Author: Brooke

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The Ultimate Long Haul Carry-on

The Ultimate long haul carry-on is something I have wanted to write about since I started my blog! After graduating from high school in Michigan, I went to college in New Zealand, which meant I was travelling across the world at least 4-times a year. Travel time from Michigan to New Zealand is anywhere from 22-48+ hours, depending on flights, layovers, delays, etc. I’ve been on both ends of that scale, and I have perfected my travel outfit and the long haul carry-on. I’ve narrowed down the essentials I need to stay fresh and as comfortable as possible on the plane. I don’t mean to brag, but I am kind of a pro at this point.

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Waiheke Island: Misadventures & Mishaps

I lived in Auckland for four years, and have never been to Waiheke Island! So during our recent visit to New Zealand, when my mother-in-law suggested we take a day trip to Waiheke, I was all in! I had heard so many great things, and seen awesome pictures! Sign me up for the 9am ferry! I said. Little did I know the mishaps that would arise following that decision….

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What to Do and See in the Great Taupo Region: for the Adventure Seeker

During our recent trip to New Zealand, James and I travelled to Taupo! I had never been to the town in Taupo, but James always talked very highly of the area. We spent a day there, and I can see why he feels that way. It was one of those places that as soon as we drove down the main street by the lake, I felt at home. I fell in love with lake, the mountains in the distance and the beachfront cafes. There’s so much to do in this area that one day was definitely not enough! Today, I want to highlight 6 things to do and see in the great Taupo region.

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The 6 Things I Always Wear When Traveling

Functional and practical. That’s the name of the game on long haul flights. I am not one of those girls who look glamorous traveling through the airport, with wavy hair, tight jeans and high heels. If you are one of those girls, more power to you. Teach me your ways. Until then, these are the six things I always wear when traveling internationally.

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DIY Fleece Blanket with Braided Edges

I love craft stores. More than that, I love sales and clearance sections at craft stores. While shopping for fabric and felt for our DIY Christmas stockings, I found some scraps of fleece material in the clearance bin. They were the perfect size for a baby blanket for my new niece!

I scooped ‘em up, and got to designing. After some trial and error, which is really the only way I do projects, I designed a pretty braided edge, which maximized the size of the clearance fleece. Grab your scissors and odd sized fleece, and I’ll show you what I did to make this braided edge.

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15-Day North Island Itinerary: New Zealand

We just got back from an AMAZING trip to New Zealand visiting family and friends. After landing in Auckland, we hit the ground running on Sunday morning when we arrived, nice and jet-lagged. I wanted to take the time and outline our two-week trip itinerary cruising around the North Island.

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7 of New Zealand’s Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Track

The saying “it’s about the journey, not just the destination” is so true for New Zealand. In New Zealand, there is so much diversity in the landscapes, and it doesn’t take long to get from “somewhere” to the “middle of no-where”. If you know anything about New Zealand, you’ve probably heard of the major cities and attractions like Auckland and Queenstown, or Milford Sound. New Zealand is also known for adventure activities like bungy-jumping, “zorbing”, and amazing surfing on the picturesque beaches. But today we’re sharing seven of our favorite gems in New Zealand that are a just a bit off the beaten track.

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Cross Country Skiing: Buying Secondhand Gear to Get Started

We LOVE winter. I mean, really love it. Come September-time, we start day dreaming of snow covered pines, cold temperatures and winter adventures. We met and fell in love and got married in the snow, so that may have something to do with our warm-feelings towards the colder months. But today we want to share one of our new winter activities: cross country skiing!

We got into cross country skiing last winter, as James was looking for something a little different than skiing Michigan slopes (fun, but not quite the mountains he was used to). We also got River, and were looking for a way to exercise him more. Enter cross country skiing! You guys, cross country skiing is such a great workout and a great way to get out and escape cabin fever during the long winter months.

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8 Reasons to Consider a Cruise for Your Next Vacation

It’s the beginning of the year, and it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming adventures and holidays to be had! A cruise is definitely one of our favorite ways to really relax and unwind. I have been on about 6 cruises and James 3 cruises. We’ve sailed to the East and West Caribbean, Bahamas, and from Vancouver to Alaska. I’m here to tell you why we love cruises with 8 reasons why you should consider planning a cruise for your next vacation.

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DIY Christmas Stockings: For Beginners

Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit like decorating the house. Typically my rule is the day after Thanksgiving but James talked me into decorating a week earlier this year. Since we were married, I have been wanting Christmas stockings. Inspired by the beautiful plaid stockings I have been seeing this year, I decided to try my hand (and my novice sewing machine skills) at making Christmas stockings!

 

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