Sunset Hill House

Exterior of The Sunset Hill House

The Sunset Hill House

Sugar Hill, NH

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Sunset Hill House offers a serene escape for travelers seeking tranquility and charm. Situated atop a picturesque hill, this historic inn boasts panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable getaway. From cozy accommodations to delicious dining, and outdoor adventures, Sunset Hill House invites you to unwind, indulge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT MY STAY!


DIY Park City Art Tour

Park City, Utah

DIY Park City Art Tour

Welcome to Park City, Utah, where Main Street serves as a perfect spot for art enthusiasts.  The street screams creativity and artistic expression. Nestled under the majestic Wasatch Mountains, this charming street welcomes visitors into a world where galleries, boutiques, and studios come together to celebrate art and culture. Let me show you how you can do your own DIY Park City art tour.

  Did you know Main Street alone is home to over 20 art galleries? Each gallery has a different vibe, style, and ambiance, so it’s fun to step into a few and see which ones become your favorite.

Park City, Utah

While we were exploring Main Street, we met up with Michelle Cregor, at Art Elevated. We began talking and she was so much fun and had a wealth of art knowledge. We were thrilled when she offered to give us a tour of a few of their galleries. I love these spontaneous encounters and we had so much fun hopping from gallery to gallery. Each one had a different vibe but we were in awe of the fascinating art inside each one. Let me take you on your own tour of the five galleries.

First stop was Art Elevated

 577 Main Street

Art Elevated studio in Salt Lake City, Utah

 I fell in love with this painting by Lindsey Erin.

Heart of Gold

The gallery also has several pieces by Thierry Guetta,  best known in the contemporary art scene as “Mr. Brainwash “

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Caputo’s Chocolate Tasting

Caputo’s Chocolate Tasting

Caputo’s Chocolate Tasting

Salt Lake City, Utah

One of the most fun activities we did when I attended the Women in Travel Summit was a chocolate tasting at the famous Caputo’s Market. It was so fun and we had  a great time laughing, learning, and tasting! Let me tell you all about my Caputo’s chocolate tasting.

  Caputo’s Market

Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, Caputo’s Market stands as a culinary haven, captivating locals and visitors alike with its dedication to the art of fine foods. Caputo’s Market has become a cherished institution in the city’s vibrant food scene. From its humble beginnings, this family-owned market has evolved into a food oasis. They have everything a foodie could desire, including artisanal cheeses, handcrafted chocolates, imported olive oils, and an impressive selection of fine wines and spirits.

Chocolate Tasting

This is their most popular tasting class. Learn what makes one chocolate “fine” and the other just “standard.” Find out how to identify flavors, get familiarized with great chocolate makers, and learn other priceless bits of chocolate know-how.

  Dark chocolate was invented in the 60/s but it was gross.  It took about 25 years perfect it. It was actually only in the 90’s that it really took off. We couldn’t wait to learn more about how to tell what makes chocolate “good,” Isn’t all chocolate good? Nope…and I may never look at (or taste) chocolate the same way.

  We first learned about where chocolate came from and what was is the process of getting it from bean to bar.

  Caputo’s Chocolate Tasting

Learn to taste like a pro.

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Maven District Salt Lake City

Maven District Salt Lake City

One of the best experiences I had in Salt Lake City was exploring the Maven District and meeting some of the fabulous strong women who own businesses there. The Maven District Salt lake City is made up of about 100 small businesses and 75-80% are women owned. It felt natural to gather like-minded women together and that is where this amazing concept was born.

They believe in collaboration over comparison. They support diversity, they support women, they support local.

I love that they attract empowered women. As they say, “Our Maven community is made up of doers, thinkers, risk takers, rule breakers, question askers, boundary pushers, explorers and bold humans who aren’t here to settle…”

We left as a group of women that were proud of ourselves as well as each other. Thank you for making such an impact on us. I can’t wait to return with my 2 teenage daughters. Let me show you around and introduce you to some of the business owners we met.

Let’s make some rings with

Erica @thelandofsalt

We broke up into small groups and I was in the group that got to spend a few hours with Erica, from The Land of Salt, creating our own custom stacking rings. We had a blast! Erica taught us how to measure, cut our material, and bend it.

Creating stackable rings at The Land of Salt

Then came the fun part…soldering it! She gave us such confidence that we could do it and with her encouragement we all soldered our own rings.

Soldering a ring in Salt Lake City

She gave them a good cleaning and we were done.

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Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden Salt Lake City

Red Butte Garden

Salt Lake City, Utah

Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City, Utah, Red Butte Garden stands as an oasis of beauty. Spanning over 100 acres of meticulously curated gardens, diverse plant collections, and natural landscapes, this garden offers a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. Let me show you some of my favorite spots.

As soon as we entered the Courtyard Garden, it was wonderful to see colorful flowers blooming in stone containers. I was not expecting to see so much color this early in the season.

Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake City, Utah

Winding tree-lined paths were also bordered with happy, bright flowers.

Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake City, Utah

There were so many beautiful gardens to explore. The Four Seasons Garden had lush green grass and beautiful yellow daffodils. The mountains looming in the background were beautiful.

Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake City, Utah

The Herb Garden had fragrant herbs, like mint, that were already grown. Our group loved talking about what we use them for.

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2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Tulips and a love letter

2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Show your appreciation for the special mothers in your life with heartfelt gifts that reflect their unique personalities. Whether she loves home decor, is a fashion-forward trendsetter, or is a wellness enthusiast, our selection of thoughtful gifts is sure to make her feel cherished. Let us help you find the perfect token of gratitude to honor the extraordinary women who make the world a brighter place. Enjoy our 2024 Mother’s Day Product Roundup!

Serucell

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

Everyone wants to have great skin, but in order to do that you need to develop a good morning and nighttime routine.  Serucell serum is the perfect base product for both routines. When you add it, you will immediately see a difference. So what makes it so great? Billions of cells communicate with each other to produce collagen, peptides, proteins and growth factors to maintain healthy skin. But dehydration, stress, age, and other factors can hinder that communication, and you’re left with skin that can look dull, damaged, and dehydrated. Serucell’s KFS supports those layers to signal and rebuild. The bond between the layers grows stronger, helping your skin stay radiant and resilient. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles reduced, skin tone and texture improved and smoother, skin is firmer, more radiant skin revealed.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

KFS Cellular Protein Complex Serum

You know I am a firm believer in using serums during both my morning and evening skincare routine. I have been using this serum for 2 weeks now and I have already seen a drastic improvement in my skin. It feels firmer and fine lines have disappeared.  I can’t wait to see what my skin is like after a month of using it.  I’ll keep you updated.

GIVE THEM A FOLLOW!

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

 

Simple Painting

One of the most relaxing things to do when I’m stressed is pour a glass of red wine, light a candle, and do a craft. Simple Painting introduced me to a new craft that anyone (even me) can do…paint by numbers. Painting allows you to tune out negative thinking and allows you to spend peaceful time with yourself.  They have so many projects you can choose from so there’s something for everyone. I love that you can choose your painting by project length (evening, weekend, one-week, multi-week). They give you everything you need to create your own work of art, so no excuses.

WHAT PRODUCT DID WE GET?

Delightful Flowers

What’s included? Numbered linen canvas, Numbered paint pots, Set of 3 brushes,  Color guide.

Size: 16”x20”

Project Length: One-week project

WHY DO TRAVELERS LIKE THEM?

One of the coolest things you can do with Simple Painting is turn a photo of yours into a paint by number piece.  Turn your travel memories into a unique piece of art.

WE ALL LOVE A DEAL!!

Use code Christine15 for 15% off 

GIVE THEM A FOLLOW!

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

Diamond Candles

Diamon Candle in front of vase

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

Everyone loves a good love story and this one is so romantic! David, their founder, had just bought an engagement ring with the intention of proposing to Brenda. Without anything to put the ring in, he bought a candle knowing how much she loved them. With the ring in one hand and the candle in the other, the idea for Diamond Candles was born.

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Natural History Museum of Utah Review

dinosaur at Natural History Museum of Utah

Natural History Museum of Utah Review: A Must-See in Salt Lake City

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Utah’s natural wonders, the Natural History Museum of Utah is a must-see. Nestled at the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City, this museum offers a fascinating look at the state’s geology, paleontology, anthropology, and more. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a weekend getaway, this spot blends interactive exhibits with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

 Come and explore the museum with me

Twelve permanent exhibitions let you explore billions of years of Utah’s incredible natural history. An additional special exhibit gallery hosts exciting traveling exhibitions from international exhibit developers that rotate every several months.

Our favorite spots

Designed in consultation with Utah’s Indigenous communities, this exhibition depicts Native American art and culture and interprets the deep memory and contemporary presence of Utah’s indigenous people.

Visit the Storytelling circle where you can listen to stories of origin and connection to the land.

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Le Méridien Salt Lake City, Utah

pool at Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown

Le Méridien

Salt Lake City, Utah

Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Wasatch Mountains lies the vibrant city of Salt Lake City. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thriving culinary scene, Salt Lake City beckons travelers from far and wide to experience its unique charm. And for those seeking the epitome of elegance and luxury during their stay, there’s no better choice than Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown.

Once again, I was so excited to be attending the Women in Travel Summit, and this year I was thrilled it was being held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since I really wanted to explore the city, I decided to come in a day early. I chose Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown because of its great location and elegant amenities. I’m so glad I chose it for my first night in this fabulous city.

READ A FULL REVIEW OF MY STAY! 


Board and Brush Portsmouth NH

Board and Brush Portsmouth NH

Board & Brush

Portsmouth, NH

  Situated in the heart of this historic New England town, Board & Brush offers a unique escape for both locals and visitors alike. Step into this inviting studio space and unleash your inner artist as you craft one-of-a-kind wooden signs under the guidance of expert instructors. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete beginner, Board & Brush provides the perfect opportunity to unwind, get creative, and leave with a personalized masterpiece that captures the essence of your time in picturesque Portsmouth.

What did I create?

I created a 20×24 Vintage Family Frame

Take a peek at how I created my board

We started off our project by getting 2 minutes to distress our boards. It was so fun using hammers and mallets to bang up our boards to give it a more rustic look.

distressing tools at Board and Brush Portsmouth NH

Next, we sanded the edges so we didn’t have any sharp spots.

sanding our projects at Board and Brush Portsmouth NH

After that we were able to choose from a variety of different stains.

stain samples at Board and Brush Portsmouth NH

I love that we were able to see several completed projects that used each stain. It was hard to choose because I liked several, but in the end, I chose dark walnut.

project samples at Board and Brush Portsmouth NH

Staining changes the whole look of the wood. My dark stain really brought out the grain and knots in the wood.

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Sea Love Candle Bar

Sea Love Portsmouth

Sea Love

Portsmouth, NH

Looking for a fun, unique experience while visiting the picturesque coastal town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire? Sea Love Candle Bar has the perfect solution.  Nestled within the heart of Portsmouth’s vibrant downtown district, Sea Love Candle Bar offers a creative and immersive experience where guests can craft their own custom-scented candles while soaking in the the seaside. With its welcoming ambiance, personalized approach, and an array of enticing fragrance options, Sea Love Candle Bar is not only a destination for candle enthusiasts but also a haven for those seeking a moment of relaxation and creativity by the sea.

Sea Love Portsmouth

Take a peek at my experience!

First step is figuring out what types of scents you like.  They provide over 100 scents that you can smell and while doing so you can start thinking of which will go well together.

Sea Love Portsmouth

You can blend up to 3 scents.

Sea Love Portsmouth

There are so many scents to choose from.

Sea Love Portsmouth

Need inspiration? They give you a great list of scent blend suggestions.

Sea Love Portsmouth

 Grab your bottles of oil and get ready to blend.

Sea Love Portsmouth

The scents I chose were

Cheesecake

Blueberry Muffin

Graham Crackers

Combine the oils and decide which one you want to stand out and which will be in the background. As you create your oil, take time to stop and smell it to make sure it is coming along the way you want.

Sea Love Portsmouth

Once you have your oil ready it is time to start assembling everything.

Sea Love Portsmouth

Before you start, it’s time to create your own label. (Or leave your bottle plain if you’d like.)

 I named my candle Blueberry Cheesecake.

Sea Love Portsmouth

Ok…time to add the wax

Sea Love Portsmouth

And give it a good stir for about 2 minutes.

Sea Love Portsmouth

Using some chopsticks, center your wick and you are done creating your custom candle!

Sea Love Portsmouth

How long is the experience?

Your custom candle experience takes about 30-45 minutes.

Candles take 2 – 2.5 hours to cool before they are ready to take home or can be shipped for $12/ea. If you wish to pour a candle and pick it up the same day, be sure to reserve a time at least 3 hours before close to ensure your candle has time to cool.

When can you visit?

Monday 12-6

Tues & Wed Closed

Thursday 12-7

Fri & Sat 11-7

Sunday 11-5

How much does it cost?

Your custom candle can cost between $38- $52 depending on the vessel you choose.

When can you get your finished candle?

Candles take about 3 hours to cool before they are ready to take home. If you are unable to pick up your candles the same day, you are welcome to pick them up anytime in the two weeks following your visit. If you can’t pick it up within that time frame, they can be shipped for $12 each.

Ready to see my candle?

Look how pretty it turned out! I wish you could smell the amazing aroma this candle lets off when it’s lit.  It fills up the room with the delicious scent of blueberry cheesecake. I’m so happy with it and I can’t wait to get a bunch of friends together to make more.

Leave some time to shop.

Sea Love has so many adorable coastal gifts around the store. Many are from local, women-owned businesses.

Sea Love Portsmouth

They also have their own signature reeds and candles.

Sea Love Portsmouth

I love this one that’s called Portsmouth. It transports you right to the seacoast.

Sea Love Portsmouth

There are so many great coastal gifts for everyone on your list.

Sea Love Portsmouth

Tips for a Great Day

Reservations? You do not need to make a reservation, but there may be a wait. It is strongly recommended to make a reservation.

New Location! Sea Love is getting a new home. They will be opening in a new location on April 25. I can’t wait to check out their new spot!

Give them a follow

Click HERE to get to their website.

Instagram

Facebook

Sea Love baseball hat

Sea Love

33 Deer Street

Portsmouth, NH

603-427-8040

A warm thank you to Sea Love for having me as your guest.  It was a fun way to spend the morning in Portsmouth. It was a unique and creative experience. I can’t wait to return with friends. As always, all opinions are 100% of MyTravelingKids.com.

Sea Love Portsmouth