(My most recent puzzle acquisition from L.L. Bean) 
WHO

• Who remembers the book, "Make way for Ducklings"? Well, I bought the book for a friends baby shower and plan on dragging L down to the Public Garden to get a picture with the statues to put in the book with a little note. The book came in the mail the other day, and as I'm opening it in front of L, he gets this blank, expressionless face and goes... "Is there something you need to tell me?" --you would have thought he had seen a ghost! But no, no little ducklings for us for awhile.
  

WHAT

• Obsessed with these evening sandals! Such a classic and fun heel that you can wear with multiple outfits for all seasons.
  

WHEN

• My favorite containers in all of container land are currently on super sale right now! I've mentioned them before and truly love the size and quality of these trunks! I think $29.99 is a great deal for these!
  

WHERE

• Lands End. Go there now and pick up these adorable Easter basket totes! It may be post Easter, however this is exactly what I have been looking for! Plus they're only $11.99 now (and of course you should get them monogrammed).
  

WHY

• I found this article regarding reasons why you're not making money from google adsense to be an interesting read. If you're looking to monetize your blog, Google Adsense is a great place to start, and this post helps describe how it works!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

30 Days of Decluttering

While living in Boston has taught me a handful of wonderful life lessons, one of the most important lessons, and my personal favorite, is the value of a square foot! There aren't many of them here, so it is important for us to stay on top of cleaning, organizing and decluttering so that we can make the most out of our space and make our space work for us. Having too many knick knacks and randoms lying around the place gives off a cluttered and messy look making for a stressful environment.
I jump at any opportunity that helps keep our little home tidy and clean, and thought it would be fun to design a 30 days of decluttering worksheet to help keep me on track. Nothing is more fulfilling than crossing something off of a list! I recently implemented a "15 minutes of cleaning everyday" rule and also made progress by getting rid of a few things. Here's to hoping I can stick to my guns and complete this list! Feel free to follow the link below and print a worksheet off for yourself!
30 Days of Decluttering

If you're interested, I also have a handful of other printables that you may print off as well, and a bunch of kits over in my Etsy shop!

10 Ways to Cut Travel Expenses

With the traveling season upon us, I wanted to share a handful of great hacks that help us to save a couple dollars when on the road (or in the air). Traveling expenses can add up quickly, so I hope these tips lend a hand when booking your next trip! For those of you who want to manage your money all year round, Personal Capital's financial tools are a great way to help with that! L and I travel consistently throughout the year, many of our trips being trips out to Ohio to visit his family, and others being to Myrtle Beach, skiing in Vermont, and other short trips around New England. Throughout the past couple of years, I think that it is safe to say that we have slowly figured out what works and doesn't work for us. 

TRAVEL REWARDS CARD

• A travel rewards credit card is a great way to put your everyday charges towards points that can be used for flight miles and accommodations. Each card offers a unique collection of benefits, however it is rare to find one card that suits everyone. Every traveler is looking for a different travel experience making it simple to narrow down the rewards card that works best for you!

FLIGHT FLEXIBILITY

• We have had the most luck booking our flights midweek, usually on Wednesdays. While it is rare that airlines get cheaper the closer you are to your departure date, air flights do drop drastically some days so it is possible, and if you like to gamble you might luck out! For us, it is most beneficial and cost saving to book our flights as far out in advance as possible, and to also fly midweek. 

DON'T PAY TO CHECK A BAG

• Checking a bag can easily add an additional $25 to $50 onto any trip! Not many airlines allow one free checked bag anymore, so be aware of that charge! If you're able to, stick to your travel sized toiletries and pack everything into a carry on! This will also save you time when checking in, AND you won't have to wait for baggage claim. I also live in fear of my checked luggage getting lost, so that's another thing I don't have to worry about!

TRAVEL DURING THE OFF SEASON

• We LOVE to travel during the off season! Prices are bound to be lower, destinations are much less crowded, and you have a better opportunity to meet and get to know the locals. Feeling rushed, crowded and robbed blind are never good feelings... so travel during the off season!

STAY AT SMALLER, PRIVATELY OWNED HOTELS

• I do like staying at chains because I know what to expect, however they are always top dollar. Venture outside of your comfort zone and check out small, privately owned hotels, boutiques and bed and breakfast's. Not only will they more than likely be a little bit easier on your wallet, they usually provide a more interactive and personable experience for their guests. 

NEGOTIATE YOUR ROOM RATE WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• Yes. This works. Go in knowing that you are the paying customer and there are other options. I'm not saying to ask for an unreasonable amount off, but do ask what the best price available is, and compare what they are offering to what a third party may offer (Trivago, Travelocity, etc.). They will more than likely adjust the price a little bit which is certainly better than nothing!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT MEMBER DISCOUNTS

• When you go to check into a hotel or buy a travel ticket, always ask if they offer any member discounts (AAA, AARP, etc.). We always forget about this one, but it can almost always save you a dollar or two. Just the other night, L and I got a significant amount off of our stay because I am a member of AAA. Score!

VISIT HIDDEN GEMS

• Avoid visiting the popular and very expensive destinations that tend to attract tourists. Try to find the less saturated spots that may be located a little bit farther outside of the city. These places sometimes end up being the best part of the trip!

SIGHTSEEING - IT CAN BE FREE

• Every destination usually offers a free cities index which can provide you with an inexpensive day of adventure at local parks, beaches and informative tours. Take a day to explore the areas that you may have looked over in your vacation planning and indulge in some freebies!

PACK A LUNCH

• Airports, resorts and other vacation hot spots often hike up their food costs to bleed you dry. A simple lunch out could end up being two or three times the price to catch the unprepared tourist who has limited options. Go to a grocery store at the beginning of your trip and buy sandwich supplies to pack yourself and family some brown bags.

Feeling like we're 16 and in high school again -- exploring beautiful NH together in L's car from high school! Nostalgic!

P.S. Check out my travel lust list here!

Shamrock Sugar Cookies

The upcoming St. Patty's day had my holiday loving heart inspired to make my favorite sugar cookies recipe! Sloppy green frosting and all, these cookies are a STAPLE in my baking cookbook!
PROS: They keep their shape when you bake them and you do not have to cool them! They're fluffy and delicious too! CONS: There are none! Nada!
INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon baking powder

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF
2. Mix the butter and sugar until it is creamy
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract
4. In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder and flour. Slowly add to the wet ingredients while still mixing.
5. Roll some of the dough out onto parchment paper, measuring about 1/4 inch thick
6. Punch out your cookies using your favorite cookies cutters and then place them onto your cookie sheet with parchment paper.
7. Bake 6 to 8 minutes and let cool completely before frosting and decorating. 

Enjoy! Your stomach will thank you!!
P.S. We usually make our own frosting out of powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract and food coloring! What is your favorite sugar cookie recipe!? P.S.S. You can find similar shamrock cookie cutters here and here!

WHO • WHAT • WHEN • WHERE • WHY

My chatty catty.
WHO

• I know how important it is to drink LOTS of water each day, however I struggle reaching the recommended amount. Look at this lady after drinking 3 liters of water a day for 28 days! Incredible! I feel inspired!

WHAT

• L and I will need to buy a new living room set within the next year, and I am dangerously close to buying this sofa, this loveseat, this chaise, and maybe two of these chairs. Anything tufted has my heart, but the lines and "chesterfield look" has me sold as well!

WHEN

• When you need a quick, easy and super cute gift idea for a friend, these simple mason jar gifts are perfect for the job! Plus, they come with a free printable! Score!

WHERE

• I love riding the train. If it's between taking the bus or train to Maine to visit family, I always try to take the Amtrak first. It's such a more enjoyable experience, you can get up and walk around, there is more space AND a cafe car! With that said, I am on a mission to take these 10 North American train trips. I've taken the Cog railway before so only 9 left to go!

WHY

• I am a home decor nut... and these hacks are why --  My favorites are #3, #12, #13, #21, and #31! The potted plants in pots idea is pure genius though!

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful weekend!

Travel Lust List

Like clockwork, I get a severe case of the travel bug every March and the desire to visit someplace new. While we are creatures of habit and often travel to the same destinations each year, I do have a little travel lust list up my sleeve as to places I would love to visit the next time, money and adventure allows! (:

(image via)

• Heli-ice cave exploration. Say no more, I need to do this! You are transported via a helicopter to the ice fields to explore the many ice caves right outside of Whistler. Truly a beautiful experience, I want to go so bad!
• Scandinave Spa Whistler takes day spas to the next level. It is a beautiful 20,000 square foot outdoor spa that is located on the edge of Lost Lake in the heart of nature. They're open year round which is awesome if you are visiting in the winter for a ski trip!
• The Whistler Sliding Centre is home to the fastest bobsled run in the world and operates rain, snow or shine! It definitely looks like it is worth the visit whether we decide to partake in the fun or just watch!
• Whistler also has a Fire and Ice show every Sunday evening where athletes entertain to fun music and hit a big air jump that takes them through a ring of fire! And it's free!

(image via)

• It's sad that I have yet to visit the vineyard, despite living only an hour away! Whenever I make my way there I will be sure to bike my butt all over the island!
• For the inner shopper in me, I heard that Circuit Avenue is a great place to find fun little island gems! Lots of fun eateries, historic sites, and live music as well!
• The beach. T H E   B E A C H !

(image via)

• I think that when we make our way to Alaska, I would like it to be via a cruise ship, that way we can take in the incredible, breathtaking views of the glaciers from the water. 
• If we dock and are close enough, I would love to visit some of the national parks for a day trip. So much beauty and natural wonder!
• I would also enjoy learning more about Alaska's heritage and history by taking the Skagway which takes you to a mining camp with live costumed characters.
• Alaska is also home to a wide variety of wildlife who live untamed in their natural habitats. What a gorgeous site!

(image via)

• While I do love my creature features, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the many local watering holes that surround BVI!
• BVI is known for their incredible sailing and dive sites. I will be taking advantage of both of these!! If I'm feeling brave, maybe I'll explore the RMS Rhone shipwreck. Probably not though, I hate anything that is submerged in a body of water.
• BVI has a handful of beautiful resorts that I need to better educated myself on. Going somewhere tropical with lots of sand and an adult beverage in hand is the perfect description of a vacation...
  

 (image via)

• Amsterdam is gorgeous! I was kindly offered a trip there when I was 17 and loved it. Loved it so much that I want to go back and take L this time! I highly recommend taking a canal boat ride to see your way around the city. 
• The Anne Frank Museum is a must see for obvious reasons. So much history in one place!
• I know that you can find Madame Tussauds museums almost everywhere, however I loved visiting the one in Amsterdam and plan on visiting by again!
• De Negen Straatjes aka shopping. I don't think we hit this shopping hub up last time, but believe me... I will find my way there ;)

(image via)

• There are more than 50 unparalleled miles of biking trails on Aspen Snowmass mountain. Having never been mountain biking before, this may be out of my experience level, however it does look like an incredible reason to get outside!
• Every summer, students partake in the Aspen Music Festival where they share their talents and preform for free. 
• If visiting in the summer, I would like to hike West Maroon Pass, as it is one of the most photographed spots in the country. Whether it's just to picnic at Crater lake, or to watch the sunset, it's apparently a "must see".
• I'm a big skier so visiting in the winter would be ideal, however, apparently fall is the best time to visit! The temperatures are amazing, there is beautiful fall foliage, and the trails are less crowded.

 (image via)

• I've never been scuba diving, and I feel as though the best place to give it a go would be in Hawaii ;) right? (Either here or BVI)
• I've also never swam with the dolphins before, and believe me that is on my list as well! 
• I would love to see the Peal Harbor memorial, and have been told numerous times that the best way to see it would be to take the helicopter tour. 
• I'm a closet chicken lover (as pets, not to eat them), and word on the street is that Maui has chickens EVERYWHERE! Knowing me, I would love to take a driving or walking tour through the back roads just to see the chickens!!!

 (image via)

• Horse drawn sleigh ride go with snow, as macaroni goes with cheese. Such a fun and memorable experience!
• I am fascinated by tubing parks. Fascinated! I've never been to one before, but I love the idea behind them. Think hot cocoa, mittens, snow and tubes! 
• Another thing I have never done is ride in a hot air balloon. They freak me out a wee bit, but is certainly is an experience I want to have at some point in my lifetime!
• Going on the Interconnect tour in Park City sounds like a skiers dream. This guided hike/ski tour takes you across six resorts in one day, what a great way to explore the Wasatch mountain backcountry!

What's on your travel lust list?

Computer Disaster 2.0

Well, it happened again. 
Almost a year later after my first computer snafu I had my Macbook unexpectedly go out on me again, reducing me to tears... yet again. And because I never learn... everything was gone. again. Every single document, picture, and download. Thankfully, after a quick trip to Micro Center in Cambridge, they were able to back everything up on an external hard drive, wipe the computer free, and re-download everything. Thank goodness!
I wanted to share a few pointers that I have learned throughout the process from both crashes.

1. BACK EVERYTHING UP
   This sounds like a no-brainer, however, I OBVIOUSLY did not learn the first time. It is safe to say that everything is now living in a little external hard drive that I can frequently update.
   
   
2. YOUR BOOKMARKS WILL BE SAVED IF YOU USE GOOGLE CHROME
   Yes, they will be. So make sure you are bookmarking everything under an account. I have hundreds and hundreds of bookmarks saved for random sites that I know I will want/need to revisit later on.
   
   
3. ICLOUD DRIVE - WHAT A GENIUS IDEA!
   I used to save everything that I needed onto my desktop where I could access it easily. That worked up until I had no desktop. I'm not sure why I haven't been doing this before, however it is so easy to move an iCloud drive folder down onto your dashboard and access all of your documents from there. Now everything is simultaneously saved no matter what device I access it from - my work computer, iPhone, iPad? It's all there and updated!

Now that everything seems to be back in working condition, I hope to pick up where I left off and continue posting away! (: