If you think about it, hiking is merely walking for pleasure. Some people enjoy walking long distances now and then, including me! Walking provides many great benefits for your physical and mental health. A bag pack packed with food, water, and useful tools like a first-aid kit and the right attitude are all you need for a successful hike. Hiking allows you much-needed time to interact with nature ... Read more
Family Picnics at Skokie Lagoons
Our family is still practicing social distancing despite the state of Illinois reopening gradually. To get out of the house, though, we've been enjoying family picnics at Skokie Lagoons. We've done this several times lately and it's been a welcome change of pace. The world is so heavy right now, so it's so nice sit in the sunshine, feel the breeze and watch the birds and other wildlife as we eat a ... Read more
Exploring Skokie Lagoons, Illinois
I made a vow recently that I would spend more time outdoors this summer after not fully taking advantage of the season last year because of all my postpartum emotions. We explore more of our area over the weekend by visiting Skokie Lagoons. I had never heard of the park until Graham mentioned it one day. The Skokie Lagoons are located between the Chicago suburbs of Winnetka, Northfield and ... Read more
Things to Do in Munising, Michigan | Upper Peninsula
I really enjoyed our family's relaxing trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which is a 5.5 to 6 hour drive from Chicago. I was pleasantly surprised that family-friendly and dog-friendly things to do were plentiful in the area. I'm sharing some ideas to get you started on your trip planning to the UP, although I acknowledge we have a lot more to see. We mostly explored the Au Train and ... Read more
Easy Hike to Munising Falls | Upper Peninsula, Michigan
One of the many family-friendly activities we enjoyed in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was a quick walk to Munising Falls in Munising. From the trailhead it's only 800 feet to the waterfall on a paved path, making it doable for families with young kids. The trail is also dog-friendly, just keep your pet on a leash and pick up any waste. Munising Falls is in the Pictured Rock National ... Read more
Finding A New Normal After Having Kids
Today's post shares something that's been on my heart lately. I hope that it will help anyone who feels a little lost after a life change. Something I've discussed with my therapist this month has really opened my eyes to one of the sources of my anxiety and postpartum emotions. I realized that I have been holding on to the notion that I needed to "get back to my old self." I keep talking about ... Read more
Big Island Fun: Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii
Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii, seems be a popular attraction on the Big Island. It's easily accessible and free, so visitors of all ages can see its beauty. Even if you've been there before, Rainbow Falls is worth revisiting because you just might catch a glimpse of a rainbow in front of the waterfall, depending on the weather. We first went to Rainbow Falls during our honeymoon on the Big ... Read more
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii
I really wanted to visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Hawaii during our honeymoon to the Big Island in 2014, but sadly we weren't able to make it happen. The national park was on my list for our second visit to the island for its historical importance. I like to mix historical and entertainment activities when visiting a place to really learn about a place and its ... Read more
Muir Woods National Monument With a Toddler
When we booked a last-minute weekend trip to the Bay Area recently, we had only two must-dos on our list besides seeing our family. One of them was visiting Muir Woods National Monument. We've been fans of redwood trees for a long time as nature lovers, so we couldn't wait to see them in person. Muir Woods recently enacted a new parking and shuttle service, which means you must make a parking ... Read more
New Fabletics Workout Attire & My Pregnancy Fitness Routine
** This post is sponsored by Fabletics. All opinions are my own. Fitness has been an important part of my life for seven years now. I have known that I want to stay as active as possible throughout my pregnancy, but my fitness routine has certainly changed. What motivates me to want to work out still involves cute athletic wear though! Today I'm sharing my pregnancy fitness routine and the new ... Read more