northernmost and westernmost of the Great Lakes of North America. The Peace Bridge is located near the center of downtown Buffalo, New York, and Fort Erie, Ontario, separated by the Niagara River. It was one of the most scenic bridge crossings I’ve ever done. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Most Beautiful Japanese Themed Cafe: Baristro Asian Style Cafe Posted on December 4, 2023November 28, 2025 Baristro Asian Style is a perfect example of how social media can work wonders. It proves that being creative and having a solid social media presence can make a big difference. Simply put, they can charge more for what other cafes offer at a lower price. Thanks to its popularity on social media, especially IG, the cafe gets many customers who pay 80 Baht just to come in and take pictures for their personal Instagram feeds. These posts spread the word, and the cafe gets even more attention without spending a dime on advertising, effectively turning their customers into unpaid brand ambassadors. Many cafes try to do this, but Baristro Asian Style is the first one I’ve visited with a cover charge. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Share Your Truth: Why More Military Spouses Should Be Blogging Posted on December 2, 2023November 15, 2025 It still surprises me that many of my civilian friends don’t understand military life. They don’t understand ranks, the constant moving, or the role the military plays when they aren’t training as badass killers. They’ve never been on a military installation, been assigned living quarters, or speak fluent acronym. And even though they may never understand what a military spouse is, we more common ground than you think. One day we’ll be civilian spouses too. And that’s just one reason why more military spouses should blog. Read more
HOTELS Why Travelers Love a Historic Stay at Hotel St. Louis Posted on December 2, 2023November 15, 2025 After nearly three years in South Korea, we’re back in the US! Our first stop was picking up our shipped car. We rented a car at O’Hare International Airport and embarked on the 4-hour drive to the distribution center and one of our favorite hotels– the Hotel Saint Louis in downtown St. Louis. As a boutique-style hotel in the Marriott Autograph Collection, it marries beauty and style with the perks Marriott Hotels are renowned for. For us, it’s the perfect blend of luxury, amenities, and convenience. We also love that it is located in a historic building built over a century ago, in 1893. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 4 Amazing Days in Luang Prabang, Laos Posted on November 28, 2023November 15, 2025 Each itinerary is unique, but this 4-day itinerary in Luang Prabang offers a perfect introduction to one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia. From yoga in a temple with a former monk to swimming in the crystal-clear pools of the Kuang Si Waterfalls– there’s something for everyone. Ultimately, it is a condensed version of the 9-day version of our vacation to Luang Prabang that can be easily altered depending on your interests. However, with this 4-day itinerary in Luang Prabang, you will enjoy the surrounding nature, hike, get pampered, eat some good food, and more. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Korean Streets Explained: Why No One Says ‘Excuse Me’ Posted on November 26, 2023December 12, 2025 Despite its small size, the massive population shapes today’s vibrant society. Additionally, South Korea strikes a balance between preserving its cultural identity and embracing elements of Western culture. One aspect I found unexpectedly frustrating was walking in the Korean streets. When I first moved here, I had certain expectations – people forming orderly queues, using sidewalks, and politely apologizing if they accidentally bumped into me. Read more