DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Explore Paris Beyond the Postcards: A First-Timer’s Honest Guide Posted on April 22, 2026April 22, 2026 Picture Perfect Paris shares my journey through famous landmarks and quiet streets. I walk along the Seine, explore Montmartre, and reflect on history and culture. This guide blends personal moments with simple tips to help you move around easily, plan your days, and enjoy Paris in a way that feels real and unforced. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Driving to Èze: Unexpected Beauty, Panic, and an Unexpected Lesson Posted on July 17, 2025May 2, 2026 A stalled car. A stranger’s help. A mad uphill dash with my kids in the backseat. That’s how my day in Èze began. What followed was a quiet walk through flower-filled alleys, castle ruins, and a handmade perfume that now holds the memory of one beautiful, chaotic, unforgettable day. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Plan a Kid-Friendly French Riviera Spring Break Road Trip Posted on October 16, 2024February 13, 2026 The hill was so steep, every time I took my foot off the clutch to give it some gas, it rolled back and stalled out. Me and the car were going in the wrong direction. I tried again and again with the same outcome. The nice people of Eze were getting a little impatient until one politely rapped on my window. Then he took off, up the hill with both my kids in the peering out the rearview window. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD How Tough Is the Paris Half Marathon? My First-Hand Experience Posted on August 2, 2024December 20, 2025 Looking back, running the Paris Half Marathon was a mix of triumph and struggle. It wasn’t easy, and there were moments I doubted myself. But the experience of running through the streets of Paris, feeling the city’s pulse, and pushing through my limits was unforgettable. Would I do it again? Absolutely. The sense of accomplishment, the sights, and the shared struggle with other runners made it worthwhile. It taught me resilience and gave me stories to tell. So yes, it was a good idea, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a challenge and an adventure. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Plan a Kid-Friendly Provence Spring Break Road Trip Posted on May 6, 2024December 20, 2025 My son called our Provence trip the girliest ever. Seriously? We tossed rocks, climbed walls, and explored Roman ruins under pale blue skies. It was an adventure perfect for boys. You won’t believe how much we loved it! Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Running the Paris Marathon with My Husband: Endurance, Love, and Teamwork Posted on April 5, 2024April 22, 2026 Military separations aren’t just about miles, but lost time and shared memories. Running the Paris Marathon was a chance to catch up on both. These times apart are challenging. They mean missing holidays, precious moments, and chances to grow together. To reconnect, we find shared goals. Running the Paris Marathon together was our way to catch up and grow closer. But it actually accomplished much, much more. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES What You Need to Know: Canal Barging in Europe Posted on November 27, 2018December 20, 2025 You don’t need to get on a multi-story cruise ship where you have to dress for dinner each night. Imagine sailing one of Europe’s lovely canals, lagoons and inland waterways with your traveling companion at the wheel. Barging in Europe allows you to get closer to the people and the… Read more