HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!!
Can’t help but think back to our amazing trip to Ireland a few years back!Â
Here’s some of our favorite memories!
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- Newpark Hotel, Ireland
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- Newpark Hotel
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- Grand Hotel
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- Bunratty Hotel
10 Tips for Doing Blarney Castle with Kids
10 Tips for Doing Blarney Castle with Kids
I’ve always had ‘Kiss the Blarney Stone’ on my Travel Bucket List, but I had no idea how terrifying it would be. I thought you walked up to a boulder and gave it a peck. I had no idea you first had to walk up a ton of claustrophobic winding stairs up to the rooftop of a castle. Then you sit down with your back facing the stone, scoot back, lie down, grab two bars for dear life, and then have a panic attack (Oh wait…maybe that’s just me). My kids and husband were not scared at all. In fact, they thought it was really fun. There are bars that prevent you from falling but my brain couldn’t wrap itself around that concept. I was counting down the seconds until it was over since I hate heights. Don’t even get me started on the fact that a million people before me had also kissed that stone. I don’t even like putting my hands on railings, never mind put my lips on it. So, I gave the rock a nice little air kiss. That counts doesn’t it?
But really, I’m glad we did it and I could not imagine having backed out since it’s a once in a lifetime thing to do in Ireland. That said, here are 10 tips for doing Blarney Castle with your kiddos.
10 Tips for Doing the Cliffs of Moher with Kids
Tips for Doing the Cliffs of Moher with Kids
The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction and should be on your Ireland itinerary. These dramatic works of nature rise over 700 feet at the highest point and span five miles over the Atlantic Ocean. We rented a house in Doolin so we were near the cliffs and they didn’t disappoint. Kids will love to see the cliffs and as long as you’re careful, it’s a perfectly safe activity to do together. The following are 10 tips for doing the Cliffs of Moher with kids:
 WEAR SENSIBLE SHOES
There are loose rocks, patches of mud, and dirt paths for you to walk on so you’ll want to wear sensible shoes. Hiking boots are ideal but sneakers are fine. I would avoid flip flops and shoes with heels.
Martha & Marley Spoon
On Tuesday, I told you about Dinnerly, a meal kit made for people who like cooking at home, at affordable prices, and without having to shop for all the ingredients. Today I wanted to show you another option for breakfasts or snacks, called Martha & Marley Spoon.
Why would a traveler want to try Martha & Marley Spoon?
Our mornings get a little crazy because the girls sometimes have before-school activities, and it’s nice to get a little help. The week I received the box I was in full planning mode for our trip to Portugal, and breakfasts and snacks were the last thing on my mind.
 I really think it would be a great solution for when you return from your trip, your fridge is empty, and you haven’t gotten your mind back to reality.
When I was asked if I wanted to sample Martha & Marley Spoon, I really just expected to get some packets of smoothie mix in the mail, but leave it to Martha Stewart to go over the top. Look at everything you get in the box! What????
TIP I WOULD TRY NEXT TIME: I should have separated the ingredients and put them each in a bag with the recipe so I could grab it and have everything in one place.
What do I love about Martha & Marley Spoon?
Hawk Walk at Dromoland Castle
Just your typical day of flying hawks in the forest of a castle! How crazy is that? One of the most memorable things we did in Ireland was a Hawk Walk at Dromoland Castle. It was an experience we will never forget and I’m so glad everyone got up the courage to do it, so we could experience it together as a family.
10 Ways to Get Kids Excited About Your Next Trip
I start to get giddy from the second I begin planning a trip and the closer it get the more excited I get. However, it sometimes takes a bit of nudging to get the kids to show a little enthusiasm.
Here are 10 ways to get your kids excited about your next trip:
Wentworth by the Sea
Photo credit: Wentworth by the Sea
6 months ago, my sweet family gave me a spa getaway to the Wentworth by the Sea, in Newcastle, NH, and I finally decided to pack my bags and go. There’s no place that relaxes me more than being on the seacoast, and I was excited to breathe in the ocean air and recharge. Spa…restaurants…and an amazing view!!
Make Your Hotel Stay into a Wellness Retreat
Some vacations entail running from attraction to attraction, which result in coming home exhausted, sleep deprived, and regretful of all the junk I ate. However, some vacations are meant for relaxation, taking the time to recharge, and an indulgence in self-care. Sure, it would be great to fly to Arizona to spend the night at a wellness resort, but that may not be realistic. With some creativity, you can turn any hotel stay into a wellness retreat.
Here are 10 Ways to Turn Your Hotel Stay into a Wellness Retreat:
USE THE SPA
Nothing relaxes me more than some pampering, so I try to find a hotel that has its own spa. I like spas that offers unique treatments I haven’t tried before. I love when they use local ingredients like blueberry massage oil when staying in Maine and salt scrubs when staying near the ocean. Book yourself a soothing treatment or two.
VISIT THE POOL
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2
Photo credit: Barcelona Edition
Day 2
Day 1 was a perfect introduction to Barcelona, Spain, so I couldn’t wait to explore the city more today.
PARK GUELL
Day 2 started off was a trip PARK GUELL. If you’re looking for a place to truly see the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect and an overall hero in Barcelona, Park Gϋell is the place you’ll want to be. (Read our full review of the park here.)
ARC DE TRIUMF
From there you can walk to the ARC DE TRIUMF. Take some pictures and admire the architecture of this beautiful entrance to the park.
PARK DE LA CIUTADELLA
Walk through the park and watch the street performers and artists. Cross the street and enter the PARK DE LA CIUTADELLA. Enjoy the beauty of the park and find the famous fountain.
GOTHIC QUARTERS
Since it’s time for some lunch, it’s also time to walk around the GOTHIC QUARTERS. This section of town is filled with historic buildings and mazes of adorable streets. Find somewhere that serves lunch outside and have some sangria. After lunch, keep walking around stopping for a cocktail, some gelato, or souvenir shopping. It is the best place to people watch. (Read my full review here!)
CATHEDRAL OF BARCELONA
In the Gothic Quarters, head toward the CATHEDRAL OF BARCELONA. There is often street performers and musicians playing in the square. Take a peek inside the church.
PONTE DEL BISBE
Next, take a short walk to see the PONTE DEL BISBE. You need to get a picture of this beautiful archway.
This would be a good time to head back to the Hotel Barcelona (if you’re staying there). Have a rest or go up to the rooftop to read, relax, have a swim, or drink a cocktail.
Dinners is at EUSKAL ETXEA. At this authentic tapas restaurant, you can eat as many tapas as you’d like and at the end of your meal, they will count up the toothpicks to see how much you owe. It’s a great way to try new tapas.
PALAU DALMASES FLAMENCO SHOW
After dinner, head over to the PALAU DALMASES FLAMENCO SHOW. Watch some amazing musicians, singers, and dancers put on a passionate show. (Read my full review here!)
On the way home, stop for a drink in a local pub. Still hungry? Find a place with outdoor seating and share some paella.
Barcelona Itinerary
Weekend in Barcelona , Spain
I was so excited to join my husband on a trip to Barcelona, Spain, to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary, even if we would only be there for a few days.  Here is my itinerary of how we spent two days on a romantic (kid-free) trip to Barcelona: Cheers!
Where do you fly in to Barcelona?
The best place to fly in is Barcelona International Airport
CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT
 DAY 1
BARCELONA EDITION
After getting a good night’s sleep at our hotel, the Barcelona Edition (Read a full review of our stay here), we were ready to get out and explore the city.
The Barcelona Edition is the perfect location for exploring the city and it has some amazing features…I’ll talk more about those later.
Ok…time to get moving!
First stop of the day was to the SAGRADA FAMILIA. One name you will hear repeated throughout your visit in Barcelona, is of the Catalonian architect, Antoni Gaudi. He is a hero in these parts and after taking one look at his creations, you’ll see why. Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic church, is one of Gaudi’s most famous creations. It is hands-down the most beautiful church I’ve ever seen. (Read my full review here!)
