SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD Leaving America: What a Better Life Actually Looks Like Posted on June 1, 2025October 12, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Most mornings feel flat, like I’m just going through the motions. I make coffee, scroll my phone, and nothing feels real. But then I think about the life I had when I lived abroad—how even simple things felt new and meaningful. I remember walking through markets, hearing languages I didn’t know, sitting in cafes with no pressure to rush. That life made me feel awake. I don’t want another quick trip or break from routine. I want a life that feels like it matters—where I’m curious again, where things make sense, and where I feel like myself. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 36 Hours in Des Moines: How to Plan a Fun Weekend Posted on May 29, 2025August 23, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 36 hours in Des Moines gives you just enough time to get a feel for the city. It’s only a 2.5-hour drive from the Quad Cities, which makes it an easy weekend trip. Spring and fall are the best times to go. The gardens are full of color, the air feels crisp, and the trails make it easy to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. The Capitol building is worth the time—it’s grand, detailed, and full of history. We went once in the dead of winter. It was cold, gray, and everything felt shut down. I wouldn’t go back that time of year. Des Moines has its charm, but it shows up best when the weather does too. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 36 Hours in Naperville: 8 Reasons for a Weekend Visit Posted on May 25, 2025September 8, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters We didn’t plan much—just a quick trip to reset. But Naperville surprised us with peaceful trails, bold coffee, garden paths, and a long glass of rosé. From riverside walks to quiet moments in nearby towns, we found exactly what we didn’t know we needed: a little beauty and breathing room. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES The Truth About Visiting the Midwest (From Someone Who Lives Here) Posted on May 22, 2025September 29, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Is the Midwest worth visiting? It depends. This post explores the gap between marketing and reality, from gas station cafés to cultural blind spots. Written by someone who lives there—not someone passing through—it’s a candid take on what the Midwest offers, what it doesn’t, and why that matters. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Rockford: Gardens, History, and Great Food Posted on May 19, 2025September 8, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I didn’t come to Rockford for the skyline or a famous landmark. I came because I was curious—and because at just under two hours from Rock Island, it was close enough to feel easy but far enough to feel like we went somewhere. Over the course of three days and two nights, we were pleasantly surprised. We explored some living history, thoughtful green spaces, and a few truly delicious meals. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 36 Hours in Peru, Illinois Posted on May 8, 2025September 8, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters We spent 36 hours exploring Peru, LaSalle, Utica, and Oglesby in the Illinois Valley. From hiking at Starved Rock to wine tasting and small-town strolls, every moment felt full. This pocket of Illinois blends nature, history, and charm, and we barely scratched the surface of everything it offers. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD REAL ID for U.S. Travel: What You Need to Know by May 2025 Posted on May 7, 2025August 14, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I finally got my REAL ID after putting it off for years. With the May 2025 deadline approaching, I didn’t want to risk delays at the airport or issues with identification. Here’s what the process was like, what it cost, and why I think it’s worth having one now. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD Leaving America: The Truth About Staying in the U.S. for Family Posted on May 1, 2025October 12, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I used to say we stayed in the U.S. for family. It sounded noble. Responsible. Like something a good daughter, mother, or sister would say. But after moving back from South Korea and spending a year and a half trying to make that reason feel true, I’ve started to question… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 36 Hours in Pella, Iowa on a Midwest Road Trip Posted on April 17, 2025September 8, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Pella, Iowa, celebrates its Dutch roots with windmills, pastries, and tulips. The Tulip Time Festival, held each May, transforms the town with parades, performances, and more than 300,000 vibrant blooms. Just under three hours from Rock Island, it’s an easy, culture-rich getaway full of color, history, and small-town charm. Read more